The Spy who loved me... (Closed - ask for invite)

[Morion]

The Smoky Quartz black gem rested on a pillow in his room
He retreated in to it... to think
To plan
To reform in a new shape
Few knew, the Smoky Quartz’s humanoid shape wasn’t his default; since the Rebellion Morion used the form of an alien panther and only shapeshifted in to different forms to interract with Gems and Humans
But this time, he had to re-design his form, the mission required it
The gem started to float, then the hard light body formed around it, changing, forming
Finally the Smoky Quartz reformed in his appearance
Her new appearance to this mission
A teenager girl, around 16, with long smoke gray hair, silver eyes; not an eye candy, just a regular girl. „The girl next door you never noticed, but she was there” – kind of a girl.
Her Gem was still in the middle of her chest; tho’ most of the Gems were feminin in general, they were lack of any social and sexual characteristics. They were flat as a board most of the time. But this time the smoky Quartz wanted to look human, so she had some subtile curves, barely noticable ones tho’
Back on Homeworld Morion worked alone, his job was a lonely one, but the little... problem with the Mirrorrs required sometimes the aid of a Pearl. Rent-a-Pearl. Morion never owned one.
This time she had the luxury of a crew, trained makeup artists, to help her to disguse herself, to look human
With several hours of work, they made her a „human”. Makeup hided her smoke grey skin, and some dye gave her black hair. The silver eyes were a problem, but nothin a sunglass couldn’t hide
Human clothes were important part of this disguise! Some jewles, nothing fancy, just a neclace... actually, a spiked dog collar, and an identification tag served as a neclace; a ring in one of her ears and in her nose, a barcelet. Torn jeans, a military boots and a hoodie made the illusion perfect
She was ready to go
With her guitar on her back, the Smoky Quartz warped to his destination
To Beach City
Morion never been here since... months. Since the trip to Columbia. Almost since a year.
Or more
The Smoky Quartz walked quietly in the streets... a shadow among humans. A faceless nobody.

„...I remember when you never had a face of your own...”

The voice of Morion beloved Demetry said quietly in her head
I know – she thought – a lot of things happened since. You dissapeared. Never saw me. The face I choose to wear... the face that was shaped for you. For me.
The ghostly form of the Owyhee Jasper formed, but only she could see him

Demetry walked next to the bowed headed girl. He was only in the Quartz mind, but walked like a real Gem, avodied to „bump” in to the humans or anything.
He was just a ghost, an imaginary friend, the strong memory of a lost lover, who left such a strong impression, he claimed the part of Morion’s fractured mind... but in the same time, Demetry was a moral compass too, and helped Morion to keep the others in her mind in check. A mental guardian angel.
I miss you Princess... – she thought, the thought was painful; Morion never could say goodbye to him - ...it is hard without you
„I am not real...”
You are real enough for me...
„Yeah, figures... funny. After you gutted me, it was me who took a female form. And now, here we are... where all is stared. We met here...”
Yes. Not a real anniversary... I know. I have lost the track of time. And human customs are still a bit of a mystery to me, especially the customs of the heart.
She bought a flower, just one. A rose.
Morion quietly walked to the place, where they first met. Severl Gems were there too... some of them were dead by now, or dissapered.
Only the Smoky Quartz remained
She kneeled down, quietly puting down the flower
„I miss you too..”
You are the echo of my toughts, my feelings love... but... it is nice to hear – she looked away from the ghost, some tear glistened in the corner of the silver eyes, behind the sunglass
She walked away, hands in her pockets, never looked back. It was too painfull
„Strange human custom, to leave a dead plant thing to remember... But you came here not for this, am I right? You are a bit... complicated? Yeah, thats the good word, you are a bit complicated than that. So whats the mission?”
The smoky quartz walked quietly. Demetry was right. There was another reason.
Spy mission – she admited to her imaginary friend
„Liar...”
The Jasper smiled and hugged her. The Smoky Quartz shook her head a little; she didn’t wanted to admit, Demetry was right. She had other plans.
Hopes...

[Forge Master Para]

The day was like any other, Para had set out onto the town for a bit of relaxation. Work had been tough as of late, ever since the encounter with Fulgurite and the meeting with Morion she had been under increased pressure to succeed beyond expectations. With her original plans scrapped (melted even) she was struggling to figure out a new way to win the war. But that was neither here not there, today was all about getting away from those issues, even if just for a day.

