Glaze [Hilo 8]

(Topaz Purple) …
(Rose Spinel) Enemies approaching from the East! So many of them—dozens of pyroclasts. A—... A blockade pod just like the ones described for pyroclast gems. They're advancing through the channels, already consumed the flower field.
>Tara's fog dome wasn't perfect—every now and then its density wavered, allowing a glimpse of the outside world. In one such moment, you looked eastward and saw the imposing Academy beside the Soft Forest, though the latter was worn down by autumn, still and lifeless. It was hard to believe that behind the Academy, between the Accident Zone and the old flower field, an army could be approaching right now. Yet Rose Spinel's appearance told no lie. With chunks of her mineral chipped away and a sword melted into her hands, she could barely finish sentences without hesitating, overwhelmed by the weight of her own urgency. The sound of the festival faded, and you stopped hearing Alexandrite behind you altogether. Topaz Purple remained silent, watching Rose Spinel, yet simultaneously aware of the sheer number of gems currently outside. The possibility of pyroclast groups showing up at the fog festival was practically negligible—so much so that it felt almost fantastical, or else meticulously planned. From what Rose Spinel said, you realized it—the presence of that main vessel, piloted by a gem and its screens. Topaz Purple quickly deduced that, while they weren't here to exterminate them all, they at least intended to abduct a massive number of gems. She stood up and began issuing orders, like a true leader.
(Topaz Purple) Emeth. Contact all your siblings. Tell Hortensia to stop the show and get Uranophane, Phenakite, Garnet, and Dioptase to safety. Grossular and Obsidian will join them. Heliodor will protect Sphene, Rutile, and Anthophyllite; they'll return to the Academy along with Chrysoberyl and Ruby. Chrysoberyl is permitted to use her weapon for attack or defense. Padparadscha, Alloclase, and Tanzanite will follow them. Red Diamond and Green Diamond must ensure they evacuate properly. Then, let Black Spinel join Green and Red, and have them head east.
(Spinner Rose) Topaz.
(Topaz Purple) Alexandrite, Taaffeite, and I will guard Tara by surrounding the lake. There's a chance the enemy's goal is to dissipate her—Rem must secure a nearby water source for her. After completing their missions, Grossular, Obsidian, and Heliodor must regroup with us or with the Diamonds.
>She assessed the positions of most gems and secured escape routes, then organized a response team capable of fighting and identifying the threat. Regaining her composure, Spinel Rose—stripped of her usual demeanor—called out to Topaz Purple with a hint of disbelief, but Topaz continued. She named you, though you might have heard her or not. You'd lost sight of Alexandrite for a few seconds; she returned with a sword, placing it in your hands while, in the background, through the android speaker, you heard Dioptase's voice dispelling confusion and crisis. Alexandrite's expression wasn't as worried as the other two gems—instead, she only sought confirmation from you. Topaz Purple, even after giving orders, kept thinking about the best course of action.
(Dioptase) Everyone! The festival is over—stay calm! Y-yes, let me take that off, Phenakite…
(Alexandrite) Master Taaffeite, take this—hold your sword. I went for them as soon as I sensed danger. Ready? We're going to fight.
(Topaz Purple) The androids have no trace of Chrysocolla or Blue Diamond. They should return to the Academy upon hearing the bell. But if not… No, more importantly—the enemy can now cross wet areas. We can't rely on Tara to counter a large-scale invasion. Chrysoberyl, should she return?
>You could see Dioptase in the background tending to the complicated outfits worn by Phenakite and Garnet. Since some gems had been absent leading up to the Festival, Topaz couldn't help but voice her doubts. The dome of mist descended with a sharp, yet almost imperceptible sound. Gems can't produce whistles—they don't have enough internal air to do so, unless you were, for example, Black Spinel. Yet they know the word even before androids appeared on Crystal Earth, or intelligent pyroclasts. Reality includes the history of its discovery—certain gems, by playing with the internal gases of organic animals, accidentally generated whistles from them. All animals previously sacrificed, or by accident. Given that the sound of gem repair is also sharp, the noise becomes unsettling. Fortunately, the number of gems you knew who played with animals without caring for their integrity was rather small. Tara approached where the four of you were, following Alexandrite's trail; she was delayed because, in her denial of audiovisual reality, she thought the festival's cancellation was also part of the show. After calling Topaz for a long while, Spinel finally managed to get her attention, and provided information not solely concerning enemies or direct threats.
(Tara) How does the story end? Are this kind of works supposed to have an open ending? Oh, Taaffeite. What's going on? Everyone looks worried…
(Spinner Pink) It was Alloy, a massive amount of Alloy. P-Purple, Aquamarine, she suffered the same damage as me. I can't, I, I can't just stay here… Now… Purple!
(Topaz Purple) …Aquamarine is an excellent strategist, right? Maybe she's not the strongest of all, but her skill and intelligence are on another level. Do you really think she'd be defeated so easily? After sending you, Aquamarine got out of danger—she'll rejoin us soon. So come on.
>At her final call, Purple Topaz found herself obliged to attend Spinel immediately. It took her a couple of seconds to find the right sequence of words, but it was worth it given the effectiveness. Carelessly touching her cheeks due to their hardness, Purple Topaz made sure to both reconstruct Spinel's face and calm her down. Her last statement marked her descent with purpose, taking a different route from the evacuation of the other gems. Alexandrite had no trouble following her, but even she, with her quick judgment, couldn't predict the rapid formation on the ground of broken stones beside the lake. It must have lasted only a couple of seconds or slightly more—the movement of that tiny blotch that, upon reaching its destination, grew larger and consumed surrounding material to synthesize once more. An oval vehicle hovering over the inner shore of the lake opened up to reveal the outline of a gem. The Gem of the Crust descended from the transport block, and although you couldn't yet explain her presence or how she could have emerged from such a small blotch, she alone stopped halfway down the automatic steps upon seeing them. She didn't continue her speech, but instead became absorbed in the appearance of them all.
(Rutile) It's been so long and I— Oh, wow... So big... If only this body could grow like yours, I've lost so much time. I feel intense envy, but I can't allow myself to stand mesmerized, not even for a second. (...) You first, Tara.
>You recognized her color and mineral; you couldn't overlook it after seeing it day after day in the Rutile currently protecting you. Her presence seemed strange, but more than that—impossible—given what her last encounter should have been. Her body wasn't as large as it was 600 years ago; on the contrary, she seemed to have even reduced in height. The inside of her clothing, her arms and hands, occasionally glowed faintly with the metallic shine of an alloy. Extending her right palm toward Tara, she immediately sent forth a swift line of heavy metal growth, attempting to break through her condensed form. Still without any support from the army Spinel reported, the pyroclastic gem appeared ready to attack the rest of you, following a certain order.

<Stats
Taaffeita
HP: 1720 (1209)
Force 16

Alexandrita
HP: 1755
Force 14
14d100 = 770

Purple Topaz
HP: 1644
Force 13
13d100 = 611

Pink Spinel
HP: 760/1720
Force 13
13d100 = 587

Tara
HP: - Force: -

Rutile
HP: 2490 (1490) ((1543)) [2490]
Force 10
Alloy (In Use)
Subdivision (In Use)
10d100 = 581

From now on I will count the extra gem pieces as extra life, the 1209 is for Bort and Yellow Diamond

>>2404
I forgot a die 10d5 = 27

>>2386
>I'm not sure if it was his name or someone else, correct me and pretend it's saying the correct one
Yes, it is. (>>108024)

>>2392
>If you had a backup on drive or the cloud, you would never lose important things forever.
I took a bit too long (way too long) looking for pics just now, so I'm cursing my past self for not doing that.

>I posted a Christmas image of Leucozafiro that I forgot to use last year and the one before that since I don't think I'll have the opportunity to use it this or next year if not.
Merry Christmas!

>>2393
>Are you sure the link you passed is from the same song? The translated lyrics don't match any single stanza.
Yes. It's the left column that counts, if it has any relation, if you do line by line. And it's an interpretation! It's not like I let the AI translate everything by itself, no

I'm in high discontent with my January delay, I'll change my way of writing the turns for the next one

>>2397

>Taaffeita remained still, waiting with a faint smile for Purple Topaz to give her answer
>It wasn't the time for this kind of game, but in a way it gave her confidence
>Knowing that even in this situation she is capable of being so "herself" is comforting
>Her touch makes her feel safe and indicates there's no reason to worry
>Purple Topaz will make the right decision, there's no doubt about it

!!-!!

>Taaffeita had already expressed everything she felt, there was no reason for her to meddle further in this conversation
>Attentively, she listened in silence, approving each and every word of Purple Topaz
>At first it was like that, but when the moment came, her gaze stopped expressing calm to show a face of complete disapproval
>"Human" more than one gem had expressed feeling that way in the past
>Until now, no one really knew anything about them, nor what they truly looked like, or what they were capable of
>In her own ignorance of the term, Taaffeita limited herself to just ignoring those kinds of declarations
>However, Purple Topaz has seen and heard the same things she has.
>So... why?

...

>Her fingers flexed hard against her palms
>Scraping and scattering her material as the pressure in her fists increased
>Just a moment ago, Purple Topaz looked like an exemplary leader
>Arriving at the correct answer while making sure to calm the rest
>So... why? Why is she now showing empathy towards Sally?
>Why does Taaffeita feel that bitter sensation of silica accumulating in her trachea again?
>Why? why? why was Purple Topaz behaving like this?

Purple Topaz! You...!

>She stood up abruptly with an angry face and clenched fists
>She was annoyed with Purple Topaz for showing this kind of weakness
>She felt betrayed knowing that she had these kinds of desires
>It was infuriating to hear her compare herself to someone like Sally
>She was ready to spit out all that ball of resentment clinging to her throat
>But as she looked at Purple Topaz, something happened
>Her gaze softened, her rage subsided, and the ball of silica dispersed

You are... truly a good gem. (...) The guilt of not saving someone, slowly destroying yourself for not having the courage to end it all... I would be lying if I said I've never felt that way, but I don't think any of that makes you human, nor me. I know you're looking for common ground to connect with Sally and... I think that's noble of you. However, what we and she feel are completely different things. Ours is a purely altruistic reaction, which makes us want to suffer for the good of others.

>She closed her eyes, placed a hand on her chest, and let out all those bad feelings with a weak exhale
>Once the mist dissipated, Taaffeite walked towards Purple Topaz, placed a hand on her back, and hugged her for a second
>She got so caught up in the image she projected as a leader that for a moment she forgot Purple Topaz is just another gem
>She also has flaws and insecurities, just as Taaffeite does, who has experienced much of what Purple Topaz has described
>Working beyond limits, ignoring fatigue and missing parts
>Physically and mentally mutilating herself due to the powerlessness generated by her own failures
>Taaffeite knows all this very well, and that's why she refuses to recognize any of those feelings as human
>These emotions, this sorrow, this damaging love she feels, is not something that belongs to a being like Sally

Sally... you are not like that, you have lived hundreds of thousands of years with the sole selfish desire of continuing your existence. You disgust me, you irritate me, and even though I try to hide it, you terrify me. (...) Despite all that, I can't say I hate you.
>With a cutting gaze, she turned to Sally, her eyes firmly fixed as she spoke
>Nothing Sally has done was for altruistic reasons
>The academy, the rise of the gems, her own role as leader
>All of that was carried out by her selfish desire to persist and rule
>It's impossible for Taaffeita to see a being like Sally and not be disgusted
>She has felt this way since the very first moment she learned about humanity and their constant wars
>Even then, it bothered her to know that her existence was a product of these and she sought to distance herself from them as much as possible
>Having not only a human, but the one responsible for all the problems they've had to go through in front of her, it's hard not to feel fear
>She may not tremble like Purple Topaz, but she is incapable of not getting internally agitated
>Her hands, still broken, try to stay as close to her sword as possible
>Sally is just there... Sitting, talking, with those simple actions she is more than capable of making Taaffeita nervous
>She can't help but feel in danger, even though she knows she could crush her with one hand
>All those strong emotions should lead to hate, but they don't

Don't misunderstand me, my lack of hate doesn't stem from a desire to understand you like with Topur. I think your humanity and longevity make you a being completely alien to us. You may have built the academy, you may have lived with us, but you were never really there. You're like a... A natural phenomenon! Earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, I've heard Tara talk about them. Apparently, people in the past also got upset when these happened, they feared the consequences and sought a way to avoid them. However, despite the destruction they would cause, despite the lives they took, people were unable to hate them. It was just something that happened and the only thing that could be done in those cases was to prepare for the next one. To me, you are that now, a threat for which we must be prepared.

>Yes, she doesn't hate Sally, she grudgingly admitted to being grateful to her
>But not hating and accepting or even tolerating all the harm she has done are completely different things
>Nor does she intend to judge Purple Topaz for trying to understand Sally
>In a way, she finds it incredible to see that she has a heart so big as to try
>However, Taaffeita firmly believes that Sally has no right to believe there is redemption for her actions
>As she said before, she is no longer part of this academy
>Her betrayal is such that Taaffeita refuses to see her as a gem, even seeing her as human becomes difficult
>Calling her a natural disaster is appropriate given the large number of lives she took, both human and gem
>The island they live on doesn't have many disasters, but Tara has spoken enough for Taaffeita to know about them
>She knows how much people suffered from them, she knows when they tried to avoid them and she knows that when the time came, they were able to appease them
>It may take time, but Taaffeita is convinced that when the time comes, they will achieve the same with Sally

We are not in a trial and you are not even worthy of condemnation, but Purple Topaz has asked you a question. So answer, Sally!

>After clarifying her opinion on Sally once more, Taaffeita waited
>She waited for a response that was taking too long
>Seconds passed filled with silence and tension
>It was ridiculous, waiting so long for her to speak was ridiculous
>They had already agreed that Sally was their prisoner, making this an interrogation
>With a firm voice, Taaffeita demanded that she give them her answer once and for all

>After finishing the conversation with Sally, it was necessary to clean up all the previous mess
>Leaving Taaffeite exhausted both physically and mentally
>With no will to think or do anything, she collapsed into a chair as soon as Amethyst arrived
>Her empty gaze drifted across the ceiling stains while she reflected on what had happened
>This must undoubtedly be the most stressful day of her entire life
>Not wanting to consider whether there could be a worse one, she shook her head and observed Amethyst's work
>It almost seems like just yesterday she arrived, and now she's skilled enough to even repair Andalusite
>She must have studied hard to reach such a level in such a short time

...I'll be back in a moment, let me know if anything happens.

>A small, discontented grimace formed on her face as she saw Purple Topaz gesturing at her
>Although she understood what was said, she pretended not to for a few seconds
>Not out of annoyance or anything like that—it's simply that she didn't want to get up so soon
>She rolled her eyes, passed a hand over her forehead, and reluctantly left her seat
>As she stood up, she blinked a few times to erase any trace of fatigue from her face
>Having done that, she excused herself from the others and gave Purple Topaz a knowing look before leaving
>No matter how exhausted she may be, she intends to keep helping her whenever needed

...

>Walking through the empty hallways of the academy, Taaffeite carefully observed every corner
>Something that didn't last long, as she soon heard a noise indicating where she should go
>She walked on and shortly after encountered Imperial Topaz
>Not with her scattered remains, as she had been left
>But with her, partially reconstructed once again
>It's the second time she's seen her like this, yet she still can't help but fall silent upon seeing her

Imperial... Topaz... Now that I think about it, I don't think I ever gave you a nickname, did I? Although I vaguely remember calling you Cio a long time ago... Ugh, it's hard to remember things from that era. Anyway, I need a new one—does Ciori sound okay? Sorry, I'm not in the mood to think of something better.

>After the initial shock passed, Taaffeite approached the nearest cabinet and pushed it to block the door
>It would be bad if another gem suddenly walked in and saw this
>Besides, this way she could allow herself a brief rest while continuing her work
>Taaffeite is far from seeing Imperial Topaz as a flaw of nature
>For her, there's no better news than a recovered gem comrade
>So even under these circumstances, she's clearly happy to talk with Imperial Topaz
>Something evident from her calm demeanor as she sat down and interacted with her
Yes... several things have happened... The crust attack turned out worse than you can imagine... (...) Including you, we lost half the gems from back then... (...) If it weren't for Andalucite's efforts, I'd also be among those numbers... (...) Because of that, the academy went through several changes that wouldn't have been possible without Antophyllite... (...) The satellites you see are Tara's doing, she... (...) Amethyst is a foreign gem, you see, thanks to... (...) Chrysoberyl woke up around the time... I won't go into details about why, but Purple Topaz is the leader now. Don't worry, she's doing better than you'd think.

>After finishing the greetings, Taaffeita's expression fell into one of defeat
>She doesn't know how long it will take for Imperial Topaz to shatter again
>According to Sally, it could be minutes, or it might take years...
>Either way, she deserves to know everything that happened
>Taaffeita tries not to skimp on details in her explanation
>But at the same time, she attempts to be as brief as possible
>The names of each fallen or lost gem, the reason behind her changed appearance
>All the changes the academy has undergone thanks to Tara, Antophyllite, and the others
>The inclusion of foreign gems into their ranks, Chrysoberyl's awakening
>Each time, she's willing to elaborate further if Imperial Topaz desires
>However, throughout the entire account, she completely omits Fluorite and her actions
>She didn't even bother mentioning her when revealing that Purple Topaz is the new leader

You don't have to apologize about your dream, Ciori. My self back then wasn't very sociable; you probably got a bad impression of me, heh, heh. As for Andalucite... The clarification comes a bit late, but yes. She's kept doing outstanding work, one you'd undoubtedly be proud of. (...) Ciori... you're a smart gem, and I know you're aware of your state. Tell me... what do you think will happen now? What do you think... I should do?

>She casually waved her hand to dismiss Imperial Topaz's apologies
>Only to be the one apologizing a second later for her distant attitude from so many centuries ago
>The conversation helped Taaffeita regain her spirits, allowing her to even laugh
>As well as share a brief smile when praising Andalucite
>But those spirits couldn't last long
>She closed her eyes, fell silent, and after a few seconds brought up the elephant in the room
>Truthfully, much of Taaffeita's conversation was driven by not knowing what to do with Imperial Topaz
>Should she take her to the other room? Help her recover? Wait for her to shatter?
>Taaffeita can't find an answer, so in desperation ends up consulting Imperial Topaz herself

>>2402

Shhh! You don't need to tell those things and... Hey, who are you looking at! Oowww... you're so cruel Parad, I thought I was more important to you, but you still confuse me with someone else...

>With a finger to her mouth, Taaffeita hurried to silence Padparadscha
>Not only to distract her from the play, but also for telling embarrassing details from her past
>Normally she wouldn't care, but the memories Padparadscha is talking about are so old that Taaffeita has forgotten them
>Hence her great embarrassment at not knowing what was going through her head
>Although that feeling didn't last long, as she became offended upon seeing that she was being confused with Purple Topaz
>She struggled with Padparadscha for a few seconds to force her to let go
>But soon gave up and slumped in her seat with a defeated expression

Thanks to both of you. (...) That book must be quite outdated, maybe you should try writing your own Diana, although I think it would be better if you organized your own show before doing so.

>The sudden "kidnapping" took her by surprise, even making her believe it was something from the court
>She was about to try to break free with brute force, but soon changed her mind
>Checking her condition, Taaffeita lightly felt the areas of her body that were touched by the alloy
>Having done so, she greeted both Obsidian and Grossularia with her gaze, while thanking them
>At least here she won't have to worry about being mistaken for someone else, nor will she have so many interruptions
>Or so she thought until Obsidian started talking non-stop
>Without saying anything, she stared at her with an attentive yet uncomfortable face, waiting for her to finish
>Once she did, she urged her to continue with her theatrical studies while wishing her luck for when she organizes one

We should organize the seating better next time, or eliminate it... (...) The play takes... a lot of liberties in its dialogue and interpretation. I would have preferred if they had consulted me before putting lines like those in, but I guess that would ruin the surprise.

>She observed Alexandrite with a serious face, then refocused on the stage
>She's been moved around so much that she can't help but complain about it
>She'll have to consider more carefully where to sit next time to save herself these kinds of problems
>Without paying much attention to the two accompanying her, Taaffeita continued to silently enjoy the play
>She had already noticed how imprecise the dialogues were before and had taken it with humor until now
>However, the last thing she heard did make her cross her arms, annoyed
>Although her expression soon relaxed when she remembered that this was something done by the younger ones
>She can't get angry at them for misunderstanding something they don't know about

>>2403

What? Today of all days?

>Her gaze moved from here to there, analyzing the faces of all present
>She was desperate, looking for any sign that this was a joke
>But she found none, for starters, Pink Spinel isn't the type of gem to joke about something so serious
>Much less would she hurt herself, which means it's true
>Of all the days, of all the moments, the crust had to choose this one to attack
>Today was supposed to be a safe day, so why? why were there so many pyroclasts approaching?
>Those were answers she wouldn't find sitting here, so with determination she stood up

Rita, listen, this is serious. You must protect the others, but more importantly, you must protect yourself. Okay?

>Taaffeite took so long to react that by the time she realized it, Alexandrite had disappeared
>Luckily, she soon returned with weapons for both of them
>Seeing her be so proactive and decisive in these kinds of scenarios was a good thing
>However, seeing her face, she couldn't help but worry about her
>Taking her hand, Taaffeite spoke to her in a worried tone that was uncharacteristic of her
>This was undoubtedly a large-scale attack and not something anyone should take lightly
>Hoping her warning had reached Alexandrite, Taaffeite took her sword and prepared to march into combat

Sorry Tara, we have to deal with some unwanted guests. If you can do anything to help, please do. Otherwise, I think you should retreat.

>However, before taking two steps, she ran into Tara, who was observing everything with even more naivety
>Looking her in the eyes, Taaffeite explained the situation as quickly as she could
>While pointing at the approaching enemies so she would understand the danger
>According to Purple Topaz, Tara's abilities won't be very useful in this fight
>Still, Taaffeite insisted on asking her to help in any way she could
>It doesn't matter if it's attacking or taking care of the others, as long as it's useful, it's fine
>If none of that is possible, then it will be up to them to take care of her

Ru... Rutile? THE Rutile?

>Once Taaffeite reached the battlefield, she couldn't help but freeze
>Not out of fear, but confusion, those colors, those clothes
>Everything indicated that it had to be the Rutile that lives on the crust
>But that didn't make sense, Taaffeite herself saw the moment Almandine attacked her
>She was present when she revealed that her mercury and Rutile's material had combined
>Leaving nothing but mere remnants of what they both once were
>There was no way Rutile or Almandine could recover from something like that
>So, what was she observing?
>Confused, she ended up staring for longer than she should have
>It wasn't until she began her attack that Taaffeite could react
>Hurrying, she tried to defend Tara by getting in front of her
>With a strong and forceful blow, she tried to deflect the alloy so it would end up on the ground

/roll{16d100]
Effort
/roll{3d100}

>>2409
16d100 = 661

https://youtu.be/KpYIeXyJnhM?si=-R5diMTBmbLJoE3U▾
Turnos mañana!

>>2406
>>2407
>Purple spoke with difficulty, she held tightly to one of her arms, as if trying to restrain herself. She began admitting, slowly, until she finally revealed what she truly thinks. She was, perhaps, too empathetic, to the point that it surprised Fluorite, who called her harshly.
(Purple Topaz) Taaffeite... Even if deep down, she thinks the same... You, us... We can't ignore her! It's... It's a fact that she's suffering! Fluorite, whether she is or isn't human... She has spent thousands of years being, living, and feeling like a gem. Can't you hear her? In every one of her words, even those that are most offensive, impure, and human to us... It's as if Sally were screaming desperately. It's not about labels, or intentions, or even the repulsive form her inclusions might take. The Crust, for a long time, has only wanted her to suffer this way. To do what the enemy expects of us, when has a strategy like that ever rewarded us in any way?
(Fluorite) Purple.
(Purple Topaz) I find it hard to believe that the Sapphire I knew didn't try to help you. You're used to telling lies, and maybe I'll never know what really happened. But I've doubted enough already.
>She used the truth behind her leadership to validate her point, in a way that seemed intended to help Fluorite more than any other gem. She commented on her teacher, speaking towards Fluorite, while reducing her grip to a simple clench of her fist. Fluorite listened to you and responded with a minimal degree of sarcasm. She immediately corrected herself, with an apology.
(Fluorite) That description, in your current position, is quite contradictory with a being like Tara by her side. They don't have a festival every few years just out of obligation, do they? (...) I'm sorry, I lost my point. What I mean is... Maybe it's true... I'm ignorant. I'm a stranger to their concern, to their disappearances or their fate. Love, pain, freedom, death. I can pretend to understand their way of life. I can embellish my words and charm them with flattery day after day. I can shatter myself into a thousand pieces and beg for my death or my condemnation. However, nothing guarantees that I can understand the real value of such acts. At least not removed from my view of a means, leading to an unalterable end.
>Fluorite's body reacted to her words, both her human body and her gem base, separating, rejoining. You once saw her like this, split in two and still able to speak. Her appearance became more alien, the further she moved away from the definitions you know. Her face remained the same. It was a neutral expression, too much so, to the point that it almost seemed to hide her frustration or, according to Topaz, her suffering. Fluorite sighed, but this did not lessen her worry; she held her head with both hands.
(Fluorite) It seems I made a mistake. By transforming this way, I should have discarded my personality from the start. My personality, my memories, the way I am. I should have only kept my desires, even if it makes me the closest thing to a true machine. Currently, I cannot take the past or future into account, my feelings overflow easily, my reasoning has become an obstacle. How do I fix this? How…? How…? Tell me… (...) Purple Topaz, Taaffeite, do you want to acquire a technologically advanced civilization? I mean one that can house hundreds of thousands of gems. You could have enough power and the opportunity to face the Homeworld Gems one on one.
>She had a small crisis, in which she seemed determined to eliminate herself, partially, and the way she has acted for so long. To achieve this, she evidently needed the human technology that allowed her to become what she is now in the first place. She released her hands and looked at them with some expectation. She proposed, demonstrating the possibility of cooperation. Purple Topaz was the first to request information, seeking to trust or distrust completely.
(Purple Topaz) How many gems…? What is the real number of gems that could live safely in such a society?
(Fluorite) Less than a million. Half. 500 thousand, 530 thousand.
(Purple Topaz) Peridot… She keeps the Earth alive out of spite. What guarantee is there that she won't wipe out thousands by releasing magma?
(Fluorite) I can keep her in check. As long as I have sufficiently compatible bodies.
(Purple Topaz) If that is met, somehow… How many humans do you plan to save? Will you also sacrifice gems to achieve it?
(Fluorite) …
(Topacio Púrpura) That stellar attack you took, it comes from hundreds of millions of others angry at you, right? Do you have any countermeasure against that?
(Fluorita) I…
(Topacio Púrpura) What will happen when you get what you want? Will we still be able to trust you? Or you, us? Does trust even mean anything to you at this point!
(Fluorita) …
>The exchange wasn't long. Fluorite's idea collapsed the moment Topacio Púrpura saw through her intentions. In words, a society capable of housing so many gems should have been almost a paradise. When her lie fell apart, Fluorite showed her downcast face again. Púrpura adjusted her expression after her outburst. She spoke with a certain grace, piecing things together gradually, explaining while controlling the flow of conversation. She didn't accept Peridotita's excuse and kept speaking.
(Topacio Púrpura) Your existence is constant and inflexible. That's why it's so difficult for you to set new goals. It's been like that for a long time, right? Even when you were human? I knew it. Not for nothing did we live alongside you on this island for thousands of years. We too... are incredibly rigid and can't give up. The traits of our hearts include several degrees of fragility that generate hardness. But I'm no expert at analyzing, tearing apart, or breaking things. My thing has always been animals. Soft beings, like my soft heart, wrapped in a bubble.
(Fluorita) It wasn't my intention…
(Topacio Púrpura) Definitely! If 600 years ago I had just stayed spinning in the same place, I'd have hundreds of times more peace than I do now. But everything, entirely, has never been about harmony. Even in my daze, I could enjoy the warmth of a spring day. Light up fully for two whole minutes at night like a Uranium crystal. Slightly, ever so slightly, smell the flowers, practicing what Crisocola and Kunzita did. Only to discover they're terribly stale and damp. Practice my makeup. Overdo my makeup and look like a clown to Taaff. Love that, and all those other sensations, in a way that allows me to keep going.
>You didn't know—actually, Topacio Púrpura didn't like flowers much after her awakening. Her sharpened senses made them seem strange. But she couldn't simply despise the garden you'd cared for so long. Topacio Púrpura was thoroughly sincere in front of Fluorita. And then, she was resolute—just like you.
(Purple Topaz) So no. Don't deny it or try to look more harmless. No one is capable of doing so much damage or creating so much beauty without intent. I was only asking about yours.
(Fluorite) Eternity… The shape of memories… Continuous self-feeding based on dreams and moments… The inclusions.
(Purple Topaz) "A-ah… Geez, maybe I overwhelmed her too much."
>Fluorite couldn't look at them directly, not even when she said that about the inclusions or memories. After Purple's murmurs, she stopped avoiding her gaze. Fluorite straightened up, taking as an example an experience you lived through for just an instant, to show the truth behind the inclusions. It was contradictory that her true objective was benign, considering the damage she allowed and caused. Purple Topaz let her emotions guide her and asked about the nimbian guardian who disappeared 6 centuries ago. She questioned her.
(Fluorite) Taaffeite has seen it, and Axinite is living it right now. When I tried to assimilate Taaffeite, the inclusions of Alexandrite and Anatase reacted without me having control over them. No matter how destroyed they are, no matter how much time passes, the inclusions and their connections remain. The immutability of moments, eternity… It's not exactly the dream I had when I was human, but it's an extension of a dream I could share when I was. To save Tara, Avalok, Peridotite, and save myself.
(Purple Topaz) Avalok. The Avalok I knew, the one who kidnapped me. He is scattered and won't even be able to reform for hundreds of thousands of years. How much does he really worry you? Or Peridotite, or Tara, if you really knew them when you were human.
(Fluorite) He is a stubborn and stupid subject. Even as a human, he didn't have to sacrifice so much. Convincing him to give me his soul's information would have been hell. It was part of an emergency. I didn't plan to turn him into that, everything got out of control, everything, in just a few hundred years. But at least, he could do what he is most passionate about, for 300,000 years until I can fulfill my promise. He took care of Tara and you, just as he did with me.

>>2412
>She commented, with some impatience, about the human Avalok that only she could know of among all current and past humans. Fluorite did not answer the question, at least not directly. Purple Topaz had an approximate measure of her importance thanks to what was said. But setting aside the object of trust, Purple said slowly and cautiously, only to be interrupted by Fluorite.
(Purple Topaz) Avalok… he… was he your partner? I'll get jealous, whether you tell me the truth or not. We had a special relationship. You…
(Fluorite) He was my father.
(Purple Topaz) Oh, wow. I was mistaken, my mistake. That doesn't take away from the fact that I'm intrigued. As someone who cared for generations and generations of animals, I know that to have a "daughter," you need a partner, right? Uranus reminds me of that all the time.
(Fluorite) I already mentioned it. You're suddenly making an effort to be inconvenient.
(Purple Topaz) What was his name? What, what...?
>Fluorite's curt answer earned Purple a smile, both of relief and of self-amusement. Purple's humor improved, so much so that she could even talk about Uranus and her experience as a mother. Interjecting herself into the story behind Fluorite's human form, Purple Topaz began to play with her curiosity. It was unexpected that Fluorite actually began to recount it, even with a slight smile in between.
(Fluorite) He was very impertinent, much more than you. He acted like a fool, but he was sure, and firm, when he had to be. He spoke of the future, of destiny, and also of hope, saying things like, all the love in the world couldn't be meaningless, or that giving up in my position should almost be considered a crime. I began to believe in a different tomorrow thanks to so many ridiculous tales. By the way he treated androids, he was the one who should have taken over the existence of the whole earth, not me. But I made a mistake, just one simple mistake… And then thousands of countries emerged-
(Purple Topaz) Findlay! That's the name Peridot used after hers. Ancient humans have like 5 or 6 names, I couldn't guess. But as you say, you two must have been very close. Yes…? Why are you looking at me like that? Do I remind you of her? You couldn't have molded the gems to look like that person, could you?
(Fluorite) You're very absent-minded, but that doesn't make me angry. Although I could have molded them however I wanted, I didn't. I respected their freedom, to a certain extent. That they were born with such an appearance was the product of chance, a mistake, or less than a mistake, a joke that went too far. Do you understand?
(Purple Topaz) I was going to catch on at some point. I'm familiar with sexual differentiation. It already seemed strange to me how you had offspring in the first place, our enemy, Peridotite.
>Purple began to treat the subject of the story as a gem, so that Fluorite's somber gaze neutralized. It was intentional. Purple was just being as she could to distract Fluorite. The latter's response was simply the truth. Revealing the secret of the geoform, Fluorite went on to explain about Peridotite, at Purple's mention.
(Fluorite) That's right. Although it was for a short time, I carried her. It happened hundreds of years after I ruined the Earth, when she was still changing between human bodies. It was the first time I surrendered to humans, just as the times I yielded to you. That she grew inside me, but was not born, it was all the product of that same mistake. I didn't give her a name, I didn't… expect that even in her almost lifeless state, she would be fit to take control of an android. To grow under the influence of humans, to become immortal like Avalok or Tara, to take over their civilization as I could not. Leah Findlay does not carry her blood, much less her ideals, she took that name upon herself as a maneuver to alter me, so that she could love the products of my grotesqueness. And that, even… she has achieved.
>She summarized the story behind the disaster that arose after the creation of the inclusions, of her fugitive and also vulnerable form, under certain conditions. She was very much against Peridotite, but never deeply against her, despite the null bond they possess at this point. Everything about humans, their reproduction and their social relationships, was confusing and disturbing. Purple intervened, but not with an agreeable view. She objected.
(Purple Topaz) I don't think so. I don't understand…
(Fluorite) Don't worry, I didn't expect you to understand immediately.
(Purple Topaz) That's not it! Don't you dare get depressed alone again. You're leaving a loose end. You still haven't told us the truth, about Tara.
(Fluorite) She just got involved by accident. I thought, after so long as her ally, you were more than capable of deducing what kind of human she used to be and her relationship with me.
>Naturally, Tara used to tell the same story changing different factors. Only Axinite had read between the lines, but such information returned to Fluorite after her assimilation. It is a fact that she was unaware of. Fluorite described in detail. Their relationship was not very different from that of a younger sister, as a gem.
(Fluorite) She was smart, learned very quickly, always did a great job. For some reason she considered herself my apprentice. Her dedication was such that I felt I had to grant her anything, so I didn't deny her. She, eternal or not, never judged me. She didn't keep anything inside her that would make her hate me or protect me. She was prudent, much more so than me in comparison.
(Purple Topaz) When she kidnapped Leucozaphire and Taaffeite spoke with her, Tara did not necessarily overflow with patience in front of you. But she changed her mind as quickly as she changes her form.
(Fluorite) I didn't know.
>Topaz was direct, but she also tried to visualize Fluorite's reaction upon saying that. Although Tara, in broad strokes, was as Fluorite described her. She still wanted to get rid of her work and disappear, whether it harmed the Lunar queen or not. Purple Topaz stood up, she deduced.
(Purple Topaz) All the gems you capture have similar qualities. It's not strange that the Crust is capable of predicting it. Dioptase, Anthophyllite, they all have something of Tara, not necessarily her intelligence. Maybe it's the way she shows consideration, or her sense of responsibility as an Alloclasa. And Axinite too. For a long time, she was a great assistant, wasn't she? She had a degree of passion that couldn't be replicated, and that made her especially trustworthy. She was always willing to do anything, even to take up her sword and try to change things. Her future. Which now belongs to you, completely.
>She behaved as if after their talk she had been able to see the whole picture. You knew that wasn't entirely true, but Fluorite listened to Topaz. The Topaz with a relaxed face who could detail even more about Axinite, much better than Fluorite could. Naturally, her face underwent a gradual change by the time she asked.
(Purple Topaz) Why don't you just... leave it all to her?
(Fluorita) No-...
>Púrpura positioned herself in a way that caught Fluorita off guard, leaving her unable to fully resist. She was forced to listen as Púrpura held her arms—what remained of them—with clear intent. She didn't forbid, nor try to dominate; instead, she was remarkably reasonable toward Fluorita. Púrpura repeated herself, trying to convince her.
(Topacio Púrpura) You can't keep fighting head-on. The enemy exploits that constantly—your stubbornness, our dependence. It's obvious that no matter how much time passes, your suffering, your doubts, none of that will change. So don't expect it to, giving us false promises or telling us lies. Acting just like you always have. You aren't capable of ruining anything, whether it's within your reach or beyond your control. If inclusions truly work as you say, then you haven't lost anything. Nothing at all. You have nothing to lose, not even now.
(Fluorita) …
(Topacio Púrpura) Axinite will know what to do! Maybe it'll take time. No. It's certain it will take a very long time. She could never decide to eliminate all humans outright, if it means accepting visits from star beings or changing the world overnight. Not without analyzing and contemplating it for hundreds of years. Because she's strong—far stronger than us two, in her own way. I'm not... I'm not asking you to abandon your search or surrender to the gems, Peridot, or the humans. Just observe. You can be a perfect spectator from within; you can decide when this situation is beyond fixing and take control again—to annihilate us, or guide our steps, like you always have. I know you want someone else to take your place. You don't want to fight anymore—not against anyone, least of all yourself. So why not? Why not? Why not now? Trust again. Trust what you know best, what you've known for hundreds of thousands of years. Fluorita! Fluorita...
>Púrpura held on and lowered her head before Fluorita in a particular way, like a being speaking directly to the closest thing to her creator—pleading, offering choices, showing need. Fluorita prolonged her silence, even as it became impossible to ignore Púrpura pressing once more—or when she finally gave in and loosened her grip. Fluorita, though she couldn't reach out with physical hands, reflected long enough to preliminarily accept the invitation.
(Fluorita) Alright.

