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Chapter Text

I slung my bag over my shoulder. "I'll see ya later." "Later dude, say hi to Kimchi for me!" Amethyst called from the couch. I nodded, opening the door and feeling the warm breeze rush through my hair. It was going to be a nice day.

"And just where do you think you're going?" I clenched my fist in an audible crack and shrugged. You serious, we're doing this again? "I'm going to the Big Donut to meet up with Kimchi."

"By yourself?" Dad raised his brow.

"Yes." I gritted my teeth. "By myself. I'm not a five year old anymore, I can walk to the Big Donut by myself, it's just down the block."

"I don't care if it's down the block or across town." Dad crossed his arms. "You're not going anywhere outside without me. It's too dangerous."

"No it's not!" I snapped at him. "What, you think someone's gonna snipe me from the roof? No Remnant Gem in the right mind would dare attack me in the middle of a public area in a place where our family is revered."

"You don't know that." Dad persisted. "I'm sorry Rosebud, but I can't risk it. After what Hessonite told you?" He shook his head. "We'll go to the Big Donut together."

I'd rather be sniped by an assassin.

"Yo Steven, I can walk with Nora to the Donut if you want. You got nothing to worry about." She winked at me. I mouthed her a 'thank you'. Dad relaxed. "Sure, thanks Amethyst." He looked at me. " Don't wander off  past the Temple property okay, and if you see anything, find a store to hide in and call me. Tanzanite's goons could be anywhere."

"Yes Dad." I grumbled. Stepping out on the beach, I walked across the sand next to Amethyst, wringing the stress ball in my pocket. "Easy Beans." Amethyst rubbed my back. "Take a deep breath. It's okay to be tense."

I squeezed the stress ball until I felt the veins in my knuckles. "He's just so......annoying!!!" I screamed the last word causing a ripple in the waves. "Ever since I came back from the battlefield he's been a huge freaking pain! He won't let me do anything, he won't let me go anywhere, and if he does he has to stick by my side like a lamprey on a lake fish." I kicked a rock. "I've never seen him this paranoid before, he's always been protective over me but this is another level."

"Can't blame him." Amethyst said. "There's an entire evil empire out to get you, of course he's worried, but you're right, he's definitely going overboard."

"Can you like, talk to him?" I asked. "You've known him his whole life, maybe you can knock some sense into him."

"I've tried Nora." She answered honestly. "Whatever I say nothing gets through. Yeah I've known him since he was in diapers, but now he's a Dad, and Dad Steven is hard to break through to."

At the Big Donut I searched for Kimchi. It was very busy today, the line went out the door and I waited to find her before I took my place. "Nora, over here!"  "Hey Kimchi!" I ran over and hugged her. "Good to see you again." "How's it been Star girl?" Kimchi hugged me back as we walked onto the line.

"Go ahead Beans I'll wait for you out here." Amethyst casually sat on a bench. "Thanks Amethyst." I said graciously, before asking what donut she wanted. "Got it!" I nodded. "I didn't know you were bringing your Gem cousin." Kimchi said. "Yeah, she's my bodyguard for right now. I didn't have much of a choice. It was either she tag along or my dad." I explained to her Dad's neurotic overprotection, and how he refused to let me go anywhere without an escort."

"Ooh that sucks." Kimchi sympathized.  "I hate when parents get like that, they think they're protecting you but they're just bugging the shit outta you."

"I know right?" I shrugged as we moved up the line. "At least my mom's cool though. She trusts me with most things, even with Gem stuff. It's Dad who'd keep me stuck in a bubble for the rest of my life if he could."

Inside I ordered my favorite, a Pina Colada Coconut donut for myself and a Razzle Dazzle Berry for Amethyst. Kimchi ordered a Choconilla donut for herself. We sat on the bench next to Amethyst. "Thanks' cuz!" She swallowed the donut whole. "Your welcome." "Hey I remember you." She looked at Kimchi. "You're Vidalia's grandkid right?"

"Yeah." Kimchi smiled. "I know you and her go way back."  "Yup. Long before you two were twinkle's in your parents' eyes." She looked at her curious. "Y' know I gotta say it, you look a lot like your mom."

"Yeah. I get that a lot."  Kimchi blushed. She did look like a younger version of Cassandra, an olive skinned brown haired woman of Mediterranean descent.  "If I had a dollar for everyone who said that, I'd be a multi millionaire."  "You and me together." I nudged her. "Nora looks like her Mom too." Amethyst added.

"You're right you do look like both of your parents." Kimchi  chuckled. "Can't say the same for me. I not biologically related to Onion Dad, but he's still my dad. My sister looks like him, but that's because they share DNA and it shows.....both inside and out." She rolled her eyes. "You're a bad influence on her Nora, she keeps asking my parents for a sword to kick bad guy booties with."

At first I thought she was annoyed at me before her smirk told me otherwise.

"Yo Kimchi!" Jackie called. Kimchi stood up and ran over to greet her and another kid, gesturing me to follow. "Go on." Amethyst  nudged when I hesitated. "Be social. I've got your back." I nodded and cautiously approached.

"Hi  Nora how are you?" Jackie greeted. "I'm great." I smiled. "That's awesome." She smiled in her friendly way, she really looked a lot her aunt Kiki (which made sense because her mother, Jenny, was Kiki's twin sister.)

"Hey Nora what's up?" The kid in a flannel jacket and dark sunglasses shook my hand. "Hey." I said shyly. "I don't think I've seen you  before." "You've seen my older brother." He responded. "He works at the radio station."

"Uhhh."

"Dave." he smirked.

"Oh!" I said embarrassed.

"Yup." He smirked chuckling. "The name's Daniel, but call me Dan."  "Hi Dan I'm Nora." I said cheerfully. He's really cute, if my heart was not already set on another....

"Hey Kimchi, Nora." Jackie asked. "Wanna hang with us at Cliffside Overlook?"  "I'd love too!" Kimchi answered before looking at me. "What about you Nora, do you wanna come with?"

"That's pretty far." I said nervously, I didn't know this group that well, what if they think I'm weird or I do something wrong?" Also..... "My dad wants me to stay close to home."

There goes any shot.

"That's okay." Kimchi said understand understanding. "We can find a place closer. That good with you guys?"

"Sure is!" Jackie smiled.

"Fine by me." Dan agreed.

"We can hang out on the Boardwalk, or  Lighthouse Park." Nikki suggested.

"The Boardwalk is swamped with shoobies." Dan scoffed. "Lighthouse Park sounds better."

"I agree." I said. " There will be less crowds and less noise." And it's technically on Temple property so I'm not disobeying Dad. Yes, this will work.

.....

Amethyst perched as a hawk on the lighthouse, scoping out the land as I hung out with the Cool Kids, sprawled out on a big picnic blanket, bellies up watching the clouds. "This is the life." I breathed in the fresh air. "Totally." Dan agreed. "Sometimes you just gotta unplug and live in the moment among nature."

"True dat." Jackie said. "It's nice to take a breath of fresh air outside the radio station, listening to the natural sounds of the wind and ocean for a change." "I could stay out here forever." Kimchi sighed.

"What about when it rains or snows?" I said.

"Yeah, well when it's nice I'll stay here." I closed my eyes and zoned out, listening to the breeze and the soothing thunder of the waves, taken out of it only by the tickling on my stomach. "Kimchi stop pokin' mah belly!" I playfully slapped her hand. "Pull your shirt down Nora." She giggled. "Kay." I said, pulling it down. Dan, who had been laying down on his side facing me, tilted his sunglasses. "That's a cool star tattoo Nora."

"Thanks." I said. "But it's not a tattoo, it's a birthmark." "No kidding." He remarked intrigued. "Pretty sick birthmark." "Thanks." I nodded, looking up at the clouds, watching the birds and....

"Amethyst!" I unsheathed my sword concealed beneath my jacket and shot a beam at the robonoid hovering like a drone close to her. It crashed near the lighthouse. "Woah!" Kimchi gasped. "Agatha told me you had a sword that shoots beams, I thought she was exaggerating!"

"Nora what the heck was that!" Jackie exclaimed. I didn't answer. I ran to the downed robonoid where Amethyst surveyed its wreckage. "Nice shooting Tex." She kicked a piece of metal away.

"Did it see you?" I asked urgently.

Amethyst shook her head. "It didn't have time. We gotta tell Garnet."

Behind me Kimchi and her friends cautiously observed the destroyed drone. "What is that?" Kimchi asked. "It looks like one of those Gem drones you see flying around town." Dan said. "Dang I hate those things!" Jackie frowned. "I got a speeding ticket from getting caught by one."

"It's a Scouter Robonoid." I explained its purpose. "That thing was sent to hunt you down?" Kimchi covered her mouth horrified. "Yes." I nodded. "But not to kill, Tanzanite wants to capture me alive." "She knows where to find you." Jackie realized. "Nora, we gotta take this up with the Mayor, she might know what to do."

"Or tell the police." Dan suggested. "These are unauthorized drones."

I bubbled the destroyed robonoid and gave it to Kimchi. "Take this to the sheriff's office. Tell them what I told you and make sure the word gets out. This isn't the last of them." "You should come with us." Kimchi said. "They'll take us more seriously if you tell them what's going on." I turned to Amethyst who agreed. "Okay, we'll take the warp pad by Dewey Park and-"

"Nora!" Dad came running our way. "I saw the drone fall. Are you okay? Did it see you?" He checked over every inch of me to see if I was hurt. "Dad back it up I'm fine!" I said. " I shot it down before it could find me." I proudly patted my sword hilt. "It's destroyed."

I thought he would be proud of me. "Are you out of your mind?" He gripped his hair. "What if you missed? What if you hit it and you got its attention instead?"

Anger flashed through my veins. "Aren't you happy I took it out?"

" Am I happy you put yourself in danger yet again?No." Dad snapped at me. "What are you even doing out here? I told you to go back to the house after meeting up with Kimchi, and this is exactly why. There are Gems out to hurt you Nora, what's it going to take for you to understand this isn't a fun game?"

" Steven she was completely fine." My cousin stood up for me.

"Please stay out of this Amethyst." He warned. "Don't you dare yell at her!" I snapped. "Dad I never though of this as a game. I was only protecting myself!" I put my foot down. " I can take care of myself better than you think. You can't protect me from everything!"

"I can try." Dad persisted. " From now on you're forbidden from leaving the house by yourself without me. You're not going anywhere unless I can keep my eye on you."

"No! You can't do that !"

" I can and I will. I'm you're father and, whether you like it or not, I am going to do everything in my power to protect you from threats like this."

I touched the shard on my chest. "Then you've done an awful job."

Amethyst gasped and my human friends stood in awkward silence. I'll admit in hindsight that was a nasty thing to say, but in that moment I was so angry at him I let my emotions take over.

"Take the robonoid to the sheriff." I murmured to Kimchi before storming off. "Nora!" Dad followed me . "Steven, leave her." Amethyst stopped him. "Let her blow off some steam." Steven ignored her her and followed pursuit, jumping back when a pink wall barred him from me. "Nora Rose Universe bring down this wall right now!"

" Then stop following me!" I turned around and yelled.

"Young lady I am going to count to three." Dad warned. "One. Two." The wall vanished but I ran down the hill leaving him in the dust.

                                                                                                  ....

I sat in my room, the door locked and a pink barrier encaging the balcony, channeling my anger through my guitar. "Why can't you just let me be." I grumbled. "I'm more capable than you think I am. Just because of my past struggles, just because of what I have, it doesn't mean I'm weak and defenseless."

Hanami mewed on my shoulder, nuzzling my cheek. I responded with a quick kiss on her tiny face.

My shard pulsed, and I knew Selene was worried about me. My heart swelled in a blushing sensation of warmth and pure adoration from her.

Thanks, I love you too. I thought silently, plucking the strings and quietly venting out my anger at him. "Oh Dad..."

I know you just wanna give your little girl the world
But, daddy, I'm not your little girl anymore
I got my own life
I got my own plans

I hope you understand
And like the way that I am
'Cause I want your respect, and I wanna be here
But  please stop being  a pain in the rear!

I ignored the knock on my door. "Nora it's me." Aunt Garnet's low and calming voice spoke from outside. "Come in." Aunt Garnet locked the door behind her, gesturing me to sit with her on the balcony. "You can put that wall down, nobody will try to come up here." I did and sat next to her, letting her wrap her arm around me and pulling me against her.

"I spoke to your father and we made a compromise." She brushed my hair with her long fingers. "You have the freedom to explore the city on the condition someone else accompanies you. It doesn't have to be your him, it can be any of the Gems, but you don't normally go into Beach City on your own." I silently nodded and she put a lock of hair behind my ears.

"Nora, your father loves you, more than you can imagine. He only wants to protect you." "He doesn't have to be such a clod about it." I grumbled. "I don't understand why he thinks I'm this innocent defenseless little flower who can't hold her own." I glanced at Hanami in my lap. "No offence.  I'm stronger that he realizes."

"I know you are." My Aunt smiles. "It's not that he doesn't believe you are strong, he doesn't want you following his path." "The path of being a Galactic Savior?" I remarked. "Ha, a little too late for that! I'm prophesized to bring down a whole dang empire!"

"The path of carrying the Grandmother's decision's on your shoulders." Garnet said quietly. "Of dealing with her mistakes, and how her choices affected all of  us. For years he shielded you from that, ensuring that you could live a normal life without the shadow of your family's past hanging over you. Now that shadow has come , and it scares him. He never wanted for you to deal with any of this, especially with your past struggles."

"But I am dealing with it." I said. "Whether he can control it or not, and I need him to trust me that I can stand on my own." I leaned into her and allowed her to hug me. "And it's not that I have to stand on my own, I have my powers, my friends, and my family."

 "That you do." Aunt Garnet clutched my hands. I saw  Aunt Ruby's and Sapphire's gems on her palms. She's like Selene and I; bonded through their gems and the love they shared. Together even when they're apart. I makes me wonder if we could be like Garnet in the literal sense.

Chapter Text

I turned my head at the knock on my door. "Hey Rosebud. Can I come in?"

"Go away."

Dad didn't yell , just kept his calm and gentle voice. "I know you're upset at me honey. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of your friends. It was wrong of me to do that, and it was wrong of me to shoot you down after you stepped up and protected yourself. I am very proud of you."

I didn't say anything, still laying on my belly on the bed. The anger inside me extinguished to a small flickering flame. I heard him sit down and slump against the door. " I love you Nora." He said sincerely. "You are everything to me, you are my entire Universe. I just want to protect you, if something ever happened to you, because of this...." He paused, breathing deeply. "I'd never live with myself. I know I sometimes go overboard, like I did now, but understand it comes from a place of love. I'll try to be less overprotective from now on."

He turned around when  opened the door.  "I'm.....sorry too." I apologized with a lump in my throat. "I didn't mean what I said. I was angry." 

"I know Rosebud." Dad said. "It's okay. Here, you need a hug." We hugged it out and I cried into his chest until I felt better.

Garnet called Selene and I downstairs an hour later, I was surprised to find Skyla and Chalcedony with her. "There's been another sighting." She said urgently. I didn't need to ask what she meant. "Where?" Selene spoke my mind. "In the Prime Kindergarten. Nora, you and your Gems must locate the Scouter and destroy it, we don't want it transferring intel to Tanzanite." 

"Got it." I nodded.

"Woah wait just a minute there Garnet!" Everyone turned to Dad. "Isn't this a little too dangerous? We have no idea what's hiding out there." My skin flashed but Garnet answered him. "Nora will be perfectly safe, in every timeline I see."

 "Yeah, but you said the same thing about the Strawberry Battlefield." Dad countered

"Dad! You said you'd be less overprotective!" I snapped angrily.

"I am Nora." Dad said. "But searching for a lethal drone isn't the same as hanging out around town. I'm sorry, I can't let you do this."

"I CANNOT believe you! After everything you said-!"

"Nora!" Aunt Garnet cut in sharply, making me wince. She turned to Dad. "If you're concerned about potential hazards you should accompany them." "Aunt Garnet please, I can handle it." I begged her. "I know you can, but it's always good to have an extra hand in these things." She made one of those annoying all-knowing smirks.

I knew this would be a fantastic expedition when Dad stuffed my dragonscale backpack full with a first aid kit. "I don't need any of this. It's too much."  "You never know Rosebud." Dad replied in oblivious cheer. "Better be safe than sorry!"

"I agree one hundred percent." Selene added, gaining a sharp glare from me. "What?" "Don't encourage him." I warned dryly. 

"Everybody hop on!" Dad called from the warp pad. "Woohoo search mission with the OG!" Callie stepped next to him and fist pumped. "This will be fun." Skyla said pleasantly. "Come on honey we're waiting for you!" Dad smiled.

"I'll meet you there. Go without me." I said, barely concealing my irritation. I went and strapped the sword over my shoulders. "Nora are you okay." Selene said nervously. "I'll be fine." I murmured under my breath. "Why did I think he would change?" I stepped onto the warp pad with her, and we were off.

                                                                        .....

The Prime Kindergarten hadn't changed since our last visit. Still the bleak desolate canyon devoid of life and littered with decayed Injectors clinging against the grey cliffs like cicada shells. "Somewhere the robonoid  drone  around, collecting data and searching for you." Chalcedony said. "Let's not keep it waiting." I replied. "How are we gonna find our Scouter friend?" "With this!"  Chalcedony took out a small radar. "Peridot built it to track down the Scouter's energy waves, it will lead us right too it.

The radar beeped slowly, its screen pulsed. "Come on, we'll follow this baby to the Scouter and destroy it." It seemed an easy enough mission. We followed the radar as the beeps increased, our weapons at ready as the light flashed more frequently on the screen. "When we  find the Scouter you shoot it Selene, and I'll put up a wall if it makes a defensive attack."

"Understood." Selene nodded and the others copied. "Wow, you sure know how to fight these things." Dad scratched his head. "When you've run into them enough, you come up with a game plan quickly."

"Yeaahhhh." Dad said. "Maybe you should leave this to the pros, honey. I don't want it shooting you." "I'll be fine Dad." I replied tensely.  "This isn't my first Rodeo." We found the Robonoid quickly, hovering around an injector like a carpenter bee. It only took a shot from Selene's charged beam sending it crashing down.

"Nice shot Selene!" Chalcedony patted her. "Thank you." The lovely Pearl smiled. "Mission completed!" Skyla cheered victorious. "Now lets get out of here. This place is giving me the creeps."

"Ditto" I agreed. I gripped the hilt of my sword, ears perked and senses on high alert. "Guys, what's that sound?" "What sound?" Skyla raised raised her head. "A low buzzing sound, like the laser swords on SpaceTrek."

It took a few moments for the noise to become audible to everyone. "Okay, that is weird." Chalcedony said suspiciously. "Steven, you sure this Kindergarten's inactive?" My father didn't answer her, standing in rigid silence with shrunken pupils. "Dad." I shook his trembling hand. "Dad snap out of it! What is going on?"

He shook himself off, regaining his sense. "We need to get out of here."  "Dad, what's happening? What's coming our way?"  "Shh!" He put a finger to his mouth and stared at everyone. "Everybody follow me. We need to hide, quickly."  We ducked beneath an injector before a  wavering red glow permeated the canyon, coming from a menacing drone I thought I'd never see.

"Holy freaking stars." I whispered terrified. "Isn't that a-?" "Shh!!" Dad quieted me, watching the Shattering Robonoid scan the Kindergarten walls. A million questions raced through my brain. What is it doing here? Is it one of the Remnants? Who sent it? After the initially terrifying shock I notice something about the lethal drone. "Something's not right." Selene whispered. "This one looks damaged, and it's moving erratically."

"Doesn't make it less dangerous." I whispered. "I have a plan." We grouped together . "I'll let it scan me while you, Callie and Sky make a run for it. It sounds like a suicide plan but it's not. That thing will only attack full Gems. A shard like mine won't appear on it's radar, it'll think I'm already shattered." 

"And what makes you think this will work?" Dad crossed his arms.

"It will." Selene said morosely. "Shattering  Robonoids will ignore Gems that are already broken." She tightly squeezed my hand. "Please be careful." I nodded and ran out before Dad could protest. I whistled at the Robonoid, who swiveled its cone shaped eye and scanned me. Nothing to see here buddy, move on. Fearlessly I closed my eyes, feeling the heat pulse down my body, just as I presumed, it didn't register my shard. Now it should  ignore me and go on its way.

"Steven don't!!"  Dad's shield struck  the Robonoid, causing it to sway and jerk. The air shimmered below it. "Dad are you insane!!!" I screamed at him. He pushed me behind him and raised his shield.  "Stay behind me!!"

The robot shrieked an alarm, its reticle flaring red. I covered my ears gritting. The air beneath the Robonoid simmered, like the heat fizzling off a barbeque. I stared in horror. "What the Frick......."

A body materialized beneath the Robonoid. Tall and sleek with spindly arms and massive legs ending in heel-like feet. The supposed Shattering drone was connected to an arching neck, swinging this way and that, as if sizing up its opponents, and focused on me. Taking several bounds backward it shot  its laser . I quickly deflected the attack with my shield, hearing the crumble of the canyon rock flanking me. "EVERYBODY RUN!!" We fled for our lives from the pursuing menace, deflecting its attacks and dodging the swipe of its claws. 

"Dad, we have to get it away from the Gems!" I sped next to him before veering off, whistling sharply to get the Robonoid's attention. "Nora Rose Universe our you out of your mind!?" Dad bellowed following me. "I might be." I panted from running. stopping in a clearing with the Robonoid menacingly approaching. Slinking hunched like a hyena with its eye glowing  and its claw-like hands sparking with smoke.

I hit its left claw with my sword beam and sent it reeling backwards. "Not as tough as you look huh? You son of a bitch." I smiled determined aiming my ignited sword at its hand . "Nora Rose!" Dad dragged me into the exit whole of a particularly large Quartz. "Let me go!!" I roared. "I know how to beat it! The hands!! The hands are not strong and the head is the same! A few good hits on those points and we've got it!!"

"You are not attacking that thing!!!" Dad loomed over me. "You can't beat it!!" 

"Yes I can!" I screamed standing my ground.

"No you can't!!" Dad countered with tears in his eyes. "You don't understand Nora. You have no idea how bad this history is!!"

"YES!I! DO!" I shrieked with heated tears. "I understand it more than you ever realized!! I spent my whole life studying it!! I've been bullied and ostracized because of my passion!! Because nobody gave the damn time to understand how much it meant to me  learning about our incredible history and how I lucky I was to be a part of it!!

I didn't care if I was crying at this point. "You never trusted I could handle it. You always tried to cover my eyes and hide me away from it all until you couldn't. I understand that, but you can't protect me from everything. Look where we are! Look what's happened to me! I need you to trust that I take care of myself when things get tough. That I can stand and fight my own battles.  I know you want to protect me, but in order to do that, you need to trust me! Because if you don't, it'll be just like Mask Island, except I won't have my Aunts there to say the day."

Dad stood silent with tears streaming down his face. His chest heavily rose and fell, shuddering before he regained a steady breath.

"I trust you Nora." He raised his palm. I smiled, wiping my face and touched palms with him. Regaining my composer I discussed the plan of defeating this foe. "Now let's go kick some bad bot booty." 

The Robonoid prowled like a jackal waiting for us. If it had a face it would've gawked in surprised terror when its legs getting locked into pink barriers. "Now Dad!!" I hit the right hand with my sword beam, Dad the left with a throw of his shield.  While the robot wobbled stunned  made a lunging leap and sliced its head clean off!! I landed in front of Dad with the Robonoid collapsing behind us. we stepped out of the way with the splattered fluid and dismembered parts. The reticle eye faded.

I whooped and high fived Dad. "Wooohooo we did it! Team Universe for the win!!!" Dad hugged me with tears of joy this time. "That was amazing. I'm so proud of you Rosebud." He kissed both of my cheeks. "Aw come on Dad!" I laughed.  "Right in front of my friends?"

"Nora!" Skye ran and hugged me, followed my Selene and Callie. 
"We heard the crash and -Oh my stars!! Did you take down that Robonoid alone!?" I wrapped my hands around Dad's arm. "It was a family effort."

"The Father and Daughter Duo prevail!" Chalcedony cheered. "Man if I wasn't so scared of being shattered, I would've watched the whole thing!"

"You wouldn't have helped them?" Selene smirked. 

"Well ahh of course." Callie stumbled. "You get what I was saying."

Selene turned my way. "I'm so glad you're okay. Great job Nora." She pecked me on the cheek. "And you too Steven." She blushed at Dad as badly as I was.

We traveled back to the warp pad in jubilant spirits. "See, ya gotta listen to Aunt Garnet more often." leaned against Dad as we walked together. "She said I would be safe."  He rubbed my back affectionately. "She was right."  I knew this was the beginning of a healing bond.

When I was showering in the beach house later on, I realized I probably should have double checked to see if that robot was truly dead before we led. Either it was the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins, exaggerating my memory, or that shattering reticle started  glowing with its severed body.

Chapter Text

This will be a short chapter but also sweet, enjoy!

"Aren't you gonna save some of that for home?" I chuckled watching Selene scarf down a Red Dwarf velvet cupcake.  "How can I resist!" She smiled in her adorable way. " These are some of the tastiest treats ever! Seriously, why do humans not eat these all the time?"

"Because it's not healthy. We'll get clogged arteries and cavities!" We held each other's hands as we walked through town, enjoying each other's company and the delicious pastries we bought. "I can't believe Captain Lars owned that shop, to think I would have seen him at the register at one point." I squeaked giddy from the mere thought of it.

"You wouldn't have seen him because he left before you were born." Selene noted. "I know." I said. "I wish I could meet him, maybe not, I don't think I could handle myself meeting Captain Lars himself face to face, I'd freak out worse than I did with Shep." I bit into a Mini Ube Roll. "I technically could visit him through Bear's fur, but there's no way in Hell  my parents or my aunts would  let me go to space right now."

"That's understandable." She squeezed my hand, sending butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Dad stood waiting for us when we stepped off the warp pad at the Temple. "You were waiting for us the whole time weren't you?" I cocked my brow .

"I may have been a little." He grinned sheepishly. "I know.... I'm trying to be less overprotective but I wasn't that worried. I just wanted to make sure you got home okay."

"That's sweet. I appreciate it Dad, but you don't have to worry." I said, wrapping my arm around Selene's waist, resulting in her smiling. "Nothing's gonna happen with my mystically bonded protector by my side, Selene will zap any shifty Gem that even looks at me suspicious."

"That's the truth." She declared proudly. "Beside." I smirked. "I can manage myself just fine. I'm  a grown girl, I can tie my own sandals and everything."

"I know you're grown." Dad said. "I'm always gonna worry about you, y'know. You're my child even when you're not a little girl anymore." "We'll never stop worrying about you Nora." Another voice spoke as she walked down the stairs. "No matter how old you are."

"Mom!" I set my bag on the table and ran to hug her. "Nora!" Mom hugged me tight and kissed me on the cheeks. "I've missed you so much." "I've missed you too Mom." I closed my eyes and rested my head in the crook of her shoulder with her arms tightly wrapped around me. I didn't realize how much I missed seeing her until I felt my face wet and her  jacket damp.

"This is so embarrassing."  I sniffled. "I'm sorry about all that Selene. I know you're probably feeling the waterworks too. "Aww honey." Mom hugged me stronger and wiped the tears with a tissue. "It's okay to feel these emotions. I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere."

"You're not?" I wiped my face.

Mom nodded. "I'm staying at the beach house for the time being, I told my coworkers there was a family issue and I needed to be with my daughter. They asked if you were all right, and I told them you were."

"I'm sure they understand. "Dad held Mom's hand in his. "They do." Mom replied. "But won't you be out of work?" I asked worried. "I'll still  be able to do sessions with my clients remotely. That's why I brought my laptop." Mom reassured.

"Still, thank you Mom." I smiled. "I'll be so happy I get to see you more. Can we practice sword fighting while you're here."

"Of course Nora."

I knew from then on things will be better with my whole family now by my side

.....

I had a nightmare again later that night, and it was a bad one. I was fighting Aragonite and Gypsum inside the room in the Genesis machine, but this time I was alone. I couldn't fight either of them because they were stronger, and when I tried to run the door was shut.

"Somebody help  me!! Let me out" I screamed banging the door. "Go away! Please leave me alone, just please!! I can't handle this anymore!!"Steaming tears dripped from my bloodied face.  "Damn you!!" I spat at their approaching forms. "Get away from me, I beg of you!! I can't do this!!!" The dark clouds begin to roll over me and the Gems appear more menacing than they did in reality. It's too late, I can't bear the pain, the terror and strife anymore. It will never leave, just as the Remnant hunters will never abandon their  prey.

Nora! A voice boomed through my entire being, resonating within my soul. It is firm and fearless, wrought with unimaginable love. "Mom?" I cried hoarsely. 

I'm here Nora, you are safe. This is no more than a dream, it cannot torment you unless you allow it to. You have an incredible mind and unyielding soul. Use your gift; release yourself from the horrible dream. Wake up.

I shook my head tearfully. "I can't."

Yes you can, you can overcome this, you are strong in will and heart, awaken from this, it is only a dream and nothing more. Mom's voice said urgently. "I can't, it's too strong, there's too much fear, too much pain!" I cried. Immense warmth poured into my soul and I felt my entire body sigh with comfort. Something embraced me, warm and loving, a physical embrace though I couldn't see anything else around me. For the first time I felt safe, I felt as if all the trouble washed away from this metaphysical hug. Someone or something was watching over me, protecting me from the demons and the darkness, now giving me strength to fight back.

I'm here, my daughter. You' re safe now. Nothing can harm you while I'm around. Something touches the edge of my cheekbone, soft like a butterfly on my scales. It felt like something had kissed me, but that's totally ridiculous even for a dream of mine.

  Nothing can harm you now, you are safe. Forget this awful dream, wake up. The darkness passes and a bright grey mist surrounds me. "I still can't wake up though." Mom chuckles "Then be free, use your imagination to carry you across the stars."

The Remnant hunters and the Genesis evaporate in smoke and I am now in space. A new hope enters my heart  and I  leap into to the sky. Up into the stars, the fantastical realm of the known universe.   I soar through space, surrounded by billions of glimmering stars. Dazzling comets whizz passed my flanks as their wispy tails flickered like firelight. I swoop over the sun and careen past asteroids. I bound across Saturn's rings and climb across the moon's surface. I ascend the massive nebulas that form new life in their mists. I am free, free of pain, free of fear. I can fly wherever my heart desires and explore the frontier surrounding me with hope and curiosity. Nothing shall harm me as long as I don't allow it, nothing can touch me, am free, always and forever free.                                                                                                                                                     

....

I ran to Nora as soon as I saw the visions in my sight. Her screams tore a hole in my heart but suddenly lowered, reduced to low whimpering when I made it into her room. Her parents were there to comfort her. Steven kneeled her bedside, rubbing her hear and Connie........

Connie took my place beside her. Embracing Nora and pulling her against her body as she slept. Speaking to her, soft and assuring.  I saw and felt her calming down, her wet face now peaceful in her mother's warmth and love. "She'll be fine Selene, I have it from here." Connie assured in almost a whisper, smiling. "Thank you."

"It should be me thanking you." I looked at Nora nestled in her arms. "I'll be out on the deck if she needs me. "We'll be sure to let you know." Steven patted my shoulder.  "Thank you Selene." I felt nothing but peace from Nora. She would be fine.

Steven watched mother and daughter sleep in a sweet embrace. Smiling at them with tears in his eyes and hand absentmindedly  on his gemstone. "You're lucky to have her Rosebud." He kissed his child and wife before going to bed.

Chapter Text

I sat around the bonfire with my Gem companions, strumming my guitar and enjoying each other's company. "You sure love music." Skyla commented happily. "Yes!" I smiled. "Guess you can say it runs in my family. On both sides." I buried my feet in the warm sand and leaned my back against Bear. "It definitely helped that Dad always played his ukulele and sung to me since I was a baby, heck even before that, he'd lay next to Mom and play music while she was pregnant with me."

"And who doesn't love jammin' a good tune!" Chalcedony smiled. "Music's what brought my two halves together."

"Really?" Selene asked curious. "Yup! Back in the good ol' days while we were cogs in the empire." Callie laughed, touching her palm to the jade gem on her other hand. "Jade was part of Pyrope's colony and Opal served as her attendant. They served their purpose with no questions asked, until they started growing close as friends." She blinked. "In fact, I'll let my Gems do the talking, it's their story to tell." She defused in a bright light.

"Jade! Opal!" I exclaimed happy. "Hi guys!" Opal greeted us. "It's great to see you again!" "Even though we see them all the time." Jade nudged her companion with a smirk.

"I don't think we've ever heard of how you two first became Chalcedony." Skyla said. "I'm sure it's an interesting story." Selene added. "It is." Jade pulled out a tambourine from her gem. "Gather round my peeps!" Opal pulled out her bass. "Cause we've got a heck of a tale to tell!"

"Yay, musical story!" I cheered in star eyed excitement.

Opal got into the mood. "It all began two thousand years ago." She began dramatically. "On a distant planet in a galaxy far far away."

"You really gonna tell it that way honey?" Jade rolled her eyes.

"What? I'm making it epic!"

Jade chuckled. "It was on Pyrope's colony 800 years ago. I emerged from the kindergarten along with a cut of Gamma Jades two centuries before (we were classified by the layers of stone we emerged from and distinguished by our hair formation. Gamma Jades have high buns on their hair.) Every Jade is attended to by an Opal. They acted as ladies in waiting, but also maidservants to their superiors. The relationship is meant to be professional and nothing more, and for a certain time it was the same way for us, but over time we grew close and really got to know each other.....

.....

Pyrope's Colony

800 Years ago

.....

If Jade didn't have to attend another lavish affair, it would be too soon. It's not that she didn't like being among other Gems, far from it, she was very social if given the chance. It's just it was all so boring. Every Jade, Emerald, and Garnet chatted about the same old thing every single time. "Oh the colony is running along very smoothly." "Did you hear our Demantoid got promoted?" "The newest batch of Topaz are so brutish."

Jade wished somebody would retract her to spare her of this pointless drabble.

"Having fun yet milady?" A sarcastic voice murmured to her. " Because this is the  party of the century here." Jade suppressed a grin. "Hush Opal. We don't want to raise a commotion."

"Ah shucks why not?" Her Opal crossed her arms. "Because it's a prim and proper party." Jade explained. "We Jades must stand with elegant dignity."

"Good thing I'm not a Jade." Opal rolled her eyes. "Hey there's a stunning view of the twin moons, we should check it out." Jade gazed at her fellow Gems and their Opals, acting the way they were intended to. "You know it wouldn't be a bad idea."

Jade led her companion out on the balcony, watching the moons rise over the curvature of the planet. It was a literal breath of fresh air for her. "What's wrong, milady?" Jade looked over at her Opal, eyes gazing at the ballroom, listening to the droning music and the chatter of her kind. "It gets tiring after so long."

"The dumb parties?" Opal asked. "Yeah they're soooo boring."

"Not Just the parties." Jade murmured, her voice low so others couldn't potentially hear her. "I am a Jade, I'm supposed to be prim, proper, and graceful, but holding that up to please everyone is just too tiring."

"You don't have to please me." Opal said, drawing   out her bass from her gem. "What are you doing?" Jade asked curiously. "Making it easier to not be prim and proper." She shimmied to her own beat, strumming her instrument. Jade couldn't help but chuckle. Her Opal was so strange,   and often did many quirky things, like playing her instrument, meant to sooth and serenade her charge, in an unusual tune. Any other Jade would've filed a complaint to the authorities and had her rejuvenated, but Jade loved her eccentric and extroverted companion.

"Come on let's dance!" Opal tugged her arm. "Loosen up!" "Opal stop!" Jade jerked away. "Others will see."

"Who cares." Opal shrugged. "Nobody's watching anyway and besides...." She gave her a cocky grin. "You know you want to.."

Jade smiled, couldn't argue that. "All right." She took out her tambourine and played to the beat. Dancing as if she were the only one in the world. Opal was right, Jade felt as if she was freed from chains, able to be herself and live the way she wanted, and for those moments it was wonderful until....

"Look at JX5! What is she doing?"

"Is she crazy?"

"She's going to get herself rejuvenated."

"What a weirdo."

They stopped dancing to find themselves surrounded by a group of perplexed Jades and  Opals. "Hey guys. Heheh." Opal grinned sheepishly. " Wanna join the party?"

The door slammed behind Jade and Opal after the Topaz guard pushed them in. They held each other's hands, frightened to be in Pyrope's private quarters. "We're dead." Opal muttered. "It was nice knowing you. This is all my fault, I'm so sorry."

"It was nice knowing you too Opal." Jade gulped. "And don't apologize, I'll never regret it." They squeezed each other's hands tightly when their superior appeared from behind the curtains in front of them. A large pink Garnet in a lavish dress and high class air.

(Yes. The same Pyrope)

"So you're re the rowdy Gems who disrupted my party." She spoke in a sickly sweet voice that carried underlying venom, making Jade involuntarily wince. "That wasn't very nice of you, disturbing a well planned  gathering and bothering the Jades who only wanted to enjoy a leisurely time."

"We weren't bothering anyone." Opal disagreed, getting a sharp elbow from Jade. She wasn't trying to challenge their superior, Opal had a habit of speaking her mind regardless of who heard. It wasn't that she meant to be malicious, she just didn't have a filter. Jade loved that about her, but she knew it could be a problem if she spoke unfavorably about another Gem or another opinion, as she did now.

"Forgive her." Jade quickly apologized. Pyrope made a bubbly laugh. "My my, your Opal assistant is quite talkative! Try to think before you speak, dear, you'll make someone upset."

"Yes my Pyrope. Sorry." Opal crossed her arms in the Diamond salute.

" Please forgive us." Jade said, as politely and dignified as she could. "We'll act accordingly the next time around. It won't happen again." Pyrope flicked her fan. "All is forgiven. Make sure you hold up your promise okay?"

"We will." They said in unison.

"Perfect!" Pyrope clapped her hands together. "That will be all you two, now run along." Jade and Opal saluted their leader, but when Opal passed through the door, Pyrope spoke again. "Jade, a word?" Jade glanced at a nervous Opal gave her a reassuring nod before the door closed.

"Yes my Pyrope?" Jade nervously approached when Pyrope beckoned her over with a wave of her fan. She couldn't help but shake, Pyrope was so huge and imposing, even for a Garnet. An aura of high grandeur radiated from her. It was said among the Jades she was the highest ranking Gem second only to the Diamonds. (Though Jade knew that wasn't true, Tanzanite was, but she wasn't going to say that and have it repeated to Pyrope.)

"I've received reports about the behavior between you and your Opal." Jade shivered. "Have we done anything wrong?"

"No, not wrong dearie." Pyrope calmed her down in her sugary tone. "An Opal should have a positive relation to their Lady Jade, it's just that, you two seem rather close."

"She's my companion."

"And a splendid one at that!" Pyrope cheered. "Though I must remind you  she is your servant and you are her charge. Not equals, no, not at all, and especially not...bonded. Neither are you are brutish Quartzes for such a primitive thing. That form of relationship between a Jade and an Opal is quite inappropriate. You must remember it , I'd hate to have your reputation marred by rumors."

"I understand my Pyrope."

"Good!" she waved her fan. "I am glad  you do, also there's another thing." She dropped her sickly sweet pitch. "You must reign in your Opal, she's being much too unruly. I will leave it to you to put her in her place, but if she continues to act out ..." She watched Jade's stoic expression. "Rejuvenation may be necessary."

Jade clenched her fist but didn't show any outward emotions. "Understood. I'll make sure to keep her in line."

"Good, very good." She clapped. "That will be all."

"She told you what!?" Opal screamed in their private quarters later on. "Hush Opal." Jade said tensely, she didn't want anyone else hearing her. "I can't believe she told you to keep me in line, I'm not unruly!" Opal lowered her voice.  "Well you kinda do have a habit of speaking your mind." Jade pointed out, she'd been very quiet and subdued since the meeting with Pyrope.