So here she found herself in Beach City, one of the few places she dared spend time with her guard down. It was no secret that it was a rebel hub, much like Empire City was to Homeworld loyalists, and as such offered a level of security. Being this close to the temple did help, at any time a number of allies could assist any gem in danger most days. Safe with this knowledge Para went around town with great strides, spending more time looking around than anything else.

Human hobbies held little interest for her, aside from dissecting their purpose and abilities to use for her own purposes. While she took little interest in their hobbies, Para afforded even less attention to actual humans. Their ingenuity was admirable, considering how far they had come in such a short amount of time, but their day to day life was not her business. Despite that, a certain human girl caught her attention. Something about her was... fascinating.

Everything about her screamed rebellious, from her gray hair (despite her young age) to her seemingly purposely damaged clothing all the way to the metal augments she wore in her face. It was so unusual, so against reason! And yet... unique. She didn't realize it but she was actually staring at this girl, her eyes scanning them without conscious effort.

[Morion]

Eris, as she nicknamed herself - and Morion could feel, the new personality already started to claim a place in his chaotic mind among the Others.... - walked with bowed head, hands in her pockets, guitar on her back
Only she could see her lost lover
Lost, victims...
She was a shadow among the Humans of Beach City
The "Mission" was essentially complete
At least one part of it, that required this kind of disguise
But she had other plans... tho' she didn't wanted to admit it, her lover's "ghost" was right
Eris sat down, and looked around, silver eyes watched behind the sunglass, that hided her eyes
Humans... Gems... Beach City was not prepared for this insane war that robbed her of Demetry
Morion ha a plan... message for those who could understand
She pulled out her guitar and started to play... and sing
Her voice was different than the Assassn's usual male form's , but for those who knew Morion, her sound could be a sign, who is she
So she played and singed her song

(Lady Capulet)
"We're born to hate
Soon as we leave
Our mother's wombs
Hate's in the air
And to survive
We breathe its fumes
We love to hate
Hatred's the third word that we learn
Mama, Papa
And after that it's hatred's turn
We're born to hate
It's like a serpent in the soul
We're so consumed
It seems the serpent's in control
We love to hate

(Lady Montague)
We are the same
I too can see
Things I despise
Year after year
Poisonous hate
Burns from your eyes
There's so much hate
Day after day the children grieve
Just look at them
And see the legacy we leave
In every street
A broken heart, a blood-stained sword
We fight to win
But it's a fight without reward

(Lady Capulet)
You've paid the price
Look at your face
Hate's in each pore of your wretched skin
Another day, another death
You'll pass it on to your next of kin

(Lady Montague)
It makes us old before our time
Hate is a whore, a plague, a curse
I doubt if we will live to see
Hate disappear from the universe

("both" - one after another)
It makes us old before our time
Hate is a whore, a plague, a curse

I doubt if we will live to see

Hate disappear from the universe

Ooooh...

We're born to hate
It's like a serpent in the soul
We're so consumed
It seems the serpent's in control"

(Tho it wasn't a solo, it was a duette, she did a great job to prefrom both part, Lady Capulet's and Lady Montague's lines)

[Forge Master Para]

The undivided attention Para gave this mystery girl didn't falter, especially as she seated herself and pulled out an odd device. The sound that came out was... what was it? There was something almost magical about it, something she had yet to experience during her secluded time on Earth. She couldn't help but draw closer to listen to the song closely to the words, entranced by the sounds this human could make with her odd stringed tool. The words, the melody, all of it was just so... so... "Beautiful..."

She kept a little distance between them, still having some sense not to come off as if she was stalking her. But she had to stay and hear the entirety of this song, hanging on every word and verse. The lyrics themselves were wonderfully poetic, it actually surprised her that humanity could create something so wonderful.

[Morion]

Eris closed her eyes after the song
Ten looked around behind his glass
And saw Her
Padparadscha
Exactly she wanted to meet

"God, you ARE complicated..."

Demetry's voice murmured in his head, the ghostly manifestation was sitting on a bench near her
So Padparadscha didn't recognized her

"...care to spare a dollar or two lady?"

She waved her "magic", continnued to play on the guitar, and let the sound, the song slowly enmesh the other Gem
Of course there wasn't any magic in this, she simply was a good guitar player^^

"...if you have a favorite song, I will try to play it for a cheesburger..."

She watced Padparadscha with her silver eyes from behind her dark sunglasses that hided her look

[Forge Master Para]

She jumped, in her daze Para failed to realize she had been noticed. Initially all she did was blink a few times, trying to recollect herself. "Oh uhm..." she reached behind her back and produced a five dollar bill, "Here, for your efforts." She closed the distance between them and handed her the bill, awkwardly standing next to her before eventually sitting down near her.

