"Let's see here, a Connie, a Sadie, a Lars, a mailman, an Onion, and My Dad. Where could the Connie and My Dad be? Topaz, help me out here."

Aquamarine, perched on Topaz's head, was thinking about the locations of those pesky humans, while the larger Gem stood guard, stoic and imposing as ever. Eventually, they were 'on the run' again, as the humans had called it. They couldn't stay in one position for too long, as the humans, mostly the 'mailman' were making too much noise.

Aquamarine decided to look for other humans, lest they come in the woods and do whatever they did. Aquamarine formed her water wings and made sure the wand was still on her hair. She flew over the forest, making sure to let nothing escape her vision.

After a quick scan, she didn't find anyone. Well, not the stuff she was looking for. She found plenty of living creatures and plants, but not even the 'Connie' and 'My Dad' she was looking for. She heard that humans hunt, but alas Aquamarine found none.

The little blue Gem decided to return to her companion.

"Topaz, stay here. I'll look around this dump and see if any humans know who My Dad is. "

Aquamarine went back to Beach City and resumed her innocent facade. She looked for someone, anyone that knew who or even what My Dad looked like. Eventually, she stumbled across a 'restaurant', as the humans had called it and flew up to its counter.

A human male with blonde hair came over and asked Aquamarine if she wanted anything. She declined, stating that she was looking for something else.

"Really? What is it then?"

"Do you know what My Dad looks like?"

"What?"

"You know My Dad, right? What does he look like?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

This wasn't good. Aquamarine had no other way to describe to the human who she was looking for, and no one here even knew who My Dad was.

She jogged her memory, hoping to relocate some piece of vital information. At first, there was nothing, but she remembered that Yellow Diamond had mentioned something about a 'Steven' that listed the humans she was supposed to get.

"Steven... Sadie... Lars... Onion... My Dad..*

Wait, could he and Steven be related, as the humans say? Lemme see.."*

"Do you know who Steven's My... no, Dad is?"

"Him? Yeah, I know who he is. His name is Greg and he runs a car wash."

"What does the car wash look like?"

"You know what it looks like when you see it. Look for the sign that has Greg in a car with a cast."

"Uh, thanks."

"No problem."

Aquamarine flew off to Topaz, giddy with excitement about the whereabouts of their second final target.

"Topaz, get up. We're going to My Dad."

"This was a waste of time. We should be preparing for a fight. Whoever this is, she's from Homeworld, she's gotta be here for us!"

Everyone was in silent agreement. These disappearances and this new Gem were sure to be tied together. Spending time drawing this new Gem was not the way to go.

"She not though, she said she's looking for her dad!" Steven was as perplexed as everyone else was.

"What?"

"But Gems don't have dads," Amethyst blurted out.

Pearl stood up. "Well, in any case, we should get going. We should spit up and look for her."

Steven had different thoughts. "I think we should stay together. If this is anything like when Peridot came she might have a backup."

Pearl wasn't sure about Steven's idea. "Garnet, what do you think?"

The fusion tipped her visor, then winced. "Gems, we're going to Greg's car wash. Steven's right, we need to stick together."

There wasn't much argument about that.

"Come out My Dad, we can hear you!"

Greg was hiding behind his desk in the office space of his car wash. He was terrified. One moment the day was slow and peaceful, the other he was hiding for his life as a large, yellow Gem was banging on the door with another demanding that he come out. He preferred not to get involved with Gem stuff, but he knew these two wanted him for Homeworld.

The banging subsided for a moment before the noise of a weapon slashing on the door could be heard. Before long the door was destroyed and Greg could hear loud footsteps coming down the hallway. He swore he felt the ground vibrate with the footsteps.

Before long, the two Gems were in his office space. There was a hand placed on the desk, ready to destroy it before the other Gem straightened her wand and pointed it at her companion.

"Ah, ah, ah Topaz! We wouldn't want anyone to get suspicious, now do we? Besides...

... I see him already."

Topaz adjusted her eyes to the shivering man behind the desk. She shoved the desk and picked up Greg.

He saw multiple arms and legs, wriggling and sticking out of Topaz's body. He was done for, it was back to the zoo for him and for everybody else that was caught in this.

Aquamarine laughed. It was too easy. "My, this mission was the easiest I've ever had! Even a bunch of Rubies could do the same!

Just you wait for My Dad, you'll be back in the zoo under permanent-"

"Aquamarine! Put Greg down!"

She turned to see a group of three Gems, the Steven, and another human, all weapons out.

