Work Text:
Dear diary, and anyone who happens to listen to this log in the future: it's nice to meet you! My name is Chrysoberyl, and I am a member of Blue Diamond's guard. Today was my first day on the job, and Holly Blue Agate gave me this recording crystal as a present fur the occasion. So exciting!
I met Blue Diamond fur the first time today too! He's even more handsome in person, and not as huge or intimidating as they make him seem on the broadcasts. I can't believe he introduced himself to all the new guards purrsonally like that. He even shook my hand! Gah! I feel giddy just thinking about it.
Anyway, the work itself is purr-etty easy. Blue Diamond doesn't really need much protecting; we're on Homeworld, after all, and everyone knows to attack a diamond is a crime punishable by shattering. Who would! Basically, I just stand around where Holly Blue tells me to, and scowl at anyone who looks suspicious.
My break is over meow, so I'd better run. See you in the next entry!
----
Okay so APPARENTLY this recorder was supposed to be a log fur like, daily reports to Holly Blue Agate, and he wanted me to give it back to him at the end of every day. But like, I've been using it as a diary! Embarrassing!! So I just told him I lost it and he gave me a new one. He sure was mad! Better than him listening to me talking about how handsome Blue Diamond is, though.
Since I still have this recorder, I figured I could just keep using it as a diary. Who knows, maybe it'll be interesting to someone someday! Thousands of years from meow, maybe some young Chrysoberyl will find my old recording crystal and listen to my life story, long after I've lost it. I wonder, will I still be alive by then? I sure hope so!
----
PIETERSITE IS SUCH A JERK!!!! Ugh, okay, let me just start from the beginning.
Pietersite is one of the gems that works on technology stuff fur Blue Diamond. I think he's been around fur a while; he sure seems to think of himself as important! Anyway, my other recorder--the official one--was acting a little glitchy this morning, so Holly Blue told me to bring it to him. But when I did, Pietersite took one look at me and scoffed! He spent the whole time I was there treating me like I just got out of the Kindergarten or something. Why yes, Pietersite, I did try turning it off and on again first! That's actually the first thing I tried, beclaws I'm not an idiot! Fun fact, the second thing I tried was to run the exact diagnostics scan that you just ran, and wow! I, too, was a little surprised to see it didn't come up with anything!
After that, he just took the whole thing apart and plugged it into hiss computer. I couldn't quite follow all of what he was doing, and he just glared at me when I asked him to explain any of it. Whatever, at least it works now. Better than before, honestly. I kind of want to take this recorder in fur an update too, but, well, I really don't want to deal with Pietersite again. Ugh, why couldn't he have just explained what he did while he did it!
----
Diary, today has me so confused. I was the only one on duty, so I was prepared fur a purr-etty boring day while Blue Diamond did... whatever it is Diamonds do with their time, but instead he approached me as soon as he saw me and just started talking to me. It was weird! But also kind of nice, in a way... I mean, obviously I appreciated the attention, and he is SO handsome.
He asked me some questions that really confused me, though. Things like, "Are you happy with your job as a guard, or would you rather do something else if you could?" and "What would you change, if you became a diamond?" and "Do you think White Diamond is wrong about anything?" I didn't really have any answers fur those questions. I still don't. I mean, being a guard is what I was created to do. Becoming a diamond is impossible. White Diamond is all-knowing, and hiss authority is unquestionable. What am I supposed to say to any of that?
But Blue Diamond just looked so sad when I didn't give him any response. It made me want to give him better answers, even though he made a point to tell me I didn't have to, that it wasn't an order from my diamond. I just don't know...
[Long pause.]
I don't know. I'll think about it more.
----
Holly Blue Agate stopped me today and asked if I was feline alright. It must be showing on my face more than I'd thought that I'm still worried about what Blue Diamond asked me. I had some time, and Holly Blue has always been a good fur-iend, so I asked fur hiss advice. He told me that Blue Diamond has always been a little odd like that, and I shouldn't pay him too much mind, just focus on my own job.