>>2409
>She acted with vanity, twirling in a way that made her robes flutter. Especially after you'd been watching her for a prolonged time. She performed introspection, which quickly revealed itself in a manner that clearly disrupted her attempt at intimidation. She gave a broad, imprecise explanation of how she returned. Focusing more on her emotions, she feigned a certain disorientation. Tara reacted to the situation at last, reconstructing her original form and clothing. She condensed the surrounding water, the mist, and also used the lake.
(Rutilo) Do you like my appearance? My pieces disintegrated and my inclusions scattered into the air and water. I had to do so much! Truly too much, including atrocities against little gems... All just to recover my inclusions one by one, until I was whole again. And even then... I... I... Taff...
(Tara) I'm sorry! I wasn't alert! I wasn't... Just like with the ancient gems... I'll fix it immediately! Taaffeite.
(Rutilo) I was part of a coral reef in the atolls from south to east! My inclusions were an essential part of marine biodiversity. And not only did I spend time alongside a clownfish, I also... I have the feeling, that I flew through the air, without wings, without direction. Then fell covered in mud. I was a layer of guano-
>Rutilo's story made no real sense; her inclusions should have evaporated and dispersed everywhere, not inside living beings. Attacking first, long before either you or Purple could make a move, Tara launched a powerful surge of water from the lake toward Rutilo. She reacted almost upon contact, covering herself with an invisible dome of alloy. Had she brought common pyroclasts with her, they would all have been erased instantly. When she emerged from her bubble, Rutilo looked indignant.
(Rutilo) It's not fair. They didn't let me finish telling my story as dung. I was about to reclaim rights for gems made of salts and other organic waste. Won't they even listen to me for that? You force me—! To grab your attention—! Again and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again…
>You managed to stop one protrusion of the alloy with your sword, but behind it came another, then another. It was a cluster of alloy spikes moving toward Tara. Each one contained a solid, hard object inside, something that seemed ready to fracture along its cracks. High-pitched sounds from inclusions flooded the air, as Tara was continuously dissipated, reconstructed, and dissipated again while Rutilo tried to destroy her with bubbles of winter inside her metal. Seizing the opportunity, Alexandrite circled around the alloy flow and struck Rutilo with her sword. A chunk of Rutilo's shoulder fell off—along with part of her perfect control over the inclusions. After the successful strike, she retreated, switching places with you.
(Alexandrita) ¡…! Don't worry, Master! She's just like Tanzanite! She can't move far from her spot. She wastes too much energy spouting nonsense. We can counter her—!
(Rutilo) Come…
(Alexandrita) Are you okay, Master? I didn't expect she could do that with her alloy. Also, there's something strange—her hands seem off.
>By the time it was your turn, Rutilo was far more alert. She let thin spikes of alloy rise from the ground, piercing through your feet thanks to their minimal thickness. Moving out or advancing forward—both were difficult. Alexandrite pulled you back to keep you from being more vulnerable to attacks, she explained. Following the defensive line, Topaz and Spinel both defended themselves with their swords as well.
(Rutilo) You're the last one who should try attacking me, Topaz. Did you do it to ease Spinel's fear? You know you're a target of the Crust. Acting recklessly like this should be a serious insult to the trust of the gems you lead. Did you come close for some special reason? They won't be able to do it again.
>Neither of them managed to get close completely. After exploding Tara and returning her to her cloud state, Rutile gained greater control over the space, becoming capable of creating circles of metallic fluids like the ones the Cortex uses in its stains. Incredibly, the connection worked, and from within a strange abyss, a humanoid pyroclast emerged, breaking apart into a pair of blocks which it used as improvised armor. Rutile introduced it partially, immediately giving it orders.
(Rutile) I summon, from the union of a next-generation metallic block and my desire for change, my finest pyroclastic soldier. Soldier Slave, attack! (...) Slave, you're making me look incredibly foolish right now. Could you finish forming yourself quickly? This is deeply painful—so painful it stinks.
>The object took many seconds to find its shape on its own, especially being a pyroclast with such a scattered and reduced matrix. Rutile frowned, realizing her creation would only be good for taking a single hit. She quickly looked for a way to fix it, expanding her metal and beginning to manipulate its flows. Rutile acted as if thinking carefully, but her attempt at abduction was nearly immediate.
(Rutile) Let's see... The fastest way to crush their morale...
(Pink Spinel) Aawb-!
>She flooded the surroundings with her alloy, ensuring Pink Spinel was the first and only one consumed by it. The amount of alloy she released was enough to force a complete reconsideration of all attacks and the impossibility of bypassing her control over silica. Rutile pulled Pink Spinel close to demonstrate she could threaten them all, directly or indirectly, simply by exercising control over nearby silica. Topaz responded with questions she'd been holding since the beginning.
(Purple Topaz) It doesn't make sense! You shouldn't be here. Peridotite wasn't supposed to act this soon—she was supposed to be occupied with her new Cortex. Does the Cortex now have the technology to gather inclusions? Are they capable of controlling alloys despite not possessing silica in their bodies? How could they have breached Tara's defenses?
(Rutile) Those aren't pleas for me to release Spinel. Much less a distraction so Alexandrite and Taaffeite can close in and try to attack me again. Aren't you willing to hand over Fluorite or reveal what happened to her? What exactly can you do, Topaz?
>She had them perfectly under surveillance, not merely with her eyes—Rutile used every possible means to stay ahead of the battle's resolution. With a clear advantage, she began pressing Purple Topaz. Touching one side of Rosa's body, Rutile started dividing the fragments with her hands, reducing Rosa's pieces to scales too small to ever rejoin, and combined with the prior damage, Rutile ended up tearing her in half. Then, leaving her on the ground with her face and shoulders still intact, she made sure to aim at them, and afterward, marked another target for complete deactivation.
(Rutile) Speak. Tell me something! I'm talking to you, Spinel. Will you let your life end in such a miserable way? At least curse me, or the Cortex, or if you want, curse this world.
(Pink Spinel) Padparadscha, Aquamarine... May they not—see me. Purple, please, spare—
(Rutile) Denying pain to others is noble, but at the same time, it's foolishness. Just look around you. Their mental and physical disorders are the result of failing to complete their mourning. I'm sure I can achieve something far more interesting. (...) Now you, Alex.

>>2414
<Stats
Taaffeita
HP: 1720 (897/1209)
Strength 16

Alexandrita
HP: 1755
Strength 14
14d100 = 523
14d100 = 964
E: 5d100 = 194

Purple Topaz
HP: 1644
Strength 13
14d100 = 643

Pink Spinel
HP: 0/1720
Strength 13

Pyroclastic Soldier
HP: 4776/5956
Perforation

Rutilo
HP: 2490 (1490) ((1543)) [1122/2490]
Strength 10
Alloy
Subdivision
10d100 = 524
10d5 = 25

Alloy: Allows ranged attacks.
Perforation: -2000 HP
Subdivision: -10d5 permanent HP damage

>>2412
>>2413
The Imperial Topaz part will be the continuation of this. It's not that extensive anymore

>>2408
Full pics from the video

>>2416
Probably by mid or end of the chapter he can decensor Crisocola's dialogue from the start of Thread 4 kek

https://youtu.be/cKOshhfyHvU▾I felt like putting this together >>114245 like a short horror roleplay kek I hope activity picks up soon, and I recover from my terrible blockages

>>2412
>>2413

You'll say she's been faking for thousands of years as a gem... Topaz, I'm not going to apologize to Sally for anything I've said and I'm not going to change my mind about turning her into a prisoner. No matter what you or the rest decide, that will remain my opinion, so don't expect my treatment of her to be any better than that given to PINK Diamond, nor... expect it to be worse...

>She glared at Purple Topaz as soon as she heard her say that Fluorite suffered as a gem
>Sally's transformation has proven to be a failed and incomplete one
>Radiating hundreds of emotions too human that until now none of them were able to identify
>Now that Taaffeite knows where all these oddities of Fluorite come from, she finds it impossible to accept them
>Such things do not belong in gem culture from her point of view
>However, Purple Topaz seemed to think differently
>Under her gaze, it was difficult for her to remain annoyed and soon her expression softened
>She would not change her mind, she would not retract her words, nor would she feign pity for Sally
>Instead, Taaffeite only made a quick clarification
>Pink Diamond is a prisoner, one who has received too lenient treatment in her opinion
>Taaffeite has never bothered to hide her displeasure towards her
>And although she believes they should be harsher with her, she has not reached the point of exercising violence against her
>By locking Sally up, that treatment would remain, and that is the only act of mercy she intends to show her

(...) Unlike you, Tara has proven to be someone who can be trusted. Her role is only that of a counselor and she desires nothing more than that.

>I hesitate, for a second I hesitate, about what to tell Sally in response to that
>She never thought of Tara as a human, even now it was difficult for her to imagine her as such
>And it was precisely that inability that allowed her to respond to Sally assertively
>If Sally's transformation process was a failed one, then Tara was a successful one
>Until not long ago, Tara was limited to being a passive and neutral entity
>It wasn't until the cortex deceived her that she found herself in the need to help
>Her way of doing so was not by taking over the island, nor by wanting to take control
>She only shared information and resources so that the crystalline land could decide how to use them
>She may proclaim herself a Goddess, but Tara understands very well that she is not
>That silly and friendly personality she has is what allows Taaffeita to keep trusting her
>Sally, on the other hand, was the complete opposite...

You've had plenty of time to think of a solution. What's stopping you from changing isn't time, nor resources, it's you, who still clings to this... disgusting facet of yours as a human.

>Calmly, but still annoyed, Taaffeita sat with her arms crossed
>Sally's pleas for help only caused a slight grimace of disgust on her face
>Ever since she gained consciousness, she has seen Fluorite as someone intelligent
>Upon learning her past as Sally, she understood that her intelligence went beyond what she could imagine
>She created the inclusions, enslaved the world, and built moon-sized weapons
>For someone like her to be asking for help was, to a certain extent, ridiculous
>Especially when the answer is one so obvious that she refuses to accept it

I just want a society where we can be at peace...

>With a hint of weariness, she whispered that answer
>More than answering Sally, she was expressing her desire to live in peace
>Having more gems like them around would be pleasant and she wouldn't oppose the idea
>But all those numbers would lose their value if they still had to keep fighting
>Keeping alive all the gems that now inhabit the academy would be enough for Taaffeita
>No conflicts, no abductions, no fear of losing anyone, that's all she wants
>Given how low her response was, it's no surprise the conversation continued
>While Taaffeita fantasized about the idea of a utopia of peace and tranquility, Purple Topaz carried out her interrogation
>Quickly dismantling Sally's argument, leaving her without responses
>At this exchange, Taaffeita could do nothing but remain silent and watch
>Only raising her voice when Sally mentioned her name, along with the memory of another strange experience she'd had

Even after all this time, even in their absence, they still keep protecting me.

>Back then, in that hazy moment, in that desperate situation
>Alexandrite and Anatase had saved her from losing herself even further within her own mind
>Hearing that, Taaffeita couldn't help but smile, placing a hand over her chest
>Those memories they made, those moments they shared—everything still remained inside her
>Knowing this made her feel as though, in some way, they were still alive, walking beside her
>The contrast between that love which transcended barriers and Sally's story was bewildering...

Sally, I've been clear that I won't empathize with you, but hearing your story, I can't help but ask: have you ever truly loved someone? The way you tell things... there's so much self-pity... Even when you talk about others, you can't help but repeatedly cast yourself as the victim in all of this. I can't detect a trace of passion in your words, not even when speaking of those who should supposedly be dear to you. Is it... were you always like this?

>Recently, Taaffeita had spoken to Alexandrite about all the gems she'd seen captured
>That act had been extremely difficult, overflowing with intense emotions
>Yet, in Sally's case, all emotions seem focused solely on herself
>Father, partner, daughter—biologically, one should feel deep affection toward such beings
>There's perhaps a faint trace of respect and appreciation in her words when mentioning any of them
>Still, those words somehow feel so empty
>Her expression barely changes when she mentions them, her voice doesn't break or falter
>It was as if Sally understood emotions, but didn't feel them, they were... alien to her
>Faced with such an alien entity, the word empathize wasn't even valid
>At this moment, what Taaffeita is trying to do can only be considered "understanding"
>She wanted to know what kind of emotion had motivated Sally to continue on the path she was on

We've been over this, you say you want to change but refuse to change. Always putting yourself first, always wanting to be the one in charge. All that is over Sally, limit yourself to just observing from now on. Whether good or bad, we will make the decisions

>Once again the conversation goes in circles, with Sally at the center
>A position she refuses to leave, even though she's been there for countless years
>All this endless repetition was already tiring Taaffeita
>She told her when she was Fluorite, she spat it in her face when they started talking
>And again, they must make it clear to her that she is no longer fit to rule
>Purple Topaz does it in a kind way, as would be expected of her
>While Taaffeita, who is already tired of this, ends up reproaching her once more for the obvious
>Seeing her accept the decision to leave them in charge surprises her
>For a second, she stares at her, doubtful if she will comply, that suspicion will not disappear even after 1000 years
>Still, she can't help but look at Purple Topaz with a relieved face, knowing that this matter is now settled

>>2418
Good thing you bumped this because I hadn't even realized you sent a turn. All I saw was the message about turns tomorrow and then the video images. It didn't even cross my mind to check if there was anything else.

>I sing about you, eyes staring at me
That line from the video reminds me of something but I don't know what. Listening to the whole final part makes me think of some very old anime opening, something like Air or older.

>horror roleplay
Are you a bit of a workaholic, aren't you? Would the horror part of the roleplay be becoming a phenotype or something?

>>2414

What?

>She looked confused at Rutilo while trying to find some meaning in his strange words
>Coral? Manure? What the hell is he talking about?
>The last time she saw her, her inclusions were fused with Almandine's
>Neither she, nor any other gem ever mentioned anything about their fight extending to the sea
>Something like that wouldn't make any sense with how far away the sea is
>While dealing with her confusion, Taaffeita positioned herself to push aside her alloy
>No matter how distracted, she won't let go of the fight

Nonsense, if that's... !!-!!

>Alexandrita is right, she shouldn't waste time looking for logic in what he says
>Rutilo has always been known for using words as a deterrent
>Despite knowing that, Taaffeita can't help but think how strange this new method is
>Such an act of buffoonery didn't fit at all with the way the pyroclastic gem acted in her memories
>To begin with, her voice didn't sound the same, seeming more like a poor imitation of the real one
>Plus, her face and movements were... were...
>The impalement of her feet made it impossible for her to think about that anymore
>Desperately trying to free herself, Taaffeita hit the stakes that pinned her with the handle of her sword

Don't worry, I can keep fighting. (...) You...

>She stepped forcefully on the ground and hurried back to her combat stance to show it
>However, this soon broke, although not because of an attack, but quite the opposite
>The slow formation of the pyroclast made Taaffeita stay watching, waiting for an enemy that never came
>That long wait allowed her to once again appreciate the so discordant features of Rutilo
>The more she looked, the more she felt something didn't fit
>Soon as if trapped by a trance, Taaffeita began to walk towards her direction
>She wasn't even paying attention to the rest of things around her anymore
>At this moment, the only thing in her mind was the gem in front of her

A...!!! A-ANATASA STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!!!

>Having reduced the distance, Taaffeita recognized her
>She doesn't understand how, doesn't understand why, but she knows who it is
>Who is in front of her isn't Rutilo, but Anatasa, her apprentice
>Not in a million years could she confuse her with anyone else
>But, if it's really her... it means... it means...
>It means they've done something terrible to her that has put her against her
>With a mix of anger, confusion and surprise, Taaffeita screamed with all her strength
>She was trying to reach the deepest part of her being with a warning call
>She would so much like to sit down and talk with her and hug her
>But as she cares for her, she also cares for the rest
>She can't allow her to keep destroying more gems like she did with the Pink Spinel
>So, with all the pain in her heart, Taaffeita advanced
>She jumped quickly and swiftly towards where Anatasa was and tried to stop her by any means necessary

16d100 = 686
3d100 = 142

>>2395
Oh, I've tried it before. Fluorite shoved me in there once. I guess I'm more capable of empathizing with them than I thought.

>She's slightly taken aback when Carnelian shifts into her old attitude again, her smile dimming a bit too, but after showing a curious expression, she gently and warmly smiles once more.
I don't always smile the same way. Maybe I have plenty of reasons not to be happy, but if I can have a good conversation or a pleasant moment with my sisters... I can forget everything else for as long as that moment lasts. It also makes me happy to make my sisters just as happy, so I'd prefer you didn't fill yourself with hatred.

>And if she's going to crack or be destroyed as expected, she wants to do it with a smile—smiles are cute.

>She looks away for a moment toward where Solid stands, briefly wondering if it'd be wise to admit she was wrong and tell Carnelian that yes, she really is a parasitic monster that harms, exploits, and makes everyone around her suffer just to extend her own sad, miserable life, that she always has been one, would keep being one in any context, and that eliminating her for the sake of everyone else would be justified even if done with hatred in one's heart—but she refuses to do that, and as soon as the thought occurs to her, she suppresses an intentionally sarcastic smile, instead maintaining a kind expression and a sweet tone.
Don't you remember that we're liars? Part of being rebellious for me is contradicting anything just to annoy someone I don't like. You can assume I'm doing it on purpose to bother you, but telling me straight up that you're upset means admitting your defeat, so in the end, I'm the one who ends up smiling wider.

>She widens her smile. Honestly, she finds it amusing to use her old attitude with Carnelian again—she thinks it's kind of childish to talk like this. She stops smiling so broadly when the pyroclastic beast rises over her—and... she cowers again, without even being touched.
Hm?

>Remaining unharmed surprises her more than anything else that happened during her meeting with Carnelian. She can't express anything other than confusion until the two gems who were with her turn their backs to leave, and even after she raises her hand to enthusiastically wave goodbye to the smaller one, there's no one left to see what expression shows on her face.

>>2396
>She can't stop wondering how well Hawkeye would actually get along with the Limpetite standing right in front of her, constantly getting in her way, even when she tries to look at something else.
>She also wonders whether Claydite saw more similarities between her and the gem that emerged from her body beyond just their colors. She supposes others might say their behaviors and energy levels are comparable, but curiously, watching and hearing Limpetite move around and chatter animatedly throughout the place drains all her energy and only motivates her not to react. Anyway, there's already enough activity in the atmosphere with just one energetic gem—no need for her to try joining in too. She's content letting Sapphire carry the conversation as long as no one speaks to her directly. She's also glad to know the two of them don't have a closer relationship than that of a gem and the door she uses to exit a room or enter an inescapable underground prison.
Are you sure there's no single way out of here, even though there are so many ways in? Maybe you just haven't explored enough.
>Maybe it's possible to walk out of hell if you just try, and the only reason Sapphire thinks it isn't is because she doesn't have legs to try. Anything can seem impossible if you don't even try.
Corn said he'd come back for me later, so there must be some way... Or was he supposed to look for me when I was still higher up?
>She starts to consider that maybe Carnelian was no longer capable of fulfilling those plans, that she wasn't able to do it in time and now she can't, or that she lied. It's not like she can trust too much that the reasons she had for looking for her then were that good either.
Hm... She also said to look for Low and Tara, so I must have a way to find them... Or was I supposed to look for them when I was still up there? No need to worry, I have something to contact them with...! Where is that thing?
>She scratches her head before voicing her other options aloud, starting to doubt their viability, and finally hastily searching her clothes for the device she uses to annoy Hawk-Eye from a distance.
Truthfully, I'm just kidding around a bit.
>She completely cuts off her not-entirely-feigned panic act to finish in a voice almost as devoid of spirit as she feels herself.
Is that a bad thing? Even if things go badly, we can try to stay cheerful, it's better than getting angry or lamenting. But I was just kidding about worrying, the truth is I don't know how to get out of here either. Unless...
>She hugs her stomach as if the idea she just had made her double over in pain, glares at the floor and digs her nails into her own body fiercely, preparing to try something.
If my instincts are right, this is the exact moment I transform into the best silicate manipulator there ever was and raise a pillar thousands of meters high to get us out of here. Just you wait and see! Bleh... Bah... Hack...
>After making her declaration aloud and extending a hand to the sky or rather to the subsoil above, she imagines herself again vomiting unhealthy amounts of foreign material that will serve as a platform, but only unpleasant sounds come out of her mouth. She stands up straight again after a few attempts.
Well no, I think my only option is to walk until a door appears. Even if one doesn't appear, I get bored faster if I stand still and I want to test how flimsy my body is now.
>Stretching is a pastime as much as an impulse for her, she can't help but tilt, bend, or move a little by reflex even in the middle of a conversation, but considering the current state of her body, that could be dangerous for her, she needs to take it easy for a while.
Do you know a nice direction I could go, Sapphire? You can keep it if you don't want to be physically active, Limonite. I'd feel bad leaving her alone after just arriving. Maybe you can teach her a game we can play, or invent one to pass the time.
>Perhaps a solo walk will give her some time and peace to think and stabilize her emotions, she has things to think about among her newly recovered memories. She doesn't have much confidence that Limonite will let her have her moment of calm, but she can ignore her if necessary.

>>2400
Hm...
>She hears Onyx's words almost as background noise; all her senses are too focused on her own hand to pay attention to anything else—only searching for the faintest trace of a crack in her mineral, no matter how small.
>It's hard to convince herself that it's only the wall that's damaged, not her. So she keeps searching, trying to reinforce her belief that she's been foolish all this time—struggling so hard not to hurt other gems she interacts with, despite being the one who's broken more often.
Can you be so sure about...?
>She processes what Onyx says too late—too late to catch the lightness in her childish tone, too late to respond with something equally light. She barely attempts to say a few words before giving up and lowering her gaze again, anywhere eyes won't look back at her.
>The younger gem's memories make so little sense that she seems to realize it herself, so she doesn't bother trying to dissuade her or push her toward any conclusion—she doesn't want to carry too much guilt over what happens with the experiment. She also lacks the strength to try convincingly. She suspects that if she opens her mouth again, her voice will break—or something worse.
Nobody is a lost cause... You know how hard change is, so you should understand how patient we have to be with gems who can't change quickly...
>Her body is too tense to want to move closer to her sister, but she's too distracted to notice Onyx was already behind her until she pulls away. She glances in her direction again only to check she didn't accidentally damage her—however ridiculous that thought might be.
Dumortierite was a gem just like any other, with sisters who loved her, talents, and good sides. Her hurting me makes sense—I hurt Rutile and Pink Diamond too when we were on the surface.
>She shakes her head and rejects her sister's words with the first thoughts that come to mind, because if she accepts that some gems are simply unsalvageable, then that opens the door to the possibility that she and Onyx, Citrine, and many other gems with complicated circumstances might also have no hope—and that's a completely hopeless idea.
Dumortierite had problems, and many of them weren't my fault. But even though I distanced myself from her at one point for my own safety, I still wanted to help her more than I did. And I think I could've done more for her before she ended up like this.
>No gem is born unsalvageable. Even if circumstances make them seem that way, she has to believe there's something that can be done for them—that no problem is without a solution, and that there's hope for every single one.
>Even if Dumortierite doesn't feel or think the same way about her, she can still regret how it ended and regret not having done a little more to help her, even if it's impossible for a single gem to solve all of another gem's problems.
>But hope by itself is laziness; it's useless to just sit there and imagine a better future without doing anything to achieve it, so distancing oneself from Dumortierite to protect oneself and then regretting not being there to help her is stupidity, just like dreaming of a better future for gems and humans and spending centuries of life without finding a way to make it real.
>Besides being stupid, it's pathetic and repulsive to regret having let a gem submit for so many years to losing herself saving humans right in front of the next gem she's ordering to do the same.
>It's hard to say another word after what she already said when she's so indecisive about what she herself wants; looking becomes as difficult as speaking when Onyx starts her first attempt at liberation without being pushed again, so she doesn't speak until Onyx stops shortly after.
Y-yes... As a rebel gem, I oppose obeying orders and forcing others to obey them; I'm the least suitable for a leadership position.
>Unlike Onyx, she doesn't feel impatience but indecision; she'd rather wait for this to drag on until Peridotite herself gets impatient and cancels everything without her having to do anything major, just like she does with other problems she feels indecisive about, so she feels some relief when they return to the starting point, enough to try acting as always.
That's a greater crime than the ones I committed. You seem more like my disciple than one of Carnelian's. Or are you doing it on purpose because you want to stay with me longer? Hm...
>Her joy doesn't last long, as she feels insecure again when her sister goes down to encourage Onyx more than she herself was willing to do; once again, she doesn't dare say anything that might affect the little one's actions, though she starts to think it wouldn't be so bad to have a disciple who surpasses her master so much in rebellion that she completely disobeys her orders and they never complete the liberation.
>Although it's easier to hear the conversation the two of them have in front of her since she's so quiet, it's not any easier to hear everything they're talking about, so a third of what they say is something she already suspected.

>She clenches her fists again, now around her arms as she holds herself and listens once more to someone she barely knows revealing several truths she doesn't believe will do her any good, feeling just as helpless as last time.
I was never a studious gem. There are many things I don't understand or pretend not to understand, but I understand that I've been a bad gem and committed atrocities, just as Nat said...
>Helpless is an accurate word to describe how she feels whenever she's near Peridot, Nat, or whenever she thinks about the conflict between gems and humans.
>She doesn't have the power to solve the most important problems on her own, nor does she believe herself influential enough to bring about substantial change, even if she worked at it for years.
>The most she can do—and has been doing—is simply talk and be there, smiling. She doesn't even dare say it's useless, because she doesn't want to offend anyone she might have helped in some way by doing just that, assuming her presence truly mattered to someone.
I don't have the power to save my sisters or the humans, nor the intelligence to find another way to do it, so I was willing to sacrifice you and thousands of gems I don't know to save the few gems and humans I do know, assuming it was a fairer price...
>No matter how long she thinks about it, she can't find a solution to the problems of both humans and gems that doesn't require someone's suffering. The decisions she can make come down to simply choosing the lesser of all evils and deciding whose suffering she can bear more.
>Maybe the problem isn't that difficult, and the only thing making it harder is her desperate search for a better solution than anyone has achieved yet—and that probably doesn't exist. Perhaps a society that survives by the suffering of others isn't one that deserves to keep surviving. But confronting Garden City and telling them to stop torturing gems and trying to force Fluorite to remove inclusions from everyone, without offering a third option to save the humans, won't get her anywhere except exile or worse. She can't even imagine trying something so futile.
>Sacrificing Dumortierite's well-being to buy time for her sisters and herself while waiting for a better solution, and being willing to sacrifice many others to keep doing the same, is an atrocity. She's guilty of allowing those things to happen, regardless of her intentions. The worst part is that after all this time and sacrifice, she still doesn't have anything of value to justify it.
I understand that what I tried to do was an atrocity, and I accept that I deserve to be punished for it! Even if I regret it and ask for forgiveness, I understand I may not deserve to receive it... I wish other innocent gems didn't have to suffer to punish me, but I know I don't have the power to stop you if you do—especially since I was willing to make innocent gems suffer for far worse reasons... But!
>She hits the walls, the screens, and anything between her and Onyx, without any concern for hurting herself from the impact or effort.
>Whatever reasons she had, it's a fact that she sided with the Cluster, helped them achieve their goals, and contributed to their practices far more than she did to stop or change them—so she deserves punishment just as much as anyone else in the Cluster.
>She hates imagining that Uranocircite, the only one she believed safe from the entire conflict between Cluster and surface, and the one she cared most about keeping safe, could be dragged into this. She denies it could be possible, even as she sees it happening, and it feels deeply unjust that it could be.
>Hates not having the power to do something to change what's happening, understands she has no right to demand it stop, and knows anything she says or does will be useless—but still has to speak and act to show her rejection of all this.
If I don't have the power to change things whether I try or not, then I'll try anyway! If everything's going to end the same regardless, I'd rather resist and be dragged to that end kicking and screaming!
>Even if she can't make a difference alone, she still needs to openly oppose it, to make her stance clear and stay true to her beliefs, both outwardly and inwardly.
>Giving up, like death, is the end of everything, and she still believes that despite everything stacked against her, it's worth continuing to try.
I'm stupid, weak, and disgusting, but the gems I've known aren't, and I won't let them suffer because of me without at least trying to do something!
>Even if that "something" is the same thing her enemies did to them all along, or just as horrible.
Even though I swear to be more honest, I still don't make my feelings clear... Neither you nor Anatase can know what I truly want, because even I keep doing things I hate, regret doing, yet justify and keep doing anyway. So Anatase isn't to blame for following me here!
>Trying to change something that's already happened is even more impossible than trying to prevent an inevitable future event, but just attempting it has value, even if she ultimately fails.
>If she can't do anything to save Kunzite, Onyx, and Uranocircite anymore, at least she can try to help her sister and her master before one fully solidifies and the other completely breaks.
It was me who agreed to torture other gems so my sisters could live a few more years, and in the end it doesn't even matter because we're going up to capture them anyway. Anatase didn't know any of that because I never say those things out loud! So leave her master alone—neither of them is to blame!
>She keeps hitting and protesting, trying to reach them even though she doesn't believe she can, trying to convince Onyx even though she doubts she'll succeed, or just to show that she cares and that she's still trying.
>She truly believes Anatase isn't guilty of the same things she is, and doesn't deserve the same punishment after everything she's already been put through just for taking her side. She doesn't think shouting this will motivate anyone, but she'll keep doing it until there's nothing left to do—or until she loses her voice.
>After becoming certain that punching the wall won't break it and that the awakening of the gems drawn by Onyx is inevitable, she decides the best thing she can do is prepare herself so this won't break her too.
>Even with a good imagination and a tendency to envision the worst possible scenarios to protect herself from attacks like this, facing realities crueler than anything she can imagine is still incredibly hard.
>It's hard to raise her hand to her chest without trembling, hard to touch the place where she believes her heart would be if she had one, and hard to keep her voice steady—but this is the most she can do right now.
I'm sorry, Anatase. Sometimes I ask other people to do things too cruel without understanding how cruel they really are. But now that I understand, I'll have a chance to show you how to find a new reason to keep living after losing everything... if you still care to see me.

>>2422
It's like.... I haven't read you since last year. I missed you, little blackie

>>2419
>Listening to the whole final part more makes me think of some very old anime opening, something like Air or older.
It's the part that uses more of Koishi's theme kek

>You're a bit of a workaholic, aren't you?
I won't open it, I'm on a tight deadline with the roles! But it's been a long time since I had ideas for roles with "intent," so I found it pleasant to think of a role like that.
>Would the horror part of the role be turning into a phenotype or something?
Basically. That would be a point of any prequel role. The horror would come from the impersonation.

Glaze's Third Anniversary!!
Thank you very much for roleplaying with me, little blackies. It's been three long years, and this is probably the last anniversary message. Kek, and to think I was about to cancel this until you two joined.
I've been uploading videos of the roleplay, I hope you liked them.
And also...
https://youtu.be/1WQHoAHr1dY?si=Ve2b0d-UkA8L5-Si▾I should have continued this when I had the time!

https://youtu.be/DoWDw2UrCXQ?si=_lrA5cHorTA7r_Ox▾This is the original theme, I had posted it before.
I'm also uploading the couple of images that would go at minute 2:29 of the song. Those are from the roleplay illustration group that I didn't complete. This one in particular I had it in layers as if to do a small pan.
I had planned illustrations of Leucozafiro surrounded by liquids and white flowers in the darkness. Another of Dumortierita and Rutilo on some stairs. And also one from above showing a large Rutilo next to a pillar, and a sub-image of that with Anatasa replacing it.
I'll be working on another video with a less dramatic song kek I doubt I'll use this illustration again so I'm leaving it for you. The rest remained as ideas and AI failures.

Turns, soon. I can preliminarily respond to Taaff's combat, and to the Limolita Zafiro part of Leucozafiro. The other couple of turns require me to think a bit more about the dialogues, and that's mainly what's taking me so long. Does that sound good to you, or do you prefer all of them at once?

>>2424
I don't realize how much time has passed when I'm not paying attention, I don't know if I really haven't written since last year. You make it sound very dramatic if you say it like that. I'm glad to be here.

Although I'm good at ignoring the passage of time, I do feel that three years of roleplaying have passed and that many things have happened in those years. I think this has been my favorite roleplay during that time, it excites me and makes me think a lot about what might happen or what could have happened if something had been different, so I enjoy it. I'm glad you've been able to keep writing it and I hope you're also happy with what you've done so far.

I don't realize when videos are from the roleplay or Touhou songs you had on a playlist to use in the roleplay if you don't say so, I think I had only seen the one of Taaffeita drawing until now.

I think it would take me the same amount of time if you write all the turns later or write some now and others later, so you can do it the second way if it's better for you.

>>2424
>this be the last anniversary message
If I had a coin for every time an OP said "we're done already" I'd have... a relatively high amount of coins. Maybe when One Piece ends we could celebrate the last anniversary. Very nice and all about continuing here too.

>Does that sound good to you or do you prefer all at once
All at once.

https://youtu.be/66KlXot8aUA?si=lVLSNCrE22tkhHRR▾
Turnos mañana

>>2419
>Purple Topaz adjusts her oceanic veil with much patience, taking as long as if she were making extra movements to avoid continuing to face the situation head-on. You can see, beneath her veil, that it is fortunately not torn. Ever since her mineral turned dark, the amount of light she receives through her eyes is so great that she has to block its entry by using it. Whether or not that is the reason, she prefers to remain silent, so as not to be disappointed in case she discovers that what Fluorite said about yielding everything to them is false. She responds to you neutrally.
(Fluorite) I don't forget, not a single detail. I can recognize that most of the damage I have witnessed in my life was born from me. But, on the other hand, I feel we will get into another argument if I were to talk about that and other conceptions of love again. Normally I wouldn't want to be left without options, but this time, at least, it feels like a relief. I will not erase your memories, nor will I try to escape.
>Her gaze lowered and concentrated on her clasped legs, invisibly showing the habit she has of holding her hands. She responds in a way that shows that both you and Purple Topaz were in danger based on her inclusions until not long ago. But in the absence of her hands, what Fluorite does to destroy her mobility is to repeatedly hit her legs against each other, a total of 3 times, until they fall. When she finished, without making a fuss, she asked.
(Fluorite) Almandine, I used to do it this way, right? She always broke her legs playing with Moissanite. You were with them, Taaffeite, do you have any idea why she did it? (...) In this world there are still many things I don't understand… I thought that if I had the chance to live as a true gem, then I would have liked to show my curiosity just as my vessel always wants to. But that would be more than unforgivable.
>Purple Topaz even contains her surprise behind her palm over her mouth. Fluorite's gaze lost strength as her eyes began to close. The most significant change was visual, where her human structure began to be that of a celestial Fluorite again, and then, immediately, it became a dark brown that you could only associate with Axinite. The effort placed on Axinite Fluorite's body barely changed, making it impossible for her to wake up immediately, thus keeping her in three parts at your disposal.
(...)
>Andalucite's desk is usually untouched, somewhat empty, because she barely uses this room to decorate it with plants. Beryl might have returned, but her direct way of working hasn't changed. Imperial remains, hugging her legs as she listens to you explain each event. No questions, no unnecessary attention to details. She comments, in a way that doesn't sound like a question, but a reaction to the abrupt change in reality. She presses the side of her head with her palm.
(Imperial Topaz) It doesn't make much sense. That there are thousands of gems out there, that they are working alongside a being that moves the planet and its satellites. Truly. It would have been much easier to believe if you told me the world had really ended and all this was part of an illusion. (...) You might have been a bit bitter, and you might have scared me, but you were honest. And it seems you still are.
>Confess, but you have few memories of Imperial before her disappearance. Your attention wasn't broad enough to notice that she was actually trying to avoid you. However, unlike how she received your information, she opens up to your response about Andalucite. She releases her legs and before standing up, slides her hand over the table. She points, with a strength and authority you would hardly recognize from a gem recently turned to dust.
(Imperial Topaz) I'm sorry to be the one to contradict you, Taaffeite. Andalucite hasn't changed or improved much. Can't you see? This is where Beryl used to sleep. Andalucite has the bad habit of sleeping here, in the medical area, instead of her room. As long as she continues to rest so poorly, she will continue to compensate for her fatigue with effort or talent. If only she were at 100%, she would prove to be a much better doctor than Beryl, even at her best. Make that clear.
>There is a small mark on the floor next to the wooden box where Beryl used to be, it's barely a slight unevenness between the pair of white tiles that form the floor. It is in the box where what Imperial exposes becomes more noticeable, with a very large crack that would go unnoticed in the afternoon light if Imperial didn't point it out. The gems weigh approximately half a ton, and therefore, their rooms require maintenance from time to time. Imperial made you aware of Andalucite's bad sleeping habits, and then more.
(Imperial Topaz) She is not capable of asking for gifts herself, someone needs to bring her pieces of gems with strange inclusions, at least 5 diamond clusters a year.

>>2428
(Imperial Topaz) If the leader were truly Topaz, she would know the kind of plants kept here, right? You have to forbid her from gathering this flower; at night, it releases vapors that make the glaze oily. Andy hates showing clumsiness, especially when her body is slippery without realizing it. How is she handling her consultations? So many clear gems cannot be attended to in the same day!
>From one moment to the next, she became a much more proactive gem. Carefully observing the type of plants decorating the area, deciding on Andalucite's judgment, even intervening in the schedules she manages to care for all the others. Rules among the medical gems, self-care methods in the light of overly bright gems, or through the breakdown of different types of procedures that should not be repeated in the same time period. When the papers that flew out settled on the floor, Imperial returned to her depressed and uneasy self.
(Imperial Topaz) I don't have much time left. I will turn to dust again before Andalucite is repaired, despite how much she still needs me. I know I cannot delegate such insignificant tasks to you or anyone else. I just wanted, for a while, to be someone honest and bitter. Can I be...?
>You can see it clearly, by the strange way it shines, covered in a semi-transparent layer of dust that would remind you of Aragonite. Chrysoberyl is busy attending to the newly remade Axinite, so only Amethyst can take care of Andalucite. Returning to you, Imperial remained silent even after her proposal. She quickly, but harmlessly, suddenly struck the middle of your body. She buried her fist, so you were aware of her expression and changing mood, far from what you knew.
(Imperial Topaz) ...! Ah...! Damn it! Damn it! Why!? Did I do something so bad? It's not fair! I want to live here, even though so much time has passed! Help me... Save me! Bort! You're there, right? Do something irrational that allows me to disappear without being so pathetic. I don't know how to use a sword, I've done nothing but resin thousands of times. As useless as I am, weren't you supposed to protect me? Otherwise, it's pointless...
>Her blow turned into a grip. As you saw her more vulnerable, your interior reacted, or the part of your interior that still belonged to other gems from the beginning. Imperial's mineral suddenly felt very heavy, even though she is losing mass instead of gaining it, you felt it as if it were filling with alloy. Imperial does not have the ability to break or anything like that, therefore, she can only continue to lose herself while she is with you.
(Imperial Topaz) If only I hadn't been born here, or anywhere else…
(...)
>Even though she didn't move, it took Imperial several minutes to fall asleep, as if her new body's form was trying to expend most of its energy keeping her conscious. She managed it, in the place where Andalucite also occasionally slept, even if the former didn't want it to. But she didn't wake up alone. You had very little time between seeing the morning light appear in the window and Purple knocking on the door. Once, then a second time, and for the third, which was an obligatory invasion, she had to back down. Purple pushed her way in with a smile from under her veil, showing interest, treating Imperial naturally, being herself as she hurried in clothes she stole from Rutile. Her deep dark Purple was tinted over with a green and violet that shone on their own.
(Purple Topaz) It's blocked! What devilry. Who could have done such a thing? I'll have to reprimand Red Diamond for no reason again. (...) Good morning to you both. Today is a great day. I brought clothes and resin. And I'm full of emotions and experiences to share. How much did Taaffeite explain about our situation to you, Imperial Topaz?
(Imperial Topaz) …
(Mystic Topaz) You finally noticed. That's right! I felt so nostalgic this morning that I couldn't help but take irradiated material from my dear Uranophane. Just for today. Don't I look toxically familiar?
>She had with her, hundreds of ways to waste time in short stories about Imperial's absence or more. Purple, seeing Imperial's heavy gaze, turned elegantly. She raised her hair with one of her palms while closing one of her eyes. Then you finally understood what was wrong with her appearance; the green she sports is a color so distinct from the original that it's impossible to forget. Purple finally approached Imperial, to change Andalucite's partial outfit she was wearing, for one similar to what she had a long time ago. Imperial refused.
(Imperial Topaz) I don't want anyone to see me. I shouldn't… be here. This is Fluorite's fault… Don't pretend nothing is happening, Topaz…
(Mystic Topaz) I'm sorry. (...) Recently, I've been telling a lot of lies… Some I'll keep for a while, but others, I'll remove from my system soon. My condition, our duties, and our interests kept us apart for a while. But I don't think it's too late. As my sister, Topaz, I want to show you that you are wrong. So, allow me to drag you with me to the end.
(Imperial Topaz) …
(Mystic Topaz) Today is a great day.