"I can't help it sometimes." Opal shrugged. "What's wrong with us being close? You're a Jade and I'm your Opal attendant. We're supposed to have a good relationship." "Maybe it's too good." Jade said. "We're not like the other Jade-Opal pairs, they're more reserved with each other out in public, more professional."

"And we're not?" Opal cocked her head puzzled.

Jade tried to put it down. "We're...a bit more amiable with each other. More friendly."

"Of course we're more friendly. We're best friends!" Opal gasped and covered her mouth. "Maybe that's the problem, I got too close. Ah why did I have to be that way? I should know better! I'm your servant, and you're above me, we shouldn't have clicked together like equals."

The realization dawned on Jade. "But we did." She looked Opal in the eyes. "And I'm glad we did. Opal, you being in my life has been the best thing that's ever happened to me, because of you I've learned how to smile and be happy.  When I'm with you, I don't have to worry about  fitting the mold, I can just be me."

Opal gazed at her with watery eyes. "Jade. *sniff* that's the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me." She glomped Jade. "You are my best friend." "And you are mine." Jade hugged her Opal tears streaming down her face. When they drew apart they held a clarity in their eyes. "We just can't show it to the rest of the world, we'll have to act our parts in the public eye, but deep down we both know." Jade rubbed her tears away. "I wish there was a place we can be together, where we can hang out without the eyes of the world judging us."

"I think I know a place." Opal postured her chin.

                                                                          .....

Jade picked up her skirt as she nervously walked next to Opal. "When you said you knew of a deserted place, I never thought you meant here." She looked anxiously up at the walls of the vast Kindergarten where she emerged . The place had an eerie quietness, and Opal was right, it was completely deserted.

"No one will expect us to be here." Opal said confidently and unafraid. "Once Gems emerge these places are completely abandoned, perfect place for our mingling." "I hope you're right." Jade followed Opal deeper into the valley, watching the empty holes littering the canyon walls.

"Here we are!" Jade announced. "Perfect spot." She pulled out her guitar and started strumming. "Now where were we?"

"I don't think I can dance right now." Jade rubbed her arms unsure. "Nonsense!" Opal took her hand. "It's just  you and me, in the bottom of this empty Kindergarten with nobody around but us two. I promise you, we are perfectly safe."

Jade trusted her friend more than anything. She took a deep breath, slowly relaxing the tension in her body and letting her anxiety flow out. Slowly she began to dance, letting herself break free. She felt the same as she had before, full of pure joy and freedom of being herself with only her best friend in the world to experience it with her.

Jade heard a happy chuckle as Opal danced along with her,  accidentally bumping her back against Jade's as they both turned their heads and laughed. If only it could be this way forever.

The only thing stopping them this time was a blinding white light.

"Wow! Now that felt weird!" She rubbed her head disoriented. "I don't think that's happened before."  She stood in rigid terror when a strange mismatched Gem stared directly at her. She cried out, falling on her rump and scrambling backwards cowering behind a fallen injector.

"You said there was nobody else here!"

"I did! I have no idea where that Gem came from! Whaaaat..........?" She gaped, staring at her shaking hands. "Wait a minuet , why is my gem on your......" She touched the gem on her hand and on her forehead, the truth dawning on her. "Oh no. Oh no nononono!" Timidly she creeped out of her hiding spot and approached the frightened Gem, touching the slate and realizing to great relief it was her reflection.

"I'm someone else." Her voice sounded so strange. "I'm a Fusion." She said it in clarity before clenching her face and screaming to the high heavens. Her voice echoed throughout the valley but luckily only the walls of the abandoned  Kindergarten were there to hear it.

"Okay." The newborn Fusion breathed after getting that all out . "Oh my gosh this is insane!' She looked herself over. "I'm a Fusion! Holy Smokes! A Jade and a Fire Opal!" She looked at her reflections. "A Jade and a Fire Opal....two different Gems. No.....this is wrong! We'll be...!"

Light flashed, and the two Gems crashed rump first on the ground. "Oh my gosh I'm so sorry!" Opal gasped. "I didn't meant to do that I swear!"

"Don't apologize you silly Gem!" Jade shouted back. "It was me! I felt myself melding into you." She dug her fingers into the dirt, mind racing at what just occurred.

Thank the stars it happened in the middle of an abandoned Kindergarten, if we were among other Gems......She knew what would've happened to them, and it terrified her.

Opal helped her up. "Thank you." She smiled. "No problem milady." Opal chuckled awkwardly. "You know, this is gonna sound crazy but, it didn't feel all that bad. Was actually kinda nice, being as one." She expected Jade to rebuke her but the other Gem rubbed her shoulders pondering. "It did. For a moment there, we truly were together."

Opal blinked as a spark went off in her mind. "Lets do it again." "Opal are you nuts!?" Jade screamed. "What?" Opal cocked her head. "Why not? We're already breaking the rules mingling together out here."

"Opal this is an entirely different situation ." Jade persisted. "Cross-Gem fusion is strictly forbidden. Only Gems of the same type are allowed to fuse, and only for a functional purpose, like  fighting or building."

"So?"

"So." Jade put her  foot down. "We'll be breaking the biggest law of Gemkind if we do this." "Since when have you been a stickler for the rules?" Opal questioned. She was honestly put off guard by her companion's stanch reluctance. After the beautiful sensation of becoming one, she thought Jade would jump at the opportunity.

"Since it could cost us our lives." Jade answered in despair. " This isn't some petty crime, my dear, if we're caught , we'll be executed."

Opal thought for a long while, the weight of the potential consequences lay heavily on her shoulders until she clenched her fists. "If you're really scared about it, I understand. We won't do it. We can just come here and play music like we were supposed to do."

"That's the thing Opal." Jade added. "Now that we've discovered this I don't want to just play music. It's bonkers. My logical mind is telling me not to fuse because the risk is too  dire, but my emotions are telling me the opposite." Her eyes wavered. "I want to fuse with you again. Damn the hierarchy. I want to be with you forever."

Stars flashed in Opal's eyes. "Then what are we waiting for!?" Jade nodded, excited and nervous at the same time. "Come on Jade let's get together!!" Opal eagerly played her guitar and danced.

Let's get together, yeah yeah yeah
Why don't you and I combine?
Let's get together, what do you say
We can have a swingin' time!
We'd be a cra-a-azy team
Why don't we ma-a-ake a scene
Together, oh oh oh oh

Jade immediately got into the spring of it, kicking her feet and rapping her tambourine next to Opal. She'd never been so excited in her whole life.

Let's get together, yeah yeah yeah
Think of all that we could sha-are
Let's get together everyday
Every way and everywhere
And though we haven't got a lot
We could be sharin' all we've got
Together

Oh, I really think you're swell!  Opal grinned and winked.

Uh-huh, we really ring the bell!  Jade twirled her dress

Oo-wee, and if you stick with me!

Nothing could be greater, say hey alligat-ah!

Their gemstones glowed, miniature suns in the bleak grey mists as the Jade and her Fire Opal danced  to the beat, playing their instruments and singing together in perfect harmony.

Let's get together, yeah yeah yeah
Two is twice as nice as one
Let's get together right away
We'll be having twice the fun
And you can always count on me
A coolsome twosome we will be
We'll be as groovy as can be

Together, yeah yeah yeah!

Standing back to back with each other, their gems glowed like the sunlight. "I'm back baby!" The Fusion cheered to the heavens. "Oh wow this feels great! I look amazing!" She stomped her feet unable to contain her absolute glee. " I'm a whole new kinda Gem, but what is my name?" She recalled Jade's memory of Kyanite's palace and the statue like Gems, how clear and smooth they were like her. She knew who she was from that point on.

"Look out world, cause Chalcedony has entered the scene!!" The only responding  cheers were from her echoes off the Kindergarten walls. She didn't mind the emptiness, she was just  thrilled  just to be alive.

......

Jade and Opal found it easier to act their parts among their fellow Gems. No longer feeling suppressed in the crowd knowing they had a secret getaway. At the end of every solar cycle they'd sneak into the Kindergarten together, conversing and dancing. Enjoying each other's company to the fullest extent. After that they always fused into Chalcedony, letting the new fusion explore her environment and who she really was.

Through Chalcedony, Jade and Opal discovered things about each other they otherwise never would. Jade was an adventurer at heart, she loved exploring new places and learning about them. Maybe it was being stuck in an extravagant palace that made her wanderlust. Opal loved to sing and often belted out songs she detected on the distant radio waves from another galaxy. As time passed they spent more time in the Kindergarten fused than apart, until there was only Chalcedony roaming the ancient stone canyon.

They made sure to act natural among their colony. Centuries passed and nobody suspected a thing. Not even Pyrope, who subtly eyed them from behind her fan at every gathering. However, the thing about secrets, is they're eventually found out. It all started with a rumor.

"Have you heard? There's a rumor in Homeworld."

"Have you heard? What they're saying on the street?"

The Jades and Opal whispered among each other, eyes darting here and their as they spoke of it. Jade and Opal kept silent, anxiety bubbled within them. "Did somebody see Chalcedony? Are we in danger of being discovered?

"What is all this talk I'm hearing? What has happened?" She asked a group of Jades.

"You haven't heard. Everyone across the Empire is talking about it." The Cone-haired Jade said. "Pink Diamond is alive."

 
"What!?" Jade piped in, echoing Jade's disbelief. "That's crazy talk,  she was shattered by rebels thousands of years ago!" "She's right." Jade added. " Pink Diamond was destroyed by the rebel leader at the end of the Gem War." Despite being an Era 2 Gem, emerging  over three thousand years years after the Rebellion, Jade knew the story. Every Gem did. A rogue fraction  dared to take arms against Homeworld, resulting in an all out war that ended in the destruction of every renegade Gem on the planet, and the demise of a Diamond at the hands of a Rose Quartz

"That's what we thought."  A hammer-headed Jade replied. " But it turns out Pink Diamond faked her own shattering  and lived in disguise among the organic life on Earth."

"It has to be a rumor." The Cone haired Jade said. "A Diamond living with lesser earth creatures, have you ever heard of such a thing?"

"Maybe she didn't have a choice." A Jade of the same cut popped in. "They say she was held captive by the surviving renegades, and the other Diamond's rescued her!"

"Why would a Diamond need rescuing?" 

"Why would a Diamond choose to fake her shattering and live among humans?"

Jade and Opal left them to their whisperings, as they walked along the avenue, they couldn't help but speak about the shocking rumor. "You really think it's true? Pink Diamond has been alive all this time?" 

"It sounds outlandish." Jade straightened her dress out. "But who knows, it might be." In the Kindergarten later that day, Chalcedony wondered to herself. "A Diamond, living on Earth with rebellious Gems away from the empire and its stupid rules. How can it be true?" She gazed at the night sky. "I hope it's true, because it means there's a place out there for us. A place where I don't have to worry about being me."

Chalcedony perked her head at the sound of a pair of footsteps, she quickly darted behind an injector, watching terrified as two Jades appeared in the canyon only a few feet away. A yellow Jade with cat-eared hair and a green Jade with a curved hair bob. Chalcedony panicked, shaking behind the injector. Of course, why did I think I'd always be alone here, someone was eventually gonna find this place. If I keep quiet and perfectly still they won't suspect I'm here. I just stay in this spot until they go away, I hope they go away soon.

Chalcedony watched the Jades like a rabbit hiding from wolves, and what she saw blew her mind. The two Jades danced together, laughing joyously before slowing to a halt, clutching each other's hands.  "I love you." The yellow Jade kissed the other's cheek. "I love you too." The green Jade nuzzled her cheek, together they fused right before the hiding Gem's eyes.

"I can't believe it...I'm not alone. Chalcedony couldn't help it. Opal's impulsiveness overtook her and she jumped out from the injector overly excited. "Yes! I can't believe I'm seeing this you look fabuloooouuuuus!!!" The Lemon Jade screamed and defused. 

"Hey wait!!" Chalcedony called after them as they ran. "Don't go. I'm just like you." She searched the Kindergarten looking for her, calling her name, crying that she was a forbidden fusion too, but she never found her. Defeated she defused and her components returned to their palace, their minds both on the two Jades.  Cross-Gem Fusion was forbidden , even among Jades, who were separated by their cut and differentiated by their hairstyles.             

They would have quietly discussed the extraordinary turn of events when they were summoned to the great hall. Jade and Opal glanced nervously at each other, smothered among the crowd of every Gem in the Colony. Whispers murmured among every Jade, Opal, and Hessonite, all with the same thing. "What is going on?"

They hall went silent when Pyrope strolled regally on the top of the staircase. The Gems saluted her and she spoke. "My fellow Gems, I have glorious news!" Pyrope's musical voice reverbed through the halls for everyone to hear. "You might have hear the extraordinary rumor going around and I can confirm it is true. Pink Diamond has returned."

The clamoring uproar among the Gems was overwhelming. Pyrope's Topaz guards clanged their shield and spears together to quiet everyone down. "Yes. It is a stunning revelation, but please, my dearest Gems, contain your excitement until after my announcement." The noise diminished to a low murmur. "Pink Diamond is in Homeworld as I speak, and she is throwing a grand ball to signal the beginning of Era 3: Her return to the Diamond court. All Gems are invited, and we are blessed with the chance of swearing fealty to Pink, so I expect everyone to be on their best behavior." 

Pyrope scanned over her Gems. "Those fortunate enough to fall into her good regard may be asked to join her court. Though I will miss these lucky Gems dearly, I will be overwhelmed with joy knowing they now serve a greater purpose."

Chapter Text

Pyrope's colony was abuzz with with the news. The halls rang with the voices of the Jades, Opals, and minor Garnets. It was shocking enough that the rumors of Pink Diamond's survival proved to be true, but the fact everyone in the colony would attend her ball on Homeworld and greet the Diamonds face to face....even the most mild mannered Gem became loud and exhilarant.

But of course, as Pyrope stated the next day, this would be a formal affair, and the Gems would have to act accordingly. They spent several days in regimented rehearsals, every Gem was separated by their type and practiced presenting themselves to the Diamonds.

Meaning Jade and Opal wouldn't be together when they stood face to with Gemkind's Matriarchs. "What a total bummer!" Opal complained in their private quarters. " It is, but at least we're given this once in an Era opportunity ." Jade twirled her dress. "Oh my stars can you imagine it? Us meeting the Diamonds! It sounds like a dream!"

"Don't pinch yourself 'cause it's real!" Opal laughed. "It's gonna be amazing!"

"It will be!" Jade smiled. "I hope I make a good enough impression for Pink to offer me a place in her court. I don't know why but I got a sense she's different from the other Diamonds, I've a feeling she'll be more accepting of our friendship."

"I hope you're right Jade." Opal took her hand. Jade's smile faded. "I hope those Jades get accepted into her court too." She couldn't stop thinking about them, she tried to find them at rehearsal, but it was difficult spotting two Jades among hundreds. "I feel awful about it all." She admitted. "They were so terrified seeing Chalcedony they didn't realize what she was. I wonder if we scared them from coming out."

"Me too." Opal agreed guilty. "I wish we can find them again, tell them they're not  alone. It would mean a lot to to have a friend."

"That it would."

"It makes me think, have they been doing the same thing we've been doing, except we've never crossed paths? "Opal asked

"Wouldn't surprise me." Jade shrugged her shoulders.

The time finally came when Pyrope's colony boarded their great starship and set a course for Homeworld. Jade and Opal marvel at the grand sight outside their window. Pyrope had a pavilion set up for the Hessonite's, the Jades, and their Opals. The air was rife with excitement and clamor. "I can't believe this is happening." Opal said in disbelief. "We're gonna meet Pink Diamond ahh I'm really nervous!"

"Me too." Jade said pacing nervously and to get accustomed of her cog like dress the high bun Jades needed to wear for the occasion. It was weird not feeling her own feet. "I wish we could stay together to meet her, but we will see each other after the ball."

The announcer called for all Jades to form up and get ready for the presentation. "I gotta go." She hugged Opal. "You're going to be great I know it. Just relax and breath."" Thanks." Opal hugged her back. "You got this Jade. I'll see you soon."

Jade followed her procession across the Diamond plaza and into the palace. Lining up in the fourth row to the right next to a Hammerhead Jade. At the very seat of the Empire stood four grand thrones, one for each Diamond, and the first time in six thousand years, the Pink throne was occupied.

By the Stars it's really her. Never in a million years did Jade ever think she'd be in the presence of Pink Diamond, and seeing her in person left her amazed and extremely confused. She looks.....smaller than I expected. Not at all like a Gem, in fact I'd say she looks completely organic. Like the pet standing at her feet. She saw the same bewilderment in the surrounding Jades. Why has she taken this form? I wonder what the other Diamonds had to say about this. Apparently they had no issue with it if they allowed her to stay as this.

"Of course the Opals gotta stay in the back." Opal jumped on her heels trying to peer over the Hessonites. "I can't see a dang thing. Is Pink there?" The surrounding Opals shushed her. "You u guys are no fun." She managed to tilt her body and get a good look at the throne. "Wait a minuet?" She rubbed her eyes. "That's Pink Diamond?" She heard the surrounding Opals murmur beneath their breaths, the ones standing at the edge had a better view and passed what they saw down the rows. Why did their Diamond look like an organic?

As the rows moved up to greet her, Opal got a better look. To say she was confused by the lost Matriarch's appearance was an understatement "That's not a Diamond, that's a fuzzy maraca!" "Shhh!"" The surrounding Opals hushed her. "What? We're all thinking it." "Quiet you." A Hessonite butted her with the backend of her spear. This party's gonna be fun.

Opal watched as Jade and her Hammerhead partner walked up the aisle to greet Pink Diamond. Jade never been so nervous in her life, but when she came face to face with Pink, all of her anxiousness slipped away. She looks so strange in this organic form, but very cute. I love her dress.

"My Diamond." The Hammerhead bowed her head respectfully.

"My Diamond." Jade repeated. "You look fabulous. I love your new form." "Thank you." Pink Diamond smiled, caught by surprise from her genuine emotion. Jade wanted to talk to her more but she had to return to her spot.

"My Diamond." The blue Opal saluted their respect. "Hi I'm Fire Opal, but you can call me Opal nice to meet you!" Opal greeted politely. "Hi Opal I'm Pink Diamond, but you can call me Steven!" Pink Diamond said cheerfully. "Nice to meet you too!" Opal wanted to say more but was tugged along by her partner, passing Jade who shook her head with a smirk. 'I like her.' She mouthed to Jade as she passed by her, watching as an Amethyst wearing limb enhancers awkwardly hobble up to the throne. "Yo! My Diamond!" Jade turned her head at an Amethyst, startled by nonchalant way she approached Pink. Her attention drifted from their conversation when her eyes caught sight of the Jades from the Kindergarten.

She had to bite her lips to keep from calling out. She tried discreetly getting their attention but they didn't seem to notice her, keeping close to one another as if they shared each other's gemstone. I'll find a way to talk to them after the ball, maybe I exchange a few words while we dance. At the sound of Diamonds' chime Jade got into her regal stance, forming her arms in the salute. She barely believed her eyes When Yellow and Blue Diamond entered the scene, averting her gaze feeling unworthy to look upon their full glory. Opal had to forcefully close her mouth to keep from Gawking. "By the Great Moons of Aether."

White Diamond, not surprisingly, was a no show. Her bleached puppet Pearl taking her place. Maybe that's good thing. Jade thought to herself. She'd heard many things about the eldest Matriarch, none of it pleasant.

The Era 3 Ball when off without a hitch. The Jades danced in robotic rhythm, their cogs swirling like clockwork. The Opals stayed at the back, tap dancing with each other in a slow monotonous beat. Party of the Millennium. Opal held back a shrug. I wish Jade could dance with me, we'd get this ball on a roll!

I wish I could dance with Opal Jade sighed. The Jades' dance was so slow, so rigid, she was amazed how excited she was for this. Pyrope's gatherings were fun compared to this. At least she had a change to get to the Jades. She just had to move their direction, exchanging dance partners until she found herself with them. She wasn't allowed to talk, but she could still utter a quick word, reassure they weren't the only ones dabbling in the forbidden arts.

A joyful laugh turned Jades attention to the thrones. It was Pink! She was dancing with the organic, both laughing happily without a care in the world. The Gems stopped and stared at them confused, but Jade smiled. They were just like her and Opal.

"May I have this dance?" She startled when Opal took her hand. "Opal what are you doing?" She hissed under her breath. "Having a ball with my BFF." She chuckled. "Come on! Just like the good old days."

"Jade two different Gems aren't allowed to dance together!" "She doesn't seem to care." Jade nodded towards Pink and her companion. "She's a Diamond. Diamonds are supposed to set the standards for all of us, so if it's okay for her then it's okay for us." Jade smiled rebelliously. "You're right." Together they danced as they did in the Kindergarten.

An enraged shout stopped them. They clutched each other's hands, expecting to find all eyes on them, but, extraordinarily enough, nobody payed attention to the rebellious Gems because everyone was looking at Pink.

Rather, a Fusion of Pink and her human.

"Holy Helios they fused!" Jade gasped in amazement. "No way!!" Opal screamed. "Awesome!!." .

"Pink, what are you doing?!" Yellow Diamond growled through her teeth, standing up. It was just like when they formed Chalcedony; Pink didn't realize she fused until few moments later, but unlike them, it happened where everyone was watching. Including the Matriarchs themselves

"Pink, this is completely unacceptable! Unfuse or I'll make you!" Blue Diamond warned. Jade and Opal were about to scream at Pink to run, but her Ruby and Sapphire jumped to defend her, fusing before their very eyes "You'll have to go through me!"

"And me!" Pink's Pearl immediately fused with the Amethyst.

"AND ME!!" The Lemon Jade fusion proudly declared, causing Jade and Opal to gasp. "I knew it! I knew I couldn't be the only one! AAHHH!" Yellow zapped her instantly, her Jade stones clanked on the ground. The once calm and stately ball erupted into madness.

Jade didn't know what she was thinking. Amidst the chaos of Yellow zapping and poofing the forbidden fusions, she quickly darted by the Diamond's feet and snatched the two Jade stones. "You Jade, drop those Gems this instant!" Pyrope's voice bellowed from the balcony. "No!" She screamed and ran out of the palace, when she quickly looked back she saw Yellow grab the Pink Fusion. "Pink! You've gone too far, even for you!" The Diamond's voice was full of rage.

"Stop right there!!" A huge Topaz blocked her way. Jade stopped and tumbled between her legs, avoiding the massive hands trying to grab her. "Come back!!"

"Jade!" Opal screamed after her, but she didn't stop. She threw off her cogs and ran until the breath left her. She had no idea where she was, only that she was away from the palace. "Oh no nononononono! Sweet Solaris what was I even thinking!?" Curling up into a ball Jade clutched the gemstones in her hands, her panicked mind racing. "What am I going to do? How can I even fix something like this?" She started to cry. "I can't! I disobeyed my Gem's orders and ran away with fugitives! I'm shattered, really and truly shattered! And Opal! I left her! I left my best friend!! Opal I'm sorry!!!!" She curled up and cried, for how long she did not know. A set of hands shook her. Jade dropped the gems and screamed, only to have her mouth covered. "Shh." Opal whispered. "You want the whole planet to know we're here?"

She couldn't help but become a blubbering mess. I'm sorry!! I don't know what I was even doing!!!" " Shhh It's okay." Opal hugged her tight and patted her shoulder. "I'm here and we're together now. Lets take a deep breath and collect ourselves." Jade nuzzled her head into Opals shoulders and sobbed, her dearest friend rubbing her back soothing her. Once she got it out of her system, she rubbed her eyes balefully and asked. "What am I going to do? I can't go back there."

"You can't." Opal nodded. "And I won't let you, Pyrope will imprison you or worse." "You're not exactly helping." "I know." Opal sheepishly rubbed her back. "What I also know what you did back there was the bravest thing I have ever seen."

"What?" Jade rubbed her eyes. "You serious?" "Dead serious." Opal chuckled. "Okay now that I think about it that was the second bravest thing I've ever seen. "Oh really?" Jade smirked. "What was the first?" "You saw what happened back there right?" Opal jumped excitedly. "Pink's Gems stood up to the Diamonds. Yeah they got zapped but dang that was a gutsy move!"

"I wholly agree." Jade flattened out her dress. "I've never seen another cross Fusion before, besides us, and there were three of them can you imagine?" "I don't need to, I've seen it." Opal agreed. "I wish I could've helped them all out, Yellow took their gems away and Blue captured the Pink Fusion. I can't believe it. All this time we thought fusion was wrong, that it was an immoral and unacceptable taboo, but what if they were wrong?"

"You got a good point." Jade said. "We've been living in Empire since we've first emerged and we've never went out of its reach, maybe what we've been taught all our lives, isn't what the rest of the world believes. What if there's a place out there where we wouldn't be shattered? Where a fusion like Chalcedony isn't looked down upon. A place where we'd be accepted?"

"Like where Pink is from." Opals eyes widened. "Earth! She'd been secretly living on Earth all this time with Gems that like Fusion! Why? Because it's far away from all this. I didn't believe for a second that she was held hostage, who the heck could imprison a Diamond (except one of their own as we saw)? No! Pink is like us and she was smart enough to hide away from Homeworld and its stringent rules until, for some reason I don't understand, she came back."

"She never should have come back." Jade shook her head. "Now she's captured and her Gems retracted. Who knows what the Diamonds will do to them. I just wish there's something we could do." "There's nothing we can do for Pink and her court." Opal said sadly. "We're no match for the Diamonds.....but ....." She held the two Jade stones in her hands. "We can help them."

"How? By showing them they're not alone? That's a heartwarming idea but it'll do nothing to help our situation. Even if we found each other we'll still be hunted by Homeworld." An idea flashed in Opal's head "Then we're gonna have to get off Homeworld." She took Jade's hand. "Let's go to Earth."

"Opal I love your determined enthusiasm, but ARE YOU INSANE!?" Jade screamed. "How are we going to get to Earth!?"

"We'll take a starship silly." Opal laughed star eyed. "The shipyards are not far and everyone is at the Palace. We'll sneak in, steal a ship, and bada bing bada boom, welcome to Earth!" Jade rubbed her hands. "This is the craziest plan I've ever heard."

"Ya got any better ideas?"

"No." Jade shrugged.

"Then let's do it!" She held Jade's hands. "Look what have we got to lose?" Jade looked at her companion with a firm clarity. "Let's go Earth." She touched the poofed Gems in Opals hands. "All of us."

....

Getting to the the shipyards was easier said than done. They had to go off the beaten path to avoid being seen, dodging the roving eyes of scanning robonoids and making sure nobody was following them. Yet they managed to cross the span of the city unnoticed, nearing the shipyards when the ground suddenly tremored, toppling them off their feet.

"What the heck was that?" Opal helped Jade up. "An earthquake I think?" Jade dusted herself off. "Does Homeworld even have earthquakes?" Opal mused, but Jade didn't answer her, staring in rigid wide eyed terror. "Helloooo!! Homeworld to Jade!! What's with gaping face gaaaaaaaaaaa?? Her voice trailed off when she saw what cause Jade's stark fear.

White Diamond's Mech stomped in their direction, towering above the skyline of Homeworld. It had become fully whole again, connected by Blue and Yellow's Arm-ships and Pink's Leg ship, and utterly colossal. They clutched each other and screamed in unison.

"Look out!!" Opal yanked Jades arm and they ran like hell. Each clutching a poofed Jade to their chests.

"It's after us its after us!!!! WE'RE ALL GONNA DIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEE!!!!!"

"STOP CRYING AND KEEP RUNNING OPAL!!!

"THERE'S NOWHERE TO RUN!!! THE DIAMOND'S ARE OUT TO GET US!!!!!!!"

"OPAL PUT YOURSELF TOGETHER! Once we make it to the ships we'll be off of this planet and away from them."

They stopped dead in their tracks when a colossal and fiery beast stood in their way, bellowing a challenging roar at the mech. Jade and Opal screamed, scattering like mice behind a hidden alcove.

"OH MY GOSH WHAT IN THE GREAT NAME OF THE DIAMONDS IS THAT THING!?" Jade shrieked.

"I think it's a Fusion. A big one." Opal gasped, staring at the giant Gem in terrifying awe. "Look! It's climbing up the Diamond mech!" Jade pointed at the scene. "And those other Gems are attacking it! Does that mean they're on our side?"

"I hope so. Whoever they are, they're a gutsy bunch." Jade watched amazed. "Quick." She tugged Opal's arm. "Lets get away while that mech is distracted." "Good idea." Opal nodded and together they ran, clutching each other's hands from the Obsidian's terrifying roars.

Once they felt they were safe and well away from the dueling giants, the Gems decided to recoup in the secluded spot of Homeworld. "This has been the craziest series of events in my entire life." Jade caught her breath. "Ditto." Opal agreed. "And I gotta feeling it's gonna get crazier."

"Please don't say that."

Indeed it did. Right at that moment the two Jade stones regenerated. "Oh now they pop back!" Opal growled. "Hush!" Jade shushed. Yellow and Lime looked around disoriented. "Where are we?" Yellow murmured. "We're... not shattered?" When they saw Jade and Opal, they immediately coward.

"Don't hurt us!!"

"We promise we'll never fuse again!"

"Easy easy! It's okay, we're you're friends." Opal reassured them. "She's right, we mean you no harm." Jade explained everything that happened to them since the disastrous ball and their journey to the shipyards to leave Homeworld's oppressions behind.

The Jades stared confused. "Thank you for saving us." Lime said nervously. "We are grateful for what you've done." Yellow added. "But why would you risk everything to help us?" " Like you said at the ball." Opal took Jade's hand, and they gave each other a knowing look.

"You're not the only one." Chalcedony smiled proud and determined.

The Jades gawked like fish. "You're the Gem from the Kindergarten." Yellow realized. Lime was brought to tears. "All this time we thought she was our enemy! She was like us all along, we have friends!!!" "Don't cry Lime!" Yellow said. "Sorry, my friend can be emotional at times." " Don't worry about it!" Chalcedony said cheerfully. "You know, you were very brave back there. In fact that was the bravest thing my Jade and Opal have ever seen. I am so proud of you."

"Thank you." The Jades said in unison. "But don't expect us to fuse again." "Why not?" Callie cocked her head. "Because, it's wrong, you are wrong!" Yellow gestured all of her. "Say's who, Pyrope? The Diamonds?" Chalcedony raise. "Their opinions don't matter, and even if it did they're the ones in the wrong. You both know what it's like, how liberating and beautiful Fusion really is. It's the love between Gems taking a physical persona, how can love be wrong?"

"It's not wrong." Lime said meekly. "But everyone thinks it is."

"I don't think it is." Chalcedony huffed. " Maybe it's time for you guys to stop worrying about what others think."

"We wish but it's not that easy." Yellow sighed.

Chalcedony chuckled. "It's easier than you think. Take it from me......" Her voice carried a firm resonance..

So your Pyrope screwed you over
Acted nice when she not nice
Well, I have some advice
'Cause it's happened to me twice
Here's my secret strategy
It always works because
The world doesn't end
It just feels like it does

So raise your voice up high
And solemnly swear,
"Whatever they say about me
I don't care!"

I won't twist in knots to join their game
I will say, "You make me mad."
And if they treat me bad
I'll say, "You're bad."

And if I end up alone from this moment on
That's just what I'll do
'Cause I'd rather be me
I'd rather be me

She thought of Pyrope and spoke what she would've said to her face.

I'd rather be me than be with you

"Hey wait for us!" The Jades followed after her. "If you wanna e your own Gems you gotta take the first steps." Chalcedony urged them, keeping them in tow.

We're supposed to all be Jades
And be nurturing and care
Is that really fair?
Quartz get to fight, we have to share
Here's the way that that turns out
We always understand
How to slap someone down
With our underhand

So here's my right finger
To how Jades should behave
'Cause sometimes what's meant to break you
Makes you brave

So I will not act all innocent
I won't fake apologize
Let's just fuse and then accept it
Not live these lies

Let's call our damage even
Clean the slate till it's like new
It's a new life for me
For I'd rather be me

I'd rather be me than be with you

"And what will you say to Pyrope if she finds you like this?" Yellow Jade stomped her feet in front of her. Chalcedony only laughed. "What will I say....?" She stepped near the Jades, causing them to step backwards. In honestly they admired the fusion and how unafraid she was.

'I'll say, "No!" "Knock it off, with your notes
And your rules and your games."
And those sycophants who follow you
I'll remember all their names

And when they drag you down
Like they inevitably do
I will not laugh along with them and
Approve their palace coup, 'cause that's not me

I don't need their good opinions
I have plenty of opinions
Everybody has opinions but it doesn't make 'em true
What's true is being me
And I'd rather be me
I'd rather be me than be with you

The Jades fused and met her eyes unleashing a rebellious 'Yeah!!" gaining an approved grin from Chalcedony.

Good!

So raise them high
'Cause playing nice and shy
Is insulting my IQ

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

I'd rather be me
(I'd rather be me)
I'd rather be me
(I'd rather be me)

I'd rather be me than be with you
(I'd rather be me)
I'd rather be me
(I'd rather be me)
I'd rather be me
(I'd rather be me)
I'd rather be me than be with you

"Now how'd you feel?" Chalcedony yelled.

Lemon Jade giggled like a little girl. "Proud to be me. Together as one!"

                                                            ..........

They found the shipyards surprisingly barren. No bots, no guards, nothing. Completely empty. Chalcedony knew exactly which ship they were going to take to earth. "Nothing like spitting in the face of your superior than stealing her ship!" Chalcedony stood in the cockpit. From Opal she knew how to pilot a starship. "Ya better hold on tight it's gonna get bumpy." Lemon Jade eagerly took her seat.

The Fusions startled when they heard heavy footsteps enter the ship. "Oh buggies." Callie grumbled when the Topaz from the ball confronted them, slamming the butt of her spear down and closing all the hatch. Lemon  Jade stood in front of her. "If you wanna shatter her, you have to go through me first!" The Topaz Fusion pushed her away, scowling at Chalcedony with a heavy brow.

Chalcedony gulped. "Don't mind me. I was just inspecting the control panel." The Topaz wasn't fooled. "Well it was nice knowing you guys. Remember me if she doesn't shatter you." I lower voice her components spoke.

"I love you Jade."

"I love you too Opal."

She closed her eyes, awaiting the blow but instead heard the spear clang on the ground.

"Please take me with you!" The Topaz begged. "I'm sick and tired of being controlled by another Gem and getting told what to do all the time. My old charge reassigned me for being too emotionally attached when I'm fused and Pyrope's a million times worse. I wanna be with you guys and live on Earth with friends who understand what I'm going through!"  She sniffled like a child as tears ran down her face. "You two are so brave. I want to be as strong as you, and I want to be free!"

The two other fusions looked at each other and nodded. "Sure! The more the merrier!!" Chalcedony patted Topaz's  shoulder. "Welcome aboard fellow Fusion!!"

Topaz steered the ship as it ascended over the cityscape of the planet. "Arrivederci Homeworld! Can't say I'll miss you!" Chalcedony waved at the receding surface. "Hey look!" Jade pointed at the glass. "Look at the Diamond mech! It's colored weird!" Chalcedony stood next to her and spotted it. "You're right!! Hehehe kinda  looks like it's blushing. Nice to be leaving this place behind for good, Homeworld will never change."

                                                                                               ......

Present Day

......

"So did you make it to Earth?" I asked, completely amazed by the story. "Well yeah." Opal said. "Topaz knew where she was going, said she'd been to Earth beforehand. We got here soon after your parents and the Diamonds did. Imagine our shock seeing them, but Garnet told us everything that went down on Homeworld. We couldn't believe it."

"Lemon Jade and Topaz ended up going back to Homeworld soon after to take a stand and support non conventional Fusions, they helped shine a light on us all and pushed the creation of better laws to protect us and our rights as Gems. They're still there, but I've seen them visit a few times."

"As for us. Earth was our home now, and we ended up helping the healed Fusions understand their existence wasn't wrong. They were who they were meant to be and they were beautiful."

"A healthy Fusion is beautiful." Aunt Garnet approached the campfire. "Your story is incredible and you both should be very proud." "Ahh shucks!" Opal laughed. "Compared to what you were doing at the same time, it's nothing."

"It is something." Jade said. "Our actions, though small in the scheme of things made a big change. For all of us."

"I hope we can change the Remnant too." Opal said.

"We will." Jade answered determined, holding Opal's hands. "And even if we can't." She looked at all of us and smiled. "There are always people who will accept us."

This chapter is dedicated to the LGBTQ+ readers of the community.  You are loved, you are accepted, and you are beautiful. Stay strong and never change who you are because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💖

Chapter Text

I woke up before the alarm went off at 6 am, nearly jumping out of bed as I galloped  into the bathroom to change and get ready. I can't believe it, today's the day! "You're up pretty early Rosebud." Grandpa said quietly when walked past the guest room.

"I know." I said excited. "I start training with Turquoise today and she wants me to meet her at midmorning, but she lives in Scotland which is a few hours ahead of us, so that's why I'm up early." "Oh that's exciting." Grandpa replied optimistic. "You're gonna learn so much from her. Have a great time Nora."

"I will Grandpa, I love you, and I'll see you later." My gem shard pulsed before I felt thin, warm arms wrap around me. "Good luck today, and be careful." "I promise I will." I blushed. "I'll see you later okay?"

"Ready Rosebud?" Dad smiled waiting with Bear on the porch. "Ready." I said quietly. He wanted to come with me on the first session to make sure I was okay, and after much coaxing from Mom, I agreed to it. Not before making him promise that he wouldn't interfere with anything Turquoise has planned out.

It was overcast at Turquoise's cottage, the pleasant earthy smell of the farm wafted into our noses. I knocked on the door. "Ah right on time." Turquoise answered. "I just finished with the morning feeding. Steven, Nora, come with me, we have a bit of a hike."

"Is that why you asked us to bring Bear instead of warping?" I asked. "Exactly." Turquoise nodded, transforming into an enormous elk bigger than Bear. "A Megaloceros!" I gasped in star eyed amazement. "What's a Megaloceros?" Dad turned his head. "A prehistoric deer species lived across the Eurasian continent thousands of years ago. They went extinct from the climate change that was caused by Gem Colonization, along with a lot of other megafauna, like wooly mammoths."

"Interesting." Dad noted. "You're such a smart cookie." The Megaloceros-formed Turquoise kneeled down on her forelegs next to him. Dad climbed up on the the great deer's back, gripping her neck and steadying himself as she stood up. "Follow me." She flicked her ears. Mounting up on Bear I rode beside her across the craggy wilderness, making sure to follow her exact hoofprints to avoid activating a hidden booby trap.

"Having fun Dad!" I called to him exhilarant. "Yeah....this sure is fun!" Dad gripped onto Turquoise's shaggy neck for dear life, as if he'd never ridden a magical Gem animal before, but he got into the swing of it soon enough. "You look like Ashitaka!"

"Who's he?" Dad called back

"A really cool dude!" I said.

We arrived at a familiar place. "The Gem fortress." I gripped Bear's fur, following Turquoise through the main gate, flinching when the massive vault closed behind us. Turquoise lay down, allowing Dad to get off before she changed into her default form. "The training ground is this way." She waved her staff. "Follow."  Hopping off Bear, we followed Turquoise through  the remnants of the great hall and the Gem Garrison. "Callie would have a field day seeing all this." I gawked in star eyed wonder. "Isn't this amazing Dad?"

"It is." He responded quietly . "Nora, stay close to me! I don't know what's in here." He barked when I lagged behind, examining every inch of the corridor.  "Okay! Okay!"  I patted Bear's shoulder, covering my eyes when we surprisingly passed through the other side of the cliff, into a open valley surrounded by jutting rocks. A spiral pattern spread out across the grass. "What is this place?" I asked, taking everything in.

"The training arena." Turquoise. She grumbled animalistic to Bear, who grunted and nodded his head. "Steven. Wait for me back at the cottage. I want to evaluate Nora and see where she stands."

