#dionna lee | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

andrewmoocow · 1 year ago

Text

Steven Universe Snake Eyes chapter 6: Folie a Deux (originally published on October 2, 2023)

AN: And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. We've been building up to this for two years now, but at long last, Steven and Black Rutile finally go head-to-head once again. And this time, there will be nothing holding them back in their fight to the death, except for their own inner demons. Steven refuses to fight and kill for entertainment but deep down, he's resisting the urge to go all out. Meanwhile, Black Rutile is incredibly eager to kill Steven once and for all, but that doesn't stop her from having her own second thoughts about everything. This, I believe, makes their dynamic so well-written, though I might be bragging here since I was the one who created it. But enough stroking my ego, we're officially at the halfway point of Snake Eyes now, so let's begin!

Synopsis: Steven and Black Rutile have their long-awaited rematch. Meanwhile, Nosiop begins his plot for universal conquest.

Cast:

Zach Callison as Steven

Noël Wells as Black Rutile

Estelle as Garnet

Michaela Dietz as Amethyst

Deedee Magno-Hall as Pearl

Tom Scharpling as Greg

Grace Rolek as Connie

Jennifer Paz as Lapis

Shelby Rabara as Peridot

Uzo Aduba as Bismuth

Kimberly Brooks as Jasper

Lauren Ash as White Topaz

Della Saba as Aquamarine

Charlyne Yi as Eyeball

Christine Pedi as Holly Blue

Casey Lee Williams as Cat's Eye

Aurelio Voltaire as King Cobralan Jormagundr

Jason Marsden as Prince Nosiop Jormagundr

Keith David as Pyth

Shirley Millner as Queen Constricta Jormagundr

Henry Rollins as Captain Boa

Neil Flynn as Aescul

Patti LuPone as Yellow Diamond

Lisa Hannigan as Blue Diamond

Christine Ebersole as White Diamond

Ron Perlman as Inner Steven

Christopher Lloyd as Batsputin Vosania

Anna Akana as Dionna of the Sands

Peter Stormare as Reximillian

"Okay ladies, everyone into your cells!" one of the Bismuth guards at Revanche 666 yelled as the Rutile Rebels were ordered to their assigned prison cells in the aftermath of their attempted takeover of Little Homeworld. "This will be your home for as long as it takes for you to change your ways and finally accept that you lost."

"So that's how it is, huh?" Black Rutile muttered as she glumly sat down in her cell and gazed at her feet. Everything she had worked so hard from the moment Steven came out as the so-called son of Pink Diamond was all made entirely pointless once again. And even worse, it wasn't even Steven who ruined her plans this time, but instead his disgusting human friends. That was one of many things she hated about Steven. Despite how toxic he was towards others, Steven always knew how to gather allies, whether they were former enemies he convinced would agree with him or simple-minded creatures he could mold into his slaves.

Of course, Black Rutile wasn't any better, but at least she knew how evil she was and loved it. But now, her love of manipulating others to her whims had been used against her thanks to some choice words by the Crystal Gems to turn her allies' collective backs on her. And now, as she heard her subordinates converse among themselves, Black Rutile had one question to ask herself.

"Is this still worth it?"

"Status update on the Diamonds?" a Slytherophidian scientist said to his lab assistant as the pair watched over three massive gems in an equally large containment field meant to house the ginormous Diamonds they would soon reform into.

"Their vitals are normal, Dr. Heller." The female Slytherophidian said, gazing down at a tablet documenting the Diamonds' statistics. "They should return to their normal forms within a few minutes."

"Excellent work, Dr. Mercer." Dr. Heller said before the two scientists turned to find Aescul walking into the laboratory. "Oh, hello Aescul. Need anything?"

"Yes, I'm gonna need you two to leave for a bit so I can have a little privacy with our giant guests here." Aescul stated. "They're gonna need some catching up to do."

"Understood, sir." Dr. Heller said as he and his assistant left Aescul alone in the lab, just as the Diamonds regenerated their forms and found themselves in the containment unit.

"Oh, what happened?" Yellow groaned as she slowly regained consciousness from her fight with the Metals. "Where are those Metals?"

"Where are we? Some kind of laboratory?" Blue asked while looking around and tapping on the glass.

"You are exactly right, my Diamond-y friend," Aescul stated. "Hi, my name's Aescul. I'm a Slytherophidian spy who participated in the surveillance of your people and brought your little friend Steven to your planet. Nice to meet you guys."

"Hello there, Mr. Aescul." White Diamond politely greeted the spy in a somewhat awkward fashion. "Would you mind telling us where we are and why we're here?"

"Oh yeah, that." Aescul nodded. "You took quite a beating against the Metals, and I just wanted to see if you'll be alright in time for Steven's big fight with Black Rutile."

"Whose big fight with what?!" Yellow yelled in shock.

"Oh no, Steven!" Blue added, just as horrified at the decision, while Aescul remained stoic.

"Please, you must tell your masters to change this decision at once!" White begged Aescul on her knees like her life depended on it. "You have no idea how much Black Rutile hates our dear Steven!"

"Sorry, everybody, but rules are rules," Aescul said as he turned to leave. "You know, I can let you go so you're free to watch, ladies. You just need to keep your mouths shut since everybody hates you so much. Remember that cover-up?"

"Yes, we convinced the universe at large that all the planets we conquered were uninhabited to hide the fact that we committed genocide, we know," Yellow stated dryly as the Diamonds were released from their confinement. "I don't think I want to know how Steven would react to such news."

"Probably not well at all." White nodded fearfully while Aescul led them out of the lab. Little did they know was that Steven was having his own issues at the moment.

Meanwhile, Steven anxiously paced back and forth in the Crystal Gems' quarters at the Ouraborium as he contemplated what he had heard earlier. Queen Constricta had just announced that Steven and Black Rutile were due to fight soon in the arena, their first one-on-one battle since Black Rutile invaded the beach house while the Gems were in Los Diego. A lot has changed since the two last fought, but one thing that remained a constant was that Black Rutile utterly hated him and wanted every opportunity she got to knock him down a peg.

"Well, well, well, look who's all ready for his big day." Black Rutile declared sarcastically as she entered the room to speak with Steven one last time. "Don't get cold feet, old friend. The Slytherophidians wouldn't like that. Then again, they already hate you as is."

"So, what brings you here?" Steven said tepidly. "Want to gloat some more before we fight?"

"Quit reading my mind!" Black Rutile laughed before offering her archenemy a high-five. "Give me five!" Steven didn't answer, causing Black Rutile to high-five herself instead. "But in addition, I come here to inform you of a new plan I've come up with in cooperation with a new acquaintance I've made here with similar designs for the universe as I."

"Who are you talking about?" Steven asked quietly.

"I am, of course, talking about Prince Nosiop Jormagundr." Black Rutile stated. "You'll get to meet him soon, of course, but for now, to give you an idea of what we have planned." She played a holographic image of a tall, humanoid figure looming over the Crystal Gems and zapping them into poofing before the Gems reformed, looking like they had just emerged from a Kindergarten. "Nosiop and the rest of the royal family have connections with a being known as the Lapidarist that can revert all Gemkind into their base programming." She explained. "Meaning that we won't just force the Crystal Gems into being returned to what they were originally created to do, but the Diamonds and all of your little friends too! And maybe as a bonus, you might fall victim to the Lapidarist's powers too, thanks to you possessing good ol' Pink Diamond's gem."

"I knew you would do something like this to get your way!" Steven screamed angrily. "You're a monster!"

"Oh, I'm a monster. I haven't heard that one before." Black Rutile replied with a cross of her arms and a roll of her eyes. "What are you going to do about it? Shatter me? Oh wait, you can't because you're a pacifist! No, pacifist might be too kind for you. You can't shatter me because you're a coward."

"I am not!" Steven yelled back, only for Black Rutile to shut him up with a finger to his lips.

"Oh sure, try and deny it all you want, but let me make one thing clear." Black Rutile stated. "All of this was your fault. All of your friends were abducted by these snake people all because they've been watching you for months on end, and now they're all going to die because you don't want to fight!"

"But that's the idea." Steven tried to explain himself. "I told the king that I refuse to kill people for the entertainment of others, something I'm sure you would love to do."

"Oh sure, even the king is patting you on the back for your cowardice." Black Rutile sneered as she prepared to leave. "But remember that next we meet, you and the other Crystal Gems will finally learn your place under my heel."

"I'll see you in the ring." Steven said as Black Rutile left the room. Once again, she was plotting her revenge, but this time, her plan would involve transforming all Gems into her slaves, the Crystal Gems included. Steven couldn't stand for this. As much as he wanted to stay true to his guns, Black Rutile needed to be stopped once and for all, no matter what it would take.

"I said I've had enough of your bullying, Black Rutile," Steven yelled as soon as he heard another pair of footsteps approach him. "I'll see you in the ring!"

"I'm not Black Rutile, but I still think we need to talk about her," Greg replied in a firm yet gentle and fatherly tone while sitting beside his son.

"Please don't tell me she convinced you I'm a monster." Steven prayed that his beloved father wouldn't betray him.

"What, no?! I would never think such horrible things about my son!" Greg exclaimed. "Black Rutile's a monster, and your kindness aside, anyone else would've wanted to put her down for good with no remorse."

"Then I don't understand why you're talking to me when you barely know her," Steven responded.

"It would be the logical move, the safest move, the sensible move," Greg added.

"But?" Steven asked.

"It's not the Steven move. You trust people. You give them second chances, and they live up to your expectations the best they can." Greg explained. "I mean, Lapis, Peridot, Jasper, Bismuth, Spinel, the Diamonds, White Topaz, they all wanted you dead or out of the way, yet you believed they deserved a chance anyways."

"And here comes Black Rutile to refuse a second chance and live up to how evil she can be." Steven muttered disdainfully.

"No one can deny all the horrible things she did." Greg agreed with his half-human son. "I mean, she formed an entire terrorist organization to get revenge on you AND tried to destroy or conquer Earth multiple times!"

"But now she and Nosiop are plotting to reset the entire Gem race and use them to conquer the universe!" Steven exclaimed.

"True. And if I had your powers, I'd use them to take her down if I had no other option." Greg shook his head in agreement. "But I never thought I'd live to see you consider doing the same. You always find a way."

"Not this time." Steven declared as he got off the couch. "I've had to do a lot of growing up ever since I discovered my powers."

"And you did pretty great despite all you endured." Greg smiled pridefully, remembering all the ups and downs he and his son went through together as Steven grew up.

"For a while. But then I kept letting her get in my head and making me live up to her expectations. It's because of her that I had to leave everyone behind!" Steven exclaimed angrily, only for Greg to not answer him. "Aren't you going to argue with me?"

"Not when you're right, Schtu-ball," Greg replied somberly, knowing what Steven would do next.

"I've had fun, but I knew that when the situation gets serious, so would I!" Steven added.

"I'm not gonna argue with you, Steven," Greg said, not wanting to get into a fight with Steven. "I just wanted to make sure you really thought about this."