>>2420
(Rutilo) She was truly shattered… She should have escaped as soon as she had the chance, is she stupid? It doesn't matter, I'll ignore the fact that when Padpradscha finds out about this, she'll want my head. It's time for lessons! Lessons, spells, and signs from Rutilo: Chapter 1! How to completely eliminate a silicolaceous being? The quick answer is you can't. The basic unit of all gems are the memories stored in their inclusions. A gigantic power like Fluorite's could rearrange inclusions from bodies made of dust into new or existing mineral matrices.
>Seeing the pieces on the ground, she comments how much simpler it would have been if Pink Spinel had left the fight. Attacking weak links is something even unintelligent pyroclasts do. After observing Topaz with low expectations, Rutilo drifts off again. Covered by the large amount of alloy that arises at her feet, it seems almost impossible to find a weak point in her defensive range. She explains, having Spinel's pieces at her disposal, both whole pieces and others turned to dust, some join with Rutilo's touch to recreate Spinel's head.
(Rutilo) No destruction, no pulverization affects Fluorite substantially or emotionally. What is needed then, is not to destroy a gem completely, but only the connections of its inclusions. To demonstrate that they were irreversibly altered. That their eternity and immutability is a lie.
(Pink Spinel) Pad… Padpa…
(Rutilo) Well? Now that I've shown you the truth behind the inclusions, are you willing to betray Fluorite? I just need to know where she is, that's all—!
>Spinel's eyes had turned pink, like the color of her mineral. Her brief return to activity was similar, if not identical, to what happened to Imperial Topaz, but on a smaller scale. Rutilo uses it to demonstrate how much Fluorite plays with life, perhaps without realizing she is doing the same thing. Revealing her plan in broad strokes, Rutilo tries to get to something, long before you question her appearance or her actions. She addresses both you and Purple Topaz, but much more focused on Purple. After all, what happened to Fluorite, her whereabouts, everything only concerns her. You heard no refusal from Purple Topaz; as soon as Rutilo's gaze fell on Alexandrite, you surprised her with a warning.
(Rutilo) … That's right… I look like her, don't I… Taaffeite?
>Her face immediately dimmed, she looked at you blankly for a few seconds. But before she could bring her hands to her face to cover it, a small part of her jumped and merged into the iron alloy, barely a yellow mineral shell of her face. Rutilo kept holding her face irregularly, as if the mention of Anatase had disoriented her. Until finally, she shrunk, leaning forward, before returning to present patiently and with enthusiasm, as if she were a teacher. She explained.
(Rutilo) Rutilo's Lessons and Spells: Chapter 2. How to Assimilate the Appearance of a Surface Gem? The first thing is to recognize how forbidden this practice is, even in the deepest parts of the Crust. It wreaks havoc on the bodies of target gems, invalidating their ability to generate any kind of release. Removing the outer layers of a gem and keeping it exposed for too long accelerates the maturation of the "pain" stimulus in gems by hundreds of times over its occasional stunning evolution.
>In the past, Rutilo herself had admitted to stealing the body and appearance of a gem that Purple Topaz was fond of. Anatasa, Rutilo practically provides the instructions to achieve it. You couldn't see Alexandrite, Purple, or the already destroyed Pink Spinel. Rutilo barely had time to prepare for your advance. But even though you cut her directly, nothing more than a thin layer of centimeters of mineral fell from her, and a second layer. You didn't defeat Anatasa immediately, you couldn't send her anywhere because she was so fixed to the ground. She took advantage of the short distance to attack you. Your sword broke against the alloy of the ground, turning in your direction, Anatasa grabbed your neck from behind and sank you between the iron and the earth.
(Anatasa) Don't get in the way!! I won't stop! Do you think you can stop me with such a simple attack? THIS- is not a joke! I've made too many sacrifices! Neither LeucoSapphire nor Peridotite, they no longer exist... There's nothing left...
(Alexandrite) Master...!
>She responded to the name you gave her, although it was with an attack that cracked your head and torso. You could feel Rutilo's weight beside you, it was as big as a handful of gems, even more. The interior of her body, though thin and young, carried tens of times the amount of alloy you could see in front of you. She planned to continue dragging you with her alloy, until Alexandrite appeared, following your steps with a delay. As soon as Alex prepared to attack, she avoided Anatasa's powerful direct control, but ran into Rutilo's alloy, which stopped her path, crushing half of her body almost in two.
(Anatasa) ...! Ever since I saw you, I only know that your appearance sickens me... What do you think? Ha! Your face looks much better like this, doesn't it? That's how overly good gems should look, like her! It will be a rule, I'll register it as a new fashion-
(Alexandrite) I've got you! Let's go back!
>Above you, suspended in Rutilo's alloy, Alexandrite drops pieces of herself that turn to dust. It was enough for Anatasa to move one of her limbs to remove her resin and the mineral surface on her head. She was pleased with the result, so she tried to continue pulverizing completely. But, you noticed how the damage to Alexandrite's body reversed.

>>2430
>Recovering her pieces from the first attack, but not the second, Alexandrite took the opportunity to cut off Anatase's hands with a spin. You saw them fall at your side, 3 or 4 layers of black, yellow, and white mineral. She quickly pulled you away from Rutile's reach. You felt the dizziness of combat as you ran, looking back, Anatase remained there, still at the edge of the lake as she prepared her creature. Her voice is not fully understood after losing part of her face.
(Alexandrite) Didn't you hear her, master? Purple Topaz said it was better for us to retreat, Grossularia helped her escape. The academy is flooding! With some kind of alloy... The new safe point is the Refuge to the north, and also Uranophane's communication tower. ▢▢▢▢ ▢▢ ▢▢▢ we will be fine.
(Black Spinel) Taaffeite, Alexandrite, hello. I wish I had practiced much more with you. Then you would have been happier to see me.
>The mist from Tara dissipated, allowing you to see the Academy taken over by an alloy similar or identical to Rutile's. There are fewer pieces of Spinel on the battlefield, it seems Topaz was able to partially recover her. Alexandrite's voice does not improve. Black Spinel appeared in front of you, walking while her floating alloy moved ahead to delimit the area. You passed her almost immediately, going in the opposite direction. Her gaze swept over the remains of the battle, but she did not overreact. Alex called for her master and Spinel ignored her.
(Alexandrite) Spinel, Obsidian is not ▢▢▢▢ ▢▢▢ ▢▢▢▢▢! She shouldn't be long. You need ▢▢ ▢▢▢▢▢, right?
(Black Spinel) Pyroclastic gem!! From now on, you will face me.
(...)
>Alexandrite managed to get you to the communication building outside the Academy. You felt a strong discomfort before entering it, not necessarily from your combat damage. While Anatase wanted to hurt you, she did not intend to eliminate you immediately. She was careful, trying to find a way to break your mineral so you couldn't move, but she wasn't at all careful with Alexandrite. Seeing the damage from her head to the middle of her body, Rutile tried to help immediately. She hurried Alex, who was watching Rutile's quick actions and face motionlessly. Alexandrite looked down and said.
(Rutile) Alex! You're very injured... What kind of attack hit you? I got glue from the festival. Alex, Alex! What are you waiting for! Stop looking at me like that. Even if you want me to fix your clothes, you can't afford that luxury right now, can you?
(Alexandrite) ▢▢ ▢▢▢▢▢▢▢, Rutile. She absorbed a titanium gem ▢▢▢▢ you, ▢▢ ▢▢▢▢▢▢▢▢▢▢, everything.
(Rutile) Don't say another word!
>The gems that were at the end of the festival exit are here, except for Grossularia, Obsidian, and other combat gems that should be battling now. Rutile had healing aptitudes, but was too reserved to practice it with gems other than Dioptase. A small gem takes your hand and leads you inside. Fluorite does her best to inform you, but she can't help but be interested in your condition. Following her path, towards the reinforced area of this building, you could see your other apprentice and Uranus.
(Fluorite) Purple Topaz sent the diamonds to rescue you, master. But they are not here, so you managed to escape the threat by yourself. That means it's not too serious, right? Purple wanted to see you immediately.
(Garnet) Stop those invisible attacks already! That thing... I'll tell you directly, you pyroclast thing! Ah, master, you're here.
(Uranophane) Can you open some windows, sister Garnet? I feel tired... They are not invisible.
>Garnet was hidden at the edge of the opening, but you could clearly see the taller being. The pyroclast that Anatase formed had finished acquiring autonomy, it was attacking the mineral rocks it found nearby, pieces of gems, other portions of natural rocks. Uranophane appears partially melted, due to its alloy, it requests some light. When you reach the second floor, the area where Uranophane used to communicate with Tara, you find Purple Topaz gathered with the android Hortensia. She is sitting on the floor, receiving information.
(Hortensia | Green Diamond) Sixteen pyroclastic blocks along the edges of the island. I rescued Aquamarine, she is in the Winter Shelter. The pyroclasts, they are not showing aggression...
(Hortensia | Chrysoberyl) No activity. Alloclase, Amethyst, and all the gems that are now safe are experiencing dizziness. It's radiation. I can continue reporting for 3 hours. For the diamonds, they will have to abandon the exteriors in just one hour.
(Purple Topaz) Taaffeite... I... About Rutile, Anatase. About Fluorite-
>You couldn't see it, but thanks to your own experience and what you heard from Chrysoberyl and Green, you were able to understand it. The radiation that covers all of Crystal Earth is not a bright green like that of Uranophane or Uranocircite. It seems that no gem will be able to continue fighting for too long in the exteriors, added to the large number of enemies, it paints a clear picture. Purple Topaz notices you and tries to tell you something. But Hortensia continues to transmit Chrysoberyl's voice, who did not finish his message.
(Hortensia | Chrysoberyl) Purple. Purple, do you hear me? Tell me which gems we have lost.
(Purple Topaz) Pink Spinel. Aquamarine, she is destroyed, but Green Diamond gathered enough of her pieces. Chrysoberyl...
(Hortensia | Chrysoberyl) Accept my theory as fact, okay? And work from there. The Crust has besieged Crystal Earth, it is very likely that the Rutile you saw wants to negotiate.

<Stats
Taaffeite
HP: 1720 (285/1209)
Strength 16

Alexandrite
HP: 1228
Strength 14

Purple Topaz
HP: 1644
Strength 13

Pyroclastic Soldier
HP: 4109/5956
Piercing

Rutile
HP: 2490 (1490) ((678/1543)) [257/2490]
Strength 10
Alloy
Subdivision

Black Spinel
HP: 1720 (1995)
Strength 13
Prisms: 8

Alloy: Allows ranged attacks.
Piercing: -2000 HP
Subdivision: -10d5% permanent HP
Prism: Withstands one failed Effort die

>>2421
>You can see Limolita changing the white tone of her nails, from pure white to an off-white, passing through a dull white. She seems to choose to disregard your comments, as if only hers were good enough to grab everyone's attention. Sapphire, on the other hand, seems friendly again. Although she can't crawl too much, she physically focuses her attention on you as best she can. Fitting for a gem who has repaired another, she would also prefer to see you make use of your body. But, contrary to what you believe her initial desire to be, she changes her plans. After responding to your lack of control over silica, she takes it as a given and asks. Limolita remained on the sidelines.
(Sapphire) It wouldn't be the first time a gem gained great power just by imagining it! When I was young, I used to trick fate into giving me skills in any area. Don't get discouraged, Corundum. I have a trendy game I've wanted to play for a while. It involves a board of colors and positions. Can you follow some rules? If you can't, we'll make them up as we go!
(Limolita) Those courtesan games sound so suspicious, just like you, ZZ, Zaphombie.
(Sapphire) Can you count the points we make, Limolita? Maybe on your planet you don't use the same numbering system as us. That will lead to more confusion. What do you think?
>Limolita's nicknames are repetitive, considering they are both made of the same material. Sapphire ignores Limolita's sentiment and asks her a direct question. Even Sapphire finds it interesting to arrange an activity with Limolita and her foreignness. But the white container of inclusions has already registered several patterns in Sapphire's words, in her responses to you, to the situation, and in all the proposals and questions that were silently extinguished. Limolita hugs herself and shakes as if she were about to release an alien creature from within, but it's just her opinion. She assures you, tagging Sapphire who responds with distrust.
(Limolita) ZC, Zaphindón. I'm sorry to be the one to take away your illusions. But my body can't take it anymore! It's Sapphire, okay? It's that Sapphire over there who has trapped you and only wants to keep you going in circles here. Maybe she's not the one who pushed you here, but it's a fact that she doesn't want you free.
(Sapphire) Why do you say that?
(Limolita) You know this place perfectly!
(Sapphire) Exactly. Yes… Above us there’s a molten magma chamber, Peridotite can only make a hole in it every hundreds of years, to place gems here, never to remove them. Trying to skirt that upper layer is the same as trying to map the entire sea in a single lifetime. There’s simply no way…
(Limestone) I’m such a bad guest!! I ruined the mood! (...) Oh, that’s a lie too.
>The great lava pillar flows downwards, so there’s a massive reservoir somewhere above this confined, vast space, monstrous and enormous enough to make this gigantic waterfall look like a small leak. After understanding the geography Sapphire describes, her silence when saying where or how the place they are in feels slightly justified. Limestone clutches her head and spins a few times, ending with her fixing her hair again like a princess. She points at Sapphire, confirming her suspicions this time. She summarizes an experience with ease.
(Limestone) I conquered volcanic planets even more aggressive than this one. There were gems in those places too. To fight me, they would just cover themselves in silica, pressure and temperature did everything. Argilite was an expert at breaking the tridymite off their heads, they were my wedding gifts. One every day.
(Sapphire) Is there such progress on other planets? You must have thousands of stories to tell. You weren’t clear. What kind of activity does your wife exactly perform? Does Sapphire qualify to be one? Look at her, she’s perfect!
(Limestone) Don’t distract me, pervert! You’ll see. I’ll be back in one piece! You two will also be able to escape from here, with my help. If that’s what you want… Courtesans… Ugh- I discovered I’m a better guest by respecting both of your dreams. Uhum! I just found out, that’s why it still disgusts me.
>After all, the kind of civilization Argilite described wouldn’t stop for one or two planets in complete disaster. Limestone makes said war seem like a pleasant activity, to which Sapphire takes the opportunity to comment unexpectedly. Her tone is as cheerful as when she judged your vomit on the floor, proposing you as a concubine, as if fixing you had made you her masterpiece. Limestone again shows her displeasure, exclaiming. But strangely, for the first time, she tries to offer you something instead of the other way around. It was difficult for her, but then she became proud of it. Limestone gave a proper farewell and began to walk directly towards the molten rock pillar. Her image dissolved, but her body did not.
(Limestone) Don’t wait for me too long!

>>2433
(Sapphire) (...) Don't try to look for them. Whoever they are. Don't ask anything... Don't try to find anything out... I... I thought you agreed with me. That suffering, for a while, or for eternity, for someone else's sake, was the right thing to do. Right? Whether I know what happened or not, whether I want this to have happened or not. I don't know how much time has passed. But I'm sure it won't be long before we all meet here again. In these same, or even better conditions.
>Limolita couldn't comment on Low, Tara, or Carnelian because she didn't know them, but Sapphire had only held back at that moment. When you were alone with her again, Sapphire began to tell you, in a way that her prohibitions sounded like requests and pleas. She used her hands to pull her legs closer to herself. Sapphire's tone was not as cheerful as before, it was just real. She said, in a way that you could remember something Anatasa said not long ago. Sapphire was more direct.
(Sapphire) If you go out there, you'll just ruin it. There's nothing else we can do. Control the inclusions, eliminate the inclusions, nothing... There's no option where all of this is resolved without torturing Fluorite or all the gems she trusts. This is the only place we can live outside of her influence. Only here, so deep that her destruction or our destruction is irrelevant to both sides, with a dense layer that prevents her from pulling us towards her, behind her daughter whom she cannot destroy. There is no other place! There is no freer place, not even the sea or among the stars!
>With how destroyed her body is, she can barely stop you, but Sapphire's gaze is intense. Part of her face is gone, so her intimidation is concentrated on one side. Naturally, no destroyed gem would have such presence. There was no need for you to torture gems to release humans, your sisters largely avoided it. After remembering how both Tourmaline and Uranocircite turned to dust, what Sapphire says makes sense. Limolita is a clear example that even the greatest power outside the system is subject to what happens to Fluorite and Peridotite. Sapphire concludes, before starting to lament.
(Sapphire) I know it's disappointing, even on a pathetic level. But even here, gems as different as us, can converse and understand each other, perhaps experience peace for thousands of years. (...) In my entire life, I couldn't save anyone...
>You don't know Anatasa's goal, it's clear it changed after her encounter a long time ago, but, if it's still the same, at least Sapphire could continue to exist in this place. It's an enclosed region so vast it could encompass several Crystal Earths, but within it all, it still looks like a cave. Much darker and deeper than the one Uranocircite inhabited, where submerging the body actually transforms it based on pressure, rather than dreaming of floating. Sapphire tells you, much of what she lived through in Zero Crust.
(Zafiro) I used to take care of them, of all the gems that were finally used for their salvation plans. Deformed, altered, broken. Sometimes, they would alert the red humans with high-pitched sounds, other times they would revive half-memories that only resulted in pain. I couldn't do anything, for any of those gems, instead it was Anatase. Even in such a dark and silent environment, thanks to bromine and its alloy, she was able to move, to accumulate energies and strengths. She wanted, above all else, to recover her master, she tried continuously in a way that was her only means of staying sane. But at the same time, Anatase was not so inconsiderate as to lock herself away to repair her and ignore all the others for hundreds of years. I think, if I hadn't urged her to help me, if she had only understood how unimportant the desires of a dead gem like me are, she would have succeeded. That's why I am guilty of everything bad that happened, before and after she looked for me again.
>She speaks of the place of your first encounter with her, amidst all that destroyed human city, Zafiro had also sought a way to coexist with her. She too, followed her good intentions, leading to the loss of your sister's sanity. Peridotite couldn't show them, all the surviving or consumed gems that lay there, Anatase had hidden them, deep within her alloy or at the edges of that Crust. By the time you understand, at the moment you recover your memories, Zafiro had managed to approach you. She took one of your feet that she had rebuilt, she pressed with all the strength her mineral could provide. Despite her profound weakness, all her words contained the strength she could not give you.
(Zafiro) If it weren't for me, Anatase wouldn't have had to shatter so many broken gems in Zero Crust. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have had to deal with the resemblance to Rutile that humans spotted in her. If it weren't for me, Anatase, she would have repaired the gem she loved most in time and wouldn't have lost her stability completely. You understand, don't you, Corundum? You remember now, right? It's not just me. You can't leave! Give it all back here. Trying to control others, causing useless sacrifices. All that guilt, at least bear it, with me.
(...)
(Limolite) I'm back. So soon!? I swore it would take me much longer! It doesn't matter, it's much better for me and my goals.
>You can see the hot material dripping from Limolite. Totally unlike Carnelian, Limolite chose to enjoy an extremely hot bath. The nearby lighting focused on her, so that even though she was now orange, she could move with ease, even in such a long dress. Limolite proved capable of withstanding the immense temperature of the lava pillar flow. After "drying" her hair, holding her veil in place with her elbow, she pays attention to her surroundings and looks for them.
(Limolite) Sapphires, it's time to go. Hmph. Oh, I'm hopeless.

>>2422
>>2423
>A thick layer of iron stops you, you can't pierce it with your whole body, only thin, fine parts like your fingers can escape its net. You didn't need to find a way to defend yourself from the heavy, dense alloy of Anatase, which now forms an integral part of its interior. After all, the great extent of its metallic area was reserved in the roof of the Cortex by its own decision. It seems it was also part of its will to lower a portion of said alloy, to prevent Fluorite from manipulating you as she was doing with the bodies of the others. Suspended in the air, Onice watches you as her shoulders break under the weight of the metal. Anatase, desperate, tries to warn you.
(Anatase) Stop, Leucosapphire! Stop trying to reach Onice! It's not about being able to free humans or not, Fluorite can control the inclusions as she wants right now. You are not immune, Peridotite does not protect you at all!! Stop!
(Onice) ...
(Anatase) Why don't you push me away immediately? Why do you let my sister humiliate herself like that?! Fluorite!
>When she saw that the muddy ground was heavy enough for you not to get close, she scolds Onice. After all, with such control over the inclusions, Fluorite should be able to remake Anatase if she wished, even in front of you. Onice remains silent, not necessarily because she has already suffered enough damage to fall inactive. She waits for Anatase to react, for her to let her fall to the ground, in whatever way. Even if she has to provoke it, for example, by deforming her image around her broken body, to show one of her many manifestations.
(Onice) Neither of them is to blame, no one really. I've only existed in this form, in this body, for a couple of weeks. I currently cannot access my original self. Controlling Onice's impulses is also impossible for me. It is in a gem's nature to try to connect with her companions, and Onice's desire was for them to reunite with them as needed. Their weakness as Cortex gems, choosing to remain here, has led them to this unpleasant solution.
>Onice's irrational actions, influenced by Fluorite, can only be explained in this way. Now, with Onice completely inactive, Fluorite can appear so neutral, but at the same time, so offensive against all gems. Anatase still holds her hands suspended, as if stuck to her arms, and her arms, as if stuck to her torso. Part of her still seems to reconcile the fact that she managed to inflict so much damage on a gem like Onice. Fluorite blinks from time to time, showing how ungracefully she moves the small gem's body. Aware of this, Fluorite lowers her tone and tries, in some way, to dissipate the tense atmosphere by promising.
(Fluorite) I assure you that Onice had no intention of insulting you or hurting you.
(Anatase) Is she with you now...? Can you hear her? Even though you are inside her body?
(Fluorite) As long as you can believe that she exists with me now.
>Anatasa reincorporates using her alloy as a medium to envelop herself for an instant. She asks, about Onyx's presence, about the form Fluorite's vessels take when she controls them. Naturally, Anatasa has not exchanged time or place with Onyx during her stay in the Cortex, she can barely imagine her as something close to you. Anatasa's voice also calms, she explains, as she watches them form and unform behind Fluorite.
(Anatasa) Tourmaline used to believe all gems were recoverable. She started believing in miracles as soon as she saw Tanzanite get up and walk again. She passed that same confidence onto me, taught me about impossible and wondrous things, but I had forgotten. Anywhere else… Any other time… I would have considered all this a miracle, but it's false. (...) I can see you, Leukosapphire. I haven't lost everything. It's clear Fluorite is just lying again. She's done it her whole life, don't fall for it again, please.
>It took her some time, to change the flow of her alloy, to stop containing you. Anatasa could only watch with disapproval at what had happened. But, despite that, she turned to you, not fully confirming your words, but discreetly denying them while maintaining the same favorability towards you. She warned you, as if she could notice what it was that made you so upset, willing to eliminate it too. Anatasa approached Fluorite again, unhurriedly, so that the only thing that quickly approached to cut her was the iron she removed from you. Even when that happened, Fluorite tried to deny her point several times, as her projection faded from Onyx's body. The pieces being left behind were only from the latter.
(Fluorite) If you stop their formation, they will turn to dust again. There will be no way for them to transform their mineral a second time.
(Anatasa) You were able to take Onyx's body even though you were hundreds of kilometers above us, weren't you?
(Fluorite) ...! N- No, it's not possible to completely overwrite another gem's inclusions. Even if they are ancient or desolate gems-
(Anatasa) You meddle in others' ideas, as if I had forgiven you for meddling in my sister's secrets...
(Fluorite) ... It won't... work...
>Anatasa was very precise, even with Onyx's small body, she was being exact, both with time and her intentions. After eliminating all forms of Fluorite's mobility, Anatasa held on. She diverted her hands from her neck that she had pressed with anger, instead, she firmly grasped one of her shoulders to take with her other hand the highest part of Onyx's head, from her short hair. Anatasa defended you, before ripping Onyx's head from her body and from her already weakened neck. All her pieces, she collected using her alloy, her head, she kept it beside her carefully avoiding it looking at you. After all, Fluorite's vessels can survive and continue acting even after similar damage.
(Anatasa) ...

>>2435
(Anatase) I'm sorry...
>Fluorite's voice could no longer be heard, let alone Onyx's. Anatase had to continue in silence, fragmenting what remained of Onyx's body, separating her clothes so as not to get tangled or lose fragments, breaking her limbs in such a way that her cross-sections were visible in white and dark mineral. As Fluorite said, this did not stop the gems from continuing to form. That's why Anatase had to do everything she could in the short time she had left. Holding Onyx's right hand, with which she made the sign for them to come. Turning it to dust, irreversibly fracturing the pieces of her chest so that it would be impossible for Fluorite to consider Onyx a vessel again. When she realized that all her attempts had taken too long, she turned her gaze to show you some pieces of Onyx's interior.
(Anatase) Do you see, sister? Leucophyllite! Turn this way. This is the parasite that was inside Onyx. Its sky-blue color is absolutely unmistakable, isn't it? It's gone now, it disappeared. You can rest easy now. It will be complicated, but I'll find a way to bring Onyx back from these pieces, is that okay? (...) Answer me, say something. Are you hurt? Did I hurt you? I'll treat you immediately if so. I understand, a scandal like this could stun anyone. Just... Let me fix everything.
>Onyx's parts were not sky-blue at all, as Anatase saw them. Your sister's face was somewhat broken, as was her gaze, so there was a possibility that she was confusing some colors, especially the white inside Onyx. Despite what she was doing, Anatase responded naturally, calling you to see as if she were manipulating a gem game, something simple like a puzzle. She was even able to continue making promises while covering her arms with the flatter parts of Onyx, using her alloy as glue. She worried about your situation, almost as an apology, when she stood up, Anatase tried to check your condition. But as a time-limit alert, she noticed how some of the nearby gems could already move on their own. The one most important to her, for example, began to resent the heat and pressure of being deep in the Crust, imitating an involuntary human breathing movement.
(Watermelon Tourmaline)
(Anatase) You can be proud, master... Your disciple has finally solved it. Soon we can take a hot bath with Onyx and Kunzite. You will also be able to meet Uranocircite for who she truly is. I hope you can guide my sister to find a job as peaceful as yours.
>When Anatase's hand, covered in pieces of Onyx, took Watermelon Tourmaline's forehead, you could see how, almost unconsciously, the larger gem broke under almost no pressure. Anatase focused on eliminating Watermelon Tourmaline from head to toe, returning her to the dust you saw some time ago, red and green. Unlike Onyx's destruction, this procedure was not completely calculated. However, Anatase knew in which direction her pile of dust would deviate, what its size would be, what considerations she had to take to preserve it. It was clear that she was going to start with the gem she had practiced making and unmaking for the longest time. (...)
(Anatase) Let's start over from scratch, Leucophyllite!
>Her radiant smile was as if she were happy to lose everything, convincing herself or not that this is what has happened. Anatasa extended her arms towards you, in a gesture similar to how Dumortierite did. She became intoxicated with a feeling you cannot comprehend or even name. In the high degree of alteration she possesses, thanks to segmenting her body into layers of up to 4 or 5 parts, everything about her was almost considered walking stability. Still, she was strangely direct, at the moment of holding your hands, at the moment of hugging you she had to capture you again to achieve it or not, Anatasa expressed, with a sincerity you hadn't seen since the moment you saved her. Anatasa repeated.
(Anatasa) I want to tell you that it's not true. Since you started blaming yourself, I've wanted to tell you that you don't have to feel like you deserve punishment. Please don't think you are disgusting, don't think you need to suffer from so much hate. To me, you are strong, much stronger than anyone. There is no other gem or human who understands everything you've had to go through, and that's why, when all this is over, I myself will try to make them understand. I love you because you are my sister, I could have given up loving you, but I haven't. (...) I, like Dioptase, not long ago, started to feel like your younger sister despite my age. Do you think Peridot noticed, or Hecatolita's sister? At this point it shouldn't matter, but, the only way I imagined a zoo on the Cortex is with gems wearing fake animal costumes wandering around and greeting the audience. It's very strange.
>She remembered what until now only she can present as a very limited fashion among the sisters you had. Anatasa mentions something completely useless, referring only to a time before Dumortierite lost control, she unconsciously makes her thoughts a joke that just expressing it shows how little she was related to the Cortex that was anyway. Then you can finally feel it again, how your inclusions are forced to detach from your body by the action of contact with Anatasa. Half of your body, that pyroclastic part, is the one that resists your touch much more, the only thing generating the reaction that Anatasa hopes not to cause you while she silently disarms you.
(Anatasa) It doesn't hurt, does it...? I'm trying hard to control myself. I haven't been careful at all with the other gems I destroyed, I don't want that to happen again with you. You... don't need to see or hear anything. From now on, until I reunite with you again, Leucozafiro, try to live in peace and without causing too much trouble, okay? I'll make sure someone takes proper care of you. And also...! As soon as I find a way to return them, Onyx, Kunzite, Ura- no- Circita, they will also accompany you.
>She stopped accumulating effort in your torso and began by removing your hands to the middle of your arms, turning them into pieces and their joints into dust. She was intimate, she moved the position of her embrace so you wouldn't observe Kunzite or Uranocircita waking up. And when that was impossible to hide, Anatasa raised her hands to your face to partially undo it. She completely removed the device you placed next to your head, undid your right cheek, and when she reached your eyes, she carefully took the sphere, bringing it close to her chest. Half of your body resisted until finally, upon splitting you in two, you fell irremediably inactive.
(Anatasa) Don't think about anything.

>>2435
>>2436
This was the last turn for the secondary parallel turns for Leucozafiro.
>>2428
>>2429
This one here still has 1 more turn left.

>>2425
>You make it sound very dramatic when you say it like that. I'm glad to be here.
Yeah, it was an exaggerated and dramatic joke. I'm glad too!, that's funny

>I don't realize when videos are from the roleplay or Touhou songs you had on a playlist to use in the roleplay if you don't say so, I think I had only seen the one of Taaffeita drawing until now.
Well, the ones I uploaded and the ones I post are both on this playlist (except for two)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM8uKb_NwBK95CZZ_Ge91KlGvXE4bLBx4

>>2426
>Maybe when One Piece ends we could celebrate the last anniversary.
No way!
I was delayed by a series followed by bad days. But for the next turn, I'll probably centralize plots to continue more easily. At least for Leucozafiro.

>>2428

(...) I don't know, the me that witnessed that thought it was some strange game and ignored it once it was fixed. Now I think it might have been an act of love. Almandine appreciated Moissanite so much that she considered being broken by her something intimate and special. If I hadn't been there, she probably wouldn't have had a problem being turned to dust at her hands, but that's just my guess. Without Almandine or Moissanite around, there's no way to verify it, and maybe that's for the best.

>She raised her head to look at Purple Topaz before answering
> Sally's question seemed strange and out of place to her
>However, no matter how much she thought about it, she saw no reason not to answer
>With a complicated expression, Taaffeite shared her thoughts from back then along with her current ones
>The young Taaffeite was too gullible to try and find logic in such strange actions
>Conversely, the current Taaffeite seeks as much as possible to justify them
>Love, Almandine, and Moissanite were always together, and there's no doubt they loved each other, but...
>Was that love so great that she would consider self-mutilation a kind of bizarre romantic act?
>Whatever the answer, Taaffeite doesn't see herself in a position to decide if that's true or not
>That answer lies buried in the hearts of those involved
>And Taaffeite has no intention of desecrating their memories by validating a wrong conclusion

Fear? Oh...

>She tilted her head back and clenched her teeth uncomfortably
>Being called bitter wasn't important, but knowing she caused fear in others made her feel ashamed
>Averting her gaze, she scratched her neck and tried to think of a way to amend her past attitude
>It's not the kind of thing that can be compensated for in a few minutes
>It would take a lot of time to erase that image
>And right now, Imperial Topaz didn't have this

I'm sorry, I've tried to be more attentive to others to avoid these kinds of problems, but I guess I haven't improved much in that regard either. I'll make sure to check Andalucite's habits better, as well as give her things so she can reach her full potential.

>If she can't amend her image with Imperial Topaz, she'll at least do it with Andalucite
>After all, getting along with everyone and ensuring their well-being is something Taaffeite desires
>However, no matter how hard she tries, she always seems to encounter some obstacle that prevents her from fully achieving it
>Saddened, she has no choice but to apologize to Imperial Topaz for her negligent treatment of Andalucite
>She could justify her actions by saying that taking care of so many gems is exhausting or impossible
>But those excuses aren't valid when she knows everything Andalucita has been through after the destruction of Imperial Topaz
>She should have done more for her, just as she should have done for so many other gems

>>2429

(...) Bort... isn't here... I've seen her memories, I know what you're talking about, but... Her words and thoughts are something I can't grasp. I can't comfort you like she would, all I can do is stay with you for as long as it takes. If you need to complain, do it, if you need to hit me, do it. I will endure all the pain you are going through with you, but please don't say you shouldn't have been born. You were and are an integral part of this academy, without you, this place wouldn't have been the same. Bort, Andalucita, and many others can attest to that.

>She accepts Imperial Topaz's blow without moving or saying a word
>Her silence stretched for several seconds, during which she thought desperately
>Bort... what would Bort say in a situation like this?
>Again and again, Taaffeite questioned herself in search of any answer, but...
>It was no use, her fragments had never communicated with Taaffeite
>Even though she has her memories, she is incapable of delving into her thoughts
>Thus, the only thing left for her to do is help Imperial Topaz as only Taaffeite can
>Carefully, she took her hand and brought it to her chest, moving closer little by little to catch her in a hug
>Right now, the only thing she can do is be there for her
>Listen to her, comfort her, let her vent until she can't anymore
>And above all, let her know that she was a gem loved and cherished by many

Uuh... does this mean Ciori won't disappear?

>She doesn't know when she fell asleep, but she wasn't surprised to have done so
>So many things happened yesterday and she's still tired from it all even now
>The sunlight is bothersome, as is the noise at the door which she tried to ignore
>It wasn't until Purple Topaz broke down her block that she bothered to look
>Waking up, she stared with wide eyes at Purple Topaz and her new makeup
>After the initial surprise, Taaffeite dragged her gaze to where Imperial Topaz was
>Thus confirming that she was still conscious, something she didn't know how to react to
>Exchanging her gaze back and forth between Imperial and Purple, Taaffeite finally raised her voice
>Questioning once more what comes next

>>2430

Anatasa... Enough of this nonsense! This ridiculous game of yours has to end! You're no longer a child who can behave this way!

>She clenched her fist tightly upon seeing the state of Pink Spinel
>Seeing her destroyed and "revived" in this manner certainly enraged her
>But the true cause of Taaffeite's anger lies in something deeper
>Centuries ago, Anatasa caused widespread devastation due to her obsession with a foolish idea
>Something about obtaining supernatural power by following strange rituals that brought her more trouble than benefit
>She had forgiven her for what she did in the garden, but never could she look favorably upon this "magic"
>To Taaffeite, it was nothing more than an act of immaturity that would result in rebellion
>She trusted that Anatasa would abandon such behavior after being scolded
>However, that does not seem to be the case—instead, the shell appears to have fed her fantasies
>Something Taaffeite finds extremely distasteful, expressing without filter her thoughts on her behavior

No, it's you. You're recognizable enough for me to know. Remember? You said it yourself when we were talking about Hayagriva. Speaking of him, we found more specimens of his species. Aren't you glad, Anatasa? Despite his initial loneliness, Hayagriva managed to have a fulfilling life with others of his kind.

>After striking her and moving closer, Taaffeite's expression softened into a nostalgic smile
>The corners of her lips didn't drop even when she was grabbed by the neck
>Her arm extended—not to attack, but to make contact with Anatasa
>Whether she succeeded or not, Taaffeite would begin reminiscing about one of the many days she spent with her
>Shortly after Leucozaphire's abduction, Anatasa and Taaffeite were observing a certain tarantula
>Whose colors resembled Anatasa's, which was why she grew fond of it and named it
>At that time, Taaffeite had noticed how Anatasa seemed to draw parallels between herself and Hayagriva
>To which Taaffeite reassured her, letting her know that both remained recognizable regardless of the changes they underwent
>She had wanted to tell her long ago about how they managed to repopulate Hayagriva's species
>But Anatasa disappeared long before she could do so
>And yet, here she is again, once more, able to say it face to face

What? Reta retreat! Don't...

>The cracks and ruptures were a small price to pay for reuniting with Anatasa
>She even thought for a moment that she wouldn't mind being destroyed by her
>Thus, she showed no resistance, didn't fight—only stared at her, waiting for whatever was to come
>However, that thought vanished the instant she saw Alexandrite approaching
>Though she was okay with her own destruction, she wasn't okay with the others'
>The contrast between these two ideas caused Taaffeite to resist being taken away, choosing to remain with Anatasa
>Sooner she gave up as soon as she observed Alexandrite better
>Taaffeita knows very well how painful it is to see a dear gem being destroyed like this
>She cannot allow something like that to happen to her, not now, not with Alexandrite here
>Almost against her will, Taaffeita fled that place with her apprentice
>Not without first looking one last time at Anatasa as she walked away

>>2431

Nespi... be careful.

>Alexandrite's difficulties speaking made Taaffeita remain silent in her presence
>She just stared at her with a worried face, praying that her condition had a solution
>She did speak with Black Spinel, whom she stopped by taking her by the arm
>She spoke her name, lowering her head and hesitating about what to say next
>In her mind was this idea about telling her not to be so hard on Anatasa, but...
>She has no right to ask for something like that, not under this situation
>Instead, she just asked her to please be careful

Rita doesn't want you to put yourself in danger, Tilo. Stay away from the... enemy, no matter what. You all stay away from the window too.

>Upon reaching the shelter, Taaffeita's gaze was firmly fixed in the direction where Anatasa was
>It wasn't until she heard Alexandrite warn Rutilo that she bothered to turn to see the rest
>She understands the reason for Alexandrite's concern, but still, Taaffeita finds it difficult to call Anatasa her enemy
>The voices of the young gems made Taaffeita instinctively approach them
>Not to answer their words, but to move them as far away from the window as possible
>Even if she doesn't have the mood to socialize, she still worries about their safety.
>Something that will not change no matter who she has to fight

Topaz, there's no need to talk about that topic. The priority is to keep as many of us safe as possible...

>After making sure the young ones were safe, Taaffeita left to see Purple Topaz
>Once she arrived at the room where she was, she remained silent, waiting at the doorway
>As the leader, Purple Topaz must be extremely busy in a situation like this
>That's why Taaffeita chose not to make her presence known until the call ended
>However, her stealthy entrance was not enough, and soon Purple Topaz noticed her
>Seeing her face, Taaffeita understood that Purple Topaz was looking for a way to deal with the matter of Anatasa
>Approaching her, Taaffeita placed a hand on her shoulder and then hugged her for a few short seconds
>Taaffeita's feelings are not a problem they should deal with now
>Right now, what they must do is come up with a plan that allows them to protect everyone
>Despite knowing that, Taaffeita couldn't help but make a selfish request as soon as she saw the possibility of speaking with Anatasa again

I'm sorry, I know it's not the time to ask this, but... I would like it to be me, the one to negotiate with her.

>>2437
>Of course not!
Be realistic, black man, with your pace AND our response pace this roleplay is going to drag on for another 2 years easily. But hey, better that than the other 2 alternatives, right?