"You sure about that?" Dad said nervously. "Maybe it'll be better if I wait here." "I'll be fine Dad." I reassured. "Trust me." Dad sighed nodded, riding on Bear through a portal torn open by his claws. Good, now I don't have to worry about him fretting over me like Aunt Pearl. "Was this really your training grounds Turquoise?"

"It was." Turquoise said. "My warriors and I sparred and prepared  for battle on these very grounds. Most of them Quartzes, a boisterous bunch, always shoving each other testing their strength. Good company, the boys at Portree  Village remind me of them a lot." She tapped her staff into the ground. "But I digress. Nora show me what you got. Strike at me."

"With my sword or my power?" "Either." Turquoise answered curtly. "Pretend I'm a Remnant Gem and come at me." I nodded, feeling pumped. "Here I go." I flexed my hand outward, locking her feet in pink barriers and ran at her ready to strike my sword. Right when I was in the strike area, Turquoise quickly jabbed me in the stomach and swung at my legs while I was stunned, toppling me over.

"Not bad for a novice." She pointed her staff at my eyes. "But you'll have to try better than that. Again." She backed away several feet. I got up, ignoring my smarting stomach and flexed my hand to lock her feet again, intending on attacking her with a ranged shot instead. "Ow!" She rapped my hands with her staff and hit me in the side. "Hey!"

"You were about to trap my feet again." She pulled me up. "Make exact same move with any Gem and they'll see it and act accordingly. Try something different." I snorted through my nose like an angry bull and pelted her with ranged photon bolts. Turquoise moved as swiftly as a deer, bounding light on her feet dodging my blasts. In between shots she lunged and struck me again, this time pinning me with her staff. "You're leaving yourself open when you recharge, any Gem will see that vulnerability and take advantage of it." She backed away and let me up. "What else do you have?"

I smirked determined, summoning a pink wall and pushing against her. When she jumped over it, I trapped her within a cube , gradually closing my fist and shrinking it. Try escaping this! Turquoise planted her feet in the ground and pushed against the wall. I felt her resistance through my powers, and pushed back, physically and mentally straining against her might.

"Smart girl, but you're wearing yourself out." She was right, I felt the telltale sign of my powers siphoning my strength, even with Bismuth's bracelet I was over my bounds. Too big and too much. I let the barrier down before I fainted, and Turquoise charged me. I repelled her back with my shield, forsaking my powers for my swordsmanship. Turquoise countered every blow with her staff and stepped on my foot, causing me to cry out in pain. She pushed me down with her staff and pinned me with her foot.

"Hey that's cheating!" I clawed at her foot and struggled to get her off. She was as heavy and immovable as a boulder. "Let me up!" "That is how it is to fight a Gem." Turquoise pointed her staff between my eyes. " A Diamond's might courses through your veins, but it means nothing if you lack experience." She stepped back and lifted me onto my feet. I smarted on my butt, legs and belly. "You're wrong!" I snapped at her. "I've fought and beaten other Gems before."

"Really, and who were they?" I stood proud and tall, describing my battles inside the Genesis Machine.

"An Aragonite and a Peridot." Turquoise laughed heartily. "Peridots are mechanics, not warriors. They weren't built for fighting, a human can subdue them given enough time. The Aragonite? Had to have been an End Era. You've wouldn't have stood a chance with an older cut. An Era 1 would've ended you without breaking a sweat. An Era 2 just the same with a little more effort. You've never stood against a Gem who was built and bred to fight."

"You're wrong." I countered fiercely. "I battled the strongest Quartz Warrior in the world and I beat her using my mind. Yeah, she kicked butt pretty damn good and I got a few bruises as trophies, but I outsmarted her and stood victorious!"

Turquoise clenched her staff, staring in disbelief. "What Quartz warrior?" "A Jasper." I boasted with a smirk. "A really big Jasper. In fact, she was the biggest Quartz I've ever seen in my life, yet this scrawny mutt used mind over matter and beat her in a match. Now I've earned her respect. She actually came to me for help the other day and offered to train me, but I declined, told her I already had a teacher."

"Smart move." Turquoise said quietly. "How.......is Jasper?"

"From what my aunts told me after formally meeting her, still a jerk, but less of jerk since the last time we met . She asked me to help her relocate some supernatural forest critters and in her jerkish way thanked me for it." It dawned on me seeing Turquoise's reaction. "Oh my stars, you knew her didn't you!"

"I did." Turquoise smiled with her eye closed, before shaking her head and gripping her staff. "It was a long time ago. Nora, you we're incredibly lucky Jasper did not seriously injure you." "She did kick the snot out of me." I said. "Yes, but if she wanted to kill you. She would have done it. " She snapped her finger. "Easy as that." Turquoise thrummed her fingers against the staff. "As I've stated before, you've never gone against a Gem who was built to fight. One who's sole purpose was to clash and defeat her opponents on the battlefield. We need to work on it, and not only that...." She cocked her head. "I saw you were struggling to manage more powerful attacks."

I nodded. "It takes a lot out of me. The bigger the attack, the more energy I need channeling it. Luckily Aunt Bismuth made me this bracelet to help me manage my Diamond powers without fainting."

"Still it saps your strength." Turquoise said. "Once your opponent sees weakness they'll strike without hesitation." She patted my shoulder. "Don't be disheartened, young warrior.  That is why we're here, so I can teach you." She put her staff away and shape shifted into a red deer " I see now where you stand. Let's head back to the cottage."

I rode on her back and she took me home. "Turquoise, Jasper remembers you." I leaned forward and spoke into her ear. "I don't know if this means anything, but she told me to tell you the last time didn't count. I have no idea what that means." Turquoise apparently did, tossing her antlers and snorting through her nostrils. "Never forgets what is owed. Still the same Jasper after all these millennia." 

"It sounds like you really miss her." "I do." Turquoise grunted. "But  I try not to dwell on the past too much. I have my own life now and so must she. I haven't even seen her since the War......"  Turquoise slowed  when she approached the gate, letting me off her as she changed into her human form to unlock it. The Kyloes grazed in the pasture, raising our heads watching us pass. Back at the cottage Dad waited, patting Bear on the shoulder.

"How did it go?" He asked anxiously.

"I'm gonna need a lot of training." I rubbed my concealed bruises. "Turquoise kicked my butt." "You didn't go too hard on her did you?" Dad asked Turquoise. "Less harder than with my Quartzes. Nora has extraordinary capabilities, she has honed her skills very well, yet if she was up against a Warrior Bred Gem." She sighed. "But I can teach her." She tipped her staff. "We will train three days a week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the remainder of the summer.  Be at this warp pad  tomorrow at 10:00 am. We'll start training then."

"Okay!" I jumped. "I'll be here at this warp pad ten  sharp! Thank you so much Turquoise!" "You're welcome" Turquoise chuckled. "Be sure to set your alarm, you're five hours behind me." "You'll be waking up early Rosebud." Dad said. "Yeah. I completely forgot about that." I remarked. "I should go to sleep early tonight."

As I was petting the goats later on, I overheard Dad and Turquoise speak quietly to each other. "You have my world that I have it all under control, I won't do anything more than she is capable of." "Thank you Turquoise."

                                                                          .......

My alarm went off at 5 am, but I was up long before that. I couldn't help it, I was so excited!" I quickly dressed myself and brushed my teeth, bringing my sword and dragonscale backpack onto the warp pad with me. Dad packed me lunch the night before, and I zipped it inside my backpack before activating the warp pad.

It took me a few moments for my eyes to acclimate to the abrupt sunlight (luckily I came prepared wearing sunglasses!) "Not a moment too soon." Turquoise answered the door. We sat inside and gave me a quick breakfast. I eagerly asked what she had in store for me. "Training, of course." She answered. "Come follow me." She picked up her staff when I was done.

  I expected her to change and take me to the training grounds, but she lead me to the goat pen. I could hear their excited bleating from inside the barn. "They just finished eating." Turquoise said. "And they're gearing to get out." She handed me a rake and broom. "The pen needs to be cleaned before I let them out. Rake up the yard, and then sweep away the piles of old straw and manure."

I held the tools uncertain of what to feel. "And this is training?" 

"Yes, now hop on to it! The goats are getting antsy."

I started working, raking up the entirety of the goat pen, forming piles of dirt and placing them in garbage bags. "I'm done!" I announced after doing a clean sweep. Turquoise looked it over and nodded in approval.  "Good. Now we need to fill up the water troughs. Come along." I followed Turquoise into the barn, where the goats bleated impatiently in their stalls, some even ramming the doors trying to escape.

"You'll get out soon!" Turquoise barked at them. "Now, help me get this hose out so we can fill them with fresh water."  She lifted up this heavy rubber hose and I stood behind her. "This is heavy!" I grunted following behind her while carrying the length of the hose . "It is." She nodded.  "Turquoise." I asked when I was helping her dump out the troughs. "Yes Nora." 

"Is this all a warmup to get me ready for training?"

"This is training." Turquoise said. " I'm going to head into the barn and turn on the water, hold up the head and fill the troughs to the top. Be careful, the hose is heavy and the water comes out fast. Think you can do it?"

I sighed. "Yes."

"Good." She patted my shoulder and jogged to the barn. I sighed, holding up the hose. "I didn't expect it to be  like this." The hose jolted in my hand and water came spurting out. I filled up the three toughs to the brim, trudging across the pen  straining  with a heavy weight in my arms. My shoes got wet and water spouted a trail as I walked. "Don't worry about the wet, girl!" Turquoise  called, watching me from outside the pen. "Just fill them up, all the way to the top!"

When I yelled they were full, Turquoise  turned off the water and helped me roll up the hose back into the barn. "Here's where your powers come in." She said. "I'm going to open the stall and the goats are gonna come running out. They're usually very good and know to got to their pen, but there's always a rebellious one that doesn't follow directions. I need you to summon a wall to keep the goats from running the opposite direction." She touched her staff to where she wanted it.

"Got it!" I said eagerly, summoning a Pink wall. Turquoise nodded. "Ready?"

"Yes!"

"All righty then."  She opened the stalls. "Here comes the stampede!" The entire herd stampeded through the barn, bleating and crying in a flurry of horns and hooves. Turquoise shepherded them outside, goading them the right direction with her staff and telepathy. "Out you go! Out you go! Come on now no loitering!" Just like she said, one decided not to follow the rules and scampered the opposite direction. "Spots, no loitering! Go outside!"

Two other goats followed Spots's disobedience, then another, and another. Soon half the herd was scampering inside the barn. "Come guys, you gotta go outside!" I waved at them. "Shoo! Shoo! Hey, leave that alone!" One goat started headbutting the wall while another one pawed at it with his hooves. A cream colored goat started nibbling it. 

"Figures they'd be curious about the wall." Turquoise murmured shouting at them in Gaelic. The goats immediately stopped, all turning their heads to her before stampeding out of the barn. "You did very good." Turquoise closed the gate between the barn and the pen.

"Thanks." I breathed, heart racing as if I jogged a marathon. "What do we do now?". 

"We give these silly dilly organics what I promised them. Treats! The moment I mention food they'll do anything I tell them."

                                                                                .....

"It was nice of your father to pack you food." Turquoise remarked  while I was eating lunch, watching the highland herd graze from a hill. "Yeah. He does that when I'm in school too." I answered his and Mom's texts, asking how it was going. "I should be going back to school soon. I don't know how I'll still train."

"We'll figure it out." Turquoise assured. "But school is more important." "You're right." I agreed. "Mom would be happy with you saying that." "How are your parents, I might ask?" "They're doing okay. Mom's staying with me at my Aunts." "Good." Turquoise nodded. "I'm sure she's happy to be close to you."

 She wasn't the only one.  My Gem glowed, filling me with happiness before getting a text. "Selene, the Pearl. We share emotions." Turquoise noticed my smile when I texted back. "You love her don't you?"

"I do." I blushed startled. "How'd you know?"

"I know the smile and the look in your eyes when you mentioned her." Turquoise remarked, smiling with nostalgia. "I know the signs because I felt the same thing. I was in love once."

"With who? If you don't mind me asking."  I was curious.

She cocked her head with an intrigued look. "With Jasper, a long time ago."

"What!?" I screamed. "No freaking way! You're kidding!" 

"I am not." She smirked. "You sound shocked outta your mind." "I am shocked outta my mind!" I exclaimed. "Jasper!" I repeated with my brain reeling. " The big buff cheetoh puff that nearly kicked my teeth in!? You sure it's not some other Jasper!?"

"It's her all right!" Turquoise laughed. " The moment you described her I knew it was her. My brash, fearless warrior. I'm glad to hear she's doing well. I've wondered for years about her, but tried not to think of things beyond my control."

"It's in your control now." I said hopefully. "Jasper lives in Beach City. I can tell her you're thinking about her, maybe you can reunite. Do you want to see her again?" I would have to disobey my parents and the Gems to do that. They told me to stay away from her, but I was willing to beak the rules to get two loved ones together again.

"I do and I don't." Turquoise said. "I've changed over the years Nora. Here." She touched her horns. "And here." She placed her hand against her chest. "I'm not the same fearsome Commander I was thousands of years ago. I'm a different person now. I'm a peaceful farmer who loves the quiet life and the animals surrounding it. I doubt Jasper would love me for who I am now, while she remains  unchanged."

"That's the thing Turquoise. She isn't unchanged." I said optimistically. "She was corrupted too."

"What!?" Turquoise reeled back with her pupil shrunken.

I nodded. "Yeah. She's got the horns and the marks on her like the other healed Quartzes."

"That's not possible." Turquoise gripped the dirt. "I saw her ship leave the planet before the Diamonds attacked. She and my soldiers were well out of range." A tear ran down her face. "I thought I saved her."

"You did save her Turquoise." I touched her shoulder. "She got corrupted thousands of years later.  She fused with a Gem Monster and she was so hell bent on getting revenge on my father because she thought he was my grandmother. It creeped into her. Dad told me the whole story, I wasn't your fault! She did it to herself!"

I saw it wasn't making her feel better.  "I'm sorry! I don't want  you blaming yourself for something that was out of your control!"

"It's all right Nora." Turquoise patted my shoulder. "I feel no guilt of the decisions she made for herself. I'm just a little sad that she was corrupted too, after I sacrificed myself to spare her of that fate." She chuckled. "Brash and thickheaded as always, my Jasper."

I knew from the tenderness in her voice,  she still loved her just as strongly as she did thousands of years ago.

"Can you tell me about how you fell in love? What exactly did you do to save her and your army?" I asked extremely intrigued.

"I will Nora, but that is another story for another day." She stood up holding her staff  " Come along, I'll need help collecting eggs from the chickens." Turquoise said.  "I think you're up to that." She smiled.

"Will I have to use my powers?"

"Not necessarily." She answered. "But you will have to use your reflexes, there's a foul tempered rooster that'll pick a fight with anything that gets near his coop. The ladies keep him in line, but he's still a bully."

"Oh." I said, trying not to sound discouraged. "After battling rogue Gems, I can definitely handle a rooster."

Chapter Text

I stepped on the warp pad onto the Temple's hand, wearing my hoodie beneath my warm weighted blanket. "Selene?" She turned her head as she stood by the railing. The light of the full moon illuminating her body. "Nora, it's past midnight, you should be inside, and it's very cold."

"I couldn't sleep." I said. "I was having bad dreams, they were really foggy and I didn't know what was going on in them, but the emotions were clear cut. I was so scared, and angry, and I felt imprisoned, like I was trying desperately to get away, and guilty when  I finally  did because I left people behind." I approached her, placing my hand tenderly on her shoulder. "You were dreaming weren't you!"

I felt my throat choke up from her. "I was. I'm so sorry Nora, the last thing I want is you to carry the hurt of my decisions."

"Don't worry about it. It's only fair I should get your bad dreams when you've gotten mine full blown." I rubbed her shoulder. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I can't." Selene shuddered, clenching her throat. "I literally can't." She held my hand. "Go back inside, it's chilly out here, I don't want you catching a cold."

"Why would I go back inside, when you're out here alone and sad?" I paused gazing at her forlorn face, and feeling her pain inside my heart. "At least take this so you don't get cold." I draped the blanket over her shoulders.

"Thank you Nora." Selene moved her shoulders. "It is quite heavy."

"Yeah, that's because it's a weighted blanket." I said. "It's supposed to feel good because it puts gentle pressure on your body. I always sleep with it because it makes me feel comfortable and secure. If you don't like it I can take it back."

"No. I very much like it." Selene smiled. She turned around and hugged me. She cried into my shoulder. I hugged her as tightly as I could without poofing her. "You know how I came up with your name?" I stroked her hair.

"How?" She sniffled, looking up at me with huge eyes.

" Selene is the goddess of the moon. I first saw you beneath the moonlight, just like you are now. I was so stunned how beautiful you were, your silvery skin shining  beneath the full moon. You looked like a goddess."

" I am not beautiful now?" Selene joked.

"Of course you are!"

"I see." Selene chuckled, hugging me tight and pulling the blanket over our shoulders. "I feel much better now."

"I'm glad." I pulled her close to me. "Hey you can see the constellations right now. Want me to point them out?"

"I'd love that Nora." Selene smiled. 

We sat against one of the fingers, watching the stars as I pointed out the constellations and told her their mythologies. The weighted blanket wrapped around us, with Selene resting her head against my shoulder. I halted my explanation when she kissed me on cheek, feeling the fluttering warmth inside my stomach.

"I'm sorry! Perhaps I shouldn't!" She quickly apologized.

"No don't worry!" I said. "I very much like it."

Chapter Text

I opened my eyes beneath the canopy of the forest. Stirring from slumber at the distress of the trees.

What........where am I? I rubbed my forehead and startled. My arms were made of branches, my body a living tree dressed in flowery vines. Oh stars...again? I examined myself from head to toe, touching the purple hibiscus flowers all over me and my humanoid face. Why am I a Flora?

The trees rustled and my sisters emerged into view, they were afraid. The entire forest was afraid. Trees whispered in unsettled fear, my sisters cowered, nestling into the bark like fearful children seek their mothers' comfort. I was afraid too. Something was happening in the forest, something was changing. It didn't take too long to find out what.

The water has disappeared! I felt the dried earth through my roots and saw the empty stream bed. The fresh water retreating down the bed like a receding wave. What in the stars...... That's definitely not natural.. I decided to investigate, stepping forward when I turned my head behind me. My sisters watched me from the trees huddling in fear.

Don't worry I'll be back. I promised my sisters, following the receding water along the bed until I came across a large lake.

I felt the breath leave me.

The lake wasn't dried up, the opposite in fact. The entire lake and the bank surrounding it was captured within an immense sphere made from the liquid of every single body of water within Beach County. Every lake and stream, every river, creek, pond and puddle, absorbed into this unnatural phenomenon.

Standing before it was the cultivator of this mega sphere, a Lapis Lazuli of immense power. She looked over the sphere with a proud smirk, barely flexing a muscle to maintain it. She turned around and saw me. "What are you looking at?"

                                                                                    ......

I woke up with a jolt.

"Nora, are you all right?" I felt a heavy weight on my abdomen below my breasts and realized I had my hand on someone's hair. "Selene!?" I blushed, seeing she was laying down next to me, laying her head on my belly. "Uhh....."

"What's wrong, my dearest?" Selene raised her head and sat up on the bed.

"You were sleeping..... on me.."

"I was." Selene responded. "You we're shivering last night, and Amethyst said I should cuddle you to warm you up." She smiled innocently with a blush. "It worked." "Dear stars." I muttered, wanting to smack my cousin with the nearest pillow. "Thanks for that Selene. It's just.."

"What?" She cocked her head like her innocent puppy. "You do not like that." "I do!" I blurted; "It's just I don't want you to get in trouble with my parents. I'm at an age where they're very strict with me when I'm dating."

"Oh. I understand." Selene said. "Steven's told me all about boys and what they want to do, and he's given me permission to shoot them if they ever try anything funny. Rest easily, even with your hormones skyrocketing I am not a boy, nor would I ever try to get into-"

"Okay change of subject!!" I quickly interjected. "I had another vision-dream, like the one where I was a watermelon horse, but this time I was a Flora....."I explained to her what I saw in the Flora's eyes.

Selene gripped the edge of the bed. "What's wrong?" I said urgently. "This is her work. The Lapis was sent to sap the Earth of its water to render it prime for colonization, figures, she's not one to give up easily. She wouldn't have stopped at the Genesis's destruction." I didn't need to ask who she was. "We gotta get the Gems." I nodded, quickly getting dressed and using a water bottle to brush my teeth.

"Oh stars." I gasped.

"What is it?" Selene came into the bathroom. I turned the faucet. "Look. There's no water coming out." Selene tried the kitchen sink, with the same result. "Nothing." I got a text from Kimchi.

No water at my house! HBU?

Same.

Mayor called a meeting at City Hall. Your friends and family are there.

K Thnx for letting me know.

Right after that I got a call from Mom. "What!? The entire city!? Shoot this is bad. I'll be right there, I have an idea who's behind all this." I hung up and explained the urgency. "The entirety of Beach County is without water. That includes Beach City, Gem City, and every town in between."

Selene clenched her fists. "This is bad, really really bad! Humans need water to survive, if it's missing throughout whole city, there will be trouble."

"There already is." I said. "Mom's telling me everybody's panic buying bottled water. Let's head to Beachside Square." We rode out on Bear and warped in front of City Hall, where a massive crowed already thronged the outside. I used Bear's might to push through the crowds, "Everybody give us space!" Selene bellowed and Bear growled in further emphasis. People quickly gave way for us to pass, many humans pointing at the magical pink bear and his riders.

"Hey that's Nora Universe, Steven's daughter!"

"Is she going to help us?"

"She has to! She's a Crystal Gem!"

I couldn't cover my ears because I was holding onto Bear.

"Nora! Selene!" Skyla swooped low carrying Chalcedony on her shoulders. "What's going on why is there no water?" Callie asked. "I'll explain when I talk to the mayor. Come with us!"Selene called back. Bear climbed up the steps to City Hall where Mayor Kyanite stood at the podium flanked by her Ruby bodyguard. Dad and the Crystal Gem's were speaking to her.

"Nora! Selene! I'm glad you could make it!" My parents greeted us. I dismounted Bear with Selene. "I'm sorry I didn't wake you up." Mom apologized. "I wanted to let you sleep after starting training yesterday." "It's okay Mom. It's a good thing you did because I found out who the culprit probably is."

"What are you talking about Rosebud?" Dad approached me. "I had a dream where I was a Flora and I saw--!" I couldn't focus, the noise of the crowds and the dire situation combined was setting me on the edge. "It's okay Nora we'll head inside where you can talk." He glanced at the mayor who nodded and watched as my family friends, and even Bear went inside City Hall, where it was quiet and cool. I could still hear the thunderous clamor outside as the mayor silenced everyone by speaking over the microphone.

"Nora. Tell us what you saw!" Aunt Garnet said urgently.

"Give her some space Garnet!" Amethyst responded sharply, seeing I was overstimulated. "It's okay Beans. Take whatever you need to cool down. We can wait." Bear sensed my distress and lay down behind me, pulling me into his chest with his massive paws and licking me as if I were his cub. I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face into his fur, breathing deep.

It's amazing how much hugging a big furry animal can make someone feel better.

"Aww that's the sweetest thing I've ever seen." Skyla smiled. Mom pet Bear's head. "Good boy, Bear." Bear grunted. After several minuets, I was calmed enough to speak. "I think I know who's behind all this."

"Do tell us Nora, this is a very urgent situation." A velvety voice spoke. Mayor Kyanite entered the building with her Ruby guards. She was a tall, dark blue Gem with a column shaped body and her gemstone on her forehead. Kyanite is Beach City's first Gem mayor and in the days of the Empire she oversaw colonies under Aunt Blue. She was far from a dictator; kind, just, and willing to listen to anyone's problem whether human or not. Many people saw her as the best mayor Beach City had since Nanefua Pizza, but of course she had her detractors. I remember hearing someone whisper at the café she only became mayor to reclaim the power and position she had during the Diamonds' reign.

I stood up, watching Kyanite nervously when Selene took my hand in reassurance. " I can project my consciousness into other living creatures when I'm asleep, just like my Dad , but so far I've only done it by accident. I had a dream just this morning where I took control of a Flora living in the woods outside Beach City."

"What in the Stars is a Flora?" Mayor Kyanite asked curiously. "She's a creature I created by accident. She lives with her sisters, who I also created." I answered shyly. "Ah ." Kyanite nodded intrigued. "She definitely takes after me." Dad chuckled light hearted, rubbing my shoulder. "What did you see as the Flora, Rosebud?" "I saw a Lapis controlling an enormous sphere of water on a dried up lakebed. It was big enough to contain all the freshwater in the county."

"This is indeed troubling." Mayor Kyanite scratched her chin. "Nora, did you get a good look at her?"

"I did."

"Can you describe her to us?" I was instantly on it, "She wore a ruffled skirt and a blue top with a symbol on her chest that looked like a cracked diamond under a rectangular purple gemstone." I turned my head when Selene squeezed my hand violently. Her eyes held fire. I bet that's the Remnant's symbol. "She also had curly bob hair and her gemstone was on her left shoulder, right here." I pointed the location on my own body.

At the last description Skyla covered her mouth and suppressed a gasp. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, like she was terrified for her life. "Skyla what's wrong buddy?" Chalcedony rubbed her back in comfort. "You okay?"

"I know who you're talking about." Skyla said in a tremoring voice. "She was my companion. We were bonded together until the beginning of Era 3. I was open to change, she wasn't. We had an argument and parted ways after that." She started crying. "I haven't seen her since and I wondered what became of her. Now I know. She joined them."

Dad walked over  and comforted her.

Selene continued. "Mayor Kyanite. This confirms my speculation, she's a Gem of......." She started coughing. "The Remnant." I continued for her. " Selene's told me Tanzanite uses Lapis Lazulis to drain planets of their water to render them bare for Gem production. We believe this is another attempt for her to take control of Earth." I looked at her. "That was the Remnant insignia on her chest, wasn't it?" Selene silently nodded and brushed my hand.

Kyanite gave her a severe look. "Thank you for telling me this, all of you." "What are you going to do about the water crisis?" Mom asked. "I've already figured it out." Kyanite responded confidently. "I sent out emergency rations of contained water to the townspeople, and I already have my own appointed Lazulis ready to desalinate the ocean water for drinking. You don't have to worry about anyone dying of thirst here, or anywhere else in this county. I've already spoken to the other mayors about it and it will be a joint effort."

"Thank you Mayor Kyanite." Mom said. "You're saving many lives." "It's my duty to serve and protect the people of this town." Kyanite responded humbly, her eyes carrying the utmost confidence. "Crystal Gems!" She announced clearly. "I must request that you find the source of our missing water and detain the culprit." She gave me a confident smile. "Between you and your group. This should be an easy task."

"I won't let you down Mayor Kyanite!" I said confidently. "We'll get the water back and stop the crook in her tracks. Right guys?" "You better believe it!" Callie summoned her Clawshot. "A single Lapis Lazuli is not match for us, and we've got one of our own." She nudged Skyla trying to make her feel better. Her smiled turned into a frown when Skyla walked away from her towards the door.

"Nora." Skyla lowered her head, speaking in a low and quiet voice. "Stay with your family and  help the people of this town." She summoned her wings when she opened the door. "I'll handle her."

"Woah woah hang on a second!" Chalcedony blocked her. "You can't just go flying off  like a lone wolf warrior hero! We're a team Skyla! We're the Crystal Gems! Whatever adversaries we face we face 'em together!" "She's right." I stood next to her. "You don't have to face her alone."

"Nora, you can't!" Skyla snapped at me. " She's part of the Remnant! Once she knows who you are, she'll come after you!" Skyla clenched her fists, looking at all of us. "This is between me and her. I shouldn't have left her alone, now it's my fault she's wrecking havoc."

"Skyla." Dad came after her. "This isn't your fault. You're not responsible for the choices someone else makes for themselves."

"But it's my responsibility to stop it if her choice is hurting people." She smiled giving Dad eye contact. "Maybe  it'll turn out better this time. "

"Skyla, what do you mean?" I asked suspicious.  Sky didn't answer, she only addressed us with a teary smile. "Nora, my friends, stay here and help Beach City. I'm not the strongest Lapis Lazuli , but I am far stronger than I look." She spread her wings and took off.

"Skyla!!" I screamed after her. "Skyla don't go!!!" Callie ran down the stairs reaching out to her retreating form. "Come on don't leave us, we're supposed to be a team!!" She turned me crying. "We gotta stop her Nora! She's not thinking straight! If she goes up against this Lapis she'll be pulverized!"

"What are you talking about?" Selene asked urgently. Callie wheeled around and screamed. "She's an End Era Gem ! She's nowhere as powerful as older cut Lapis Lazulis because by the time she emerged, Homeworld's resources were already stretched thin ! Yeah she can still give you a wallop, but she'll get poofed  if she fights  an older Era Lapis , or worse! We have to stop her before she finds her old friend. Skyla wouldn't pick a fight with one of her own, but if she's challenged...."

I comforted her before she started to sob. "Skyla's not getting hurt because we wont let her! We'll go after her and stop her from confronting the other Lapis alone." "But how we gonna do that?" Callie sniffled. "We don't know where the heck Curly Lapis even is!" I pet Bear when he nudged my back "I know exactly where she is."

It was easy for for Bear to follow the water scent through the forest, weaving his neck as he snuffled his great nose, clawing warps here and there as the smell grew stronger. "I hope we're not too late." Chalcedony held on to Selene as Bear loped on. "I doubt it. A duel between two Lapis Lazuli would shake the whole forest up."

Bear slowed down and growled. "What do you see?" Selene summoned her arm cannon and protectively wrapped her arm around me. The trees rustled and the Floras emerged from the branches. "The Floras." Callie gasped. I heard the heat simmer from Selene's cannon. "What are these creatures?"

"Don't worry Selene." I calmed her. "These girls are our friends. They're the plant creatures I made." I dismounted Bear and approached the purple Hibiscus Flora, who lowered herself on stilted limbs to meet my eyes. "We need to find our friend. Please, can you help us?" The Flora nodded, gesturing us to follow her.

"Hey!" Callie shouted when the pink Hyacinth Flora lifted her up and placed her on the Bluebell Flora's shoulders. "Nora!" Skyla cried when she was placed on the orange Tulip Flora's back. "It's okay guys! I think they want to take us to the missing water themselves". I didn't resist when I was placed on Hibiscus's back.

The Floras lowered themselves onto fours and took off, loping in stiff but graceful strides, thundering past the trees while we held on tightly to the vines on their shoulders like reins. "I didn't know these guys moved this fast!" Callie yelled surprised. "Hold on tight Nora!" Selene warned. Bear roared, keeping up to them without a hitch. "Woohoo!!!" I cheered. "This is amazing!" My joy turned fear when I saw the massive hydro-sphere rise over the treetops. "We're getting close guys, prepare yourselves!"

The Floras stopped at the foot of the hill, reluctant to go any closer. The unridden sisters put my friends onto the ground and I floated off. "Thank you so much." I looked up at them. "We'll take it from here, you don't have to go any further. Hibiscus stroked her fingers gently through my hair and moved to be with her sisters, watching us venture forth with hope in her magical eyes.

It was hard not to shrink back at the sight of a gargantuan water sphere, looming far above you, but I had to stifle my fear and press on. The Curly Bun Lapis watched the sphere with an air of great pride, turning around when Chalcedony whistled. "What do you want?" She shrugged, casting her a dismissive eye. "Greetings fellow Gem!" Callie tipped her hat. "Name's Chalcedony, and this is my human friend!" She winked at me. "We're from town and we have a little situation back home. All the water's gone!"

"Well duh." Curly scoffed. "It's all here."

"Yeeeeaaaah that's kind of the problem. See, most of the townspeople are human and they need the water to drink, bathe, and make smoothies. Not only the humans but the plants and animals of this forest need water to survive too. If ya don't mind, could, you release the water so the organic life doesn't shrivel up?" She grinned. "Please?"

"No." She answered sharply.

"But we'll die if we don't get it back." I pleaded. "Everything in this forest will die too."

"Not my problem." Curly said. "Who cares if all life shrivels and evaporates. They're all gonna die anyway. Once we've dried up this planet Tanzanite will send her dropships to reclaim her territory. The backwater hippies living on this dirtball will realize how pathetic they are when they're among real Gems again."

Callie and I gave each other frightened looks. "Wow." Callie laughed nervously. "That's surprisingly imperialistic, and I'm not stupid!" "You don't have to live this life anymore." I added in. "It's Era 3, humans and Gems are living together in harmony. Sharing ideas and dreams,. Gems have found new purpose will their gifts, and you could too! You're no less of a Gem if you choose to live your own life!"

"Says the dumb little human with an embarrassment for a friend." Curly scoffed. "Guess what? I don't care." "Well I do" I said, wanting to jump up and crack her in the face. "And I don't want to die or be killed by an invasion." "Aww is the little human scared of big scary Gems?" Curly taunted before shrugging like a high school queen bee. "Why am I wasting my time talking to you? You and your walking humiliation better scram or I'll give you a swimming lesson."

I gripped the hilt of my concealed sword. "Is that a threat?"

"No." Curly snickered. "This is." She created a giant hand from the sphere and went to slap me. I jumped out of the way when it struck and splattered, felling the tops of nearby trees. "Hey, what the hell!" I screamed behind my shield. "It's you." Curly gasped with widened eyes. "You're Nora Universe." she summoned a great hand from the sphere meant to grab me, but she wrung her arm crying out when a power beam shot her.

"Keep your hands off my Nora!" Selene glared at her with intense hatred. Curly's eyes flickered in steel rage. "The traitor..." My shield blocked her spear strike. "Keep your hands off my Selene!" I mounted up on Bear, raising my glowing sword as my companions equipped their weapons.

"Oh please!" Curly jeered. "You losers don't stand a chance against me." The sphere rumbled and she called fourth giant tendrils, tapering like an octopus and lashing faster than a whip. "Look out!!" I screamed as the three of us dispersed, dodging the cracks of the water whip and countering with our weapons.

Our attacks proved pointless against water. Selene's cannon shots blasted right through and Chalcedony's couldn't grasp liquid. They even reformed when I sliced them in half with my sword beam. We're wasting our energy! I gripped Bear's fur as he darted around, slashing the tendrils with his claws. We should be targeting Curly herself!

"Guys, focus your attacks on her!" I pointed my gleaming sword. Our team moved closer to Curly, trying to get a clear shot on her and successfully landing hits.. "Smart human!" She chuckled. "But not smart enough!" With a wave of her hand she stabbed stakes of ice into the ground, acting as as barrier between us and her.

We used her defense to our advantage. Callie scaled the stakes climbing up with her Clawshot and Selene bounded upward like a parkour hero. "Nora Be careful!" Callie called when Bear sprinted upwards, claws digging into the ice. At the tip of the stake he lunged forward, roaring open a portal and leaping through. "Hya!!" I swung my sword and knocked Curly down. The stakes burst into water and my friends landed beside us.

"You're an annoying waste of my time." Curly growled unrelenting despite having a sword pointed at her arm. "Stand down and give us our water back." Bear's snarl emphasized my threat. "What you gonna do? Shatter me?" Bear roared beneath me, and I sat unflinching. "No. Nobody's getting shattered. Stand down and surrender peacefully."

"And what if I don't?" My friends narrowed in on her. "We'll poof you." I warned. Curly laughed. "You shouldn't have knocked me down, human."

"And why not?"

"Because I wouldn't be close enough to do this." She flexed her hand and clapped my wrists in watery chains, dragging me off Bear's back and pinning me down. "Hey! Let go of me." I struggled to wring the cuffs off my hands and feet. Bear charged along with my two companions, but they halted in their tracks. "Attack me and I'll drown her!" Curly pulled my chains closer to the water sphere.

"LET HER GO!!!" Selene bellowed in unbridled rage. "Not a shot traitor!" Curly said. "Wait until Tanzanite hears I've captured her greatest enemy! I'll be promoted to her side!" "She won't promote you if you kill her, stupid!" Callie screamed. "Tanzanite wants Nora alive!" "Oh but she'll be forgiving if there was a little accident." The chains dragged me closer to the water sphere. I clawed at the cuffs, trying break loose using a photon bolt to no avail. Why isn't this working!? "It's a shame you both chose the wrong side. You could've amounted to something."

"I certainly did ." A familiar voice snapped. "You should try giving Earth a chance!" We turned our heads and struggled against the chains holding me firm in place. "Skyla!" "Skyla!!" Callie glomped her. "I'm so happy you're okay! Where the hell have you been!" Skyla wrapped her arm around Callie and pulled her in. "I went to get help." Another Lazuli gem swooped over the trees and landed next to her.

"Lapis!" I cried. I felt the clouds thunder above me as the sky was shrouded grey. " Lapis don't attack her!" Selene cried urgently. "She'll hurt Nora!" The pain and fear from her felt worse than the chains biting into my skin. " So you decided to show up." Curly said to Skyla disgusted. "Come to save your pathetic loser friends? Too late. I already have what I needed." The chains dragged me along the ground until I was touching the water sphere. "It's not like you could beat me in a fight anyway, Kindergartner. I'm older than you."

"Skyla! Lapis!" I screamed. Selene ran to me, threats be damned only for her, Lapis, and Chalcedony to be blocked by a massive wall of water raining down from the clouds. "I'm much stronger than you think I am." Skyla glared at her old friend. "We don't have to do this. Stand down and let Nora go. We can talk about this without fighting."

"Like I would ever want to talk to you." Curly hissed. "I can't believe you joined their side. After everything I've done for you. I waited while you were the last to emerge from the Kindergarten, I took you under my wing when you were newly made and showed you the ropes. I taught you what it meant to be a Lapis Lazuli and then you ditch me to live with a bunch of dull Gems?"

"My friends are not dull." Skyla countered. "I saw another path for myself and had my eyes opened. Terraforming planets was wrong, Lapis! You know I wanted you to come with me, that we can explore this new Era together and find our place in it. We argued bitterly until I realized we needed to part ways." I saw tears in her eyes. "The world was changing and I was open to change with it. I found my home and where I truly belonged." Skyla gazed past her embittered former friend over to me. "Your father helped me see that."

I stopped my struggle. "Skyla, what are you talking about?" Curly turned her head curious. "You haven't told her Skyla? Some friend you are." She addressed me. "Your Dad and your dull Lapis tried to stop our terraforming work on an unfinished planed many years ago. They wanted us to change who we were and your Lapis threatened us into submission when we didn't listen. Apparently their words had an impact on someone." She sneered at Skyla.

"Skyla. Is this true?" I asked weakly. "Did you really know my Dad?" Skyla smiled and nodded. "I did. He wanted us to see the error of our ways and give us the chance to find a new opportunity for ourselves. I never regretted the choice I made to live on Earth and enroll in Little Homeschool. I'm so much happier here Nora, because of Steven and Lapis Lazuli, I ended up finding a home, a career I loved, and my best friend in the world."

I gripped the dry Earth with my fingers. I couldn't believe it. "Sky........" I gasped when the water chains wrapped around my entire body and pulled me into the sphere, an air bubble keeping me from drowning. "You can say goodbye to your best friend in the world, because she's coming with me!" Curly snapped. "You can too. Come with me and join Tanzanite! She knows who we really are, and she'll take you in. She's an amazing ruler and she understands what we're meant to do. Join me, you are stronger than you were."

"I'll never join you!" An explosion rocked my body and found myself gasping for air belly up on the dried ground. "Skyla!!" Skyla was engage in a mental and physical tug of war with Curly, trying to push down and overpower her. "Leave her alone!!" I scrambled onto my feet and picked up my sword, hitting Curly in the back with a beam. Curly cried out and lost her control while Skyla successfully forced her down without poofing her, allowing me to trap her in a diamond barrier.

"You idiot!" She snarled. "You should have shattered me when you had the chance. If you are so strong why are you holding back!?" " Because somebody told me long ago restraint takes strength." She looked at me with a warm eyes. "Patience takes strength. I didn't understand what it meant then, but I do now."

"Then you are just as weak as I thought." Curly broke through and lunged at her. "No!" I ran and slashed her with my sword. It was the second time I purposely poofed a Gem.