Aquamarine groaned. This mission was quite boring already and she wanted to leave the Earth as soon as possible. It wouldn't do to have some rouge Gems get in her way.

"Get out of my way you dullards. Can't you see I'm in the middle of something? Or are you the fabled Crystal Gems I've heard so much about?"

"Steven, Connie, stay here. We'll take care of this," Garnet said before she dashed towards the two. Pearl and Amethyst followed suit.

The three were stopped in their tracks, just before reaching Topaz. They were engulfed in blue light by Aquamarine's wand.

"You actually thought you kind hurt me, an Aquamarine? You dullards already have very outdated Gem weapons, what made you thought you could hurt me? Have you even come here with a plan I mind?"

What she didn't know was that Steven was formulating a plan with Connie.

"So the plan is that you throw your shield at that Gem and I rush to get it," Connie whispered.

Steven responded with a nod.

"Got it."

Steven threw his shield at Aquamarine and, as expected she dodged it.

At this point, the blue Gem was becoming irritated by these rouges. "What was that? Did you think I would fall for such a-"

The shield returned like a boomerang, knocking Aquamarine's wand off of her hand and almost got the Gem off of Topaz's head.

"No no no no! MY WAND!"

While Aquamarine was freaking out over the loss of her precious weapon, being powerless, and the Crystal Gems being freed, the wand was caught by Connie. She put it in her pocket.

The Crystal Gems began their assault. Garnet unleashed a flurry of punches, making sure she didn't hit any of the captives' limbs, Pearl struck with a barrage of jabs, and Amethyst had Aquamarine entangled within her whip.

"You sorry excuse for a Quartz! Untangle me from this whip!"

Amethyst snickered. "You're not on Homeworld anymore lil dude. You're on Earth."

"I may not be on Homeworld anymore, but you and all your rebel friends will be coming with me to your shattering. Just you wait, you'll be begging for mercy soon enough. Right Topaz?"

That was followed by a wall being demolished by the former's pugil stick. She shortly escaped with everyone except Amethyst hightailing after her. Only the two Gems remained in the car wash.

Amethyst chuckled. "Sucks to be you. Got anything else to say?"

The purple Gem tightened the hold of the whip on her captive.

This wasn't good. Any more would have Aquamarine being poofed. Her kind wasn't made to be durable, they were diplomatic Gems, absolutely unfit for any combat purposes.

"If you defeat me and Topaz, you're asking for trouble. If a high ranking Gem like me suddenly disappears for no reason, Blue Diamond is sure to send backup for me."

"Fat chance of that happening. If me and the other Gems are out here, why haven't Blue or Yellow come to Earth already? You're no different."

Just as Aquamarine was about to say something else, the Quartz launched her into a wall as hard as she could. After a few seconds of her waiting for the dust and such to subside, she went to see if her enemy was finally poofed.

There, in the hole in the wall, was a teardrop-shaped gemstone. It bore no cracks or other inconveniences, much to Amethyst's surprise.

She wasted no time bubbling it and sending it back to the Temple. She rushed back outside to join the fight with Topaz.

Needless to say, the fight was in Topaz's favor. Garnet was struggling immensely with her, as she needed to be careful with her punches and the fact that Topaz could use her weapon freely without being bothered by the narrow hallways of the car wash.

Pearl was also having a hard time with Topaz, maybe even worse. She was already light by Gem standards, so that meant that a direct blow from the yellow Gem sent her flying. Sometimes literally.

Steven and Connie helped in their own ways, with Steven throwing his shield at Topaz, aiming for her head while Connie struck out with quick, precise jabs. Greg was dropped off at the hole in the wall just before the fight. Amethyst had also arrived shortly after stopping Aquamarine, but due to her whip, she couldn't do much of anything except provide a distraction.

Despite this, the large Gem had the strength to tackle all five members of the Crystal Gems and to handle all of them at the same time.

Things were not looking good until Steven came up with yet another plan. He threw his shield down and approached Topaz. He cleared his throat.

Pearl looked at him, clearly worried. "Steven, what're you doing? Stay back!"

"Hey, Topaz! I'm one of the humans you're looking for!"

She shot him a glance and shook her head, confused. Aquamarine never mentioned a human on their list called a Steven. Besides, she was too busy blocking the attacks of her enemies.

"Well, wouldn't that other Gem by happy if you captured me? She seemed to be in charge of you."

There was nothing, only another nod. This wasn't going to get her attention.