>>2433
I would have been more likely to follow the rules if you hadn't asked me if I could, asking me only makes me want to break them.
>The proposal of a game to distract the other two worked so well that for a moment she herself was interested in staying to hear those rules, but she took advantage of the moment Zafiro started asking Limolita questions again to move away, just a few steps.
>She didn't want to move away from there just to look for an exit or to avoid hearing Limolita, but Zafiro too. She had many things to deal with internally and was not in the best state to deal with other gems, especially a pair that had not given her a good first impression.
She hasn't been very cooperative, but to say she's sabotaging is more...
>From the beginning, she had been more interested in knowing the situation she was in and how she could get out of it than Zafiro had been in explaining it to her, for that reason she couldn't say that Limolita was making baseless accusations, but to label the gem that repaired her in the first place as an enemy was complicated, since if she wanted her to never leave, she could have helped her even less.
>The most she dared to blame Zafiro for was not being as useful as she could be and for being a defeatist from whom she couldn't get any more information just by asking, another reason why she decided to look for an exit on her own, even if it was just as impossible.
>That Zafiro actually contradicted her to such an extent worsened the image she already had of her, so instead of playing along with anything she said, she would just watch her in silence with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms.

>>2434
...
>She prolonged her silence even though Zafiro was talking about more important things, looking at her nails and other parts of her arms and body instead to verify again the repair work she had done.
>She was hearing the things she was saying, some of them bothered or discouraged her and she wanted to contradict them as much as understand them so as not to completely reject any useful information that was included, now that she was finally talking seriously.
Hm. I wish there was a lake to drown myself in around here, the white stuff I sank into didn't give me the same feeling.
>It was a habit she had had to lose when she went down to the crust due to the lack of easily locatable liquids, but one she missed, especially now that she wanted to isolate herself from the outside noise and concentrate on herself for a few moments.
But I've already been forced to hear too many things to turn a deaf ear now. I am weak and ignorant and not even happy, avoiding knowing more things will only make me worse.
>She felt more anger now than she had felt in an unknown amount of time, but instead of being annoyed, she smiled in Zafiro's face when she finally deigned to look at her.
To say I have the power to ruin everything is to admit I have the power to fix it just as well. How could I waste so much influence by isolating myself in this hole? If in the end we're all going to end up here, then it doesn't change anything if I spend that time moving around on the surface instead of locked up down here, and I don't like staying still.
>I had already decided before that even if I didn't have the power to make a difference, I would keep resisting; to stop doing so would be the same as giving up, and giving up the same as dying.
If Fluorite wanted me to stay still as a stone my whole life, she wouldn't have given me legs or consciousness, and neither would you. I have to show them off.
>She stretched the legs that Lunar Goddess gave her and Zafiro helped her to use again, taking exaggerated steps due to the proximity.
If these legs bring me back here in these same or worse conditions, I prefer to find out for myself. I know I can endure suffering, and if I do it to save others from it, I can feel good about it, but I'm skilled enough to walk and suffer at the same time. I don't think anyone needs me to suffer in silence forever where no one sees me, or that doing so will truly help anyone.
>It's unlikely I'll achieve anything by leaving there, but it's certain I won't achieve it by staying there for the rest of eternity where not even the people for whom you are supposedly suffering will know you are doing it.
You can't look at this place and tell me this is freedom.
>She stretched her arms to highlight the enclosed, dark place where they were and the conditions in which Zafiro was "living."
You were so afraid that Fluorite and Peridotite would affect you that you let yourself be imprisoned here; this is not living. Limiting yourself like this so you don't have to fear others affecting you is not living.
>She felt the urge to stomp her foot to make noise while speaking and obeyed, emphasizing her words as anger began to show on her face.
Even if you're right, I prefer to go out there where there are more things to see and do, even if I'm wrong, suffer, or experience more horrible things. Living is exposing yourself to the possibility of horrible things happening all the time, but not everything is suffering... Living is not just suffering, although there is that too, but opening yourself to all the good things means accepting the bad things too, and I can't do that while locked up here.
>She felt a greater desire to contradict Zafiro to extinguish the intense gaze she directed at her, so she met it with her own while continuing to explain herself, until she herself yielded, not caring if she won the confrontation or convinced anyone else of what she was saying.
>She tried to calm herself from the intense emotions she had put into her words, so she waited in silence for Zafiro to finish saying a few things so she could think about them and contradict them again, more gently.
Anatasa was a strong gem and smarter than me, she was capable of making her own decisions and bearing the consequences. I already told you that the fault for what each of us does is our own. It's too arrogant to take all the credit or blame for something another gem did or what happened to them... But I'm somewhat hypocritical and don't have enough empathy to understand some situations until I live them myself.
>Maybe it was the memories that had just reached her or what they were discussing, but something made her think of the first time Anatasa lost her master and Taaffeite mourned for Watermelon Tourmaline.
>Back then I was younger, too young to remember exactly what she said beyond that Watermelon Tourmaline was a combat gem like all of them and as such was as prepared to fall in combat as anyone, so her loss was entirely hers and no one else should bear the blame, especially if doing so would only make them weaker and incapable of protecting others the next time they were in danger, the kind of thing I thought Padparadscha would do.
>She wasn't Watermelon Tourmaline's partner so she was too far removed from that situation to feel the need to blame herself for it, she hadn't understood how easily she could lean towards feeling that way until something similar happened to Dumortierite.
>She hadn't completely changed her mind now that she understood it better, she was still against that attitude, with greater reason.
Anatasa chose to do those things herself, neither you nor I have the power to force her to do so and we cannot completely take responsibility for it. Saying that everything that happened to her is her own fault can also sound bad, that's why I don't mind saying it, even thinking about it is a waste of time. Instead of looking for culprits, finding solutions seems more useful to me.
>She had the same opinion on this as on hate, revenge, punishment, suffering, and other things. Hating pyroclasts, destroying gems, and making herself and others suffer served no purpose, it didn't bring her closer to a real solution to her problems and in many cases only stagnated her and made her feel worse.
Locking yourself away to mourn does you no good nor does it make those you are supposedly taking the blame away from feel any better. Blame only serves to make you think about how you can do things better next time, you will never be able to do that down here.
>She straightened her back and lifted her forehead high, feeling the need to take a breath even though she had no lungs to conclude what she was thinking, but Sapphire's hand on her foot was going to force her to take another position to break free, still looking down at the half-destroyed gem from above.
I hate your point of view and I wouldn't accept it even if it were true and even if telling you that you are not to blame for these things is like saying that other gems I hate are not to blame for many others. I have decided that I will no longer punish myself and I have no interest in punishing others even if someone says they deserve it.
>The stubbornness of this gem in going against everything I wanted to know or do at every moment had already frustrated me enough to stop hiding all the hostility I felt towards her. She had made it clear how stubborn she herself would be with her point of view, so there was no point in continuing to talk, nor did I want to keep hearing words that, as Sapphire herself said, were pathetic.
If the guilt that makes you suffer is so unbearable, I can carry it for you, but I will take it out of this hole. As thanks for having repaired me, I can do you the favor of helping you not to feel all those negative emotions consciously for a few years.
>She raised her fist at an angle directly at Sapphire's wrist and pulled back just before striking, crouching down to get a better look at the more intact side of the gem's head, the same one she was about to finish destroying with her fist when Limolita returned.
Hm...
>Limolita's sudden arrival did little to improve her mood, only making her clench her fist tighter and let out a sound of exasperation.
Hmm... Hmhmhm... Hmmm mmm mmm mmm mm.... Hmhmm hmhm hmhm hmmm mmm mmm mm...
>A sound of exasperation that gave way to almost melodic sounds that pretended to simulate a hummed song, which would continue as she tried to open Sapphire's fingers one by one without generating too much force or breaking, it should be simpler being both of the same material.
Outside there are not only gems suffering or wishing you would suffer for them, there are many more who remember you as a great teacher, strong, friendly, and inspiring. All of them would prefer to see you happy rather than have you here blaming yourself. You will surely see more terrible things if you go up with them, that's life, but you will also see those good things and more.
>Once her foot was free from Sapphire's hand, she offered her hand for her to grab if she wanted, as she was in a good position, or to indicate that if she tried to hold her back by force again, she would be the one to drag her out of there, interpreting it as a sign that she wanted to.
Now, just like centuries ago, I choose to live. I am completely responsible for that choice and I will not tolerate anyone else taking the blame from me. I am an ally of freedom and an enemy of those who want to snatch it from me, so I give you the freedom to choose whether you want to stay here to die or go out to see life again, with all that it implies. Whatever you choose to do will also be your fault. And if you decide not to come, I will only say good things about you to the others when I see them... or maybe not, you will never know.
>With or without saying goodbye to Sapphire, she would leave with Limolita out of that part of the crust, even if she had to carry tons of extra corundum, she had no reason to stay in a place like that.

>>2435
Hm...? Never mind, I was already prepared to humiliate myself for Dumortierite before coming down here. If I could achieve something just by losing my dignity, I'd consider it a very low price.
>Her movements lost strength when Anatasa made her doubt how harmful what she was doing could be, but it didn't stop them. What Fluorite said next only helped her regain her lost strength, for worse reasons.
Do terrible things happen to gems not because they deserve it, but because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time? Is that the explanation? (...) I was never upset with Onyx.
>Perhaps it was because I was predisposed to hate everything certain gems said just because it was them, but that answer angered me even more than hearing that this was some punishment they had earned for crimes that someone had decided deserved this kind of response.
>Bad things happened to good gems all the time while worse gems could go for centuries without facing any consequences. I had no doubt that things were like that, but having the one making you go through these terrible things tell you to your face that you were unlucky to have been there was worse than just hearing that this was already happening and wouldn't stop no matter what you tried.
>Fluorite, as always, was less important to her than her sisters, so she tried her best to ignore her and smile for Anatasa, to try to do anything to give her strength and prevent her from breaking, since she couldn't do anything for Watermelon or Circita.
Even if it's a lie, if there's a possibility it's true, the risk is too great to take. Lies don't have to be bad either; if they can make you feel good or help you keep going.
>So even if Anatasa believed that what was happening there wasn't a true miracle and that it was only Fluorite who was lying and not her teacher, believing in magic, miracles, and fantasy didn't seem intrinsically bad to her. If believing in the possibility of something like that brought her some benefit, she wasn't against her continuing to believe it. Sometimes she herself was too optimistic in the same way; that's why she clung to the idea for so long that she would see Circita again someday, albeit under better circumstances.

>>2436
Okay... Are you okay?
>She was more worried about her sister than anything else. It helped that she had several doubts about what exactly had happened at that moment to focus on something else, although her own emotions and the worries she had about Circita and Watermelon also vied for her attention.
>She found it difficult to watch a gem being destroyed so graphically. For moments, she didn't know if she should look away for her own good or to cooperate with Anatasa, or if she had an obligation to stare directly at the act and not miss a moment of the kind of thing she should be prepared to see as a court gem. This also made it harder for her to concentrate solely on her sister, so it took her a while to even understand what she was asking her.
Do you want me to be honest...? I don't see it.
>She hesitated whether to tell the truth or what her sister wanted to hear, and opted for the former after a few seconds of observing her with concern. She was technically whole, but not entirely well.
Can we talk about this better when we get out of here? I think it will be easier...
>Anatasa's attitude was disconcerting, and she didn't know how to react, so she said little. She didn't try to say much more after her sister focused her attention on her teacher, taking better advantage of that moment to gather her own thoughts.
I believed... I owed you that kind of sincerity. I'm sorry if I had to say things you didn't like to hear because of it. I didn't think you'd think those same things about me, but thank you for not doing so.
>She let herself be hugged and comforted by her sister, seeing it as a strange way to comfort her back. She didn't have any energy left to do much more at that moment.
>It was really easier for her to listen to her sisters' problems and try to help them than to be alone with her own thoughts. Silence and solitude were not pleasant environments outside of extreme situations.
You don't need to do so much for me; it's enough that you see me this way. If I join the crust and act like a criminal gem, I should be prepared to be treated as one.
>It was true that her sister had spent very little time in inhabited parts of the crust before going through this incident, and that the time she spent was inside a closed place where other gems went to witness her. Surely there were many things she hadn't told her about the crust that would have been good to show her or at least tell her before this happened.
No... I didn't ask you to do this.
>She denied her sister's question and action, not fully understanding what pain was or if that was what she was feeling, not fully understanding why she was doing this to her, and not wanting to exert too much force to pull away from her, even knowing that even using all her strength wouldn't cause her sister any real harm.
Please... Stop.
>For whatever reason, she didn't want her to keep doing it, but she still didn't resist too forcefully, only with a muffled voice, perhaps because she still didn't have enough energy to resist or because she still believed that if something she didn't want happened to her, it was okay because she deserved it anyway.
>Ignoring her pyroclast percentage, she felt she could fade away peacefully while watching Circita do the same in the background, until Anatasa prevented her from doing even that and she reacted with force.
I said no!
>She screamed, it was all she could do. Both arms with which she wanted to push Anatasa away no longer responded, and the legs with which she wanted to kick her were no longer part of her body. Screaming and thrashing were all she could do to express her rejection of what was happening, as she lacked the power to stop it.

>>2437
I forgot that I had seen this zebra before at a karaoke place where she did an ending song I like. I also forgot to mention this several times since last year.
https://youtu.be/YMCt6iNWjP4?si=eUd5T2vSA4Nmk25I▾

Turnos mañana (hoy) más tarde. Ahora sí, con pruebas!
https://youtu.be/LskettPkHwE?si=sKzJiuFtaBwM623b▾

>>2442
>Upon integrating into the molten rock, Limolita left behind traces that it had to remove from its body to compact and withstand the heat. Both from Limolita's entry and the presence of these outflow remnants, the infinite lavafall ignited excessively towards where you were. A rise and fall of less than ten minutes wouldn't give you enough energy to climb an impossible surface hundreds of kilometers long, however, it could reveal what was dark and almost hidden around you. Attempts to raise a structure, foundations, excavated spaces, and others molded among dark, dense rocks to create the bases of an Academy with its thermal shield. Sapphire was convinced enough that her delirium was the only way out, to the point that she probably worked much more than a few tens of years. Her grip loosened as soon as she couldn't maintain half of her dubious strength. She determined.
(Sapphire) I cannot be repaired, my inclusions no longer function as they should. It is impossible for me to walk, let alone run or try to stop you by force. For over 1500 years, the name Sapphire no longer exists, as a gem, as a teacher, or as a prisoner. If you truly intend to leave at all costs, then it is yours. It no longer matters how broken I end up or what my impact was on this torture, whether I maintain my freedom or not.
>While it was a surrender, it wasn't exactly an awakening. Sapphire seemed not to care what would be said about her in hundreds of years, or at least, she seemed to want not to care. Her name, unfortunately, you had already possessed for a long time, and there was a limit to how much you could gain from it until you changed to another. You observed her once, personified as Pink Diamond, a level of affliction so great that it drove her to continue acting, even if she clearly knew she was wrong. Sapphire was accepting disappearing indefinitely, by your hand, because she couldn't achieve it on her own, even if she dragged herself an inch a day towards her false sun.
(Sapphire) Destroy me, take everything from me. Forgive me, resign yourself. There is nothing... Nothing remains... I just want to forget...
>Its resin mixture breaks down and falls off in layers, continuously reacting to its body's attempts to break. Sapphire's internal structure does not allow it to break, nor does it allow it to continue evolving as a gem, or to use its inclusions except to store memories that do not renew, only deteriorate. The situation was exasperating, but at the same time, there was a chance that it had all been in vain. If Limonite had been lying when entering lava, then she would have only immolated herself. If she had kept a spare, for example, inside you, it would force you to vomit her up again to try something new. Even with the pieces of Sapphire, you couldn't walk too far for too long. Sapphire had barely finished lamenting when she said, interrupting your assessment.
(Sapphire) Dumortierite… That was its name, wasn't it? The gem into which the pieces of Ametrine 12 ended up.
>You guessed it, or you heard it during your meeting with Anatase. But also, there was a chance that this gem had been of interest to it, as Anatase's was not, even when it was living with you in the Cortex. Whatever the truth, it managed to stop your activation. Dumortierite had the ability to sacrifice itself even when it was close to the worst-case scenario. What happened to its body was the origin of the Cortex implementing certain plans to create high-performance liberating gems with two-part heads like Tanzanite and Dumortierite itself. Sapphire, she can only talk about the original gem whose head she kidnapped for centuries and from which her personality departed.
(Sapphire) Ametrine 12 feared loving her sister. For her, having to lose her sooner or later invalidated all the affection she could have felt just by staying by her side. Doing so, lamenting, made much more of a difference over hundreds of years. She could see things I never could, she tried to gain her own experiences and that would probably have led her to be a wonderful gem, but she accompanied me during my destruction. Ametrine, was she also as responsible for herself? (...) What part…? What part of Ametrine was living in Dumortierite…?
>It wasn't information that was normally known among gems, in fact, you were away from the Island when it happened. But certain gems, presumably Grossularia, knew that Dumortierite's head held memories even after being destroyed for over 700 years. What Sapphire recounts isn't even accurate, just like her memories, both she and everything she holds are in a state of irreparable loss. However, even though Dumortierite understood your situation, and even though you saw her break for you once, she was never close enough for you to be alerted to what was happening to her, or for you to realize, even unintentionally, that she was losing her mind. Sapphire relives the conversation with that same level of individualism.
(Sapphire) I repaired you because I wanted to, I repaired you because I had to make you move even at the cost of my own integrity. There is no other reason. Just as there should be no reason why I want to see her again, even if she doesn't deserve it or even if she isn't herself anymore and never will be again. You can reject my pieces, you can... forget me, if that's what you wish. We are not equals. I am not sincere at all.
>She hid her face behind the only hand she possesses. The ceiling of the place developed a hole, typical of a foundry, and dripped. The mass that fell from there reformed incandescently until it took the shape of Limolita. The process lasted much longer than just a few tens of seconds. It was between when Sapphire warned and when Limolita recovered her body that the former finally ended up completely broken and consumed. The loss of one or hundreds of gems is, naturally, irrelevant to Limolita, who leads a completely different lifestyle from hers. Upon seeing Sapphire's scattered pieces, the first thing she thought of was crushing them to fill her insides. It wasn't a discriminatory desire; she too had once elastically expanded the area of her body to try to capture you within. She had no limits when it came to fulfilling her mission.
(Limolite) What a surprise! Despite being the one most opposed to leaving, Zafzombie understood immediately. Could it be that the most stubborn gems are actually the wisest? The old Limolites I was born from always said the same thing. "You must not consume or try to cook other gems nomnomnom". Today I'll make an exception. I wonder how much the taste of one sapphire changes from another. Will having been inside you make you disgusting to my palate? Come on, don't be shy!
> A long time has passed since what happened, but you finally have an experience exactly like the one Rutile suffered when facing you in the clouds. Being inside another gem feels like being wrapped in a sticky mass capable of solidifying at any moment. That is the sensation your inclusions remember, not necessarily the one you experienced yourself. The ways Limolite could have destroyed them form a wide catalog, but everything indicates she could do it because she was already imbued with a great exit temperature. You cannot spend your early consciousness deciphering the sensations in your memories, because upon receiving new ones, the result becomes clearer. You can see white walls and pillars around this room with no outer covering, one that lets you observe the immensity of the upper Crust, riddled dozens of times towards the surface. The place where you rest is simple but infinitely more comfortable than Sapphire's fireproof rock. As you regain mobility, you can hear humans, or probably gems, conversing with each other.
(-) Today I went to a store to reinvent my human technological magical knowledge, I took some things and when I tried to leave, several people stopped me and started asking me about payment methods and something they called consumer morals. It's strange, they didn't dedicate their efforts to creating those items, but the androids they controlled, and yet they asked me for all that in return.

>>2444
(-) In the Crystal Earth, the request system existed. Try to interpret its economic medium as a way to deliver or divide requests materially.
(-) Yes, that's right! I did it. I sang for them, but they didn't seem too happy with my melody. They tried to snatch my loot, to which I would react with involuntary fatal violence, but before I knew what happened, they had already been dragged away by other humans to join each other.
>It was difficult for you to fully adapt to human normality, especially when it came to messages sent invisibly. You can feel the confusion of these gems in their words. The gem that provided the answers had a black and white appearance that could revive experiences of raw destruction. In itself, your awakenings have become overwhelming for some time, which is why it was difficult not to notice until the last moment that the voice of the narrator gem was the most familiar of the two. It is she herself who approached you, ready to check on your condition. Her hairstyle was identical to your teacher's, her style, a copy of what some ancient and elegant gems tend to wear in layers, but assembled according to what the Crust can offer. The color of her mineral, the softness behind her voice, how she held back comments, observing with her head tilted, many of them were highly recognizable traits. Kunzite held you in her arms and tried to take advantage of the situation.
(Kunzite) Onyx, pay attention to me. What will we do when Sapphire wakes up? Will it be soon? I'm tired of fighting without my 1%.
(Onyx) According to what that clay said, all her mineral completely melted. Until all her inclusions return to their original place, it will be months. It's a much more complex process than a natal recrystallization.
(Kunzite) And if she woke up now, would you be willing to relax with us? Away from that furry android.
(Onyx) Yes. That would be-
>As she held you from the shoulders towards her, she inevitably lifted you. You lost sight of the outside, but gained a view to the sides that showed a pyroclastic beast, a detection android on the ground with its back open, with bones and circuits in reconstructive black. Both gathered much more mineral than they originally had, at least in Onyx's case, she generated it from within. Due to Carnelian's physical absence, Fluorite had to order her inclusions to transform her interior from common rock into compressed black Onyx material. Kunzite's case is not extremely special, but unlike Onyx, she shines slightly more due to the particles she emits. When Onyx realized your recovery, Kunzite had already moved ahead. She brought her face down towards your two-colored hair, closed her eyes, and said your name. Then, immediately, she stood up and took your hands, forcing you to stand up, even if you stumbled in the attempt.
(Kunzite) Leucite... You don't know how much I waited! The days felt like years. Years, of course, within my new life standards. How is your body? Do you feel well? Do they feel well?
(Onyx) Don't confuse her any further.
(Kunzite) Hm, okay. You don't know how much you've missed. We are also short on answers, we will ask you many questions. But don't answer Onyx's, answer mine first. Well, it will be better to answer everything when I have notified that humble clay.
(Onyx) Argilite.
>One of the reasons behind your disorientation, upon standing, is your change in height. In principle, Kunzite seems to ignore your appearance completely, she knows the content of your inclusions and can name you as she remembers you. She tried to take special measures, but Onix corrected her. Immediately regaining her spirits, Kunzite let you go to warn you of what was about to happen. Onix mentioned her, Argilite, Limolite's partner, was also present. Onix closed the android and deactivated it, she took Kunzite's place as soon as she left the room, deliberately confusing the name Argilite. It was a special privilege among the white gems, one that Onix also enjoyed now that her interior was no longer so spectrally colorful. Upon her exit, you can finally feel and observe the origin of the small rumbles, which are giant creatures in the distance, white and red, taking the form of giant snakes or winged clusters to fight each other. From the smaller silhouettes you can see nearby from this location in the Subcortex, there are also others of considerable size that maintain a more marked human form. Onix explains.
(Kunzite) Arginegrita has a surprise for you, wait for me!
(Onix) First, we are not in danger, at least not immediately. Most of those "humans" have gone out of control and joined together as a means of survival. They are bulky and heavy beings, but not extremely strong. We were fighting them not long ago, when Limolite created this place to protect you, and with it, some other gems that arrived from the Crystal Earth. The giant and massive pure white of this open-air refuge has the appearance of a second-class unified human that the rest of the creatures avoid. It is functional, but she wanted to destroy it for being unaesthetic. Twice.
>Peridotite spoke of it to magnify herself among the humans, as Fluorite had forced them to live in a state of amalgam chaos until she appeared, to organize, divide, and stabilize them into much more manageable forms. You cannot observe sliders moving anywhere, there are places where human biological light is completely absorbed, and directly there are completely destroyed zones that were once giant human colonies. In the midst of this, Limolite seems to have taken the opportunity to establish herself. From so low in the Cortex, you cannot observe the state of Peridotite's Headquarters or the Research Center. Onix had forgotten it inside the android, the thermally insulated cylinder she has been drinking from. She offers it to you without any particular intention behind it.
(Onix) Do you want to try it? It's a super-frozen liquefied gas that I seem to have gifted myself to deal with this intense heat... Carnelian, she wasn't very kind to you, was she?
>Looking down, you can see several of these empty containers on the ground. That Carnelian was hoarding this valuable resource, without sharing it at all while complaining about the conditions of the Cortex, is in itself an act of the least kindness among many other countable ones. The important thing is that Onix seems to be aware of her sister's actions, but not her whereabouts. Seeing you slightly more prepared to receive information, she recounts from her point of view.
(Onix) Kunzite and I were not fully aware, but we know what happened. After you were destroyed, Anatase tore down the enormous wall of the Cortex where they were and annihilated all those hundreds of thousands of nearby humans. Kunzite recovered first and managed to save me far from there. Since then, she has been extremely happy because her condition has completely disappeared. But, I also know that she is somewhat affected. It's normal. Both of us can disappear at any moment.

>>2438
>Imperial's hair is disheveled. There's a reason why medical area gems don't use long hair, and it's similar to why other combat gems don't. Broken pieces of hair can be easily mistaken on the ground for significant damage to the gem it came from. Padparadscha exuded so much confidence for that very reason, because she used long hair and its pieces weighed in grams. In the gem sense, it's for head maneuverability towards the gem to be repaired and to avoid cross-contamination, however unlikely. Purple treats your question with a certain lightness, she evades it by talking about perceptions.
(Purple Topaz) Hmmm, do we know what it truly means to disappear? It's a fact that we gems evolve alongside this Island. If, suddenly, the leaves of the forest by the lake turned a brilliant orange like Imperial Topaz's, does that mean the previous forest we knew has disappeared? Or has it just changed its face and appearance? For gems, appearance is extremely important! Otherwise, I wouldn't be looking like this, would I?
>She shook her hair with the palm of her hand, so some shine fell off when she should have been showing it off the most. Purple didn't have the same carelessness when approaching Imperial, asking for her permission to dress and fix her, which was granted instantly without opposition. Imperial's outfit is different, because she doesn't wear such a long white coat, nor too much of that color on her uniform. It's a neutral style that Imperial isn't used to, but which she also doesn't complain about. Imperial responds directly, even in her dejection.
(Imperial Topaz) Topaz, you don't have to hide it.
(Purple Topaz) What did you say, Ciori? Tell me, do you prefer the classic uniform or one with autumnal finishes?
(Imperial Topaz) Maybe if Taaffeite had comforted me for longer, if Andalusite had done it instead, or Bort, then I might have changed my mind. But I'm sure I'm not the last.
>She pressed the bottom edge of her uniform with visible force, despite being still, it seemed Imperial might flee at any moment. Purple was now fixing her hair, using resin that Andalucite had saved to make it shiny. However, part of her reluctance was not due to artificial shine, but to one that comes from the dust that leaves her own body and fades away. Imperial is still in the process of disintegrating and turning to dust again, she hasn't changed, nor has her speech, at least not at first glance. Purple spun her last word innocently. Ignoring this, Imperial recounted.
(Purple Topaz) Lately, I wonder how low I'll fall in the beauty poll.
(Imperial Topaz) Benitoite was locked away for centuries by Dolomite's shock, she spent much more time suffering and trying to rebuild her than free with Howlite. Even when Fluorite had nothing to do with it, like with Chrysocolla or Tourmaline. While deep down, we still want this... As long as you still want to see your companions, Topaz, or your teacher, Taaffeite, the damage or mistakes like me, nothing will end...
>The main reason Fluorite could blend in with the gems was because she could understand the natural attachment between them. She understood the value of a relationship of mutual learning, or one of accidental companionship that later becomes genuine. She manipulated the gems with that same knowledge, but, from a certain point of view, the gems also clung too much to their nature and suffered the consequences. Fluorite also doesn't escape that feeling, by trying to completely shed what made her half-human. Purple responds to Imperial's complete accuracy with simplicity, and then, confidence.
(Purple Topaz) It's true that I want to see Sapphire, Zircon, even Rutile again. But that doesn't mean I'll ask Rutile for an arm or a leg, or take pieces of Almandine to mold her. I have abandoned my personal desires for a greater responsibility, and especially for that, I know they trust me. Andalucite also trusted, in herself, that she had the ability to bring you back, that she could distinguish Fluorite's intentions and succeed. Don't take that trust away from her. Andalucite's love, the days and nights she looked for a way to fix you, were not a mistake. (...) Besides, right now, I've decided not to hide anything anymore!
>Andalucita was neutral, even when Fluorite spoke of getting rid of the remaining fragments of Alexandrite or the Citrines that Grossularia cared about. Her professionalism stemmed from an ambition far greater than that of a common gem. After all, repairing such damage was also fighting directly with the inclusions, their mechanics, and their theoretical creator in the same room. Imperial revealed her face upon understanding part of it, she, for the first time, worried about her appearance and fixed the skirt that Purple had placed inches too high. Purple returned to her loud, naive self, and although Imperial still hid her face, she was at least slightly more communicative in giving her justification.
(Imperial Topaz) I… For me, it’s like it was yesterday… How they were all destroyed… Be patient.
>An android’s face blocks the view out the window, and outside, all the gems are gathered near the bell that is almost never used. Inside this private room in the medical area, the other 4 androids are patrolling and blocking the exit, ready to form a tower at any moment, just for fun. You are not only here with androids, but with another gem. Topaz had remained hidden since yesterday, after all, she had not yet managed to free herself completely, until now.
(Axinite) Is everything okay, Taaffeite?
>Her brown hair is darker than Andalucita’s, it’s long, but now it’s tied up. The outfit she’s wearing is also new, so Rutile had to work again to get it done within the deadline Purple gave. She doesn’t fully return to her original appearance, but it’s clear it’s her. Axinite holds some books in her hands, as always, but she no longer has to open them. Her face appears as she asks you, and with it her gaze, which due to the particularity of her eyes is now deeper, as deep as it can be considering Axinite as the wearer. You couldn’t ignore the elephant in the room, especially now that Axinite has some notion of what you’re thinking. She inquires, but doesn’t take long to change the subject, exclaiming.
(Axinite) I still look like Fluorite, right? I can change it, but I won’t. Purple said not to mention it to you… Shar…. Sharp- Sh! Sharpless SH2-71! You now have the color of that nebula, violet and gold, like when I first saw it. I had forgotten about it, but with these eyes I can see it right now, even through the ceiling.
>He extended one of the books in his hands, showing the exact page where the figure he mentioned was. The authorship is Axinite's and the rediscovery is Axinite's, however, the Crystal Earth has rewritten so many books over the years that you cannot see the colors in the image for that very reason, it is monochromatic. Axinite intended to show it to you, but she couldn't correct it, because she herself was more focused on observing beyond where the android's ass is in the window. He became embarrassed. Axinite returned to the explanations.
(Axinite) Purple Topaz also said to avoid talking about how much information I can capture. And she said it wouldn't be appropriate for me to start conversations talking about stellar objects! It would be too abrupt for all of them. You're getting me into trouble, Taaffeite, but solving problems is something I do all the time. Thank you for protecting me.
>(...) Still, the feeling of dealing with a hidden Fluorite is persistent. However, as Purple assured, Axinite is not considering using her immense powers anytime soon. And not necessarily because the warning is to be devoured by the androids in that room, which she will be, but that's another topic. Purple Topaz intends to introduce Axinite to the others, but that doesn't mean she'll let her work with them. Regarding Imperial Topaz, the case is the opposite, even if she exposes her in front of everyone, she wouldn't be able to find a way to fit back into the Crystal Earth given her condition. Largely disregarding Orange Topaz's wishes, Purple Topaz accompanies Imperial, who looks like a statue in front of dozens of gems, before them all. By the time you arrived, the whispers, doubts, and comments about Imperial's identity and appearance had already begun. Accidentally, the gems you know as young, display their remarkable intelligence. Meanwhile, the gems who previously knew Imperial Topaz are bewildered, almost stunned.
(Sphene) She looks too young to be a foreign gem, did she get a haircut or is she from the Crust? That would be unheard of!
(Uranophane) From the Crust...?
(Red Diamond) It's clear she's a genius gem who has been hiding until now, developing her own method of transforming into a vehicle gem!
(Imperial Topaz) Um…

>>2446
(Heliodor) Topaz, what does this mean?
(Grossularia) …
(Imperial Topaz) Yesterday…
(Alloclasa) Chrysoberyl, you saw it, right? We must prevent the small fragments from being lost, approach her.
>After seeing you transform, Red is convinced that other gems can do it. For Heliodor, the image before her is almost unreal. Other colder gems like Alloclasa and Chrysoberyl were watching how to counteract the persistent and notorious effect that Imperial Topaz inclusions have. You can only observe her from the side, opening and closing her mouth without making sound the words she wanted to say. Purple Topaz usually fails to maintain order in these situations, you know that from the combat meeting. The first to raise her voice completely, towards her, is Heliodor.
(Heliodor) You said they wouldn't return! You said she wouldn't return, my sister… Then why! Purple, explain why, Imperial-!
(Imperial Topaz) I'm sorry, 57… This is the truth… There is no other.
>It is unusual, even among ancient gems like you, to call Heliodor by her terminal elements. She usually feels over-identified when she hears it, it makes her more aware of her other lost part. For Imperial, however, this anti-habit does not exist. Only in that way can Imperial replace Heliodor's voice that previously cleared the voices of the other gems, only now, acting with transparency. Imperial, placed her hand on the table in front of her, she was direct, with the information that Purple planned to reveal. Imperial, in one way or another, from her point of view as a witness, was clearer than Purple would have been.
(Imperial Topaz) Yesterday, all of you here were at risk... But Taaffeite and Mystic Topaz managed to fix it. The circumstances under which it happened are difficult to explain. The Fluorite you knew, the Fluorite you grew up with for over half a millennium, was not a real gem, it was a doll, a puppet. She, like me, was used to break Andalucite. She couldn't do anything, she couldn't resist or fight against herself. Some of you must know, Andalucite is a devoted gem who can't help but show her love for an ancient gem made of topaz. Fluorite noticed and used that very thing to achieve her goal, and it's possible that because of it, Andalucite won't be able to recover soon. Probably some of you knew that Fluorite very well, maybe some of you considered her your friend. Maybe you are disappointed or confused. Anyone would be angry and fed up after suffering so many deceptions, again and again, not only from the Cortex or Fluorite, but perhaps also from Topaz and Taaffeite, from other gems you trust, from other things you believed in or still firmly believe in. For me, it's important and I must say it…
>Purple was taken aback when she was partially blamed, but that was the least of it. Among the gems listening were also Philotite and Sphene, whom Fluorite had emotionally marked to use as decoys or second options. If there's one thing clear in Imperial Topaz's words, it's that the Fluorite in Axinite's body was almost a different entity from the Fluorite you argued with. Only then, most gems can reason, albeit with difficulty, how that situation really unfolded. When talking about that gem, Imperial could slightly better understand the current Crystal Earth, just by observing the reactions to her voice. Imperial's anxiety vanished from her and her gestures as she said. She was speaking for everyone and also for herself.
(Imperial Topaz) It's not a mistake. (...) It's not a mistake to place your entire trust. It's not a mistake to act for someone else's sake, even if the outcome might be a disaster. It's not. Nor is it a mistake to abandon what is practically impossible or to pursue what seems just. Right now, I am infinitely more aware of my limitations. But that, what happens to me, doesn't have to negate Andalucite's efforts, her dreams, Fluorite's, her sacrifice, and mine. I still… Forever, I love the place where I was born, the gems I met, all the enormous concern I received over the years. Everything… Nothing should not be. I won't try to erase anything, not even the misfortunes that occurred. It's okay, I'm okay now, Taaffeite. I would like to find a way to repeat it all the time, even if I get tired of it, however…
>Looking at her arms it was evident, part of the resin captures Topaz dust and gives it a much paler color born from fragmentation. At one point, Imperial turned to you and smiled, as a response to your company at such a critical moment. The last thing she said, you took with the eagerness to improve. When Imperial Topaz released so much tension and this was reflected in her performance, another question emerged. She ignored her imminent disappearance, although it was clear she was thinking about it, instead, Purple Topaz recounted what was unknown even to gems like Andalusite or you who have pieces of both mentioned. Her pause when she was speechless, made Purple surprised by her call.
(Imperial Topaz) It's a bit late, but I'll introduce myself. I was born on the crystalline earth, I am 954 years old and my name is Sherry Topaz. A long time ago, Bort, Yellow Diamond, the gems that took care of me gave me the name Imperial Topaz, the name of a very valuable gem. I think I have extracted enough value from that name, I don't need more. Seeing you all together feels so welcoming, I want to meet each one! But... I... Now. (...) I am unemployed. Topaz.
(Purple Topaz) Ah- Ha- That can't be possible! Now the Crystalline Earth has an unemployment rate of 9.9%! Despite being such a skilled gem full of experiences. I can't leave it like this, I will definitely find something useful and profitable for you.
(Sherry Topaz) Well, in case anyone is interested in being my companion, my skills are advanced gem repair, 1-8 combat, glazing, and silica manipulation. I am responsible, occasionally adorable. Apparently, it's very pleasant to hibernate with me. Hibernation still exists, right? It doesn't matter. You are the sisters of my sisters, so... while I am in your care, I know I am in the right place.
>Purple immediately referred to the statistics, where Ruby and Chrysocolla always marked an almost immovable 6.6%. Full of a new and growing sense of confidence, Imperial Topaz tried to get ahead of said task. Somehow, although they hadn't had such an elaborate welcome to a gem before, this one could pass for one. Like when Obsidian complained about the appearance of all those who received her, or when still too young, Alexandrite avoided looking at you but accidentally mentioned you as a teacher. Sherry Topaz managed to make a good impression, before continuing to fade away.
(...)
>A group of metallic ashes appeared and attacked from the south, Black Spinel took care of them, but she couldn't study them, only describe them, for her it was much easier to blast them than to wait for them to jump in her face. There were no more appearances after noon, so taking care of the garden was the only job demanding enough not to overthink what happened. Purple had the same idea, but before feeding the local fauna, she was concerned with fixing her secret resting areas, using the new carpentry skill they obtained by relieving Antofillite. She asked, personally, before expanding her dialogue to a decision that would influence the others.
(Purple Topaz) Taaffeite, are you exhausted? I was wondering how possible it is to rest for a week and have the Crystal Earth continue in automatic mode without us. Don't you want to explore other continents with me? It will probably be necessary from now on. I convinced Axinite to move away from the Crystal Earth. She will spend some time inside a Tara Meth, it was her idea. Apparently, she always wanted to visit the smooth surface of the moon on her own, being alone is inconsequential to her. She's too excited, it makes me feel slightly safer.
>Purple said the last part forcing a delicate tone, so she could spy your gaze before asking again. For the solitary gem Axinite always was, the option of knowing infinite places outside the Crust or the Crystal Earth is fascinating. Shortly before and after Imperial Topaz turned to dust, Purple changed her behavior. She was now much more precise and didn't deliberately get tangled in words that were full of emotion rather than sense. Updated with such a strategy, even after having achieved her goal, even if it's natural, it seemed wrong. Her manual repair skills were invisible.
(Purple Topaz) Do you think I would be capable of hating parts of the Crystal Earth that you and I built? Including me? It's false! I built it. I had to lie blatantly to Fluorite to convince her. I didn't think it would work, but the fact that you turned against me made it believable. Fluorite, Sally, is not a gem, nor is she human. Judging her by our standards is reckless, no matter how much she wants to be judged, that's the truth. From now on, I have to fulfill many more truths that I promised Imperial. Almost...! It almost goes against my nature, to completely smear myself in a layer of glitter.