"I have, Dad. I'm sorry about what I'm going to do to Black Rutile; I really am." Steven replied firmly as he turned around and prepared to leave for the arena, his eyes briefly glowing a faint pink. "But I'm not a bright-eyed little kid singing songs about ice cream anymore. Playtime's over."

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, you've been waiting for this fight for ages now, but at long last, the moment has arrived!" King Cobralan announced to his cheering audience. "In this corner, you know him; you absolutely hate him, Steven Universe!"

As Steven marched out into the arena, he was met with booing and insults from the Slytherophidians, who were eager to see him killed in action. At the same time, the Crystal Gems could only watch helplessly as their human son was forced to fight against his will.

"Please do your best, Steven." Pearl silently prayed for Steven's survival.

"What are the odds of him making out of this alive, Garnet?" Amethyst asked the fusion.

"I'm calculating a 32.33% chance of Steven making this out with perfect mental health," Garnet replied, lowering her shades. "Repeating, of course."

"Well, that's better than he usually does," Jasper added.

"And in this corner, the Striking Shadow of the Rebellion, the leader of the Rutile Rebels, the little Rutile that could, the most wanted criminal known to Gemkind, BLAAAAACK RUTIIIILE!" The Slytherophidians celebrated Black Rutile's introduction, a stark contrast to how Steven was received, as Black Rutile strutted into the arena with her sword over her shoulder.

"You know what shall happen once I win this, right?" Black Rutile snidely asked Steven as she drew her sword. "You shall die, and there will be much rejoicing." To emphasize her point, Aquamarine and Eyeball gave a dry "Yay." from afar.

"I know, but I'm willing to try." Steven said as he nervously summoned his shield to defend himself as Black Rutile furiously charged at her archenemy and tried to stab him with her sword. Throughout the first part of the fight, Steven mainly defended himself with the shield from Black Rutile's attacks, all while she vented her frustrations and insecurities on him.

"Haha, you're just blocking!" Black Rutile laughed. "Typical Steven, never once raising a fist even if his life depended on it! You're just like your mother, just as weak and pathetic a brat as she was!"

"Seriously, pressing the mother button again?!" Steven yelled before he finally decided to throw a punch, but Black Rutile effortlessly caught it and threw him to the ground.

"Oh, what's the matter, little boy?" Black Rutile taunted. "Going to cry? Maybe soil yourself in front of hundreds?"

"So this is going to be our battle?" Steven muttered frustratedly. "Just you making speech after speech in between insulting me? Trust me, if I wanted to hear someone talk about themselves all day, I'd spend time with Peridot or Jasper."

"You know I can hear you, Steven!" Peridot yelled in offense before Jasper pushed her away.

"Come on, Steven, destroy her!" Jasper ordered Steven.

"No, this isn't just a battle. It's a message." Black Rutile replied while holding back tears of rage and sorrow. "A message about how you ruined countless lives with your worthless pacifism, but none more than mine. Before I met you, I was the ideal servant! Proud, ruthless, ruling by intelligence and charisma alone! Under my gentle guidance, entire armies of Gems made civilizations tremble before the Diamonds' might! But then you came along, a mere human boy from a pathetic little ball of dirt thought long abandoned by the Diamonds, a boy who stripped me of my honor and pride that I built my entire identity upon. It was at your hands that I suffered my greatest defeats and was forced to live life as a commoner after giving up everything I had worked for. You could not begin to imagine the disgrace I felt when I was exposed as a mere victim of White Diamond's sense of humor in front of everyone on your world!"

"But you still don't understand!" Steven exclaimed as he got back up and smacked Black Rutile in the face with his shield, making her tears fly free as she parried another attack and pressed her sword against the shield. "You were this way because the Diamonds gave you everything you could've ever wanted, and you still selfishly wanted more! Has it ever occurred to you that you're more like Pink Diamond than you think?!"

Angered by this accusation, Black Rutile slashed at Steven's shield as she began crying in earnest, something that Steven had never seen her do before, if she could even express such sadness at all. "Don't you dare compare me to that overgrown brat! I had suffered for centuries because of her, and now it's because of you that I lost everything!" she screamed tearfully. "I admired the Diamonds so much, but it's all their fault I'm reduced to a shell of my former self! Why do I have to keep chasing after a damned half-human rat who always knew what to do to ruin my life?! Why do you keep getting so strong and winning at everything, and even be acknowledged by the Diamonds as one of them, but why was I the one always getting pushed aside?! Why can't you just accept me for who I am?!"

Steven couldn't believe what he was seeing. Black Rutile, who had prided herself as a cunning, devious, opportunistic, sociopathic monster, was showing real sadness for the first time ever since they first met each other on that faithful day when she and White Topaz interviewed him for their fake news show. Everyone has seen Black Rutile laugh, but now Steven isn't sure if anyone has ever seen her cry.

However, Black Rutile quickly brushed her tears away and replaced her crestfallen frown with a psychotic grin. "But now, with Nosiop and the Lapidarist by my side, I can start anew with a new army, a new Homeworld to rule, and an entire universe at my fingertips to enslave! That's why I needed to come with you, to seize the opportunity like I always do! The Lapidarist shall free us of these petty attachments we have forged with each other, and I have to say, revenge feels pretty good."

"Not yet." Steven firmly stated as he stood his ground and awaited another attack from his nemesis.

"Too little, too late. Story of our lives, Steven Universe." Black Rutile smirked as her sadness turned into insane laughter as she lunged at Steven, ready to kill him once and for all.

"So, is this what Black Rutile is truly like?" Dionna of the Sands asked as she and the other Universal Lords watched the fight between the half-human son of Pink Diamond and the rebellious Rutile below their theater box. "I have only heard stories about her atrocities before now."

"Nay, as someone whose life was threatened by her before, this is utterly new to me." Batsputin added with a curious shake of his head. "Never before have I seen someone pour their heart out this much. Metaphorically, of course."

"It is extraordinary to see a Gem act this way." Reximillian agreed with Batsputin. "Is it normal for one of their race to be this emotional?"

"I'm not too sure." King Cobralan answered fearfully. "I'm afraid that should Steven Universe survive this, there should come a time for him to learn the truth."

"The truth about what, my love?" Queen Constricta asked.

"The truth about the origins of Gems and how they connect to us," Cobralan told his wife, making Constricta realize what her husband was talking about. "Captain Boa, inform our special friend at once."

"It shall be done, sire." Captain Boa said as he slithered away. "And I'll make sure to look for Princess Naja and Pyth as well. No one has seen them lately."

"Don't bother, Captain." Nosiop told Boa as he took a break from silently cheering for Black Rutile to face his uncle. "Naja is just in her room, nothing too serious. As for Pyth, wouldn't you like to know?"

While the Contest of Champions was going on, Pyth had retreated into his favorite hidden chambers within the royal family's castle with a torch in hand to search for something he hadn't checked up on in decades. Raising his torch to the wall, the Jormagundrs' royal vizier examined a series of stone wall carvings depicting what could come in the future.

They displayed images depicting what appeared to be figures resembling Steven and Black Rutile fighting each other in the arena, then shaking hands, followed by the two of them facing a large humanoid figure with hair resembling White Diamond's, and then them preparing to fight an even bigger snake creature.

"It is just as the prophecy foretold." Pyth stated ominously. "The sword and the shield shall soon reach an understanding after the shield learns of the sword's true inner self, just in time for Ragnarok."

"Dang, Black Rutile is really going all out." Greg muttered in surprise at Black Rutile's emotional outburst. "Never expected her to be that broken."

"She's lying, I just know it!" Connie yelled as she struggled to rush out into the arena and back up Steven against Black Rutile. "Black Rutile would never say something like that; she has to be faking it!"

"Connie, please calm down!" Pearl said while holding Connie back from recklessly charging into battle. "I know you love Steven, but I think he can handle himself here."

"Still, I've never seen Black Rutile like this before." White Topaz added. "I've been working with her for ages, and even I don't think she would get this emotional."

"Maybe it's because of how Steven ruined her life." Aquamarine said as she fluttered into view, with Eyeball, Holly Blue, and Cat's Eye beside her. "Think of it: she is only now venting all of her frustrations because, in this world, violence is both the only question and the answer."

"And the answer is yes!" Eyeball added cheerfully.

"Ugh, these guys." Lapis groaned in disgust. "What'll it take for you just to give up already?"

"In all seriousness, even we're questioning our loyalty to Black Rutile right now." Holly Blue declared. "We're so sick of her complaining about her losing; we almost selected a superior leader to replace her!"

"But unfortunately, Black Rutile and his new friend had to come in and ruin our fun!" Cat's Eye declared dramatically and swooned into Holly Blue's arms. "Now we are well and truly lost!"

"I'll believe it when I see it, drama queen." Jasper scoffed in disbelief as everyone turned back to watch the fight with bated breath. The battle between Steven and Black Rutile had just gotten more intense than ever, escalating from a duel between rivals to a clash of warriors. But who would make it out of this fight alive was left to the viewers.

"What's wrong, boyo? Too scared to keep fighting?!" Black Rutile snarled viciously as she threw her bowie knife at Steven's eye, only for him to block it with his shield and accidentally injure a Slytherophidian in the audience. "Oh, I get it; you want to go easy on me because you think I'm just so scared and misunderstood!"

"I know what you're going through, Black Rutile. There was a time when I felt scared and alone, too!" Steven exclaimed as he continued fighting back. "Of course, that was half because you made me feel like everything I did was for nothing!"

"Everything you did was for nothing, you pink brat!" Black Rutile responded as she jumped into the air and tried attacking Steven from behind. However, something began to change within Steven in the seconds before she would land the finishing blow.

"You're really just going to stand there and let her kill you?" a familiar voice in Steven's head asked. "Do you give up? Will you abandon their hope? Can you not feel their desperation?" Steven's eyes lit up in shock as the world around him froze, the only ones moving being himself and a being who looked just like him, only more muscular with pink skin and his hair in a pompadour. "Will evil forever rule the universe? HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?!"

"You again!" Steven yelled at Inner Steven, facing him. "What do you want with me now? What have I forgotten?"

"I'm asking if you've forgotten what it means to stand up for yourself." Inner Steven said, turning Steven around to face Black Rutile, ready to stab him in the back. "Tell me, my friend, are you ready to surrender and let a monster like her claim the victory she craved for so long?"

"But what if she isn't a monster?" Steven asked his darker half. "Fighting her has given me a whole new perspective on Black Rutile as a person. She feels so lost and alone, and it's all my fault. Maybe if she stopped trying to kill me for a minute, maybe we can finally talk things out!"

"Oh please, she's probably lying as always to play with your sympathy." Inner Steven shook his head in disgust before he got an idea. "As a matter of fact, why don't I take the wheel for a bit? I've been wanting some action for a long time now."

"Well, if that's what you want, then by all means," Steven sighed in resignation before stepping away to let Inner Steven take hold. "go get her, tiger."

"You're too kind, my little friend." Inner Steven grinned happily as time resumed to normal, and Black Rutile was about to stab Steven in the back. However, she was quickly met with Steven grabbing her sword by the blade, not caring about the injuries to his hand it would cause, before saying one word in a very deep voice. "FALL!"