I ran and hugged Skyla after I quickly bubbled Curly's gem and sent her off to City Hall. "Skyla!! I'm sorry, she was going to hurt you I had no other choice!" "It's okay Nora. You had to." She hugged me tightly. "You're safe. That's what's most important." I felt her cry into my shoulder.

The barrier wall splashed down, and my friends raced to us. "Nora!!" Selene ran to me. "Are you okay!? Did she hurt you!?" "Not too badly." I let go of Skye. "Hey where did that Curly haired menace go?" Callie looked around. "I bubbled and sent her to Kyanite." I said bitterly.

Lapis saw the troubled look in my face. "You did the right thing and protected you friend." The ground rumbled. We gazed up as the giant sphere startled to wobble, released from Curly's control. It shrunk like a melted ice cream, already streaming over our feet. "That sphere's gonna flood the whole dang forest!" Calcedony cried. "Not if we stop it." Lapis said unafraid, turning to Skyla. "We'll work together and channel it safely through the earth."

"I hate to break it to you, but two Lapises alone won't be enough to keep that from flooding out the local communities." Selene warned. "But a combined one definitely could." "What are you saying?" Skyla asked. She pointed at Skyla and Lapis. "You'll need to fuse to be powerful enough to control the sphere.."

Lapis turned deathly pale. "I can't......." She murmured with a terrified stare. "I'm sorry.... I can't fuse. I'm not ready."

" You don't have to be, we'll fuse together. A Lapis and a Lapis/ Diamond Fusion should be enough to stop a great flood." I held Skyla's hand, willing to trust her for this moment. "You ready for this?" Skyla had a look of shock before smiling determined and clutching my hand. "I am." We hugged each other tightly and let the glowing light meld us together.

Chapter Text

My gem pulsed with a heavy jolt when the melding light overcame Nora and Skyla. When it cleared, I couldn't believe what I saw.

"Ohhhhhh myyyyyyyyyy staaaaaaaaaaarrrrrssssssssssssssssss!" Chalcedony squealed starry eyed. " Quit shaking me Chalcedony!" I shoved her away, staring at the new Gem standing in Nora and Skyla's place. A dark red Fusion in a dress with a star pattered cloak, resembling a fantastical sorceress. Her feet were bare, as was her midriff bearing Skyla's gem. Nora's shard, my gem, glimmered on her chest. Her face was round with freckles on her cheeks.

"What a great day today!" The fusion Gem cheered in a light bubbly voice. "Oh my!" she gasped, looking at her arms and feet. "I'm somebody new! But who? A Ruby maybe? I am Ruby covered but not a Ruby" She snapped her fingers. "Ah yes I got it! I am.....!" She twirled around with a joyful laugh. "Rubellite!!"

Chalcedony's obsessive giggling caught her attention "Yay new friends!" She sped over floating off her feet and hugged her.  "Hello new friend! Or maybe not so new. Nora and Skyla know who you are, but you are new to my eyes!"

"Hello new Fusion Buddy!" Calcedony hugged her overjoyed. "I'm Chalcedony! Great to meet ya!" She held Rubellite's shoulders. "Might I say ya look gorgeous!?" Rubellite smiled a cute gapped tooth smile. "Thank you Callie!" She saw me and clutched the shard on her chest. "And you must be Selene." She hugged and kissed me on the cheek. "I'm so happy to meet you!"

"Likewise." I said unenthusiastic. Lapis Lazuli placed a hand on my shoulder. "We'll have time introductions later. Rubellite, can you help me?"

"Of course!" She smiled happily. "I was born to help my friends and home, literally!" She summoned wine-red water wings. "I'll follow your lead!" She soared up following Lapis's lead. Chalcedony and I rode Bear to higher elevation as we stood among the curious Floras on a high hill. Watching Lapis and Rubellite utilize their powers.

"I didn't know Nora could fuse."

"Yeah, she can!" Chalcedony smiled. "Pretty awesome right!  Nora accidentally fused with Peridot a while back. She had some trouble getting it together again, but Garnet was able to break that mental block." She cocked me a surprised glance. "She didn't tell you?"

"No." I said, a sour feeling in my gut. "At least I don't remember her telling me."

We watched an incredible sight. Lapis and  Rubellite converted the massive sphere into vapor, sending it as a massive cloud over the entire sky and sending it down like rain into every empty riverbed, stream, pond, lake, and reservoir, dripping on not a single household.

"Holey guacamole." Callie gawked amazed. "Truly incredible." I murmured. To think that Fusion could give one such immeasurable power....fueled by great trust and love.... That should have been me.

Skyla and Rubellite landed atop the hill. "That should do it." Lapis fluttered her wings. "Thanks for helping Rubellite. You're a pretty strong Gem."

"Not a problem." Rubellite smiled with a blush. "Thank you! If you ever need my help with hydrokinetic tasks, just let Nora and Skyla know. Goodbye!" A poof of red smoke clouded her and my two companions stood clutching each other's hand when it cleared.

"Wow.. that ....was amazing." Nora gasped. Skyla smiled tearfully. "You were amazing." "Way to go guys!" Chalcedony cheered! "You two should totally fuse more from now on!" "Yeah.." Nora said hesitantly. "Maybe when the situation calls for it again." I sensed  hurt within her, something was bruised and I didn't understand what it was.

                                                                                         ......

I sat on the beach in front of the Temple, my toes curled in the sand touched by the gentle waves. I opted out of returning with the Gems to  City Hall to inform Mayor Kyanite on the resolved situation. If  I went in the middle of a crowded square, full of honking cars and people clamoring questions  if we fixed the problem, I would have had a meltdown.

It's the strangest thing,  moments after I stopped being Rubellite  my senses intensified without filter, and I  was aware of every sight, sound, smell, taste, and feeling. The same thing happened after I defused from being Moonstone, so I wondered if it was something to do of how my brain reacted to fusion.

Selene stayed with me, of course, but she was very clingy. After she wrapped  my heated blanket around  she me, she hung close, clutching my hand. I was too overstimulated to let her hug or kiss me, and she respected that, perhaps sensing it all herself. Her presence was comfort enough.

"I think I'm gonna sit by the water. If you don't mind." I got up and chucked my socks off. "Are you all right, my dear." "I'm fine." I smiled. "I just need to be by myself a little. A lot happened today." Selene took my hand, interlocking her fingers. "I'll be right here if you need me." I smiled with a small blush. "Thanks."

Here I was, sitting by the water feeling a tumble of emotions. "Nora?" I turned my head at the quiet familiar voice. "Selene told me you'd be here. I just wanted to check up on you. Are you feeling...okay? Did the blanked and the quiet room help you."

"Yeah. I'm okay." I said quietly. "Thanks." She sat next to me, looking out on the boats beneath sunset. "The ocean is so calming isn't it?" I nodded. She might not have been Selene, but she knew something was up. "What's wrong Nora? Something's bothering you."

"When were you gonna tell me you knew my father?" I gripped the sand beneath my fingers. Skyla got on her feet when I stood up. "Nora, it was a long time ago. I'm sorry, I should've mentioned it before all this, but I didn't want you to think differently of me."

"But I do." I said sourly. "You know why we became close friends, why I was comfortable enough be myself around you? It's because I felt you were the only Gem in existence who didn't judge me because of my Dad. Everyone has these high expectations of me because I'm the daughter of Steven Universe, I'm afraid of disappointing them. They all act sweet and want to know me just because I'm his kid, and I'll continue his legacy.  I thought finally, I found another Gem who wasn't my family that liked me just for being me."  Tears ran down the corner of my eyes. "Guess I was wrong."

"Nora!" Skyla gasped horrified. "Nora, that's not true!" She clutched my hands tightly in hers. "Listen to me. Don't you dare think that I became  your friend because of your Dad. I wanted to be your friend because I liked you. You are the sweetest, kindest, most fun loving and cheerful human I've ever met. You radiate kindness and joy wherever you go, you see the optimism in everything. I wanted to be near that, I wanted to know you for the person you are, not because of the person you're part of."

Skyla smiled with a meaningful gaze. "And I wanted to pay it forward. Your Dad and the Crystal Gems helped me so much in Little Homeschool and getting used to Earth, I felt it was the right thing to do helping his daughter when she was in the same spot as me."

"I get that." I said. "Paying it forward, helping someone else when somebody's helped you. I would've done the same thing in your shoes, but that's not what's bothering me." I sighed, taking long deep breaths letting myself relax and my mind to think of words to say next.
"You're my friend Skyla, I love you." I clenched my fist. "But I need to know if it's for real. Not just because of I'm my father's daughter.

"It is for real." Skyla held my hands and looked me in the eyes. "Nora, I love you too, you're not just a great coworker, you're the best friend I've ever had. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about this before, I should've brought it up at some point instead of having you find out in such a dire situation. I promise I won't keep any more secrets from you. Can you forgive me?"

I gave her a tearful smile and hugged her. "Apology accepted." We stood hugging each other for several moment, and standing together watching the boats out on the water.

"Did you really mean all that Sky? Of me radiating kindness and joy, and seeing optimism everywhere I go?" She nodded. "Every word of it, and you've changed me. For the better." She looked out at sea, the sunlight reflected off her freckles like shimmering gold.

Goodness is rewarded
Hope is guaranteed
Laughter builds strong bones
Right will intercede
Things you've said I often find I need
Indeed

I see the world through your eyes
What's black and white is colorized
The knowledge you most dearly prized
I'm eager to employ
You said that life has infinite joy

Skyla had such a beautiful voice, and it touched me on so many levels knowing I made a difference for her in good ways.

Your heart
Your glee
Haunt me
Your words strike suddenly
They're obvious but wise

I see the world through your eyes
And possibilities expand
The one thing I don't understand
Is how you kept your poise
When life has infinite joys
Life has infinite joys
Infinite joys

Her smile meant so much to me. It meant more than words to have a friend that felt like family.

Your face
Your voice
Rejoice
To have you back with me
Is such a fine surprise

I see the world through your eyes
I taste lemon on my lips
I marvel at the sailing ships
Of well-dressed girls and boys
And life--

Life has infinite joys
Has infinite joys
Life has infinite, infinite joys

Chapter Text

I strained carrying the bale of hay down to the lower floor of the barn, watching  my feet and trying not to trip. "Right here." Turquoise patted the section of the barn where fresh hay was stacked. "Good job! That should be enough to keep the animals' bellies full." I huffed and sat on a straw bed. "Is that all of it?"

"It is. Thank you Nora, you've helped me a lot." Turquoise said. "You're welcome."  I said quietly.  "I'll see you Wednesday." It was only midmorning when I returned back to the temple.  I stepped of the warp pad, shrugging off m sword and jacket. "Nora how was your training?" Mom. "It was good." I answered, quickly running upstairs wanting to take a shower. "Hey Nora how'd it go?" Amethyst passed me by. "It went okay." She sniffled her nose. "Dude, you smell like a barn."

"I know." I said, suppressing my irritation. "I was helping Turquoise out in the barn." Mom, being so attuned to my voice and mood where I swore she was on the same level as Selene, immediately walked upstairs. "Honey what's, wrong? Did something happen?"

"That's the problem Mom, nothing happened." I shrugged. "I've been training for a week now, and Turquoise hasn't taught me anything on controlling my powers. All she's having me do is cleaning the barn and feeding her animals." 

"What exactly does Turquoise have you doing?" Mom asked.  I explained to her my training regiment. "I have to carry the hay out in the pen, carry water into the troughs, then let the goats out ( which is the only time I use my powers, I summon a wall that funnels them outside), then I gotta sweep out the barn, then rake up  chicken pen while avoiding getting attacked by that psychotic rooster who I swear is out for my blood. Sometimes she'll have me carry water to the cows, both herds, mind you, and then she has me pick up and rocks and place them in a ring on the ground. The only time I get to use my powers is herding the goats. I'm not her pupil, I'm her farmgirl! I feel like she's taking advantage of me!"

"I'm sure there's a reason behind all of this." Mom reassured. "I don't believe Turquoise is taking advantage of you, there might be  an  underlying method to her doing all this.  Remember when I had you practice picking up heavy objects before I let you handle a sword?"

"Yeah. It could be like in those old karate movies, she's warming you up with chores." Amethyst motioned. "Wax on Wax off." "It doesn't feel like it." I shrugged my shoulders. "Well if you're not happy about doing these chores,  tell her. Tell her how you feel and say you want to get real training done."

"Amethyst is right." Mom agreed. "Turquoise is doing this for you, if you have any issue you should talk to her about it. She's not going to be angry at you if you express your feelings, just say them politely. The same way you'd talk to Gala if you had a problem at work."

"But what if she still has me doing the farmgirl routine?" I asked doubtfully. "We'll worry about that if it happens." Mom assured. "You have to speak your voice, Nora, don't ever be afraid to speak up if something is bothering you."

The next training day started out in the same routine. "Nora, come with me  to the chicken yard. There's been a problem." I followed her to the deserted chicken yard. "Oh no they escaped!" "Nah they're free roaming." Turquoise reassured. "Oh." I said relieved. "Then what's wrong?" "I've spotted a very hungry fox patrolling around the chicken yard." Turquoise explained. "I want the chickens to stay inside the coop for the time being, until I can get rid of it."

"Get rid of it?" I said shocked. "You're gonna kill it?" 

"Stars no!" I Turquoise exclaimed. "It's not the fox's fault that it's hungry and has predatory instincts. No, I'm going to track it down and tell it not  to hunt my chickens. It should listen when I give it a better ultimatum of letting it eat the rodents and I'll occasionally leave eggs out for it."  She patted my shoulder. "Now go on ahead, I know you can do it."

Herding chickens was just as easy as it sounds. It isn't.  I tried corralling the chickens around the barn, goading them with a wall towards their pen,  most scurried the opposite way, others simply wandered off. I was frustrated with myself when an idea sprung into my mind. Focusing on those I saw. One by one I bubbled the chickens and sent them off to their coop.

"That was clever.  You're really good at thinking outside the box." Turquoise clapped her hands, watching amused.  "Thanks!" I smiled proudly.  "I can do a lot with these powers when I put my mind to it."

"Apparently so." Turquoise mused. I followed her into the chicken coop, nearly laughing at the amusing sight of bubbled poultry. The chickens didn't appear frightened being trapped in a strange confinement. Some looked mildly amused, a few of the bigger ones pecked at the bubbles, trying to figure it out. I popped every single bubble and the coop was loud with clucking.

"You missed one." Turquoise counted, looking below her at the pecking at her feet. "Ah there ya are!" She picked up the chicken and held it in her hand, stroking it as it clucked happily. "Couldn't be anywhere without your friend ay good girl?" "What is that!?" I laughed. "She's got an afro!" "Look's like she does." Turquoise chuckled. " She's a Polish hen, the breed has this crazy hairdo. I sometimes wonder how she gets around, barely able to see through her feathers." She set the hen with her companions. "Thank you Nora. You've been a fantastic assistant."

She must've seen my face shift. "What's wrong?" I felt the lump in my throat, wanting to cry realizing my worst fears were true. "I thought you wanted to train me." I walked away not wanting to see me cry. "Nora hold on a second!" She ran after me, touching my shoulder when I was about to step on the warp pad. "What's is goin on lass? What's gotten you upset? It's all right you can talk to me."

"All this time I've been doing farm work." I said teary. "Feeding goats, cleaning the barn, wrangling chickens! This isn't training."

"It is." Turquoise said firmly. 

"Not to me it isn't." I persisted. " I haven't learned anything  how to use  powers . All this time I've been doing chores, as if your I'm farmgirl instead of your pupil." I clenched my fist. "Maybe I am and I haven't realized it, again. I should know by now when I'm being taken advantage of."  Fear stabbed me, but Turquoise wasn't angry. In fact, her pupil shrunk and she rubbed my shoulder in sympathy. "Nora, I was never trying to exploit you. You do not realize it, but I have been training you."

"How?" I asked. "How does sweeping stables, and carrying hay down count as training?" "I'm building up your strength." Turquoise smiled, offering  a place to sit. "I've had a long talk with your father to better understand the gifts you possess. Your powers stem from emotion, but they also stem from stress. I wanted to put stress on your body and see how well you could manage it. Carrying the heavy hay and grain from the top of the barn, watering the cattle, placing the rocks in the rings, that was all to test your endurance and to see how much you could handle before going pink, and from what I've seen, you can handle a lot more than I thought you could. Also, and this is from your father, you need to be fit and healthy to properly control your Diamond abilities. Nothing gets you better into fit than farm work."

"I am more capable than what most people think I am of." I replied confidently, feeling an overwhelming relief. "I just wish more humans, and Gems could see that. I'm glad you do." "I certainly do " Turquoise admitted. "I'm sorry for not telling you from the beginning. I should have made my intentions clear." "It's okay." I forgave her. "Now.....now that you see I'm capable, can you train me, really train me?"

"Of course." The old Homeworld Gem nodded. "Though I might also ask you to help around the farm. It's a lot of work for a single Gem and it would be great to have some extra help.

Chapter Text

"Callie, Selene, come jump with me!" I cheered as I floated across the alien landscape. "Whoohoo!!" "Nora please be careful!" Selene called after me. "You'll fall if you land incorrectly." "Ah let her have fun!" Chalcedony slapped her back. "She's lucky she's able to bound that high. Us Gems immediately adapt to the gravity on other planets, organics don't."

"Gems don't have bones that can brake on a bad landing." Selene counter. She was trying to act stiff but I saw a smile creep up on her face. I jumped twelve feet high and pumped my fist. "I'M A SPACEGIRL!!!" Landing I jumped up again. "Hey Skyla!" I high fived her before bounding off like a like an astronaut across the purple plain. "Come on guys it's this way!"

"Hey wait for me!" Chalcedony laughed and sprinted ahead. Selene shook her head and chuckled. I leaped into the air again, floating across while kicking my feet." Look I can fly!" "You're not flying, you're falling stylishly." Skyla laughed fluttering above. "Nice airtime spacegirl!"She high fived.

I landed near the edge of the plain,  losing my balance when the earth crumbled and nearly falling face forward into the grey sky. "Nora!" Selene pulled me backed and I crashed on top her. "I got'cha." She hissed, hugging me tight "I got'cha....Nora are you okay?" I nodded, letting my heart race before it could slow down again. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little shaken. Thank you." Selene held me firm as though my life depended on it. Heat crept up my body as we stared each other face to face.

"Oof! Sorry about that Selene! Thanks." I scuffled off her . Selene stood shaking herself off. "You're welcome. I told you to be more careful! You could've fallen right off the floating island and splatted a thousand leagues below. We are miles above this planet's surface." "I know, I'm sorry." I winced. Selene felt her rebuke hit and held my hand. "It's okay. Don't jump too high, my dear. I don't want my shining star lost among space."

"Aww you're so poetic when you're cute." I giggled, gazing out on the floating isles of Epsilon 5. Located in the Andromeda Galaxy, the planet home to an abandoned Era 1 Base once overseen by Tanzanite. Mayor Kyanite sent us to investigate the main computer frame when Selene, restricted by whatever order her previous master set on her, suggested the computer might still be operational and  contain information on the Remnant leader's whereabouts. Dad was extremely reluctant to let me go, of course, but  Selene assured she would protect me. 

I saw the base now, a cloud white geometric palace built into the floating island a few land-hops away. All we need to do is find the command center and access the computer. Any information we unlock I would photograph (I could also project it from my mind). It was supposed to be a simple mission.

Once  we made our way to the ancient sky palace, hopping island to Island, Selene took the lead. "During my time with the rebels we researched  abandoned Era 1 headquarters we wanted to use as secret bases should Tanzanite dig us out of our burrows." She shook her head. "We didn't act fast enough." I squeezed her hand, Selene brushed her thumb over my knuckles.

I held her hand as we ventured inside the palace, illuminating our way with a light orb. Skyla followed us close, retracting her wings. Chalcedony's searchlight scanned the walls, eyes widened at the murals displayed of past conquests and worlds beyond the stars. "Incredible." Callie murmured star eyed before scanning the wall with her archeological time dater. "These walls are over sixteen thousand years old."

"No way." I gawked at the vivid images. "That's as old as the Lascaux paintings. To think Gems were already building grand palaces while humans were still painting in caves, it's a miracle they didn't  conquer us all thousands of years before."

"Earth was too out of the way to be considered as a colony." Callie explained. "It was basically the backwater of the galaxy. It wasn't until your good old  Granny was assigned Earth as her domain did Gemkind really set a flag on your homeworld."

"But Gems were surveying Earth even before  that." I added. "Images of Gems and Gem starships were discovered in sites as old as Catal Hoyuk and Mycenae. Humans were aware of them, even if they thought we weren't." "Right you are smarts!" Chalcedony winked. "Man, you should really think of pursuing a career in archaeology. You'd be great at it."

"Thanks." I smiled.  "Though I'm not really big on human history unless Gems are involved in it."  "Don't worry! There's a career path for that!" Chalcedony piped. "A branch in archeology dealing with Gem History and it's influence on humanity. It's a fairly new branch of study, and a big brain like yours would be welcomed! Especially with your family history known." She flicked her light to a familiar figure on the wall.

"Grandmother." I touched my palm  on her muraled hand. "I find it interesting they portrayed her like this." Selene remarked. "As big as the other Diamonds." "You're right." I observed. "Just like on the moon base. They have a replica of it in the Museum of the Gem Rebellion, it's so cool it's like you're actually there and the Diamond murals are the actual size." "You're right." Chalcedony scratched under her hat. "In fact, every mural of Pink Diamond is depicted the same way. I always wondered why." "I don't know. Artistic license?" I suggested. I turned my head to Selene's focus. 

"This way." She ushered, hitting a panel on the door. Selene led us through a dark corridor. "Hey is anyone getting sleepy?" I murmured. "Not me." Skyla replied. "Or me." Shrugged Callie. "I am drowsy." Selene yawned. "But I think it's because you are."  Calcedony clicked her radar open. "Guys, I'm detecting a high concentration of Iocane gas in this room. It's often used as a coolant on old Gem bases to preserve the machinery, but it has a soporific effect on organics." She grumbled. "Lucky it's not deadly but it'll conk a non-Gem out if-- Hey! Nora! Selene! Snap out of it!! The Gas is messing with your brain!!"

I already lay down against the wall with  Selene cuddled next to me. "Nora! Selene! Wake up! Now's not the time for a nap!!!" Skyla shook me as Calcedony did with Selene. "WAKE UP YOU IDIOT SLEEPYHEADS CAN YOU HEAR MEEEEE............!"

                                                                                         .....

"Urrgh. What a nap.." I grumbled rubbing my head. "Skyla? Selene? Callie? Where'd you all go?" I darted my eyes panicked, now alone in the hallway.  I stood up and walked towards the main chamber."Helloooo!? Anybody here!?" I couldn't help but feel strange all over my body. "Uhh what is going on...?" Somehow I knew where to go. "Maybe I'll find them in the computer room."

The main chamber looked exactly like the one on the husk planet. Almost a carbon copy.  My friends where not there but at least I knew what I needed to do. I jump fluttered onto the chair and activated the computer the way Tanzanite showed me. "Cool! I did it by myself!!" I squeaked cheerfully. "Now let's see if I can find your schemes Tanzy...." I searched the files, so focused on what I was doing I didn't hear the hatch slide open."

"What are you doing?"

I startled at the icy voice. "Dad?" I floated down. "What are you doing here?" My father scowled at me livid. "Are you seriously asking me that? Out of all the impudent things you have ever done..." Anger bubbled in my chest. "I wasn't doing anything wrong. I was just checking the data on the computer."

"Oh so you were snooping behind Tanzanite's back and fiddling  with her computer like  it was one of your playthings." Mom approached from the shadows and stood next to Dad. "This isn't yours to tamper with. This is Tanzanite's colony, not yours. Yet you think you've the right to meddle in her affairs and disrupt her work." She rubbed her brows. 

"I'm not meddling. I just wanted to see if I could work the computer on my own so when I finally get a colony-"

"You are not  getting a colony!" Dad bellowed, now in yellow armor . "You never will! Now get that ridiculous idea out of your mind before I force it out!

"Why not!" I stamped my foot. "Why can't you just give me a chance!? You say I gotta act my role as a Diamond, but you never treat me like one! You always send me away and dismiss everything I do! I'm a Diamond too! Why do you always treat me like I'm not when I am just like you!"

"Because you are not like us!" Dad bellowed staring me down. "You were made wrong! You emerged wrong! If you weren't a Diamond you would have been shattered for being defective!"

I covered my mouth, feeling my own body tremor. My throat clenched and my sight blinded by tears. "No. You're wrong......" I hiccupped. I stood wavering at my parents who now loomed over me in yellow and blue clothing.

"Yellow you've gone too far!" Mother Blue snapped at Dad. "Apologize to her right now!"

"Well it's the truth!" Dad countered. "You know it Blue, she's an off color. She cannot rule a colony."

"Yes I can!" I bellowed cracking the glass before running off. I slammed the door to my private quarters, letting all my rage and pain out in a throat rippling scream. When I opened my eyes destruction lay in my wake . The place looked like a bomb went off, furniture shattered, walls cracked, everything chaotic disarray

"I'm not defective." Tears burned my face. "I'm a Diamond, I'm perfect. There's nothing wrong with me." I looked into the cracked mirror and saw myself as I truly am.

The door slammed open and and Aunt Pearl ran in clad in purple armor with her greatsword bared. "Pink, what is going on!? Is everything-!?" She looked around the destroyed room and lowered her hackles. "Oh no,  not again." Aunt Pearl put away her sword and approached me, speaking in a calm and quiet voice. "It's all right Pink. Just calm down."

"It's not all right!" I screamed on the edge of another fit. "Okay, it isn't." Aunt Pearl kneeled down and firmly clenched my hands. "But you cannot continue on like this. Look at me." I gazed into her purple eyes. "I need you to breathe. Just breathe. In and out." I wanted to explode, my pent up rage firing up my body. I started crying, my chest shuddering. I felt like I did when I was a frustrated toddler and I couldn't express myself. "Shhh. Breathe." Tanzanite commanded. I copied the rise and fall of her chest before hugging her great form, burying my face into her dress. "It's okay my Diamond. I'm here." I felt her hand tenderly on my head. "I'm here."

When my wailing turned to sniffles I looked up at her with baleful eyes. "Now are you going to tell me exactly what happened?" I explained everything to her, unashamed to cry between intervals. I never had to act in front of Tanzanite, besides  my Pearl, I could fully be my self around her.

 "I suppose it is partly my fault." Pearl as Tanzanite murmured. "I should have explained that you were allowed access to the computer by my permission. I shall straighten that out with Lady Yellow and Lady Blue as soon as I can." She looked me in the eye. "However they are not entirely unjustified. Pink........ you can't carry on like this.."

"But they made me so mad!" I stomped my foot and huffed. "They never treat me with respect!"

"And why would they if you're constantly throwing tantrums left and right whenever you're displeased?" Tanzanite raised her brow. "If one of my soldiers came screaming and stomping at me demanding a higher post, do you think I would give it to them?" I shook my head. "But even if I was nice, they will never treat me like one of them. I'm defective, I'm wrong."

"I see nothing wrong with you." She said it in a matter of fact way. I couldn't help but hug her again.  "Come, I'll help you clean this up, and then I'll go with you to the Diamonds and straighten things out." She raised her eyes past me with a chuckled. "Honestly this isn't the biggest wreck I've seen. Look at the training grounds when the riled up Quartzes have finished their regiment. Though your poor Pearl cowering in the corner might think otherwise."

Chapter Text

I jolted awake into a coughing fit, face wet with tears and throat burning. "That'll do it."  Chalcedony drew the pepper scented rag away from my face. "Iolian Spice Seed, always wakes em  right up! I always carry a bit with me in case I ever run into situations like this with human coworkers. Wanna smell?" Skyla backed away. "No thanks. It's spicy even from here."

"Chalcedony what in the blazing hells!?" Selene jolted up coughing. Chalcedony quickly put a breathing mask over my mouth. "Here, you gotta wear this while we're still inside. There's still gas in this ruin." I nodded, breathing in the purified air. "What about Selene?" Skyla glanced at my awakened girlfriend. "Selene will be fine." Callie handwaved. " Iocane gas doesn't affect Gems. She's connected to someone who is, once Nora's good, Selene will be good too."

"Oh I am good." Selene grumbled. "Are you okay Nora?" "I am." I responded quietly, rubbing my arms. "What's wrong kiddo? You look down." Callie asked. "Of course she looks down, you shoved spicy pepper oil in her face." Skyla remarked. "It's not that." I assured. "I had another dream, about my grandmother." The three gave me a sympathetic look. "I see." Chalcedony murmured. "You wanna talk about it?"

"Later." I breathed in more oxygen. "Let's just focus on getting to the computer, follow me." From Grandmother's memory I led my friends down the hall to the chamber where the computer lie, quickly grabbing Selene's hand and backing off. "Oh snap." I whispered. Selene clenched her fist and I heard the sizzling air of her arm cannon. 

"Shoot, looks like we're not the only ones looking for the computer." Callie whispered. "Who the heck is that?" We crept as close as we could without being seen, hiding behind a pillar closest to the computer and facing the back of the chair.

"A Remnant Gem." Selene hissed, glaring at the green Gem sitting on the chair, accessing the computer with her finger limb enhancers. She was an Era 2 Garnet with a robotic expression and her rectangular gemstone on her poofy green afro. Her eyes held a dull interest and her mouth a thin line. The only emotion I saw from her was the pleased flicker in her gaze. "Finally this archaic tech works." She murmured in a low monotonous voice, watching the screen activate on an unknown location.

 Selene and I swallowed a gasp, we recognized the Gem on the screen instantly. It was Tanzanite's Sapphire. "Demantoid, I see you have successfully accessed the Epsilon base mainframe, just as I've foreseen."

"You Sapphires are so predictable." Demantoid murmured. "I have. Inform Tanzanite immediately, we have the Epsilon 5  reactivated."

"That will be unnecessary." A smooth, honeylike voice responded. "I am already here." The camera moved up and for the first time, I saw the face of the Gem who was the cause of all my troubles. 

Tanzanite was absolutely beautiful. If you ever saw a statue of a Greek goddess and wondered what she would look like if she came to life, this is what you would see. Her face was smooth as stone, eye large and dark purple, glimmering with the deep knowledge of a thousand years. She wore a flowing purple tunic and wrap that wouldn't look out of place on a Greek goddess either, and her arm holding up the communications device was slim, but held immense strength. A long scar ran down the right side of her face, from scalp to chin, over her milky white eye. Just like Volleyball's scar, Tanzanite's injury left her completely blind in that eye.  Her scar didn't diminish her beauty, in fact it did the opposite, and it also made her look proud and fierce.

My blood turned to pure ice and a shiver ran down every part of my body. I was seized by an unimaginable terror  clawing deep into my soul. I've never felt such fear before, not even when I was drowning. I soon realized that fear wasn't mine. Selene stared at the screen like a deer paralyzed in the headlights seconds before getting hit by a car. I immediately took her hand and held it tight. She squeezed it tight enough where if she didn't feel me my she would have easily broken my fingers.

"My Tanzanite." Demantoid gave the old Diamond salute. "The Epsilon planet is prime for reclaiming, there are no signs of intelligent  life or habitation. The Central Information Mainframe is also operating well despite it's inactivity of very several millennia."

"Good." Tanzanite dipped her chin. " No intelligent life, no opposition. I'll send my dropships and stake my claim to this planet. Great work Demantoid. You've proven yourself exceptionally well." 

"It is my honor. Great One." Demantoid bowed.  "I have only one concern."

Tanzanite didn't reel around and snap at her, or even raise a questioning brow. "And what may that be?" She answered in a kind voice. "We are  near the borders of free space. Surely the Diamonds will take notice."

"The Diamonds are no longer in power." Tanzanite scoffed. "And if they were what would they do about it?  They disbanded their armies and 'made peace across the galaxy' to appease that halfblooded whelp who carries the gem of their beloved." I heard the venom in her voice and clenched my fist. "Steven might have fooled everyone else, but not me, not us. We'll show him who we really are soon enough, but in the meantime I'm only going to test the borders." She made a pleasant chuckle.  "Let them see we are here and fret about it. I've got time. Remain at this post for the dropships. The Nephrites will need help establishing this territory."

"Affirmative My Tanzanite." Demantoid  saluted. Tanzanite put a hand to her chin, gazing at the old base and the weeds growing out of all the cracks in the walls. I couldn't help but I noticed the tired look in her eyes. "So long this has lain abandoned, yet I see the damage of years passed."  "Once we're established here, I can get the Bismuths to pave in the cracks and remove the weeds." Demantoid suggested. "That won't  be necessary." Tanzanite said. "I'd rather not erase the memories of this place."

I felt a tug on my wrist. "We gotta go!" Skyla mouthed. Chalcedony nodded with a desperate look. I rubbed Selene's shoulders, and she startled from her unblinking stare at the face on the screen. We found another exit out of Tanzanite's line of sight, as I removed my mask, breathing in the fresh air. There was no merriment in the return journey, we ran as fast as our feet could carry us across the floating islands. "That was too damn close!"

"We gotta head back to Earth now!" Callie exclaimed. "The Mayor needs to know what's happening!"

"Forget the mayor!" Skyla fluttered her wings anxiously. "The entire Earth needs to know!  It's not just a rogue faction anymore, it's a conquest. What are we going to do? This is a million times bigger than us!"

"We gotta stop em that's what!" Chalcedony clenched her fist as she ran. "It's our duty to protect the Earth, we're Crystal Gems!"

"How in the Great Name of the Diamonds, are we going to stop Tanzanite and her entire army!?"

"We'll figure it out. Don't worry, like our motto goes; We'll always find a way." She glanced behind me. "Right Nora?"

"Right." I nodded. "But we need to alert the mayor first, and my Dad. I'm not looking forward to telling him what we found, he'll keep me earthbound for the rest of my life." I looked at Selene holding my hand, still dazed and completely speechless. "Is she okay?" Skyla asked worried.  "She's  just scared." I answered. "She'll be fine." I didn't let go on her hand even after we warped back to City Hall.

"Glad to see you're back." Mayor Kyanite greeted us. My parents was instantly on me. "Nora what's wrong, what happened?" "We couldn't get the information." Chalcedony said. "Mayor we gotta problem...."

I wasn't listening  when she and Sky informed the Mayor about our encounter. "We're going to be okay, Moonlight." I soothed her. "We made it home, we're safe. She didn't see us." She only reacted when I kissed her cheek. "Nora...." Selene murmured, before tightly hugging me. I hugged her just as fiercely, until the numbing fear ebbed from her soul.  

Chapter Text

Delmarva State Forest

20 miles from Beach City

In the depths of Delmarva State Forest, a lone Gem stood overlooking the sea of evergreen pines. Tall and silent as a stone, she barely moved. Only the flickering of her molten eyes showed she wasn't a statue. The Gem stared dismissively at the green treetops and blue sky, wishing she was off this backwater planet and home where she belonged. She was a hunter Aragonite for crying out loud! She should be tracking down renegades instead of waiting aimlessly in this musky hellhole called Earth, but nooo, Tanzanite posted them to this forest after they fled the Genesis's destruction in order to watch and keep tabs on the activity in Beach City. More specifically, keep tabs on the Crystal Gems and the runtling half-blood they protected.

It was a job she did well, sending out Scouter Robonoids to track Nora's activity, relaying information back to her. That Peridot wasn't entirely useless, even if she was captured by the Gems (good riddance), she taught Aragonite how to operate the Scouters and store their information into a database for her and Tanzanite to overlook.

At least she had a purpose here, in this armpit of a planet where organic life surrounded her at every inch and Gems lived as humans, forgetting who they really are.

At least she wasn't alone.

Aragonite turned around and made her way down the hill, her thundering footsteps scattering the squirrels, chipmunks, and other scurrying organics away from her feet. She hissed baring her teeth, how could any Gem bear to live among these repulsive organics?

"Did you see anything ?" The Gypsum she served observed a floating screen of the recent scan. Aragonite couldn't help but pause, taking her partner in. The way her crystalline body reflected the light, shimmering like glass, her silver eyes sharp and glinting like stones reflecting off the bottom of a pool, she was the most beautiful Gem Aragonite had ever seen, and felt so lucky to have her.

"Nothing that strikes my eye." Aragonite grumbled, walking behind Gypsum and nuzzling her. "Not until now."

"You are such a romantic." Gypsum chuckled, touching a hand to Aragonite's chin.

"Only around you." Aragonite growled. "Otherwise I'm a tough heartless warrior impossible to crack."

"Is that so?" Gypsum chuckled. "Because I was able to."

"You are the only one." Aragonite countered, looking up at the screen. " Any news on the girl?"

"The same as always." Gypsum shrugged. " We'll never get close to her with her pack guarding her at every corner. If only we can get her alone, without her Gems at her heels. She's like a Sapphire among Rubies, we'll never get past her without summoning the entourage."

"We'll just have to find a way to get her alone." Aragonite said. "Perhaps I'll modify the Ambush droid once it's done fixing itself."

"No need." Gypsum replied. "The Robonoid is built to modify its tactics, it learns from its mistakes. Least that's what the Peridot told me. In the meantime we watch and wait."

Later on the Remnant Gems sat together outside the abandoned cave, the campfire warming their feet. Gypsum sat in Aragonite's lap, the mighty Gem's arms wrapped around her in a comforting embrace. "Amazing isn't it?" Gypsum tipped her head up at the stars. "A different planet under the same sky."

"The constellations are different." Aragonite noted. "And the stars are not the same as the ones on New Homeworld." "But they are stars nonetheless." Gypsum said. "The same balls of gas lighting up the cosmos."

Aragonite nodded head turned up to the stars. "What are we doing here Gypsum?" The crystalline Gem turned her head at her lover. "What do you mean, my dear. We are following orders."

"I know that." Aragonite grumbled. "it just feels like, we've been put aside." She shifted, readjusting her legs. "I hope Tanzanite has not forgotten us, it's been ages since her last transmission."

"Tanzanite is a busy Gem."  Gypsum reassured her. "She cannot keep her focus spread across the entire  span of space."

"Yeah, but it would be nice of her to drop us a line once in a while." Her partner grumbled. "Don't you think it's strange? The biggest threat to her empire is here. If I was in Tanzanite's position I'd put all my focus on colonizing this planet and killing  the girl, but she has yet to strike, and she wants the Diamond child alive.  She wants to spare the very one who is prophesized to destroy her empire and everything she worked for."

"I do find that strange." Gypsum agreed. "It made more sense to have us kill her. Why capture and imprison her?  As long as she's alive, she's a threat. Part of me thinks she is hesitant."

"Perhaps she is." Aragonite mused, sitting up rigid at the alarm ringing off her belt. "What is that?" Gypsum startled. "One of our traps have been set off." Aragonite stood up. "Come along." The Remnant Gems had set up pit traps throughout the forest in hopes of snaring Nora. They were programmed to activate only when a human set them off. Gypsum teleported them to a patch of thin forest where a gaping pit lay in the center.

The Remnant Gems approached the pit, baring their weapons. "We have you now, runtling Gem." Aragonite growled before frowning.  A human lay in the bottom of the pit, clutching their leg and grimacing. They were a teenager with hiking boots and hair, around Nora's age but obviously not her."

(Drawing courtesy of @DoresTheSapphire.. Thanks a million!)

"Stars be damned that's not her!" Aragonite lifted the human by their backpack and glaring them in the eyes. "State your business trespassing in our woods human! Unless you want my sword to meet your throat!"

"Woah chill out dude!" The human answered rapidly. "I was just hiking in the woods, it's a state park! Everyone's allowed to hike here!"

"Set it down Aragonite." Gypsum rubbed her shoulder. "This isn't the human we're looking for."

"Yup, I'm totally not." The human nodded. "Can you put me down?"

"Fine." Aragonite growled and set them on the floor. "Get out of here human, you didn't see either of us."

"Aragonite we can't let it go!" Gypsum gasped. "It's seen us. If we let it go it'll tell the other humans, and word will get to the Gems." She aimed her crossbow at them. "We need to keep it silent."