In another attempt to get Topaz's attention, Steven summoned his shield once again and threw it at the Gem's head.

Again and again he did this. While it did cause the Gem some inconveniences, it still wasn't enough for Topaz to even look at Steven. She was too busy on the other Crystal Gems to even consider him a threat.

This was his final attempt. He grabbed one of Topaz's arms with his left arm, summoning the shield with his right, turned her around, and flung the shield at her face.

The shield crashed into her face, blinding her for a second or two. She recovered from the pain quickly, but Garnet was quicker to launch an incredibly powerful punch that had her reeling.

Steven couldn't be ignored anymore. Topaz looked at the boy with anger in her eyes.

She unfused, dashed towards Steven and fusion-engulfed him fully.

This was it. The final part of Steven's plan.

He rested for a bit, gathering up his energy. It would take a lot of that to poof Topaz.

After a minute of resting up and mentally preparing himself for the task, he was ready.

He summoned his bubble, small at first, but it steadily grew as time passed. Right as it was near Topaz's body, he shrunk it by a little amount, then unleashed all of in one burst.

Topaz, on the other hand, felt something strange brewing inside of her. It was only when she realized she was doomed when Steven's bubble emerged, and with it came two yellow gemstones and a cloud of dust.

The bubble went away and Steven quickly bubbles and sent the two gemstones to the Temple. He then collapsed, exhausted from all the power he had mustered and from fighting Topaz.

Over all the noise of running, the stamping of feet, and his own headaches, Steven didn't notice Pearl picking him up.

"Steven, Steven are you ok?!" Pearl was horrified by how Steven just let himself be engulfed by Topaz.

"Yeah... I'm fine. Just tired from using all that power," was all Steven could say. He wanted to sleep.

"C'mon Ste-man, that was like, only ten percent of your power," was Amethyst's average attempt at encouragement.

Pearl placed Steven back on the ground.

"Steven, we'll be searching around Beach City for any suspicious items or aircraft. These two Gems definitely came here with some sort of ship, so stay at home. Connie, that goes for you too.

"Right Miss. Let's go, Steven."

The rest of the day went by in a flash. By the time Steven really thought about anything, it was already night.

He really should be getting some sleep. It wouldn't look good if he was sleep deprived in the morning.

But his mind was on those two Gems. Steven felt guilty for having those two bubbled, even though he knew it was necessary.

He knew it would futile to talk to them. They wouldn't listen to them, let alone he could actually reason with them. He needed a professional, someone who had experience with Homeworld Gems.

Steven realized that there was a Gem that could talk to the two. Peridot.

He had to wait until morning. Alongside sleep deprivation, Peridot never liked to be woken up in the middle of the night.

Morning came, and Steven was all the more excited for today. He ran over to the warp pad and warped to the barn.

To his surprise, Peridot was already up, working on some meep-morp. She noticed the boy and gave a smile to him.

"Hello, Steven, what a surprise it is to see you up so early today."

"Hey, Peridot. Could I ask you something?"

"Anytime. What is it?"

"Can I ask you about Homeworld Gems?"

"Sure. Do you want to know about a certain Gem's profession? What their gemstones are like?"

"No, it's something else... I think it would be better if I showed you."

After a few minutes passed by, Steven warped back with the bubbled Gems, with Lion trailing close behind him.

Peridot looked at the bubbles with confusion. "How did you get those bubbles...? Oh Lion. "

He took the two yellow gemstones and put the other one on the ground. He showed them to Peridot.

"Do you know what Topazes are for?

"Topazes are guard Gems. They can also be soldiers and escorts. They're extremely strong, and you have two Topaz gemstones! You must've fought a fusion!"

Steven put down the Topazes and picked up Aquamarine's bubble. "And what's this Gem for?"

"Is that another Lapis Lazuli? Wait no... that's an Aquamarine you have!"

Steven was confused. "Are they big on Homeworld? Have high ranks?"

"Yes! Although weak, most Gems will bow down to the mere sight of them. They are diplomatic Gems and are not suitable for combat purposes, although they do have wands if they are threatened, just like my old Limb Enhancers."

Steven went to pop Aquamarine's bubble, but Peridot stopped him. "What are you doing?!"

"I want to see if we could convince her to join us. Maybe we can do it."

"You can't do that. It worked with me because I had nowhere else to go. Aquamarine probably has a ship. I wouldn't be surprised if those Topazes are her guards."