I'm not sure I agree with that, though. I mean, what's the harm in considering hypotheticals? I didn't say so to Holly Blue, though; I don't want to trouble him any further. I think...
Ugh, no, I shouldn't be saying that on a recording crystal, even if it is just my purrsonal diary. Not without some better security, anyway. Not that I'm thinking anything treasonous! Ugh, what a mess... I should stop for meow.
----
Hey diary, it's been a while! I spent a few days trying to cobble together a better security system fur this recorder before caving and asking Pietersite fur help. He was surprisingly nice about it, actually! He still didn't take me very seriously at first, but when he looked at what I'd done already he seemed purr-etty impressed. He was much more helpful after that, and gave me a few really good pointers. After I got hiss help, I spent a few more days scouring hiss code fur any backdoors he might have left himself, but I didn't find any, so hopefully it's secure. It's as good as I'm going to get it, I think.
I've spent a lot of time thinking about what Blue Diamond asked me, especially while spending some more time with him. He hasn't asked me any difficult questions since that first time, but the way he talks to me and acts around me is so different from what I'd expected from a diamond. It's like he's treating me as an equal, not hiss disposable soldier. And he's always so nice and fur-iendly! And he can tell the difference between me and any other Chrysoberyl; I know beclaws he'll follow up on our conversations from an earlier day.
I... I think, sometimes, that I should have been made as a different gem. I don't mind guard work, of course, but there are so many other things I'd enjoy more! I could be really good with tech, if I'd been given better opportunities to train with it. Or I could have been an archivist! I find hisstory so fascinating, and the thought of passing down stories to future generations is so exciting! Or... this is so conceited of me, but I think I could have been an artist, like some noble gems are. But I'm a Chrysoberyl, so I'm a guard. That's all there is to it. The diamonds know best.
But... Blue Diamond was questioning White Diamond's authority, wasn't he? What does that mean fur me?
----
I've been thinking some more lately and--
...Hmm. Actually, I'll come back to that later.
----
--telling you, Blue, she's more receptive two your ideas than you think!
It's not that I don't believe you, Pietersite. But are you certain?
Pretty fucking certain, yeah! Here, listen two this:
[Audio played over a speaker and re recorded.]
"I... I think, sometimes, that I should have been made as a different gem. I don't mind guard work, of course, but there are so many other things I'd enjoy more!"
[End audio clip.]
...Huh. She didn't seem so enthusiastic when I asked her myself.
You're her diamond, Blue, she was intimidated by you. Of course she wasn't going two give you an honest answer on the spot! Stars, you can be so dense sometimes.
Alright, alright, you were right, as always. But do you really think she'd be interested in an actual rebellion? It's one thing to be dissatisfied with the existing authority; it's quite another to actively fight it. What if she panics and reports us to White before we can get any real traction?
...I know. There's definitely risk involved.
I just think we should wait for a better--
The thing is, we can't wait forever. This is the only gem we've met with an iota of interest in the cause in the last two hundred years! Every other gem is just mindlessly brainwashed into doing whatever their diamonds tell them two do. When we get a bigger group, some of those minds will start two change, sure. But before that? This might be our only opportunity two get anything started.
...Maybe you're right. Still--
Wait, fuck, shut the fuck up a second.
What?
Shh!
[Brief pause, during which a sharp intake of breath can be heard close to the audio pickup.]
Someone's here. Someone's recording, shit shit shit--that way.
[Loud gasp.]
On it.
Ah! Please don't--
Chrysoberyl? Chrysoberyl?
--I'm not going to do anything, I won't, I swear, I'm not going to do anything with the recording, please, trust me, please don't shatter me! I'm so sorry, my diamond, forgive me, please please please--
Holy shit, Blue, put her down.
--please, please--
Are you sure?
