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Lapis

He felt so light, like a feather. Like the lightest breeze would lift him off his feet.

Then, he was flying - and the city spread under his thick combat boots. Only it was beautiful, it was paradise, it was clean and perfect. It was what Cilyber was supposed to be.

That wasn't right. The city was Cilyber. In a different time. In a different world.

'Why have you brought me here?' he thought at his gem. Slade wasn't expecting a response, and he didn't receive one. The cursed thing was silent as ever.

Then, it spoke, a single word, almost a whisper: 'Look.'

He did. In the distance, two beams of powerful light shot into the sky, from somewhere on the ground. Green and Red. Jade and Ruby.

He knew them, or knew of them. It was only a matter of time before he collected them too, added them to Sapphire and Diamond.

'They approach,' Lapis said ominously. 'They're closer, and they're here to stop you.'

'They can try,' Slade thought back smoothly. 'And they will fail. Jade and Ruby are playing right into my hands.'

'You cocky fool, it's two against one! You don't understand! They'll bring down everything we have worked for!'

"You're the one who doesn't understand," Slade growled, speaking out loud. For a second, the city flickered, and its place appeared a war torn Cilyber. Buildings in piles of rubble. The sky pitch black from smoke. Then it returned to its perfect appearance. Like a simulation beginning to malfunction.

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"Bring me back, Lapis. Let me wake up."

The gem was silent for a few seconds.

'Fine,' Lapis said finally. 'But you'll regret not heeding my warning. I will be reborn. You will not.'

A bomb exploded nearby, and Slade was showered with shrapnel.

................

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