The human scrambled back, desperately attempting to stand up, but they collapsed on their legs, crying out in pain and gripping their left leg in tears. "It can't escape if it wanted to. Look its leg is hurt. " Aragonite pointed her sword to the injured limb. "We'll just have to put the poor creature out of its misery."

The human gasped. "No, don't kill me! I swear I'll keep quiet just let me go!" When they tried to stand they fell from the pain. "Keep doing that and you'll hurt yourself worse. " Gypsum loomed over. She stretched her palm over the leg. "You have a broken leg my unfortunate little friend. Luckily my companion and I are feeling merciful."

"Desert Rose, you can't be serious!?" Aragonite was taken aback. "This human has seen us, if we keep it alive-." Gypsum patted Aragonite's hand. " Not to worry my dear. It can't run anywhere with a broken leg. We are still safe."

"What are we going to do with it now?" Aragonite grumbled steely. "I had no intentions of keeping a human."

"We have no choice." Gypsum said. "If we bring it to other humans, it will probably rat us out. We need to keep it under our watch."

"Them."

The Gems turned to their captive. "What are you talking about?" Aragonite barked. "Who's them?"

"Me." The human said, trying to keep cool despite being terrified and in immense pain. "I go by they/them, and my name is not human. It's Alex."

"Okay. Alex" Aragonite agreed. "You are now our captive. If you try to escape, we will kill you. If you try to attack us, we will kill you, and if you are bold enough to contact the outside-."

"You will kill me." Alex remarked, breathing heavily between words. "Got it." The Gems nodded in unison before Gypsum approached and kneeled down. "Aragonite bind their mouth." The other Gem nodded, and to Alex's terror tied their mouth with strips of dried bark. "Bite on the bark." Aragonite whispered. Gypsum kneeled down and flexed her palm over Alex's leg. The poor human screamed through the gag, biting through the bark sweating profusely.

"There." Gypsum nodded approvingly. "Your bone is splintered in two places, and I set it right. It should heal properly in time." Alex made several heaving gasps, sweat raining down their face. "Thank you."

"Whatever." Gypsum shrugged. "Just don't try to aggravate it." With Aragonite's help she made a makeshift splint for Alex out of flattened branches and vines. "Let's go." Gypsum opened a portal, letting Aragonite pick Alex up and the three teleported through. Aragonite set Alex at the back of a cave, in a small smoothened pit that they couldn't crawl out of.

" I am in such deep doodoo." Alex murmured, trying to lift themselves out. "That's what you get for storming off from an argument idiot. Mom's gonna be worried sick." The thought of their mother worrying her missing child wracked their heart with guilt.  Alex touched the tattoo on their upper arm. They were the only family she had, somehow Alex needed to escape and find their way back.

Aragonite and Gypsum were faced with their own dilemma wondered what they should do with their captive. "Just our luck we've captured a human, but it is the wrong one." Aragonite growled. "What are we going to do with them?"

"We cannot let them go." Gypsum said. "It's too risky."

"We cannot keep them either." Aragonite rankled. We should've just killed the damned thing, what's another human lost?  An idea flashed in Gypsum's mind,  she huddled her partner to the mouth of the cave away from the captive in the back. "Aragonite, we may have an opportunity on our hands."

"I bet." Aragonite snorted. "An opportunity to be burdened by a useless organic."

"Not useless." Gypsum whispered. "We have a human, a living human that is incapable of escaping. They might have useful information, especially about Nora." Aragonite's eyes widened. "You're a genius Gypsum, we'll make them tell. Force them if they're stubborn." She cracked her knuckled. "I don't think that'll be necessary honey." Gypsum chuckled. The rogue Gems whispered to each other before coming to an agreement.

"Human." Gypsum announced when  they approached Alex again in the pit. Alex shuffled against the slope of the pit, terrified like a cornered rabbit. "Enough of that." Gypsum growled. "We are not going to harm you. We come with a deal." She continued. "You tell us about this miserable planet, and in return, we will let you go. Does that sound like good terms?"

"Sure!" Alex jumped at the idea. "You have a deal."

"Good." Aragonite nodded. "Now first thing's first. Tell us if you know anything about a human hybrid named Nora Universe."

The utter fear in Alex's face came off as confusion to them. "Aragonite, that's too  bold!" Gypsum cried. "Not every human on this planet knows all every member  species. The poor creature is frightened out bewilderment. Start smaller."

In fact, the truth was quite the opposite. Alex knew her coworker very well, and they were terrified to the bone realizing who these antagonistic Gems were. They're the rogues Gala was talking about, the ones that are hunting her down, and I've stumbled my dumb butt into them. Alex thought of the sweet geeky  coworker they got along with. Really well actually, Alex had a minor crush on her and was actually thinking of asking her her out the day she left for Beach City. It didn't really bum them out when she found love elsewhere, they were okay with just being friends with Nora.

At least I can help you here, Stargirl. Alex thought confidently. They already figured a game plan. The rogues wanted to learn about Earth and that's what Alex would tell them. Everything that wasn't about Nora.  "I don't know anything about Nora Universe." Alex lied effectively through your teeth. "But I can tell you things about this planet you'd probably want to know. You promise to let me go after that?"

"I give you my word." Aragonite bowed her head. "As will I." Gypsum said. 

Alex smiled. "Good. Now first I'll tell you a little about myself. Name's Alex, I'm seventeen and a half, and I'm a lover of hiking......."

Chapter Text

"Instead of me telling you all about Earth, let me show you." Alex said after introducing themselves. The Remnant Gems eyed their captive suspiciously. "And what does that mean?" Gypsum flexed her hands. "Hand me my backpack, I'll show you." "Not so fast." Aragonite warned lifting Alex's backpack when they went to grab it. " Tell me what you want and I'll get it for you."

"It's a journal." Alex described. "A big brown book with pictures and postcards in it." The two Gems stared at the human as if they were talking crazy. "Here let me take it." Alex reached for the backpack. "No!" Gypsum snapped. "Can't have you reaching for a weapon." She handed the backpack to Aragonite, who set it down and rummaged through it, removing the contacts for visibility.

"Quite the little pack rat are you. What is this stuff?"

"That's my wallet, energy bars, a canteen, my toothbrush, hair ties, a flashlight, stamps." Alex identified their belongings." "Hmm." Aragonite grunted. "And what is this?" She held up a DVD set tied with a hairband. "Some old Bulgarian horror films." Alex explained. "They're pretty good in a cheesy way, you should give 'em a watch. I have no idea why I keep them in my pack, I'm such a klepto." Alex sat up. "There, my journal!"

Aragonite held up the book. Curiously flipping through the pages. "Images. I don't understand." She lowered the book for Gypsum to see. "I believe these are records of the locations they have traveled ."

"Bingo, ya got it!" Alex clapped their hands. "Here give it to me. I'll tell you all about it." Their skin prickled nervously having to sit next to the Gems, opening the journal for them. Like a cute couple Aragonite sat with Gypsum huddled comfortably in her lap, something Alex took quick notice of. I get the feelings these two are more than just partners in crime.

"I don't really have a family. My dad was killed in a motorbike accident when I was a baby, so it's been just me and my Mom ever since. Two lone bikers driving their way across the world." "Mother?" Aragonite cocked her head curiously. "The one who created me." Alex explained. "I know what mothers are." The warrior gem grumbled with an anxious shiver ,absentmindedly touching her gemstone. "They are very protective."

"You bet they are." Alex pointed to an old photograph of a burly pink haired woman with motorcycle. "That's her when she was younger. She still looks like that, minus the dyed hair an a few wrinkles. I hope I got her genes."

"What is her name?" Gypsum asked softly. Alex was hesitant to answer before hearing the tone of her voice. She was asking out of mere curiosity. "Sheena."

"Sheena." Gypsum repeated, examining the pictures. "And who is this creature with her?"

"That's me!" Alex giggled. "Humans don't start out as adults. We're born small and grow as time passes." "I see." Gypsum murmured. "And what are these?" With each page was a postcard in the corner of the place the pictures were taken. "Postcards." Alex answered. "We made it a thing. Whenever we were in a new state, Mom got a postcard and added it in with the pictures we took. Makes for good memories. Mom and I travel a lot. We never stay in the same place for more than a few years. Her job requires her to constantly move, but she's okay with that. Mom never liked staying in one place for too long."

 In fact, Gardenville was the longest Alex and their mother stayed in one place, Sheena wanted her child to go through high school. Alex did not mention this, they didn't want to prompt the Gems to ask where they lived now. 

Alex shifted through the photographs, describing each place and the memories associated with them. Plains, mountains, great canyons, open seas. Alex and their mother had traveled across the 36 contiguous states and had records for each of them.

"It is intriguing to see you grow older." Aragonite wondered. " Gems don't age. We're born as we are, and never changing."

"I wouldn't say never changing." Alex noted.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean if you guys were stuck in the old ways, thinking yourselves rigid and superior, we would've have Gems living with humans." "The old ways are the true ways of Gems." Gypsum warned. "The Earthlings have forgotten that. Once Tanzanite has reclaimed this planet, they will all see and remember who they really are."

"But that'll mean humanity will be destroyed." Alex added severely. "My mother, my friends. even myself will be gone. Is it worth being yourselves and sticking to your roots if it means the destruction of another species? One that's smart like you?" The Remnant Gems paused, at a loss for words. They hadn't really thought of it, in fact, up until this point they believed humans to be simple minded organics with no lives of their own. Maybe Alex and their mother were the exceptions, still....

"Humans and Gems are nothing alike." Gypsum scoffed. "We are entirely different species with different physiologies and cultures."

"You're right." Alex responded optimistic. "We are both different beings, but that doesn't mean we don't have a lot in common."

"Like what?" Aragonite demanded, more curious of Alex's thinking than offended. "I noticed you two are very close." Alex expressed their observations. "You're not just professional hitmen working together. You two have a very deep relationship."

"You're an observant human. We in fact are more than just partners." Gypsum admitted, taking Aragonite's hand when she offered it. "Aragonite and I are bonded."

"Bonded." Alex repeated intrigued.

"Certain Gems will form deep emotional ties with each other over time. Often it's between Gems that work together, like a hunter Aragonite and her Gypsum,  Ruby guards, even a Pearl and her superior, but it's far from a rarity among our kind."

"When you're bonded you're completely devoted to each other." Aragonite continued, feeling the pulsing warmth from her gemstone. "You will do everything in your power to keep your bondmate happy and safe. You want the best for them and when you are together, especially after being apart,  it is the greatest sense. Every moment you spend in their presence is happy."

"Sounds a lot like love to me."

"Love?" The Gems asked in unison.

"It's the exact same thing you describe in humans." Alex sat up against the wall. "Humans form relationships with other humans over time. Sometimes its just professional, like my boss and me, but other relationships grow so  strong they bond, they become love. When you love someone you deeply care about them,  you want them to thrive and be happy. Like you said before, you'd do whatever you can to make sure they are all right. Sometimes those bonds last forever, like the one you share together, and the love I have for my mother. Sometimes they change, you have close friends but as time passes they go separate paths, but they never forget. The love that you two have for each other, that's the same solid love my parents had."

"And what of you?" Gypsum questioned fully intrigued. "Are you bonded to someone?"

"Not in the way you and Aragonite are." Alex answered her honestly. "There are different types of love between humans. Romantic love, like yours. Familial love, like I have with my mother. Platonic love, love between close companions.  There's even an in-between kind of love that's more than platonic but not exactly romantic. I have a friend, a coworker of mine who loves someone else and has a close intimate bond with them. It's more than platonic, but it's not a romantic love either. Though if her bond wanted it, she'd easily go into a romantic relationship with her, but it's not something she needs. She's happy just loving her."

That was another reason why Alex held off on pursuing a relationship with Nora, other than Nora being completely oblivious to hints. Alex knew how deeply Skyla loved Nora. They'd sooner give the Gem get a better chance of winning her heart should Nora have desired it. Alex was concerned when Skyla texted them the news of Nora and Selene, they feared she would be heartbroken knowing Nora's heart was with someone else. In fact it was the opposite, Skyla was happy just knowing Nora was happy in her relationship with Selene.

"I see." Gypsum nodded. "You humans are an intriguing bunch. You are bonded to your mother, Sheena." 

"That's right." Alex smiled. "I love her with all my heart, I'd fight tooth and nail for her. She took care of me since the moment I was born, even through the hardship after we lost Dad . She's loved and encouraged me since, and she still does to this day.  She accepted me for who I am after I told her, she taught me how to ride a motorcycle. She's staying put until I finish school, because she knows how important education is for my future. She's done so much for me.."

 Tears welled in their eyes. "And I ran off. After a stupid argument. She must be heartbroken and worried sick about me. I'm the only she has and I left her." Alex placed their hand on a photo  of mother and child smiling with the backdrop of Canyon City National Park. "I'm sorry Mom,  I'm the worst."

The Remnant Gems watched them cry, sympathy stirring in their hearts. It was the strangest feeling. They've never felt empathetic towards anyone else before, and they didn't know what think. It was Aragonite who finally acted. 

Alex gasped frightened when the large Gem picked them up. "What are you doing?" "We're taking you to where you can reunite with your mother." Aragonite glanced at Gypsum with a brief smirk. "Bonded should not be painfully separated this way."

Alex's eyes widened. "You.....you're letting me go?"

"Why wouldn't we?" Gypsum said nonchalant. "You held up your end of the deal, now we'll uphold ours."

Alex smiled through tears. "Thank you."

Gypsum warped them to a nearby gas station. Barging through the door with Aragonite carrying Alex in her arms and Gypsum at her side. "We found this human injured in the park." Gypsum brusquely told the man at the register. "See to it that they get proper medical attention and are reunited with their mother." Aragonite placed Alex on a bench near the register, giving them a curt nod before leaving with Gypsum.

The Remnant Gems waited for hours concealed behind the cover of the trees, until they heard the roar of an engine. Driving like a bat outta hell, a biker with brown hair rode up to the gas station and immediately rushed inside not even bothering to take her helmet off.  Aragonite and Gypsum watched through the window as mother and child reunited. Hearing their cries, Sheena's angry exclamations, and seeing both of their tears.

The Gems understood the emotions. It was the exact same if they were painfully separated and reconciled. Though it was a different type, Alex and Sheena were bonded. Humans were indeed more alike to Gems than they ever believed.

"Aragonite."  Gypsum quietly held her partner's hand. "I love you." "I love you too, my Desert Rose." Aragonite wrapped her arm around her beloved.

They did not head home until Alex was safely in the ambulance with their mother following it behind.

Chapter Text

I returned from Scotland, sweaty and tired from Turquoise's training session when I heard a fierce roaring on the beach."Are you kidding me?" Bear and Lion were at it again, locked in a fierce tug of war with their jaws clamped on the opposite end of a large custom made chew toy Bismuth created for them to share. Apparently neither got the memo, and for the fifth time, they were aggressively fighting over it.

I put my sword down and ran onto the beach, using my sonic yell to break them up. "That's enough!" The pink animals startled, dropping their toy and blinking at me. "How many times do I gotta tell you? You need to share." Bear darted a glance at Lion and swatted him, as if to say 'he started it!'

"I don't care who started in I'm ending it!" I lifted the the toy and commanded Bear to lower his back. "If you can't share this you won't have it!"

After I showered, I met Bear again on the beach. Lion had gone to his favorite sunning place in Neprite's Landing, a spacial park outside of Little Homeworld. The magical ursine rubbed his head on me with a pleading groan.

"I know you want it back Buddy." I stroked his muzzle. "But you can't fight over a toy, even if it's yours. Tell ya what, I'll head on down to Gem City Aunt Bismuth if she can make another one, so you have your own and don't have to fight over it."

Bear liked the sound of that and lowered his head, allowing me to step into his fur. I bubbled my own head, breathing in the self-producing oxygen before traversing the pink grasslands of the pocket dimension. I turned my head towards the Narra tree standing on the hill to my right, stepping off in its direction before shaking my head and keeping to my path.

I don't know what's on the other side of that portal. As much as I REALLY wanna meet him it's too dangerous right now. Besides, my parents would kill me if I went to space with an intergalactic dictator out there.

Maybe one day.

I noticed a sharp shimmer in the grass by Lion's Acacia tree. Now what is that? I went to investigate and picked up the strange object. A DVD? I picked it up, and inspected it the light reflecting off its surface.

Beach City and Little Homeworld- September 2034. "Interesting. That's a few months before I was born." I placed the DVD in my pocket, I'll look at it later.

....

"Hey Lion." I greeted my family pet after I spoke with Aunt Bismuth. "Aunt Bismuth's gonna make you the same toy so you and Bear won't have to fight over it. It'll take a few days but it's no problem for her. Isn't that great?"

Lion nuzzled me with his huge head. I rode him back to the beach house. Lion followed me up when I headed up to my room and set up the old DVD player. The camera shook. "You got it honey ? Let me help you there." I recognized my father's voice as he steadied the camera.  He jumped into view sixteen years younger. It was strange seeing him without a beard.

" Hello, and welcome to Planet Earth! I know this world is new to you, so I.....wanted to show you around. Its a sneak peak of the life you'll live." He stepped away from sight, revealing the scene of Little Homeworld surrounded by a cluster of growing towers.

"Whoa.." I sat up straight. "It's Gem City, but it hasn't been fully built yet."

"This is Little Homeworld. Where the Gems from all over the galaxy have come to call home. It started out as a small village, but with so many Gems coming to live on Earth it can't fit everyone the way it used to, so it's growing. Gems work so fast! I think by the time you arrive these towers will be complete." He happily  beckoned. "Come, let me show you around!"

I paused the DVD. "I gotta show this to Callie." I quickly called her on my phone.

"Nora! What's up?" Chalcedony responded cheerfully. "All okay over there?"

"Yes." I assured her. "I wanted to show you something cool. It's an old DVD I found in Lion's mane." When I briefly explained it, she gleefully giggled. "Say no more, Nora! I'll give it a watch with you! Be there in a jiffy." The warp pad activated five minutes later.

"Callie, glad you're here!" We hugged each other. "I think I have something really cool. I was thinking of donating it to the archives."

"Oh good!!"Callie grinned star eyed. "The Historical Society is always looking for donations. Let's see what ya got!" We sat together as I restarted the DVD. Chalcedony watched in enthusiastic awe. "See!" I pointed out. "He's showing us Gem City while it was still being built, you can see it spreading up and out."

"I do." Chalcedony nodded. "When was this recorded?"

" Three months before I was born."

"Seventeen years ago. Right? You turn seventeen in December."

"Correct."

We continued the video, watching Dad walk through Little Homeworld, presenting the town like the host of an infomercial. It was very entertaining. "Look at my Dad being such a goob!" I chuckled. "He's  adorable."

"Man this is really neat." Chalcedony remarked. "He's taking us through the town. Look! The Prism towers haven't even been built yet, and Nephrite's Landing was so small, there's no fountain. It really is a portal to the past. Gem City is so huge and, it started out as a town smaller than Beachside Square, we're seeing the beginnings of it."

"What do you think Callie, good archives material?"

"Heck yeah. I'd donate it if I were you, but I think you should ask your folks first."

"I think my parents will let me donate it. It was left in Lion's Mane, Dad usually leaves junk he doesn't wanna keep in there." Lion made a small growl. "No offense." I scratched his mane. 

The DVD blacked out and skipped to the next location. "Hey that's Beachside Square!"  I recognized." Look, Downtown is so small!" Chalcedony pointed at the background of Beachside Square , only a small square at that point with a cluster of familiar buildings and City Hall under construction."Welcome to Beach City!" Dad announced. "This was my childhood home and it's going to part of your home too.This is going to be the new downtown. So many Gems live in the suburbs now, a lot of humans too. They're building a space for everyone to shop, eat, and hang out. Maybe when you're older you'll hang out here with your friends."

"Wait what?" I glanced at Chalcedony. The Gem shrugged her shoulders. "That's odd, really odd." The camera wobbled. Dad looked beyond our view."Are you okay? I can take it from here." "I'm all right Steven." A familiar voice responded sweetly. "I actually enjoy the walking."

"Okay. Don't be afraid to sit down if you need to."Dad smiled full of love.

"I sat in the car driving here." Mom chuckled. "Oh!" The camera zoomed to the floor. "Connie!" Dad's voice sounded worried. "I'm fine Steven." Mom assured him. "She kicked me.  Not hard, I was just startled." My eyes widened and I heard Dad's happy voice. "Ready to run and explore the world huh, little baby? You'll get there soon."

"Nora." Callie rubbed on my shoulder. "He's talking to you." I nodded teary eyed.I heard a kiss before the screen went black for a few seconds and transitioned to Old Town.

 "And here we are, Old Town Beach City! My childhood home."The camera followed Dad along the boardwalk. "That's stayed the same." I observed. " Give or take a few shops." 

 "There's lots of stuff you're gonna enjoy." Dad walked with the camera. " Ya got the sun, ya got the sand, ya got the seagulls fighting for fries on the trash bins. Great place. I can't wait for you to see it all. " The screen turned black again.

Dad wasn't in focus, instead it was looking out onto the beach from the boardwalk. The push and pull of the tide unchanging after seventeen years. "This is so beautiful Nora." Mom said wistfully. "The calming waves, the sound of the ocean, the seagulls above the surf. Maybe you can hear it." She breathed in and out before turning the camera to her."

 Mom might have been younger but she still held the same love in her eyes. "I can't wait for you to experience the world. There is so much to see and enjoy." She smiled, rubbing a hand on her distended belly. "Nora, the world you'll grow up  in will be unlike anything your father and I did. The World of Era 3, where humanity and Gemkind live together in peace. You'll see technology we could never imagine, and cities reaching to the skies. Maybe you'll find love with a Gem one day,  maybe one will be your teacher, or your best friend."

I nudged Callie with a smirk.

"Wherever you may be in life, in this new world.  I hope you'll take it in. That'll you enjoy every moment of it and be wherever you are. Remember Nora, wherever life may take you, know that I love you with all my heart, and I'll always be there for you as long as I'm standing." She took my father's hand and positioned that camera to a selfie, showing her and Dad sitting together on the bench.

 "And so will I." Dad rested his hand on Mom's pregnant belly. His eyes were watery as he smiled.  "We'll see you soon Rosebud."

The DVD ended with Callie and I gazing at each other in tears. "I think I'll save this instead."

"Good idea kid." Chalcedony sniffed watery eyed. 

I heard the door open downstairs and footsteps come up. "Nora I'm home!" Mom announced. "How did training go with Turquoise?" I hugged her tightly when I saw her. "Oh!" Mom said surprised, before hugging me. "I love it when you hug me without asking."

"Connie you are the best mom a human could ask for!" Chalcedony cried dramatically. "That was  beautiful!!!"

"What is she talking about?" Mom saw the DVD menu  and hugged me tighter. "I was wondering where your Dad misplaced that. He was scared he lost it, I guess it was for a while until you found it." Lion nuzzled us, proud he held onto a cherished possession after so long.

Chapter Text

My feet crunched against the earth as I ran through the glenn, senses alert and heart racing. I never let my guard down, even when I was winded. Right as I slowed to catch my breath, an enormous eagle swooped at my face with its talons splayed. I raised my shield, striking back the eagle as it continuously swooped with a loud clang of its talons.

The eagle chattered laughing before it shimmered and transformed into a blue and golden bull, tossing its great horns and charging me full on. I dodged its horns stepping away using my speed dash.

The 'bull' changed its tactics, and started goading me towards the edge of a small cliff. Whenever I tried to dart around her, she blocked me swinging her horns and pushed me toward the edge.

I flutter jumped over her and ran. The bull swerved around and transformed into a giant blue wolf, chasing me at high speed. She pounced, pinning me beneath her paws and snarled in my face.

I grabbed her muzzle and shoved her, struggling to shake her off. Punching her in the eye, Gem and jaws with my fists glowing pink. The gem was her weak spot. She made a sharp yelp and recoiled away giving me the chance to stand up.

"Oh my stars are you okay!? I'm sorry I shouldn't have-!" The wolf pounced and pinned me beneath her again. This time pressing her massive forepaws on my arms so I couldn't summon my powers.

I lost.

The blue wolf, sensing her victory, tossed her head up in a triumphant howl.

"Show off."

Turquoise stepped off me and shifted back to her Gem form. "That was well done, young warrior." She complimenting. "A very smart move, going for my weakest point, you should've taken the chance to best me"

"Thanks." I stood up, brushing the dirt off my pants. "The way you yelped like that I thought I hurt you."

"You did." Turquoise touched the gemstone where her eye would've been. "Hurt like heck, but I'm glad you did. A Gem's weakest point, no matter if they're the biggest Quartz or the smallest Pebble, is the stone that is their true form. You do damage on a Gem's stone you can cripple them for life."

"I know." I said guilty. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize!" Turquoise laughed heartily. "Hitting a Gem's critical weak spot will stun them and save your life. That was a brilliant move, Nora. Honestly I gotta watch my back from now on."

I hiked with Turquoise on the mountainside path, watching the fog roll over the glen and stepping in her footfalls. "You're doing great Nora."

"Thanks." I hopped along in her footsteps. "I'm just following where your feet are."

"Not that." Turquoise replied. "Though y'are a good hiker. I was talking about your training." Her eye turned to me. "You've greatly improved with your fighting skills and maintaining your powers."

"Thank you!" I blushed. "I think I'm starting to understand how Gems fight, they see your intentions the millisecond before you're about to do something, I have to be constantly on my toes, literally."

"True." Turquoise nodded. "You'll keep improving while we train and I have no doubts you'll be as strong as your father by the end of this." She pointed her staff at the opposite range, near the border of the old wall. "See the old ruins pointing out from the mountains? That was once the  garrison sight for my troops."

"Amazing." I gazed starry eyed.

"Yes." Turquoise murmured. "It was."

"What was it like being among soldiers in a busy garrison?" I asked brimming with excitement.

"Noisy and chaotic." Turquoise chuckled. "Yellow Diamond put me in charge of two hundred Quartzes. You know how Quartzes are ; fun and boisterous Gems that flock together like hens and are rowdy as bulls. They loved a good battle, it was in their design, but more than that, they loved each other's company." The old veteran smirked as we sat on a tall hill, watching the highland herd graze in the fields below. "My cows remind me of them alot, how social they are and how they have their own little cliques within' the herd."

"Quartzes are big lovers more than they are big fighters." I agreed. "Did you connect with them?"

"Course I did!" Turquoise tapped her staff into the ground. "We may have been soldiers, but we were sisters too. Brethren on the battlefield. Yet, they knew I was in charge and never stepped a toe out of line and treated me with the highmost respect. Only one was brutish enough to test my authority."

"Let me guess." I shrugged. "Jasper."

"Yep. She had the audacity to call me a weak ruler, because I wasn't taking all the risks to secure our island. Those risks, would've cost me my soldiers. So I confronted her and after an argument that shook the entire fortress. I accepted her challenge to a duel."

"I can totally believe her doing that." I rolled my eyes. "Must've been nice to kick her butt."

"I didn't much kick her butt as much as show her that I was top dog." Turquoise laughed. "Jasper might have been the strongest Quartz to ever emerge, but I have my own strengths too, and I equaled her in battle. She didn't give me trouble after that and grew to respect me in her own gruff way." Her cheeks tinted teal.  "Respect grew to admiration, and admiration grew to...well.....y'know, but it was on both ends this bond grew. Yet it was on my end the I broke it......."

"What happened?"

Turquoise stopped, thrumming her hands on the staff gazing out onto the island an her old home. "I try not to think about it..." Turquoise spoke quietly. "But it is your history as much as it is mine."

The old warrior sighed and began her story.

"It was at the end of the War. Our forces were greatly diminished, either shattered or unable to fight. Homeworld's resources near depleted, we'd been battling the rebels for nearly a thousand years. We were tired and worn, no closer to defeating Rose Quartz and her fraction than when we started. The Isle of Skye was one of Homeworld's last strongholds, many fortresses had fallen to rebel control. After the initial attack the Crystal Gems left us alone, and there was rumor among our ranks that the General Tanzanite would call a cease fire and everyone would go home. For the first time, a sense of happiness and hope swept through our spirits. Finally an end to all of this chaos and destruction."

Turquoise pointed to a distant mountain peak south of us. "That is Sgùrr Alasdair, the highest peak on the island.  I was stationed on the fort overseeing the movement of my legion. It was there that I, along with every commander on Earth, received Grim news from Tanzanite; Pink Diamond was shattered by the Rebel leader, and the Diamonds had ordered a mandatory evacuation of all Homeworld forces on Earth. "

I clenched my fists, knowing how the story would end, but I  still listened to Turquoise's tragic tale.

"I felt overwhelmed by the dire news, as many survivors did, but most of all I felt angry. Angry at myself for failing to cut down Rose Quartz, and the guilt of being overcome by a Gem supposedly lower in mettle. If I'd stopped her then, if I hadn't let her retract me, then Pink Diamond might still be alive." Turquoise chuckled in a dry way. "Little did I know...."

Little did anyone know, I thought drearily.

"After the initial shock, rage, and guilt of what had allegedly transpired, my thoughts turned to my troops. I needed to evacuate them before the Diamonds commenced their attack. It had to be an attack, why else would they want everyone off planet? Many of the Gems I oversaw were stationed high up in the peaks, and somehow I had to miraculously get them all down to the starships."

"How were you able to pull that off?" I wondered.

"I shape shifted into an eagle of immeasurable size." Turquoise answered to my amazement. "Big enough to clutch a hundred Gems in each talon, and carry fortress loads of on my back. It was quite heavy, but I manage to fly across  the entire Cuillin range and the adjacent mountains down to the earth and get every single Gem under my command to their dropships. As the ships flew of I continued my work and carried my soldiers from the mountains. In the end all were accounted for..... all except one."

She closed her eye. "Jasper. That thickhead lump had been chasing down escaped  prisoners and didn't think twice about why everyone else ran for their lives. I plucked her with my talon and dropped her in front of the ship. I ordered her to go. Time was running short, I sensed it in the very air, something terrible was about to happen, and if we didn't get out of their, it would mean our end."

"I was half a mile away when collapsed and shifted to my Gem form. Maintaining that eagle's size and form sapped every last  bit of my strength and I couldn't hold it longer. I couldn't make it onto the dropship, but she could. Jasper argued with me, she wasn't going to leave me behind. She carried me, using all the strength she channeled into fighting and carried me across this very field, to the mouth of the fortress. Even then it wasn't enough, a low ominous drone buzzed in the air like a distant thundercloud. The last dropship waited for us, the Quartzes called us panicked from the inside. We were out of time. The ship took off and Jasper made a jump for the hatch, but she barely hung onto the Quartz's arm while I dragged her weight. She was going to fall."

A tear ran down her face. " With my lingering strength, I forced her to let go of me.I startled her with a kick, and she dropped me. I hit the cold earth but the loss of heavy weight allowed her to be pulled  into the ship. I looked her in the eyes one last time and smiled as the ship flew off. A look that told her without speaking  that I loved her.  She made it. They all did. Every one of my soldiers successfully evacuated. All but me. I stood up watching the last ship leave when all off a sudden, the night sky grew bright, and a colossal light burned the stars turning night into day before my entire sight was seized by a blinding white gleam from the heavens."

Turquoise breathed a long sigh, her eye closed in painful memory. "That was the last I remembered. The next thing I knew I was standing in the fairy pool with the entire village of Portree on its banks." She gazed at me with a warm smile. "Your father was the first face I'd seen in thousands of years. I had no inkling of how much time had passed, or what had happened to me. Your father and I spent many hours talking along the trails of the pool. He  explained everything that occured over the past millennia. It was a lot to recap, but he told it gradually and gently so I wouldn't be overwhelmed."

"It was still a lot to take in. The fact that the leader of the rebellion was the very Diamond I swore to defend, that thousands of years had passed. The fact that I was corrupted by the Diamond's blast and ravaged as a beast all that time. Steven offered a place for me to live and learn among other Gems who were healed, at that school in Gem City. I wanted to accept his offer, but I told him I needed time. Everything happened so fast."

"I understand how that must've felt." I said. "What did you end up doing?"

"I ended up staying with Simon and his family in Portree village." Turquoise said. "He offered to take me in until I got back on my feet. Simon understood what I was going through,  he fought in a human war and struggled when returning home. He became family to me, and I to him. I've seen him grow, marry, have children, and his children have children. I know all the members of his family. I love him, but not in the way I loved Jasper. He's a dear friend and like a brother to me."

" His family wasn't the only one who opened their arms to me. The humans of Portree are the kindest, most welcoming on this planet. They wanted me to heal, and to feel like I had a home. Each one went out of their way to make sure I felt I belonged. Perhaps me being a revered being influenced them. I remember an older gentleman thanking me for chasing off the Redcoats and blessing the Jacobites. Have no idea what he meant about the latter until Simon explained the humans of Scotland recovered old Gem weaponry that allowed them to successfully win their rebellion and get their chosen Prince on his own throne."

"He meant Jacobite Revolution that won Scotland its independence from Britain."

"Yes that." Turquoise remarked. " I was already revered by humans  as a beast, so it made sense they'd see me in a good light when I was not. How ironic, the weapons my army used to subdue a rebellion were used by rebels in overthrowing their  empire. That is irony if I've ever heard of it."

"No kiddin'." I laughed.

Turquoise chuckled heartily. "Anyway, I meant to head to the Gem School after I settled to find my place, but bonding with Simon and the people of the village, I already found the place where I belonged. In Scotland, on Skye with beautiful people and beautiful nature."  

One of the ravens landed on her arm, cocking its head at her as if expecting a treat. "And I found my calling. As a Turquoise Gem, I've always had an affinity to animals, we were created to control and subdue them. I wanted to do something different, I wanted to nurture them and give them a good life. The human farmers taught me  husbandry, how to care for farm animals, and along  with Simon's family I built the farm you see today. Right by the warp pad to Portree. It was the best location;  I could live on my own with my critters, and be a warp away from my human friends. That was thirty one years ago, and I've been here ever since."

"What an incredible story." I said amazed. "I'm so happy you found a place and happiness after everything you went through." "It is." Turquoise mused, petting the raven before it flew off. "I am glad to be where I am." She watched the raven fly with its mate in the sky. A longing in her expression. "I do miss my Gems though. Perhaps I'll visit them in Homeworld or Gem City, reconnect, but I don't want to leave my animals for too long."

"You can always have Simon and his family  watch them." I suggested. "Would you like to see some of your old comrades again?"

"Yes." Turquoise nodded. "I would love to take the Amethysts for a night out in town, but last I heard, they're still stationed on the old Zoo in space."

"If they come around again I can let you know." I said optimistic. "Hey! You know Jasper lives in Beach City. Would you......want to see her again?" I saw the spark in her eyes, the old flame wasn't completely out.

"Yes and no." Turquoise sighed. "The last time we saw each other was one of the most painful moments in my life, and I would like my memory of her not to be of pain and loss. However, it's been thousands of years. She lived most of that while I did not, I do not think she is the same Gem I fell in  love with."

"Oh don't worry. She's the same." I joked. "The same old thickhead lump. She remembers you, I saw the shock in her face when she recognized your flute. Maybe she still has feelings for you."

 "Maybe." Turquoise stood up with her staff in hand. I saw the tilt in her staff towards my head and caught in my glowing pink hand when she struck it at me. 

"You're learning well, my apprentice." Turquoise smirked. 

"I have a good teacher." I smiled, pushing her back with a hexagon shield and throwing her staff into the field.

"That wasn't necessary!" Turquoise exclaimed in shocked humor. 

"I took your weapon away from you." I remarked. 

"Doesn't mean I can't get it back." She transformed into a horse and galloped down the hill towards where it landed. "Let see if you can beat me!" She whinnied a challenge.  I burst into my speed shoes and sprinted alongside the galloping horse. "I'm already ahead!"

Chapter Text

I arrived on the warp pad at Turquoise's home, thinking it was going to be another ordinary day of training when I saw a note posted on the door to her cottage.  Gone into town to pick up more feed. Please complete these tasks while I am out, I should be back soon-Turquoise. Below her note pinned a list of tasks for me to do.

I went right to it, raking the goat pen, setting down fresh  straw in the barn, and refilling the feed trough for the Kyloes. I was halfway through the list when I heard the warp pad activate and came jogging to the front of the cottage. "Turquoise I did half the list, I hope that was enough but if you want me to I can finish the rest of-" I stopped dead in my tracks, gaping like a wide before involuntarily reaching for my sword hilt.

"Jasper!?"

The great Quartz eyed the landscape with a lazy gaze before turning to me. "It's you." She growled. " What are you doing here?"

" I'm warming up for training." I answered nervously.

"Training?" Jasper sneered, eyeing  the cottage and barn with a distasteful look."Looks like gruntwork to me.  Turquoise can't fix up her own place?" "Sometimes it's good to have a little help."I defended my mentor. My skin prickled and my hands flashed pink. "How did you get here? The only access to this warp pad is through the Temple."

"I know." Jasper shrugged. "Nobody was home so I walked right in and warped here." "Oh. Okay." I huffed relieved. "They really gotta learn to lock the door." I scratched the back of my head."What are you doing here?"

"What do you think, Diamond Spawn? I'm looking for Turquoise." In that moment my hackles lowered. My pupils turned starry eyed, and a big dorky grin spread across my face. "Stop smiling like that." Jasper snarled disgusted. "What's wrong with you?"

Normally someone snapping 'what's wrong with you' triggered an involuntary hurt in me, but I was too happy for it to affect me this time.  "You wanna see Turquoise." I smirked giddily. "Well duh. Why else would I be in the middle of this smelly mud-ridden farm? Where is she?"

"She went to the human town to get more feed for the animals." I explained, tapping my foot excited. "She'll be back soon, you can wait here in the meantime. Maybe you could help me finishing these tasks." Jasper clenched her fist. "No." She grumbled walking back to the warp pad. "This was stupid."

"No it wasn't!" I ran in front of her. "I know you wanna see her again. I get that it's been a long time, but trust me when I say Turquoise would be happy to see you after so many years. She's never forgotten you, and she still thinks of you after all this time." I continued stimming my feet. "She told me how she sacrificed herself to save your life ."

Pain flickered through Jasper's molten eyes. "Did she?" Jasper quipped. "Some good that did me." She pointed at her horns.

"But you did that to yourself." I spoke truthfully. "You fused with a Gem monster to get revenge on Dad, and its corruption seeped into you. Turquoise had nothing to do with that."

"She had everything to do with it." Jasper snapped. " I accepted that mission years ago because I had a small shred of hope that I might find her again, I did, and she was a monster."

Her fists clenched in an audible crack. " She didn't even recognize me, the Gem I knew was gone. That's when I decided to get revenge on Rose, not just because what she allegedly did to my Diamond, but what she actually did to my commander. If she hadn't faked her own shattering, the Diamonds wouldn't have retaliated. She suffered for thousands of years because of her and I wanted payback. All of this is her fault."

"Hey." I snapped tersely. "That's my grandmother you're talking about." I lowered my hackles. "Though your right, Grandma wanted to protect this planet but she didn't grasp the consequences her choices had. I'm not mad at her for that, she did what she believed was the right thing." Gems are easy to read, that's how I could tell Jasper wasn't thrilled about this conversation.

"She's back now." I said optimistically. "Fully uncorrupted. She has horns like you do, but other than that she's completely healed.""Nice." Jasper snarled. " She never even bothered to find me afterwards." "She probably thought you were still back on Homeworld." I suggested, heading back to the barn. " I'm gonna finish what I'm doing. Turquoise should be back soon."

It was like turning your back on a predatory animal. I heard the swish of air and in that instant, I swung round and held out my shield, deflecting the great Quartz's spin dash attack with a powerful thrust of my arm. " What the hell was that about!?"

Jasper uncurled from her spin attack. "You've got the instinct now." She made the same devilish grin from our first encounter in the abandoned mansion. "Let's see what else you've got. Show me what you learned!" She charged me like a ram. " I am NOT doing this again!" I summoned a hexagon wall and sent it crashing against her, but that only riled her further. "Is that all you've got?"