Steven's increased volume sent Black Rutile flying back into the arena walls, creating a significant dent in the wall as the Slytherophidians gawked at Steven's sudden change. Not even the two hecklers had any wisecracks to make because of how shocking this was.

"W-what is this?" Black Rutile stuttered in shock at this new development. "Who are you?! Where is Steven?!"

"He's gone." Steven, now under the control of Inner Steven, declared as his body became a pink silhouette with glowing white eyes and a pair of shields in his hands.

"What did you just say?!" Black Rutile shouted. "Answer me!"

"He's GOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!" Steven boomed loud enough to create a shockwave that rocked the Ouraborium and the entire surrounding city, causing everybody inside to fall over from the sudden yell.

"Wait, this is just like when I removed his gem!" White exclaimed hopefully while the other Diamonds trembled in fear. "If this is anything like that time, then Black Rutile is toast!"

"Steven, you can't do that!" Black Rutile yelled angrily. "This victory is mine!" With an angry battle cry, the Rutile charged at Steven with her sword, ready to kill, only to be grabbed by the face and slammed into the ground. "What happened to you, Steven?! Why are you like this? Answer me, blast you!"

"This is what happens when I cut loose and show you how powerful I really am." Steven announced before picking Black Rutile up and throwing her to the sky before zipping towards the airborne Gem with superhuman speed and striking her with everything he's got. "ATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATA-OWATTA!"

"Make it stop, make it stop!" Black Rutile screeched as she felt every last bit of hatred Steven had for her with every attack. But no matter how much she wanted to, she could never poof from the amount of damage she was taking, almost as if Steven wanted her to suffer all the pain she wrought upon others.

As Black Rutile landed on the ground in a cloud of dust while Steven descended from the air, the only thing she could do now was plead for mercy. "No more, Steven Universe! Grant me mercy, I beg of you!"

"You, who are without mercy, now plead for it?" Steven scoffed in disgust at Black Rutile's attempted surrender. "I thought you were made of sterner stuff."

"That's what you think!" Black Rutile briefly regained her bravado and drew her sword, but Steven deflected the attack with his twin shields before grabbing the blade and twisting it into a corkscrew shape.

"No need to wonder where your god is, Black Rutile, for he is right here." Steven declared menacingly, his threat sending shivers down the audience's spines. "And he is fresh out of mercy."

"Oh, how cute, he thinks he's a-." Black Rutile chuckled before she realized what Steven was about to do. "OH SHIT!" With another punch to the face, Black Rutile skidded to the ground so hard she was almost buried within Serpentes's surface. As she burst one hand out of the arena's floor to pick herself back up, Steven stepped on her face, and Black Rutile was forced back into the hole.

"This is where you belong, Black Rutile. Under. My. Heel." Steven coldly declared as Black Rutile continued trying to escape. "Had enough yet?"

"You know what? I give up." Black Rutile said, causing Steven to stop stomping on her as she exited the hole and onto her knees. "Go ahead, kill me. Kill me now." Steven was silent, as if he was hesitating to put her down. "DO IT!"

"FINISH HER! FINISH HER! FINISH HER! FINISH HER!" the Slytherophidians chanted as they beckoned the empowered Steven to shatter Black Rutile just as Steven returned to his senses and realized what he had just done.

"No!" Steven boldly declared upon regaining his humanity. "I refuse to kill someone who's already dead inside as is!" The Slytherophidians gasped in shock at Steven's announcement, but unlike the last time something like this happened, where they made him the scourge of Serpentes, they were willing to hear him out this time. "Just look at Black Rutile here. She's lost everything. Her power, her status, even her dignity. Everything she's been through has reduced my opponent into a pathetic shell of her former self, and I do not think shattering her would grant her any kind of sweet release she would be looking for. Why kill her when she's already killed herself?"

"So that's it? You're sparing me?" Black Rutile muttered in disbelief before she immediately grabbed onto his pant leg like an upset child. "Why?! Why can't you shatter me already?! I've ruined your life, turned you against your friends, and turned the whole universe against you! Why can't you just hate me like I do?!"

"Because after hearing you vent your anger," Steven coldly responded. "nobody hates you more than yourself." On that last word, Steven left the humiliated Black Rutile to be gawked at by the shocked snake people like she was some kind of endangered species. Perhaps Steven was right. No one did hate Black Rutile more than herself. And this made her very worried.

"Uh, this was certainly an unexpected end to such an intense fight." King Cobralan announced as he tried to ease the tension thick enough to be cut with the sharpest swords in the universe. "How about we go to halftime then?!" The Slytherophidians all cheered at the suggestion while their fearless leader wiped the sweat off his brow. "Oh geez, I do not want to know how the Lapidarist will hear about this!"

"Hmph, pathetic." Nosiop scoffed in dismay at Black Rutile's meltdown as a pair of Slytherophidian guards took her away. Regardless of her performance, she was still needed for his plan to succeed, but Nosiop knew she would need to be taken off the board soon.

Minutes later, Black Rutile was left to wallow in shame in her personal quarters at the Ouraborium, utterly humiliated by her defeat and how Steven refused to kill her no matter how much she begged him to end her suffering. But no matter what she did, Steven refused to cave into the pressure of others and stuck true to his ideals. "I thought this time, just this once, I thought I was gonna get what I was fighting for."

"Hey, Black Rutile, remember me?" White Topaz said as she entered Black Rutile's quarters to comfort her old master despite how much she was abused in the past. "I just thought I'd stop by and see how you were doing. Man, Steven absolutely destroyed you back there, huh?"

"Don't remind me." Black Rutile sulked angrily as she turned away. "The nerve of that boy, thinking I was more like Pink Diamond than I realized, and how nobody hated me more than me. Can you believe him?! Always projecting his own issues onto others!"

"But it's true, you are like Pink Diamond!" White Topaz agreed with Steven's accusations. "You got everything you could ever want, yet you still think that isn't enough, so you decided to become an evil megalomaniac bent on conquering the universe because you think you'd be a much better leader than any of the Diamonds combined."

"Because that's what I built my identity on! Or at least I thought I did." Black Rutile stated. "Until I learned that everything I worked for was because White Diamond found my dreams of greatness funny. I swear on my gem, once I learn more about the Lapidarist, I will restore everything to its proper order, except that only I shall be made leader of all Gemkind!"

"Then you truly are lost." White Topaz declared sadly, having now lost all hope in helping Black Rutile make a change. "Goodbye, my Rutile."

As White Topaz turned away and left Black Rutile behind, her former superior could only cry out for her ex-bodyguard to come back. "Topaz, get back here at once! Topaz!" The doors shut behind White Topaz, leaving Black Rutile alone in her room. "TOPAZ!" She fruitlessly pounded on the door with tears in her eyes, desperately trying to get White Topaz's attention, but to no avail.

What once was a proud, arrogant conqueror with delusions of grandeur was now a broken, lonely shell of her former self. Thus continues the tragic tale of the life of Black Rutile.

"What was all that for?!" Steven yelled at Inner Steven in the meantime. "You could've gotten Black Rutile seriously hurt or worse!"

"It's the least she deserves after all she's done to you." Inner Steven firmly retorted while folding his metaphorical arms. "Let's see, lying to you and all your friends, attempting to kill you, gaslighting you into betraying your friends, attempting to destroy the Earth multiple times, shall I go on? Going easy on her just wouldn't be enough if you ask me. Consider yourself lucky you made it out with your mental health intact."

Just then, there was a knock at Steven's door. "We'll settle this later, Inner Me. I think someone wants to see me." Steven said to the personification of his darker impulses as he opened the door to find Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl beside King Cobralan. "Oh hey, guys. Sorry, I got you all worried back there."

"Nah, we're not talking about how you utterly creamed Black Rutile in your fight." Amethyst shook her head morosely.

"We're here because King Cobralan wants to speak with you about something." Garnet added before nodding to Pearl.

"So, Your Majesty, what did you want to say to him?" Pearl asked the Slytherophidian king.

"I wanted to tell Steven that it's time he learns the truth." King Cobralan said forebodingly.

In Loving Memory of David McCallum

September 19, 1933 – September 25, 2023

"So many different ways to tell a story, but that's what makes them so interesting. You can never predict how they're going to turn out."

-Professor Paradox, Ben 10 Omniverse: "And Then There Were Ben"

So ends quite possibly the longest chapter of Snake Eyes yet, and how fitting that it's the chapter marking the halfway point. From here on out, Black Rutile has turned into full tragic villain, we get more hints on her big scheme with Nosiop and Pyth, and next time, Steven learns the origins of the Gems we've all been waiting for. And I can assure you, it'll be one of the biggest bomb drops I've written not just for Alternate Future, but for any of my stories in general. See you then.

6 notes · View notes

collectorscorner · 4 years ago

Photo

CC Blogger - New Arrivals @ Collectors Corner : Wednesday 6/2/21

Collectors Corner Parkville - HQ : OPEN for IN STORE SHOPPING with Strong Safety Measures in Place (Hand Sanitizing Stations, Masks Required for All, Social Distancing Required, Limited Capacity, CURBSIDE Pick Up Optional) - According to Baltimore County Guidelines. 1-410-668-3353.

CC Parkville - 2020/2021 STORE HOURS, Sunday 12-6, Mon-Tues 12-7, Wed 9-8, Thurs 11-7, Friday & Saturday 11-8

Collectors Corner - Bel Air Outpost Location : OPEN for IN STORE SHOPPING with Strong Safety Measures in Place (Hand Sanitizing Stations, Masks Required for All, Social Distancing Required, Limited Capacity, CURBSIDE Pick Up Optional) - According to Harford County Guidelines. 1-410-838-1777.

CC Bel Air - 2020/2021 STORE HOURS, Sunday 11-5, Monday/Tuesday - Closed, Wednesday 11-8, Thursday 11-7, Friday/Saturday 11-8

Complete list of items shipping to the stores, some items may be limited in availability. If you see anything you want to purchase on the list and are not a subscription member at Collectors Corner, just contact us and let us know if you want an item held at the stores. Email - [email protected]

Subscription Membership & Free Membership Card : Collectors Corner's No Obligation (FREE) Membership Card or FREE (In Store) & ONLINE Subscription Membership saves you 10% Off ALL Bagged & Boarded Comic Book Back Issues, Board Games, Graphic Novels, Manga & Special Orders. Plus Never miss a comic again!

Computerized and organized + you can add and cancel titles on your subscription list from home on your own time, or in the store when you pick up your comics at :

Maryland's Coolest Stores! Since 2001.