>>2438
>The alloy is dense and heavy, it completely covers the ground, suffocating the grass, seeping between the rocks towards the lake and creating a spill area similar to that of the northern faceted mountains. The metallic mass is not completely united, it can separate, either splashing due to strong action on the surface or at Rutilo's will. The dust that was created immediately after Spinel was forcibly revived showed that it was full enough of inclusions to repel them in its most basic state of absorption. Being close to Anatase you can see the main flow, coming out from between the damaged layers of her ore, which are more than 3. Even with your intervention, she had not left room for any kind of kindness. She only showed herself captivated by useless details like her name. She began to flatter, bathing in vanity, still unaware of it.
(Anatase) I don't remember. There is nothing inside or outside of me that you can take advantage of, Taaff. But... Hm? What a nice name. It must have been a very beautiful, intelligent spider with many companions. A brown tarantula with the greatest attack power... Unfortunately, all its offspring, all those specimens will die today. Or maybe their suffering will be extended and they will die in a week, who knows, insects are resistant to carcinogenic poison, and humans. Not gems.
(...)
>From Rutilo's words, you could infer that part of his plan, if necessary, would extend for a week or even more. It was not only the tests and theories of Verde and Crisoberilo, but also Anatasa's vague statements. Unlike common pyroclasts, the metallic ones she controls subject the terrain to too much pressure, to the point that it gives way and all that remains are traces of dry earth similar to that of the Accidents. If that happened with a couple of ashes, what if more than a dozen blocks with these characteristics were swarming the area, it was notably detrimental. This is all that Púrpura was thinking about, she herself let you know. It was these methods that Diamante Rosa explained, they used to create gems like Uranocircita, Dioptasa, Onix, and others of different conditions.
(Topacio Púrpura) There is toxic iron alloy, bromine vapor, and radiation all over the island, Taaffeíta. Even if the ambush stops now, the damage has become irreversible... The animals, the gems that will be born in the future... (...) I'm sorry. What you say is true. The safety of all is the most important thing now.
>Moving her shoulders back is easier than expected, during her hug. Púrpura cannot reciprocate it correctly, but from her hands suspended in the air you can recognize that she had the intention. She closed her eyes. The dark veil of her face usually blocks enough light so that she doesn't have to blink anymore, but her action was voluntary. When she spoke to you again, she managed to get rid of the anxiety with which she had tried to start the conversation. You could see her, trying to send a message to Tara, while the android who approached you called your name in another voice. Hortensia adjusted her feminine accessories after sitting on the ground, increasing the volume of Diamante Verde. It was the latter, who made you more aware of the situation.
(Hortensia | Green Diamond) Taaffeite, you're there, right? Listen, the pyroclasts don't act on their own. They ignored the pieces that fell from me, even at your complete disposal. The ashes act with a level of intelligence equal to or even greater than scoria. They are not autonomous, they are bound to the alloy. The only autonomous pyroclast seems to be the humanoid double block that Purple reported and that you also saw. Furthermore, there seems to be no trace of Peridotite anywhere. I hope this information is useful to you, to Heliodor, or even Padparadscha if she's still heading that way.
>Rutile's presence accidentally hid Peridotite's absence throughout this attack. At first glance, it seems unimportant, but for a long time, Tanzanite and other combat gems were dedicated to studying the last major assault to prevent it. Rutile usually received orders from Peridotite to act, and it was the former who sought to please her, partially, by capturing gems and forcing Fluorite to act. Fluorite's absence from the Crystal Earth also doesn't make things any easier, considering that thanks to the advanced pyroclasts, Anatase was able to determine almost immediately that she was not a witness to what was happening. Green Diamond ends communications by summoning the group of gems that Purple Topaz mentioned earlier. You would probably find them too, as soon as you approach Anatase. Even though Purple agreed to you being part of the negotiations, she mentioned the androids, making you aware of their secondary measures.
(Purple Topaz) Taaffeite, Boogey is on site, try to stay not too far from him, as well as Black Spinel and Grossularia. Hortensia has much more capacity; we can bring Rutile, Dioptase, Uranophane, your apprentices, and myself into her. In the worst-case scenario, we can still escape.
>The androids have better mobility when it comes to embedding and excavating the earth. Even if they don't reach that deep into the crust, they should be able to withstand the ocean pressure to reach other regions, especially to lose the enemy in the water. Purple also tried to contact Tara for that very reason, because if she used her Meths, she could ensure a better escape route. After all, no matter how convincing you or the gems around you might be, Purple had to protect the majority even with a strategy that limits their future population; not listening to her was impossible. A few moments before you opened the door to leave, Padparadscha crossed her threshold.
(Padparadscha) Where is she?
>She appeared with her sword drawn, her clothes covered in alloy metal. You can still see black pyroclastic fragments from a fight fading behind her. Padparadscha didn't explain herself, she never intended to, or to ask about your next mission; she just addressed Purple Topaz. Seeing her, Purple could notice it immediately, how all her actions were not under the control of her un-stunned self. Padparadscha returned, serious and to the point, even when she spoke to the android that Purple keeps as a communicator.
(Purple Topaz) We fought at the lake, we managed to get rid of her thanks to Black Spinel. Right now, she and Spinel are fighting in the west forest. Or at least, that should be happening, but the silence of these last few minutes...
(Padparadscha) Chrysoberyl, return to the lake, I need you at long range.
(Hortensia | Chrysoberyl) I'm on my way, but don't rush, Padparadscha. Even if I manage to shoot her, Purple Topaz described her in layers, and in those circumstances, anti-gem weapons are actually not useless, but rather inefficient.

>>2448
>You could clearly see Padparadscha's noticeable irritation upon hearing what Chrysoberyl said. The sword she carries has damage on the hilt and on the blunt back edge—it's not suited for her. Although terribly heavy for gems of the armory, Padparadscha, in the centuries following Howlite's disappearance, tried using hardness 9 corundum weapons to avoid causing trouble. All you see now is that she's abandoned that habit mid-combat, and instead picked up a sword lost on that very battlefield. Padparadscha intended to finish Rutile off, even if it meant using Chrysoberyl's own weapon against him. In response, Purple Topaz tried to persuade her.
(Purple Topaz) Listen to Chrysoberyl, Padparadscha. The enemy has far surpassed our response level. Your body isn't fully ready to fight— if you push yourself too hard...
(Padparadscha) I'LL NEVER FORGIVE HER!! Just knowing she was acting like an idiot makes me sick. I can't let her keep her limbs any longer! I—
(Purple Topaz) Taaffeite will talk to her! I've decided, so stay out of it.
>Padparadscha was unable to speak with Pink Spinel the way she wanted, and somehow, it seems she's found out what happened. She doesn't have the details—Spinel's words, or what Rutile did after fragmenting her—but that doesn't stop Padparadscha from unleashing anger like you haven't seen in a long time. Purple Topaz doesn't back down either, cutting her off and shouting to give you an opening. Using her authority as leader to buy a few seconds of clarity, she points out that even though subduing Anatase might be possible, it doesn't guarantee the gems' safety. Padparadscha drags her hand along the edge of the door, catching part of the message. Everything suggests Padparadscha is still hating alone, chasing a ghost.
(Purple Topaz) We have only a couple of hours before most of us collapse unconscious, inactive, or even suffer something worse. Uranophane will be the only one left in the end, wandering here for centuries, unable to reconstruct us. That's what will happen if you simply destroy Anatase. Do you understand?
(Padparadscha) It was Rutile's fault... Taaffeite, Alexandrite, and you.
(Purple Topaz) Listen to yourself, at least for a second. You don't want to make the same mistake again, do you, Pad? She is Anatase—start by understanding that.
(...)
>The gray misty clouds have turned reddish, similar to the atmosphere in the Accident Zone. You can see the chemical damage before you, and physical damage too. There's a line and several areas of fallen trees ahead—some simply knocked down, others melted into iron, and some shattered into so many splinters they seem like the result of advanced Black Spinel alloy. The fact that it's Anatase they're dealing with, not Rutile, seems to have slightly stabilized Padparadscha. At least, she walks beside you at the same pace, though still reluctant to say anything beyond wanting to destroy her, if left to her own devices. A flickering light above the trees approaches them; Padparadscha doesn't need to maneuver much to try and catch it. Black Spinel lands properly, rotating and softening the impact with her floating accessories. She speaks with the same sternness you're accustomed to.
(Black Spinel) Hello. I've never pushed myself like this before—I lost a few cores, but that's the least of it. I trained to defeat masses of humans; this metallic mass should be no different, yet it's so damn annoying... She's lost patience with me too. We're at a stalemate.
(Padparadscha) You did well. A stalemate was exactly what we wanted, and I imagine she feels the same. Keep your distance, or retreat. Try to keep your inclusions stable.
(Black Spinel) I can't leave. She cheats too much—that's one of the reasons we stopped fighting in the first place. Also, I'd like to be allowed to feel distressed about it.
>While Black Spinel can't self-propel indefinitely, the thrust provided by her smart alloy is strong enough to keep her airborne for just under a minute between rests. It's useful for dodging the alloy Rutilo uses to trap gems, like she did to you or to Pink Spinel, and also for evading the piercing attacks she used to finish off Tara's manifestation in Crystal Earth. Despite the chaos, the forest can't catch fire due to the humidity. Through it, Anatase advances, regenerating her hands with pyroclastic parts, merely sliding her gaze across the three of them without speaking. It's Anatase who takes the initiative, showing exactly why Black Spinel couldn't press her attack further.
(Sphene) Let me go! Let me go! Don't you know? I don't control silica at all—I'm not even—
(Anatase) …
>She revealed the gem embedded deep within her alloy—Sphene. She was in the first group that headed to the Academy for shelter. Likely, she was among the first to encounter the blocks and the alloy taking control of this building. Sphene tried her best to resist, but Anatase slipped her fingers over Sphene's lips, causing the alloy to consume her again up to halfway through her head.
(Anatase) You came back, Taaffeite. Are you here to beg my forgiveness, or to plead with me to stop? Though I do enjoy seeing you humiliated—both you and Padparadscha—I regret to inform you that isn't my goal.
>After stating this with neutrality, she closed her eyes for a few seconds. Her expression shifted, almost mimicking the same confidence you displayed when speaking of her protected animal, except her message had been completely twisted. She pointed at Padparadscha, who responded by gripping her weapon, ready. But immediately, Anatase lightened the weight of the alloy on Sphene, reaching out with her reconstructed hands to grab her by the shoulder. As Anatase focused her sight—slightly damaged from their earlier encounter—she noticed the absence of their leader. After cursing her, and cursing herself, Rutilo Anatase extended her arms toward you. She wasn't so different from Fluorite, seeing you as the gem with the greatest potential to harm both Purple and Axinite at once, though she remains unaware of what happened to Fluorite. Padparadscha is tense, but doesn't seem ready to act rashly.
(Anatase) So... Purple didn't want to come? And here I thought... After destroying that Spinel, I was about to convince her. In the end, she turned out to be far more cowardly than Fluorite. I suppose I'm the same... You see, my power of persuasion isn't very strong. This gem is weak and serves a useless role. Don't you want to switch places with her? You could stay close to me—that's what you want, isn't it? You have no plans, not even a clear idea of what's happening in the Crust, or what will become of this Island. Don't worry. Just let me embrace you. Judging by Padparadscha's expression, she seems willing to accept whatever choice you make. She won't attack me soon.

>>2440
Nice edit, black. You went viral on a post in the Hisrol archive channel's YouTube community, it's not usual for posts to be uploaded to the Hisrol archive channel's YouTube community, is it?
https://www.youtube.com/@hisrol2019/posts

>Be realistic, black, with your pace AND our response pace this roleplay will easily drag on for another 2 years. But hey, better that than the other 2 alternatives, right?
You scare me, black.
After having finished the two parallel turns, now there's only one response line, and practically both are in the same time window. By that I mean I'm on track. Less than 1 year.

>>2442
I didn't remember her voice being so high-pitched kek
Leucozafiro's voice in my head sounded like Frieren's, but I also don't rule out that she can modulate high tones, because of the Ene you used before. But when you used Frieren it didn't sound like Frieren to me until the end of the second part of the roleplay.

>>2446

The wave returns to the ocean...

>Topaz Purple's words made Taaffeite remember something
>A certain Buddhist saying that Tara must have shared during one of their many conversations
>As Taaffeite murmured those words, she stepped aside to let Topaz Purple attend to Imperial Topaz
>The wave is there—you can see it, measure it, even feel it—but...
>What happens to the wave once it disappears?
>Does it simply cease to exist, or does it transform into something else?
>At this moment, Imperial Topaz's state resembled that very wave

Thoughts as fleeting as these aren't like us. Still, like anyone else, I can be dazzled for the brief moment the wave exists. If that's what you're trying to say, then I suppose there's no harm in letting the others know about this.

>A gem's long life makes it difficult to understand the concept of mortality
>Most young gems learn this concept through observing other living beings
>Until now, none had ever heard of someone whose life could end as quickly as any animal's
>In this sense, Imperial Topaz was unique among all the unique gems that have ever existed
>Letting the others know about this could bring great pain and confusion
>Yet, despite knowing that, Taaffeite chooses to make the information public
>Even if just for an instant, several will be glad to see Imperial Topaz once more

If instead of you, Alex had appeared, I would have been overflowing with joy. Even knowing I'd have to say goodbye to her again sooner or later, I still would have cherished it. That's... because at least then I'd know what to expect and... I think Luci will feel the same way when she sees you.

>Being able to say goodbye to her master Alexandrite wouldn't erase all the pain, nor stop her from missing her, but...
>She would feel much more at peace knowing she could say everything she'd always wanted to say before she left
>Such an opportunity isn't for her, but for Andalusite and the other gems close to Imperial Topaz
>To deny such a miracle to any of those involved would be a cruel act on her part
>So, just as Purple Topaz expressed, she doesn't intend to rob Andalucita of her long-awaited reunion chance
>Lifting her face, Taaffeite showed a warm smile and approached Imperial Topaz
>Urging her to meet with the others, while placing a hand on her shoulder

...

What? Ah, no. She... looked very normal, I guess. I'm just a bit tired, that's all.

>Sitting with her head tilted back and eyes lost on the ceiling, Taaffeite lay reclined with a blank expression
>Her absent-minded rest was interrupted by Axinite, who approached and leaned down, looking at her from above
>After blinking and shaking her head, Taaffeite sat up normally again
>Then responding to Axinite's question
>Apparently, she interpreted Taaffeite's vacant demeanor as an attempt to avoid her
>Which was far from true, since her current appearance wasn't an issue for her at all
>Almost half the island shared some common trait with Fluorite's appearance
>If she had to act distant toward every gem with such traits, she'd end up isolating herself from everyone
>Of course, she has no intention of doing such a thing, nor does she see it as a problem that Axinite still maintains a connection with her
>At least not physically—mentally, she'd rather not dwell on it and just assume the best

Yes, please. Avoid talking about those things, I don't want more worries today!

>Hastily and somewhat frightened, Taaffeite raised her hands, asking Axinite to stop
>She knows from previous conversations that there's something about space and communications with it
>She doesn't grasp the full context, but she can sense it's not good
>Finding out about such things would only bring more trouble, and there are already enough problems in Crystal Land
>Once things are resolved here, she'll figure out how to deal with outside matters
>Or that's what she'd like to say—but knowing how things usually go, she'll probably know the whole story within less than a week
>She'll need some mental peace until then, and the best way to get it is by not thinking about such topics
Oh, but you can talk about the stars you knew before as much as you want. There's no better proof to show that you're really you than that—go ahead, tell me more about that nebula that carries my colors.

>With a blank stare, Taaffeita remained silent for a few seconds, trying to relax
>Once she succeeded, she became livelier and more colorful
>She pulled her chair closer to Axinita's to see the book being shown to her more clearly
>The colors in the drawing didn't match hers at all
>Yet, she knows perfectly well that what Axinita says is true
>Not because she's witnessed that nebula before
>But because when it comes to the night sky, nobody surpasses Axinita
>Clear proof that if Fluorite is still out there, she's not the one speaking right now

>>2447

I know you're curious, but if you stay quiet, you'll find out...

>Even though she knew when and where Imperial Topaz's presentation would take place, Taaffeita ended up arriving late
>Not because she had something else to do, but due to sheer distraction
>She had already been waiting for the event to start for nearly an hour
>During that time, Taaffeita wandered here and there, focusing on nothing but the ground beneath her feet
>Because of that, she didn't notice Imperial Topaz's arrival until she heard the whispering of the others
>Embarrassed by her lateness, Taaffeita hurried her steps to get there
>Having to push her way through the other gems
>Whom she tried to silence with a loud clap from behind

None of us planned for this to happen. The perpetrator behind this incident chose Ciori only because she was useful to her purpose, that's all.

>By the time she positioned herself in front of Heliodor and the others, the discussion had already begun
>Her attitude was somewhat expected, so Taaffeita didn't make much effort to intervene
>She simply waited for Heliodor to finish speaking, so she could speak herself
>It wasn't until Imperial Topaz interrupted her that Taaffeita saw her chance to clarify things
>Her way of doing so was quite simplistic, after all, long and detailed explanations aren't her thing
>Leaving that role to Imperial Topaz, who soon complemented his explanation

No matter how many times I say it, I'll be there to listen to you Cior... What should I call you now? Sherio? Torry? Um, I guess Sherry will do.

>Taaffeita's head and shoulders drooped slightly as she was accused of hiding things
>She has been doing so since she learned of Tara and on no occasion was it a pleasant experience
>Instead of denying or taking offense at such an accusation, it is better to accept it in silence
>She was ready to receive more judgments like that, but instead Imperial Topaz returned her effort with a smile
>Raising her face, Taaffeita did the same while offering to help him in any way she could
>Only to be distracted the next second from the purpose of this conversation
>In any case, once the meeting was over, she would make sure to fulfill that promise
>Writing in a letter what Imperial Topaz wants to convey to Andalucita in case she doesn't wake up in time
>Likewise, she would paint a picture of her, so that everyone would remember the brief moment when the wave came out of the ocean

I'm so envious of Axinite... I'd also like the chance to explore the world at my leisure. To see elephants, giraffes, and other phenomenal wonders, but... are you sure you want to do it?

>With no major task to attend to, Taaffeita contented herself with carelessly watering the flowers
>Stopping when Purple Topaz asked her about her state
>After putting down the watering can, Taaffeita lay down beside him
>Extending her hand to the sky, while thinking about Axinite's journey
>Until now, she hadn't had any great desire to visit other lands
>But with everything that is happening, that possibility is becoming more and more tempting
>Still, as much as she wants to escape all her problems simply by running away, she hesitates before accepting
>Even for a week, she couldn't stay at ease leaving the rest to their fate

You're truly amazing Topur. If you hadn't been there, I would have lost it, hitting Sally and making everything even worse. I'm so glad to have you as a leader and as a friend.

>>2447
>After seeing you transform
I'm going to assume you meant "Verse transformase" because if not, there's something I'm really missing.

>You went viral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ_oTtw_7no▾What a huge lie you're telling me, how can it be viral when it's the post with the fewest likes?

>Less than 1 year
1 year and 6 months, last offer

>>2444
You don't need to do those things to be happy. I'm not going to be ungrateful and say I don't care as much about having legs, but I don't burst out laughing every time I take a step or someone calls me by my name. You can still find a reason to live or be happy even if you've lost those things.
>Sapphire was as determined to stay down there as she was to go up, and much more so than she was determined to change her mind.
>The least she could do was offer her the same exit option that Limonite had already extended to her, at least without going against another of her ideas and taking Sapphire out of there against her will.
>The elder gem would know better than her what her situation was and what decision she wanted to make, she could do no more than talk to her and respect her decisions.
Dumortierite was almost like my disciple when she was kidnapped. We didn't spend too much time together, she caused Peridotite to plan another mass kidnapping and tried to annihilate me twice before I captured her and she was punished. I could say I was a much worse teacher than you.
>Recounts the story of Dumortierite beneath the surface in a summarized way, with arms crossed and a flat tone, trying to distance herself even when ending it with a comment that could be seen as a joke.
Was she your apprentice or just a sister? I don't think I could say such nice things about Dum even if I lied, you must have had a much better relationship with her. I can ask her those questions for you if I ever see her again... That you still have desires sounds like you still have reasons to live, but that's enough.
>She can't say it's okay to leave Sapphire like this because she doesn't think it's a good thing, nor can she say it's over because deciding it's the end is like closing yourself off to new possibilities, it's just a pause for her, if the things Sapphire did and what they talked about here continue to impact her or others then she can't say it's all over here.
Uh... Thanks?
>The prospect of being eaten alive by Limonite is stranger than her attitude, which she can't quite get used to due to her habit of doing and saying new strange things.

>>2445
>Many times she had gone through the experience of being inactive for a long time and waking up with a gem above her, which shouldn't be strange since technically all those who woke up on Andalucite's workbench went through the same thing, but that the place where she woke up wasn't that still seemed strange to her, even though it had been a long time since she had woken up there.
>Waking up in situations she couldn't immediately comprehend pushed her to act with caution, something unusual for her, but necessary if she wanted to be sure if the first gem she saw upon waking was one she could hug or one she should shatter with her sword, even if she didn't have a sword at the moment and had decided to stop doing those things long ago.
I feel, which is more than I could say for sure when I didn't even know if I had a mouth to do so... So this must be an improvement.
>She forgot to switch from her cautious demeanor to a friendly one when it was time to speak and it showed in her tone and expressions, that could also be blamed on past experiences where parts of her material had been lost beyond simple fractures and the questionable memories she had of experiencing that despite how impossible it sounded to be conscious to feel something like that.
I feel like parts of me are missing or I have too many. The 1% you mentioned isn't inside me, right? I don't know if I'd be comfortable having part of another, less humble gem or clay inside me... again.
>She shook her head, but the feelings of insecurity and her uncharacteristic demeanor didn’t shake off. She kept remembering unpleasant things—like the sensation in her throat left by destroying Rutile or expelling Limolite, or her own percentages of Block and Ash, which still felt the disintegration of Anatase like phantom limbs.
Was that why you asked how we were feeling? Is there another passenger inside me again?
>She looked over and touched her body as if searching for a stowaway hidden in one of her cracks. If she’d had more energy, she would’ve done it more loudly and vigorously, but with her current mood, she could only do it with the seriousness worthy of one of her impersonations of gems like Hawk’s Eye or Taaffeite.
>She used to think letting other gems see her down only served to bring down the mood of those around her, and she preferred never to do it. But now she made the excuse that maybe showing weakness would give gems who were already clearly worried about her a chance to act like older sisters—ones who are there to help and offer emotional comfort instead of receiving it. Maybe that would be another way to make others happy, one she’d never dared to try before.
I don’t know how much I can answer when I’m so lost… but I think I want to wait.
>She looked around under the pretense of wanting to familiarize herself with the part of the crust they were in, though more than that, she wanted to avoid her sisters’ eyes while remaining apathetic.
>When there wasn’t much to see or understand, she searched for a place to sit and wait for Kunzite, assuming she’d just gotten up from one nearby.
White was one of my least favorite colors; I can understand her, though I thought she’d like it more.
>She nodded without adding much to what Onyx was explaining. Nodded again at Onyx’s offer of a drink. Was about to nod a third time at Onyx’s question about Carnelian—but no. Instead, she shrugged.
I don’t know if we were just playing our own way or if she truly disliked me. Either way, she was entertaining—never bored me when she was around.
>Talking about one of her sisters in the past tense, when she still didn’t know her fate, felt wrong. She didn’t realize she was doing it until the words had already left her throat. This made her pause and think more carefully before speaking again.
Hm… Did you and Kunzite want to get rid of Carnelian so you could live without her?
>She forced herself to look Onyx in the face when asking the question and regretted doing both almost instantly.
It’s not like it’ll ruin what I think of you, but being left with only what Carnelian made me understand could be… uncomfortable.
>Though she had no lungs to hold her breath, in moments like this, she felt it was the kind of reaction a different body would have. Her version of it was staying still as the stone she originally was.
I’ll always be happy to see my sisters again, even if it’s just for a moment…
>Her voice still didn’t show it much, and her eyes still spent more time looking at other parts of the place, as if searching for someone who obviously couldn’t be there.
>Though it also wasn’t supposed to be the happiest moment of her life, the fact that Anatase at least got to say goodbye to her master’s body before destroying it with her own hands, while she couldn’t even see the body of the gem she loved for a few more seconds, felt deeply unfair.
>Maybe she would’ve been happier, maybe she’d be worse off now, or maybe it was just a very self-centered feeling. Just like the decisions she’d made in the past—she’d never know.

>>2450
To sing surely I would make my voice as high-pitched as possible on purpose to sound like a bird, or just to be noisy. Outside of that or imitations, I wouldn't imagine her with such a high voice either, although to imitate a gem with a high voice I would have to imagine what tone of voice the other gems that I imitate would have.

There are many images of the monochrome drinking, but many would look strange in the role for different reasons.

>>2448

I understand, there's no point in protecting this place anymore...

>I close my eyes heavily, thinking about everything that will be lost
>The academy, the garden, every single lifeform on this island
>Even archives like books and paintings they've preserved will be erased by radiation
>They'll likely take even the remains of destroyed gems they kept
>The desire to give up, to let everything end, rises within Taaffeita as she thinks about it
>Yet, as she said before, what matters is ensuring the well-being of all who live on this island
>Opening her eyes, Taaffeita mentally prepared herself to do whatever it takes to achieve that

I don't think we need to worry about another pyroclastic gem—the scale of this attack has proven more than sufficient...

>If there's any kind of consolation in all this, it's this: the enemy is only one
>Peridotite and any other crust gem have no reason to appear
>Not when they've already successfully decimated all their defenses
>If they wanted to, they could have already taken any gems they desired
>However, that was never their goal
>What the crust desires is to generate maximum stress within its inclusions
>And if that's the case, it means there's only one thing left to do

Padparadscha, if you wish to see her, just follow me. I have no intention of stopping anything you do once we arrive. Still, I'll ask a small favor. Don't take unnecessary risks, and try to trust what I do.

>She examined Padparadscha from head to toe the moment she entered the room
>Without paying attention to her words or the argument she was having with Purple Topaz, Taaffeita walked toward the door
>Holding onto the doorframe, she waited silently for them to finish speaking
>Once they did, Taaffeita would signal her to follow with a monotone voice
>Unlike Purple Topaz, Taaffeita gave her permission to act as she pleased
>She didn't even bother to apologize or excuse herself for the loss of Pink Spinel
>She simply walked with hurried steps toward the lake
>During the journey, Taaffeita's body emitted smoke from nerves
>Yet despite that, her gaze was the complete opposite—showing the most stoic expression

>>2449

You're okay, that's good.

>She made no attempt whatsoever to start a conversation along the way
>She didn't speed up, nor was she fazed by the destruction around her
>The only moment Taaffeita slightly changed her expression was when Black Spinel appeared
>Stopping her walk, Taaffeita approached and checked her condition
>After seeing she was still capable of fleeing and fighting, Taaffeita resumed walking forward without looking back
(...) I see you thought of that too. Well, if we both agree then you can let Sphna go. Do you understand what I'm saying? I didn't come here to fight, nor to convince you.

>She pursed her lips in a displeased grimace as soon as she saw Anatase holding Sphna
>Nevertheless, her gaze was distant, as if deep down she didn't care what happened to her
>She didn't draw her sword either, nor did she make any move to attack at this sight
>Instead, Taaffeita just stared into Anatase's eyes without saying anything
>Once she started speaking, she took her sword and threw it to Padparadscha
>She raised her hand, asking her not to intervene, and sat down as best she could on the floor
>She was clearly surrendering as a prisoner

Instead, why don't you try to convince me? As far as I know, the cortex's goal is to take control of the inclusions and end human suffering, isn't that right? I don't understand, I don't see why I should care about the well-being of such beings. I also don't understand why so many of you, whether here or elsewhere, seem to fear eternity. I've spoken with Sally and I know well everything she has done to fulfill that desire. The atrocities she committed are enough that even I have considered destroying her. Still, I don't think there's anything wrong with the idea of living forever. The problem lies in what one is willing to do to achieve it. In that sense, pyroclastic gems like you and the cortex are not very different from Sally. After all, both of you are willing to resort to evil to achieve your goals. (...) That's what I think, but unlike you, I haven't been to the cortex, I haven't seen humans, and I don't know many of the things you know. So... why don't you tell me? You want to alter purple Topaz, right? Well, I'm giving you the opportunity to do so. Pyroclastic gem LA Anatase, tell me what you have seen in the cortex that has made you change your mind, tell me so that I can too.

>Despite showing willingness to cooperate with Anatase, Taaffeita refused to accept her hand
>But she would do nothing if Anatase took her by force
>She would only continue speaking with the same absent expression she had been using
>There are many things Taaffeita doesn't know and perhaps she has been naive all this time
>Maybe Anatase is right and the cortex is the right side of this argument
>That is something she cannot know without proper information
>Pink Diamond told her a lot about the cortex, but Taaffeita never bothered to understand its position
>After all, it was an enemy, but Anatase is a gem she lived with for quite some time
>If someone like her agreed to join the cortex, then Taaffeita might too

>>2455
>You can see vibrant traces of scrap metal on the ground. It still reacts to Black Spinel's commands, but they don't have enough strength to reassemble and sustain themselves in the air. The case of the iron carrying the pyroclastic gem is completely different; it doesn't operate based on individual elements, but rather extends a large mass of iron beneath the ground before making any movement. It compensates for the low maneuverability of its alloy with monstrous dexterity. For a gem that handles silica, you can only imagine that Anatase's mental load is somehow being distributed, or otherwise she wouldn't be able to think or move. Her high gaze settles on you after you drop your sword; she says nothing. Padparadscha, who holds the weapon in your place, tries to reason with you. However, she stays clear of the area where Anatase can effectively sink them into the iron. She was talking about the others; after her clash with Topaz, she seemed capable of controlling herself and passively devising a plan. Without much effort, Anatase completely pulls Sphene from the ground.
(Anatase) …
(Padparadscha) What are you doing, Taaffeite! We just had to wait. You know that, right? None of them will let themselves be irradiated and fall unconscious, not until-
(Anatase) She won't explode, I was just trying to make sure she didn't try to escape, and it was in vain. Hold her until we're done, okay, Pad? (...) What a great gift! Just look at you, it's like you've gone back to how you were. So everything before, all that sentimentality was false? I think I understand. Bort...? Bort and Yellow Diamond. You're contaminated, yuck.
>Padparadscha had to hold Sphene too; she took her with caution, even falling silent, searching for any metallic ash. On the ground beneath her path, Anatase's liquid metal precisely dodged the pieces of mineral left over from Sphene. Although she wasn't at risk of remaining inactive, the damage to her legs was enough that her repair would take years searching for compatible mineral pieces. Anatase speaks of gems being pulverized as if they had noticed that habit in her. After speaking to Pad, she finally recovers from the impression you gave her. She narrows her eyes, sensing your gaze, and soon asks to find a weak point in you. Her hair is completely black, and only her eyes now glow golden. As you approach, you can feel certain tingles in the transition area between your mineral and that of the diamonds. Anatase discovered the content of your body even though it was covered by resin. Part of your behavior reminded her of a gem she also knew. She didn't hesitate to place one of her hands over her nose and try to ventilate, her gestures leaning heavily towards displeasure and intolerance. Ignoring the first half of your words, she preemptively stated.
(Anatase) You made a bad decision. No, you were wrong from the start. I am not Rutile, that's true, despite having made myself with a small part of her fragments, I am not. But I am not Anatase either, even though I have her memories and ailments. Iron, Anatase, Silvite, Fluorite, Onyx, and Rutile, I am them, each in different proportions and importance, grouping victims and perpetrators. My body is incompatible enough for the Crust's systems to find me unknown, like an intruder. Still, my desire has not changed. (...) I want it all to end soon.
>She rested her leg on a mound of iron she herself formed, Anatase cleared in the air what she believed was your confusion, and offered you a confession. Her neck, bulging in the fur of the pyroclastic beast, swayed its edges even when there was no wind. On her head are traces of mineral cuts and compaction of her hair that she cannot hide. The cracks that start in her iris do not extend beyond the pupil of her right eye, but you could almost expect them to. After denying her identity, the pyroclastic gem shows you one of her arms damaged from combat with Spinel. Pieces of her mineral fall to the ground as she begins to release the contents within what should be her slender limb. A first, second, and third hand can extend to the side along with their respective forearms, each of a different color, with distinct crystalline structures and shimmers. The movement is not uniform, not all react to what her anatase and rutile shell does, some of them fall and sway in the air, and another holds itself up, further disturbing her demonstration. As if it were elastic glue, Anatase uses the iron and red vapor within her to recover her mineral layers and recompact them. It took a moment between her finishing consolidating for her to reaffirm her will and explain her desire. It was similar to what Rutile showed she had a long time ago in the sky. Upon hearing you, Rutile's expression hardened. It was enough to mention behaviors similar to Sally's to make her angry. She waved her hand one last time in the air.
(Anatase) Fluorite was never able to finish anything. She didn't enslave them completely because she believed in love, freedom, and other stupid human feelings. Nor was she able to fully believe in that love or visualize a future in which she would be satisfied. I do not intend to act in such a disgustingly lenient way. Among all the many types of bodies she had, didn't it occur to you that she tried to surrender herself at some point? What do you think happened to her? Right now, the one using the same repulsive morals is you. And unlike you, unlike Sally, I was able to achieve my goal. Peridotite will not exist for the next 3.5 million years, and that is enough time.
>Fluorite was captured by the Crust in the past, or what could be considered Pre-Crust—part of humanity that survived and tried to control it one final time. History does not favor Anatase and her attempt to take Axinite from Purple Topaz. Topaz isn't even present to receive firsthand the insults she directs at you. Anatase stepped forward to make her point, swirling her robe in front of you, focusing on overshadowing your position so Padparadscha, Sphene, Spinel, and the nearby gems would give her greater importance. She finally touched your head gently and lightly while declaring that the massive inclusion-being of Peridotite had met the same fate as Avalok. She began acting proudly, so much so that in response to your question about the Crust and its conditions, she figuratively grabbed you by the hair. She smiled as if speaking of a fantasy land, while generating small glimmers with her alloy, triggering reactions in light metals. Anatase wanted to spin around again, but merely stretched out her arms while dismissing your attention.

(Anatase) The Crust is a beautiful land of flowers and colors where death or suffering don't exist. There, green energy from destroyed gems is used to counteract a climatic phenomenon called humans. You silly Taaffe, humans aren't an entity, they don't possess well-being—they're just a cycle of vapors. That's why, down there, it's easier for gems to experience love. Love between sister gems, love between apprentice and master gems, even love between equal gems.

>>2456
(Anatasa) Not everything is a joke. For a while... I was a Gem of the Crust, and I agreed hundreds of times to rebuild the Academy, agreed that Crystal Earth should continue its cycle for hundreds of thousands of years more. But now, I don't think that way anymore.
>When she finished clasping her hands, Anatasa glanced around. Her posture wasn't perfect, and shouting for so long seemed to have affected her. It affects you too, even more—the radiation prevents you from thinking clearly. Beyond whatever Anatasa might do or say, observing Padparadscha, Sphene, and the others becomes impossible. All of them are suffering from prolonged exposure. Anatasa approaches you; she's sincere, stepping away from the stereotype you assigned her, though she accepts it in part. After finishing, she uses the iron on the ground to restrain you again. However, this time she doesn't slam you against the iron or try to overpower you further. She simply keeps you pressed against the ground while refusing to give explanations or negotiate beyond her terms. Moving closer with her hands ready to take yours, Anatasa reveals a part of herself.
(Anatasa) Change my mind? Help me torture other Gems? That wouldn't have happened. Taaffeite... Much of the love I carried with me only grew stronger—towards him, for example, and the love I feel for you. It doesn't hurt. I know it doesn't now; I've polished my technique. I... also had to dispose of Leucozaphire, even though, for a moment, she almost understood me. I know things couldn't have gone any other way, but still, I had some hope. It exists, and I can hold onto it, as I once did.
>From the tips of your fingers to your wrists, or Diamond Black's wrists, your hands dissolve into dust that stains the grass white. Indeed, as Anatasa says, it doesn't hurt, but you can feel your wholeness unraveling in seconds. Memories from all these past years begin to vanish, melting into simple colors like those in a painting. Anatasa must have applied this to Leucozaphire down there in a far less controlled manner. Even though you no longer have hands, Anatasa continues holding the air, as if she had cleansed your inclusions of Bort's impurities. Anatasa's hair falls before you as she lowers her head, replacing her brief smile with an expression of sudden contemplation.
(Anatasa) I can see your inclusions—this is your heart... It's not invisible or inaudible to me.
>Her gaze igniting with intense gold once more, you saw Anatasa suddenly draw close. She let go of your nonexistent hands and began her embrace. She pressed one palm against your chest, while the other returned behind your neck, just like during your first combat encounter. Beneath your gaze, Anatasa's hair reacted faintly, as if magnetized. You can't see clearly because of it, but when you look to the sky, you notice dark objects falling one after another, severely damaged upon hitting the ground so violently. As you continuously lose memories—of Rutile, of Alexandrite, of many other gems except Anatasa—the birds in the sky die and fall mid-flight, due to radiation. Anatasa held you closely, before warning you.
(Anatasa) I'll destroy everything, until dawn rises again. I didn't... want this responsibility. The idea of ending up completely alone, or accepting becoming ashes and slag—I rejected it. I couldn't even imagine such a situation. But I will die by my own hand, and only by my own. So let me go. Don't try to understand it. Don't make things more complicated. I'll pulverize the gems you care for, and inflict irreparable aftereffects upon the gems you love. I will ruin and render this island uninhabitable, and eventually, the planet's surface. Soon, you won't even need to remember—neither my mistakes, nor my ugliness. I know you—
>Beyond mere mineral contact, you could almost feel part of Anatasa's neck merging with yours. Her mineral ceased recognizing the boundaries of your own. Her substance was so dense that just penetrating a few cent
(Anatasa) …
(Green Diamond) You completely destroyed our home! And it wasn't just ours, but yours too… Stop all this humiliation! Anatasa. I don't care anymore! What happens to this forest, or my status as a diamond. If it's true that I'll fall sooner than I should, then don't expect me not to rush, Taaffeite!
(Anatasa) Eye.
(Eye) Diamond cluster, identical to the icy bubbles the Crust collected. It was the 4,000-year-old gem, Chrysoberyl, she set the trap.
>Green Diamond looked agitated, she had probably been in contact with the weakened gems. Anatasa observes her, says nothing to her, but doesn't ignore her, rather she analyzes her silently until she says a word. Assembling itself from the molten iron, the double mineral block you saw wandering between the Academy and Communications returned to Anatasa's side. This time it didn't take as long to form as during the first encounter. Its voice was that of a human, behind a layer of mineral that probably hid its tiny insect self. Apparently, the one who tried to help you was Chrysoberyl, while Green Diamond was drawing all the attention. You lost control of the situation, and Anatasa didn't regain it immediately, but was fighting with the rest of the gems. Analyzing again but sounding more paranoid, the double block Eye put pressure on the ground to force a pyroclastic stain. Anatasa stopped it, and gave it orders to move away from direct combat and attack the place where Topaz was. (Padparadscha) Enough.
(Eye) All of them… They will attack us in less than a minute. Ru-rutile, the first to confront you directly will be Padparadscha, along with Green Diamond. Um. We can still retreat, we don't have to respond head-on. Maybe Purple Topaz has already surrendered. Don't you think? Second objective secured, we'll leave in 10 seconds…!
(Anatasa) Stop. Forget the Academy, attack the Communications building. Green Diamond and Chrysoberyl struggled to get here by surrounding it. Sphene wants to go there, but Padparadscha, like the first two, also avoids it. At this point it's somewhat obvious. I will activate all the blocks, make sure Purple is destroyed, and Uranophane, those two especially.
>As she lost her advantage over you, Anatasa was left exposed to the advance of the other gems. The alloy coating the iron directed at you didn't come only from Espinela Negra; by this point, both Heliodor and Obsidiana had joined in. The former used lead—originally intended to block Peridotita's control—but in quantities exceeding initial estimates. The double Eye block vanished into the iron as it arrived, though it wasn't completely invisible to the gems. Diamante Verde and Crisoberilo would block it, at least partially, to prevent it from attacking in the same way it had at the Academy. Although Diamante Verde was noticeably faster than Padparadscha, it was the latter who moved directly toward you, coordinating with Espinela Negra to avoid interception by Anatasa's iron. The pyroclastic gem completely deformed the ground, creating waves, depressions, and elevations where none had existed before. Again, as if her enthusiasm had returned with the fight, she began acting spontaneously once more. She tried to approach you, still partially covered in her own iron, knowing only you could hear her, and turned her gaze toward the cloud-covered sky. But no matter how much she asked you, Fluorita's location was something only Tara and Topacio Púrpura had known. A piece of Anatasa's rutile mineral fell beside you, severed from her head by your sword. Padparadscha had thrown it and struck true, destroying a layer of Anatasa's head and loosening her hair, which once again began revealing clearly identifiable golden traces. She covered her mouth, spitting out mixed fragments of mineral that had accumulated inside.
(Anatasa) Tell me, Taaffeíta, is Fluorita here on Earth? Or on some satellite...? You don't know? It might take months, even years, but Fluorita will reveal her location—I'll make sure to deceive her. (...) What awful taste.

