Lapis: Now, changing the subject...
[Lapis' gaze sweeps over Peridot from head to toe, her expression betraying a mix of surprise and concern as she notices Peridot wearing her old limb enhancers again.]
Lapis: Peridot, those things... they don't suit you at all.
Peridot: You really think so?
Lapis: Yeah, you should get rid of them. You look... *blushes faintly* You look nicer without them.
Peridot: Wow, thanks.
Lapis: *thinking to herself* They also bring up some really bad memories--
[Suddenly, Connie's urgent voice cuts through the air.]
Connie: Lapis!! Peridot!!
[Lapis & Peridot turn to Connie, their attention shifting to her, their previous conversation forgotten.]
Lapis: No need to shout, kid, we're right here.
Peridot: Connie, what's the matter?!
Connie: Look over there, there's someone flying away!
[Connie points her finger at the horizon, where a figure with wings can be seen against the bright, cloudless sky.]
Lapis: Huh?
[Squinting against the bright sky, Lapis spots a winged Gem fading into the horizon.]
Lapis: Who's that?
Connie: Judging by her size, I'd bet it's Bluebird!
Peridot: Yeah, that's definitely her.
Connie: We can't let her get away, we need to capture her ASAP!
Lapis: Well then, leave her to me.
Peridot: Are you sure about that, Lapis?
[Peridot's concern is palpable, her voice wavering slightly.]
Lapis: What, are you insinuating something?
Peridot: N-n-no, it's not that...
Lapis: Then what?
Peridot: N-Nothing! Just forget it, alright? Go get her! *forces a smile*
[Lapis stares at Peridot for a moment longer, she then lets out a small huff of annoyance]
Lapis: Hmph. Fine...
[Lapis then speeds towards Bluebird, the wind whipping around her.]
Bluebird: *alarmed, glancing back* Oh shit, I think I've been spotted!
[Bluebird attempts to flee, her water wings beating frantically. Lapis intercepts her with remarkable speed, appearing in front of her in a gust of wind, her eyes fierce.]
Bluebird: *impressed, trying to mask her fear* You're fast, I'll give you that.
Lapis: Where do you think you're going, you little runt?
Bluebird: *angered* You won't catch me without a fight!
[Bluebird's eye narrows, she then summons her ice sword, the blade glinting menacingly in the sunlight.]
Bluebird: I'm a soldier, and I won't go down easily!
[Bluebird swings her sword, unleashing a barrage of ice projectiles. Each one shifts into a replica of the sword itself as they streak towards Lapis. Yet, just before they reach Lapis, the ice swords come to an abrupt halt, hovering mere inches from her. The ice sword in Bluebird's hand suddenly leaps out of her grasp, leaving her staring at her empty palm, confusion etched across her face.]
Bluebird: What the--?!
Lapis: Seems you've forgotten I can manipulate water in any of its states.
[Lapis remarks, she casually flicks her hand, and with a twist of her fingers, she sends Bluebird's ice swords flying away.]
Bluebird (Aquamarine): Damn it, Ruby!
Bluebird (Eyeball): You never let me take control!
Bluebird (Aquamarine) You seriously still don't get why I can't trust you to take control?! You're just a total idiot!
[Lapis watches Bluebird argue with herself, a mix of disgust and discomfort on her face.]
Bluebird (Eyeball): So I'm just a total idiot to you, huh?! Care to explain why the fuck you're still fused with me then?!
Bluebird (Aquamarine): Only out of necessity! It's not like I'm keen on staying fused with you forever or anything, you know!
Bluebird (Eyeball): What necessity?! What are you even talking about?!
Lapis: Alright, I've had enough of you two.
[With a flick of her hand, Lapis summons a water chain that swiftly wraps around Bluebird, shackling her.]
Bluebird (Eyeball): Hey, ease up!
Bluebird (Aquamarine): Can't you see we're in the middle of something here?!
Lapis: Like I care. I'm not in the mood to listen to your lovers' quarrel. You fed me up.
[Bluebird blushes, her expression a mix of embarrassment and fury as she struggles against Lapis' water chains, her movements frantic in a desperate attempt to break free.]
Bluebird: D-D-D-D-Don't talk bullshit! Let me go!
Lapis: No chance. You're coming with me.
[Lapis ignores her plea, turning to fly away with Bluebird in tow. The latter cries out in fright, her voice echoing through the air.]
Bluebird: NOOOOOO!!
[Lapis swiftly joins back Peridot and Connie who hover nearby.]
Lapis: I've got her.
Peridot: Nice one.
Connie: Now, let's head back to Obsidian.
[As the group flies through the sky heading towards Obsidian's location, Lapis wears a visibly downcast expression, catching Peridot's attention.]
Peridot: Yo, Lapis, is everything alright? You seem kind of off.
Lapis: It's nothing, I'm alright... well, sort of.
Peridot: Can you please be clearer?
Lapis: It's just... I can't stop thinking about that rejuvenating thing.