2 Super Cool & Convenient Locations -

CC PARKVILLE - HEADQUARTERS 7911 Harford Rd Parkville, MD 21234

CC BEL AIR - OUTPOST 17 N. Main St. Bel Air, MD 21014

www.collectorscornermd.com

PUBLISHER/TITLE/PRICE

ABSTRACT STUDIOS Serial #4, $3.99

AFTERSHOCK COMICS Out Of Body #1 (Cover A Inaki Miranda), $4.99 Out Of Body #1 (Cover B Charlie Adlard), AR Sympathy For No Devils TP, $16.99

AWA STUDIOS Mann’s World TP, $9.99 Moths #1 (Of 6)(Cover A Mike Choi), $3.99 Moths #1 (Of 6)(Cover B Kaare Andrews), $3.99

BAD IDEA Tankers #2, $5.99

BEHEMOTH COMICS You Promised Me Darkness #1 (Damian Connelly 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $3.99

BLACK MASK COMICS Everfrost #1, $3.99

BOOM! STUDIOS An Unkindness Of Ravens TP, $19.99 Basilisk #1 (Cover A Jonas Scharf), $3.99 Basilisk #1 (Cover B Christian Ward), $3.99 Basilisk #1 (Cover C Rafael Albuquerque Sense Variant), AR Basilisk #1 (Cover D Christian Ward Virgin Variant), AR Basilisk #1 (Cover E Jonas Scharf Virgin Variant), AR Buffy The Vampire Slayer #26 (Cover A Frany), $3.99 Buffy The Vampire Slayer #26 (Cover B Vasco Georgiev), $3.99 Buffy The Vampire Slayer #26 (Cover C Frany Virgin Variant), AR Buffy The Vampire Slayer #26 (Cover D Priscilla Petraites), AR Buffy The Vampire Slayer #26 (Cover E Priscilla Petraites Virgin Variant), AR Buffy The Vampire Slayer #26 (Cover F Vasco Georgiev Virgin Variant), AR Jim Henson’s Labyrinth Under The Spell HC, $24.99 Magic #2 (Ig Guara 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99 Proctor Valley Road #1 (Naomi Franquiz 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $3.99

COMIC SHOP NEWS Comic Shop News #1763, AR

DAIKAIJU G-Fan #131, $7.95

DARK HORSE COMICS Apex Legends Overtime #1 (Of 4)(Cover A Bengal)(formerly titled Apex Legends After Hours), $3.99 Beasts Of Burden Occupied Territory #3 (Of 4)(Cover A Benjamin Dewey), $3.99 Beasts Of Burden Occupied Territory #3 (Of 4)(Cover B Stephanie Buscema), $3.99 Dead Dog’s Bite #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Tyler Boss), $4.99 Dead Dog’s Bite #4 (Of 4)(Cover B Tom Reilly), $4.99 Hellboy Universe The Secret Histories HC, $39.99 Jenny Zero #2 (Of 4)(Cover A Magenta King), $3.99 Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken Volume 2 TP, $12.99 Orville Digressions #2 (Of 2)(Cover A David Cabeza), $3.99 Pride Omnibus TP, $29.99 Renegade Rule TP, $19.99 Resident Alien Volume 6 Your Ride’s Here TP, $17.99 Skulldigger And Skeleton Boy Volume 1 TP, $19.99 Worst Dudes #1 (Of 5)(Cover A Tony Gregori), $3.99 Young Hellboy The Hidden Land #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Matt Smith), $3.99 Young Hellboy The Hidden Land #4 (Of 4)(Cover B Anthony Carpenter), $3.99

DC COMICS Batman #109 (Cover A Jorge Jimenez), $4.99 Batman #109 (Cover B Joshua Middleton Card Stock Variant), $5.99 Batman #109 (Cover C Jen Bartel Pride Month Card Stock Variant), $5.99 Batman #109 (Cover D Riccardo Federici Card Stock Variant), AR Batman Catwoman #5 (Of 12)(Cover A Clay Mann), $4.99 Batman Catwoman #5 (Of 12)(Cover B Jim Lee & Scott Williams), AR Batman Catwoman #5 (Of 12)(Cover C Travis Charest), AR Batman Fortnite Zero Point #1 (Of 6)(Mikel Janín 3rd Printing Variant Cover), 4.99 Batman Fortnite Zero Point #2 (Of 6)(Mikel Janín 2nd Printing Variant Cover), 4.99 Batman Fortnite Zero Point #3 (Of 6)(Mikel Janín 2nd Printing Variant Cover), 4.99 Batman Fortnite Zero Point #4 (Of 6)(Cover A Mikel Janin), 4.99 Batman Fortnite Zero Point #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Dan Mora Card Stock Variant), AR Batman Fortnite Zero Point #4 (Of 6)(Cover C Donald Mustard Premium Card Stock Variant D), AR Batman The Adventures Continue Season One TP, $19.99 Batman The Adventures Continue Season Two #1 (Cover A Riley Rossmo), $3.99 Batman The Adventures Continue Season Two #1 (Cover B Andrew MacLean Card Stock Variant), $4.99 Batman The Adventures Continue Season Two #1 (Cover C Amanda Conner Card Stock Variant), AR Batman The Adventures Continue Season Two #1 (Cover D Kamome Shirahama Team Card Stock Variant), AR Batman The Golden Age Omnibus Volume 9 HC, $125.00 Catwoman Soulstealer The Graphic Novel GN, $16.99 Crime Syndicate #4 (Of 6)(Cover A Howard Porter), $3.99 Crime Syndicate #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Khary Randolph Card Stock Variant), $4.99 Crush And Lobo #1 (Of 8)(Cover A Kris Anka), $3.99 Crush And Lobo #1 (Of 8)(Cover B Yoshi Yoshitani Pride Month Card Stock Variant), $4.99 Crush And Lobo #1 (Of 8)(Cover C Christian Ward Card Stock Variant), AR Crush And Lobo #1 (Of 8)(Cover D Dan Hipp Team Foil Card Stock Variant), AR DC Horror Presents The Conjuring The Lover #1 (Of 5)(Cover A Bill Sienkiewicz), $3.99 DC Horror Presents The Conjuring The Lover #1 (Of 5)(Cover B Ryan Brown VHS Tribute Card Stock Variant), $4.99 DC Horror Presents The Conjuring The Lover #1 (Of 5)(Cover C Gary Brown Card Stock Variant), AR Flash The Death Of Iris West HC, $39.99 Green Lantern #3 (Cover A Bernard Chang), $4.99 Green Lantern #3 (Cover B Bryan Hitch Card Stock Variant), $5.99 Harley Quinn Black And White And Red TP, $19.99 Justice League #62 (Cover A David Marquez), $4.99 Justice League #62 (Cover B Howard Porter Card Stock Variant), $5.99 Krypto The Superdog TP, $9.99 Man-Bat #5 (Of 5)(Cover A Sumit Kumar), $3.99 Next Batman Second Son #3 (Of 4)(Cover A Doug Braithwaite), $4.99 Next Batman Second Son #3 (Of 4)(Cover B Ryan Benjamin Card Stock Variant), $5.99 Nice House On The Lake #1 (Of 12)(Cover A Alvaro Martinez Bueno), $3.99 Nice House On The Lake #1 (Of 12)(Cover B Martin Simmonds Card Stock Variant), $4.99 Poison Ivy Thorns TP, $16.99 Sensational Wonder Woman #4 (Cover A Dani), $3.99 Sensational Wonder Woman #4 (Cover B Meghan Hetrick Card Stock Variant), $4.99 Suicide Squad #4 (Cover A Eduardo Pansica), $3.99 Suicide Squad #4 (Cover B Gerald Parel Card Stock Variant), $4.99 Superman The Man Of Steel Volume 3 HC, $49.99 Swamp Thing #4 (Of 10)(Cover A Mike Perkins & Mike Spicer), $3.99 Swamp Thing #4 (Of 10)(Cover B Gerardo Zaffino Card Stock Variant), $4.99

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT Bettie Page And The Curse Of The Banshee #1 (Cover A Marat Mycheals), $3.99 Bettie Page And The Curse Of The Banshee #1 (Cover B Joseph Michael Linsner), $3.99 Bettie Page And The Curse Of The Banshee #1 (Cover C Stephen Mooney), $3.99 Bettie Page And The Curse Of The Banshee #1 (Cover D Ani-Mia Cosplay Variant), $3.99 Bettie Page And The Curse Of The Banshee #1 (Cover E Bettie Page Vintage Pin-Up Variant), $3.99 Invincible Red Sonja #2 (Cover D Frank Cho), $3.99 Invincible Red Sonja #2 (Cover E Dominica Cosplay Variant), AR Invincible Red Sonja #2 (Cover F Moritat), AR Invincible Red Sonja #2 (Cover G Elias Chatzoudis), AR Invincible Red Sonja #2 (Cover H Moritat Black & White Variant), AR Vampirella #20 (Cover A Lucio Parrillo), $3.99 Vampirella #20 (Cover B Marco Mastrazzo), $3.99 Vampirella #20 (Cover C Shannon Maer), $3.99 Vampirella #20 (Cover D Ergun Gunduz), $3.99 Vampirella #20 (Cover E Lorraine Cosplay Variant), $3.99 Vampirella #20 (Cover G R B White), AR Vampirella 1992 #1 (One Shot) (Cover A Mike Krome), $4.99 Vampirella 1992 #1 (One Shot) (Cover B Roberto Castro), $4.99 Vampirella 1992 #1 (One Shot) (Cover C Dionna Cosplay Variant), $4.99 Vampirella 1992 #1 (One Shot) (Cover D Roberto Castro Virgin Variant), AR

IDW PUBLISHING Marvel Action Origins #2 (Of 5)(Cover A Lanna Souvanny), $4.99 Marvel Action Origins #2 (Of 5)(Cover B Lanna Souvanny), $4.99 Marvel Action Origins #2 (Of 5)(Cover C Agnes Garbowska), AR My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic #98 (Cover A Akeem S. Roberts), $3.99 My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic #98 (Cover B JustaSuta), $3.99 My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic #98 (Cover C Robin Easter), AR My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic Season 10 Volume 1 TP, $17.99 Sonic The Hedgehog Bad Guys TP, $15.99