>>2453
(Onix) Concentrate on making your body understand that the liquid will not remain inside you, without spitting it out. Did you use alloy? I had the idea that modern gems used alloy for everything. The sensation is like burying your face in snow. Apparently, introducing white matter inside you can dramatically reduce your energy consumption. It wasn't something I experienced as a winter gem, it was that little gem that told me. Her human name was... Solid? Ah- Are you alright?
>It gives you instructions on how to drink. Fuel stopped being useful for the beings of the Crust a long time ago, instead, Peridotite chose to use magnetism and much more physical means dependent on it to mobilize the entire Crust. Right now there doesn't seem to be such a demand, from how you can see the landscape in the distance. You drink and as soon as the liquid touches the inside of your mouth, a reaction will rise, causing you to emit gas from within. The temperature difference was very high and suddenly you became one of the chimneys that organic beings used to gather around. Onix mentioned Solid, and told you about a winter experience, but you couldn't answer yet. Your tongue, the inside of your mouth remained solid and immobile for several seconds. When Onix tried to help you, you had already recovered. The way she planned to do it was not exactly delicate, she was prepared to spin you on your horizontal axis if necessary. (...) Onix received your question with a serious face, her neutrality lasted several seconds until she released her expression with bewilderment and some displeasure.
(Onix) ... So that's what she told you. Carnelian always brings out the worst in me, seriously.
>She took her head with one of her hands, wanting to nullify the stress of dealing with her other internal gem. It was clear that Onix felt very responsible for what Carnelian was capable of. Although in the Crust, she only dedicated herself to generating ways to alter Fluorite, without direct intervention in the Crystalline Earth. Probably none of the androids she created are here now, because from the room to the entire base it feels quite improvised. The only elaborated things are the mineral flowers that Kunzite seems to have recovered from the Crust's seasons, parts made of gems that were used for release a long time ago. Carnelian never liked showing them, it was just Peridotite's work. The walls rise irregularly, as if an ant colony had been in charge of stacking every closed space of the place with silica. Still, they seem to be thick enough to stop, for example, a pure stream of red humans. Neither Limonite nor Argillite should be great builders, as their focus was much more practical than aesthetic, and that says a lot about their own complex behavior. Onix set aside her liquid fuel encapsulated inside the cold box from where she took them, she seems to have drunk enough. Without further ado, she also sets aside her unease regarding Carnelian to answer you properly.
(Onix) I had time to talk with Kunzite, among many things, about Carnelian, Fluorite, the Crust, and Anatase. (...) Your teacher Ruby was exceptionally compassionate, strict, and dedicated, wasn't she? She was an ideal gem to guide others and had a strong connection with Padparadscha. Watermelon Tourmaline, on the other hand, was abnormally understanding—a fusion of passion and contemplation. Thanks to what I learned from Fluorite, I can finally understand that she didn't choose mentors by accident. Fluorite, in one way or another, tried to preserve or imprint traits of higher-ranking gems, either directly or indirectly. There were several times, for example, that Kunzite spoke with Anatase about Tanzanite and her uniquely special mind. Augite couldn't recover from just one mind alone, yet she always envisioned the possibility of reconstructing it—for her teacher.
>During her time, Anatase was the active combat gem with the lowest hardness on the battlefield. At a 6 on the Mohs scale, she was unable to compensate for that missing point to reach the average hardness of combat gems, despite showing great resilience. Kunzite, although capable of recognizing gems like Uranocircite, Tanzanite, and Chrysocolla who were struggling internally due to unfair conditions, couldn't do much for them—because she easily fell into that same category herself due to her poor memory. Had she devoted herself to clothing production, for instance, alongside Ruby, Anatase would have been far more representative in that field. Onix explains that even the simple act of interacting with another gem could have been influenced by Fluorite in her role as leader. While not something extremely hidden, it becomes clear that she only gained access to this information through Carnelian and her extensive research. That Anatase arrived at the Crust with the desire to reconstruct other gems—though that intention dates back over 600 years—is far more significant to a gem like Onix than to you, or even to Anatase herself, who spent part of her existence shattered and reconverted into an alloy by Peridotite. Onix leans against the freezer before speaking; her tone isn't accusatory—in fact, she's trying to respond to your partial happiness in her own way.
(Onix) Fluorite had known the Crust's gems for a long time, the androids, and was aware that Anatase was similar to Rutile, especially in her tendency to go to extremes. To say that Anatase's eccentric behavior or her sensitivity to the idea of recovering gems was all Fluorite's doing is bold and unlikely. We all long to be repaired, it's the same now as it was 600 years ago. The difference is that Anatase has destroyed more gems than the Crust could have processed in tens of thousands of years, and it's an unequal response to the unfair provocations of that little Fluorite that day.
>You don't have to put yourself in danger of being attacked by humans to see it, the Crust has become a nest of aggressive human clusters, which take the form of giant beings with hundreds of legs or eyes due to the low stimulation provided by Peridotite, or rather, none at all. Describing that lack of control, Onix informs you about Anatase, and how she has turned hundreds of gems on the surface into dust. Naturally, you wouldn't find hundreds of gems on the Crystal Earth, it being also a sensitive area for Fluorite, so she could only have destroyed lost and desolate gems, of which you know hundreds of thousands exist. It was, although ineffective, the Crust's last resort to continue the large-scale liberation plan, you know it because you were going to carry it out in case they couldn't replicate the precise conditions to recapture gems. The Crust is not liberating any humans and you can feel a vibrant energy that threatens to erupt and sink the earth again and again until Peridotite awakens, perhaps in thousands of years. For such a catastrophe to happen soon would be completely unfortunate, your window of action would be extremely short, were it not for the clays from which you can see material scattered throughout the Crust. It's almost like Tara and her hundreds of copies, only on a scale you wouldn't expect in the Crust, with thousands looking like ants while mitigating the chaos that spreads for kilometers. Onix takes a lock of her hair, white, but which to the touch has dark edges. She clarifies.
(Onix) Regarding your question. I remember that, even without being aware of Corteza or Fluorita, what I wanted was to completely eliminate the twisted way Carnelian impacted others. N-not eliminate Carnelian herself, God no. Although my condition was induced by Corteza, it's clear Kunzite was affected. She grew up acquiring part of that sense of incompleteness I thought was only mine. And that's why my only plan was to merge with her, with Carnelian, to fully combine and prevent other gems who cared about me—or might come to love me in the future—from growing doubtful of their identity. It was important to me back then, preparing myself to teach other gems, even if I had a different face or personality.
>Liberation, as a method to eliminate another gem through prolonged and intense hatred. Carnelian lied. It's not surprising from her, considering her personality, but you couldn't suspect because liberation was so foreign to you at the time. Dumortierite was reckless with her instructions; that terrible sensation, her agonizing description—it could only come after liberation. In reality, during it, gems probably don't experience emotions that intense and damaging. Had I known earlier, your demonstration in front of Onyx, in front of Fluorite, might have yielded better results. Onix finally opens up a bit more to you, setting aside all the information about the gems who destroyed the Crust and Crystal Earth, explaining her motives. You didn't have the urgency to correct yourself before trying to teach another little gem—Onyx herself was talented enough to join Hawk's Eye at the Research Center without taking anything bad from you. Dumortierite too was able to accept her head as part of her body, solely to help you. There's a very high incompatibility between Carnelian and Onix; visibly, merging their minerals, even with a gem as skilled as Kunzite present, demanded a massive strain on their inclusions. Onix steps away from her artifact, ending the conversation by picking up empty capsules. You could already hear Kunzite approaching to take you away.
(On游戏副本) Now it hardly matters, Carnelian is her own gem out there, though I don't know if she's okay or where she is. But it's curious. Leucozaphire, you completely assimilated a Sapphire gem. Limolite said it—you're entirely you, not her. So maybe Carnelian really did have reasons to fear and misunderstand us.
(...)

>>2458
(Kunzite) Onyx has always been very intelligent, but also lazy, which is why she never officially accepts her leadership role, even though she effectively exercises it—and does so very well. It's thanks to her that we have a good relationship with the Clays. It's been a long time since we last walked like this. When was it? 300,050? But back then it was only me doing the talking. "Protect me from the evil and perverse forces of the Crust," I said something like that. Who would've thought you'd end up joining those forces. But don't worry, I know you're not evil, Corundum. No, not evil.
>Her gloves are an iridescent sky-blue. Normally the light of the Crust is pinkish, so these hues blend perfectly with her current mineral color. Kunzite isn't completely pink or white; like Onyx, she's undergone changes after reconstruction. Kunzite's grip is, as strange as it sounds, firm and direct. She holds your hand as if taking precautions to ensure you don't drift too far, while outwardly appearing calm and serene. She speaks of the past, of the times she acted like an older sister to you—several times, though her memory is faulty. Due to both reconstructions, you're now taller than her, though she does her best to make it not too obvious; you can notice it in her very high hairstyle. Together you used to roam the 2D ant-hive the Clays built for reconstructed gems. The terrain is uneven and the finishes are poor. You can see compartments made from android parts, and others from solid humans. And the non-solid humans trapped in pits they can't escape even by shifting forms, only by evaporating. Kunzite talks to you about her new job, a simple one outside her battlefield duties. After pointing out the extent of her group, she chats with you amiably, coincidentally mentioning a type of being that would appear soon.
(Kunzite) I suggested to Onyx that she let me take on the task of naming our group of gems. She hasn't officially assigned it to me yet, but it's extremely complicated! We're not just a couple of reconstructed gems; there are also gems who came from the surface, both traitors and refugees. There are two other gems who were already part of the Crust's gems before the Crust collapsed—oh, and with you, three. And how would you classify Limolite and Argilite? Two extraterrestrial entities seeking conquest?
(Argilita) An inclusive interstellar couple made of meteoric dust. We popularized the vacuum bee model in our planetary region.
(Kunzita) Extranimbirians. Creature-type Sitadel Tara that, the more they divide, the more their intelligence divides too.
(Argilita) Sentimental cohesion forces that exploited the discreet self-replication mechanism of inclusions— Eh, our secret… (...) Ah, Leucosapphire! Your beauty!
>Beings of inclusions are rarely called inclusive, but it's not unfounded. Argilita especially has a kind of material that makes her appear in a color impossible to cover with resin; in that sense, she's extremely inclusive due to the interaction of her inclusions. She appeared along the path, as if reintegrating her figure from dust and fragments carried by the wind. It was hard to notice because the Crust always featured null airflow, but due to intense human activity beyond this space in the Metacryst, wind and its dynamics emerged, bringing great whirlwinds to the destroyed human settlement area. For fragmented beings like Argilita and Limolite, this is ideal—in fact, it might even seem like the cause, since only this way can they replicate wherever they want without following Peridotite's model. Kunzite and Argilita are a peculiar duo, matching and complementing each other's absurd suggestions. Yet while Argilita contributed sentimental definitions, Kunzite started off precise, only to later dismiss them as low-priority considerations. She taught you to hide a certain cruelty behind jokes after all. Argilita didn't react with anything but confusion, and upon seeing you, immediately started making a fuss over your new heterogeneous style. It could be beneficial—now that you've shed your white, perfect appearance, Argilita might refrain from placing clay eggs inside you, assuming that's what she lays. She points at you, but quickly adds she's seen you before and it's not so much a surprise as it is a performance.
(Argilita) What happened to your hair! Those black patches, falling like thin parasites from your beautiful white skin. They are stripes… Oh. You're striped from head to toe! (...) I knew what my beloved Limolita did to save you, but I like to react to the particular way terrestrial gems change their style.
(Kunzita) You lived a life devoid of opportunity and hygiene, humble clay. Dark and unfortunate.
(-) Don't sink your face into the splinters. Your inclusions will shift and you'll start seeing through your feet. It's not pleasant.
(Solid) Your warnings are strange, Uranus. Are you sure you didn't meet my sister?
>They didn't talk about plans, nor ways to stop the Crust from completely crumbling, Kunzita didn't mention Anatase either, nor did she bring Argilita to show the possibilities of her race. Instead, she made you walk into a space you already knew. It's so large that a 2nd or 3rd Crust could be made inside it, if it weren't contaminated for humans. The mineral shards stretch like needles for kilometers towards the horizon below giant stalactites. Some of which fell and became stalagmites the size of buildings, bursting into view. Carnelian introduced you to Solid in this harmless space for gems, the area where she let her play freely. And fortunately, Solid once again, appears there, apparently not possessed by Fluorite or being the host gem for another cruel experiment. Not far from her, the gem she called and whose voice you had to reconsider several times before defining it. Naturally, Uranocircita is a gem that, due to her extensive practice dealing with the passage of years, it wouldn't be impossible for her to have kept her head upside down in a puddle until that happened to her. Unlike how you might have imagined her, she remains as she was, the same height, and with a yellow-green tone that, strangely, doesn't shine at all. Solid stops playing and runs to greet you, alluding to your red, molten state when you arrived.
(Uranocircita) ...
(Solid) White Diamond! Sister White, you're awake. You couldn't let yourself be defeated by the melting, could you? I knew it, red isn't for everyone. (...) Um, Urano? Wanna play hide-and-seek?
(Uranocircita) Wait, please! Just hold on-
>Her attire was one from the Cortex, without enough details to fully relate it to the one she had on the Crystal Earth. It was Gips's servant gem who made it for her, Spectrolite, part of its design is recognizable. The sleeves she raised towards you, for example, maneuvering her arms nervously several times before covering her face with her hands. They are not movements you have seen before, due to the high radiation that something like that would have generated. Uranocircita did not back down, she just tried to get up, and failed for an instant, raising asbestos needles instead. Solid finds her presence pleasant, you can see it by the simple way she treats her, which does not compete with that of her favorite gem, Carnelian. Kunzite has her eyes closed in a slight smile, largely ignoring what is happening, on purpose. After stopping you, Uranocircita can settle down. She observes the asbestos that, normally, would have ignited and temporarily turned into lanterns, upon her radiation deployment. Uranocircita is direct from the start, implicitly pointing at Anatase. She stopped talking at a certain point, as if it were difficult for her. She seemed quite conflicted, at the confused gaze of Argilite and Solid.
(Uranocircita) My radiation has completely disappeared, everything that prevented me from getting close to others, my disintegration… I was rebuilt again and again, until I completely lost my instability. She did it… And that's why, anyway, I'm still disintegrating. Just like Onyx and Kunzite. No, much faster than those two. No-... Hgr… There's no way our meeting can truly make you happy in this state. As much as I wanted it to. I, I can't wait by your side to say "Welcome," and then "I'm sorry, I'm going to disintegrate. Goodbye." Do you understand? I'm trying to avoid reminding you of it.

>>2456

>I turn to look at Padparadscha after Anatase hands Esphene over
>I consider signaling Padparadscha to escape now that she has her
>However, I quickly discard that idea and return my gaze to Anatase
>Any escape plan would be stopped instantly
>As Padparadscha had said, her mission is to buy time
>That's exactly what Taaffeite is trying to achieve with this conversation
>Still, Taaffeite herself seems reluctant to continue it
>Ignoring many of Anatase's questions

You said it yourself—Sally never fully committed to anything. The fact that she surrendered and came back here proves that. Even with eternity ahead of me, I wouldn't be capable of doing something like that. I'm here, facing you, despite knowing that—that's what sets me apart from her.

>A slight slump of the shoulders was the only response Taaffeite offered to Anatase's initial questions
>Letting her talk alone is much easier and less overwhelming than answering
>After all, she's a pyroclastic gem, and as I've learned, holding conversations with them is useless
>However, given the situation, staying silent forever isn't an option
>Sooner or later, it becomes my turn to speak
>Like Anatase, Taaffeite also denied any similarity to Sally
>Only in her case, the reasons were different
>In her brief conversation with Sally, Taaffeite had noticed a certain attitude that seemed dominant in her
>And that was nothing less than her ego
>Taaffeite wasn't present when Sally surrendered to the crust, but she can imagine part of what she must have thought then
>Someone like Sally would have only surrendered out of the mere belief that she was the only one capable of fulfilling all the requests made of her
>However, that attitude must have changed the moment she realized not only her leadership was compromised, but also her immortality
>Anatase claims that Taaffeite's "sacrifice" is equal to what Sally did, but she's wrong
>Taaffeite isn't doing this because she believes herself to be someone important who can fix everything
>Taaffeite resorts to this out of sheer desperation, to protect what matters to her
>Something she can't say is the same for the pyroclastic gem standing before her

Achieve YOUR purpose? ...You sound just like her. You seek to be the world's solution, even if that makes you its problem. You mentioned Fluorite among your components, didn't you? That explains the origin of such a massive ego. You're right—I'm not your apprentice. You're just a pyroclastic gem created by the crust, suffering from the same sickness as Sally. Knowing you come from such a place makes it easier to ignore your lies and fantasies.

>Taaffeite's previously expressionless face changed to reflect deep pity in her eyes
>Not because the gem before her is Anatase—indeed, she doesn't even consider her that anymore
>Pyroclastic gem—there's no better way to describe this amalgamation of minerals
>What makes this being worthy of pity just by looking at it isn't its composition
>The reason behind her sorrow lies in the fact that it's incapable of realizing its own "humanity"
>If the crust can endow a gem with the same ego as Sally, then Taaffeite never wants to be there
>Any doubt Taaffeite might have had about joining them has been eradicated simply by knowing that

>>2457

Don't talk about love—you don't know anything about it. Everything you feel is nothing more than a fabrication orchestrated by the crust. You're just a...
>The mental blindness that the pyroclastic gem held about its own nature angered Taaffeita, who sought to distance herself from it
>Its grip made the task difficult, but it wasn't the only thing hindering her
>The radiation surrounding the place made her movements clumsy and imprecise
>Her trembling arms were incapable of holding, let alone pushing away the pyroclastic gem
>She was weakened and at its mercy, unable to do anything to stop its actions
>Soon there weren't even arms to fight with
>They had disappeared along with her memories, interrupting her thoughts and leaving her stunned
>With her head tilted, Taaffeita remained static, staring at the ground
>She doesn't understand what's happening, she doesn't know what memories she's lost, there isn't even a sensation to attribute this phenomenon to
>There's only a vague idea of something twisting in her mind

MISERABLE PUPPET! Get away from me!

>Little by little, during the briefness of the embrace, Taaffeita regained consciousness
>Seeing herself being assimilated by the pyroclastic gem's body
>An image that terrified and disgusted her in equal measure
>With a cry of desperation, Taaffeita began to kick and hit to separate herself
>Managing to do so thanks to Chrysoberyl's projectile
>Her back against the ground, Taaffeita struggled to recover and stand up
>An effort that proved greater than expected given her fatigue and lack of arms

Fluorite, Fluorite, Fluorite, Fluorite Agh! They won't stop talking about her! I'm not surprised she ended up believing so much when they keep mentioning her. Are you really interested in any of her goals? Or are you just following the same foolish childish obsession of THE Peridotite? I don't know Fluorite's location and I don't care, we are better off without her and you are too. Pyroclastic gem, you and the cortex are nothing but THE Peridotite's toys to fulfill her tantrum. Capturing Fluorite won't do you any good, you already did it and it ended in nothing. Do you think things will be different because you're doing them? Well, they won't be! Not as long as you are puppets obsessed with the foolish acts of a mother and her daughter!
>Even in her stupor, Taaffeita understood she had to get away
>She wasn't in a condition to fight, but she couldn't leave the others alone either
>The only thing left for her to do in this situation was to be a mere distraction
>She had to capture the pyroclastic gem's attention with something that would hinder its movements
>What could she achieve that with? She wasn't clear, the radiation was hindering her thoughts
>There was no logical conclusion, no plan when she started screaming
>Taaffeita simply let her thoughts out without any kind of filter or restraint
>Stomping on the ground while she spoke, destroying the remains of the pyroclastic gem lying beneath her feet without even noticing
>She wasn't even observing if her actions were successful or not anymore
>Her outburst of anger stopped being a distraction and became little more than a way to release stress
>She's sick of continuing to hear Fluorite's name, she hates the fact that her whole life is a consequence of it
>She detests that even without her presence she continues to cause problems
>Even worse, she's tired of seeing gems fight for something that doesn't even concern them
>All this fighting, all these sacrifices, whether in the crust or in the crystalline earth, are nothing more than remnants
>Consequences of beings who to this day continue to try to exert control over everything
>Gems have autonomy, they should be able to create a path for themselves
>But instead, they are here fighting amongst themselves at the whim of a dysfunctional family
>Although she disagrees with the gems of the crust, deep down Taaffeita still wishes they could work together for something of their own

>>2458
Hmhm. ¡Hmmhmhmm! ¡Hmhmhmhmm!
>She tried not to spit out the liquid as Onyx had told her, keeping her mouth shut, which made it harder to respond to anything at all.
>When she could finally open her mouth again, more smoke than words came out—a very different experience from eating cake.
Making others shine sounds like a good thing... Do even the worst parts of a gem shine too?
>She made the comment timidly, only because it resembled a promise she didn't fully remember but had something to do with being light for other gems or helping them shine.
>When she was still at the Academy, her interactions with Onyx were scarce, either because Onyx was more active during the time of year she preferred to skip, or because her outward appearance wasn't very welcoming or sociable.
>Onyx's new appearance wasn't much better, and although her demeanor was friendly most of the time, her recent memories of Onyx, combined with that, made moments when she expressed frustration toward Carnelian spike her nerves more than they should, despite being a mineral being without the millennia needed to develop organic nerves.
>She regretted her seating choice more each time she raised her gaze to Onyx's chin and noticed once again how small she felt in comparison from that position.
>If the newly awakened Kunzite had reminded her of her teacher, the new Onyx now reminded her of Padparadscha—due to her new form, her old seriousness, and how already uncomfortable she felt around her because of past things.
Hm...
>Carrying these feelings, anything Onyx said—whether about Carnelian, Kunzite, her teacher, or what Anatase had done—sounded like criticism toward her: for having let some of that happen, for believing Carnelian's words, for not having learned better from Ruby or taught others better, or for not even being able to tell them anything useful about the crust after spending so much time down there before the chaos it had recently become.
Hm... That sounds better. The last time I saw you, Carnelian was using your body, and because of me, you fell under the frozen water... When I woke up at the end of winter, they told me you and Kunzite were gone, that your shards were lost at sea... Sorry, I don't know what I was trying to do.
>She had to make a greater effort to lift her gaze up to Onyx's eyes and confess something that probably didn't matter anymore at this point; she felt as small while doing so as she had been at the moment that incident occurred.
I don't like breaking other gems, or them breaking because of me, or them breaking each other... But it's something that's been happening forever.
>It always gave her an unpleasant feeling, breaking others—whether by accident like with Dioptase, or intentionally like with Pink Diamond, or even Rutile.
>The idea that even among her sisters there were those who actively wanted to eliminate one another didn't sit well with her, especially worse when it was gems like Onyx and Kunzite making those plans.
>It wasn't something she wanted to accept, but neither did she see it as absurd, given the existence of Crust gems long before she was born, and others like herself who had willingly descended to join this group.
>It also wasn't something she could change just by wishing it or stating how much it repulsed her.
It wasn't what I wanted either...
>She looked down again, at her own body or the one she'd taken from Sapphire, unsure whether this was what Sapphire wanted, whether it was an accident, or if Onyx even knew exactly which Sapphire gem they were talking about.
Though maybe it would've been the other way around.
>She raised her gaze to meet Onyx's eyes more firmly.
Garnet proved she wanted to live just as much as I did—she was strong. Do you feel fear?
>Enough to do to Garnet what she did to the two of them?—she would've asked, if Onyx hadn't already basically said she'd never wanted to do that.
>She kept her eyes locked on Onyx, not wanting to miss any expression she might make—really, it was Onyx's reaction that mattered to her, more than getting answers to her questions.
>She knew what she herself felt toward others and toward herself, but it was harder for her to tell when someone felt fear or hatred toward her, so Onyx's hypothesis made her doubt.

>>2459
Sounds like the opposite of me—I'm very active and I rebel against leaders, though lately I've been feeling lazier... Can you be sure about that? I pretend all the time—maybe I'm just pretending I'm not evil.
>She tried to make a villainous expression, but had so little practice with it and with her new face that she probably just smiled like a fool instead of a villain.
I'm more the type to come up with names spontaneously, Spudz. Can't you name us after our mission or something we have in common if we're so different? Or something generic like the allied forces.
>She strolled with her hands clasped behind her neck, taking long strides, looking relaxed to give the impression that she was and that the grogginess of just waking up was just the same as always happened to her shortly after every winter or every repair.
>The crust was already a strange place before it changed even more; if they hadn't told her that these places they were traversing were products of Limonite or the current situation, she might have assumed they were just on an unused sub-level that no one visited or that they were still remodeling.
>Regarding what Kunzite was saying, the fact that there were gems from the old crust working with them gave her some hope that Hawk's Eye and others she knew were not only there but cooperating with their sisters; it somehow proved that something like that was possible.
>As for what she would call Argilite and Limonite...
Strange. Foreign? Yes, extra-something. I'm not sure about everything else, but I agree they'd have the word Extra somewhere... Ar...gilite!
>She continued contemplating the sky or the ceiling of the extracrust more, talking casually and pretending not to have noticed Argilite arrive until she exclaimed her name, and then she exclaimed back, stepping back with a jump of surprise and then dropping her shoulders as she sadly held the tips of her hair.
She had a more elegant appearance before, didn't she? But you don't have to say it like that...
>She continued her walk with her head down, completely contrasting with how she used to hold herself by hunching in the opposite direction, which would probably please gems like Kunzite who wanted to appear taller or those like Solid who wanted to see her face without looking up so much.
...
>Staying in one position became extremely easy when she met the other gem who was with Solid, although her expression became more shy than sad.
Hm. Yes, that's what I do...
>She had never let herself be defeated by fusion before and wasn't going to start now; that's more or less what she would have told Solid, had she not had trouble speaking more.
Mhm...
>She nodded again, as she had done to Solid, and that was the last movement she made, before waiting and holding on as they had kindly asked her to; she still had things to process, so it was an easy request to fulfill, even though she saw the difficulty the gem who asked her had in continuing to speak and wanted to say something to help her, so she held back until she finished doing so.
You look smaller than I remember... and cuter... Maybe it's because I've never seen you so clearly.
>She spoke slowly and carefully after a few attempts, her smile also faltered a few times on her face before forming, and after doing so it continued to tremble as if it were going to deform again into a different expression.
Although I don't like everything that's happening, I'll always be happy to see you... And for you to be happy to see me.
>Her body language remained stiff and shy long after she had finished pretending, for years she had imagined where Uranocircita would be wherever she was and what she would think of her after so long, and in her way of thinking, the things she imagined the most were the ones that could hurt her the most, so having her in front of her again and seeing that she was still a good gem who cared about her was more surprising than her pessimistic fantasies.
I think every moment I live is a reminder that I'm going to die someday, or that every happy moment I have will end, even if I want to make them last as long as possible...
>She wasn't against gems or humans wanting to stop living infinitely at some point, if it was a decision they reached after thinking it through, she would have just preferred to let everyone have the power to decide when their lives could end, instead of letting a single individual have the power to decide for everyone else in an instant.
>The idea of her life or the lives of those she knew ending at some point didn't terrify her, it was worse to imagine them living forever in agony or wasting the little time they had before reaching it lamenting, unhappy, or suffering.
I'd rather spend as much time as I can with you than try not to think about it, and for you to be happy too in the meantime, or for me to help you be happy... if it's not too much to ask...
>It was impossible to avoid bad things while she was alive, but it was worth living the best she could despite them, whether she could change them or not, it was better than depriving herself of all happiness to protect herself from misfortune, as she had already told Sapphire.
>And just like Sapphire, she extended her hands to Circita for her to take if she accepted to do what she asked, clumsily, offering her fingers forward as if she wanted her to touch the tips with hers instead of giving her a handshake.
>Although she soon realized the awkward position she had made without thinking, she remained like that, not moving closer so as not to initiate contact with a gem less tough than her, nor moving away so as not to seem like she regretted what she was saying.

>>2460
>Lucía moved, with a contained smile that at any moment seemed like it could shift to any emotion. It's not an expression you haven't seen before, aside from her abnormal enthusiasm, Anatasa was always a deeply sentimental gem. Her hair fell in your direction, some turning golden after passing through an extremely pale white. And from the tips of some of her strands, drops fell, inking part of your face, a liquid with a laminar texture. Bromine that you could touch, knead, and remove with your fingers, so hot you might fear you had partially melted. From above, Anatasa took up so much space on the ground that one of her next moves, if not to destroy you, was to crawl to continue observing. Purple Topaz would push aside the roses because as they developed, their thorns damaged the flowers with thin stems and the grass. It's a scene you've seen repeated in the garden, and her too. Anatasa stops. Hearing you, she can barely maintain her expression. In her insecurity, she slowly hugs one of her arms in front of her. Expanding a trembling, invisible grip into the air.
(Anatasa) It seems no matter how much I scream, my voice doesn't reach anywhere, you can't hear it. Why do you treat me this way Taaffeite…? Why can't you see it? This is the warmth you and I shared. You taught me this, no one else. You say I'm a puppet…? Maybe I am. Since that day, since the moment I lost Watermelon Tourmaline for the first time, I haven't stopped pursuing goals much bigger than myself. Do you hate me now? Am I so miserable to you…? Taaffeite? Taaff…? … Stop looking at me like that!!
>The Rutile you observed with contempt for resisting her alloy seems distant. She speaks, blurring her intensity, recognizing you from another time, with another face. The human pyroclastic double block is already on its way to the Academy, and she still seems to be trying to reach you, or the opposite, for you to observe her with just a little more dignity. Rutile's pressure is not necessarily overwhelming, the ground is soft and malleable, she does not treat you with such roughness as to solidify it. The mineral around her, both what Black Spinel had lost, and what Rutile took from Sphene, began to take on different forms. From red crystals that fragmented as soon as they finished growing from pure iron, to what you could only describe as the floral arrangement you once saw when Fluorite had a crisis. With colors merging into each other, overlapping, rotating, mutating, and developing through controlled chance. When you noticed this effect not only in the remains around you, but in the nearby gems, you could sense that you were truly the origin of the distortion. With Rutile still calling you, head-on, while pushing everyone else away with her extensive alloy. You precisely caught her attention, and given your lack of response, she despaired. She grabbed your face with both hands, and you felt an enormous pressure from your eye sockets to the sides of your head. She did not proceed, she let go. You pushed yourself away, and by then, the huge stunning effect had dissipated. But as she advanced, still unstable from the radioactivity, Rutile proceeded to show you the opposite of understanding.
(Rutile) You should be happy!! You will live forever just as Fluorite wants! Nothing has changed. Do you think you've accomplished something!? Do you think threatening her or saying a few ugly things will resolve everything? By putting the useless gem Topaz in power, did you think she would magically calm down and let them live peacefully? You were not a resistance to the Crust, you did not assimilate Fluorite when you had the chance, nor could you protect your apprentices from me! Come on, convince me!! I'm waiting to be buried by your morals! You didn't even dare to face me in a duel, you failure.
>She approached with rage, claiming over and over, shattering and diminishing the diamond parts she had already taken from you, generating immediate offensive responses with alloy to all the gems that still followed her. At this point, there was no longer any indication that destroying you was her main objective; instead, she preferred to keep you incomplete, and treat you as if you were a doll she could freely offend. Her movements had no measurement whatsoever, and her expression could range from perfect mockery to deep discomfort full of weariness. Anatasa kept her fists clenched, sometimes together offering impossible pleas, and it was after these and her aggressiveness that she had to adopt a reactive stance to Padparadscha's ranged attacks. The inside of her head expelled a brief excess of mineral to cover the damage she suddenly had on her forehead, confusing that dark line with her also black hair. Faced with the advance of the second gem, Anatasa did not counterattack, did not raise the iron level, nor did she try to increase the intensity of the radioactivity. She desired Padparadscha's advance, and when she had her close, she received the great cut from her long corundum sword. She raised a layer of dense red smoke, then a viscous and heavy layer of iron with which she covered the side Padparadscha was going to cut, hoping that would be enough defense. Anatasa was hit, and her shoulder completely disintegrated, 3 times, in layers of light and dark minerals, as she showed you before. Anatasa's high resistance barely withstood Padparadscha's mutant force, with a margin high enough for Anatasa to have been able to divert her body in the direction of the cut, and thus, grab Pad by her left arm. Before her limb was disintegrated, just like yours, Padparadscha firmly held Anatasa to lift her into the air, and only after that first impulse, Padparadscha broke almost immediately, from part of the forearm to the wrist. It was an induced break, one that interrupted the structure of her inclusions before a subdivision was applied. The same strategy that was devised in the past to hypothetically counter Tara's abduction. Anatasa fell towards the forest side, at the edge of her iron territory, which was being flooded by an even heavier metallic material. From the north, a current of molten lead was channeled in her direction. Whether it was the work of Uranophane or another interior gem, you could not find out, but that small, inferior resistance to radiation that the lead provided, even for a short time, was what the rest of the gems needed to act more freely.
(Anatase) Padparadscha, you'd love to become Pink Diamond, wouldn't you? You, all of you, will repeat your lives in eternal agony wishing you had changed something! For millions and hundreds of billions of years. Do you want to continue this torture forever!? You knew what happens to abandoned gems, how they continuously degrade and collapse!! They live among you, and yet-... No matter what I do, no matter how many gems I destroy, as long as I don't reach Fluorite, I'll return here to Earth. I... Argh!
>The lead prevented Anatase from pushing them away again. Her message was directed at Obsidian, who had spent an endless amount of time as a lost gem. She was slow to act; instead, from that group, Heliodor approached Anatase. Her combat style was direct, with lunges, but even if the sword could pierce Anatase, the pressure of her own body would shatter the weapon a few seconds later. Without a useful limb or her weapons, Padparadscha used her hardness to charge at Padparadscha's stability, but part of the alloy kept her afloat. Grabbing Heliodor by the hair and then consolidating her grip on the sides of her face, Anatase was prepared to harm her even more than she had Alexandrite.

>>6794
>The sound of inclusions felt piercingly sharp, and you saw a small cloud of mineral dust violently expanding. Chrysoberyl fired at Anatase with the rupertine weapon Rutile had left behind long ago. Anatase’s right arm vanished in four phases, creating a colored layer as it fell. Obsidian used her alloy to finally gain full control over her body’s movements, forcing her to resist, unable to reach Padparadscha, who shed several layers beneath her legs. Heliodor retreated, wounded. Due to the extreme strain on her body, especially over such a short time, Anatase’s body began to fracture.
(Anatase) I- I understand now-
>Iron began consuming Obsidian’s gold, or so it seemed from the outside. Anatase pulled those thin strands from within the ground, dragging Obsidian toward her. Grossular advanced to slice through the cracks forming in Anatase’s body, but as her sword entered, they sealed shut with a deep secondary emission of smoke, trapping her blade. Padparadscha rushed to hold her left arm even as she prepared to subdivide, but Anatase touched Obsidian from one side, causing half of her torso to implode and degrade for several seconds. Obsidian’s internal gold coated Padparadscha, and using this as a barrier, Anatase prevented Grossular from separating as well. Anatase’s head protruded, split into three parts, each a different color—from white with prisms, to deep golds, and finally a glossy black you’d grown accustomed to as her companion. Chrysoberyl, unable to fire without accidentally harming another gem, closed the distance to try breaking Anatase’s free arm with her sword. But as she approached, the reddish smoke returned, and it was Anatase who shed her lower half, lunging past Chrysoberyl and piercing her core with a hidden spike from her alloy. Grossular pushed the base of Anatase’s head upward, but her neck didn’t give. Then, appearing beside the shattered Chrysoberyl, even piercing through Grossular with her blade, Green Diamond slashed diagonally across Anatase’s missing limb and finally reached the center of her torso. The alloy stopped. Green Diamond continued attacking, striking along the cracks, along the cut lines, until Anatase, Grossular, and Padparadscha emerged from within the alloy, the first two completely broken. Yet despite her advantage, Green couldn’t continue—she collapsed to her knees, glowing like an Academy lantern in patches. There were enough gem remnants to completely fill a blue room. Among them all, Anatase’s bright golden eyes guided you to her remains as the smoke dissipated. She had no more than half a torso connected to her half-torn neck, and her head was split in two, revealing an intensely yellow mineral.
(Anatase) HA- Hahaha… You can’t reconstruct her—You never will, not now, not in hundreds of thousands of years. How desperately you wish to drag Alexandrite back with you, Taaffeite…? My body trembles with suffering and pleasure. I never thought I’d see a gem more pathetic than Chrysocolla. Hehe… You surprised me. I feared that seeing them again, I wouldn’t have been able to bear hurting them like this. I was ready to kill myself, to extinguish myself before you. But I can’t anymore—I’m incapable of fading while seeing how broken you are. You’re no different—Do you know how much I hate you…? You and your horrible—
(Padparadscha) You’ve been on unstable ground all this time—don’t collapse now. Please… We’ll have time to talk about it. Just follow me with your eyes. You see me, right? Taaffeite. That’s good.
>Padparadscha finished dividing her body by stomping just once, she spilled alloy that still contained pieces of all the attacking gems. she was able to move a little more thanks to it. Approaching where you are, holding back her arm which took her 3 tries to put back in place. She crouched down to gather pieces of you not far from you. Your senses had atrophied, you could see her black silhouette with a pink border, but you couldn't quite feel her hand on your cheek adjusting your face. It wasn't too different for the rest of the gems who hadn't suffered fatal damage. Both Heliodor and Spinel, exposed to radiation, were already inactive. Chrysoberyl didn't have enough strength to remove the alloy from between its cracks, so its lucidity wouldn't last long. Green Diamond instead, was already giving way, leaning on her sword, to the daze prior to radiation instability. A roar followed by a tremor came from the direction of the Academy, you could see Padparadscha stand up, barely. There were no other gems nearby, only Pad talking to thin figures with giant heads that had infested the Crystal Earth, for quite some time. Padparadscha's voice cut out before your consciousness did on its own. Although it was cloudy, just as you could see the silhouettes of the gems, the sun was also visible to you, from a dark interior, almost eclipsed.
(Chrysoberyl) Heliodor, Black Spinel. Where are they? The rest of the pyroclasts. You have to find them immediately!
(Green Diamond) Sister… The block could fall on you… I'm sorry… Is it still…. going on…? Blue Diamond…
(Padparadscha) That thing… Isn't it made of inclusions? How can it…? Damn it. I know you can hear me, Topaz! Uranophane can wake us all up. Don't be afraid, it's not impossible! I- I was wrong. For a long time-
(...)
>You were inside an android, previously, as were other gems who learned to familiarize themselves with that technology. Inside them, inclusions don't work the same way, it's an effect similar to a slowdown. Time happens the same way inside and outside, but it's only the perception of the inclusions that is altered. It's part of their function as containers for millions of inclusions, Almandine survived thanks to it, for a while. It seems you left that feeling far behind, because, although you would expect to wake up dazed, you don't. You can see clearly, hear, and feel, although it's completely dark. It's a kind of underground excavation, not very deep as you can see a faint but very scattered light coming from some stairs. Before you can recognize your surroundings, a second sensation invades you, it's an intense heat on your entire body surface, which spreads for several seconds, and then neutralizes in all directions. Your thermal sensation regulated, but it's the pressure you feel that sharpened your senses so quickly. Although there is no light at all, you can see clearly thanks to inclusions suspended in all directions. Irregular inclusions that are in the air, on surfaces, and even inside you.
(Pink Gem) Her hair is so loooong, and loose. Even if it's tangled, or they call her indecent! Just like the song. How old do you think iron is! It's the first time I've seen another gem like me!! Well, although I had met Ocean Jasper before, and I also met Peridot. Oh, and I also saw White Diamond, I saw her from afar, it was when she was split in two with a beam, I was in the background, I was there! Hehe, she's my friend. You have to answer me, Iron! Who is the most beautiful, her or me?
(Iron) It's a complex question. I don't know… Maybe I'll spend thousands of years thinking about her answer… (...)

