Cave Of Wonders

“C’mon,” Goldstone stuck his hand to Apatite, wiggling his fingers slightly as if to goad the other gem on, “You know we’re stronger together.”

Neon Apatite crossed their arms close to their chest, before muttering out, “You might be.”

Goldstone didn’t falter, even after the comment, and his outstretched hand stayed as a constant invitation and reminder of the offer.

Apatite looked around, as if it would’ve produced an exit since the last time the two checked. It didn’t. The cave stood firm and strong, dark and damp, and their tomb if they didn’t react to the threat; outside of the cave was a group of Homeworld gems. They had chased the two into the cave and had now surrounded it.

It was Apatite’s fault, at least they felt that way — had they kept a good enough eye out, they would’ve seen the group approach. The war had been tiring on all of them, but slip ups like this cost lives.

“We don’t have all day, Apatite!” Goldstone laughed, but was clearly panicked.

“I know!” Apatite returned back, just as exasperated.

“Look, we either fuse,” Goldstone moved his hand closer, “Or we’re shattered.”

Apatite scoffed, and hesitated for a few more seconds before they took his hand. Their fingers closed over each other, and Goldstone smiled, wild and wide. Apatite rolled their eyes.

Goldstone wasted no time and pulled the two together, their gems glowing as the two got into sync. Despite what others might think, given their squabbling and fights, they found it quite easy to get into sync, even during stressful circumstances — especially during stressful circumstances. They quickly danced, with a few twirls here and there to ensure the connection, before Goldstone dipped Apatite. They were enveloped in light, which shot around the cave like shrapnel.

And at the end of the explosion of light, Bloodstone let out a booming, maniacal laughter that bounced from wall to wall.

“Finally, I get to be me!” Their voice, which sounded like the two previous gems layered on top of each other, was commanding and loud. While stretching all four of their arms, they took in their surroundings — reddened from their visor, “Let’s get out of here, I’m feeling cramped!”

Using one set of their arms, they pulled Goldstone’s dagger from their chest, and the other set of arms wasted no time pulling Apatite’s sword from their upper arm. The weapons were small in comparison to Bloodstone, and they laughed at it before slamming the two together by their hilts. In another explosion of light, a new, larger weapon was formed — a double-ended sword.

“I love this part!”