Two Patriots of Two Kinds (C: Jazz) -Finished-

[Paddy]

Wind howled across the mountain vista, kicking huge swathes of bitter snow across the conifer spires that populated the valley below. Padparadscha trudged along the ridge, using her plasma to melt away the snow and ice in her path, while also using it in the place of a support line. It was a sheer, thirty meter drop into the gravel foothills, so she moved carefully, leaving thick lines of hardened stone in her wake. The frigid air cooled the substance to the point of near-uselessness passed the generation zone of her ability, she grit her teeth as she waited for another tendril of plasma to make a connection to the cliff. The wind battered her, threatening to push her from her precarious perch on the ridge. She finally made another connection, but the plasma was already cooled into inert rock by the time she made it. She set her jaw, and began to shimmy along her make-shift support. 

From where she was, she could see an inlet on the mountain's face-- the entrance of the labyrinth she was meant to inspect. There as no time to check her coordinates now, but she was certain it was the right one. It was narrow and inconspicuous, for a gem larger than herself it would be a tight fit. She sent out another line of plasma, it glowed for seconds before it began to crackle and steam off. Just barely, the line made it to the ledge of the labyrinth's entrance. The sapphire moved with caution, until her foot hit a loose rock and she spilled off of the edge with a gasp. Her eyes were shut tight as she hung onto her line, legs dangling from the edge.

"H-Help!" She uttered, her voice almost drowned by the blizzard cacophony. Despite knowing she was probably the only gem for kilometers around, fear cut through her as the wind railed against the cliff side.

She regained herself and opened her eyes, though she tried not to look down the dizzying drop. She focused on creating another line to pull her up, but the plasma was lethargic as she watched her existing line crack under her weight. I never fail the Diamonds! Her mantra repeated as she held on with a death-grip. 

[Jazz (Jasper)]

Jazz trudged through the blizzard wiping around the mountain-side, she used to stay up here when she was on the run from Homeworld so she knows the snow can get bad... Usually she is smart enough to be inside when it does... She sighed to herself, she really should have taken cover sooner. Nothing she can do about it now, just have to keep trudging as she looks for one of her old hideouts. Hopefully there are not corrupted gems hiding out there... That would not be the best situation for Jazz to go into alone.

As Jazz was scaling the mountain she saw a new line of melted ice and snow... along with a line of stone that did not match the mountain... Now that was peculiar... Jazz decided to follow the line of stone and melted snow to investigate the path, maybe she would find a place to duck inside for a while if whoever made this found one.

Jazz was nearing an inlet into the mountainside, that might be a cave she could hide in. But this path is getting more ragged... An odd pattern is emerging in the stone formation, was that loose rock that fell? Jazz moved closer to the loosened rock and suddenly spotted what looked like a small gem, no human could have survived up here for this long. That might explain the stone and melted snow... Were they calling out for help?

Jazz summoned a pair of her boots to give her extra grip while she used her height to reach for the small gem. She anchored herself into the mountain while reaching out a hand to the gem, she tried yelling over the howling wind.

"Grab my hand if you can! I will pull you back up!" She hoped she got her message across.

[Paddy]

The Jasper's face emerged from the other side of the ledge like a guiding star when Padparadscha had least expected it. Her eyes widened and glinted with moisture, she would've cried if she didn't feel a responsibility to hold together her dignity in front of other gems. The sapphire couldn't hear what this mysterious gem was saying, but she didn't care-- she gripped the Jasper's outstretched hand with the same fear driven strength she had held to her crumbling plasma with. 

With the help of the Jasper, Padparadscha was able to finish a stable connection-- she tumbled onto the ledge and held her chest as she gathered herself, still dizzy from her brush with destruction. Her eyes flared as her new lease on life coursed through her, "Y-You saved me!" She gasped,"I was sure I was going to be shattered! Where did you even come from! I-I don't think I've dispatched a distress signal..." 

[Jazz (Jasper)]

As Jazz hauled the small Gem up, she felt the death grip and was surprised what one gem could muster when they were near destruction. Looks could be deceiving as she knew well for herself. Jazz looked over the small Gem and realized she was a Sapphire. Oh boy... this little trip could go sideways if she is a Homeworld Gem... Well either way Jazz was not going to let a Gem shatter by falling off of a cliff, Homeworld or not.

She listened to the Gem and decided to tell her as close to the truth as she could without giving everything away, just in case.

"I am glad I could help! But I just happened to be looking for some caves to get out of this storm," Which was true enough, "I found your stone path and followed it, trying to figure out who else might be up here!" The storm kicked up as the two gems stood there, threatening to push them both off of the side. "We should get inside of that cave, at least until this blizzard passes!"

Jazz lets her hair down from its usual ponytail to block more of the wind and snow, then gently tries to usher the smaller gem along while they had a chance to make it to the cave.