This time I didn't run; I planted my feet into the ground and inhaled deeply. "Fine! Have a taste of this!" I flexed my arms and materialized a series of photon orbs sending them flying like lightning disks and crashing head on into a charging Jasper. She was on me in seconds and swung her massive fist trying to uppercut me. I jumped back and took the chance to punch her square in the gut with my crystal gauntlets.

Jasper laughed maniacally and rained down punches. Her attacks too fast to draw up my shield, I dodged her blows with the finesse of a fox, punching back in the split seconds she left herself open. Turquoise taught me to fight like a Gem, which meant taking the chance to strike when my enemy's defenses were open.

I caught her fists with my crystal encased hands. Gripping them tight and holding them back with every ounce of strength in my body. It was like holding back a raging bull by the horns. "Give in Diamond Spawn, you're no match for me. You never will be." I gritted my teeth, veins bulging beneath my hands and arms, and still stood my ground. Jasper shoved. "Give up!"

"No!"

"You can't hold me forever!" Jasper bared her teeth and shoved again. " Even with all the training in the world, you'll never beat me. You're not a Diamond, you're not even a half a Gem. You're just a watered down defective whelp!" My feet shoved through the dirt but I kept my balance. My heart raced to the point where I heard my own blood pump through my ears.

In that moment a surge of great power overcame me. Washing over my skin and veins like a chilled ocean wave. I felt no pain or tiredness as the adrenaline coursed through, and I barely held back from shattering Jasper with my bare fists. I opened my eyes and held a strong unfettered power within them, raw determination that I could conquer anything.

Jasper went limp relinquishing all her strength. Her eyes locked onto me and for the first time in my life, I saw the terror in her soul. I shouldn't have let go, but I did. Quickly backing away gazing at her startled by her reaction. I gasped seeing my hands before me.

I'd gone Pink again.

Not the regular Pink, when I was overwhelmed in the throngs of a meltdown, this felt different. It looked different too, the pink casting over my body had a muted glow, and pink highlights streaked through my hair. 

Jasper's expression of pure fear changed to devious realization. "I was wrong." She grinned. "You are like him. You are like my Diamond, your father. Now I have no reason to hold back." I ran to her with lighting speed, blasting her bolt after bolt never yielding.  I caged her within a pink barrier. "Who's watered down now?" I spoke too soon. "We're done." The color faded to my regular brown skin, the highlights faded away, and the inhuman power surge washed out of me as quickly as it came on.

 "Aww come on!" I backed away from her, suddenly winded. "Time out! Time out!" I gestured frantic. "I yield! You win!" Jasper  crashed through the barrier and pounced me, raising her fist in the air. "Jasper no!!" I raised my hands up. A massive blue blur crashed into Jasper with a momentous force, knocking her clean off me. I scrambled onto my feet watching the chaotic flurry of the Gem tangling with a humongous blue and golden wolf.

The wolf's teeth and claws lashed against Jasper's pummeling fists, but Jasper grabbed the beast by the muzzle flipping her over belly up. Her sharp cry sent me running. "Don't!" The wolf immediately ran to me, shielding me with the length of her massive body. Her eye turned to the threat and she snarled from deep within her chest. Baring the entirety of her teeth.

"Run." She spoke in an animalistic growl. I clenched her pelt. "Turquoise you can't it's Jasper! She came here to see you!" Her single pupil enlarged, lips covering her fangs. She lifer her head and cast her eye onto the Gem standing several yards away. For the first time in thousand years, the lost Gems looked upon each other in surprise and uncertainty.

"Not a step closer." Turquoise lifted her lip. "I'll not have you messing my pupil any further."

Jasper laughed as if she heard a funny joke. "You've always defended the weak, but you've got it all wrong. She should be the one protecting you." Turquoise growled still in wolf form. "My pupil has much to learn." She nuzzled me. "Though she is learning a lot. Apparently she is strong enough to stand a chance against you."

Jasper snorted, taking a step closer. Turquoise bared her teeth. "This is how you greet me after all this time? I've waiting thousands of years for you and you're snarling at me like a feral beast. Talk to me as a Gem, Turquoise, you owe me that much."

Turquoise shifted into her Gem form. "Stay close to me." Summoning the staff from her gemstone, I followed next to Turquoise as she approached her old companion. I watched astonished as the two Gems stood eye to eye with one another. Exactly the same size, though Jasper had more bulk and Turquoise had a more slender (but still burly) frame. I tried to figure their emotions when they looked upon each other, but they both held stoic expressions. I can only imagine what was going through their minds.

"I don't owe you anything." Turquoise warned. " Seems like thousands of years haven't changed your brute habits, Quartzes will be Quartzes I guess. I wish you didn't pick fights with my young pupil. How'd I continue training her if she broke every bone in her body?"

"I was just testing her strength."

"I see, just like you used to test my soldiers, but she doesn't have the blessing of getting poofed. No, I'd have the wrath of the  Gems and the Matriarchs themselves if such misfortune fell on her."

"You underestimate her Turquoise." Jasper jabbed her thick finger at me. "She's stronger than you'd ever believe." 

"Oh now you're calling me strong?" I glared. "Nora!" Turquoise barked. "Easy." She focused on Jasper. "Ah I don't doubt that." Turquoise placed a hand on my shoulder. "But I'd rather not push her over the edge." She turned to smiled. "Must've put up a good fight in Jasper's calling you strong. Well done Nora."

"Thanks." I rubbed my shoulder. 

Turquoise tapped her staff against the ground. "Come on Nora. Help me get the feed into the barn." 

"Wait? Don't you wanna talk with your old war buddy? Jasper came all this way to see you."

"I'm sure she did." Turquoise addressed the Quartz. "Well come along! Unless ye wanna stand  like an old scarecrow in the wind. Nora and I could use your help."

"I'm not standing here." Jasper shrugged, and followed us to the barn. Turquoise kept ahead of her, walking with her staff and me at her side. "Aren't you gonna talk to her?" I whispered. "There'll be time to catch up , right now there's work to be done." I glanced at Jasper behind us, shooing away the curious Kyloes. "What are you looking at?"

"I thought you'd be happy to see her again." "I am." Turquoise responded quietly. "There's also ....a lot of other feelings. We haven't seen each other for over five thousand years.."

"Maybe now's the time to reconnect." I nudged with a smirk. 

"Yes." Turquoise rubbed the staff with her thumb. "Perhaps it's the time.." 

"Turquoise get these slobbering earthlings away from me!" Jasper was surrounded by curious cattle, one brave cow decided to scratch its horns on her. "No!" She pushed it away. "Cut it out! I am not your scratching post!"

"Leave her be ladies!" Turquoise called to them. The cows dispersed.  Jasper marched up to us. " You can still communicate with organic sentients?" "Yes." Turquoise nodded. "Makes running my farm heck of a lot easier."

"You used to bend them to your will." Jasper remembered. "You commanded a huge pack of those hairy snarling earthlings that howled at night."

"Wolves?" I gasped. "You used to control a wolfpack!?"

"I did." Turquoise answered completely nonchalant. "I commanded many beasts in my war days. I ran with an ancient pack and together we sabotaged  Rebel operations on the island and struck fear into the hearts of our enemies. Their descendents still live in these mountains, on lonely nights you can hear their song and sometimes I join in myself."

"Turquoise you keep getting cooler and cooler."

"She was a beast on the battlefield." Jasper  chuckled. "Literally, had those rebels scared stiff. I remember one time, she blocked the sky with those black flying earthlings so the Crystal Gems couldn't use its light to power their machines. Scared even our side.  We should've known from the start it wasn't a  regular Quartz that retracted you."

"What a world it would've been if our hindsight was 20/20."  Turquoise remarked. "At the warp pad, Turquoise helped me lift the bags of feed. "Lift with your legs, Nora, never your spine. That's how Simon threw out his back for several weeks." Together we transported the feedbags into the barn loft. "You could help us y'know!" Turquoise called Jasper, who watched the whole procession with her arms crossed. "Fine." She scowled and carried two bags over her shoulder as if they weighed as much as down pillows.

 I  carried up the last bag on my own, proudly dusting off my hands. I wondered if my regular training would continue today, but as I walked back to the cottage I saw the two standing rigidly across from each other. Turquoise's booming voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Of course I remembered you Jasper!" Turquoise bellowed. "Not a day went by over the past thirty something odd years where I didn't think of you! But what was I supposed to do, brood over a past that wouldn't return? I had to move on!"

"You still could've contacted me!"

"How was I supposed to know you were on Earth all this time?"  Turquoise's accent came thick when she was agitated. "I thought you were still on Homeworld, and there wasn't a way to contact that distant galaxy until a decade later!"

"You should've found me then!"

"I didn't want to bother you. The world changed, the Diamonds relinquished their power, and Gems all over the cosmos were figuring out their new purpose in life. I felt if you found a new calling, I'd be the last to disrupt you by bringing up painful memories. I didn't want to do that to you."

"You didn't think for a second that I remembered you." Jasper snarled angrier than I ever heard her. " I never forgot you,after thousands of years. Whenever I stood in the heat of battle, I thought 'I have to be strong the way Turquoise wanted me to.' 'I need to be the best  or else  her sacrifice would've  been for nothing." Her voice rasped. "Why in the Diamond's name would you give your life for me?  You should've left me on Earth while you escaped."

"Because your life was worth more than mine." Turquoise's responded with a waver in her voice. "You are the strongest, most perfect Gem to ever emerge from this planet's soil. The Ultimate Quartz. I'm just a Turquoise, Homeworld wouldn't lose much if they lost me, but they couldn't lose you." She paused with a sigh. "I couldn't lose you. I'd rather be shattered by the Diamonds than leave you to be killed. Every Gem on that dropships was worth something, you especially. I wanted to give you another chance."

"Oh so you didn't think how messed up I'd be from that." Jasper hissed."I was torn to pieces by what you did! That last look you gave me before you shoved me onto that dropship is burned into my brain. I've waited for you for so long! I came to Earth on a Cluster mission in hopes of finding you! I ended up corrupted trying to avenge  you.  I thought about you  until my last moment."

Turquoise breathed in, looking like she was on the verge of tears. "I never meant to hurt you Jasper. Know in your heart that I wanted to protect you, I'm sorry....I never meant to cause you so much pain." She took her staff and steadily walked towards the barn. "You are welcome to stay here if you want, but if this is too much, I will not object if you leave." 

Jasper  grabbed her hand. "I've waited nearly six thousand years to see you again, I'm not going anywhere."  Turquoise smiled, holding Jasper's hand with interlocked fingers. "Always the persistent one, it'll be nice to have some company besides the ones with hooves and fur."  Turquoise noticed me standing far  away and approached. "We'll continue training the next time. Take the day off Nora, you've earned it."

I nodded. "Is everything going to be okay?"

"I believe so." The old commander said wistfully.  

Aunt Garnet  met me on the warp pad back home. "You're home early." 

"Yeah." I dropped by backpack on the couch. "Turquoise let me go home early. She met an old friend."

"More than an old friend."  Garnet looked me in the eyes. "Jeez I can't keep anything from you." I remarked. "I hope I didn't screw things up. Maybe I shouldn't have told them Turquoise was living there."

"Don't feel guilty  Nora." Aunt Garnet wrapped her arm around me. "You brought two bonded souls together again."

"They don't act like they're bonded together. I mean, they were holding hands at one point but that was it." I leaned against her shoulder. "It'll take time for them to rekindle their bond."  Aunt Garnet assured. "But they will eventually. Don't try to get involved, they have to work on it on their own time. Just keep going there and training. Turquoise has much to teach and perhaps Jasper does too."

I jerked, staring at her frightened. "It'll be fine. She won't antagonize you any further, I'll make sure she doesn't.  I won't mention this to your father either, all anyone has two know is your mentor found an old friend."

Chapter Text

It took ten years,  but at  I did it at last. I finally persuaded Aunt Pearl to sword fight with me. I'd approached her again, asking for the zillionth time if we could practice our swords, and the for the zillionth time she said no. I thought that would be the end of it like it always had been until I brought up the Remnant and Tanzanite. I needed to be prepared in case they struck, and I needed to be ready in case I faced a foe of stronger power.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to sharpen your sword." My Aunt finally relented. "After all I did teach your mother. Let's see what skills she taught you." I told her not to hold back.Aunt Pearl kept me on my feet, her strikes quicker than  a snakebite. If Turquoise hadn't trained me she would've handed my butt to me the moment the challenge began, but I held my own ground. Unlike my mother, I had my own Gem powers to repel Aunt Pearl back.

"Go get 'em Knight! Show her you won't back down!" Selene cheered from the sidelines.  Her encouragement boosted my power. I glanced quickly back and held up my shield, aunt Pearl's strike  reverberated up my arm and the shield wavered. 

A sword beam blasted her several feet back and I ran blade glowing in brilliant purple light. Aunt Pearl leapt quickly on her feet and locked swords with mine. She hadn't expected me to be this skilled and it showed through her delayed movements, but once she realized it, she acted accordingly.

I gasped with her sword at my gut. Aunt Pearl stepped up her game and forced me back against the arena wall. Smart move, that was exactly what I would've done if I saw my enemy was faltering. Guess I'm really starting to fight like a Gem.

"That's enough for now." Aunt Pearl gasped, sheathing her sword in her Gem. "Nora, you could let go of my feet." I released the Gem barriers from her feet, intent on locking her in place while I moved away before she called time out. "How did I do?"

"Incredible." My aunt complimented. "I haven't gone up against such as strong fighter since the Era 2.  You are an amazing swordfighter Nora. I'm so proud of you." I beamed with stars in my eyes. "Thank you Aunt Pearl." I glomped her in a hug.

"That's our Nora Universe." Selene approached, affectionately stroking the hair from my forehead. "A powerful warrior in might and mind." My cheeks blushed. "Thanks Selene." Selene rubbed her head. "Hmm, I feel a little strange."

"That's probably me." I admitted. "All that swordfighting has made me hungry. Hey Aunt Pearl, can we grab something to eat?"

"Sure!" My Aunt responded. "It's my treat."

We took the the warp pad back to the temple, and after a quick shower made our way to Gerri's Gelato (the place was also a casual Italian restaurant and Pizzeria). The restaurant portion of the building was themed to a hillside village on the Amalfi coast, a large mural of the town on the wall with Mediterranean music pumping through the speakers.  The Gem who owned the restaurant, an uncorrupted Labradorite, originated from that town. Rather, she terrorized the seas keeping pirates at bay as a sea monster and was healed decades ago by my father.  Her corrupted form became a common symbol in her hometown and and could be seen posted over the doorway.

Pearl ordered a Mediterranean green salad while Selene and I got the greatest pasta I've ever eaten anywhere in my life. It was another great hit for Selene's list of best Earth food.After we had time to digest, we had gelato at the restaurant's outdoor seating which faced the beach. Aunt Pearl was off talking to the Jade owner in casual conversation, leaving Selene and I time for each other. "You've become so strong." Selene complimented. "Thanks Selene." My cheeks blushed with a smile. "So have you. You're one heck of a sharpshooter now."

"And I wasn't before?" Selene cocked a brow with a smirk.

"No I didn't mean it like that!" I gasped.

"I'm just joking with you Nora." Selene chuckled. "Thank you." I felt her take my hand. "I was thinking, now that Pearl is allowing you to train with her along with me, we could work together in the Arena. With your abilities and my ranged attacks, we'd make quite the team."

"We're already the team." I rubbed my thumb over her knuckles. "But you're right, if we combine our strength not even the Remnant would stop us. My parents trained together with Aunt Pearl and that's how the they became the ultimate power couple."

"I thought Garnet was the ultimate power couple." Selene mused.

"One that's not a Fusion." I explained. "But yeah, that's a great idea Selene. I'll ask Aunt Pearl if we can train with her as a team, I'm sure she'll be good with it."  I let go of her hand when my eyes caught something startling. "Nora, what's wrong?"

"That looks like my coworker Alex." I watched the human sitting at the table near the beach. They had their leg in a cast with their crutches leaning against the brick wall. "The one who loves SpaceTrek? It couldn't be, this is far from your home." Selene spoke quietly. "Why would they be here?"

"I don't know." The other person noticed me and we made eye contact, staring at each other for several seconds before I turned my head away embarrassed. "Nora?"  I blinked, no way I was right. The other human called out and waved. "Nora it's me!"

"Alex!" I made a beeline to the table with Selene following. "What the hell are you doing here!?" Alex stood with their crutches when we hugged. "I'm staying in town while my leg heals. Mom's got the trailer here. Stars am I glad to see you."

"I'm glad to see you too." I introduced my girlfriend. "Alex, this is Selene. She's the one who saved my life and who I'm part of now." I watched them shake hand. "A pleasure to meet you Alex." "Likewise." Alex said. "Thanks for looking out after my Trekker pal. I'm relieved you're okay Nora." "Why wouldn't I be?" I asked. "Oh I get it. Gala told you what happened." "Yes." Alex nodded. "And there's something else. We can talk about it later, Nora is your family here?"

"My Aunt is." I answered. Alex excused themselves and sat down, and we sat with them, Selene and I next to each other. It was so nice seeing a friend from home again. "What happened to your leg?"

"I got into a bad argument with my Mom and rode off. Ended up breaking my leg. We're good now, but Mom's grounded me for running away and locked my motorcycle in the trailer." She tapped her cast. "Not that I could ride it anyway."

"So you're tied to your Mom until your leg heals and you're ungrounded." I crossed my arms. "That's rough buddy."

"Yeah." Alex shrugged. "Pretty rough, but it's not all bad. We're getting to spend some quality time together . Y'know I got her to watch SpaceTrek, we've been binging it from the beginning, she really likes it."

"Sweet!" I clapped. "Selene and I are doing the same." "It's a very entertaining show." Selene added. "Oh." She stood. "Is that your mother coming this way?" "It is." Alex nodded. "Don't worry, you can still sit down. There's enough chairs for everyone."

"Alex." Their mom approached with two large cups of pistachio gelato. "They were out of Hazelnut, so I got pistachio." "Thanks." Alex smiled. "Mom, this is Nora, my friend from work." The woman's soft eyes reminded me of the photo of my grandmother. In fact, if I hadn't known she was Alex's mother, I would've believed she was a Rose Quartz. She had the size and build of one. All she needed was pink hair. "So you're Nora. It's nice to finally meet you. Alex has told me so much about you." "Really?" I glanced at Alex. "What have they told you?"

" All good things, sweetheart. Mostly that you're very nice and kind young lady."She had a husky voice with a sweetness to it. I liked it, it made her sounded motherly but not in a stereotypical way, but like a wolf guarding her cubs.

"Alex and I love watching SpaceTrek, it's kinda our thing. We talk about it all the time at work and we also like Legendary SwordQuest."

"She's a big fan." Alex added. "We're both nerds."

"Big nerds."

"That's so nice." Their mother sat next Alex. "I'm thrilled you both clicked at work. You should hang out together when Nora comes home."

"Mom." Alex shrugged.

"What? I'm only saying it's good to make friends." Her laugh instantly reminded me of the old videos of my grandparents. "I'm glad you're safe and sound honey. It's great to have someone watching your back." She winked at Selene.

"Are you staying in Beach City?" Selene asked. "For the time being." Alex's mom replied. "Until Alex is out of their cast, I'm thinking it might be safer back home, but you never know, with all these sightings." Selene and I darted a look at each other.

"Unauthorized robonoids, rogue drones. " The woman explained. "Nothing outright dangerous but still sketchy as fudge. The cops are investigating, but they say we shouldn't worry. Just stay alert and report anything sus." She thrummed her hands on her hip. "Looks like a good time to take the old bat out again eh Lex?"

"Mom, we're not supposed to hit those things." Alex chuckled. "What good will that do if they fly off?" Their Mom quipped.

"Your mother is right." Selene clenched her fist. "Those robonoids are dangerous if provoked, and the drones will record any attack to their owner." I took her hand. "I was foolish to think they'd be localized to this town."

"Do you know what they are Selene?" Alex asked. " Mom and I think they're part of a secret government project." Selene put a hand to her clenched throat. "They're sentry droids from a rogue Gem colony in space. " I answered in her stead. "Ruled by an old war general who wants to recreate the Diamond empire and reclaim what was once her's. There's a prophecy among them saying I'm the one who'll destroy her empire so I'm number one on her hit list."

Mother and child stared at me with wide eyes. "That's way crazier than a government conspiracy." Alex remarked. "Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction." Selene sighed as if holding her breath. "We must alert the Gems. They need to know this is going on beyond Beach City."

"Will we be safe here?" Sheena's mother asked concerned, putting her hand on her child's shoulder. "Yes." Selene assured. "You'll be safe home too. The drones are not after you, as long as you don't provoke them you'll be fine. Just report their location to the authorities."

"Got it." Alex gave a thumbs up. "Hey, I think your Aunt's coming this way."

"Nora, Selene." Aunt Pearl approached cheerfully. "I was wondering where you were. I got a coupon for the next time we come  for gelato. By one get one free! Isn't that sweet?"  The moment she saw Alex's mom, her smile dropped, and she gawked at the tall husky woman as my paternal grandma come back to life. "Sheena?" She gaped covering her mouth.

"Pearl?" Alex's mom stood straight up in her seat. "Is that really you?"

"It is." Pearl spoke in a muted tone.

"What the frig." Alex murmured to me. "I don't know." I whispered. "I'm just as confused as you are."

Sheena towered over my aunt. " I can't believe it. It's been such a long time. Damn girl you haven't aged a bit. Love your new style. It screams 'cool mom'."

"Thanks.." Pearl made a dorky smile. "You haven't  aged either, you did change your hair color but I love the highlights."

"Eh I needed a change. Thanks." She sighed and rubbed her head. "It's been what thirty something years since we last saw each other?  I can't believe it's been so long. Sorry I lost touch."

"There's nothing to apologize for. " Pearl smiled with a warm gaze. "Life happens. I'm glad we're here now. What a sweet surprise to see you again!

"Same!"

"Wait a minute. You know her aunt Pearl!?" I blurted out.

"Yeah Mom, explain!" Alex gaped. "How do you know my coworker's aunt?"

Pearl and Sheena laughed in unison. "Nora, Selene. This is Sheena, we were close friends a long time ago."

"Close friends?" Sheena cocked her brow. "We were more than that. We started out dating."

"WHAT!?" Alex and I screamed in unison, making Selene jump in her seat.

"Yeah, it was a while ago." Sheena explained. " We met at a garage concert in Ocean Town. Remember that Pearl, you ran a red light to catch up with me?

"How could I forget?" Pearl laughed with a blush on her cheeks. "It was a miracle I lost the cops and I hid the car not very far from the concert. By the fate of the stars you were there!"

"Excuse me!?" My jaw dropped. "You ran a red light and got chased by the cops!?

"Hahaha right! I helped you push that Dondai all the way to the nearest gas station. What a workout, it's a good thing it wasn't only me doing the heavy loading, your buds were there to help us."

"Mom what the actual frick!" Alex gaped. "I never heard any of this!"

"It was long time ago honey." Sheena said. "Before I met your father."

"Obviously." Alex snorted. "Nora did you know your aunt and my mom were a thing?"

"Not a damn clue until now!"

"This day just went from 0 to 180 really fast."

"Welcome to my life."

Sheena rubbed her head. "Jeez I'm getting way ahead of myself." She wrapped her arm around Alex. "Pearl this is the love of my life. My child Alex, they work at the Orchard with Nora."

"Oh, how wonderful." Aunt Pearl stroked my hair. "Nora is my niece. Steven's daughter. You remember him, right?" "Oh yeah." Sheena recalled. "The little Starboy. Gosh he has a kid now?" She chuckled huskily. "Who am I kidding. So do I."

" Crazy how our kids know each other so well." Pearl laughed lighthearted. " Nora told me about a friendly coworker she got along with, I never in a million years would believe they were your offspring."

"I know." Sheena chuffed. "Small world, right?"

"Small indeed."

Chapter Text

Sheena invited us over to her RV home at Beach City's trailer park. "Can we Aunt Pearl?" I asked, wanting to talk with Alex. "Sure." My aunt responded. " It'll be nice to reconnect with an old friend, and you can hang out with Alex."

"Great!" Sheena patted her child's back. Sheena and Alex's RV was parked near by the creek at the edge of the woods, away from the busy lot of other mobile homes. We sat beneath the RV's awning, a bowl of snacks and soda on the table, as we chatted like good chums. "Normally I'd stick to my words about not having friends visit when you're grounded, but hey. It's not everyday you run into an old bud you haven't seen in decades."

"Old bud?" Alex rose their brow. " Apparently you were both dating at some point." "And apparently my aunt was more of a rebel than I thought." I gave her a mock suspicious look. "You ran a red light and away from the cops! I'm sorry! I can get fighting for the freedom of earth, but breaking the laws of the road? There's gotta be an interesting story behind it."

"Oh it's not that interesting." Aunt Pearl blushed. "I went to a garage concert with Amethyst and your Dad. I met Sheena when we stopped on our way to get non alcoholic drinks for the road." "You were such an awkward turtle." Sheena laughed. "It was kinda endearing. I didn't think I'd see you again until I passed you on my motorcycle......" The rest of the story was no doubt, the craziest thing I ever heard. I mean.. this was Aunt Pearl I'm hearing about. A Gem who always drives at the speed limit and made sure I didn't stay up after nine on school nights, and I thought my Grandma's secrets were insane!

"Did you start dating afterward?" Selene asked. "Yes." Aunt Pearl responded. "We were together for a couple of months when we both realized we weren't compatible with each other. It was during the time when the rest of the Gems finally knew the truth of your grandmother's identity and the fallout from that. I was trying to figure who I am. I...didn't want to feel like I was bound to someone else."

"It was totally okay." Sheena said in her soft voice. "You were dealing with a lot and our relationship was already started to fizz out, so we broke it off and stayed friends instead. I think that really helped you at the time. We didn't need to be a pair."

"That was really sweet of you Mom." Alex smiled. "And it worked out in the long run because eventually you met Dad." "Right." Sheena smiled. "You have a husband Sheena?" Pearl asked. "Well...technically a partner. We never believed in the whole marriage thing but then I got pregnant with Alex and we both agreed it'd be the best thing for them. Money and stuff." Her smile faded. "He was killed in a motorcycle accident when Alex was a few months old. Hit by a drunk driver. That was the toughest time of my life but I had a support group with the biker gang my husband was part of."

"I know how it feels to go through such a loss." Pearl said melancholy. "If it weren't for Steven and my family, I wouldn't know how I'd go through it." "We really owe them a lot." Alex nodded. "They helped Mom raise me. I still affectionately call them my dads, we're close as family to this day. Y'know, Mom always said she found another love of her life after Dad passed and it was me. Different love of course, but still love." Sheena wrapped her arm around Alex and hugged them. "Mom come on! My friend is here!"

"Don't worry, I still think you're cool." I winked. "Thanks Nora."

"No prob! Aunt Pearl found love again too." "I can see." Sheena looked at my Aunt's wedding ring. "Whos' the lucky gal?" "Bismuth. The forgemaster from Little Homeschool." "Oh I remember her!" Sheena laughed. "She's awesome!" I said happily. "I was the flower girl for her wedding and we had a glow stick dance party!" I rolled up my sleeve. "She made me this bracelet that activates a shield, and she forged my sword from Ionian damascus steel."

"Really?" Sheena said. "That's pretty sick, you have a really amazing aunt Nora. I'm relieved you have weapons to defend yourself, especially with those crooks after you." My hands flashed Pink. "Crooks?" "You don't mean to say...." Selene clenched her fists.

"You didn't tell them Alex?" Sheena stared at them urgently. "I was gonna." Alex turned to us. "Remember I said I broke my leg? Well I broke it when I fell in a pitfall trap by two Gems hiding out in the state park."

Aunt Pearl's eyes flashed with a protective intensity. "What Gems?"

"Aragonite and Gypsum." Alex confirmed to my horror and disbelief. " Never met them before but apparently they have some kinda beef with you. They held me captive awhile before letting me go."

"They held you captive!?" Aunt Pearl gasped.

"You didn't tell them anything about Nora did you?" Selene glared daggers at Alex. "Not a thing." Alex reassured. "I just told them stuff about how humans and Gems are more alike than we think.After that they took me to the nearest gas station and plopped me there. That's the last I saw of them." She held her cast. "They might still be in the woods. I haven't called the park rangers,

"Nora, are you alright?" Selene held my hand. I gripped the fidget toy in my pocket. "Why would Aragonite and Gypsum just let you go like that?" "I told them what they wanted to hear." Alex tried to sound casual. "Again, nothing about you. I think I might've struck a chord in them when I spoke about love. Those two are hooked to each other."

"They are indeed." Selene nodded. "Aragonite and Gypsum share a deep bond and love each other immensely." She touched her gem as if to summon her arm cannon. "We need to alert the Gems. If they're this close we can capture them, before they cause any more trouble."

Chapter Text

I dodged a shot from the training drone, striking back with a beam. It was like a game of tennis, or battling the Demon Lord boss in Legendary SwordQuest. I kept hitting the harmless bolt back at the drone.

"Ouch!" I snapped when an acorn struck me in the noggin, screaming while dodging a bolt . Getting back on focus I volleyed the attacks . Another acorn knocked me in the head. "Hey!" I wheeled around snarling at the tree. "Cut it out!" I felt a static shock in my back when the drone hit me. "End training!" I commanded the drone, it deactivated and teleported back to Cloud Arena. "Dumb squirrels." I muttered, staring at the treetops. "They're getting rowdy."

An acorn hit me in the forehead. "Amethyst!"I glared at the purple squirrel chattering on a branch. "What's your deal? I'm training here!" Amethyst skittered down the tree and changed into her Gem form. " I know."

"Then why were you hitting me!?"

"You looked super focused."

"That's cause I was and you broke me out of it! I got hit, if that was a real enemy I'd be dead. You can't interrupt me when I'm training." I huffed, practicing my sword on the training dummy Aunt Bismuth brought me to practice on. Amethyst knocked the training dummy down. "Dude what the hell!?" I seethed.

"Look Beans, I'm gonna be honest with you." Amethyst stood in front of me. " You're overworking yourself. Ever since that recon mission in space, you've been training 24/7. It's not good for you Nora."

"I have to." I huffed, sheathing my sword in its scabbard."The Remnant is coming and I need to be prepared. When things get bad I need to be able to defend myself and the people I love."

"How are you gonna do that if you wear yourself out?"

"I take breaks." I explained. "I also got a protein shake stored in Bear's fur to keep my muscles going." "It's still a lot." Amethyst replied concerned. "You shouldn't have to work yourself like warrior training for a big war. Whatever happens with the Remnant, you're not gonna face it alone."

"I know." I sighed. "I just need to stay in top shape and be ready for it in case I am alone, or I need to step up and protect someone." I touched the shard on my chest. "I never want to see someone hurt while trying to protect me ever again. Especially now, when after all this time Aragonite and Gypsum have been hiding under our noses." A police force was sent out into the state forest intent on poofing them bringing them to justice. My parents along with Aunt Garnet and Aunt Bismuth accompanied them. "I still can't believe they wouldn't let me go with them. Do they still think I can't stand my ground? What good is all this training if I can never use it?"

My blood pulsed and Amethyst bumped me with a smirk. "Why would you wanna go anyway? With the toughest Gems on the hunt, they'll just kill-steal from you anyway, you wouldn't even get a chance to show your stuff."

"True." I unsheathed my sword. "But I still gotta practice." "Hey." Amethyst grabbed my hand holding the pommel. "Enough training. You need a break. Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation." "Fine." I grumbled. "What do you wanna do?" 'Let's head to the arcade. I wanna kick your butt in air hockey."

"In your dreams." I grinned. "Let's go!"

The arcade turned out to very crowded . Too crowded, people pressed close in my space where I felt uncomfortable, and I couldn't take my focus off the dozens of clamoring voices in a small building. It was like listening to different radio stations all at the same time." "I don't like this." I rapidly stimmed my foot. "It's too loud, TOO LOUD!!!" I covered my ears and my skin blazed pink. People turned and stared, making my veins pulse.

"It's okay Nora! We'll go somewhere else." Amethyst came to my aid and offered her hand. I took it and we walked outside, finding a quiet place away from people to sit and cool down. "I'm so sorry. I should've known better when I saw it was crowded." I squeezed her hand while she was holding mine, it was my way of telling her it was okay.  I closed my eyes and rocked, letting it simmer out of me.

I felt the heaviness of a weighted blanket wrap around me.  I tucked my head into the Amethyst-Blanket, comforted and calmed by her form and her presence. "That work for you Beans?" I smiled and chuckled. It always did.

"I don't want anywhere crowded today." I murmured after letting myself recoup. 'We don't have to, we can go someplace quiet. Go back home and relax." Amethyst grimaced, rubbing her head. "I'm sorry Nora."  "It's okay, I wasn't expecting the arcade to be so packed." I raised my head. "I've got an idea. Why don't we go someplace quiet and peaceful? There's some friends I want you to meet."

....

The song of the Indigo flute played throughout the woods. "You sure this thing works?" Amethyst walked along the old dirt path. "I don't see anything?" "You're not supposed to." I stopped playing the flute. "The Floras like to blend themselves into the trees, you won't see them unless they you look very closely, or they appear to you." I resumed playing the flute, drawing the attention of the birds and butterflies. I felt like a fairy in the forest, playing a magic flute walking side by side with a pink bear.

"At least we can enjoy a calming walk." I put the flute away. "I feel so much better in the quiet calm of nature." Bear opened his jaws in a yawn as if agreeing with me. "I'm glad." Amethyst said. "It's been a while since I've walked in these woods." I felt the buzz in my pocket from a text alert. I took my phone out. "It's Selene. She's done with the tour of Universe Academy."

"You mean Little Homeschool." Amethyst pointed out. "Yeah, only people living in the county still call it that. It's not little school anymore. It's a big campus for all Gems learning how to live on Earth." Selene sent me a picture from Aunt Pearl's phone. A selfie of her and my aunt with Selene holding her new ID card. Say hello to Universe Academy's newest student!

I texted back with a smile and a heart.

"I'm glad she's enrolled in school." Amethyst said. "It'll help her find her place on Earth. I know she's been here for awhile, but all this time she's been focused on stopping the Remnant and protecting you." She rubbed my shoulder. "No offense." "None taken. You're right, it'll give her a chance to find her own path once this is all over." I put the phone in my pocket after texting they both looked gorgeous. "It'll also give her something to focus on when I go back to school. She's been with me since she regenerated, it's gonna be hard for her not having me around all the time."

"Right." Amethyst agreed. "Wait, so you are going back to school at the end of the month?"

"Yes." I said eagerly. "My parents told me I would. Mom said it would be good for me to have a normal routine, and my education is critical. Especially when I'm heading into Junior year, very important year." I tapped my foot. "I'm actually very excited about it. Going back to school. Going home. Having a normal routine again. It's gonna be great, but in the meantime..."

Bear suddenly yanked me away with his jaws. "Woah!" I stumbled back. "Bear what the heck!? What was that for?" "Something's wrong." Amethyst pulled out her whip. "What's wrong buddy?" Bear shuffled around the small clearing before us, hackles on his back raised making sharp, ragged huffs. "He senses something." I gripped the hilt of my sword. "Bear, come over here!" I whistled.

Bear didn't listen, standing full height on his hind and roared down at the ground. The ground collapsed into a gaping pitfall spanning the entire length of the clearing. "Whoa, good save!" Amethyst gasped. "Thanks buddy!" Bear growled and lumbered back into the woods. "Hey, where you going?"

"Probably smelled some berries. He's got a strong nose, he sensed the ground was empty." I murmured amazed, inching towards the edge of the pitfall. "Nora don't get close!" Amethyst tugged my arm. "I'm not." I looked into the pit. "That's a good eight foot drop, anyone falling into that could've gotten seriously hurt."

"Good thing Bear had the super senses." Amethyst narrowed her eyes. "We should go home, Beans. This hole wasn't made naturally, see how the walls are curved? Someone dug this out and filled it in as a trap." "Who would do that? Hunting's illegal in these woods, and that traps big enough to catch an elephant." A ripple went down my spine. I didn't even think it, my instincts acted. I wheeled around and lashed my sword. The beam cleared the trees and knocked down the assailant hovering behind me.

"Our little mouse has grown teeth!" Aragonite snarled, brushing herself off and rising up. " Aragonite are you all right!?" Gypsum appeared like an apparition from the trees. "I am." Aragonite grunted. "Quick! Lock her in place, we have them both cornered!!" Bear roared from across the pitfall. "Nora." Amethyst summoned her whip. "Run." I didn't move. "Amethyst stuck her whip at the larger Gem. "Here for a rematch?"

Aragonite's laugh shook the trees. " Without your friends, off color? It'll hardly be a match." Amethyst could have easily bowled her over with a well aimed spin dash, but she wouldn't leave me open to attack. "Nora run!" I didn't listen, heart pounding against my ribcage and breath heavy. Just as in the Genesis machine, I was frozen in place by my own fear.

 Amethyst lashed her whip at my feet. "Get outta here!" I jolted, fumbling for my sword when Aragonite lifted Amethyst by the shirt and tossed her against a tree.  She hit with a hard thud. "Amethyst!" The Gem lay stunned. Aragonite pushed me near the edge of the pit with a devious grin. "What's wrong, half-blood, afraid to fight  me?"  I held up my shield as she continuously struck down with her blade. "Just as I thought. " Aragonite taunted. "You're scared. The shield dispersed with  a powerful strike. I finally got the sense to unsheathe my sword. I barely made a mark on her. 

"Is this all little Diamond? How pathetic. Your mother put up a better fight." She knocked the sword out of my hand with a fell swipe of her own blade. "You think you're the hero, but you're really  just a child playing swords.  Tanzanite's worried over nothing. Why should she be afraid of a whimpering little defect of a human like you?" 

Terror was replaced by rage and  I lunged at Aragonite with a photon blast. I forgot Turquoise's key lesson, never leave yourself open. Aragonite punched me in the gut, and I collapsed doubling over heaving for breath. "Nora!" Amethyst recollected herself, springing quickly onto her feet, dodging Gypsum's shots and ramming into Aragonite with her spin dash.

"Nora, lets go!" Amethyst yanked my arm. Aragonite charged, only to be knocked back by a sonic roar and a mass of claws and teeth.  "Bear!"  Bear pinned the great Gem to the ground, clawing and gnashing her with his with his teeth as she struggled to break loose. "Get off of her  you mangy fleabag!" Gypsum screamed enraged, flexing her hand to paralyze him. "Ah!"  A sword beam sent her careening back. "Bear come on!" I whistled. Bear swiftly leapt off his captive and charged our direction.  Grabbing Amethyst I leapt onto his back, closing my  eyes when he roared through a portal. 

Chapter Text

Bear warped us to a deeper part of the woods on the border of Delmarva State forest, crashing through the trees as though we were being chased. We weren't, thankfully  enough, Amethyst peered back and saw nobody behind us. Still Bear raced on, trees blurring passed us while his lungs thundered beneath my chest. I didn't notice, my eyes shut tight as I gripped Bear's neck, wanting to run to the ends of the Earth to get away from them.

"Nora tell Bear to stop, we lost them!" Her voice faint in my ears.

"Nora!!"

I screamed when Amethyst touched my arm, startling Bear to a skidding halt throwing us from his back. Amethyst ran to my aid before catching herself and slowing down. "Are you hurt?" I shook my head, taking her hand and she helped me up. Thunder rumbled above and the sky darkened with grey. I smelled the rain as we were riding but was too stricken to think about it. Now it poured down in heavy droplets. Bear shook himself and I raised my arm summoning a large pink shield to cover us from the rain.

"Good thinking Beans." Amethyst smiled. "Let's find some shelter. Bear, can you sniff us out a place to stay?" Bear opened his jaws with a groan . Riding on his back Bear loped through the rainy forest, nostrils flaring as he tried picking up a scent . He stopped suddenly, turning around and lumbered off to the north to the foot of a small mountain.

"Fine something Bud?" Amethyst asked when we dismounted Bear. Bear reared up and sniffed the side of the mountain's rock face, clawing at it like a dog. The screech beneath his claws wasn't of stone.

