Obsidian: Tch. These ships aren't a problem, but...
[Obsidian pushes some of the ships away with a mighty roar, but more quickly regroup and target their exposed flank with a relentless barrage of laser blasts.]
Obsidian: There are too many of them!
[Bluebird shivers in terror at the sight of Obsidian facing the Homeworld Ships, their ominous forms looming large against the backdrop of a shattered city.]
Bluebird (Aquamarine): I kind of lost my composure for a moment, didn't I? But I'm back on track now, so...
[Bluebird's voice quivers as makes her ice sword disappear, her eyes scanning the chaotic scene before her]
Bluebird: I'll let the ships take care of them... just this once, of course.
Lapis: You gotta be kidding me.
[Lapis gazes at Bluebird with a mix of disappointment and suspicion, her brow furrowing as she considers the sudden shift in demeanor.]
Lapis: *thinking to herself* What's her deal now? She was so confident before. Was everything she said a lie? What else is a lie?! I'll get to the bottom of this.
Bluebird: Lazuli, you said you could handle them, right?!
Lapis: What?! No chance!
Bluebird: But you took them down yesterday!
Lapis: Yeah, but facing that thing alone? I'm not so sure. Maybe we should let the ships handle it. Or better yet, call in Emerald—she claims to be the strongest in the universe, right?
Bluebird: She's too tied up with other stuff; that's what we're here for!
Lapis: Yeah, right.
[Lapis narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Bluebird, her brow furrowing slightly as doubt etched clearly on her features.]
Bluebird: Look, I'm not asking you to defeat them, just keep them busy 'til reinforcements get here. A five-gem fusion like that is unstable; they won't be able to keep it together for long.
Lapis: Alright, fine, I'll give it a shot. Just so you know, I'm expecting a decent promotion outta this, okay?
Bluebird: You're already my right-hand Gem, what more do you want?!
Simultaneously...
[Obsidian is seen dealing with Homeworld ships.]
Obsidian: Hey! I don't wanna hurt ya! Clear outta here!!
[Ignoring Obsidian's warning, the Homeworld ships continued their assault, with more reinforcements streaming in from all directions.]
Obsidian: What the--?! More ships?!
[Bluebird sighs in relief, watching the ships keep Obsidian at bay.]
Bluebird: The ships are holding up; that should give you an edge—hm?
[Bluebird notices a blue Gem ascending towards the top of tje ruined skyscraper where she and Lapis stand. It's Mean Lapis, who lands next to Bluebird, panting.]
Mean Lapis: Finally found ya.
Bluebird: *dryly* Oh, so they let you go, huh?
Mean Lapis: Not exactly.
Bluebird: Anyway, you're just in time!
Mean Lapis: What for?! A Peridot's got my partner hostage; I need your help to get her back, alright?! That's why I'm here in the first place!
Bluebird: Ain't nobody got time for your personal drama! We've got bigger stuff going down!
Mean Lapis: Nothing's more important to me than her!
[Mean Lapis shot back, her voice tinged with urgency.]
Bluebird: Oh yeah?! How 'bout that!? *points up to Obsidian* That's a threat to everyone! Neither your partner nor anyone else will be safe as long as that thing is around! That's why you two gotta team up and fight them together!
Mean Lapis: *grudgingly* Ugh, fine. Just promise you'll help me save my partner afterward.
Bluebird: Yeah, sure, whatever.
Lapis: I don't need this Gem's help! *she interjected defiantly*
Bluebird: What did you just say!?!
Lapis: She'd just get in my way. I mean, wasn't she a hostage like five minutes ago? Even teaming up with another Gem doesn't make her any less of a sorry excuse for a Lapis.
Mean Lapis: Hey, you!
[Mean Lapis exclaimed, stepping forward.]
Mean Lapis: Remember, I outrank you! I taught you everything you know about water manipulating, so show some respect!
[Lapis smirks, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes.]
Lapis: Doesn't mean you're any good at it, does it? I surpassed you in a matter of days.
[Mean Lapis's face twists in anger.]
Mean Lapis: Why, you...! Who the fuck do you think you are?!
Lapis: Just a Gem who can handle her own business, no need to rely on anyone else. Unlike someone I know.
[Lapis remarked coolly, a hint of disdain in her tone.]
Lapis: You couldn't even protect yourself back there. What makes you think you can protect her? That's just pitiful.
[Lapis sneered, her tone dripping with contempt.]
Mean Lapis: ...
[Lapis's words cut deep, Mean Lapis struggles to hold back her emotions, biting back tears as she looks away in silence.]
Lapis: Aw, gonna cry now? *she taunted*
[Lapis then summons her water wings, shaping them into fists poised for attack.]
Lapis: Let me give you a reason to cry.
[Lapis lunges forward, delivering a sudden punch to Mean Lapis's stomach.]
Mean Lapis: GAAH!
[Mean Lapis cries out in pain, sinking to her knees and clutching her abdomen as tears streamed down her cheeks.]
Lapis: There it is.
[Lapis sneered, a satisfied smirk on her face.]
Bluebird: Enough, Lazuli! Cut the crap!
[Lapis glares at Bluebird, her eyes cold and unyielding.]
Lapis: You better keep that mouth shut, Azurite, unless you want a taste of what she just got.
Bluebird: *angered* I won't allow you to speak in such a manner to me, Lazuli!
Lapis: Oh really? Try me!
[Her intimidating presence is palpable as Lapis approaches Bluebird, backing her into the wall.]
Bluebird: *in fear* S-Stay away from me!
Lapis: Ha, pathetic. What a joke. You're just a phony.
Bluebird: Tch.
[Bluebird clenches her fists, her jaw tight with fury, but she just looks away, unable to muster the courage to retort.]
Lapis: My presence alone got to you, huh? Can't believe I didn't see through you much earlier—you're just a coward! That's why I'm taking your position.
Bluebird: Absolutely not, that's out of the question!
Lapis: Says who? You don't get a say anymore, got it? I've thought this through, and it's my best move.
Bluebird: You can't just pull this crap! You're not supposed to think for yourself!
Lapis: Yeah, well, tough luck. I'm flipping the script now. You guys drilled into us day in and day out that strength is all that matters, right? Well, I've proven I've got what it takes. But you? You're just a weakling! And frankly, I'm fed up with taking orders from someone as pitiful as you!
Bluebird: *enraged* Grrr! You're gonna regret this, you insolent fool!
Lapis: And what are you gonna do about it!? Confront me?!
[Lapis grabs Bluebird by her shirt, effortlessly lifting her up.]
Lapis: I'd love to see you try!
[Lapis's voice was low and menacing, her grip tightening as she spoke.]
Bluebird: ...
[Bluebird shivers in fear, unable to meet Lapis's gaze, her silence speaking volumes.]
Lapis: Thought so. *she mocked*
[Lapis then drops Bluebird on the ground, turning her attention back to the battle.]
Lapis: I'll deal with you two later. I've gotta handle that monster first.
[Lapis says as she waves goodbye in mockery.]
Lapis: See ya!
[Lapis takes to the air, causing the ground to rumble as a massive surge of water bursts forth. The water then surrounds Lapis, forming a Lapis-shaped water clone.]
Bluebird: Ugh! Damn it all, that wretch got out of hand! Lazuli, I swear I'll get you for this!