[Paddy]

"I'm glad too... though the conspicuousness of my trail may be an issue..." the sapphire responded as she went with the Jasper, her lightheadedness subsiding. She was able to walk into the crevasse without much hassle, though it seemed to get narrower as it went down. Despite the lack of wind chill, it was still freezing. Weather on Earth could change in a matter of minutes, she knew that from past missions to the planet's surface, but such drastic changes were something she wasn't accustomed to. She had scaled higher cliffs before, but this one had been the most intimidating just for its climate. Still, she had made it, and could now begin her mission in earnest. 

She brought out her dossier, and checked her coordinates. This was the place. Somewhere deep within this labyrinth, a mysterious foe had caused other gems sent here to run for their lives, some getting lost for weeks before they could emerge again. Luckily for her, those gems were able to give detailed directions through some sections of the ancient halls, though there were still large darkspots on the map.

Padparadscha brushed off her skirts and sighed, then turned to look up at the Jasper, "I suppose I should introduce myself. Padparadscha facet 10C8A cut 8QE. Who do I have to thank for saving my life?"

[Jazz (Jasper)]

Once they were inside, Jazz noticed the cave getting smaller. Well she has had to deal with her large size when she got into caves like this before, Jazz shrinks herself down until she has room for her full form again. She shakes her hair out and and gets the snow out as best she can. Once she has the space, she puts her hair back up in the usual ponytail she has.

The Sapphire seems to be looking around investigatively, Jazz wondered what she was looking for... She might get around to asking or she may just find out.

Oh no... she is a Homeworld Gem... Homeworld Gem... She... is a Homeworld Gem.... Of all of the luck Jazz could have had, she had to be a Homeworld Gem.... Wonderful... What should she do... What should she do... Jazz took an internal breath and steadied herself. The Padparadscha just gave her a key to at least buying some time... Proper Manner of Addressing a gem which she had not had to do since she went on the run. She might be able to lie about her Facet and Cut... but what would be the point? She is a traitor to the Diamonds, a Crystal Gem even. She is just going to have to be honest and hope this Gem does not try to stab her in the back for now.

"Thanks are not necessary, it was just the right thing to do. But I am Jasper facet 03B0E cut 3EB, although I have not used that in a long time. I usually go by a nickname. Jazz is my preference. Nice to meet you."

[Paddy]

For a moment, Padparadscha considered the name that had been given to her. As someone who sat on the bench of many courtrooms, the names of many criminal gems had passed through her dossiers. It sounded almost familiar to her, though she didn't have the time to question this gem nor their motives-- especially since Jazz had just saved her from a treacherous situation. She would worry about her suspicions later. The sapphire nodded and smiled up at the gem in front of her. 

The sapphire's careful gaze scanned Jazz up and down, and she caught the minute, nervous shivers that bothered this gem. There was something that they hid from her. She narrowed her eyes slightly, but kept quiet on her observations. She couldn't be sure that this gem knew what her abilities were, so she decided to keep them secret.  

"Likewise. A shame we've had to meet under such strenuous circumstances, Jazz," Though she'd met gems who went by nicknames before, Padparadscha still felt strange referring to the Jasper by her self-given name. "I may not be able to keep you company, comrade, I've been sent on important official business. You're not involved, so it may be better for you to stay here. This is a risky endeavor I've taken on."

[Jazz (Jasper)]

Jazz thinks about what she just learned from this Sapphire. She is here on a mission, official business... This gem might require help if there are any corrupted gems down here. As much as she would prefer to keep Homeworld at arms length at all times, she knows that if she left she would feel guilty if the Sapphire did not make it out alright. Sigh, why does she have to be a good person all of the time... why not just to the people who actually care about her? Instead she is about to try to help protect a Homeworld Gem, best idea ever! At least she might gain information that she would not have had.

"Well maybe I could help with whatever you are investigating. I am sure you are prepared for whatever may be awaiting you, but it could not hurt to have the extra help from a Jasper right? Risky endeavors are what I was made for." Jazz has a feigned seriousness to the last sentence. She does not like her purpose Homeworld forced on her, but she could at least help as best she could in keeping this gem safe.

[Paddy]

In truth, the sapphire had been dreading the prospect of diving into that deep abyss without backup. This situation was panning out well for her so far, and she hadn't expected this gem to go so far for someone she didn't even know. Of course, gems had to stick out for one another in this unforgiving wilderness, that much she knew. Despite the strange reactions of the gem in front of her, she didn't know what to attribute this nervousness to. Her mind was still muddled from her brush with shattering. Her eyes widened, and she gave Jazz a solemn nod.

"I'll share my dossier with you then," Padparadscha pulled out her pink slate, and flicked through the screens until she revealed the labyrinth's map, and the information on the mysterious creatures who inhabited this place. "We don't know what to attribute these attacks to. It's my job to figure it out," She didn't reveal too much of the information in her mission statement, as she still wasn't sure about this gem, but she felt she could trust her desire to help. 