"I'm sorry, I am not familiar with... well, what you did. It was rather nice, I had no idea such thing existed, I wish I was able to discover it much sooner." She very much wished to hear more, although having a favorite was rather impossible considering her situation. "I am more than happy to get you a 'cheeseburger' if that is what you require to do more. I would like that very much actually." Suddenly there was the realization she hadn't introduced herself, "I am Para by the way, if you do not mind me asking what may I call you?"

[Morion]

"Gee... a five dollar bill! Thanks lady!"

She nodded, and played while they talked

"Wat do you mean? What thing? Music? Or that particular song? You are a strange one all right!"

The girl nodded
These situation were always funny
In their own special way

"You want to hear more music? Okay... I will play and sing for you, if you get me some fries too! With ketchup. Spicy!"

She nodded

"The name is Eris, lady... nice to meet you! So your name is Para... waiiiiiiiiit, you are one of those alien rock thinges, am I right?"

After all it was hard to mistake Padparadscha for a Human^^

"So, a 'burger and some fries, with spcy ketchup and I will play some song for ya', deal?"

[Forge Master Para]

Was a five dollar bill a big deal? Human currency still confused her, frankly the only way she was able to get around was by creating her own source of income. Literally. The coins and bills she made were technically counterfeits (not that she knew what that really meant), although they were perfect replications. She was one for details after all.

"Music... yes that is it. I may have heard of it in passing but this is my first exposure to it. It is... magical. Is that strange?" Was this something gems enjoyed often? She really needed to get out of the Forge more often, she must really be out of touch. "Yes though, I am a gem. One of the ones looking to..." Her voice drifted, she didn't need to worry this little one with the very possible future of her planet. "...nevermind."

Making some mental notes Para stood up, "I can procure these items for you. Wait here, I will be but a few moments." She walked off towards the local food stores, trying to locate whatever these food items were.

Eventually she did return, albeit it took her a little while to actually find the proper restaurant. She sat down and offered the paper basket to Eris, along with a few packets of 'Spicy Ketchup'. "Here you are, I hope it is as you like them? I admit I do not have a taste for food, I would not know otherwise."

She waited to make sure Eris was pleased with the items, excited to hear what her next performance might be.

[Morion]

"A Gem, one of the ones looking to... looking for what?"

She asked curiousl
But then just nodded for the "nevermind"

"'kay... if you don't wanna tell me it's okay... ish. Not my busniess. After all, I am just a human"
"Oh you..."

The ghost of her passed lover bonked her on the head gently
Then she waited for the Gem to return

"Wow, still warm! And not from the tras can! Lady you are cool..."

She ate the burger and the fries

"No taste huh? Ouch, must be harsh... word without tastes is like a word without colors. Empty. Dull. Not worth to live in it... am I rigt? Soooo... a deal is a deal! Let's se... I have a song for you kind lady! You will like it!"

Eris nodded and started to play... and sing

"Early each day to the steps of Saint Paul's
The little old bird woman comes
In her own special way to the people she calls
Come, buy my bags full of crumbs

Come feed the little birds, show them you care
And you'll be glad if you do
Their young ones are hungry
Their nests are so bare
All it takes is tuppence from you

Feed the birds, tuppence a bag,
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag
"Feed the birds, " that's what she cries
While overhead, her birds fill the skies

All around the cathedral the saints and apostles
Look down as she sells her wares.
Although you can't see it, you know they are smiling
Each time someone shows that he cares

Though her words are simple and few
Listen, listen, she's calling to you
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag

Though her words are simple and few
Listen, listen, she's calling to you
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag..."

[Forge Master Para]

It stung a bit that the human seemed unhappy with her withholding information, "I am sorry, I do not mean to keep secrets. You and your species are... interesting, incredible even. But your lives are short, I do not want to worry your mind with things out of your control." Was that too much? It felt like giving any sort of answer hinted at the terrible truth she was hiding, and the last thing needed was worrying this little girl about something she couldn't fix.

She listened in silence to her next song, despite enjoying it thoroughly she didn't relax. Quite the opposite actually, as with anything else she analyzed the song just as closely as any other piece of art. This one was more confusing for her, having no real notion of Earth religious hierarchies, but she understood the basics. "You have an excellent way with words dear, quite profound indeed." Very profound actually, surprisingly so. Perhaps she didn't give humans enough credit.