IMAGE COMICS Bliss #8 (Of 8), $3.99 Commanders In Crisis #9 (Of 12)(Cover A Davide Tinto), $3.99 Commanders In Crisis #9 (Of 12)(Cover B Christian Cimoroni), $3.99 Commanders In Crisis #9 (Of 12)(Cover C Elias Chatzoudis), $3.99 Commanders In Crisis #9 (Of 12)(Cover D Dax Exclamationpoint), $3.99 Commanders In Crisis #9 (Of 12)(Cover E Davide Tinto Pride Month Variant), $3.99 Deadly Class #46 (Cover A Wesley Craig & Jason Wordie), $3.99 Deadly Class #46 (Cover B Darko Lafuente & Moreno DiNisio), $3.99 Deep Beyond #5 (Of 12)(Cover A Andrea Broccardo), $3.99 Deep Beyond #5 (Of 12)(Cover B Mirka Andolfo), $3.99 Deep Beyond #5 (Of 12)(Cover C Marco Mastrazzo), $3.99 Deep Beyond #5 (Of 12)(Cover D Kael Ngu), $3.99 Family Tree #12, $3.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover A Chris Samnee), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover B Frank Quitely), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover C Mindy Lee), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover D Tula Lotay), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover E Todd McFarlane), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover F Simone Di Meo), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover G Tonci Zonjic), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover H Rob Liefeld), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover I Annie Wu), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover J Erik Larsen), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover K Khary Randolph), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover L Frank Miller), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover M Kira Okamoto Pride Month Variant), $4.99 Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover N Frank Miller Black & White Variant), AR Fire Power By Kirkman And Samnee #12 (Cover O Todd McFarlane Black & White Variant), AR Inkblot #9 (Cover A Emma Kubert), $3.99 Nocterra #2 (Tony S. Daniel 3rd Printing Variant Cover), $3.99 Nocterra #3 (Tony S. Daniel 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $3.99 Nocterra #4 (Cover A Tony S. Daniel & Tomeu Morey), $3.99 Nocterra #4 (Cover B Jenny Frison), $3.99 Nocterra #4 (Cover C Tony S. Daniel), $3.99 North Force #0 (not verified by Diamond), $3.99 Savage Dragon #259 (Cover A Erik Larsen), $3.99 Savage Dragon #259 (Cover B Erik Larsen Retro 70 Trade Dress Variant), $3.99 Shadecraft #1 (Jock & Lee Garbett 3rd Printing Variant Cover), $3.99 Shadecraft #2 (Lee Garbett 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $3.99 Ultramega By James Harren #1 (James Harren 3rd Printing Variant Cover A), $7.99 Ultramega By James Harren #1 (James Harren 3rd Printing Variant Cover B), AR Ultramega By James Harren #2 (James Harren 2nd Printing Variant Cover A), $7.99 Ultramega By James Harren #2 (James Harren 2nd Printing Variant Cover B), AR Walking Dead Deluxe #16 (Cover A David Finch & Dave McCaig), $3.99 Walking Dead Deluxe #16 (Cover B Tony Moore & Dave McCaig), $3.99 Walking Dead Deluxe #16 (Cover C Dave Rapoza), $3.99 Walking Dead Deluxe #16 (Cover D Tillie Walden Pride Month Variant), $3.99

MARVEL COMICS Alien #2 (Salvador Larroca 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $3.99 Amazing Spider-Man #67 (Cover A Mark Bagley), $4.99 Amazing Spider-Man #67 (Cover B Javi Garron Spider-Man Villains Variant), AR Black Cat #7 (Cover A Pepe Larraz), $3.99 Black Cat #7 (Cover B Terry Dodson Spider-Man Villains Variant), AR Black Cat #7 (Cover C Phil Jimenez Pride Month Variant), AR Black Cat #7 (Cover D Phil Jimenez Pride Month Virgin Variant), AR Carnage Black White And Blood #2 (Of 4)(Kyle Hotz 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99 Guardians Of The Galaxy By Al Ewing Volume 2 Here We Make Our Stand TP, $19.99 Hellions #12 (Cover A Stephen Segovia), $3.99 Hellions #12 (Cover B Russell Dauterman Angel Character Design Variant), AR Hellions #12 (Cover C Russell Dauterman Connecting Variant), AR Hellions #12 (Cover D Stephen Segovia Character Design Variant), AR Heroes Reborn #5 (Of 7)(Cover A Leinil Francis Yu), $4.99 Heroes Reborn #5 (Of 7)(Cover B Jeffrey Veregge), AR Heroes Reborn #5 (Of 7)(Cover C Kyle Hotz), AR Heroes Reborn #5 (Of 7)(Cover D Mark Bagley Connecting Trading Card Variant), AR Heroes Reborn #5 (Of 7)(Cover E John Tyler Christopher Action Figure Variant), AR Heroes Reborn #5 (Of 7)(Cover F Juan Cabal Stormbreakers Variant), AR Heroes Reborn American Knights #1 (Cover A Chris Sprouse), $4.99 Heroes Reborn American Knights #1 (Cover B Declan Shalvey), AR Heroes Reborn Marvel Double Action #1 (Cover A Dave Johnson), $4.99 Heroes Reborn Marvel Double Action #1 (Cover B Annie Wu), AR Immortal Hulk #47 (Cover A Alex Ross), $3.99 Immortal Hulk #47 (Cover B Joe Bennett Homage Variant), AR Immortal Hulk #47 (Cover C Declan Shalvey Spider-Man Villains Variant), AR Iron Fist Heart Of The Dragon #6 (Of 6)(Cover A Billy Tan), $3.99 Iron Fist Heart Of The Dragon #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Takashi Okazaki), AR Iron Man Annual #1 (Cover A Nick Bradshaw), $4.99 Iron Man Annual #1 (Cover B Travis Charest), AR Iron Man Annual #1 (Cover C Ron Lim Connecting Variant), AR Iron Man Annual #1 (Cover D Rob Liefeld Deadpool 30th Anniversary Variant), AR Iron Man Annual #1 (Cover E Ibraim Roberson Promo Variant), AR Marauders #21 (Cover A Russell Dauterman), $4.99 Marauders #21 (Cover B David Finch), AR Marauders #21 (Cover C Phil Jimenez Pride Month Variant), AR Marauders #21 (Cover D Phil Jimenez Pride Month Virgin Variant), AR Marauders #21 (Cover E Russell Dauterman Emma Frost Character Design Variant), AR Marauders #21 (Cover F Russell Dauterman Connecting Variant), AR Marauders #21 (Cover G Matteo Lolli Character Design Variant), AR Marvels Snapshots HC, $34.99 Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur Bad Buzz TP, $12.99 Moon Knight Epic Collection Volume 1 Bad Moon Rising TP (New Printing), $39.99 Non-Stop Spider-Man #3 (Cover A David Finch), $3.99 Non-Stop Spider-Man #3 (Cover B Chris Bachalo), AR Savage Avengers #21 (Cover A Valerio Giangiordano), $3.99 Spider-Woman Volume 2 King In Black TP, $15.99 Star Wars War Of The Bounty Hunters #1 (Of 5)(Cover A Steve McNiven), $4.99 Star Wars War Of The Bounty Hunters #1 (Of 5)(Cover B Leinil Francis Yu), AR Star Wars War Of The Bounty Hunters #1 (Of 5)(Cover C Pepe Larraz), AR Star Wars War Of The Bounty Hunters #1 (Of 5)(Cover D Sara Pichelli), AR Star Wars War Of The Bounty Hunters #1 (Of 5)(Cover E Giuseppe Camuncoli Wraparound Variant), AR Star Wars War Of The Bounty Hunters #1 (Of 5)(Cover F Babs Tarr Pride Variant), AR Star Wars War Of The Bounty Hunters #1 (Of 5)(Cover G John Tyler Christopher Action Figure Variant), AR Star Wars War Of The Bounty Hunters #1 (Of 5)(Cover H John Cassaday Trading Card Variant), AR Trials Of Loki Marvel Tales #1 (Cover A Joshua Sway Swaby), $7.99 Trials Of Loki Marvel Tales #1 (Cover B Joshua Sway Swaby Virgin Variant), AR Way Of X #1 (Bob Quinn 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99 X-Force #20 (Cover A Joshua Cassara), $3.99 X-Force #20 (Cover B Russell Dauterman Emma Frost Character Design Variant), AR X-Force #20 (Cover C Russell Dauterman Connecting Variant), AR X-Force #20 (Cover D Joshua Cassara Character Design Variant), AR X-Men Age Of Apocalypse Omnibus HC (New Printing)(Billy Tan Book Market Cover), $125.00 X-Men Age Of Apocalypse Omnibus HC (New Printing)(Joe Madureira Direct Market Cover), $125.00

ONI PRESS Dryad #10, $3.99 Rick And Morty Ever After Volume 1 TP, $19.99 Rick And Morty Rick’s New Hat #1 (Cover A Fred Stresing), $3.99 Rick And Morty Rick’s New Hat #1 (Cover B Sarah Stern), $3.99 Tea Dragon Tapestry HC, $21.99

SCOUT COMICS By The Horns #2 (Of 7)(Cover A Jason Muhr), $3.99 By The Horns #2 (Of 7)(Cover B Bernie Gonzalez), AR Sam And His Talking Gun #3, $3.99

SOURCE POINT PRESS Backfired #1 (One Shot), $19.99 Get In The Game #1 (One Shot), $14.99

TITAN COMICS Blade Runner 2029 #1-4 Peach Momoko Pack, $17.99 Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Special 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Magazine (Newsstand Edition), $14.99 Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Special 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Magazine (Previews Exclusive), $14.99

TOHAN CORPORATION Hobby Japan April 2021, $20.00

VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT Visitor #5 (Of 6)(Cover A Amilcar Pinna), $3.99 Visitor #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Caspar Wijngaard), $3.99 Visitor #5 (Of 6)(Cover D Shawn Martinbrough Pre-Order Edition Variant), AR

VAULT COMICS Hollow Heart #4 (Cover A Paul Tucker), $3.99 Hollow Heart #4 (Cover B Jen Hickman), $3.99

VIZ MEDIA Chainsaw Man Volume 5 GN, $9.99 Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 22 GN, $9.99 Dragon Ball Super Volume 13 GN, $9.99 Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 10 GN, $9.99 My Hero Academia Volume 28 GN, $9.99 One-Punch Man Volume 22 GN, $9.99

ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT Myths And Legends Quarterly #3: Dragon Clan (Cover A Igor Vitorino), $8.99 Myths And Legends Quarterly #3: Dragon Clan (Cover B Hedwin Zaldivar), $8.99 Myths And Legends Quarterly #3: Dragon Clan (Cover C Keith Garvey), $8.99 Van Helsing Steampunk #1 (One Shot)(Cover D John Royle Mystere Variant), AR Van Helsing Steampunk #1 (One Shot)(Cover E Mike DeBalfo Belle Variant), AR Van Helsing Steampunk #1 (One Shot)(Cover F Mike DeBalfo Belle Lingerie Variant), AR Van Helsing Steampunk #1 (One Shot)(Cover G Mike DeBalfo Belle Risque Variant), AR

GAMES

USAOPOLY Naruto Shippuden Monopoly, AR

TOYS - T-SHIRTS & COLLECTIBLES Mazinger Z Internal Structure Mazinger Z Figure (Version 1), AR Specialty Series Mystery Minis Mandalorian 12 Piece Blind Mystery Box, AR United States Of Captain America #1 Poster, AR

2 notes · View notes

disappointingyet · 4 years ago

Text

Summer Of Sam

Director Spike Lee Stars John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody, Mira Sorvino, Jennifer Esposito, Michael Rispoli USA 1999 Language English, a little Italian 2hrs 22mins Colour, archive black & white

Spike Lee’s ‘wild, intense, startlingly shot’ account of the summer when the two sevens clashed

Summer Of Sam is a companion piece of sorts to what you could reasonably call Spike Lee’s defining movie: Do The Right Thing. It’s another portrait of a New York neighbourhood at breaking point during a sweltering, tense summer. The main differences: we’re covering a longer stretch of time, this is a (recent-ish) period piece rather than a film very much about right now, we’re in the Bronx rather than Brooklyn, and the Italian-Americans are now centre stage. I’m going to say there are fewer jokes, too.

Is it as great as Do The Right Thing? No. But I do think it’s an absolute belter of a movie, a film that you fall right into, one that’s absorbing and thrilling and contains some extraordinary moments of filmmaking.