"What?" Amethyst furrowed her brows. Bear reared up and roared an ancient Gem door clean open, shuffling inside. We stared at each other questioningly before ducking inside. At least it would shield us from the rain.

The inside was dark and smelled of mold and cold metal. Bear shook his fur dry and nosed my shoulder. I smiled and wrapped my arm around his head. I instantly knew we weren't in a natural space. Illuminating a photon orb, I marveled at the ancient glyphs running across the ceiling. "Era One." I murmured, speaking for the first time since fleeing the rogues. "What do you think this was?"

"No idea." Amethyst tugged my hand. " Nora. Let's sit tight while we wait out the rain. We don't know what else is in here." I nodded without protest. We huddled together against Bear, listening to the rain patter against the walls.

"It was all for nothing."

"What are you talking about?" Amethyst turned to me, shock running through her eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Everything I trained for was for nothing!" I screamed with tears blinding my sight. " I spent hours training  so I could fight  when my enemies came, and when it finally happened, I froze! Just like I did on Mask Island! I couldn't even think of anything I learned from Mom or Turquoise. I just stood there!"

" Nora, you were scared! "Amethyst consoled me. "Anyone would've been scared stiff by those two."

" Being afraid is one thing. I shouldn't be scared to the point of standing paralyzed." I clenched my fist. "It's not what a real warrior would do."

Amethyst frowned. "Nora,  you think you're a warrior?"

I wiped my eyes, still crying. "I have to be. A tyrannical Empire  wants my head on a stick because of a stupid prophecy! I don't want to be a hero but I have no choice. Tanzanite's after me and the fate of everything my family worked for is at stake.  I have to be strong! I have to fight! ' Cause if I don't we could lose Earth , and the people I love will get hurt!"  I touched the shard at my chest. "They already have."

My skin glows pink beneath the simmering teardrops.  "So yes, I am a warrior, the crappiest warrior that has ever existed. If I can't stand up to Aragonite and Gypsum, how am I ever gonna stop Tanzanite and her Galactic Freaking Armada from raining down Hell on the entire planet!?"

I started scratching my arms raw, something I  did when I was extremely stressed. Normally I'd have a stim toy or gadget to channel out my frustrations, but given the situation I didn't have one on me. "Nora stop!" Amethyst grabbed my hands pulled them away. "You're gonna hurt yourself!  Look at my gem and breathe. It's okay, I promise it's gonna be okay." She set the palm on my hands on her gemstone. I clutched it firmly, its calm calm pulse thrumming through my fingers. Touching a Gem's stone was considered an act of pure love and trust. How couldn't it be? You're literally touching a Gem's most vulnerable spot, like holding a human's beating heart in your hands. Amethyst had figured long ago it was a guaranteed  way to sooth me out of an oncoming meltdown. I can't really explain it, it was just calming, even without the gemstone pulsing like a living heartbeat.

"Th-thanks." I shuddered. Amethyst smiled clutching my hands. " No problem Beans." She made eye contact with me, moving her hand on my shoulder. "You gotta stop thinking you're alone in this fight. You're not. You've got your family and friends beside you through all of it, people who love you and will stick with you to the end, and quit saying you're not a warrior. You are. You fought every single struggle in your life like a champ and beat 'em all. So stop beating yourself up, because you are the strongest person I know." Amethyst smiled. " And I'll stand with you through and through." She lifted her palm up and got a hug.
"You're the best."

"You bet I am!" Amethyst laughed, squeezing me tight with a wonderfully warm Quartz hug. "Y'know I love you, right?"

"Yup." I snuggled her. "And I love you too."

Bear roared and nuzzled his head between us. "You too buddy!" I hugged him.

I shot up hearing the familiar whoosh of a portal opening. "It's Gypsum." I shuddered, terror flooding back to me. "We'll beat 'em this time." Amethyst drew out her whip. Bear growled flexing his claws. I felt my legs turn to Jell-O. "It's okay, we'll kick their butts together." A bold idea flashed through my mind. "Together." Amethyst darted me an odd look. "What are you thinking Beans?"

"They're more powerful than us, but if we combine our strength....." I clapped my hands together. Amethyst got it, her pupils narrowed in a shocking stare. "Dude, are you sure?" I nodded confidently. "I've done it before, and I trust you. Do you trust me?"

Amethyst clutched my hand with her gemstone glowing. " Right by your side."

I sniffled with a smile. The shard glowing like a dragon's scale. "No matter what."

"No matter what."

                                                                         …..

They only had to follow the bear tracks. Aragonite and Gypsum pursued their quarry through the pouring rain, intent of finishing their mission for good. " I hate this  planet." Aragonite sneezed. "We should take shelter and wait for the weather to pass."

"You said it yourself if we don't keep going, we could lose their tracks to the rain." Gypsum said. "We just have to hold out a little longer." "But what about you?" Aragonite asked her lover concerned . "You look just as miserable as I do." 

"I'll be fine dear." Gypsum assured, she always loved how Aragonite cared for her, truly cared for her unlike how the rest of the Remnant did. "Once we nab the halfblood, we'll be back home again and rid of this planet forever." She said this with a hesitance in her voice. She'd never admit this to Aragonite, but she admired Earth. Unknown to her, Aragonite felt the same way.

Gypsum's teleportation helped them cover more ground, following the tracks to a small  mountain covered with moss and brush. "They're inside the cave." Aragonite growled, spotting Nora and Amethyst's tracks. "Do what you want with the defective Amethyst, but remember, we need Nora alive."

A loud boisterous laugh echoed from the inside of the cave. "I'd love to see you goons try!" The rogues were caught off guard by the voice of an unfamiliar Gem. "A hermit?" Aragonite questioned.  "It doesn't matter." She called out to the cave opening. "Listen here! You are harboring a fugitive, give her to us and you'll be greatly rewarded!"

"Naaaah I don't think so."

"You impudent grunt!!" Aragonite seethed. "We know she's in there! Relinquish her to us and maybe I won't shatter you!"

"Buck off!" 

"That's it." Aragonite snarled." We're coming in there, your bubbled shards will make a fine gift to Tanzanite!"  

"Try me you lunkhead!"

Aragonite charged like an musth-riddled elephant only to be knocked down flat by a spin dash. "Aragonite!" Gypsum screamed. The sphere unfurled revealing a grey-violet Gem with Nora's height and Amethyst's build. She wore black pants, boots and a purple jacket over a black crop top. Flowing black hair covered her eye, and on her chest bared an Amethyst stone and single Pearl shard.

"Impossible!" Gypsum stared in utter shock. "No way they could've fused!"

" You better believe it!" The new Gem smirked.

(Big thanks to  DoresTheSapphire  for this awesome art!)

"Heheh not bad." The Fusion overlooked herself. "Not bad at all." Her sharp sonorous voice brimmed with the proud confidence of Nora and Amethyst combined. "Knew they'd create the sum of their best parts." She eyed the Remnant Gems with a cocky smile. "And you thought you'd try your chance with them? Defective hah! Honey, you have no idea who you're messing with!"

"You don't frighten us, fusion!" Gypsum seethed and shot her crossbow at her. "Iolite's the name." Her multi flailed sword-whip struck down the crossbow bolt. "And beating troublesome goons is my game!" Aragonite dusted herself off and bared her sword. "I'll take this one!" Bear reared up and roared, knocking Aragonite  back. From Nora's knowledge Iolite took the advantage and struck continuously with her sword-whip not giving her a chance to attack. 

"Woah!" She dodged a shot from Gypsum's crossbow, Bear charged at roared, keeping her at bay while Aragonite saw the chance to smack her blade down on Iolite's head. Iolite raised her arm and activated her shield, the sword hit with a resonating clang. "You're only this strong because you're fused." Aragonite pushed back. "So what if I am?" Iolite stood her ground. "You say that like it's a bad thing!" With her other arm she stuck Aragonite's legs with her weapon and tossed her into the air.

Iolite spin dashed upwards, knocking Aragonite all over the air like a pinball machine before unfurling with a wily smirk. "Catch ya later!" She punched the hunter with a glowing aura fist, sending her foe flying over the horizon with a distant twinkle.  Iolite floated to the ground and dusted off her hands. 

"How dare you!!" Gypsum raged, avoiding Bear's jaws and claw swipes. "I will blast you into the cosmos!!!" She shot her crossbow at the Fusion. "Right back at ya!" Iolite deflected the beam arrow with her shield. It didn't hit Gypsum directly but slammed bear her feet, sending a loud blast. "This isn't oveeeeeeeeeeerrrrr!!!!!" Gypsum scream as she sailed over the horizon, vanishing with a twinkle.

"Oh but it is." Iolite laughed. Bear reared up and roared triumphantly. "Shouldn't have any more trouble from them for a while. Hopefully they're smart enough not to show their faces around here again." Iolite touched the gemstones of her components. "Amethyst was right, Nora doesn't have to fight this alone. We're stronger together."

She turned her head at a feline roar. Lion leapt through a portal with Pearl and Selene on his back.  Garnet standing beside them with her gauntlets. "Nora we heard Bear's roar are you okay? I sensed your distress and followed  our link! What is going on here!? Where are -." Selene's words drifted off in a gasp, seeing the back of an unknown Gem. Iolite turned around. "Hey. Don't worry I got them. Sent them flying across state lines!" The Gems dismounted Lion. "Oh my stars..." Pearl's pupils shrunk in complete disbelief. "Nora!? Amethyst!?"  Garnet said nothing.

"Hi guys. Name's Iolite, pleasure to meet ya!" She smiled and winked. Nora's parents gaped at  her completely stupefied. "What's wrong?" Iolite cocked her head. "Something in my teeth?" She tapped her foot nervously.

"You've done it again." Selene whispered under her breath. Pearl cried in joyous dramatic tears. "My baby!!"  Garnet kept her emotions in check, walking up slowly and hugging the fusion. "I'm so proud of you." Iolite flinched, but a proud smile crept across her face.  As she told of her victory against the Remnant Gems, she didn't' notice Selene standing at the side, looking partly away with her hand clutched on her gem.

Chapter Text

I warped onto the statue's hand for respite. My brain needed a cool down, after unfusing from Iolite my senses went into overdrive, and I ran up the stairs onto the main warp. I would be fine, I just needed time away from the hustle and bustle..

I jolted hearing the warp pad activate. "Selene." I felt my chest warm up. "Hey." "I wanted to check on you." The black Pearl said quietly. "If you need me to leave I understand." "No. You can stay." I replied, offering her my hand. 

We held hands together as we watched the ocean. "Sucks this happens every time I fuse." I said after some time had passed. "Mom says it's the way my brain's wired, it's more than normal input when my entire mind and body separates after becoming another being. Like unplugging an electrical chord and plugging it back in again, when the light go on it's like *fwish!*, everything comes back at once."

"Then maybe you shouldn't fuse." I winced back hearing the sharpness in Selene's voice. 

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound harsh." She walked to the other side of the hand, and leaned her arms against the railing. "Selene, what's wrong?" I stood next to her. "Nothing Nora."

"I know it's not nothing. I can sense your emotions too remember? Our connection's not a one way thing." Selene shrugged, taking a deep breath. "I don't like you fusing." She probably worried I'd be upset by her honesty, I wasn't at all. "I understand. I wish I didn't heighten my  SPD, but I've learned how to manage it, I just gotta unfuse in a place that's quiet."

"It's not that." Selene said firmly. "Nora, I don't like the feeling of losing you. When you fuse, you become another Gem and I can't sense you anymore. I can't feel you there, if you're happy or sad, if you're safe. I'm connected to a stranger that has part of you in them."

She placed her hand on mine. "It's also me being selfish, you're part of me Nora,  I don't want to share you with anyone."

I was taken aback. "Selene. I never knew you felt this way the whole time. I promise, I won't do it with anyone else anymore."

"No!" Selene barked sharply. "I don't want you doing that for me. Fusion is an incredible experience you are now gifted with, and I don't want to take that away from you. It's a chance for you to bond with your family and people who love you. Do not let my jealousy keep you from achieving that. Just promise me this, whoever your fusion is at the time, please remember how much you mean to me, and that we are still part of each other no matter what."

" I promise." I pulled Selene close and kissed her. Selene sunk into me, her lips melted into mine with an equal passion. 

"Hey Rosebud!" Dad appeared on the activated warp pad with a cheerful ignorance.  We quickly broke away trying to act cool. "Dad!" I murmured flustered. "What are you doing up here?" 

"I have great news Nora." Dad held up a poster of Keystone with a star eyed smile "You and me are going on a road trip!!"

Chapter Text

" Say what!?" I gripped my hand on the railing.

"A road trip!" Dad repeated with childlike glee. "We're gonna go to Keystone, see some cool sights, eat brunch at The Best Diner in the World, and a secret surprise at the end. It's gonna be a fantastic, great summer getaway before the start of school. Aren't you excited?"

"No!" I stomped my foot, my blood pressure skyrocketing. "You can't just drop something on me like this!" My brain felt like a computer about to crash. "I know it's all sudden." Dad raised his palms. "But don't worry, I've got it all planned out. I wrote down the itinerary so you can read it and know exactly what we're doing-"

"Dad we can't leave Beach City!" I exclaimed. "The Remnant is out there and Tanzanite's forces are getting closer. Aragonite and Gypsum are still at large, they could be anywhere right now! I need to stand and be ready with my family if our enemy shows itself."

"That's exactly why I'm doing this." Dad persisted. "Nora, you're getting way too involved in Gem stuff, and Gem stuff is finding you. I think It'll be good if you're away from all of this for a little bit."

"The whole reason you brought me here was to get away from it." I snapped irritated. "And it still followed me! Why can't you just stop trying to run? I'm a strong fighter now, a true Crystal Gem . Let me fight my own battles."

"You may be a Crystal Gem, but you're human too." Dad persisted. " Humans need breaks.  Come on, it'll be a fun father-daughter bonding trip, and I've got a nice surprise at the end that you'll love."

"I don't care." My skin flashed pink. "You can't just uproot me again and not tell me anything about it! You know how it's difficult for me to handle abrupt changes like this!" My hands pulsed, and quickly warped off the hand. Ignoring the surprise calls as I ran outside power walking across the length of the beach, clawing my infinity clay in my pocket.

"He's such a clod." I started pacing like a tiger in a small cage. "Why did he even think it was a good idea? He knows the danger out there and he wants to have family fun time on mini vacation which I know is gonna suck? Count me out!" I punched loose rocks of the side of the cliff. "And even if the whole planet wasn't under threat of a galactic overload, he knows better than to spring something like this on me! I can't just leave, what about Turquoise? What about training with Aunt Pearl too? Messes up my entire plans! Screws my brain!"

Bear clawed  through a portal Mom riding on his back. "Nora." "No!" I wrung my fingers, pacing faster. "I had to walk away! I'm sorry! He makes me so mad!" "I know." Mom replied softly, approaching me. "Shh. It's okay. I'm not mad. I told him to approach that better." Bear shoved himself into my face. I wrapped my arms around his thick muscular neck and buried my face into his fur. "Good Bear." Bear chuffed, letting me pet him, running my fingers in his fluffy pink fur.

"What a good boy." Mom smiled. Bear opened his jaws wide and reared onto his hind legs. Pulling me into a literal bear hug. My giggles muffled by his fur. "You're like a fluffy cloud that smells like roses." Bear lowered on all fours, gently resting the tip of his fuzzy muzzle on my shoulder. "He  loves you Nora."

"He does." I nudged him. "Turquoise says he loved me from the moment I revived him. She told me he sees me as his cub." "I'm sure he does." Mom chuckled. "I know Lion does too. As for me, I  already know you're my fierce cub." She offered her hand and we touched palms.

"So, what in my Great Aunties' name gave Dad the idea to drag me on a road trip?"

Mom laughed. "You know your Dad, he wants to make everyone happy." Mom smiled lifting her shoulders. " His heart's in the right place, and it wouldn't be so bad leaving Beach City for a couple of days. Change of scenery you know?" She held my hand. "In all honesty Nora, he wants to spend more time with you."

"He could do that here." I crossed my arms. "Why does he have to drag me on the road on a stupid vacation?" "He's worried Nora." Mom said softly. "The Remnant Gems being at large is the big thing, but he's also worried you're getting far too deep into this warrior mindset. You've been training a lot."

I realized he was saying the same concerns as Amethyst. (Though Amethyst was way less infuriating and didn't nearly trigger a meltdown.) He might be an annoying pain in my butt most of the times but Mom was right. His heart was in the right place.

"Nora, you should go with him. It won't be for long and if anything, you can always call me and I'll pick you up on Lion." She smirked like Garnet when she saw something good in her future vision. "Though I'd try and stick it out for the stop at the end. Your Dad's got something planned you'll love." "Fine." I relented . " The surprise better be good."

......

The 'Sea you Later' billboard whizzed behind us as we left Beach City behind. I looked out the passenger seat of the old Universe van, glumly watching the town vanish behind me. "Isn't this so exciting?" Dad said cheerfully behind the wheel. "You and me together on a father-daughter adventure!" His eyes glimmered teary. "I haven't spent one on one time with just you since you were a little girl, this is going to be fantastic. Just wait until you see all the stops we've got planned. You looked at them right?"

"I did." I responded quietly, gazing out the window. " I know you love Gem stuff so I picked Gem attractions that are safe and 100% TripViewer approved. 'The Mountains of Morps sculpture garden where all works of art are Gem made, Keystone Caverns there's some old petroglyphs in there, Geode Works, (you used to love that place!), and The Biggest Guitar in the World!"

"That's not a Gem sight."

"Yeah, but it's close to a Gem sight!" Dad.

"Can we go to that instead, or on the way?" I showed the picture of an inverted tower. " The Norwell Spire, it used to be a Crystal Gem outpost. They built it upside down to confuse enemies, but they take tours to show you around."

"Ehh I don't think that's safe."

"It's rated the top ten on TripViewer. They wouldn't have done that if it was hazardous."

"Rosebud, I think it's better for both our wellbeing if we stay away from ancient Gem sights for now." "Of course." I turned away from him and shrugged, gazing out the window with my headphones at max.  I already missed Selene and my Gems, and I hoped they'd be able to hold down the fort while I'm gone. It's only a few days. I thought to myself. And it'll be good for Selene getting used to being without me. I touched my gem shard. Even though we'll never truly be apart.

"Hey." Dad tapped my shoulder. "Take the headphones off Nora, be present. I want to see your face and hear your voice."

" I want to listen to music."

"We can listen together. I'm sure I'll groove with the hip stuff  the kids vibe with these days ." He grinned with a cool smirk. I rolled my eyes. "Fine." I linked my phone with the van's audio and the song blasted out the speakers. "You've got a great taste in music kiddo!" Dad exclaimed wit a starry smile. "Who is that?"

"It's Greta Van Fleet." I tapped my foot to the beat. "They've been around awhile. This is one of my favorites." I turned the volume up.

I've seen many people
There are so many people
Some are much younger people
And some are so old

I've seen many places
There are so many places
And where are the people going
Will they choose the road?

I did an air guitar riff and sung my heart out.

I've packed my bags and I've got my freedom
I've sacked the rules so I don't have to heed them
I'll bet on a chance if I've just got one
I'll throw out the plans and live with no burden

"Whoohoo go Nora!!" Dad pumped his fist. I flicked my hands pretending to strum the notes on my guitar.

I have but a lifetime
Seems so long but it flies by
And in the moments passing
I'll bear no load

I have yet to wander
Many miles far yonder
And with so much left to ponder
I choose the road

I've packed my bags and I've got my freedom
I've sacked the rules so I don't have to heed them
I'll bet on a chance if I've just got one
I'll throw out the plans and live with no burden

"You're fantastic Nora, I didn't know you liked this kind of music." Dad laughed jovial. "You really are a Universe." "Thanks!" I smiled for the first time since leaving Beach City. "Becky introduced me to them, she got me hooked. She actually called me earlier and asked if I was still in Beach City, she sounded bummed when I told her about the road trip but I reassured her it would only be a few days, I would be back at my Aunts' place by next week. "I felt a pang in my heart, I miss her but I know I'll see her soon.

"I think I've actually heard of them before." Dad noted. " Are they on tour now?"

"Yeah!" exclaimed. " Well technically. They're the opening act for Cosmos, my favorite band of all time! If you think Van Fleet's awesome wait until you hear Cosmos's sound. It's old school rock with  Homeworld synth and wicked visuals. The lead guitarist is a Carnelian and the drummer's an Amethyst."

"Is Cosmos a Gem band?" Dad asked.

"Mostly." I said. "Two out of four members are Gems. The two humans who formed the band are brother and sister, you're never gonna believe the inspiration for it all." I was about to explain when the guitar solo ended .

I've packed my bags and I have my freedom
I've sacked the rules so I don't have to heed them
I'll bet on a chance if I've just got one
I'll throw out the plans, live with no burden

Whoaaaaaaahhhhhhhh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

"Brava Nora! Brava!!!" Dad applauded. "You're a Rockstar!" "Thank ya!" I bowed. "Man what I'd give to see them both in concert!" "Cosmos is playing in Mountain Town this weekend, wish I had tickets but it's already sold out. They're crazy expensive anyway." I sighed, peering out the window. I wished I was doing that instead of whatever hell this mini-vacation was supposed to be.

We arrived at the Keystone Motel  later that evening . I sat in the van chatting with Selene and the Gem gang back home while Dad checked us in. I jolted hearing a knock on the window, Dad smiled twirling the room keys on his  finger. We unpacked our stuff into the small motel room, which wasn't anything special. "You sure this bed is clean?" "Sure is!" Dad gave a thumbs up after checking the bed itself. "No bedbugs here, and the sheets smell fresh outta the wash."

"There's a stain on this one." I pointed to the bed closest to the door. "Hmm looks old." Dad noted. "I'm sure it'll be fine." "I'm not sleeping on that." I refused. "What if I get a disease?" " You can't  get a disease from a bedstain Rosebud." Dad chuckled. "No worries, you can take this bed near the wall." "Thanks Dad, I feel more comfortable near a wall, that's where I usually sleep." Dad took the other bed and switched through the  TV channels. "Tomorrow we'll have breakfast at the Best Diner in the World and then we'll head to Keystone Caverns. I've never actually been to that place, should be really cool!"

"I'm sure it will be." I cocooned myself under the covers with my headphones on while listening to the SpaceTrek Fan podcast. "Goodnight Dad." "Goodnight Rosebud." Dad settled in. "Nora?" I turned around and faced him. "Yeah Dad?" "I love you." He responded softly. "So, so much." I smiled beneath the blanket. "I love you too."  I saw his chest rise and fall. "I'm so happy you're here with me."

"Mhhm." I nodded, putting on my noise canceling headphones and eye-mask. It was easier for me to fall asleep with these on, but it didn't keep me from randomly waking up in the middle of the night. "Aunt Garnet?" I gasped, seeing her sitting rigid on Dad's bed, with him nowhere to be found. "What are you doing here? Is everything okay!?"

"Calm down." Aunt Garnet clutched her shoulders  trembling.  I thought she was talking to me until I heard the different inflection in her voice. "I don't feel like forgiving Pearl!"

"You don't understand, we must."

"If you're not going to listen then you can just... go!!

I've never seen Aunt Garnet split out of anger before. "We must move past this, Ruby." Aunt Sapphire implored calmly. "She lied to us so we'd form Sardonyx!" Aunt Ruby cried. "She tricked us; don't you feel used?!"

 "What are you talking about?" I scratched my head puzzled. My aunts argued as if I wasn't there.  "You're choosing to take it personally. Ruby." Sapphire responded in a calm monotone, unflinching to her wife's outbursts." It's FUSION, Sapphire!" Aunt Ruby jumped to her feet furious. "What's more personal to us than FUSION?!?!"

"Sapphire I know, you're still upset."

"Oh, so it's just me?"

"Of course not. Can't you see I'm completely engulfed with rage?" Her blank expression left me puzzled, and it apparently puzzled Aunt Ruby too. "Well, it doesn't feel like it." She crossed her arms and grumbled, tapping her foot as if she were stimming. Sapphire responded by floating above the bed like an ice princess. "The sooner we forgive Pearl, the better it will be for us all."

"Wait what did Aunt Pearl do?" I asked nervously. "Did something happen at home?"

"You're... not... as above this... as you think you are!!!!" Aunt Ruby snapped, literally simmering. "Yes, I am." Aunt Sapphire floated on the bed beside me, encasing the blanket in frost. Aunt Ruby, unable to contain her burning rage, stormed out of the room leaving a trail of sootprints behind. I've never seen Aunt Ruby so steamed before, whatever Aunt Pearl did to tick her off must've been a big deal. "Nice to see you again." I said awkwardly to Aunt Sapphire. "Nice to see you too." I shivered as the room grew bitterly cold. "I'm gonna go check out the pool."

"Be careful Steven, the water is very hot."

"STEVEN!?" I instantly opened my eyes to the darkness of my mask, taking it off, I saw  the room was dark and my Aunt's weren't there. "You gotta be kidding me." I groaned stuffing my face into the pillow. "Why can't I have normal dreams, with flying hotdogs or my girlfriend?" I stepped outside our room and opened the trunk of our band, sitting myself down in the back. Did I really wanna know about a massive tiff between my three aunts that presumably happened decades ago? As much as I wanted to be here. 

I gazed at the stars surrounding the dark clouds, using my app to pinpoint Homeworld's galaxy, now that would've been a cross-cosmic road trip I would've been all in for. Luckily that's what a good imagination's for. Stargazing, I plugged in my headphones and listened to my favorite  Cosmos song. (Technically a cover, but the lyrics spoke to my core)

Looking for your place in the universe
Don't you know the universe is looking too
Looking for its place in you

And now it's coming through
Your dream is coming true

Welcome to the party  Lady Universe
We're so glad we are a part of you

Meet the rocks and flowers
The seconds and the hours

The splinters, winters,
Apples, chapels, teardrops, temples, cats, and castles

Anything that you can be
The things you see and cannot see
Are  Maiden Universe

Maiden Universe

I didn't care if someone saw me singing in the back of my van in the middle of the night,  gazing wistfully at the stars.  I learned long ago not to care what other people thought of me, and if someone asked what I was doing, I'd answer honest; singing and stargazing. Nothing wrong with that.

Movement rustled behind me from the bundle of the emergency blanket. Punctuated by a loud snore. "Dad?" My skin flickered  pink when I realized it wasn't him. "Oh my stars."  I gulped. "There's a hobo in the van!"

The sleeping shadow stirred beneath the blanket, murmuring in between snores. I was about to speed back into our room to wake  Dad when the figure grumbled and sat up like a mummy  rising from the dead. I screamed about to deck the stowaway with a photon bolt when its light shown on a familiar face. "Gaah don't hurt me!" He scrambled back. "Nora!? What the heck are you doing with that thing!?"

I unclenched my fist and gawked stupefied. "Grandpa!? What are you doing here!?" "I was just taking a nap. " Grandpa scratched his head grumbling disoriented.

"You were sleeping back here THE WHOLE TIME!?"

"Yeah!"  Grandpa yawned. "Why does that sound crazy to you? You know  I sometimes like snooze to  in the van for old time's sake, it still has that homey van feel." "Grandpa." I pinched my brows. "This is gonna sound insane, and it is; You're not in Beach City anymore. Dad lugged me on a road trip to Keystone for father-daughter bonding time and now we're at the Keystone Motel."

Grandpa scratched his head looking up at the sign and the motel. "Oh wow I haven't been here in years. Wonder if they still got good coffee." "You're not freaked out at all?" "Rosebud, when you get to be my age, you just learn to roll with it." He leaned back against the backseat of the van, patting the spot next to him. "The stars are beautiful out here."

"Yeah, definitely." I nodded, sitting next to him leaning my back against the seat. "Remember we used to camp out in the van when I was a little kid? Right on the beach, we'd tell each other stories and eat smores by the bonfire. Good times."

"Yeah." Grandpa reminisced. "You'd always ask to 'go camping' whenever I drove the van out. I loved those nights. You were such an adorable little girl, Nora. I miss those days, but I'm happy seeing you grow up."

" Why don't we sleep out here for old times sake?" I said perky. "I've got extra blankets packed and I rather sleep in a place that's familiar." "Maybe you should head back inside with your Dad." Grandpa suggested. "I don't want him waking up and thinking you kidnapped."

" I'll wake him up. Can't wait to see his face when he sees you." I laughed.  "I can't believe you were dead asleep in here for hours and neither of us noticed."

"What can I say, I'm hard to notice." Grandpa leaned back. "This isn't the craziest thing that's happened to me, far from it. I've seen a lot of crazier things in my days." "You're talking like you're old."

"I am old Nora, I didn't dye what's left of my  hair grey."

"You're not that old Grandpa, you're 72." I smirked. "And your hair looks good."

"Thanks Rosebud." He rubbed my back. "I hope I didn't ruin your father-daughter bonding time."

"I think you did." I blinked, tapping my foot. "We can't exactly have a solo father-daughter bonding time with an extra person in the middle. Maybe he'll call the whole thing off and turn back." My eyes widened realizing it all. "Oh jeez." Grandpa scratched behind his head. "I'm sorry Nora, I didn't mean to ruin quality time with your Dad. I've really messed things up."

"Grandpa you saved me!" I hugged him starry eyed. "He'll have to take us home because you can't walk, and call off the whole trip! This is the best luck I've had!"

"You're surprisingly thrilled about this." Grandpa said. "I am." I said eagerly. "I never wanted to go on this stupid vacation. He just dropped it on me this morning thinking I'll just hop along like it's family fun time." I wrapped the blanket around me. "Meanwhile, a galactic overlord has her eyes on Earth and she'll stop at nothing until her worlds are reclaimed and I'm locked in the deepest darkest dungeon in the depths of space."

I rapidly squeezed the fidget toy in my pocket, feeling my blood boil. "He always does this. Every time something comes up about my powers or our family history he hides me away from it. He never let me see that part of my heritage. I've never been to Homeworld, I've never been to Gem sights. I can't warp pad even to my Aunts' place. Heck I wasn't even allowed to go to historic Gem landmarks on field trips unless one of my parents chaperoned! He wants to act like it doesn't exist."

The veins in my wrists coursed pink and I took a deep breath, remembering Mom's exercises while I seamlessly projected a dragonfly from my mind. Grandpa watched the glowing creature as it landed peacefully on my fingers.

"Like this part of me shouldn't exist. I'm part Diamond, and I have incredible gifts that can do amazing things but he makes me hide them away because he's afraid they're too dangerous. They can be, but it shouldn't stop me from embracing a part of who I am. I hate having to suppress this part of me just because he's afraid and he had a bad experience with it. I hate it, it's something I'm so proud of and I can't even use it!" 

 I clenched my fist, letting the tears run down my eyes. "I wish I could've had what he had. I wish he raised me like you and the Gems raised him. I could've seen all these places, and grown up learning about my powers being proud of who I am."

Grandpa was silent for a moment before speaking quietly. "That's exactly why he raised you the way he did." I turned to him, worried he was mad at what I said. Grandpa sighed. " I didn't protect him as I should have, Nora. He grew up in this very van without school or structure, and when he was old enough I let the Gems take over. They took him on missions to hunt Gem monsters and visit places we barely understood."

"But that's a good thing." I said. "He learned how to use his powers and learned about his Gem side."

"Not most of the time." Grandpa said. "They put him in so much danger, and I let it happen. You know what it's like to be in life threatening situations, Nora, how it sticks with you afterwards. Your Dad experienced that many times over when by the time he was your age. He became traumatized from everything he went through with Homeworld and the Diamonds, and he didn't have the structure of a normal kid to fall back on. No school, no schedule, nothing remotely like a normal life. I failed him with that, and I regret it to this day."

Grandpa took a long sigh and looked at me. I turned my head, gazing at him from the side, direct eye contact always made me uncomfortable. "When you were born he swore to give you the childhood he didn't have. One that was safe and with human experiences, even when you were diagnosed, he knew you could still live as a human being. You can only imagine how much it scared him when he realized you inherited his gem powers. He saw history repeat with his own child who already had a lot on her plate, and he strived to do everything to keep history from repeating itself."

"I understand that he wanted to protect me." I said.  "And I'm thankful for that, but he shouldn't force me suppress my own powers. They're a gift. They can be dangerous, but when used responsibly they can do amazing things. They help me relax when I'm stressed, they help me understand the world better through visuals." The dragonfly flew from my fingers and illuminated the trunk of the van. Grandpa watched mesmerized.

"Y'know Grandpa? Millions of people are autistic, but there's only one other person in the world with Pink Diamond's powers. It would've been nice to learn it from him instead of having to teach myself in secret."

The light flickered when we heard footsteps coming toward the van. "Hey Rosebud, I heard you talking to someone out here, you know shouldn't walk outside on your own." He blinked seeing Grandpa and I sitting in the trunk of the van.  "Dad?"

"Hey Schtu-ball!" Grandpa waved. "I was just talking with Nora. Turns out I overslept in the van and  accidently stowed away on your trip."

"We're gonna have to drive him back." I told him,  trying to subdue my joy. "He can't walk."

Chapter Text

I wasn't stressed by the change of plans.

The opposite actually. Dad decided to switch things up with I wanted to see on the road trip. This  included the Norwell Spire, and the Oculus. "Those are all Gem sights!" I gasped. "Yup! I looked at the brochures  they're  completely safe! The receptionist up front highly recommended them too" Dad smiled. "And they're all walkable for Grandpa! Each day is a different Gem sight, and the fourth and final day is the surprise. How's that for a road-trip?"

"Awesome!" I smiled. "Thank you so much!! So the first one is the Norwell Spire at 12:00?"

"Yup." Dad said. "But we've got plenty of time. How's about we chill at the pool, then lunch at the diner , and then the spi. In that order. How's that sound Rosebud?"

"Excellent!" I squealed, giving a thumbs up. I wondered what spurred him to change his mind on all this. Did he talk with Grandpa last night. Doesn't matter. I thought as I changed into a swimsuit. He's listening to me at some extent. When you're given a gift, don't ask why it was sent.

The pool was pretty nice for being a motel one. I sprawled out on a beach towel with the sun shining on my bare belly and a book in hand. "Hey Rosebud!" Dad called from the middle of the pool. "Come on in, the water's perfect!" "Let me finish this chapter!" I finished the last two pages and stepped into the pool. "Hey Grandpa." I waved at him sitting on the steps. I waded to Dad. "Brr.." My skin prickled. "Do you always get jitters down your skin whenever water touches your Gem?"

"Eh you get used to it." Dad bobbed underwater. I laughed and copied him. "Wow, it does feel nice!" I flipped my hair like a mermaid and wrung it out, paddling around my father when he breached like a whale. "Hey Dad, race you to the end and back !"

"You're on!" We waded back to the shallow end. "Ready? Three. Two. One. Go!!" Dad lunged like a beluga and I propelled after him, kicking my feet and paddling. "Ha!" I touched the other end of the pool. "First!" I vaulted and swam back.

I didn't realize how deep the pool got.

It happened the moment my toes didn't brush the floor. A jolting panic overcame me and I felt myself sinking to the bottom. The ringing of my pink glowing skin muting my hammering heartbeat. I frantically tried to swim, but I was too heavy. I could barely jump, I couldn't breathe.

Once again I found myself being pulled to the bottom of the ocean.

Something grabbed hold of me and tried pulling me to the surface. I clung on for dear life. Even when the bubble granted oxygen I still hung on, hyperventilating and not even noticing we rolled up to the surface.

"Steven is she okay!? What happened!?"

"Stay back Dad!" My father's voice seemed close and distant at the same time. I felt his strong, loving arms around me. "It's okay Nora. I've got you." Dad rubbed my back as gripped to him shaking uncontrollably. " I'm here. I'm here. You're safe." He soothed me. "I won't let anything happen to you." The kiss on my cheek made the pink fade from my skin. I stood up and stared at him, legs shaking, before walking out of the pool to my room. I don't know how I managed to shower and clothe myself, but I did, walking out to the woods behind the motel.

With shaking hands I projected a spectrum of shapeless lights, taking deep breaths as Mom taught me to do. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out. The lights pulse, changing into a cloudy swarm of pink butterflies that nearly overwhelmed me.

"No, don't let it get to you. Don't let it control you. You are in control." I breathed deeply, confident. "You are in control." The butterflies lost their pink hue and changed into purple dragonflies, flitting among the woods in peaceful wingbeats. Their scales glimmered like crystals in the warm glow, their wings reflecting the light.

I couldn't help but smile, knowing I created something so beautiful. I flicked my hand letting the dragonflies surround me in a mesmerizing swarm, their wings and skin glimmered like sunlight off the sea. One landed on my finger and I laughed at its touch.

"Nora?" Dad's gentle voice broke the serenity. "Honey, are you okay?" "I'm fine." I quickly dispersed the dragonflies in a sparkling of pink. " I just needed a place to cool down." Dad looked at the air around us. "Nora, I saw you just did with your powers."

"I know!" I snapped heated. "They help me calm down okay!?"

"No no!" Dad waved his hands. "Nora I wasn't gonna yell at you, I was gonna say...that was amazing." 

I lowered my hackles and stared at my father.  "Huh?"

"How you  created that dragonflies, that was amazing. I never knew you could do that with Diamond powers."

"I always could." I lowered my shoulders. "Grandma could too. My Aunties said she used to  all the time. She'd create scenes of places and creatures to play games with Aunt Pearl and the Pebbles, sometimes they'd even join in on the fun.   She'd channel her imagination and create things she could control. My Aunties thought it was fanciful, and they let her create projections because it kept her happy."

"I never knew that." Dad said surprised. "There's still so much I don't know about your grandmother, just when I think I've figured everything out." He shrugged.

"Mmhm." I nodded.  "I  showed the Diamonds a few years ago. I thought I upset them when they started crying, but Aunt White said they're tears of joy, and seeing me inherit Grandma's gift  proved she lived on in more than just memory. Course, Spinel  giggled like a joker for keeping the secret without telling anyone."

I  fidgeted with a smoothened rock from the ground. " I know you've had a bad experience, and I understand why you hate them so much, but believe me when I say there's more to them then that. They're not just destruction, they can be beautiful."

"I see that now Rosebud."  I heard him gulp. "I'd love to learn about that part of myself. Associate them with positive feelings  instead of painful memories. Maybe you can help me."

I turned to him confused. "What do you mean?"

"Could you teach me how to use my Gem powers the way you do? I'd love to learn how to make light projections and all those things."

"What!?" I could not, in my short span of existence believe I was hearing this.

Dad smiled awkwardly scratching the back of his head. "I understand if you don't want to. It's probably a lot to learn."

"No! I'd love to! It's just....!" I tapped my foot repeatedly. "Are you okay Dad!? Do you have a fever!? Should I call Grandma Priya and have you checked over!?"

"I'm  fine Nora!" Dad laughed. "I've been thinking how you're able to channel your Diamond abilities in a way that helps you, it would be a good thing."

I touched my palm with his. "I'd be more than happy to teach you Dad."

"Thank you Rosebud." Dad smiled. "I'm sure you've got a lot to teach me."

We returned to a worried Grandpa and thirty text alerts on my phone( with four voicemails) from Selene. Grandpa sighed relieved. "You had us worried there, Rosebud." "Sorry." I lowered my head shamefully, looking up when Dad put a supportive hand on my shoulder. I quickly called Selene and told her I was all right. "I gotta go, we're gonna go to the best diner in the world for lunch. I'll chat with you later." I blew a kiss into the phone before hanging up.

Dad and Grandpa talked quietly at the van. "Nora's never had a problem in deep water before, and she's always been a strong swimmer. Do you think-?" Dad cut Grandpa off and waved at me with a smile. "Hey Rosebud! You got everything?"

"Yup." I tugged my backpack. "Including an empty stomach." Already the trip had gotten significantly better with Grandpa's presence and that Dad was finally open to learning about our powers. This whole thing could definitely turn around.