>>6795
(Iron) But it's her.
(Pink Gem) Of course, it's not something you can dimen- WHAT… Iron… It's not fair, it's not fair, it's not fair, it's not fair!
>Two entities before you waited for you to get used to your surroundings so they could answer you. They spoke around you, one of them sounding much more metallic and echoing. It's the light, pink one that, according to a gem, immediately notices your appearance and acts animatedly. Her attitude and appearance seemed, barring oddities, like Pink Spinel before she was destroyed. The pink of her hair is slightly softer, you see it fall over her vibrant outfit as she turns to her companion and asks. While the first one is doing calculations, the second one finally becomes clear to you, like a statue. It's a face imbued inside a metallic structure, with static features and a voice that resonates without her moving her lips. She seemed like an alloy imitation of some gem, except for the fact that all alloys have small malleability disturbances due to silica control, this one doesn't. While her voice was the same, as it repeated, it gave the impression that a choir was speaking for her, changing some of its words to incomprehensible sounds. Only when you stood up, unusually since you lack arms, did the pink gem put aside her false tantrum to give you attention. All the embellishments in her words are a perfect sign that she was not a combat gem. Amidst Rhodochrosite's chatter, a disturbance in the suspended inclusions alerts you to a nearby gem, the sound of crystal confirms it.
(Rhodochrosite) I'm Rhodochrosite, aloha, leaf. What's your name! Does it also end in ite? What if we're cousins? Oh, I'm not in a hurry. I used to work in the Cortex, well, I used to work in the Cortex, now I'm unemployed… It's a long story. Do you know those long, long, stretchy human balloons? The ones you put on your head as a challenge and go viral. Um, well, when humans didn't use them, little blessings of pupils and pupils emerged from little trees, which I used to take care of! I'm sorry, I started explaining all of a sudden! My hardness is 5. !!Five!! Like the 5 senses! Did I tell you I have two human best friends who-?
(Padparadscha) Step back.
(Rhodochrosite) AY. I forgot to include you in my count—
(Padparadscha) Silence!
>Her resin was concentrated mostly in her head, if you could even call it resin—something you could only understand as a thermal powder. Looking, for example, at the opening in her neck, the mineral remained pink. She wasn't a high-rank gem, nor was she a gem fully loyal to the Crust. In a way, her behavior resembled that of Tara, the human. Padparadscha walked in through the only entrance and exit, and immediately upon entering, she ordered Rhodochrosite, who was slow to react. With her fingers spread wide, Rhodochrosite slowly closed them one by one as she thought. A broken sword landed in the wall near Rhodochrosite's head, embedding into what appeared to be a semi-solid mass of ash and organic matter. Besides her broken sword, Padparadscha carried fragments of other gems you know, encased in what you could only interpret as a kind of membrane. Padparadscha herself looked partially repaired, without any major damage hindering her performance. Still, you could see the cracks in her wrist from self-inflicted damage—still not fully healed. With no trace left of her dazed state, Padparadscha's gaze precisely swept across the threats in the area before finally deciding to act. She reached you quickly, and only when standing directly in front of you did she release an expression marked by guilt and joy. She pulled you into an embrace—one-sided, which you couldn't return due to your lack of limbs. It was just Padparadscha cherishing your physical presence as she closed her eyes; there was no scratch or sign of damage. Behind her, Rhodochrosite watched in silence, alongside Iron, who could only listen, unable to see what his friend saw.
(Padparasdcha) Taaffeite. It makes me so happy that you're okay...
(Rhodochrosite) ...
(Padparasdcha) In our situation, we're completely cut off. Purple Topaz ordered all the androids to devour as many gems as they could to hide them in the Crust. Grossularia and Heliodor, Black Spinel and Obsidian, Chrysoberyl and Green Diamond. I know they're here. But, ever since we landed, that skeleton hasn't stopped vomiting, dirt, clay, or whatever that was. The Crust isn't what I expected... I. I'm sorry. I couldn't protect everyone- I don't even know who we lost. Topaz isn't here... Forgive me.
>She was direct, or tried to be, for a moment she seemed to act like the Padparadscha you were companions with, the one who threw you through windows. But as she reported, she couldn't hide her complete frustration. She also finds the general feeling of being in the Crust disconcerting, even though Pink Diamond collaborated by describing it. The other gems were in an equal or worse state than the two of you. Those who failed against the radioactivity, Green, Heliodor, and Spinel, are probably doing much better. Padparadscha lowered her gaze. From the Crust, it's difficult to get information about the Crystal Earth, especially considering that Anatase tried to destroy it, knowing the state of Topaz and other gems seems distant. Padparadscha explains the decision behind staying hidden underground, temporarily. Keeping her distance, Rhodochrosite was signaling to both of them, strange ones that would probably confuse even the inhabitants of the Crust.
(Padparasdcha) Chrysoberyl was destroyed before Emeth devoured her, Green Diamond is probably carrying her pieces right now, somewhere. Without her, it would have taken me a while to rebuild you. And I wasn't sure you'd recover using impure ore from this place, so I thought about supplying you with an alloy, one that would replace your smoke screen. It escaped during the pressure change, but that means there's a lot of free space inside you, right? I-I wish I had listened to Diopside when he talked about material complements.
(Rhodochrosite) ...!
(Padparadscha) I found this creature "Iron", it knows underground paths, but it can't move. I couldn't finish it off, by the way. I didn't expect it to meet up with this other gem, I misjudged.
(Rhodochrosite) ...! ...!
(Padparadscha) What do you want, say it already!
>Padparadscha resisted Rhodochrosite's behavior for a few seconds, but soon lost patience. She doesn't threaten her with her sword again, but Rhodochrosite finds herself in a position to respond quickly. You can see Iron maintaining a rather confident expression as it observes the pink gem's actions, it would probably laugh if it were capable of emitting laughter. Rhodochrosite held Padparadscha's broken sword by the blade and returned it somewhat shyly. She hesitated to speak as she observed the fracturing of your arms, curiously, the damage left there was not Anatase's, but probably one that Padparadscha inflicted to prevent the former from settling in that place. Rhodochrosite clasped her hands and swayed back and forth announcing her unconditional help, and looked at Padparadscha whom she usually caught with her gaze. For the moment Padparadscha seems to prefer to ignore her, she neither condemns nor pushes her away, she simply resorts to the objects stored in this human refuge looking for an alternative for you to regain maneuverability.
(Rhodochrosite) Can I speak? I... I'd like you to feel welcome on the Crust, even if it's not your best moment. I-I don't like seeing other gems broken, it feels ugly. So I'll get them repaired somehow, even if it's with my own tropical mineral body! I also want, a hug full of affection and emotions like yours... I-I sometimes say things without thinking!! The truth is, I'm a fool, a silly goose.

>>6796
(Onix) What's up with that question? Until recently you were holding back from exploding over a drink. If you try to imitate me, I don't like it, I always doubt that I can be happy with myself for a long or short time, including interpretations. (...) Yes, definitely. I'm no longer a real gem, at any moment my body will collapse and I will disappear, but that doesn't mean I'm immune to fear or pain. Kunzite is also going through the same thing. But, you know? I doubt she could have loved herself completely, if none of this had happened to us, or even before with Carnelian.
>Avoid the question with humor, or with as much humor as Onix can have, which is to surmise that you are trying to appropriate her frankness. She doesn't drink any more of Carnelian's liquid after that, not necessarily because she's full. Onix's gaze is mid-level, tending downwards. With a gem like this, it's common to expect silences from time to time, she's not bothered by them at all. However, Onix returns to the conversation in a much less defensive way. Although she speaks in a calm tone, what she says seems to be more important. There is no empty reason behind her mentioning Kunzite regularly, she cares too much about her, and also about Carnelian, even more implicitly. When Kunzite abducted you from the room, Onix accepted the former's offer, made many minutes ago, and rested where you were. (...) You don't know all of Kunzite's secrets, but she always talks about evil as if it were close to her. If Peridotite were active, both Onix and Kunzite would effectively be considered evil gems for resorting to extreme silica control to stay together rather than to save humans. Despite the constant energy consumption of both gems, neither seems to have a deep need to hibernate; the fact that they are winter gems may play a role, but it is much more relevant to observe, for example, how Kunzite occasionally reflects human inclusions within her. Shining in colors different from those her mineral is accustomed to and feeding on the rapid condensation capacity of pink human vapor. As always, Kunzite perfectly accepts your interpretation and plays along. She points to empty spaces in the clay ensemble which she names as special and specific halls, just to confuse you. Even if the Crust gems had been hunted, they would probably have had several problems with gems like Heliodor or Imperial Topaz, who were talented at eliminating humans of the 2nd type. Kunzite gives you a surprise touch, to the side of your body, with the large hair ornaments she recently removed, expecting you to unconsciously believe they are a weapon.
(Kunzite) If you say something like that, then it's my choice whether to keep your secret or not. Maybe I'll divert my path from the guillotine for evil gems, towards the mojojoja gathering of pyroclastic remnants. Isn't the gem that gains the trust of other wicked gems to manipulate them more evil? I could stab you in the back. Haac!
(Argilite) Don't worry Leucozapphire, you still have a strange, clayey, and streaky beauty that reminds me of a turbidite. Did you know we once tried to dominate ocean planets using underwater clays? Oh, but Turbidite was too turbid and wicked. We no longer speak of Turbidite, never, since we locked her up for a thousand years. My beloved Siltstone is so prudent, intelligent, and vengeful.
>For a gem, having a particular beauty, which can only be appreciated by certain gems, is not necessarily an indicator of popularity. But that you have lost some of Argilita's admiration, that is, hundreds of millions of creatures sharing that name, perhaps it was for the best. Both Limolita and Argilita did not talk about other clays, not necessarily because they didn't exist, but rather to highlight their dominance in other stellar points. The censorship symbols that Argilita makes with her hands, in a cross with her index fingers, are repeated by Kunzita, who most likely also did not know the story. (...) Material without inclusions is effective upon contact with other gems, this is part of the forging foundation that Rubí explained to you at some point. Thanks to the fact that pyroclasts and gems have inclusions, using swords that do not have them causes their edge to steal partial and insignificantly inclusions located in the area of contact, allowing for cutting. The reason why hitting a common rock without many inclusions breaks swords and hitting a gem allows for damage. Whoever created this field of needles, be it Rosa Diamond, Rutilo, or another gem from the Crust, was aware of this property. The extreme edges of each thin structure have thousands of inclusions compared to the hundreds in the middle of the needle. This prevents material from entering the gems' bodies, and allows, when it breaks, the polarity to be transmitted and redistributed into two sides of high inclusion concentration. Even if Uranocircita, even with her minimal hardness, falls in the middle of all these needles, she will not be harmed. She demonstrates this, once reincorporated, as she removes material from her head and shoulders. Uranocircita's statement was a starting point to try to convince her, but it ended with Uranocircita in a closed position. You know the defenses Uranocircita raises and they are familiar to you, however, the fact that they are not accompanied by her usual radiation makes them harmless. Uranocircita slides her palm over her face, slowly, as if moving her middle finger over her nose was an indication that she has finished thinking of an answer. She incurs your words, and it is noticeable that she is aware of your role in the Crust, and how it may have deformed your behavior. Choose to measure your response, impatient.
(Uranocircita) That's not—... I know you're being honest. I know you tried hard, I can tell because… just look at yourself, you're completely rebuilt. But "trying not to think about it" and limiting me to just a narrow window of things I might understand—I can't accept that. Of course not. I don't know exactly what you've considered moments of happiness here in the Crust. Did you save someone? D-...? Did you destroy another gem…? Whether by your own will or someone else's influence. Did you cause this incident…? You have to tell me, I can't guess.
>You don't have cracks or cuts. Although your mineral composition now consists of two distinct colors, they probably won't separate even if you break apart. You could have perfectly bicolored fragments down to millimeters rather than centimeters. Uranocircita clearly recognizes you, but even though you're not a stranger to her, she seems bracing for a drastic change in you. Even if that's not the case, Uranocircita's pointed questions can easily shift the weight of the conversation. Dumortierite was too careless for you to assume that maybe a surface gem would take precautions when speaking with you. Onyx and Kunzite are the exception, since after arriving at the Crust, they were the ones who ventured out to explore the most—before Uranocircita obviously did. Uranocircita's gaze isn't one of firmness or judgment; her eyelids droop just enough to mark her as emotionally cautious. She insists one final time, then simply releases the small amount of asbestos she'd been pressing against the ground with one hand. Uranocircita wasn't known for making many requests in the Crystal Earth; instead, she relied on gems like Anthophyllite to inspect her space and formulate things for her. As if unconsciously recalling the cave where she once lived, the ceiling holds no fascination for her—she avoids looking at it instinctively, and because of this habit, you realize her gaze upon you is deliberate. After a brief silence, you see Uranocircita lift her chin with the back of one hand, closing her mouth and steadying herself. She begins to explain, not necessarily with pride, what happened to her after her reconstruction.
(Uranocircita) Ever since I woke up, all I could see was Anatase destroying everything you built. And even if I had seen it, I have no idea whether the Crust that existed before was to your liking or not, or what you chose for the gems in the place where we were born.

>>6797
(Uranocircita) Until a few days ago, I- I didn't even know if I would ever see you again. You were completely gone... Sapphire... I was about to give up for the third time, to think that I wasn't capable of reaching you...
>This was one of Sapphire's many logical errors, her decision to wait for Anatase or any other gem to manipulate Fluorite correctly while hiding out of her reach. Uranocircita, on her own, would not be able to search for a space even deeper than the abyss she was already in. Even if both had wanted peace and freedom, only Urano acted in a spatially and intuitively correct manner. Uranocircita's body does not generate visible cracks, contrasting sharply with her normal state where she would have them simply by raising her voice a little. She clasped her hands, one covering the back of the other, and between pauses, you could see her finger bones shrinking. Her hair and eyes do not emit an intense light, making it harder for her to hide the moments when she begins to see your face with detailed attention. Confirming, through the name that had functioned more as a nickname for you for a long time. When Uranocircita finishes speaking, you can finally feel her guard vanish before your eyes. She corrects her order of approach as she moves closer to you, effectively avoiding appearing clumsy again. The desperation she possesses is no longer one imbued by the sudden surprise of seeing you. When Uranocircita agrees, and separates her hands to match your coordination, you can see her struggle end. Hiding her fingers under the shadow of yours, then, as she continued her words, correcting, sliding, and encircling them, Uranocircita speaks to you sincerely and slowly before making contact with you. But unlike how her sensitivity appears, looking at her face, you don't see her happy, at least not in the conventional way. She reminds you, as she holds your hands, without friction, without damage, and without her own hands shattering despite the force she is about to exert.
(Uranocircita) That I was able to get out of that cave... That I can think and express myself freely... That I was able to explore beyond this Earth... To teach and protect other beings from inclusions... It's all been your fault!
>You lost the sword Peridotite gave you to fight Anatase when you rescued her, and since then you've had no practice with weapons at all. As a combat gem, specifically a Corundum, you were expected to exert even more effort than Diamonds with their natural talent. The fact that Uranocircite was nearby might partly justify your lapse in focus, and how you fell backward, shattering hundreds of needles into smaller fragments in the process. When you let go of your hands and she directed hers toward your shoulders, Uranocircite probably stopped thinking about cushioning. Her embrace is actually quite tight—not because she's smaller than you, but because of the desperation you noticed earlier, now something she can finally soothe. Her hair, which appeared as a blur when she charged at you, is now very close; you can clearly see the pale yellow of her mineral beneath your right cheek. A tickle at your neck makes it evident that Uranocircite wanted to be close to you. The smoothness of Ruby and that of Uranocircite are different—she, despite her hardness, chooses not to cover herself with fabrics but instead exposes her mineral surface to direct contact. Despite her size, Uranocircite's weight is not negligible. Her mineral density is higher than that of other softer gems like Chrysocolla or Anthophyllite, yet that doesn't prevent you from lifting her if you wanted to. Uranocircite never needed to adopt the mineral-care culture regarding contact, scratching, or breaking, since she only experienced it those few times she accidentally shattered. She's probably unable to fully comprehend how strange it is to have no issue damaging her hardness-2-on-9 self. You can't thank Sapphire soon, because her ability, which was once mentioned to you, actually had no basis beyond what the other gems who saw her deemed worthy of life. Moving her head, Uranocircite rubs her nose along a path no longer than half a centimeter, repeatedly, while declaring in a muffled voice. You can feel the pressure of her fingers behind you, intensifying before she finally pulls her torso away from yours to sheepishly rebut the impression you had upon seeing her again.
(Uranocircita) Everything... You were everything... ¡...! Gm-....! Don't laugh at me... If I haven't been able to grow, it's because I haven't shattered since then... Did you expect me to be huge like you? I'm not a combat gem. I'm not... But still... I want to protect you.
>You knew Uranocircite was from the slow social and mineral development gem group, so the fact that you accidentally assumed her stature would increase or at least physically evolve is something you can now start blaming yourself for, along with the other things she mentioned. There was no way Hawk's Eye could've manipulated your subconscious to generate that projection. In any case, with Uranocircite sitting on top of you, you can easily relate to her words. Given materials in space hard enough to harm her upon contact, her Meth likely took precautions to prevent her from breaking—just this once, she simply couldn't afford mistakes. Uranocircite's legs on either side of you sink into the unstable ground, making it impossible for her to lean over you for too long. She takes note of this, and once she finishes speaking, returns to hugging you in a much less invasive way. She doesn't press extra weight onto your body, only that of her own. Instead of risking injury to her hands by trying to grip your back again, Uranocircite simply wraps her arms around your neck—the part easiest for her to reach. Now, due to the position she's taken with her head while speaking, you can see her eyes, but she doesn't lift her gaze toward you because it wasn't something required or desired for her next questions. The remnants of the Crust that Kunzite mentioned gave her, Onyx, and Uranocircite context about your functions underground. Dumortierite deserved credit for being able to empathize with you, but she had no other perspective of you beyond what you showed while acting as a Crust gem. Uranocircite, on the other hand, has both the courage to ask you, and the knowledge about you that had previously only been used against you. She wanted to understand, or at least listen to you, and for that, she emphasizes what you might believe is wrong.
(Uranocircite) Leucozaphire. Were you... deceiving yourself again? Did you force yourself to keep going? Using gems as means or tools isn't something you want, not for yourself, nor for anyone else, right? Or did you just give up trying to do what you truly wanted? Or did it simply not turn out as expected...? I know you don't fear hurting yourself when it comes to your sisters. And that sometimes, situations arise where it seems like the opposite—that they appear to be the ones getting hurt because of you. That's not true. Y-you know it's not entirely true.
(Solid) Ahahahahaha!
>Diopside's laughter could still be heard, in the distance, as she played with Aragonite, whom she couldn't destroy no matter how hard she tried. Probably, seeing them, he would have tried to join the hug, or worse, jump on you, that includes Aragonite. Kunzite always had a talent for dealing with other energy gems, as Antofillite once was. She was the one who took precautions, in fact, from her point of view, it couldn't have developed better. Uranocircite tried to hold you for much longer than before, but she couldn't help but show her unease. She let you go and slid to the side to sit on the compact white ground around you. She partially resumed the growing responsibility that her words hinted at when mentioning disappearing. And after the responsibility, the guilt that arose from your own stay in the Crust, the disaster that befell the Crystal Earth, and her escape. She turns to you as she says your name, interrupts herself, exclaims, and reiterates the emotions with which she addressed your return. You can finally see the reason why she kept holding the needle-shaped mineral from the ground, and it is that, in a normal state with radiation emanating from her, Uranocircite would be able to light them and make them artificial lamps, just as her job was on the Crystal Earth a long time ago. When you ask, repeatedly, she shows you the need through her eyes, interrupted by circumstances she cannot ignore. Uranocircite takes a few seconds to express the latter, apart and in a low voice, as if ignoring the fact that it was actually the radiation that prevented her from receiving affection, and not necessarily her weak and disconnected attitude that you are familiar with.
(Uranocircite) I'm sorry. The scope of this conflict was much larger than we imagined, the fact that I am here proves it, I was wrong. For more than 500 years I was submerged in a cave desperately wishing to flee and be free, I had no other goal. And 600 years ago I took the first opportunity you gave me to escape, immediately, even though even then, you had shown me something completely different. You were the only one who acted correctly that day, you fought and sacrificed for both of us. If only I had known that the Crust would become such a painful trap, I wouldn't have separated from you... Leucozafiro... I-...! It is necessary that I say this! It is absolutely necessary that I don't lose sight of what is important to me again. I tried to hide from you, you know? I thought it was better that you didn't suffer because of me again. Because... I am not a gem born to love or be loved. And yet, for a short time, can I love entrusting my happiness to you again? Can I swear that I will be with you from now on? Just look around! this place, us, we are falling apart. (...) I need more than just a hug to process it...

>>6798
(...)
>Several minutes have passed since your meeting with Uranocircite, and as usual, Kunzite has ranked your encounters from most to least important based on initial surprise. The area you're in is near the entrance and exit separating the clay terrain from the rest of the chaos within the Crust. You can see several Argilites—or extensions of herself—patrolling the outer zones and covering steam leaks with their brittle material. The gems gathered here were initially listed to you vaguely by Kunzite. But even before that incident with Anatase, you knew the pair standing before you would eventually show up in the Crust—information you obtained from Peridotite. Chrysocolla makes no attempt to hide it; she wears no hat nor moisture cloak, so she looks slightly different, yet at the same time essentially identical. She speaks happily but not enthusiastically, with great detachment, about Dumor. Like surface gems, though, she doesn’t skip commenting on your appearance as a form of greeting—until she’s cut off by her companion. A very tall, red one, who quickly introduces herself.

(Chrysocolla) Hi, Cauliflower. It's strange—Dumortierite always talked about you, described you as having the pure, bright white of the Moon. She emphasized it a lot, almost like she was trying to intentionally offend a gem, Hecato—

(Red Gem) Leucosapphire White Diamond! Pleasure to meet you. I'm Ruby of Crystal Earth. Though my stay on Crystal Earth hasn't lasted centuries, I'm the lead explorer in charge of the island. From Corundum to Corundum, we may be in the Crust now, but my final goal isn't the Crust, no. Is that a radioactive gem beside you, or her clay pet? Um, your face looks familiar…

(Chrysocolla) …

(Ruby) And this sudden silence? What are you hiding, Chrysocolla? If you're plotting something, I assure you, your plan will fail.

>Her manners don't match those of a Crystal Earth gem, nor of the Crust. Her personality seemed impulsive, but not toward combat—rather, like Chrysocolla, driven by the passion for exploration. She glanced behind you, searching for Uranocircite as a representative of outer space, but gave up once she focused on the details of your appearance. She stepped back, somewhat bewildered, while Chrysocolla, silent, simply observed—aware of Ruby’s peculiarity. Like a very young gem, she was easily distracted, though it hadn’t been Chrysocolla’s intention to suddenly steal her attention. Naturally, you already knew this gem—she was one of the three foreign gems rescued on Crystal Earth some time ago. Likewise, you were aware of Chrysocolla’s shift in attitude due to the near-total absence of exploration in recent centuries. Although Dumortierite found a way to abduct them and bring them to the Crust, her plan only succeeded halfway. And that’s evident, since Kunzite and Onyx are struggling to assign them meaningful tasks. Before they begin their discussion, as you start to leave, you see screens rearranging in midair and attempting to power up their projected interiors. The subcrust had lost all access to its technology, so these devices suddenly working again seemed almost miraculous. You need to dispel their hope of recovering your communicator, because seeing the same image repeated across 30% of the screens that managed to turn on, you could already guess the kind of message you were about to receive.
[Dumortierite] The surface of the earth is completely destroyed, it is uninhabitable and any creature that lands there will not be able to survive for more than a few minutes. The segregation of Peridotite reactivated and propelled all kinds of volcanic movements around the planet. A thick layer of ash covers the atmosphere. It will take tens or hundreds of thousands of years before any form of silico-clastic life sees the sun again. The Caldera will no longer flow, bringing life or salvation; any gem that emerges on this toxic land will be contaminated. Extinction is the only way-(...) (...) (...)
(Uranocircite) You don't have to see it all, the rest is no less hopeless, or false.
>One way to control humans was the one Peridotite carried out using Peridot as her spokesperson to spread various forms of propaganda, preventing the formation of more humans, keeping human vapor dense, and mainly preventing more resources from being wasted and chaos from being generated. Currently, there is no human intelligent enough to process or understand this message; instead, the content was directed at gems. Both Surface gems who managed to enter the Crust, and gems from the old Crust who might try to recover part of the twisted order that previously existed. Although if she were to act as a communicator among humans, Dumortierite would be incredibly popular, she preferred to continue eliminating them directly by attacking the disease and not the symptoms. It is impressive to observe not only how Dumortierite appears physically different in the video, but also how her attitude presents a cold and direct change, as if she had lost her individuality since the last time you saw her, also through a screen. Midway through the speech, Uranocircite grabs one of your arms, emphasizing her presence. Naturally, it is very different to ruin the Crust, which extends some hundreds or thousands of kilometers mainly in the form of tunnels, than to have extinguished the atmosphere and condemned the planet's surface on which all creatures, including Fluorite, depend, with no apparent objective coming to light. Onyx and Kunzite were the second group to arrive, the former partially explains the message and tries to take certain measures. You can see Spectrolite, who takes Solid's hand far enough away not to hear them. Ignoring Onyx's implications, Kunzite proposes trying to generate the most interest. Chrysocolla and Uranus are slow to respond, while Ruby, still as an explorer, offers an immediate refusal.
(Onyx) Did you finally hear it? She usually broadcasts it a few times a day, but today she doubled the number. Do you think she found out you would wake up today? No. I think it's more important to know your general opinion. The Dumortierite you knew was very different from this one, wasn't she? If it's about manipulation, by Anatase, I think we should be more careful with the Crust gems we encounter. Spectrolite is too harmless, she doesn't inspire confidence in me.
(Kunzite) If Dumor is more active, that means there are many more scattered gems she wants to get that message to! We will gather the allied forces. It's time to explore the Crust again!!
(Ruby) I'm out.

>>6797
If I tried to imitate you I'd do it better... if I knew you better.
>What Onyx replied wasn't exactly what she was asking, but the fact that it was the first thing she thought of was a good sign.
>She was somewhat self-centered with the main goal of her question anyway, the others must have been going through a lot at that moment to be thinking about the same thing as her, she had also heard enough from these two gems not to have to worry about how they see her or other similar gems.
Huh? How cu-! I mean, how horrible!
>She has the wrong reaction to the cute hair accessories Kunzite threatens her with and corrects herself later, raising her hands high above the nape of her neck in surrender.
B-but if you stab me before I even do anything you'll never know how bad I can be! What if I'm potentially more evil than you actually are but you never find out because you act before I reach my potential? You'd always be left with the doubt that I'd beat you in wickedness, potentially. Could you rest easy thinking about that? (...) Oh, really? Well, look at that...
>She loses all tension when she goes from answering Kunzite to commenting on Argilite's story, saying less with words than with gestures by returning to a relaxed posture and attitude, a posture and attitude she would lose upon facing Uranus's questioning.
Hm... I never feel like I change much... I can look different all the time and change parts, but I look like the same immature gem inside, that's why I don't think I've ever stopped being me.
>She glances at her own body again, which was halfway to being accepted after her most recent change, as she had practically had to do since she formed and it had become easier for her over time, partly thanks to the separation she made between her external appearance and her thoughts.
I thought I was doing it... Directly, I think none... Maybe?
>Checking herself gave her an excuse not to meet Circita's gaze as she struggled not to ramble further and answer each of her questions honestly, vaguely, and with noticeable embarrassment.
Did you see that...?
>Her gaze immediately jumped to Uranus's face when she heard her talk about what Anatasa did, desperately searching in her for any expression, any hint, of what she thought about it, of what it made her feel.

>>6798
...
>From the beginning, she was more worried about what Uranus felt about her, about the situation she was going through, and about what might have happened wherever she had been since the last time she saw her, so it wasn't difficult for her to guess what the other two times she resigned before were, although it was harder to decide whether it was right to ask her anyway or let her keep talking according to what she felt comfortable mentioning.
>Given the circumstances, internal and external, it's easy for her to remain completely still while Urano brings her hands closer to hers, in line with her mineral nature and against her more restless personality.
>She is so focused on the moment her hands are about to touch that she diverts her attention from Urano's face, and when she looks back at it with an unexpected expression, she suddenly loses the tranquility she had been slowly gaining.
Hm! S-sorry...! I... I didn't mean it in a bad way, I like you like this... But I think I'd like you no matter how you looked.
>Had she seen the push coming, she probably wouldn't have done much to defend herself anyway, or at least not as much as she would have to ensure Urano didn't get hurt.
>But that was a very hypothetical scenario, since everything, from Circita's actions to her words, caught her so off guard that she apologized almost reflexively, although she didn't quickly understand how seriously she was being accused or why, and she had to pretend afterward the reason for her apology, trying to form a smile so the gem embracing her wouldn't be at an angle from which she could see it.
>Although she notices the lack of breaks in Urano's body despite the rough contact, she keeps her hands supporting some of her weight and hers behind her until she is more than sure she can return her embrace, and even then she does so more carefully than necessary.
If... If I said it... Wouldn't that be like trying to absolve myself?
>The tension returns again when she's about to get too comfortable, but the past times and Solid's brief distraction are enough to prepare herself and say out loud what's hardest for her.
If I committed a crime or hurt someone, whether I did it by accident, ignorance, with good intentions, or because my other option was to be destroyed, imprisoned, or annihilated without achieving anything... I still did it. The fact is that all this time I did more to support, obey, or allow the Crust to continue wreaking havoc than to resist or stop it, I don't think I'm blameless.
>Exposing her sins to the person she least wanted to be judged by was already too demanding; looking in her direction while doing so was impossible, no matter how much she wanted to see some sign that she didn't find her completely repulsive for her actions.
>The opinions others have about her and the things she did are beyond her control; she can explain why she thinks she did them to provide as much context as others want, but the facts remain the same, and everyone thinks what they decide to think.
The happy moments are the ones I remember the most and that make me feel the best when I do, they're like something I don't notice until after they've passed. Even a friendly conversation with Carnelian and her apprentices or a strange contest with Anatase can become happy moments, even though worse moments have passed with them... I have many memories like that, especially with...
>She looked up for a moment towards the gem she was about to talk about, but stopped herself, knowing what she was about to say and not wanting to blame her, not even indirectly, for decisions she herself made.
Because I wanted to protect memories like those and the emotions they make me feel, I didn't want to sacrifice myself for Dumortierite and let her keep sacrificing herself for me and the others while I kept wasting time believing there had to be another way to prevent our sisters from going through the same thing, until Dumortierite made Peridotite decide to attack the Academy again. Because I wanted to delay that, I also let them experiment on androids and proposed doing them with other gems, believing it would be better than doing them to the gems I knew.
>She grabs herself by the arms, as if hugging herself, but much more roughly than she would another gem, looking for a way to externalize the tension she felt before the effort she was making to contain it broke her from the inside.
Because I wanted to help Anatase when she was at her worst and didn't do it well, she brought you all here and made all of this happen... All of that could be my fault.
>She loses all the force she was exerting on her own body at once, like an exhale, letting her arms fall to her sides and raising her head again, assuming she has said enough to be judged and can do nothing but resign herself to whatever happens now that everything is out in the open.
Yes, things were simple when I knew nothing of this and all I wanted was to be so good with a sword that my mentor and Padpad would be proud of me, that we would all be together as companions and I could feel good about myself as Sapphire.
>She smiles with an exaggeratedly sweet voice, mocking her own childish desires for a second before losing heart again.
After knowing how complicated everything was, I wanted to be the gem that saved them all by finding the solution that none other in millions of years could... But I didn't like eliminating war with a single act of violence greater than all others to end violence forever by exterminating someone from the other side or everyone, and sacrificing myself so others could live would only teach others that they should live only to sacrifice themselves for others afterward, and I didn't want that either...
>Shakes her head, denying her foolish intentions, her aspirations, ignorance, the conclusions she had reached, and how all of that would have led her here or stopped her from trying to achieve something before she lost any chance to do so.
I wanted too much to be the best at something or the most important or to achieve something so great that it would make me feel good, but maybe making just one gem happy would have already been a great enough achievement.
>Another thing that was simpler before was acting like a villain, accepting the blame for her sisters' crimes and submitting to simple re-educations and scoldings.
>Gaining a bad reputation as a criminal gem carried as little weight before as any joke; it was after the things she went through under the crust that she started to care what her sisters thought of her, but most of all she cared what one or two gems in particular would think.
Many times I also thought I was wrong not to leave with you that day, but it would be worse to say that I rejected a chance to be happy with you only to suffer here below without achieving anything, so I won't... I will always be happy to have you by my side, the only way you would make me suffer is if you subjected yourself to those sufferings for me.
>She doesn't like to think of the things that happened to her as painful, knowing that other gems went through worse things partly because of her actions on the crust, but she also wouldn't want to think of Uranus going through the same things with her and how it would affect her if she had to see it all those years.
>She still didn't feel comfortable with what she thought even after letting it out, still expecting possible rejection, but she preferred to suppress it and smile as other times for the sake of making another gem happy.
Saying that it's so hard to love you does make it sound like a great achievement, I would be happy to dedicate my life to achieving it... Does that sound good or is it cruel too?
>She discerned the need in Uranus's eyes and last words, and her body reacted immediately, albeit clumsily, lifting her from her seat only halfway to put her on her knees and urge her to crawl as fast as she could towards her, stopping her when they were face to face.
Ok.
>With a look more determined than comforting, she almost took Uranocircita by the shoulders to make her look up at hers, although her hands didn't make full contact until much later, when her face was already approaching hers with the same care, joining their lips with such pause that it seemed she feared that just touching them would break her, until she discarded those doubts too in the last stretch to join Circita, as if through that connection she could transmit her feelings and only wanted to leave her the good ones.
Does that count as more than a hug? If you need more, tell me and I'll give it to you.
>Although she would wait for Uranus to decide when to break the connection between them, she would ask anyway after the moment had passed.

>>6799
>Enough time had passed since she woke up and was given context to better acclimate to the situation, but she still took extra time admiring the other two gems she was going to talk to before deciding how to do it.
Hello, Conch. It seems strange to me that half the gems I'm meeting again have changed a lot and the other half haven't. And they're the two most fragile ones too. Does being tougher actually make us more prone to breaking and rebuilding ourselves?
>She mimicked her sister's greeting, smile, and conversation topics, leaving aside the most important one, assuming that would be the same thing her surface self would have done and that this would generate less disconnect with the gems she was meeting again.
White Diamond Lazulite is a very long pseudonym, Ruby of the Crystal Earth. Do you mind if I just call you Earth? It's a more unique name.
>She greeted the gem she was meeting for the first time in a more cordial and unhurried tone, also joking, then placing the hand she would raise to greet on her chin thoughtfully.
Hmm? I don't think there's any radioactive gem nearby, I think I'd feel it.
>She made a not-too-exaggerated demonstration of checking herself and her surroundings for signs of radiation before returning to Earth.
It's the first time I've heard of gem pets. Is that the new trend on the surface? Before, my sisters kept plants or organic beings as pets, then they were emeth units. I've really fallen behind the times.
>She continued with her game of evading questions, having fun pretending to be ignorant even before seeing the reactions of these gems, feeling that she hadn't been able to play like this with anyone in a long time.
>All this talk about trends reminded the gem with the same name as Ruby and how disappointed she would be in her for not keeping up with the changes in the fashion world, although this only worsened her mood a little, not so much that she couldn't hide it by smiling more demurely with her eyes closed, as if remembering something pleasant.
How nostalgic... I used to have an arm just like yours, Earth. It even had your name. But... Oh.
>She remembered very late that the other gem present was also there the first time she lost an arm and this time she reacted with real surprise, her eyes widening and her mouth forming an 'o', only to end up just as quiet as her sister.
>Speaking of her arm, she feels Uranus take her by it, or perhaps the opposite one, which gives her a more pleasant distraction from those thoughts or from those caused by Dumor's broadcast.
I really don't have to? Thank you, I prefer screens I can interact with.
>She immediately accepts Circita's recommendation, giving up on her attempts to send 🤔s, 🙊s, and 🤯s to the live chat that the broadcast probably doesn't even have.
>She trusts the judgment of other sensible gems more than her own; when it depends on her to make decisions, she does so without thinking and impulsively, or she takes too long to act due to overthinking and misses the opportunity, with no in-between.
>Although that's not the only reason to listen to Circita so quickly, it's probably the easiest one to admit out loud.
>Somehow, being thrown to the floor, pulled by the arm, and taking orders from a fragile, small gem, despite being a Corundum of high stature and hardness, seems especially funny to her and evokes emotions similar to when she goes against the grain to make a joke or acts in the opposite way of what seems most obvious, but more intensely.
>She doesn't fully understand what she's feeling, but she likes that kind of contrast, and the idea of continuing to experience it until she understands it attracts her, but asking Urano to do it takes away the surprise and makes it difficult to say when her other sisters are there to discuss serious matters.
Dum always said she had a brilliant mind, but I don't recognize its brilliance on that screen. How about you? Bup...
>She touched her belly with a finger and made a vocal sound, seeking some response from within or from her new outer material.
My other 10% was cuter... and more flexible.
>She tried to turn around carefully, not wanting to antagonize her new half too much and cause it to reject her, leading them to part ways.
I was a Surface gem before coming down to the Crust, but now we're all equal. Should we be careful with ourselves? Some of us had already had contact with the crust before that... Heeey!
>She waved her hand high up upon noticing Solid and Spectrolite, signaling them to turn and greet her since they were talking about them.
Dum, Solid, and Onyx are young and cute, but they learned from other more rotten Court Gems than mature ones like Corn and me, we shouldn't neglect them either. Does that reduce the number of suspects? I hope that was helpful!
>She smiles and gives a short bow, excited to be cooperating with her sisters in such an important game.
>Crust gems have a different perception of Surface gems, and Surface gems have a different perception of Crust gems, both different from reality and from each other. Being cautious when approaching is best, although she supposes that even in the best circumstances, there will be suspects and worse things among them.
Oh, could we refuse to participate?
>She is surprised that Tierra does it so quickly when she hadn't even considered it as an option yet, so much so that she starts doing it just to have more alone time with Circita.
Ah, but I think I'll go anyway. I don't like staying still for too long and I guess I contribute more by going than by staying.
>She dismisses the idea of letting Urano decide for her, as much as she wants to, so she can't blame herself for choosing between her sisters or her.
Eh, but I wanted to stay with you too. Is this something you can go to, or will I have to hurry back?
>She decides to make her feelings clear to Urano without forcing her to choose or retract the decision she has already made, although she still feels bad about proposing to part ways after just having reunited.