Chrysoberyl, calm down. Yes, I'm sure, you obtuse prick. We're not going two hurt you. How much did you hear?
[Sounds of sniffling and crying.]
I just--I was coming to see you, Pietersite, because I picked up a security breach on my diary--but that was you, you played a clip from it just now--
You noticed that? Holy shit.
--I heard Blue Diamond say my name from within your lab, so I freaked out and stopped to listen. I'm so sorry, my diamond, it was wrong of me to spy, but I was so curious... I hit record on my diary without even thinking about it, I'm so stupid, I'm so sorry, forgive me...
Please, don't be sorry. All of that was a natural reaction, I'm not angry with you. Neither is Pietersite, right?
No one's mad at you, CB. We're just... reasonably apprehensive about physical evidence of our treasonous mindset. Oh fuck, is that thing still recording?
Yes, I think so, I'm sorry!
Look, don't be sorry, just--let's turn that off, okay? We'll talk, and I'll get you some better security lat--
----
[Pause, followed by a giggle.]
Wow, where do I even start?
Um, okay. Pietersite gave me some much tighter security on this recording crystal, so much that he swears up and down that even he can't break into it meow. The only way to hear what's on it is to physically hold it and listen to it. And even then, you have to have a password. He's also been teaching me more about tech stuff, which has been super cool! Meow that I know a little more, I can see how obvious it was that he left hiss computer directly connected to the crystal when he helped me before.
You see, last time I tried to make an entry in this diary, I happened to be looking over some of the security code at the same time, just as something to do, and I realized there had been a breach. It was Pietersite, obviously; you already heard the conversation between him and Blue Diamond that I recorded! But I'm getting ahead of myself; I didn't want to keep talking about treasonous things on this diary if there was someone listening in. So I went back fur help.
When I realized he and Blue were talking about me, I panicked! The only thing I could think to do was to record what they were saying, in hopes that I could use that recording in retaliation if they tried to expose my treason to White Diamond. And then they caught me, and I got really scared, but then...
Well. Things are different meow, that's fur sure!
Blue doesn't like White Diamond at all, and he believes we smaller gems should have the right to do... whatever we want, basically. He and Pietersite have apparently been fur-iends fur a long time, and they've been trying to build a rebellion big enough to topple White Diamond. It's hard, though... it's only just the three of us.
[Giggle.]
Three of us! Because I joined! Stars, if I'm caught I'll be shattered in an instant! But that hardly matters... I'm one of the two gems in the universe closest to Blue Diamond! And I'm learning advanced tech from hiss most skilled Pietersite! I... one day, I'll be able to do whatever I want, Diamonds be damned!
I'm also freaking out a little.
----
Today was the first time since joining the rebellion that I was scheduled to guard Blue alone. I had so much fun! I've slowly been getting to know him beyond the diamond mask, and he's actually very sweet. And talkative, when you really get him going, but I can be too so I don't really mind.
We spent the day talking about anything and everything, with him sitting on the floor and me on the armrest of hiss throne. His throne! Can you imagine? Me, a lowly Chrysoberyl, on a diamond's throne--but of course, in the eyes of the rebellion, we're all equal as gems. It's still hard to wrap my head around, but spending time with Blue was really nice.
I wish I could tell Holly Blue Agate about what's been going on. I know why I can't--I never even considered it, really--but I miss being able to talk to him about the honest things on my mind. There was a time when he was everything I had, and it feels wrong to let go of that. Blue Diamond said that some day, he might come around, but I really doubt it. Holly Blue loves traditions and orders and the diamonds more than anyone else, after all!
I hope I never have to fight him over it.
----
I don't get why you're recording this. It's dangerous.
Fur us, yes. But I think we should have a record of what we're doing! Someday, it could be really important to some young gems who want to know their hisstory.
If White Diamond doesn't get two it and destroy it first, then sure!
I think it's a good idea. It might help us keep track of our ideas.