Padparadscha generated a pool of brilliant plasma that lit up the cavern, and formed a series of pebbles that she began sticking to the walls. "This will help us keep track of where we have been," Her ability to keep track of her own trail was a large part of the reason she had been assigned to this mission, and she decided she didn't have to keep that a secret from this Jasper, who had already seen the patterns that her plasma dried in. 

[Jazz (Jasper)]

Jazz looked over the information that Padparadscha shared with her, and it interested her. A beast running around here that was giving Homeworld trouble, now that was something to worry about. She was glad that she was here to try to help nonetheless. Corrupted gems are a threat to both sides, hopefully this Sapphire sees it that way. She could tell that this Sapphire was trying to figure out how much to share with her, and that was fine. If she asks, she will be honest but she does not have to give everything away all at once.

"That sounds like a plan, I will follow your guides but I will be ready to take the lead if those creatures rear their heads. Hopefully it is a threat that we can handle." Jazz smiles at that, she sincerely hoped to keep both of them alive.

[Paddy]

Padparadscha gave a curt nod, looking into Jazz's eyes for signs of wavering. She considered the possibility that it would turn out to be a liability for a gem she had no clue about to be on her side as they explored the depths of these caverns. They had no idea when the creatures would strike, what they look like, nor what their abilities truly were. Homeworld's finest had plunged into this labyrinth and still couldn't gain the information they needed to defeat this foe. Her mission wasn't to fight, but to wait and see the truth of this matter. Jaspers made for the battlefield could be unpredictable, especially where a fight was concerned.

"Don't get too ahead-- I want to avoid unnecessary confrontation. I can shield us if necessary, but again, we have no idea what we're up against." The sapphire considered that she truly didn't know what to expect from this stranger, except perhaps for their strangely powerful altruistic tendencies-- rare to see in soldier cuts. With a final nod, she began to walk along the wall, using her small glowing pebbles to light the way. 

[Jazz (Jasper)]

Jazz noticed that, once again, this Sapphire was trying to get a read on her. She bets that a soldier gem like herself seems out of place on an observation mission. It probably does not help that neither of them know the other gem. Hopefully she is not recognized by her at the wrong moment; The last thing Jazz needs is to have to fight this gem and the creatures down in this cave. She sighs a bit to herself, she will help this gem like she said and maybe get some info for the Crystal Gems while she was at it.

Jazz stayed closed behind Padparadscha, following her trail of light she left behind if she slowed down too much. She would prove Homeworld wrong again, showing that she is not a violent gem and that she can get along with them if they are not at odds.

[Paddy]

As their footsteps echoed down the hollow caverns and the walls closed in on them, the two made their way down the winding hall until they came to a split in the path. Tunnels branched in every direction, with a peculiar ringlet pattern that caught Padparadscha's eyes. She stepped to the nearest tunnel, and ran her finger across it. At first, she had figured that this labyrinth was the result of ancient volcanic activity, but she didn't see the characteristics of dried magma here. It had been dug out, by someone or something. "Strange..." She said, quietly thinking out loud,"This is an off-record construction..." She reached into her belt and pulled out a tube, then scraped up some of the material that made up the walls of the tunnel and sealed up the sample. The sapphire peered back up to Jazz, gauging her reaction. 

"Well, every one of these tunnels but the ones above us and to the north-east have been recorded. Which one do you want to try first?" She stood up and stuffed the sample back into her belt. 

[Jazz (Jasper)]

Jazz keeps looking around the caverns as they travel further in, making sure she was on guard. The tunnels that began to split are very strange, they did not seem like they formed naturally. As the Sapphire collected her samples Jazz looked over the tunnel that she was in front of, 'That is strange...' She thought to herself.

Oh it seemed that Homeworld had recorded quite a few tunnels. Though there are a few options, Jazz looked for signs of the creatures that were recent. Jazz quickly looked the options over and points to the tunnel with fresher signs of the creatures.

"This tunnel has a fresh path in it. The creatures might be found down here if you are looking to observe them so soon. Better be on guard though." Jazz says confidently.

[Paddy]

She shuffled over to Jazz's side and inspected the entrance of the tunnel. There were flecks of powdered granite lining its walls, and she pursed her lips. She brought out another tube, and took another sample. Padpara spoke in a soft voice, but the still air managed to carry it down the narrow passage. "You're right. It's a bit unsettling to think that it could construct this place on its own. Perhaps even more unsettling to think that it couldn't...Being on guard is the most we can do right now,"

The small sapphire stood at the mouth of the tunnel, staring down into the unknown darkness within. While she was able to mask it for the most part, her nervousness was holding her back from taking the first steps down into the sloping channel. Padparadscha rolled her shoulders, loosened her neck, and continued to light the way. She kept her pool of plasma at the ready, but things usually didn't happen until she wasn't expecting it.

She glanced back at Jazz, knowing that what she said was genuine, but she hadn't said much so far. As for who this gem was or where she really came from, the sapphire still had no clue. It grated at her to be left in the dark, figuratively and literally.