I had my doubts about the so called 'Best Diner in the World.' "I'll be the judge of that." I remarked. " I come from the Land of Diners." Turns out, they had really good chicken tenders and fries! Nice to know my comfort food was here too. "Nice to actually enjoy the food inside the diner." Dad crunched on his bacon and eggs. "Yeah. Last time was a bust!" Grandpa agreed after swallowing a forkfull of waffles. "What happened?" I asked. "Don't tell me you got food poisoning."

"Nah it wasn't the food." Grandpa reassured. "We came here years ago when your Dad was a kid after I bought cheap brushes from a reliable internet man."

"Cheap brushes? Oh! For the car wash you used to own?"

"Correct! Anyway, we stopped here to eat on the way back to Delmarva. Aunt Garnet was with us, and she was steamed, she had a falling out with Aunt Pearl about being tricked into fusion. It's a long story. Anyway, she was mad enough she split. Ruby was so raged she literally flipped the table over and splattered our breakfast! Boy that was an expensive bill, had to pay for the table and I wasn't a billionaire at that point."

"Dad." Steven nudged his father. I didn't notice I was furrowing my brows with a frown. "That doesn't bother me, whatever happened between Aunt Pearl and Aunt Garnet happened a long time ago and they're cool now." I gave an awkward smile. " That explains it. "

"What explains it?" Dad asked. I told them about last nights dream. " Oh jeez." Grandpa said. "She has the same thing you do, Steven.  It makes total sense you can dream of your Dad's past as wells as your grandmother's." I made a quick gesture to keep quiet, but it was too late.

"Wait what!?" Dad exclaimed, pressing his hands down on the table. "You saw Grandma's memories through your dreams?"

"Yes." I shrunk back.

"Shoot, was I not supposed to say anything?" Dad shot Grandpa a look before making eye contact at me. "How many times has this happened? Where did you get them?"

"Twice. The first one was on the husk planet where Aunt Garnet and I found a power core. That one wasn't bad, but the the second one on Epsilon 5....Where the mayor sent us to find the mainframe...." I didn't want to talk about it because I knew it would upset Dad. "That was a bad one."

I couldn't read Dad's expression, so I couldn't tell if he was angry at me for keeping this a secret or angry at the fact I inherited his ability to memory dream. " Let me know if it happens again Nora.  "I will." I nodded. Dad sighed. "No more going off planet, I don't want you in places where she might have been. You shouldn't suffer her memories."

"What about Homeworld?"  I asked with a pit in my gut. "You promised to take me."

"I will take you."  Dad responded. " Just not now. It's not the right time."

"You always say that." I shrugged. " It's never the right time."

"Nora ....."

"Hey can we get a check?" Grandpa called our waitress. We waited in silence for our bill. My eyes and ears drifted to the TV on the wall. On the screen showed news from the distant stars of foreign starships and fleeing interstellar refugees.

"Ugly business what's going on in space." Our waitress shook her head watching the screen. "The Homeworld President better do something about it before that trouble hits home."

"They're getting closer by the day." One of the patrons muttered, sipping his coffee. " No kidding. They've conquered the outer colonies, and at the rate they're going they'll hit our solar system in no time." His companion replied dryly. "My coworker's friends just arrived off a refugee ship from Quadrant 9. The insurgents took control and are forcing the Gems left behind into the old pecking order."

"You think it'll come down to a war?" The man with the coffee mug asked.

"Sure hope not." The other man huffed. "If it does I hope they're able to keep it out there. Humanity barely survived the last Gem war. Now they're thousands of years advanced.. even with Gems here as our allies, we wouldn't stand a chance."

I curled my fist, the pink tingling in my veins. Maybe it wasn't so bad staying earthbound for the time being." Excuse me!" Dad called. "Ma'am? Our bill?" "Oh yes! Sorry about that." The waitress returned Grandpa's credit card. "You have a nice day now, enjoy your trip to the spire. You're gonna love it."

"Thank you." Grandpa smiled.

"Hey, young lady." The waitress addressed me. I startled and turned to her. "I see you glued to the TV. What's happening in space is out of your control, don't worry about things you can't do nothing about. You'll make yourself sick. What you gotta do is live in the moment and keep living your everyday life. That's all any of us can do right now. Just keep livin'."

                                                                         ....

The trip to the Norwell Spire completely turned my mood around. I was nearly bouncing off the walls, not even bothering to mask.  It may have been a self guided tour, but I was the guide. Using the map to lead us through explaining the entire history of the Spire, it's design, and the hidden glyphs within the walls and their translations.

"You're the best tour guide." Grandpa compliments. "You sure know your stuff." "Thanks!" I smiled giddily. "I read a lot of books and I research everything Gem related. Man, I would love to actually volunteer at a place like this and be a real guide!"

"You should volunteer at the Rebellion museum, Rosebud." Dad suggested. "You'd  be the best tour guide around."

"And who wouldn't wanna be led on a tour by  granddaughter of the Rebellion's leader? Get ready for a lot of photos!" Grandpa added. "Oh boy." I laughed. "I can see it now. Everyone asking to take pictures with me in front of the battle flag."

The Dondai sputtered after charging its battery at an Uaua gas station. "Oh boy, looks like the charge cell is dead." Dad shrugged. "Good thing we're at a gas and food station, this could've happened in the middle of nowhere!"

"How long will it take to get a replacement?" I asked after Dad called for roadside help. "Depends on if they can get a charge cell on hand close by. The receptionist said it might be a few hours."

"A few hours!?" I clutched my pockets. "But what about the Oculus?"

"We might have to skip the Oculus." Dad said. "I'm sorry Rosebud. I don't know how long this will take. This might shuffle our whole trip." He regretted saying that when he saw my hands flash pink. I quickly excused myself and paced in the field next to the gas station, projecting images once again. This time, the shapes were of the the glyphs and cybernetic designs seen inside the Norwell Spire.

It's amazing how focusing my mind pictures into reality  calms my brain from the edge of collapse. "Hey Dad." I huffed, electrical pulses running down my fingers. "Sorry I left like that. I'm felling a little better."  "I'm glad." He went to rub my back before stopping, and flexing his palm up instead. I touched palms with him. "While we're waiting, want to learn how I make light projections?"

"I'd love too." Dad happily sat on a flattened rock. I plopped right next to him. "First you gotta have a picture in your head. It could be anything, but for now, lets start with something simple. Project a star. Not the ones in space, but the symbol on your shirt and my jacket."

"How do I do that?"  Dad asked

"First you gotta picture it in your mind." I instructed. "Picture a star." Dad closed his eyes. "Do you have it?" I asked.

"Yes. It's right in my brain."

"Now I want you to open your eyes and imagine what the star would look like in reality." Dad took a deep breath and stared intently at the space in front of him. A simple pink star appeared. "You did it!" I clapped.  Dad cheered. "Will you look at that!" The moment he broke focus the star vanished. "Oh no!"

"It's okay! Do it again." I encouraged. "Picture the star and take that picture into our real space." He did, but the star looked the same.  It wasn't detailed, it looked like a simple sketch drawn on paper, no dimension or depth. Maybe it was the fact he had just learned to light project and he'd get it more detailed the more he practiced.

Yet I nailed the detailed images on my first tries.

"It's a very good start Dad." I applauded. "You'll be the master soon enough, and you'll be able to project anything you can picture in your mind!" A star appeared next his, fully three dimensional and the exact image of the one on his shirt. "Woah! That's amazing. When were you able to project things that detailed?"

"The moment I discovered my powers." I answered honestly.

"Wow!" Dad gaped astonish. "That's amazing, you're so talented Nora! All I've got now is a stick star." "Thanks." I said. "I don't think it has anything to do with talent. I think it's the way our minds work." I explained. "I'm a very visual thinker, I see things in my head as pictures, very detailed pictures. I think in images. So when I think of a star, I see in my mind the symbol of the crystal Gems." Said star appeared in our midst.

"But I have to narrow it down in my head, because when I think of the Crystal Gem star, I also see the the star on your shirt, and the Star of Aunt Pearl's Jacket, the Tattoo on Aunt Bismuth's, the black stars on Amethyst's jeans, Peridot's pants, my birthmark, the shape of Lion's mane, the bullet mark on Bear's neck." The star shifted to those very forms before changing to the star on Dad's shirt.

"Sorry! Was that disorienting? Usually that's what happens inside my mind before I project out an image I want to see." "Don't worry about it." Dad said. "Rosebud? Can you bring anything out your head as a picture?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know." Dad pondered. "A statue?" I projected the first statue that came to mind, the Temple Obsidian statue. "Woah." Dad gazed starry eyes. "But that's not the only statue that appears in my head, I also see the Bill Dewey statue in Dewey Park, The Nanefua Statue in Nanefua Park, the Amorphous morps in the Beachside sculpture gardens, The Bismuth statue in Little Homeworld..."

The statue changed to those images in a blink of an eye. "When I think, I see my thoughts as movies in my mind, and my powers allow me to project those movies out in reality like an actual film. It's helped me a lot in school." I turned to Dad perkily. "What do you think of when you hear 'statue'? Show it to me."

"Uhh, something like this." The statue projected was a general image of one. "I can't think in pictures the way you do Rosebud, it just comes out like an abstract idea of a picture."

"That's so weird....." I murmured. "I thought everyone did. Gems definitely do, Peridot thinks that way, so does Aunt Pearl, and Aunt Bismuth uses the pictures in her mind to guide her in craft her metalwork, like how I do when working on a school project. Maybe that's the Gem part of me."

"But I'm half Gem and I don't think like that." Dad said. "Maybe it's the way your brain's wired." "You may be right, because Kai and Mabel think visually like me too, not exactly the same way I do, but they are heavily visual thinkers, and they're autistic too." I pondered. "But you know what? I doesn't matter when it comes to this power, you can still create holograms like I can, and like Grandmother did. Different minds but the same ability. Do you still want to learn?"

"Yes." Dad said to my surprise.

"Great!" I clapped. "Let's get started! Now, the key to everything is being in a calm state of mind.  Even if you're freaking out inside you gotta find the calmness, or your powers will go haywire. I usually start with a breathing exercise mom taught me to do......"

I never thought I would be in a universe where'd I be teaching Dad how to use his Diamond powers, yet here we are.  Here he is, finally opening up to this part of himself, and trying to understand me truly for the first time.

This love it is a distant star guiding us home wherever we are.
This love it is a burning sun shining a light on the things that we've done.

I tried to speak to you every day but each word we spoke the wind blew away

Could these walls come crumbling down?
I want to feel my feet on the ground
And leave behind this prison we share step into the open air

The road trip passed quicker than I thought as we drove through Keystone, seeing  Gem sights I loved. The Oculus, a highly advance telescope allowing us to see the surfaces of other planets and originally used by the Diamonds to monitor their other colonies. Keystone Cavern, which had petroglyphs of Gems witnessed by humans eons ago (even though it technically wasn't a Gem sight, I considered it one because of the petroglyphs). We also went to GeodeWorks for old times sakes, and the Mountain of Morps sculpture gardens.

In between sightseeing we practiced our Diamond powers. I started simple, teaching him to create shapes or objects I set in front of him. Dad was a patient student, he never complained or yelled that it was too hard. He took it  little by little. He struggled to hold their forms but in time he managed to maintain the holograms by imagining that they were physical objects. I was so proud of him not just for trying, but being willing to learn with an open mind. I wondered how long it would last, if a lapse in his powers would shutter his mind and we'd be back to square one. 

How did we let it come to this
What we've just tasted we somehow still miss
How will it feel when this day is done?
And can we keep what we've only begun?


I woke to a flickering light outside our current motel. Dad sat by van holdin a pink butterfly in his palms. He smiled at his own light creation before letting it flutter up towards the heavens. I watched with a teary smile as Grandpa rubbed my shoulder, standing beside me as we both watched him release more butterflies to the stars.

And now these walls come crumbling down
And I can feel my feet on the ground
Can we carry this love that we share?

Into the open air
Into the open air (into the open air).
Into the open air

Dad noticed us and called us over, proudly saying he finally got it down. I responded my hugging him and so did Grandpa.

This love it is a burning sun

......

"Wake up Rosebud!" Dad stirred me awake. "Uggh Dad." I groaned rubbing my eyes. "Dad what's the deal, it's seven in the morning."

"We have to get up early if we're beat the traffic to Mountain Town." 

"What are you talking about?" I grumbled. "What the heck is in Mountain Town that's worth getting up so early for?"

"I don't  know." Dad scratched his head before revealing the great surprise in his pockets. "How about VIP tickets to a Cosmos concert!!"

I swear I nearly screamed the roof off the motel. "WHAT!?!?"

"Yeah! Turns out I'm old friends with the Amethyst in that group. I met her on Homeworld and helped her find her passion in music. She remembered me after all these years. You never told me the name of the band was inspired by Grandpa's first album."

"Space Train the Cosmos!" I said, tapping my feet. " The lead singer and background singer discovered your album in their parent's old CD collections. They though the cover was wicked cool and the music even cooler. Grandpa, you inspired the best band on Planet Earth isn't that awesome!? And you're gonna see them."

"Not just see them Rosebud." Dad Grinned. "We're gonna meet them in person. Backstage passes baby!"

I thought I was gonna die.

"Heh I never knew I  inspired a band." Grandpa scratched his head. "It'll be neat. Hmm, maybe I should wear my Guitar Grandpa shirt."

" Grandpa, you could wear a shirt with fuzzy bunnies and they'd still be thrilled by meeting their inspiration." I squeaked, stimming my feet. I never thought I'd be saying this. "This is the best road trip ever!" 

Chapter Text

Two pink dragonflies flittered along the breaking waves of the shoreline. One sparkling gracefully as it skimmed the water, the other  darting zigzagged, flickering like a hologram as it tried to copy its partners movement. It zipped ahead and managed to catch up with the other dragonfly before veering and crashing into it. The two flickered out of existence on impact.

"Aw nuts." Dad hissed. "Sorry Rosebud, didn't mean to to break yours."

"It's okay!" I assured him smiling. "You maintained it for the longest I've seen you do and yours was in synch with mine ! Awesome job."

"Thanks Rosebud." Dad chuckled. "I'm definitely improving, but I doubt I'll ever be as good as you."

"Don't say that!" I denied. "We share the same power and you've  a whole Gem to my quarter blood. If anyone's gonna surpass anyone, it's gonna be you over me." I flexed up my palm. "You're doing great!" 

"Thank you Nora." Dad pressed his palm to mine. "You're the best teacher anyone could ask for."

"Aw shucks. Thanks." I smiled blushing. "You're an awesome student! I'm so happy you get to see how amazing these powers really are."

"Even if I kina suck at them."

"You don't suck! Stop saying that!" I  said. " You're just starting. You're gonna get it I promise, you're already doing amazing." Dad thanked me, about to wrap his arm around me before pulling back. I smiled and nudged into his shoulder. Dad was surprised, and wrapped his arm around my own shoulder.  "I love you Nora, you make me so proud."

"I love you too Dad."  

Back at the Beach house the Gems, Mom, and Selene, waited for us at the table. "Pizza's here. Dig in!" Amethyst announced.  "Good." I rubbed my stomach. "All those light projections made me hungry!" We casually ate our  dinner, chatting about the day and our training session. "Dad's really getting the hang of it. It's only been a week since we starting practicing on the road trip and he's already projecting solid images."

"Steven that's wonderful." Mom complimented.

"Thanks." Dad blushed. "I'm getting the hang of it, maybe soon I'll imagine a whole rock concert to life huh Nora?"

"One step at a time Dad." I chuckled.  "Lets stick with dragonflies for now." After dinner my family spread out throughout the house doing their own thing. I lay on the couch with my arms wrapped around Selene's waist (She loved 'being turned into a spoon'.) as we watched The  Hobbit miniseries.

 I jerked hearing a loud and demanding  knock on the door.  "I don't think that's necessary." I reassured Selene, who summoned her arm cannon. 

The door banged again, with a sharp emphasis on the knocks. I swore I heard hushed voices from outside. "Nora, get the door." Aunt Garnet spoke from the kitchen, looking away with smirk. I got up from the couch and answered the knocks. "Hello?" I called seeing nobody outside.  "Is someone pulling a prank?"  I curled the fingers on my right hand in case a photon bolt was needed.

"Surprise!!" A face I never expected to see jumped out from the bushes.

"MABEL!?" I screamed.

"Yep it's me!!!" She squealed.

"And me!" Corey stepped out into view. 

" And me!" Becky rolled up. "Sup Stargirl."

"Oh! My! STARS!" I gasped. " What in the Diamonds' Names are you doing here!?"

"Visiting you of course." Rebecca smiled. "I said I'd try and visit you over the summer and bring our buddies, didn't I? My mom was cool with bringing Mabel and Corey along, she felt it would be good for all of us to get away for awhile and for you to see some familiar faces."

"Is that why you were asking if I was still in Beach City on my road trip?" I excitedly tapped my foot. "Yep." Becky smirked. "We arrived in two hours ago at my cousin's timeshare. We were gonna drop in and surprise you tomorrow."

"But I said to Becky's mom 'dude we gotta see her today! It's been too long already!' I'm glad she listened to us." Mabel blurted.

" Maybe we should've waited, it's the evening. If we're interrupting anything we can catch you tomorrow." Becky added. "We just wanted to see you."

"Nah you're fine!" I grinned."I can't believe you're here." The waterworks broke through. "I've missed you all so much." 

"We've missed you too Nora." Becky hugged me. "Home isn't the same without you."

"Neither is the band." Corey joined in. "My cousin's a great lead singer, but we miss our Starlight Girl."

"Ditto to that." Mabel glomped us in. 

 "Aww guys." Tears streamed down my face. "It's so great to see you!! You have no idea how crazy it's been for me this summer!"

"We've heard stories." Becky nodded. "Your parents have been filling our parents in. We're so happy you're okay. Maybe with us here, you can relax a little." "I'm already relaxed." I stimmed my feet.  A tall shadow appeared behind me. "Hello Nora's friends. You are welcome to stay for the evening." Corey and Mabel gasped. "Holy smokes you're Garnet!" Corey's jaw dropped. "The Crystal Gem leader, no way you're standing right in front of me right now." 

"I am." Aunt Garnet smirked. Mom appeared at the door. "Corey, Rebecca, Mabel what a surprise to see you!" Mom greeted them. "It wasn't a surprise to me." Aunt Garnet's visor glinted. "They are staying in town for a bit to catch up with Nora." She turned to me. "And Nora is going to have a great time with her friends. Like my niece said, you are welcome to stay for the evening."

"I'll ask my Mom." Rebecca answered. " She's waiting on the beach. We just got here a few hours ago. I don't want ask more from her than I already have."

"She'll be fine with it." Aunt Garnet replied.

"Future vision." Corey shook Mabel's shoulder. "I knooooowww." Mabel grinned wide eyed.

Mrs. Ramirez was indeed fine with it, and after greeting her with my mom, my friends and I found ourselves in the living room as I excitedly introduced everyone. My friends were rendered star struck meeting the Crystal Gems, but what shook them the most was meeting Selene.

"Wow, I can't believe Nora has a girlfriend." Mabel gasped.

"Mabel that's rude." Becky scolded her.

"I didn't mean it like that." She countered. "Nora told us all about you. How you saved her life and share a part of your gem." Mabel saw the Pearl shard embedded my chest. "Wow, that's crazy."

"That's pretty wild." Corey observed amazed. "Does it feel weird having that stuck in your chest, Nora?

"It did at first." I answered. "But now it just feels part of me, like my arms and legs."

"And I feel her as a part of me." Selene took my hand, gaining an awwww from everyone.

"You two are so ADORABLE!" Mabel gleamed.

"I can't thank you enough for saving our best friend's life." Rebecca told her graciously. "You're one of our team. You're welcome to hang out with us whenever you want."

"Thank you." Selene bowed her head graciously. "I'm happy to finally meet Nora's hometown friends. She's told me much about you."

"Hey were you watching The Hobbit?" Mabel spotted the Tv.

"We were actually." Stars blazed in my eyes. "We can watch it together!! Do you mind if we start from the beginning Selene? We're only twenty minutes into episode one."

"Not at all Nora dear." Selene kissed my cheek.

"Mah heart!!" Mabel gushed.

  With the Gems and parents mingling around a beach bonfire. I gathered around the tv with Selene, Amethyst, and my hometown friends as we lounged together, bowls filled with chips and popcorn,  cups of soda littering the  table,   watching the acclaimed miniseries of my favorite book.

 Oh but  it wasn't just watching it; It was praising how good it was, gushing about the hot  dwarves, pointing out details from the lore and fun behind the scenes facts ( I was mostly guilty of that) and of course, singing the songs.

 "You're all a bunch of nerds." Amethyst remarked.

"And darned proud of it!" Mabel shouted.

"Here here!" I raised my solo cup of soda as if it were a tankard of ale.

"Guys shush." Corey hushed.  "The hot one's about to drop important lore."

"Which one?"

"Thorin."

"Didn't you name one of the Bismuths Thorin?" Amethyst added. "Yes, after him." I shushed.

"Yup, you're a total nerd."

After the leader of the Dwarves spoke of their important quest, we continue to watch quietly until it ended. "Next episode?"

I asked. "Heck yeah!" Mabel raised her fist and the others agreed. "I forgot how good this was. They really did the book solid by stretching it  into six hour-long episodes.  A movie series would've just crammed everything."

"I agree." I nodded. "Though I wish they changed some stuff from the book. Like the fate of certain characters."

"I know! It's not fair!" Mabel whined. "Why do they have to let the hot dwarves die!"

"Spoiler alert Mabel!" Becky jabbed.

"It's all right." Selene reassured. "I know the story. Nora read the book to me when we first met."

"That's so romantic." Rebecca smiled. " So onto the next episode?"

"Yes!" I clicked the remote, settling in with Selene.

"Nora are you okay?" Rebecca observed. "You're crying."

"I am." I wiped the tears from my eyes. "I'm just so happy we're all together. Here under one roof far from home watching The Hobbit. I never expected any of this today."

Selene stroked a lock of my hair. "Sometimes the best things come as surprises."

"Indeed they do." I nodded. "I just hope the surprises are good and minimal while they're here."

Chapter Text

For the first time, it truly felt like a summer vacation. I spent the day with my friends on the boardwalk, reconnecting and having a good time.

We ran into  Kimchi and the Cool Kids at Funland, and I introduced them to  my friends. I never imagined myself being with a big group of people, and in other circumstances, I wouldn't have enjoyed it, but I knew my friends and these people well, and that they would accept me.

After a few hours worth of rides and games we hung out on lighthouse hill, sprawled out on the grass gazing at the blue sky. I lay stretched out while watching the clouds pass, my hand stroking Selene's hair as she rested her head on my belly. 

A sharp wind gusted and I raised my head at a child's startled outcry. "My kite!" I sat up watching a little girl and her brother chase a runaway kite soaring along the wind.

"I got it!" I stretched out my hand and caged the kite inside a diamond barrier, drawing it to me with a flick of my hand.  I dissipated the barrier and handed the kite to the children. "Here you go."

"Thank you!" The little girl jumped for joy and ran off to her parents.

"Saving the day even in the smallest deeds. You really are a Crystal Gem."  Kimchi smiled.

"Thanks! That kite would've flown away if someone didn't catch it." I sat up with Selene resting on my shoulder. 

"Dang you moved really fast with that." Jackie remarked. "You must've trained with the Gems for years."

I blushed. "Actually, most of it I taught myself in secret. My parents didn't let me use my Gem powers until now."

"Oh you're a rebel!" Jackie chuckled to my uncertainty. "Hey, if you got a gift, you shouldn't let anyone keep you from using it. Especially if it's art of you and it helps you out."

"Ain't that the truth." Becky agreed. The Cool kids gazed at my friends surprised.

"You knew Nora has powers?" Jackie asked.

"Of course we do!" Mabel exclaimed.

"It's not something I'd keep a secret from them. They've seen what I can do, right guys?" I smiled and winked.

"Right." Becky chuckled. " But you're so low key most of the time sometimes I forget you even have them."

"Again, you can thank my parents for that." I puffed a strand of hair from my eyes.

"When exactly did you discover you had Gem powers?" Corey asked. "I don't think you ever told us that story."

"Technically when I had a meltdown when I was four." I answered. "Sonic scream, but when I realized for myself I had Gem abilities was a year after, when I was five." I looked at my first friend with a smile. "Actually, Kimchi was with me when it happened. Remember that day?"

"How could I ever forget?" Kimchi laughed. "It was the week we first met! We were chasing that rabbit in the woods and-."

"Wait wait! We gotta tell this story the right way!" Giving a quick glance at Selene, she smiled and pulled my guitar from her pearl. I started playing a tune, singing about summer days and the carefree times of childhood.

........

Beach City

A Golden Summer Day 11 years ago

                                                                                                 ....

Nora was a happy child even if she didn't have many friends.

Well, friends that were human and her own age. Gems were easier to play with and understand, and Gems didn't make her confused like some of the kids in Beach City did.  She sat cheerfully on the beach playing with her collection of animal figures. Her stuffed dragon Rigby perched  atop a hill of sand she dug herself, as the king of all the animals.

Nora played in the shadow of her ever watchful companion, Lion, who rested like a sphinx,  his eye cast lazily over the little girl.

Little Nora was so focused on her animal adventure game she didn't notice the curious little girl gawking at her and her magical pink pet.

"Whoa is that a real life lion?" The little girl exclaimed. She was four years old in a frilly green dress with short pigtails. Lion raised his head and blinked at her unamused. " Cool!!!" She squeaked. "Hey is this your lion? Can I pet him?"

Nora didn't answer her, busy playing with her toys.

"Hello?"  Kimchi walked up to her. "HELLO!?"

Nora startled and stared at the little girl. "Hello." She murmured quietly.

"Can I pet your lion?" Kimchi pointed at the furry pink beast.  Nora nodded and continued playing.

"He's really soft!" Kimchi plopped her butt down in the sand next to her. "Watch'a playing?" Nora was so invested in her game she didn't hear Kimchi. "Hello?"

Nora winced. "Hello?"

"Watcha' playing?" Kimchi asked again.

"Animal Kingdom." Nora answered without looking at her. "King Rigby rules over his subjects with kindness and empathy." She learned the latter word from Pearl. "He wants everyone to be happy and he's a good king."

"Can I play too?"

Nora paused for a moment, and nodded.

"Cool!" Kimchi jumped. "I'll go get my toys, be right back!"  She ran down  the beach. Nora waited a bit, about to start playing again when Kimchi ran back with her box of plastic dinosaurs.  "Are dinosaurs allowed in Rigby's kingdom?"

"Yeah." Nora said happily. "All animals are welcome."

Soon, both children were engaged in a game of Animal Kingdom, where Rigby negotiated peace with the neighboring Dinosaur kingdom. In time, that game evolved into both kingdoms joining together to fight alien invaders.

"Pwahhhhhhsssh." Kimchi waved the toy UFO around. "You puny earthlings will never stop me!!" She chimed in a robotic voice.

"The Crystal Animals will always defend the and all its living things!!!" Nora pushed Rigby against the UFO imitating fire breath.

"Nooooooooo!"Kimchi cried. "You earthlings haven't seen the last of us. We'll be back!!"

"And when you do we'll be ready to fight you!"  Nora made a roar with Rigby and her carnivore animal figures.

"Roaaaaarrrrr we won!! Victory for the earthlings!!!" Kimchi waved up her dinosaurs. The children stomped around roaring with their animals, until Lion rose up and showed them how it was done. The children laughed happily.

"You're so cool!" Kimchi giggled. "I like you! What's your name?"

"Nora." The little girl smiled.

"I'm Kimchi! I'm four years old, nice to meet you!!!"

"I'm five." Nora said. 

"Do you live here Nora? Cause I've never seed you before."

"No." She pointed at the Beach house. "I'm staying with my aunts on vacation. They live there. Do you wanna play more?"

"Yeah!" Kimchi squeaked excited.

Nora nodded and hurried inside the beach house, gathering an assortment of plushes and figures from the toy room. "Are you finished playing outside, Nora?" Connie asked her in observation.

"No!" Emma said happily. "I made a new friend and we're still playing ."

"New friend?" Connie asked. "Can I meet them?"

"Uh huh!" Nora giggled.  "She's waiting outside!"

Connie was relieved to meet the little girl eagerly waiting at the sand. "Hi I'm Kimchi!!" The little girl introduced herself. "Are you Nora's Mom?"

"I am." Connie smiled. "Kimchi. You're Onion and Cassandra's daughter right?"

"Right!" Kimchi confirmed. "My Mom and Dad are over there." She pointed at the public beach bordering her property. "Can I play with Nora?"

"Of course." Connie smiled. "Let's just let your parents know where you are first." In fact, Kimchi's parents were looking for their daughter who ran off. When they found her, they scolded her for running away, but allowed her to still play with Nora.

"I'm so happy she found another friend." Connie watched them with happy tears. "It hasn't been easy for her."

"Mamamamamamamamamam." Onion suggested.

"That's a great idea honey." Cassandra repeated Onion's words. " Is it okay with you? I know you're here with  family."

"Of course it is."

A few minutes later, the parents approached.

"I really like Kimchi Mom." Nora said.

"I'm so glad." Connie responded warmly.

"Nora." Cassandra lowered down to Nora's level and introduced herself as Kimchi's Mom. Nora remembered her manners and did the same. "Can I still play with Kimchi?"

"Of course. In fact..." She looked at Connie. "You can play with Kimchi every day while you're here. Would you like that Nora?"

Nora's eyes brightened into stars as she happy-stimmed and nodded.

And so it was, every day during their vacation, Connie took Nora on a playdate with her new friend  Kimchi. Her family understood, in fact, were more than willing to let the child have social time with a girl around her age. Nora would remember that summer vacation for the rest of her life, and not just from the joyous memories of making a new friend.

"Look at this super baby!" Kimchi held up her plump baby doll. They were playing in the park under the shade of the trees.

"He's so buff he can save the world!" Nora laughed. 

"Yeah he can. He can punch anyone." She waved it in the air."I'm a buff baby I can dance like a man! I can shake-a my booty I can shake-a my can!"  Kimchi made the baby doll dance around. "I'm a tough tooting baby I can punch all your buns! Punch all your buns punch all your buns!! If you're an evil Glob I'll punch you for fun!!" Agatha made a raspberry sticking the doll's bottom in the Glob monster's face.

Nora laughed until her sides  hurt. "Punch all your buns!" She put Rigby in front of the Glob  monster.

"Punch all your buns!" Agatha copied with the baby.

"Punch all your buns!" Nora repeated with Rigby.

"Both of us goody guys will punch you for fun!"

They erupted into laughter. 

"Hey, wanna go by the pond with the fish?" Nora asked.

"Yeah! I saw a really big one there. As big as me!" Together they asked their parents if they could go to the koi pond.  "Sure. As long as Garnet goes with you." Connie said.

"Mom! Why Garnet? Could you just come with us?"

"I have to help your Dad set up the barbecue and I don't want you going anywhere by yourself." Connie explained.

Nora pouted. "I know the way, I can go by myself."

"I'm sure you do, but you're not going without Garnet."

"Fine." Nora relented. She walked with Kimchi steps ahead of the Gem leader, who watched them silently with eyes like a hawk.  At the pond they watched the giant koi together, feeding them pellets and trying to count how many were in there.

"We should go into the woods after." Kimchi asked. "There's a really big tree."

"We can't, remember?"

"Why not?"

"Garnet." Nora darted her eyes at the fusion Gem. Garnet had told her she'd wasn't allowed into the small woods, saying it was dangerous and warned them about following a fox.

"She can see  the future. She probably saw something bad will happen to us if we go into the woods."

"Like what?" Kimchi asked. "Will we get eaten by a bear?"

"There's no bears in Beach City. I dunno, but whenever Garnet says something, you listen. She knows everything." The bushes rustled beside them, and out emerged a wild red fox. The children stood stiffly. "It's the fox." Nora whispered.

"What do we do?" Kimchi whispered back

"We're okay if we don't follow it." Nora watched. The fox cocked an ear towards them.

"We're not following you fox!!" Kimchi yelled at it.

"Yeah you can't trick us!" Nora bellowed.

The fox avoided them, slinking  across the grass and snatching  Kimchi's bag of snacks. "Hey that's mine!!!" Kimchi pursued it into the woods.

"Kimchi come back! We can't follow it!!" Nora ran after her. The woods seemed much bigger when she was alone. The great trees dwarfed her, making her feel as small as a mouse, and their shaded canopies blocked out much of the sun. Nevertheless, Nora kept up her pace and ran alongside Kimchi pursuing the red blur of the fox with stolen goods. For a moment the world blurred around  and the next thing she knew she stumble feet ahead with bruises on her knees and a strange whooshing in her ears.

"Nora!" Kimchi ran up to her. "Nora how the heck didja do that!?"

"Do what?" Nora scratched her head.

"You ran really fast!" Kimchi exclaimed. "Like a cheetah!! First you were right next to me and them *whoosh*! You're up here!"

"I ran that fast?" Nora murmured.

"Yeah!" Kimchi babbled excited. "Like Dash the Flash, that's my favorite superhero!" Her eyes enlarged. "Do you have superpowers?"

"I don't think so.." Nora felt confused, her feet tingled as she stood up. "Kimchi look! Your stuff." The fox had fled off, startled by Nora's speed and abandoned the snack bag near the edge of an eroding cliff.

"Kimchi be careful!"  Nora watched anxious as Kimchi cautiously neared the edge. A sheer drop drop loomed below. A fall from that height would badly injure the girl if she slipped.  "Don't worry I got it!" She inched forward.

 Nora saw the ground crumble as she stepped. "Kimchi run!!!" 

Kimchi felt the weight of the ground loosen beneath her. She screamed as she fell.

"NOOOO!!!" Nora reached out her arm in a desperate attempt to catch her friend. When she did that a powerful surge of energy coursed through her body. Kimchi hit a pink platform hovering two feet below the edge of the now eroded cliff. "Whoa!!" She scrambled onto her feet gaping at the platform, then Nora's glowing hand. "Are you doing that!?"

"I think so!!" Nora grimaced, struggling to hold up the platform. "Hurry!" Her energy drained and she collapsed before Kimchi could jump off. Kimchi screamed, but never hit the ground. 

Nora regained herself and hobbled near the collapsed cliff. "Kimchi!!!!" She curled up and cried her little eyes out, guilt ridden from apparently failing to save her friend.

"Nora it's all right Love, your friend is safe." Garnet's gentle hand touched her shoulder. She let down Kimchi from her arms, Garnet  had caught her in her arms leaping in midair. The two girls hugged each other overwhelmed, crying in immense fear in relief.

"Let's go." Garnet ordered them after giving them moments to compose themselves. 

"Are we in trouble?" Nora sniffled.

"No. Lets just get you both home and safe."

When Kimchi returned to her parents, she babbled excitedly how Nora had superpowers and tried to save her life before Garnet caught her in her arms.

"MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMA!"

"I'm not pretending Dad! Nora really has superpowers!! I saw them!!" 

"MAMA!?" He looked over at Nora surprised and nodded, murmuring to Garnet.

"Garnet..." Nora worried after Kimchi went home. "Will I see Kimchi again?"

"Yes." Garnet answered after peering into her future vision. "You will be friends for a very long time." She noticed Nora yawn. "That was enough excitement for the day, lets take you home for a nap."

"But I'm not tired." Nora yawned. 

Garnet chuckled, bringing Nora back to her family. She clutched her dragon, curled up under the playground slide as Garnet explained to her parents and the Gems what happened. She knew she'd get into trouble for disobeying Garnet, maybe they'd punish her by not letting her see Kimchi again for the rest of the vacation. She ended up nodding off, and when she woke up, she found herself back in her bedroom at her aunts' house. She crept out of the room, clutching Rigby as she heard the adults talking urgently about her downstairs.

"Nora." Connie looked up at her. "Can you come down?" Nora saw the worried faces of her Gem aunts and shrunk back. "Am I in trouble?"

"Not at all, Rosebud." Steven walked up the stairs. "We just need to talk."  Nora stepped back. Connie always said that when she did something wrong. Steven opened his palm to her and she understood the reassurance, touching her hand to his. She held her father's hand as she sat down on the living room couch. 

"Nora, honey." Connie addressed her as gently as she could. "We just need to talk about what happen today at the park."

"I knew it!" Nora buried her face in her dragon. "I'm sorry I didn't listen and ran into the woods. I should've listened to Aunt Garnet."

"Nora, you're not in trouble." Garnet reassured. "You're not being punished. If anything, you should be very proud of trying to save your friend."

"Which brings it down to what we want to discuss." Steven said. "Nora, when you tried to help Kimchi, something happened, didn't it?" Nora nodded and described the events in the woods.

"Do I really have superpowers, Dad?" 

Nora's parents looked at each other, before gazing at their daughter.  Steven answered. "Remember the stories I told you about when I was a kid. How I got Gem powers from your grandmother?"

Nora nodded. 

"Well, it turns out you have them too."

Nora's eyes  widened in amazement. "Really?"

"Yes Rosebud." 

"That's so cool!" Nora's anxiety washed away. She was absolutely thrilled!

"It is." Connie said. "But these powers are very dangerous. It took your Dad years to control them and he started getting them when he was a lot older than you."

"So I guess that means I gotta start learning how to use them." Nora said optimistically. "You can teach me, right Dad?"

"Nora." Her father responded in a severe tone. " These powers are too dangerous, they could really hurt someone."

"Not if I use them for good." Nora said bubbly. "Like the Powerpuff Girls. They have superpowers and they're kids like me. They use their powers to stop monsters and save people, like you used to do Dad."

"The Powerpuff Girls are cartoon characters." Connie said.  "This isn't a TV show Nora,  you could end up really hurting someone, or even yourself if you don't  handle them correctly. Your Dad was a teenager when he got his Gem powers, you're only five. It's even more dangerous for you at your age."

"And you don't have a gem like me." Steven lifted his shirt revealing his belly.

"So?"

"So we don't know how you'll be able to control them without a gem." Steven gave her a pained gaze. "Look, I know it's exciting learning you have these special powers, but we don't want you using them."

"But Dad!" Nora cried in disbelief. "I can learn how! You can teach me! My aunts cam like they did with you!"

"You're different from me, Nora."

"It's not safe." Her mother countered firmly. "Maybe when you're older, but not now."

Emma gazed pleadingly at her aunts, the Crystal Gems who shaped her father into the hero he is.

"It's for the best Nora." Pearl said kindly. "You're still an incredibly special girl without them, and who knows, maybe someday." She caught a look from Steven and sighed.

Nora spent the rest of her day moping on the beach, holding  her plush dragon and leaning against Lion's side.  "It's not fair." Nora hugged Rigby close to her chest. "I want to use my powers! They make me special and I wouldn't hurt anyone! I'd learn to use them and I'd only use them for good!" 

She buried her face into her stuffed dragon. "Why doesn't anyone believe me?"

Lion yawned and nuzzled her face.

"You believe me right Lion?" Nora buried her face into his mane.  "Maybe I can't now, because I'm just a kid.' She pulled away and looked him determined in eyes. "But when I get bigger, I'm gonna learn how to use my powers,and if nobody wants to teach me, I'll teach myself." 

Nora felt better with her own declaration. "I will learn. I'll be just as good as Dad, and Grandma too. They'll see."

.....

"Did anyone ever teach you when you got older?"  Cory asked when my story was told.

"No." I said. "Until I met Turquoise, I taught myself. Even when I got older my parents  still didn't want me using my Gem Powers. When I asked if someone could teach me, they said no.  Dad outright refused, my aunts did too because they were afraid of him finding out, and Matriarchs forbid I got hurt if they did..." I shrugged. "I would've gotten anywhere if I didn't take the initiative myself."

"That's really incredible Nora." Becky complimented.

"True, taking charge of your own destiny and embracing your gifts. That's really cool." Dan agreed.

"They really did you dirty by not teaching you." Kimchi said. "You have these amazing powers only one other person in the world has, and that very person says you can't use them."

"I know..." I sighed. "I get they were trying to protect me, but my Gem powers."  I projected a dragonfly and sent it fluttering. "Are part of who I am. I'm just glad that finally, finally after all these years, they're starting to see that."