Ugh, fine. Whatever.
We need more people behind our cause. As capable as I'm sure you two are, we can't do much with just the three of us.
There's no safe way two recruit, though. Any mention of rebellion would get destroyed.
...In the palace, sure. But have you guys ever been off of Homeworld?
...No.
Not often.
Well... further away from the diamonds, depending on where you go, things can be a little more... relaxed, I guess.
Interesting. What do you propose we do, then?
Me?!
You're the one who knows most about the colonies, CB, of course he's asking you.
We trust your judgment. What does your intuition say?
Well... I know a few gems on Beforus that might be interested to hear what you have to say. I could get in touch with them, and we could have some sort of... presentation? I guess? You could talk to them, Blue.
Me?!
[Laughter.]
You're the big ideas guy, BD. Of course she's asking you.
I... well.
I think he should be disguised if we do this, though. It's two dangerous two just broadcast off-planet that a diamond is thinking of rebelling.
But people might be more interested in what he has to say if it's coming from a diamond.
That's true...
Um. I'd rather not have people just listening to me because I'm a diamond.
[Pause.]
You two aren't just humoring me because I'm your diamond, right?
Of course not! My diamond!
Oh. Oh, no...
Hey, hey, calm down, BD. Let's fucking talk about this.
I want you guys to be free to believe in whatever you want to believe in! Not just blindly follow me into danger because I asked you to!
Damnit, Blue, stop crying, it's fucking with us. Oh fuck, Chrys, don't you panic two...
I... *hic* Am I just doing this because my diamond asked me to? I thought I believed in the cause, but I only considered it because he asked me some tough questions! Oh no, oh no oh no oh no...
Fuck, you're both so dramatic. Blue fucking Diamond. Look me in the eyes. Yes, about five hundred years ago, I may have listened two you more than I would have a different gem. But that doesn't mean I didn't still believe in the cause! If I didn't, I would have reported your ass two White Diamond, don't think I wouldn't have. You're a diamond, and that's still going two mean something for a long time. But I'm also fighting because I care about the cause and you, okay? So calm the fuck down.
Pietersite...
Shut the fuck up. Chrysoberyl. I know what you're going through, okay? I had this same breakdown a while back, though thankfully mine wasn't spurred on by fucking diamond tears. Seriously, Blue, quit it.
Sorry. I'm trying, I--sorry.
That's better, I guess. Listen, CB, it doesn't really matter what gave you the idea, okay? What matters is whether you really believe, deep down, that you're doing the right thing, now. And I think we both know that you do. Right?
...Yeah. Yes, you're right. I wanted this fur me, not beclaws of Blue. Well, not just beclaws of him.
I shouldn't have dragged you two into this. I should just try to fight White on my own, I don't want either of you getting hurt over something you barely even believe in, because of me! That's not fair to you, you should be able to live your lives without worrying about what a diamond wants from you!
Stars above, is he even listening?
I'm not sure. BLUE!
Hmm?
WE'RE NOT DOING THIS BECAUSE YOU'RE A DIAMOND, WE'RE DOING IT BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU!
Oh my fucking stars.
W-what?
AND ALSO BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN OUR PURRSONAL RIGHTS OR WHATEVER. BUT WE LOVE YOU, TOO, AND THAT MEANS WE CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK, WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!
End me now.
Am I wrong?
...No.
I... Well! I'm flattered, and I love you both too. Obviously. I hope.
Oh my stars, I have a recording of Blue Diamond saying he loves me.
TURN THAT FUCKING THING OFF!
----
[Indistinct voices can be heard in the background, from a slight distance.]
You're sure you want to do it like this?
I'm sure. If I go out there as a diamond, things are more complicated.
Well, I think you make a handsome Blue Quartz.
Thank you... do you think anyone will notice my color is slightly off-model?
Not in this lighting. You might run into issues keeping it up later.