The central character is the city: this is a movie about a place and a time…

1977. The summer of disco, of punk, of the great blackout, of the serial murderer known as the .44 Killer and later Son of Sam. The movie is introduced and concluded by New York’s most famous newspaperman, Jimmy Breslin, to whom the killer wrote during his spree. This is not, it needs to be stressed, a serial killer movie. The murderer is a minor character about whom we mostly learn through his unhinged writings. His importance to the story is the fear and paranoia caused by his actions: shooting either lone dark-haired women or couples in cars on quiet residential streets. The city was famously crime-ridden at the time, as some of the characters mention, but Son of Sam targeted the generally safer middle-class and stable working class areas.

Terrific as this movie is, it’s not one that draws its strength from great characterisation of human beings. At the heart of the story are two lifelong friends from the neighbourhood: Vinny (John Leguizamo) and Richie (Adrien Brody). Vinny, a hairdresser, is the disco half of the equation. Richie – complete with absurd cockney accent rightly mocked by everyone – has returned from a spell living in Manhattan as a punk. (Incidentally, Richie – along with almost all the other CBGB-goers we meet – looks nothing like an actual NY punk from 1977 and everything like a postcard punk from about five years later). Anyway, Richie’s transformation is treated with hostility by the slightly tragic clique hanging around local dealer Joey T (Michael Rispoli), but Vinny stays loyal.

Vinny, meanwhile, is suffering from an acute case of the madonna/whore complex. His screwed-up logic justifies him constantly cheating on his wife Dionna (Mira Sorvino) on the grounds that he couldn’t possibly sully her with the supposedly filthy things he wants to do in bed. (Which, when he reveals them, turn out to be not remotely kinky). The film makes it clear that this desire to protect Dionna’s purity is purely one-sided: she’s totally open to a mildly adventurous sex life but Vinny refuses to think of her that way and continues shagging – among others – his boss (an underused Bebe Neuwirth).

Richie, on the other hand, seems less troubled by sexual hang-ups. While he seems to be straight by romantic inclination, he strips and turns tricks in a gay joint (whose manager is played one of the screenwriters, Michael Imperioli, having a great time). Of course, he’s less happy when the guys in the neighbourhood hear about the stripping.

I would have preferred to have spent more time with the women: Dionna’s story seems more promising than Vinny. And potentially the most interesting arc belongs to Ruby (Jennifer Esposito), regarded as the local slut, who is willing to date non-Italian boys and then joins Richie as a CBGB regular.

But the characters here are serving the story, and the story is how everyone reacts as the killings and the heat and the other events of that summer pile up onto each other, as shown on the front pages on the New York Daily News. And in a way the pivotal character in that isn’t any of the leads, but Joey T. Despite performing the entry-level criminal ‘job’ of selling dime bags of pot* and the occasional ’lude, Joey T is treated a figure of some substance not only by his cronies but the local boss, Luigi (Ben Gazzara). He sometimes seems like more of a grown-up than the others, but it’s all about how he behaves as the pressure mounts.

That rising tension is brilliantly built-up through a couple of terrific montages. Big credit should go to Lee’s longtime editor Barry Alexander Brown. The other person I need to mention is cinematographer Ellen Kuras, who did loads of great work around this time. I love the way the film looks: it evokes the 1970s but is unmistakably late 1990s (eg, the classic green tint in the scenes with the killer).

Do I even need to mention there are lots of great songs on the soundtrack? And that Spike Lee is very happy to be hanging out in a disco – even if the dancing scenes here aren’t up there with the ones from Malcolm X or BlackkKlansman.

This was Lee’s first movie with a predominantly white cast. I feel at the time there a sense that he needed to prove something by doing that. If my memory about that is true, it’s a disgraceful idea. But could he do excellent work with a bunch of white people? He certainly could. There are only two black characters who we spend much time at all with: Lee regular Roger Guenveur Smith as a cop, and Lee himself (very enjoyably) as a stressed TV reporter always in the middle of the chaos.

Summer Of Sam is long, sprawling and has the odd dud scene here and there. But it’s a movie that always leaves me exhilarated: it’s such a thrilling piece of cinema and such an immersive evocation of one part of a great city at a very specific moment in its history. There have been endless fictional visits to the New York of the 1970s since but none better than this, I think.

*I.e. $10’s worth of cannabis.

Here’s an interview I did with Spike Lee for the film’s UK release in 2000

More reviews of Spike Lee films: Da 5 Bloods Chi-raq She’s Gotta Have It

#spike lee #mira sorvino #jennifer esposito #summer of sam

7 notes · View notes

brothermarc7theatre · 5 years ago

Text

“Grease” show #807

Perhaps when Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey wrote Grease in the 1970’s, they anticipated a change in high school norms and dynamics of the teenage psyche. However, they still have a rock n’ roll musical which resonates with older crowds and accurately portrays the issues high schoolers in 2019 care about: being liked, fitting in, having friends, rivalries, love, sex, and being cool. Adam Estes has directed and choreographed a fantastic production of Grease, giving each actor their time to shine and each production number its rightful time to shimmer. Grease is most certainly the word over at Sierra Repertory Theatre!

(Kyle Thomas Mangold (Danny) and Alison Bagli (Sandy); Photo credit: Jerry Lee)

Kyle Thomas Mangold and Alison Bagli lead this incredibly talented cast as Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski, respectively. Mr. Mangold doubles down on portraying his Zuko as a complete goofball who, at every chance he gets, tries to be tough and cool in front of his fellow Burger Palace Boys (aka, the T-Birds for those who only know the film). But his smooth tenor and Elvis-timbre in “Summer Nights” and “Sandy” show just how legit he is. Ms. Bagli gives as much depth to Sandy, the ingénue with not much to do, as an actress can. Ms. Bagli’s dynamite vocals fill the Fallon House theater in “Summer Nights” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Her melancholy lament, “It’s Raining on Prom Night” along with Barbara Camara’s Radio Voice vocals, allow the audience to see Ms. Bagli’s range of emotion as she garners the guff to go to the dance and pursue her love for Danny. The two partner up for a killer turn at “You’re the One That I Want,” complete with rockin’ vocals and snazzy chemistry.

(Jonathan Chisolm (Roger) and Liz Eradi (Jan); Photo credit: Jerry Lee)

The supporting Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies all do very well in their singular moments to take stage. Nick Abbott is a smooth swaggering, too-cool-for-school Kenickie who leads “Greased Lightin’” with a healthy dose of gravitas. Julia Adams has a character voice to her Frenchy that makes every line a delectable comedic turn, and she does well within the sterling vocals and performance of Spencer Glass’ (Teen Angel/Vince Fontaine) soulful turn at “Beauty School Dropout.” Liz Eradi, as Jan, and Jonathan Chisolm, as Roger, partner for a beautifully humorous duet in “Mooning,” a song which showcases both performers’ gorgeous voices and comedic chops. Stephen Markarian, as Doody, delivers a show-stopping turn at “Those Magic Changes,” his guitar lesson-turned-rock show solo that encapsulates much more of Doody’s internal monologue than the rest of the show allows. Dionna Eshleman’s turn as Marty is highlighted very well in her dancing and vocals, the latter primarily in her femme-crooner performance in “Freddy, My Love,” a solo that really does color the otherwise make out-loving high schooler with a lovely depth of personality and caring.

(Emily Rose Lyons (Rizzo); Photo credit: Jerry Lee)

Emily Rose Lyons is a standout as Betty Rizzo, the only character with a true journey worth following. Ms. Lyons’ cutesy vocals in “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee” make for a fun little romp. However, in her act two turn of “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” the audience is silent with awe at how much vulnerability and storytelling Ms. Lyons gives to the devastating solo. Featured standouts are well-received by Kyle Moses’ nerdy-and-loveable Eugene, Betsy Moses’ commanding and animated Miss Lynch, and Shannon Gerrity’s peppy-yet-sassy Patty Simcox.

(L to R: Kyle Moses (Eugene), Betsy Moses (Miss Lynch), Shannon Gerrity (Patty Simcox); Photo credit: Jerry Lee)

Mr. Estes has found a great balance between staging and dancing in each numbers, and much to his advantage since most of the principals have their own big song. Some, like “Greased Lightnin’” and “You’re the One That I Want,” have more “showy” movement and technical fun rather than legit dancing. But never fear, for when “Born to Hand Jive” starts, the lifts and partner dancing is exuberant, highlighted by a phenomenal Ms. Camara doubling as Cha-Cha Degregorio. Mr. Estes’ direction blows over the near-unforgivable camp the book has in it, while giving due diligence to the key lines and big numbers, allowing them to take focus. Diana Newington and Anna Owen’s costumes are stellar, period-perfect and characteristically intact with each role. Grease is a show that is certainly oft-done but not oft-done well. You can be sure that if you choose to head back to Rydell High by way of Sierra Repertory Theatre, you are in sure fire hands to be entertained. Do go see Grease, you don’t wanna miss it!

#grease #sierrarepertorytheatre #sonor #musicals #theatre #musicaltheatre #theatrereview

1 note · View note

martian1pictures · 9 years ago

Text

07/25/2015 Vex Motorsports

View On WordPress

#car show #dionna lee #vexmotorsports

0 notes

andrewmoocow · 1 year ago

Text

Steven Universe Snake Eyes chapter 9: Let the Endgames Begin (originally published on October 23, 2023)

AN: We only have about three to four chapters left before I can finally close the book on Alternate Future once and for all and finally move onto other stories that I've left to collect dust for months to years on end. When last we left off, Squamata has been unleashed from his tomb and now plans to devastate the entire universe around him and beyond. Is there any way that the Crystal Gems can stop possibly their toughest foe yet? You'll just have to read on and find out as Alternate Future reaches its climax.

Synopsis: The race against time begins as the god of snakes Squamata breaks free from his prison and Steven rallies the royals & fighters to save reality.

Cast:

Zach Callison as Steven

Noël Wells as Black Rutile

Estelle as Garnet

Michaela Dietz as Amethyst

Deedee Magno-Hall as Pearl, Mega Black Pearl

Grace Rolek as Connie

Zach Steel as Ronaldo

Atticus Shaffer as Peedee

Jennifer Paz as Lapis

Shelby Rabara as Peridot

Uzo Aduba as Bismuth

Kimberly Brooks as Jasper

Lauren Ash as White Topaz

Patti LuPone as Yellow Diamond

Lisa Hannigan as Blue Diamond

Christine Ebersole as White Diamond

Aurelio Voltaire as King Cobralan Jormagundr

Shirley Millner as Queen Constricta Jormagundr

Ray Porter as Squamata

Samantha Newark as The Lapidarist

Jason Marsden as Prince Nosiop Jormagundr

Tim Curry as Velhallen Beo

Crispin Freeman as Mr. Manco

Sam Witwer as Torius Vosania

Anna Akana as Dionna of the Sands

Christopher Lloyd as Batsputin Vosania

Peter Stormare as Reximillian

Elizabeth Maxwell as Vigrid

James Earl Jones as Wobbla the Butt

Barrett Wilbert Weed as Ezlipsia

Anthony Stewart Head as Solaris Noctua

John Mulany as Flipso

AJ Michalka as Stevonnie

Ted Leo as Steg

Della Saba as Aquamarine

Charlyne Yi as Eyeball

Christine Pedi as Holly Blue Agate

Casey Lee Williams as Cat's Eye

Avi Roque as Cinnabar

Gina Torres as Andesine

Jinkx Monsoon as Emerald

Kari Wahlgren as Pyrope

Melissa Fahn as Demantoid

Awkwafina as Kyanite

As the Lapidarist meditated within her chambers, she suddenly heard a noise, followed by an evil, bellowing laugh. "I have turned hundreds upon thousands of worlds to dust in the name of darkness and devastation until I was robbed of my glory." Squamata roared from outside the castle. "I will stride across the bones of my enemies and bask in the glow of pure evil, for all of existence shall be mine to consume!"