"You know, I admit that you have shown me yet another side of humanity I did not know existed. I am often surprised by you humans, pleasantly surprised indeed." Despite not being skilled at small talk like this, Para was certainly making an effort. Though there was something about these songs that occupied her thoughts, bringing up memories of her talk with Morion a while ago. She looked this human up and down, were they truly capable of handling themselves? At the very least it was obvious their species was worth some respect.

[Morion]

"My life is short and meaningless? Ouch, that is harsh..."

She grinned

"But you are a Gem after all... "

Eris smiled and played on her guitar

"Strange tho'... Gems are here since what? Ages? Dunno... yet you don't know music and taste of the foods and such things... funny isn't it? You guys live among us, but still, you keep your distance. One more song?"

The girl smiled and started to play and sing again

"I don't feel a thing
And I stopped remembering
The days are just like moments turned to hours

Mother Used to say
If you want, you'll find a way
But mother never danced through fire showers

Walk in the rain, in the rain, in the rain
I walk in the rain, in the rain
Is it right or is it wrong
And is it here that I belong

I don't hear a sound
Silent faces in the ground
The quiet screams, but I refuse to listen

If there is a hell
I'm sure this is how it smells
Wish this were a dream, but no, it isn't

Walk in the rain, in the rain, in the rain
I walk in the rain, in the rain
Am I right or am I wrong
And is it here that I belong

Walk in the rain, in the rain, in the rain
I walk in the rain, in the rain
Why do I feel so alone
For some reason I think of home..."

[Forge Master Para]

"Oh quite the contrary, I believe you misunderstand. Compared to the centuries my kind often live, humans seem to live for just the blink of an eye. And yet..." Even as she spoke Para was coming to a realization of her own, "...for what time you do have on this planet you fill it with so much. I dare say you humans live a far more exciting existence than any gem I've known."

She looked up at the sky, despite being the middle of the day and no stars were visible, "So many wonderful things your people have that we lack back home." Again she felt silent to listen to the next song, though her smile began to wane as it continued and she listened to the lyrics. By the time Eris had finished Para's eyes had actually began to water.

Blinking her eyes clear she spoke a bit quieter, "Fascinating... simply fascinating..." She wiped her eyes, "Sorry, I didn't realize such things could resonate like that." Her smile returned, albeit weaker than before. "I truly must thank you for this, I must look into this music further. Is there anything else I can do for you Eris?" Aside from the obvious reasons, the fact that this human seemed to know a fair amount about gems interested her. How did their kind really think about them? An invasive species bringing a war they wanted no part in...

[Morion]

"It may help to understand human affairs to be clear that most of the great triumphs and tragedies of history are caused, not by people being fundamentally good or fundamentally bad, but by people being fundamentally people..."

Eris smiled gently

"You grow up readings about pirates and cowboys and spacemen and stuff, and just when you think the world's all full of amazing things, they tell you it's really all dead whales and chopped-down forests and nuclear waste hanging about millions of years..."

The girl played the guitar to provide some sad background music

"Another 'burger would be cool!"

Eris winked from behind the dark sunglasses; maybe Padparadascha noticed the silver eyes, maybe not
It wasn't important anymore
The mission was accomplished ^^

[Forge Master Para]

Her brow furrowed, "I admit that I sometimes struggle to understand human phrases, but I believe I understand. You start out with high assumptions, only to be told otherwise..." A bit of an annoyed expression grew, "Well that is silly nonsense, especially coming from your species. If anyone is capable of creating their own destinies it is humans! From all that I have read, if humankind wants their 'cowboys' and 'spacemen' they will find a way to achieve what they can. Much different than where I am from."

She swore that there was something odd about this girl, although that was already obvious from before. But there was something else, almost like a glint from behind her dark glasses. Stil, no need to press she was aware humans were touchy about their appearance, "Another burger hmm? I can do that, than I will likely be off."

[Morion]

Eris just nodded

"You are okay in my book lady... sorry, Para"

She smiled to the Padparadascha

"Thanks for the 'burger... and you know ,everything. Especially the money!"

She nodded

"I think I will be off to... Beach City is nice, but I dunno..."

She sat there in a little silence, then stood up, and stretched

"Life is a strange thing... maybe we will see eachother again. You know what they say: God does not play dice with the universe; He plays an ineffable game of His own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players i.e. everybody, to being involved in an obscure and complex variant of poker in a pitch-dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a Dealer who won't tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time

Eris giggled, then hugged Para

"See ya' around!"