Oh, hush. You're going to do great! I'm absolutely pawsitive.
You got this... BQ.
Okay. Alright. I'm going out there. Wish me luck!
Good luck!
You won't need it.
[All background voices stop. Blue Quartz's voice can be heard amplified, but from further away than before.]
Thank you all for coming.
Ten two one odds he bombs.
Pietersite! You're so mean, stars above. He'll be fine.
Sure, whatever you say. [Laughs.]
For thousands of years, gems have lived united under the Diamond Authority. The strongest gems at the top, and all other gems built to fulfill their will. Through this system, our empire has grown and prospered. But what good is an empire if its people are enslaved?
[Murmuring from the audience.]
Where is the benefit from the empire for the common gem? When will the expansion stop and the countless wars end? How can we be a prosperous people if we are not truly free?
Gag. I still think this speech is two cheesy--oh my fucking stars.
What?
You look like you're gonna cry, holy shit. Don't you have this speech memorized by now?
So what?!
Well, I guess he has his first disciple.
Oh, hush. Listen! This next part is good.
I know, I helped write it--ugh, fine.
This is a rallying call to every quartz that doesn't want to fight an endless war. To every pearl that doesn't want to entertain an unforgiving master. To every peridot that doesn't want to build kindergartens for thankless leaders. To off-colors who have spent their lives being told they should be shattered. Y--We all deserve the freedom to whatever life we choose! The diamonds are strong, but together we can make a change! So please: join us. For everyone's future.
Bit of a slip-up there, but he did pretty well.
He did amazing! Do you think anyone will join?
No way of knowing until they do, I guess.
Let's get out there and help talk to people. Blue looks a little overwhelmed.
Ha, yeah.
----
Diary, the speech Blue Diamond made on Beforus was a huge success! Tiger's Eye and her fur-iends are all so CUTE and most of them agreed to join the rebellion. Ruby wasn't interested, which worried me and Pietersite fur a little bit, but Tiger's Eye assured us she wouldn't report us to anyone either, and added that if we talk to her fur-iend Amber later, he and Ruby both might join.
Besides them, we have Purple Topaz; he doesn't speak, but he spent the whole night at Tiger's Eye's side. We also have Rhodonite and her... fur-iend? Lackey? I'm not sure, but he's Umbalite, and they both seemed eager to make some real change. Rhodonite had Blue cornered talking about potential attack plans fur a while; he seemed purr-etty stressed out about that, but we'll have to fight the other diamonds eventually if we want things to change. I'm glad we've recruited some people who understand that, even if it hasn't really sunk in fur Blue yet.
The four of them mentioned a few other fur-iends who might want to join as well. Soon we'll have enough gempower to do something a bit more public! So, things are looking up.
----
Today I met Blue Diamond's pearl. I didn't know he had a pearl, and I didn't fully believe it at first; the pearl favors a red-tinted form, rather than blue, but when I saw hiss face it was unmistakably an imitation of Blue's. He was perfectly polite, well-mannered, and poised, like a good pearl should be.
He asked me if I knew what Blue had been doing recently. He said Blue has always been distant from him, but he's hardly seen Blue at all recently, and he was worried. He wanted to know what he could do to better serve hiss diamond, to avoid being shattered or furgotten. I said I didn't know.
I feel uncomfortable. Blue has been teaching us that all gems have the right to be free, to be themselves, to live without fear. So why is hiss own pearl so afraid? Why would he not start with the gem closest to him?
I'm probably overreacting. Maybe Blue just hasn't had the time yet to speak with Pearl. He's been very busy, after all.
----
[From a distance.]
--on't say a word.
Listen, Pearl. I want to create a world where all gems can be free, including you. I'm fighting for your freedom and mine. I'm building a union of gems who all want the same thing, so that together, we can make a change. You can join us, if you like.
Just... I have to appear before these gems as Blue Quartz, not myself. If I walked among them as a diamond, it wouldn't be the same. I wish you hadn't seen me like this.