"I knew this day would come." The Lapidarist said fearfully before she vanished from her sanctuary in a blinding flash of light. When she reappeared on Serpentes's surface, the already-panicking Slytherophidians were confused at the giant glowing humanoid's sudden appearance, making them wonder if she would team up with Squamata to destroy their world. "I can see you, Squamata!" the Lapidarist yelled for the snake creature to hear her. "I've been guarding this planet where you've been sealed for eons, and I will not let you destroy it or any other world!"

"Ah, Rebeugar, the last of the Lapidarists, we meet at last," Squamata replied with a dreadful sneer. "Who would've guessed we would be laid to rest on the same planet? No matter. I will finish what I started all those years ago and eliminate you, the sole survivor of my creators. First Serpentes, then the universe, and then the multiverse, and possibly beyond." Just as Squamata had made his threat, he suddenly received an electric shock to the face courtesy of Yellow Diamond. "WHAT?!"

"Die, monster!" Yellow called as she stood firmly against the God of Snakes with Blue and White Diamond beside her. "You do not belong in this world."

"It is not by my hand that I am free to smite the universe as I did in days long past." Squamata declared while presenting his heralds, Prince Nosiop, Pyth, Velhallen Beo, Mr. Manco, and Torius Vosania. "I was released from my confinements by mortals who wished to pay me tribute in exchange for assisting them with their own plans."

"That is correct, Squamata." Nosiop proclaimed. "Now, enough talk! Fight us, grand Diamonds, and die for your sins!" Squamata and his heralds charged at the Lapidarist and the Diamonds, with Squamata assuming a different form that transformed him into a shadowy mass of fog with eyes all over his body.

The god of snakes lunged at the Lapidarist with a hiss and bit her with his neck, trying to poison her with the venom in his fangs. However, he was stopped at the last moment when Stevonnie came to the Lapidarist's rescue by slashing off one of Squamata's fangs.

"What is this human doing here?!" Squamata roared as he looked down on Stevonnie and Mega Black Pearl standing up to his tremendous fury. "Wait, that is no mere human."

"A fusion of a human and a Gem? Inconceivable!" the Lapidarist agreed in alarm.

"Stay back, everyone; Mega Black Pearl and I got this covered!" Stevonnie declared before turning to the other fusion. "Ready, MBP?"

"Always ready for a fight!" Mega Black Pearl responded with a grin.

"How does everyone keep moving so fast?" Blue wondered as Squamata realized who he was up against.

"The scion of the Crystal Gems and the Diamonds, it seems," Squamata smirked while looking down at Stevonnie. "We meet face to face at last. Though, I did not expect you to come out to me as a fusion, and especially with a human." He then looked down at his heralds. "Velhallen, Torius, Manco, you know what to do. The rest of us shall take care of these Diamonds."

"It shall be done, my lord." Velhallen Beo declared as he clashed his sharpened claws with Stevonnie's sword while Torius and Manco sought revenge on the Black Pearl Brigade. "I have heard so many stories about you and the Crystal Gems, but never would I live to see the day I'd face one myself!"

"Who even are you?" Stevonnie asked before taking a big swing at Beo's chest. "I don't think I ever heard of you before, or most of the other heralds, for that matter."

"I am but a humble ex-Universal Lord who was robbed of my royal birthright by the confounded Batsputin Vosania!" Velhallen revealed his backstory to his fused opponent. "After being locked away by the Coalition of Galaxies for my numerous crimes, I discovered the awesome power of Squamata and figured that with him by my side, I could take back my rightful place as ruler of the Twilight Zone!"

"Not on our watch!" Mega Black Pearl declared before mightily swinging at Beo with her spear. High above the fusions' battle with the heralds, the Lapidarist used her phenomenal cosmic powers to keep Squamata at bay. At the same time, the Diamonds fought back against Nosiop and Pyth, now cosmically empowered by their exposure to the godlike snake.

"You will be returned quietly to where you belong, Squamata." Yellow declared. "We heard about how you crave nothing but death and destruction to every being with a pulse."

"Then again, you aren't so different, Gem creatures." Squamata retorted with a sneer. "You claim you're trying your best to change your ways, but I feel it isn't enough. Perhaps you could throw all that away and join me as my heralds."

"We will never join you!" Blue yelled while firing a blast of pure emotion to bring Squamata to his figurative knees. Still, Squamata felt absolutely nothing at all before tackling Blue to the ground and trying to bite her, only to get blasted away by White.

"Ah-say-into-pie, oppa-maybe-uppen-die!" Squamata then turned his attention to White and breathed fire in her face, causing her to fall over in shock. "You have no hope of defeating me in my current state! I will only grow stronger by the minute unless this ultimate fusion appears and stops me once and for all."

"Squamata is right; I cannot hold him forever!" the Lapidarist exclaimed. "We need to retreat now!"

"Yes, run while you still can, fools!" Nosiop exclaimed. "But you'll still be leaving us to run amok across this wretched world and the rest of the cosmos soon!"

"Wow, he really is kind of like me." The Steven part of Stevonnie muttered to themselves as they, Mega Black Pearl, the Lapidarist, and the Diamonds, made their escape, contemplating what Inner Steven had said to Steven earlier.

Steven and Connie were un-fused when they reached the castle, where the Crystal Gems awaited them. "So, couldn't beat Squamata, huh?" Amethyst asked. "Kind of figured something like that would happen."

"Is there any way we can stop Squamata now?" Pearl wondered. "If not even the Lapidarist and the Diamonds are enough to overpower him, then what chance do we have?" Suddenly, the heroes heard a familiar voice panting loudly as she raced towards the castle, and when they turned around, Black Rutile was standing at the front doors, acting like she had just run five dozen marathons on her way there.

"Yes, I'm not too late!" Black Rutile gasped as she finally reached the Jormagundrs' castle. "Help me, Crystal Gems, you're my only hope!"

"Enough talk, Black Rutile; we know it was you." Garnet coldly declared, completely ignoring Black Rutile's cries for help.

"No, please, you simply must hear me out!" Black Rutile yelled while raising her hands in complete sincerity. "Nosiop betrayed me and nearly sacrificed me to release Squamata! Please, you have to believe me!"

"Yeah, how about no?" Jasper growled angrily while snatching Black Rutile by the neck and glaring daggers at the Rutile. "We've had enough of your lies for too long now. Make one more, and you can bet we'll shatter you on the spot."

"Wait, guys, let's hear Black Rutile out." Steven tried to calm everyone down. "I know firsthand just how she really feels. Let me talk to her, and we'll all start working together ASAP." Connie then grabbed Steven by the shoulder. "Need anything, Connie?"

"Steven, I hate to break it to you, but I think it's time you gave up on her," Connie responded bluntly. "Black Rutile has lied and used us so many times for her own selfish gain, so it's obviously no secret all those insecurities she yelled about were probably another lie to play with your sympathy."

"Oh, for crying out-seriously?!" Black Rutile yelled furiously. "You pride yourself on accepting everyone, even the ones you don't understand, yet I'm the outlier here?! I am in legitimate distress here, and you're just turning away from me just like that?!"

"Maybe come to us when you feel some form of remorse for your actions, you murder drone!" Peridot barked before turning away with her nose pointed to the ceiling. "Bismuth, Lapis, to me, please."

"Yeah, not sure how we can forgive you after you tried making me one of your team." Lapis added with a disdainful shrug before following Peridot.

"Ugh, once a corrupt uppercrust, always a corrupt uppercrust." Bismuth scoffed while turning to walk alongside her two best friends.

"White Topaz, you can believe me, right?" Black Rutile said to her former bodyguard. "You've been at my side for years. Surely, you can tell them I'm right!"

"Okay, I'm just going to give it to you straight." White Topaz declared. "Look, BR, I know you seem like you want the Crystal Gems to forgive you for your sins, but we all think you're a lost cause. You obviously made up your mind. Why don't you just cut your losses and get outta here for your own safety?"

"You wretched parasites!" Black Rutile shrieked as all the Crystal Gems left her alone in the castle. "If I did this earlier, I'd make you pay for showing me no sympathy!" But alas, Black Rutile's archenemies chose to ignore her as they walked away, the only one continuing to acknowledge her being Steven, who simply turned to Black Rutile with a disappointed sigh as if he knew that Black Rutile was being honest, but their past experiences together wanted to prove him otherwise.

Once again, Black Rutile was left with only crushing loneliness to keep her company. Her former minions had abandoned her to join the Crystal Gems for the sake of survival; Nosiop almost had her killed, and now, when she desperately needed help the most, the only ones who could refuse to believe her like she was a human boy crying wolf. All the mournful Rutile could do now was drop to her knees, gaze at her hands, and mutter to herself, "I'm the lowest of the low."

Outside the castle, the Universal Lords, Solaris Noctua, and a very reluctant Flipso stood together as they examined Squamata's rampage on Serpentes. Cobralan sighed in dismay as he looked down at his tail while contemplating Greg's critique of his parenting, feeling that for a human, he had every right to point out how the king's ignorance would lead to his son releasing an ancient god of destruction in a bid to prove that the Slytherophidians were meant to be conquerors. Perhaps if Nosiop were to survive this ordeal, father and son would have a long, hard chat with each other.

"I still can't believe it." Solaris declared in awe of the god of snakes. "Squamata has returned. I know my powers haven't been what they used to be ever since I graduated from Universal Lord to cosmic librarian, but even I believe our combined strength might be enough to at least knock him down for a spell."

"You're kidding me, aren't you, Larry?!" Flipso yelled in outrage. "That's Squamata, the god of snakes, devourer of worlds, bringer of death, the chaos bringer, the master of darkness, and wrecker of all our collective shit! I think it's time that we get on out of here; I know a great empty void a few dimensions down we can hide in until this all blows over!"

"Oh no, you don't, Flippy!" Dionna of the Sands exclaimed while grabbing the cosmic jester by his tiny ankle. "You're fighting with us, whether you like it or not!"

"Enough arguing, you two, allow me to take this." Wobbla the Butt declared as he slithered out of his dais and took a deep breath before bellowing, "IMMA FIRIN' MY LASER!" and spewing out a brightly colored laser beam from his mouth that struck Squamata in the eye.