Steven dropped the bubble, downtrodden. If it wouldn't work for Aquamarine, it wouldn't work on the Topazes.

Peridot noticed this sudden change in mood and felt a pang of guilt inside her. It was never fun seeing Steven sad, so she thought of a solution.

"Actually, I've seen Topazes be fairly nice and accepting if the current situation benefits them. Maybe we can try that with one of them."

Steven immediately smiled. He picked up the bubble and popped it.

Topaz immediately started reforming, gem floating back into place. When she reformed completely, she wasn't expecting to see the eyes of Steven and Peridot.

She gasped and stumbled back. This wasn't the car wash, this was somewhere else. She couldn't find the other Topaz or her superior.

"Where am I? Who are your two?"

"Hi! Hello." The two greeted Topaz, much to her confusion.

"Why am I being greeted so warmly? In fact, where am I?"

"You're just outside the barn. Let me show you."

"You, Peridot. Please answer my questions."

"Gladly. Your partners are right beside you." Topaz turned around and lo and behind, were the two bubbles.

She felt a strong arm tug on hers. It was Steven. "Please, could you listen to us? We have something to say."

Topaz sighed. "Fine. Just don't hurt me."

"We want you to join the Crystal Gems. You can stay at the barn."

"Why? All I've done is steal humans and tried to hurt you and the others. And what are the benefits of living with the Crystal Gems if I stay?"

"Lots! You can stay fused with the other Topaz, you don't have to listen to anyone, you can do whatever you want... anything really."

"Besides, the scenery on Earth is amazing. Much better than what you would find on Homeworld," Peridot added in.

She thought about that. She was already a permafusion most of the time, only unfusing

when ordered to. And she hated her superior. It would do her wonders to get away from Aquamarine and spend time with others.

She made up her mind; she was staying. No matter what.

"I've decided that I want to stay. If you really care about permafusions, then I'm in."

Steven smile became wider. "Good. And here's that other Topaz." He popped the other bubble.

After the reformation, the second Topaz was as confused as the first. After a brief talk between the two of them about the benefits of being a part of the Crystal Gems, the two fused, happy as ever.

"We're... no, I'm ready. Take me to them."

Steven now held the last bubble and showed it to Peridot. "Should we do it? We have Topaz on our side now."

Peridot nodded. "Sure. This Aquamarine won't be much of a problem now."

Steven popped the bubble. Like Topaz, the tiny Gem started reforming as soon as it was popped. It took a shorter time for her to reform, and before she knew it Aquamarine was staring right at the three.

"W-What happened? Where am I?"

Peridot greeted her. "Hello Aquamarine. You're outside the barn. Let me introduce you to it."

"Wait a minute. I recognize you... no, it couldn't be!"

Even Peridot was confused by this. "Is something wrong?"

"You're that Peridot that sent me that list of humans!"

Peridot's expression quickly changed from that of confusion to light hearted humor. "Oh yeah, I did send that to Yellow Diamond. Didn't expect it to get sent to someone like you. Is there a problem with that?"

"Of course! Your pose! Your tone of voice! Even the way you stand confidently without your Limb Enhancers! What's gotten into you?!"

"I learned to live without them. That's what."

"This is a complete insult to the Diamond that blessed you with them! You'd be nothing without them!"

"I'm still something without them. What about your wand?"

"I would still have it if that Steven didn't knock it out of my grasp..." Aquamarine growled, voice laced with venom.

"Well, I better get going. I'll be introducing Topaz to the Crystal Gems. The warp pad is over there if you need me." With that, Peridot and Topaz set off.

"No you don't! Topaz, come to me right this instant!"

Topaz didn't respond. Aquamarine called out to her again, only to receive the same response.

The two warped to the beach house, leaving Steven and Aquamarine by themselves. Steven looked at her with joy, while the other looked at him with pure fury.

"You... do you have any idea what you've gotten me into?!"

"Uh, no?"

"YOU brainwashed my guard into believing you! My wand was taken by one of you! I'll be held hostage here!"

Steven ruffled the Gem's hair, much to her chagrin. "It's not as bad as you think. You'll like it here."

"Don't patronize me! This your fault! You know that! You'll regret this Steven!"

Aquamarine was suddenly embraced in a light hug, to her embarrassment. She hoped no one was around to see this.

"Even though you hate me Aquamarine, I still like you. It'll take a long time, but you'll love planet Earth before you know it."

Aquamarine groaned. This wasn't going well for her. This was going to either be the worst day ever or a good one at the best.

She was betting on the former.