>>6794

>Hot, the bromine falling on her face burned
>Even so, Taaffeita continued with the same gaze, as if none of this affected her
>The feelings of the pyroclastic gem fail to reach Taaffeita in the same way her tears do
>No matter how much they burn, they always end up slipping off
>Falling to the ground and getting lost among the rest of the molten minerals
>Even on the verge of death and with the pyroclastic gem in front of her
>Taaffeita still refuses to show any emotion other than pity

I didn't confront you... because I wanted to believe. I blindly trusted the possibility that, deep down, it was still you, but... Even if it were, I can no longer forgive you. What you have done, what you did to us, is something you can never make up for, not in a million years. That's why I can no longer see you as anything more than a pyroclastic gem. I was a fool for thinking otherwise...

>The more she looked at her, the more the image of what she once considered her apprentice distorted
>Anatasa isn't like this, Anatasa can't be this, Anatasa could never commit such a vile act
>Over and over, she repeated those words, hoping to reach some kind of understanding
>She tried to appeal to her heart, recalling the moments they spent together
>She tried to understand her position, believing there was some detail she was missing, but...
>No matter what methods she used, she always arrived at the same conclusion
>The one in front of her is not Anatasa
>This pyroclastic "puppet" lacks a heart as much as it lacks reason
>She understood that long ago, so there's no reason to try and console her, not with all she has done
>Taaffeita's words are not an explanation for the pyroclastic gem
>They are for herself, in the deplorable state she is in, she can do nothing but lament
>She had been reduced to a mere spectator, even if she tried to fight, she would only be a hindrance
>She had nothing left to do but watch as the others do what she was unable to do

>>6795

>The molten metal under her feet and the constant radiation affected her balance
>No matter how much she struggled to get up, she kept falling again and again
>Remaining kneeling with her knee raised was the most she could manage
>However, as the battle before her continued, her strength waned more and more
>Having had her arms removed, her inclusions were severely affected
>Accelerating the effects of the radiation and clouding her mind more quickly
>Soon she found herself lying on the ground, her gaze still fixed on her companions
>However, even this began to fail
>Turning the battle into nothing more than meaningless blurs

Alex... Alexandrite.., she won't return, I know that already. I wish she would, as much as I wished you were Anatasa, but... neither of those things will happen, right?

>The sound was faint, she could barely perceive enough to know who it was coming from
>Much of the conversation escaped her ears, but there was a small part she did understand
>Alexandrite, the strange one, even if she no longer has memories of her, her inclusions still yearn to find her
>However, no matter how much she desires it, she knows well that it will never happen
>She was confirmed this a long time ago, and she accepted that painful truth a long time ago
>Before her now lie the remains of another sad fact she had to accept
>Fixing her eyes one last time on the pyroclastic gem Taaffeite, she observed it
>It was not a look of pity like before, nor of anger, sadness, or resentment
>The only emotion discernible in her eyes was regret
>Raw, bitter, and dry regret for everything that caused things to end up this way

....

>She nods slightly at Padparadscha's question and watches as the sky fills with android heads
>The next thing she knows, she's inside one, or at least that's what she assumes
>It's really hard to tell when she realized this
>Her consciousness feels dazed and sluggish, not from the radiation but from something else
>The interior of the Meth dilutes her sense of time, making even the simplest thought take hours to form
>She had experienced this before, but she never quite liked the feeling
>Androids in general were something she didn't want to be closely involved with
>And yet, here she was, depending on one to stay alive

>>6796
>Her stay inside the Meth felt like an eternity
>But upon waking, it was as if all that time had never existed
>Making her return to consciousness feel far too sudden
>The darkness made it hard to check her condition, but it wasn't necessary
>The sudden burning in her body caused all her limbs to tense at once
>Thanks to that, she regained enough sensation to understand she was still unrepaired
>The place vaguely reminded her of the cave that used to be Uranocircite's home
>Though the lighting was too different to be the crystal land
>Thus arose the question: where was she?

¡! ¡You...! What are you planning? What did you do with the others?

>The voices she heard were unfamiliar
>Since she had just woken up, she thought it best to wait for them to introduce themselves
>However, she quickly changed her mind upon hearing a certain name that put her on guard
>Her entire body rolled hastily to one side, falling to the floor and landing on her knees
>Iron—wasn't that one of the components the pyroclastic gem mentioned?
>There's no such gem in the crystal land, meaning it must belong to the crust
>Now that she looked more carefully at this place, it reminded her of how Rose Duaspar used to describe it
>Worried and terrified, Taaffeite demanded answers
>She tried to sound threatening, but lacking arms made that difficult
>Considering other options, she glanced at the wall beside her
>She'd rather crush her own head against the wall than serve the crust

Padparadsch... I'm also very glad to see you

>The door opened as Taaffeite cautiously approached the wall
>She instantly recognized the silhouette of the gem approaching
>She stopped her suicide attempt, staying frozen in bewilderment
>Padparadscha—if she's here, then the rest...
>Her mind wandered, pondering the meaning of her being in this place too
>Before she could ask anything, she was caught in Padparadscha's arms
>The sudden display of affection took her by surprise and left her unsure how to respond
>Lacking arms, she had to rest her chin on Padparadscha's right shoulder
>With all the dangers, nerves, and fears they went through, a hug is certainly the best for this situation

Don't apologize, I... couldn't do much either.

>She shook her head after hearing Padparadscha's apology
>If there's anyone to blame, it would be Taaffeita and her lack of reaction
>With a defeated face, she thought that while looking at the ground
>Pathetic, her home was destroyed, the fate of the rest is uncertain and all she can think about is self-pity
>Refusing to express that feeling, Taaffeita just remained silent while letting Padparadscha speak

We're combat gems, complicated things like that aren't our strong suit. I wish I could assist you in searching for the others, but with this body, I'd only be a hindrance...

>She let out a frustrated laugh at the mention of her job
>What good is a combat gem who isn't capable of protecting anyone?
>That title is nothing more than an ornament at this point
>She's not even capable of helping herself to be able to save the others
>An ornament... yes, that's what she is now
>Taaffeita had ended up reduced to nothing more than a useless ornament meant only for decoration
>Without arms to fight and without a medical gem to assist her, she's doomed to be here doing nothing

Umh... are you sure we can trust them? No, rather, why are you with them?

>She had ignored the other two to focus only on Padparadscha
>After a while, that proved difficult given the multiple gestures and movements the pink gem was making
>With an unsure face, Taaffeita observed both Rhodochrosite and Iron
>Then returning her gaze to Padparadscha to question why she was with them
>She heard everything she said about how she found Iron and couldn't destroy her, but still
>Suddenly socializing with gems who should be her enemies is a behavior that's a bit... uncharacteristic of Padparadscha
>Because of that, Taaffeita can't help but show discomfort in the presence of those two

Should I change my appearance? It's not clear to me if I lost the yellow from my hair too

>>7273
>Should I change my appearance? I'm not sure if I lost the yellow from my hair too
Oh, I hadn't thought of that. For me, don't change your appearance until after the chapter. But the decision is entirely yours, so you could change it to violet black, or violet gray, or maybe just a deep purple

>>7272
>>7273
I'll try to answer in 1 week or less, so my answers will most likely be a bit shorter. <3

>>7273
>The soft metal edges of the creature near you do not reflect the pink or violet color of the gems near you, including you. Similarly, the Rhodochrosite gem appears covered in a dust resembling resin, yet her hair does not scatter light in all directions as it would on the surface. Not necessarily because they are underground; likely the protection on her clean mineral is made for protection, neglecting aesthetics. The culture of shine in the crust is not faceted, but manifests as accumulations. Padparadscha also began to shine in that way, holding your cheeks while observing and securing with conflict. Upon exclaiming, she loses tension in her neck, lowers her head, and grips your shoulders. It is not a correct or effective way to encourage you. She may have developed an elaborate method for her apprentices, but she is not using it.
(Padparadscha) That is not true. You were not a burden before and you will not be now. Don't you remember? It was I who became a burden for an absurd amount of years, but even before that you had saved me and didn't even have to fight. That's why! Help me again, to repair you, to find the rest and get out of this place. They trust you much more than they trust me, just like Topaz, they will follow you, they will recover. I am trusting that you will find a way to get us out of here, in whatever way. And if you can't do it... I... I will do it on my own.
>You can see it even in the walls of this so small area, how the surface changes, but not only this, but also the angle of inclination relative to the ground. Irregular edges form, sometimes the material breaks and crushes against itself creating joints that shouldn't look harmless. If the entire Crust, or at least the region where they are located, was configured similarly, your mobility would be clearly affected. Padparadscha seems to have recognized this before you; it would have been much easier for her to continue carrying you than to wait for you to wake up. In fact, the best way to continue would have been to break you into pieces, keep you in a place stable enough like where they are now, and then wait for a medical gem to repair you afterwards. But that is not something Pad would do, at least not without asking you or Purple Topaz directly. Her desperation regulates her emotional hardness to the point where it can protect you, or it is allowed to. And when that intense feeling ends, you can see her as she originally was, alert, gripping her sword tightly and perfectly conscious of the possible threat around her.
(Padparadscha) I will finish off these two immediately. I will secure you here and destroy any other gem that does not answer to the Crystal Earth. You do not have to take responsibility again, nor feel guilt; just stay alive. It is not too late; even if they are broken, Aquamarine, Garnet, Dioptase, and Uranophane can recover, Axinite. And yes, Anatase and Fluorite are still on the surface... Just one of those two. As long as I bet everything on eliminating one of them, this chaos will stop dead in its tracks and everything will be better.
(Iron) You won't catch them. She is very, very, very far away right now.
>Padparadscha had only been mentioning combat gems, because they were the only ones close enough to the androids to descend into the Crust. The status of the other gems outside the battle area with Anatase is unknown to both, but most likely they have collapsed from radiation, even long before the fight ended. It had been a long time since you saw Pad so focused, considering possibilities before you, visualizing the destruction of Crust gems or torturing them to fulfill her words. The alloy creature speaks directly to them, despite having only responded to Rhodochrosite until now. Her first sentence is definitive, but the rest of her phrase is in a vague tone. With a gaze fixed on nothing in the ceiling, she was almost like a stunned gem, accidentally hitting upon the location of Axinite and Fluorite off-planet. Padparadscha keeps her eyes fixed, and explains to both you and them, while turning her back to you. She was seeking Iron's answer before acting, but instead receives one from Rhodochrosite, who rushes to clarify.
(Padparadscha) I found them by chance, when I needed shelter and information about the Crust. But... not eliminating them just because they appear harmless does not mean they are indispensable to me. Do you have any other great contribution? Horrendous mutant.
(Rhodochrosite) N-no! It's not what Iron meant! She is not a mutant nor horrible; she is just very joking and very crazy, a special gem. But even if she's delulu, she would never try to demotivate them, not without a reason. Maybe if there were an elevator to the Surface, it would have a little sign saying "out of order" with a Peridot sticker saying "sorry for the inconvenience" or something like that. I don't... I don't know why they are so wounded or why their gazes are so sad... It makes me feel sad too...
>Similar to the mechanical cranes Antofillite used to build the new Academy, you already know of platforms to travel between different levels of the Crust, though strangely these don't rely on counterweights. Although they speak the same Gem language with small crystal clicks between their words, the expressions Rodochrosite uses are too human; it was like listening to an extremely polarized Red Diamond talk about Tara. However, unlike Red Diamond, Rodochrosite's body language shows she truly has begun to feel empathy seeing them, fragilely caring for one another and staying strong. You can't see Padparadscha's face, but from her stillness you could imagine her dangerously silent quiet. Taking off accessories from her wrists and shoulders, Rodochrosite extends her arms toward you, palms up.
(Rodochrosite) I've decided. So take them! Take them right now! I-I don't expect you to trust me. It's just that I can't stay still seeing someone broken, not again. Come on, Padpi, break my arms with your sword and give them to your friend! I'm not the hardest gem, or capable, or warrior… But I know how to open apps on screens and make very funny hand gestures! I don't know if it's useful! Just hurry up. I understand because I also want to see someone soon. It's a friend who would definitely disapprove of this decision-! !-!
(Padparadscha) Hardness 5… Is that all…?
>Rodochrosite's body trembles softly, as if her curvy form manifested even in her most unconscious movements, but it's all because of her. She is the extreme opposite of a rigid gem lost somewhere on a continent; she has polished many habits that make it seem her mineral is far more flexible than hers, and thus at the same time weaker. Padparadscha grabbed Rodochrosite's forearm, not intending to leave a mark on it, but doing so anyway due to its hardness. It seems Rodochrosite's several attempts to befriend her finally got through to Padparadscha, but not in the way she expected. Padparadscha closed her hand very quickly and hard, but before that, she had already pulled her touch away from Rodochrosite. Enraged, she shoved Rodochrosite against a wall, without breaking her or Rodochrosite immediately, fortunately. With deep helplessness she exclaimed.
(Padparadscha) Do you know how many times Andalucite offered to repair us with parts of our comrades?! How many times I rejected joining my master even though she was in pieces?! We fought daily against the pyroclasts you sent us! We lost hundreds and hundreds of pieces! What do you call trust? Pity, mercy?! Taaffeite and I spent centuries collecting pieces of gems that weren't coming back! They were supposed to be here! Their pieces, the pieces Rutilo took from Taaffeite, Anatasa, she, and many others had to wait for us here.
>You had forgotten, and that very reason is why you had forgotten. It was pyroclasts that broke your arms and legs in the past, not Rutilo, so the Crust must have collected those parts during its assault 600 years ago. And even before that, 200 years ago, you lost many pieces during your patrol shifts with Alexandrite; she was also worried about these. But only Padparadscha could remember them all, or at least most, of the fragments and each of their grams and kilograms in weight. Saving the gems that fell to the Crust wasn't very different, so she didn't mention that objective to you; otherwise, during the planning of the attack on the Crust, she would have placed additional objectives. When you turned your gaze to Padparadscha, she was holding and lifting Rhodochrosite off the ground. Pressing on the lower part of her neck, cracking it, and making her unable to resonate correctly to form words. Whether from fear or shock, Rhodochrosite doesn't try to pull away. There's no sign she tried at first; you can see it in Padparadscha's arms, but the damage to Rhodochrosite's fingers signaled the futility. Unable to find clarity, Rhodochrosite stammers, but Padparadscha responds as if she understands her.
(Rhodochrosite) … Nh-... Olm- Nhegd… I-...
(Padparadscha) Idiot! The fact that you don't know it makes you part of the problem too! Did you never question why you had to live with disgusting creatures like humans or this other thing!? Why did they decide to raise gems like you in the Crust? If you don't understand your purpose, I should snatch it away with my own hands…
(Iron) Bohmite veins, hardness 3, needle-shaped. Your master expelled said material, up to a sixth of a millimeter in thickness along her mineral. Did you adapt it through microfractures? It's drastic, but charming at the same time.
>Although there was precedent for gems born in the Crust, even for Pink Diamond the presence of gems like Rhodochrosite, so young and with such low loyalty to the Crust's plans, to the point of not even suspecting or attempting to act against gems of the Crystal Earth, should be strange. The case is similar for Iron, although from the experiments with gems you knew widely about several explicit cases. Iron mentions, while her companion still receives damage, she only comments on a strange mineral profile. Soon she develops and speaks directly to Padparadscha, observing her hands with depth, how they hold Rhodochrosite, and how she adopted a form where the contact surface is much smaller than a normal grip.

>>10451
>Just as Alexandrite and Fenaquita are to you, for Sapphire, Padparadscha and Alex were, one a much more experienced apprentice than the other. But, Padparadscha never seemed interested in replicating a technique her master never taught her, of her own volition. Padparadscha is also not an expert at handling silica nor does she have basic knowledge of alloys that everyone else took, for she was stunned, and yet, nevertheless, Iron points out and contradicts. Padparadscha lightens the pressure, she looks at Iron, bewildered, and can only try to ask. Rodocrosite's feet touch the ground again, while Iron assures that it is Padparadscha who is suffering damage to her mineral. Bewildered, Padparadscha tries to speak, but Iron joins her mineral spines and slowly, very slowly, generates the rest of her body, still incomplete, not just her face.
(Padparadscha) What?
(Iron) Stop, and don't break yourself any further...
(Padparadscha) You shouldn't-...
(Iron) I know the desperation that arises when stepping onto the Crust. It feels heavy and massive, to the point of seeming to crush you, as if the world has finally rejected you and wished to compress you until you were in pieces. In that situation, Combat Gems usually opt for the maximum expression of effort and sacrifice themselves. Protection, love, violence. Even for those who are not Combat Gems, the fact of being on the Crust makes us want to sacrifice everything and then extinguish ourselves. It is inevitable to think of it, it is painful and it is hard, I understand, even though I am not a Combat Gem at this point. (...) So, thank you very much, Padparadscha. You struggled not to break my dear Rodocrosite, despite how very strange and unpleasant she seems to you, to you and your companion. I am partly to blame that she grew up as a human, so, instead, take it out on me, please. She has not broken before, she does not understand.
>By revealing what the Iron body could construct around its head, you could understand why it always appeared in abstract forms. Its body varies in shape and size, perhaps not every second, but it changes rapidly. And with its body follows its face, its hair, and every detail, even the shape of its glow and the intensity of its light, the roughness or reflectivity of its metallic surface. It reminds one a lot of Fluorite, the ancient Fluorite, the one who possessed the Alloclase body and had Sally's consciousness embedded far more intensely than any other Fluorite you've met afterward. It was common for her Fluorite mineral to take abstract forms when relaxing, all to avoid shifting between different appearances. Iron was, of course, one of many gems from the Crystalline Earth that were captured by the Crust in the past. When Padparadscha released Rhodochrosite, dust poured from its hands and fell, scattering across the floor. You wouldn't have noticed that those small pink fragments weren't just Rhodochrosite, but also Padparadscha, which superficially fractured to avoid shattering Rhodochrosite upon their first strong contact. Iron caught Padparadscha's attention, and caught theirs before yours, which is obvious, as it spoke of a gem that Padparadscha would hardly admit to also seeking. Iron develops, providing accurate data.
(Iron) I met Sapphire when she was just a child, 5,000 years ago. I never thought that one day, her particular ability to vary her hardness and hold others without causing them harm, would be something replicable or teachable, especially given how much that made it difficult for her to simply hold a sword. Her master Jade was rigorous.
(Padparadscha) No. No, no, no, no, enough. You can see through the inclusions. You're the same as Fluorite, aren't you? I'm sick of this; for years, Alloclase also—Sally tried to manipulate me the same way. Don't try to lie to me!
(Iron) Sapphire is gone. For a time, she cared for me and for other gems that were drained and deformed. That was over 1,200 years ago, when she completed Spectrolite's education. Sapphire became involved with Imperial Topaz and found the opportunity to fight against Rutile. She defeated her and inflicted irreparable damage to her entire mineral surface; it was so severe that she had no choice but to steal the appearance of another gem. Sapphire disappeared forever after that. Even if I had her pieces and tried to find her, her inclusions no longer held anything or tried to communicate anything. I can only suppose and hope that somehow she managed or manages to be "saved".
>Padparadscha was prudent and suspicious, strongly denying it just as she always argued with Fluorite while she was in charge. She had much more experience than you and Mystic Topaz, noticing the patterns Sally moves by, the kind of skills she holds, and how to deal with her. Iron, however, in a way different from how Fluorite would. She tells the truth, raw, without trying to soften it in the slightest. She summarizes the impact of Sapphire on the Crust, the time she was active there, and finally the moment she disappeared, not before having achieved something. Iron's last sentence seemed harsh, but, just as you saw Fluorite recover a gem from the very dust just to make her suffer, her approach becomes understandable. Knowing that Padparadscha's complex expression wouldn't disappear soon, Iron turned to Rhodochrosite, who was coughing loudly in the background while listening to the same thing you were.
(Iron) Did you get depressed, Rhodochrosite? I'll sing a song for you, just so you stop trembling, does that sound okay? I've been practicing a lot, I'm sure I'll surprise you this time.
(Rhodochrosite) No, I...! I'm a modern gem, n-not scared of my first gem-to-gem contact, even though it was more painful than pleasant. T-It's not like because I have human friends, I'm a gem forged in debauchery or something like that. I just...! Thank you so much, Iron, I love you!
(Iron) Yes! Umph... I really wanted to do it.
(Rhodochrosite) Dear Iron, you have an injured gem in front of you, look. T-Tell her what you want to say before she de-gem and faints. It's urgent. As for me, I'll step out of this conversation, n-not like I could cry or something like that.
>After rejoining, Rhodochrosite warns, what she hopes they won't think of her for taking the contact with such high sportsmanship. In any case, whether she wants to step away or not, Rhodochrosite is extremely friendly with Iron, despite having listened to her elaborate as an ancient Surface gem. Judging by how Iron's voice sounds, you don't need to hear her sing immediately. Rhodochrosite climbed the stairs and stayed near the outer entrance, facing the Crust. From time to time you could see her face peeking inside with glassy eyes. When she has managed a more stable conversation environment, Iron clarifies what Padparadscha said. She denies several of Fluorite's capabilities, and it's the opposite, she seems to have several of her ailments instead. Iron explains and thereby reveals information that they could hardly believe just a few dozen minutes ago.
(Hierro) I cannot visualize the shape of its inclusions, hear its thoughts, or relive its memories. Iron is what emerged after worn-out inclusions from hundreds of ancient gems and crystalline Earth gems fused in Crust 0. To survive, it was once used by Peridotite for the metallization of its pyroclastic spots. But then, Peridotite gave that job to Anatase, and currently, she is using my alloy to reconstruct herself just a few hundred meters below the Surface. Like Zafiro did back then, I thought one of you two might be able to manipulate me and prevent my alloy from harming anyone else. In fact, I could only think of you two as an option…
>Despite changing shape, Iron is still unable to move a single centimeter. It has no arms or feet, as these always end up forming abstract shapes, even when it tries to avoid it. Thus, as you would expect from its appearance, Iron reveals itself as an alloy. But not just any alloy; it is a fundamental part of the ferrofluid that the Crust used to mobilize its pyroclastic troops toward the island. Padparadscha is still covering her mouth with the palm of her hand, not shocked or similar, but listening to the conversation with a gaze that tries to be focused rather than cold. After expressing its wishes, Iron explains, unable to show examples or details. It seems to have a certain hope of being able to get rid of itself, for some reason.
(Hierro) It's not very complicated to use me, although opening pyroclastic spots and making them work depends much more on the magnetic power of the Crust than on my malleability. In my current form, I can move walls of colossal size, regions as large as your homeland, at a rate of a couple of millimeters per minute… It's not very fast, I know, it's not even useful for a test or tutorial. But with enough patience, I was able to guide them here, right? I did the same with Rhodochrosite for years. If I'm honest, I don't know what reaction you would have, or if by accident I share part of my consciousness with you like it happened to Anatase… But, by dividing myself into two, three, or four parts, I know I will lose judgment and become more of a real alloy than a set of gems that you may or may not have known, as I am now. That would be something that would relieve you, wouldn't it? Even if I'm tiny and minimally complete.

>>7271
>It darkened, temporarily, and while the white particulate ground is perfectly visible, it is difficult for you to make out Uranocircita clearly due to the various degrees of incomplete darkness covering her. Although the shadow rising over you, like hers, is light, Uranocircita suffers the most from the reduction in light, not because she lacks energy, but because she was always accustomed to seeing clearly since she was a source herself. Her face, with traces of irritation, is familiar to you; it is the expression she used to use to kick others out of her cave. After all, no matter how small she appears, she is over a thousand years old; her habits cannot die so easily. As the light returns little by little, you can see Argilite melting against a wall, leaving the clay area they use as shelter. Kunzite and Solid are still strolling, far away and entertained with each other; you could expect no less from Kunzite. They were illuminated first by the thick, pink, human-like luminescent fog. You can understand this sudden variation in the visibility of the Crust thanks to the records of Rose Diamond and her human coexistence. The rain, clouds, or pink fog arise from human transformation, from their vaporization into inclusion forms, and since you arrived in the Crust, it has remained constant because human release and annihilation has remained constant. Now that there are giant exocrid humans eating and assimilating more humans, deforming into insect-like shapes, the flow is not precisely stable, and gems with low light capacity might feel the consequences in fatigue and rapid wear. Uranocircita watches you speak, averting her gaze as soon as she perceives your hesitation. It is precisely the green in her eyes that is most familiar to you when near her; perhaps there are traces of minimal radiation in that area. Since the eyes are artificial for all gems, Anatase must have failed to remove that radiation from that place. She justifies needing to hear the answer to her questions firsthand, mentioning the multi-denomination that persisted with you even when you arrived in the Crust. She does not use hurried words to speak and explain; she wishes to keep you out of her judgment so as not to harm either of you accidentally.
(Uranocircita) I had no other way to find out. Here, everyone calls you by a different name every time they mention you. And even if I want to say that it is not your fault, or that if it exists, I would want to erase it completely, I refuse to decide it now, so hastily. I know it is most likely yes, and that much of what you did facilitated terrible things happening to several gems, but I only wish to listen to you. There is no crime in doing so, is there? If we had the time we had back then, I would wish to listen to you again and again, until the end, to be able to understand it completely. Wouldn't that be something you would also wish for Anatase or Dumortierite...? Of course, it would be foolish and unfair for our mistakes to simply fade away with time. But constantly waiting for hatred and rejection is not much better.
>You'd have to rip Onix out of Anatasa to have even a slim chance of rebuilding her, hoping she doesn't turn into a heartless machine like she was before, perhaps incapable of ever growing again. Likewise, even if somehow you all managed to drain Anatasa and isolate her titanium mineral, she's been so affected by strange materials that it's impossible for her to recover her identity, let alone a fake one like Silvita. Dumortierita too, perhaps, due to the disaster in her head, but you couldn't think of a failed solution for her. Uranocircita took your hand at some point, without you even noticing. But even though she came closer to you again, she didn't immediately seize the chance to stop you. She stayed within a certain margin, superficially holding only your fingers, waiting for you to realize so she could offer an incredibly bright smile, yet not devoid of sorrow. After her question, you might have the feeling that perhaps just wandering for years in complete darkness while listening to her was all you needed. Uranocircita, after all, even being understanding, resolutely decided for you. And when it darkens again due to increasing human activity, you can feel her grip tightening in response to the change. Hearing your reminiscences in that seemed decisive to her, or at least you could feel her attentive to the changes in your voice. Uranocircita didn't address the topic directly; she started hesitantly, but didn't take long to assure and respond with more confidence. She spoke with an enthusiasm that didn't feel out of place for a gem like her, even considering her past and everything she said about herself.
(Uranocircita) Maybe I've been away from the Crystal Earth for too long and my character has softened, but I stopped thinking that everything that happened around that cave was completely bad. Antofilita insisted on building an observatory, hoping it would be visited in secret and develop a fascination with the sky as great as Axinita's. Or was it Axinita and Aragonito who brought it up in the first place? I'm sure you have more happy memories than I do, ones I don't even remember the details of. Particularly, I haven't finished thanking Kunzita for what she tried to do for me, visiting me for years. Being so terrible with mysteries, and too easy to convince, seeing her act seriously gives me a sense of fear. With everything that happened, it's not like I've started thanking her yet...
>Her mind wandered as she spoke, bringing forth questions and opinions. Maybe it was or wasn't her goal, but the fact that she recounts her memories with such freedom pushes you to take her own seriously as well. After all, she doesn't long for or seek escape like she did before, but is quite disapproving of her current gestures having such a clear idea in mind. With the tips of her fingers rubbing her cheek, you could almost guess the few phrases she exchanged with Kunzita. And when you turn to look at the aforementioned one, you can also fill yourself with a certain impression, seeing her stopped and greeting in your direction, as if just mentioning her had given her a supernatural ability to interfere from a distance. Uranocircita didn't notice. She was immobilized, even after what was decisive in saying that perhaps it should have been a priority to only protect the gems that were valuable to you. Her hair fell at an irregular angle, touching one of her eyelashes, after she slightly turned her head. Uranocircita contradicted you.
(Uranocircita) However, saving all the gems, ending this conflict, protecting your sisters, that's what you wanted in the first place, right? It's the reason Dioptasa admired you, and the reason you decided to descend to the Crust. It wasn't an empty goal, but one you shared with other combat gems, like Taaffeite, or Anatase, for example. Maybe you trusted that you could find a solution among millions, or that an opportunity would open up sooner or later where you wouldn't have to sacrifice anyone. And probably now Anatase is trusting that it's enough to temporarily reconstruct gems to show them to Fluorite, eliminate her, eliminate them, or something similar. It was just all these scenarios that failed, not your desires. I've always believed there are very few things worth trusting, none strong or exceptional enough to achieve an unshakable belief. But I managed to trust you deeply in the past. I can trust myself to prevent you from giving up, or to find a way where you don't despise your suffering. I will try firmly because, besides, I want it too. I want you to make me a gem as happy as no other, and to love me intensely even though I'm not made for it, Leucosapphire. Although coming from you it may have sounded more embarrassing several times...
>By repeating something she mentioned in the past, and by trying not to discard what moved you in the first place, Uranocircite's responses quickly turned into a confession to such a degree that you could only think she had been holding parallel thoughts without taking into account that difference between intensity and magnitude. As she drew closer, while she missed only a small contact, your attention could be diverted only to Urano's face, which was flooded with blush in green tones. Despite the several levels on which she is capable of giving you clarity, Uranocircite was at the same time a clumsy gem unable to modulate, restrict, or direct the form of her love. Her gaze, tenderly, gave no sign of hiding such foolishness of wanting to feel you much closer again; it was a sudden manifestation. And when you responded in haste, you could see her relieved just to hear your confirmation, with a body posture pointing her wrists in your direction as she released her fingers for a new grip. Slowly she wrapped her arms around your neck and closed her eyes. You could feel the surprise Urano experienced at your contact, arching her spine and barely managing not to blink. After confirming your intentions, she tried to relax, timidly offering her lips for your disposal. Her affection surfaced, indicating she must remain united for dozens of seconds, until, restless, she pulled away feeling charmingly bewildered.
(Uranocircite) ...Sapphire. What was that? I felt as if I had recovered fragments, no, it was also cold. Come here, again. Please. Don't let me let go this time, I want to understand it...
>Onyx's whim turned out to be the reason why your most direct contact with Uranocircite felt so warm, although it is not something she can precisely guess. Even if there were records pointing to gems sharing this kind of behavior, perhaps from fleeting words of your master, Uranocircite is not only far from human culture but also from gem culture, and her confusion is visible. However, an involuntary movement of her hands behind you anticipates her eagerness in a direct request and a soft voice. They were not prolonged unions; on the contrary, the time range of their kisses was only 3 to 5 seconds before separating and retrying, continuously and superficially. The way she pushed her body against yours in comparison was significantly more representative of her situation, although you could have mixed feelings about voluntarily replicating something for which Tanzanite had been punished so many times.

>>10453
(...)
(Ruby) Earth! I'm Earth! Oh, wait, hold on. I'm not just some clay for you to call "Earth." Besides, if I were, soil and ground are way more than sand, silt, and humus—you gotta specify a type. Or are you calling me that because eventually I'll have almost the same importance as the whole planet Earth? That's dangerous! I could start feeling like someday, all moments in the world and the existence of Earth will be mine... And I'd deserve it.
(Chrysocolla) Doubt you'll pull that off, especially quoting Fluorite. Her popularity has tanked so much you're risking your own by doing it.
(Earth) But paranormal events happen when I mimic her here, in the Crust!
>Some screens around went dark, while others started showing static. You didn't expect gems from the Surface, especially one as new as Ruby, to discover inclusion control keys out of nowhere. Voice commands that channel part of Fluorite's own inclusion manipulation to act on, say, stains or pyroclastic beasts. Ruby takes it with great sportsmanship, while Chrysocolla, clinging to her new bitterness, discourages her. Uranocircite wasn't hiding for no reason; Chrysocolla was notably insistent in the past, and her impression of Ruby is that of another disastrous gem. Showing herself, she simply redirects Ruby's attention from you to her. Ruby has fun meeting Uranus too, until you start talking about animal pets, which in the Crust could only be imagined as painfully deformed androids.
(Uranocircite) Ruby.
(Earth) Oh, there you are! I've never seen you up close. You're identical to a gem on Crystal Earth. Her name is Uranophane; she has a lead coating that makes her always look bright and melted. Do you two know each other!? Eh...? What about appliance androids? Of course, you weren't here when it happened, so you don't know, Leucosapphire. If not for Uranocircite, those aliens would've eaten us and then excreted us, turning us into their little dust-sisters and dirt-sisters. Aren't they incredibly untimely?
(Uranocircita) It was a few years ago. I started feeling a strange discomfort in the middle of my body, and then I spat out that one, brown, from my mouth. It wouldn't stop talking, or duplicating, and sometimes it tried to manipulate Coco. So I just scared it off by emitting radiation. They get silly and docile when irradiated, no, even before that, just from thinking they might get irradiated. It takes no merit at all.
(Tierra) Uhu, uh-huh... Now let's talk about what truly matters: Space.
>It seems Argilita also had the ability to transmit itself between beings, storing itself inside inclusions within gems just like Limolita does. Uranocircita cannot fully describe the nature of Argilita since she is unaware of parasitic biological life. Probably the android Uranocircita took with her just kept floating around and vomiting dirt in space. Anyway, Uranocircita is clear: she is not above clays unless, from now on, it's through deception. Ruby pretends to understand and nods; seconds later, Uranocircita and you leave the conversation. (...) Onix doesn't quite grasp your words, since many times when referring to herself, she's actually talking about Cornaline instead. Kunzita insisted that what you said was crucial to determine your identity among a gem of the Crust, Surface, Ancient, Phenotype, or Rebel. Before they pile titles on you again, Spectrolite and Solid met up with you once more. Spectrolite still maintains Crust manners, delicately lifting her dress as she walks; you can also notice she's affected by the light level. She began speaking from her perspective, having faced certain obstacles with more luck than brains. Her perplexed voice is interrupted by Solid, whom she's likely linked to as a servant, for Spec's sake. Upon minimizing, Onix's reaction is to confirm, while Kunzita nods, slightly embarrassed.
(Espectrolita) Miss White, you have no idea how much we searched for you all over the Crust. My human teacher Gips, amidst this crisis, decided to return to being one, uniting her brother and sister into a single existence. And-y and then she kicked me out! You know I'm not a gem accustomed to acting on my own! Although, something tells me she had already warned me about something similar...
(Solid) Unemployed Spectrolite cured cracks I had in my head. I think unemployed Spectrolite is much better than employed Spectrolite.
(Espectrolita) No, no, no! Absolutely not! Gips, any other gem with minimal medical knowledge completely surpasses me.
(Onix) Kunzita and I are aware.
(Espectrolita) Oni… (...) Little Onyx visited the Research Center all the time; no one found it strange that she obtained modifications of her own android, she was extremely diligent. It was a pity, I'm so sorry… Miss White, while I can't guarantee that Solid won't collapse, she won't channel Fluorite or any other copy of Fluorite stored in the Crust into herself. That I can guarantee, even though I haven't guaranteed much of anything in a long time.
>It was due to everything that happened with Dumortierite and Silvite that Onyx left her job with the androids and spent a lot of time with humans and Hawk Eye. Gems like Spectrolite who were kept apart from the conflict, while unable to prevent it, were aware. Carnelian said it would be the same for Solid, for the survival of the rest of the gems, but even with a precedent confirmed by Spectrolite, Solid appears stable, and she herself while playing with Kunzita, another of her favorite gems. When Spectrolite finished her report, you met with Uranocircite. She didn't rush any decision after listening to Kunzita, and then after listening to you, she almost seemed aware of what you were thinking. Returning to clarifications that Peridotite made before your fall, Uranocircite mentions Crisocolla's dubious plans. Before being able to consider or reject, Kunzita intervenes.
(Uranocircite) Perhaps there won't be another chance for you to find Carnelian or other gems, but planning in the face of imminence hasn't been our strong suit. Honestly, do you think you can do it, Leucosapphire? Crisocolla mentioned fragments of ruby, and Ruby made a ridiculous demand about dreams and space. Spectrolite has a vague idea of the location. If patrolling alongside your teacher ensures you return…
(Kunzita) You can come with us, Uranus. Fufufu, why did you assume otherwise? It always gave me the impression that when it comes to the two of you, you usually tend to lose sight of the outside world. Do you think the same, Onix? Come here, show them, Onix. Oh, I wish I could learn to control one of those crustal boards to capture this inside it! And also capture both of them, of course.
(Onix) Hurry up, please. I can't get used to it.
(Kunzita) Our inclusions stopped forming deep connections, which is why I can't use my 1%, but in exchange our self-repair increased by 100%, and our weight decreased by 300%! Is it proven? I'm just exaggerating, it's not that much. But if things get tough, you can throw Uranus far away, very far, with the certainty that she won't break. She didn't break before, right?
>Knowing how accustomed Kunzita was to treasuring objects and memories of the gems, she would probably be one of the gems that would adapt best to communication technology in the Crust, if it worked. Onyx agreed to get closer, presenting minor complaints. And in an instant, ridiculously, you had Kunzita lifting Onyx into the air, throwing her and catching her repeatedly, the second's expression accentuating the situation. With Kunzita providing the specifications of their states, you had Uranus, accustomed to low gravity, barely noticing it. Kunzita concludes.

>>7274
>I'll try to reply in 1 week
Exams

https://youtu.be/uKsozdlaS1w?si=OuMVEcZpgxnNdnAv▾The following turns have a short timeskip for both. And I just realized that chapter 20 is in the middle of the thread (>>2399). So I'll do chapter 21. (I'll take one of these days to update all the titles)