Connie: The Gem Rejuvenator?
Lapis: You see, I just can't stop thinking about all the mess I made, all the havoc I wreaked, all the innocent Gems who could have gotten hurt! Yes, I had been brainwashed, but what about all the planets I terraformed in the past and all the organic life I destroyed in the process?! I was fully aware of everything I was doing back then, and yet... I BARELY EVEN REMEMBER THE PERSON I USED TO BE BEFORE ALL THE AWFUL THINGS HAPPENED!!
Peridot: ...
Lapis: THEN I THOUGHT-WHAT IF I GOT HIT WITH THAT THING RIGHT NOW?!! I'D JUST BE A BLANK SLATE, THAT'S FOR SURE!! BUT, WHAT IF THE CIRCUMSTANCES WERE DIFFERENT THIS TIME?!!
[As Lapis talks, Connie and Peridot, shocked by such statements, look at each other with visible concern on their faces.]
Lapis: WOULD I BE A HAPPIER GEM?!! WOULD I NOT BE SUCH A TERRIBLE FRIEND?!! WOULD I BE ABLE TO LOOK AT MYSELF AND NOT THINK I'M A MONSTER?!! WOULD YOU GUYS BE ABLE TO FULLY TRUST ME?!!
Peridot: Lapis, that's--
Lapis: Don't play dumb now, will ya?! Don't think I didn't notice the worried look on your face when I said I'd take care of Bluebird, Peridot!! YOU were afraid I'd lose control again, weren't you?!! Don't even try to deny it, because it was obvious you were!! I don't blame you, though. After the way I brutally tortured Malachite, Jasper and the other Lapis, you had every reason to be.
Peridot/Connie: ...
Lapis: Even if I had my reasons, I shouldn't have done such a thing. There is no excuse for my evil thoughts and deeds... I am evil.
[Lapis she says, letting out a sob, then takes a deep breath.]
Lapis: I'm evil, plain and simple... I'm a monster!
[Peridot then places her hand on Lapis' shoulder to bring her comfort.]
Peridot: Lapis, no one here thinks you are evil, much less a monster. You are a wonderful Gem despite everything that's happened, rest assured.
Connie: We all made mistakes in the past, but it's not impossible to find a way to deal with them and learn from them.
Peridot: Whatever happened in the past doesn't take away from the fact that you're our precious friend today. We're your friends too, we'll always be here to support you.
Connie: If the rejuvenator is ever used on you again, we'd do everything to get you back!
Peridot: The hell we would!
Lapis: Thank you guys. I hadn't been able to get that thought out of my head since that incident with Spinel years ago, but your words have made me feel a little more relieved.
Peridot: Just a little?
Connie: It's a start.
At the same time - In The Distance.
[Amidst the ravages of battle, the sky is filled with smoke. Holly Blue Agate and Spinel, both looking battered, scramble through the wreckage, trying to escape the destruction around them.]
Peridot: Hey, aren't those...?
Connie: Yeah, it's them.
Lapis: So, what should we do?
Connie: We're taking them with us, as planned.
Peridot: Roger that.
[Connie, Lapis, and Peridot fly quickly towards Holly Blue and Spinel. The wind rushes past them as they close the distance.]
Peridot: *yelling* Hold it right there, you clods!
Spinel: *startled* What the--?!
Holly Blue Agate: You!? What do you assholes want now?!
Connie: You two are coming with us too.
[Lapis extends her arm, and water chains emerge, wrapping around Holly Blue Agate and Spinel. Holly Blue Agate struggles, but to no avail.]
Holly Blue Agate: Let me go, now!
Spinel: *smirks* Hah! Like this will stop me!
[Spinel shapeshifts her body into a smaller one, slipping free from the water chains with a fluid, playful motion. She laughs wildly as her pupils jiggle like googly eye.]
Spinel: Try and catch me, you fools!
[Spinel springs away, her body elongating and twisting as she slithers through the rubble with astonishing agility. She disappears into the debris, her laughter echoing around them.]
Connie: Tsk. She got away.
Lapis: *scanning the area* She hid in the rubble.
Connie: This Gem is quite elusive.
Lapis: And her elastic ability is infuriating.
Peridot: Ugh, catching her is gonna be a nightmare.
Connie: No kidding.
Lapis: *hesitant* I could-- No, I'd better not.
Peridot: Do you think you can handle her?
Lapis: Maybe, but... I'd prefer not to take chances. You know why.
Peridot: It's all right. We trust you. If you believe you can manage without losing control, then don't hesitate. Go get her.
Lapis: *takes a deep breath* All right then. Just hold these Gems for me, okay?
[Lapis snaps her fingers, and the water chains holding Holly Blue Agate, Bluebird, Mean Lapis, and Jasper-the latter two remain unconscious-solidify into ice. Lapis then hands the ice chains to Peridot and Connie.]
Peridot: Good luck.
Lapis: Thanks.
[Connie and Peridot grip the ice chains tightly, Lapis then flies off in search of Spinel.]