"WHO DARES?!" Squamata roared while turning to face the Universal Lords, who all stood together as one united army to face the destroyer. "The Universal Lords! Your powers are indeed beyond comprehension, but they shall not be enough to face me!"

"We can try." Ezlipsia replied before letting out a mighty hoot that caused darkness to fall on her, which she condensed into a massive array of familiars she ordered to assault Squamata's heralds. Meanwhile, Vigrid transformed into a new form resembling that of a harpy as she soared through the air and trapped Velhallen Beo in a headlock.

"Ah, Vigrid, it's been too long since we last saw each other, my love," Beo said lecherously to Vigrid, making the witch-like Universal Lord retch in disgust.

"I thought what we had was just a one-time fling!" Vigrid exclaimed. "I never knew you still had feelings for me!"

"So, it seems we are fated to face each other again, my brother," Torius said to Batsputin as the two prepared for battle. "Don't think this shall be like our last battle when you robbed me of my throne!"

"It seems we have no other choice, especially since you have aligned yourself with Squamata," Batsputin said before the brothers engaged in a rematch. Torius's improved cybernetics gave him an edge in battle.

"For our people, for our planets, let us fight on!" Dionna cried as she and her fellow Amazonian warriors formed an army to face off against the snake soldiers under Mr. Manco's control.

"To me, Flipso!" Solaris commanded before casting a spell to assist Vigrid in battle.

"Fine, but I'm only holding back to make things fair," Flipso said before snapping his fingers and making an army tank appear. "Besides, bringing in someone as powerful as me against that guy would be ridiculously unfair."

Reximillian let out a beastly roar as he began stomping all over snake guards and robot drones. "Ugh, this is such a waste of my time."

"Son, I know you're still in there." Cobralan tried to reach out to Nosiop during the clash between Squamata's heralds and the Universal Lords. "Please, my son, drop your weapon and allow me to be a better parent to you."

"Oh, so now you finally decide to be a father!" Nosiop yelled angrily. "Where was this apology when I needed it after all the times you ignored my ideas?!"

"Because they were going against our way of life!" Cobralan replied. "We do not conquer; we prefer peace with other species, barring the occasional accidental extinction, and I want it to stay that way. Perhaps if you walked a mile in my scales, maybe we can finally see things eye to eye."

"I swear, this is just Copper 9 all over again!" Nosiop complained. "I wanted to conquer that robot-infested wasteland because I thought they would make good servants for us, but you instead signed that Lerdwichagul Treaty to ensure we wouldn't turn them into slaves!"

"Now, son, no need to get all huffy just because you're not getting what you want." Constricta stepped in between her husband and son. "It's like some species say, you win some, you lose some. Do you want this to end up like the jockstrap incident? Hopefully, we can give Boa a break from digging all the holes this time."

"You must always make things so difficult, your Highnesses," Pyth said glowingly. "I've served your family for generations, hoping that Squamata would give our people the wake-up call they needed, and it turns out Nosiop wanted the same thing to the point where I'm more like a father to him now. Your son has always been like this. I just gave him the push he needed."

"If that must be the case," Cobralan said bravely while drawing his sword. "then I cannot let you corrupt my family any further." Pyth did the same as his former king and drew out a sword as well before the two began to clash.

"Man, the Universal Lords ain't no one's fool!" Amethyst said in amazement as the Lords went to war with Squamata. "Maybe we should go out there and help!"

"Not yet, Amethyst," Garnet replied firmly. "Once we can find an opening, then we can strike. Otherwise, we need to work on finding the ultimate fusion."

"Ooh, I know just the one!" White Topaz said eagerly before taking Jasper's hand and causing the two to fuse into Orange Moonstone.

"Calm down, guys, I'm not sure if that's the one," Pearl said to Orange Moonstone's disappointment as she un-fused back into Jasper and White Topaz. "Steven, why don't you go review fusing with your human friends to see if they can help?"

"Okay," Steven agreed. "but first, I think someone wants to talk to us." The Crystal Gems turned around to find the Rutile Rebels standing behind them, and they instinctively summoned their weapons to prepare for a fight.

"Hold on, everyone, no need to fight!" Aquamarine exclaimed as she stepped up in front of the Rebels. "We just have a little problem that needs solving."

"And what makes you think we'll believe you this time?" Connie growled while pointing her sword at the tiny blue Gem, who simply just held out her hand.

"Let's make a deal." Aquamarine declared. "We have reached a bit of a situation here."

"Situation is putting this lightly." Eyeball added. "Black Rutile has been working with Prince Nosiop to unleash Squamata, and if we don't work together, it will mean the end of the entire universe, including the both of us!"

"And we know this because Black Rutile straight up told us how she was plotting to use the Lapidarist to turn every Gem into her mindless slaves so that Nosiop can use them as an army!" Holly Blue stated. "Frankly, that was a terrible idea on her part."

"So we say this again." Cat's Eye concluded the Rebels' statement. "Let us make a deal. If you help us stop Squamata and Black Rutile, we'll return peacefully to Little Homeworld and coexist with you all in harmony." Cat put on big puppy dog eyes to emphasize that she was serious while holding her hat in her hands. "Pwetty pwease?!"

"You just had to whip out the puppy dog eyes." Bismuth sighed in annoyance. "You sure you won't just end up stabbing us in the back before flying off to plot your revenge, twirling your mustaches and saying "MWA-HA-HA" along the way?"

"No, we're being perfectly honest here!" Cinnabar exclaimed defensively. "Black Rutile almost threw us out before we decided to quit, and now we feel that if we have to survive and live another day, we have no choice but to join you in saving the universe from destruction. Now, will you accept us or not?"

"Please say yes, we're desperate." Andesine urged the Gems through gritted teeth.

"Okay, but only if you promise not to go back on your word." Garnet obliged and reluctantly shook Aquamarine's hand.

"Thank you for being so reasonable." Aquamarine sighed in relief. "You are a credit to your team." Garnet had no idea how to respond to that statement. "I'm just being nice."

"We all need to be nice if we must live." Pyrope proclaimed. "Now, I know it will be tough having to live with your greatest enemies now, suddenly acting all chummy and all."

"While I would like to hear you bluster all day about how we can make a change," Demantoid interrupted her fellow Garnet. "we literally have tons of different things to do, like solving our little Squamata problem."

"Yes, we'll need to discuss that," Emerald added. "Anyone got any ideas?"

"I have one!" Kyanite exclaimed. "My idea is that we sit Squamata down, look him dead in the eye, and tell him "Don't eat our planet." Everyone just stared at Kyanite in dead silence. "Trust me, he'd have to be awfully evil if it didn't work, and I'm not gonna lie, I like the cut of his jib."

"Sometimes I wonder why you still keep her around, Cinnabar." Andesine groaned to Cinnabar in disgust.

"She may not be competent, but she gets me results." Cinnabar proclaimed in her bodyguard's defense, causing Dalmatian Jasper, Zoisite, Pyrite, and Bloodstone to nod in agreement.

"So, what do you all think?" Steg, the fusion of Steven and Greg, asked while showing off his powers for the other humans. "I know it's not much, but it's the symbol of one heck of a father-son duo!"

"How big is that hair?!" Lars gasped while pointing at Steg's big pompadour. "Do you think maybe someone's compensating for something?" he whispered to Peedee, who just frowned in annoyance. "Come on! I was just making a joke!"

"Okay, anyone else wanna fuse with Steven?" Steg offered. "How about you, Lars? I wonder what your powers would do."

"Hey, before we review any more fusions, can I talk with Steven for a bit?" Peedee asked. "Recent events, particularly news about his family, have gotten me thinking about things."

"Wait, you don't mean!" Ronaldo gasped at his little brother while Steg un-fused. "Oooohhhhh noooooo."

"What are you guys talking about?" Steven asked awkwardly before the Frymans took him away from Greg, Connie, and Lars.

"So, you know how it was mostly just us and our dad running the fry shop back on Earth?" Peedee stated. "Well, I'm sure there's one question that must've been on the back of your mind."

"Is this about your mother?" Steven asked. "Come to think of it, while I did notice she was gone, I never really bothered to ask. What happened to her?"

"Yeah, I think it's time we finally came out," Peedee replied morosely. "She wasn't into the frying business like we were. She was more of the detective kind, so you can guess where Ronaldo got his love for mysteries from."

"And also kind of like me, she gets really absorbed in her work to the point where she starts isolating herself from others," Ronaldo replied. "But unlike me, it became a serious problem, and she would argue with Dad whenever she worked long nights. And then, one day, she just kind of vanished. I'm not even sure where she is right now. She didn't even say goodbye!"

"Wow, I guess I have a bit more in common with you guys than I thought," Steven said in realization before he started laughing. "Let's just hope she didn't run off to start a rebellion or something!"

"Yeah, like your mom!" Ronaldo started laughing as well, and then Peedee as well. At first, Steven thought that he couldn't relate much to other human beings due to his half-Gem upbringing, but now, he realized that there were people much closer to him than he realized. And he couldn't be happier.

"I must restore my strength." The Lapidarist muttered to herself as she healed her injuries sustained from the fight against Squamata. Rebeugar needed that ultimate fusion as soon as possible and couldn't be kept waiting. However, she soon heard a set of footsteps approaching her. "Who is there?"

It was Black Rutile, who had come to see the Lapidarist just as she had planned. This could be it, her chance to finally get the revenge on the Crystal Gems she had craved for so long by forcibly rejuvenating all Gems and turning them into her unstoppable army, thus forcing Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl to learn how much they made her suffer by forcing them to become her servants instead of the other way around. But instead, she had one simple question to ask.

"Lapidarist, my name is Black Rutile." Black Rutile introduced herself to the foremother of all Gemkind. "And I've been dealing with a little crisis lately. For the past couple of months or so, I've been coping with my loss of identity. I've been so bent on revenge on the Crystal Gems for years now that I've practically built my entire life around it. Yet now, without an army, any allies, or even enemies to take me seriously, I'm not even sure if I still have a purpose in the universe. Please tell me, grand Lapidarist, is it possible for me to find a new purpose now that Steven has stripped me of my old one?"

The Lapidarist knelt idly as she processed Black Rutile's question, meditating in place while hovering just a few inches off the ground. Then, she finally spoke. "Your time will come soon, Black Rutile." The Lapidarist ominously declared. "Your true destiny simply won't be realized until you are at peace. But for now, I believe certain individuals need your help."

The Lapidarist then conjured up a holographic image of Steven leading not just the Crystal Gems, the royal family of Serpentes, the Universal Lords, and the various Contest of Champions fighters into battle against Squamata but also the now former Rutile Rebels. And alongside Steven's motley army, standing right alongside the boy, in fact, was Black Rutile.

Yeah, as you can probably guess, this is where Black Rutile's redemption arc finally begins! But she won't just need Steven to forgive her because he's got enough issues as is, what she needs is to forgive herself for forcing her to become the Gem she is today and keep moving forward to a brighter tomorrow. How can Black Rutile process this? Will everyone else accept this madman's change of heart? Will Black Rutile finally say Connie's last name properly? All this and more will be answered in the coming chapters, same Gem time, same Gem channel!

1 note · View note