Do whatever you like, okay, Pearl? Be the gem you want to be, not what I want from you. Just, do me a favor and don't tell anyone what you saw today. Alright?
You can speak, Pearl.
[Voice too quiet to hear.]
Thank you. Please, introduce yourself to the other gems.
----
I haven't told Pietersite what I heard. I haven't told anyone. But I... think it's a good thing Pearl is with us meow. He certainly seems enthusiastic about it. He's always the first to catch one of us if we slip up and say something we shouldn't. And he's keeping Blue's secret, and Pietersite keeps laughing about Red Pearl with Blue Diamond. Blue Quartz, I suppose.
I don't know what I was worried about when I started recording. Everything's fine! I should have just trusted Blue from the start. I'll just... delete the last few logs in this crystal. I don't need them.
But... well, documentation is still important, right? I'll keep them as a memento fur the future. Right.
----
We'll have to fight soon, you know. Rhodonite is right.
I know. I just wish we could resolve this all peacefully.
The other diamonds aren't going to let that happen. We need to fight, to take action. We should start taking down kindergartens.
I know. You're right. I'll talk to her in the morning.
...Okay.
Yeesh, you guys are tense.
It's been a stressful evening.
Yeah, whatever. Let's think about something more fun. Like branding!
Branding? Oh, that's right, Jade said something about that.
Yep! A name and a sign. Something two call our little group, and something two wear as an insignia, like the mark of the diamonds. It'll be good for group morale.
I'm not sure I like the idea. I don't want our group to be a parallel to the diamonds, I want it to be something different altogether.
Oh, come on, it'll be fun!
Yeah, what do you have? Let's come up with some ideas.
...
...
...
How about, "Heralding Equality In Space: Gems Against the Empire?"
Oh my stars. Got anything shorter?
Well, it can be an acronym.
H-E-I-S G-A-E. Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue...
So what? It's accurate.
Oooo-kay, BQ, what do you have for a sign, then?
I disagree with the concept entirely.
Ha!
Aw, why? I think it'd be a good idea.
No! I'm putting my foot down, I will not insist on a symbol for my followers to wear, that's tyrannical.
Boo, listen two Mister Signless over here.
[Laughter from Chrysoberyl and Pietersite.]
Hey, didn't Larimar say something about using names instead of our gems to refur to one another? It "increases purrsonal agency and identity," or something.
Oh, you're right. What did she want us two call her... Aranea?
Oh, shoot, that's right. Sorry, Aranea!
We can call Blue "Signless," then.
[Laughter from Chrysoberyl and Pietersite.]
You two aren't as funny as you think you are.
Aw, you love us.
...True. I suppose I don't mind the name. It reflects my opinion on the mark of the diamonds quite well.
That makes you his Disciple, CB. I can't believe you still hang onto his every word when he's giving his little speeches.
Oh, I like that! Yes, call me Disciple. I think that's a good name.
Of course, Disciple. What about you, Pietersite?
Oh, I don't need one. I feel plenty of personal agency and identity on my own, thanks.
Come on, now.
We're all doing one!
Ugh, fine. Maybe... the Psiioniic.
Oh, like those lasers you make?
Very cool.
I can tell when you two are making fun of me, you know.
No, I like it! I'll be sure to call you by your name, Psiioniic. Right, Signless?
Of course, Disciple. It's important to be respectful of Psiioniic's name.
You're both assholes.
[Laughter.]
----
We've entered battle. Rhodonite--no, Meenah--and I led the charge on the prime kindergarten on Beforus and we won! Psiioniic and I have left our stations on Homeworld, but our numbers grow stronger every day. Signless can speak out in the open meow, even if he's still disguised as a quartz. He and Pearl--Kankri--are somehow still maintaining appearances as a diamond and hiss pearl among the other diamonds, but I don't know how long that will last.
It feels good to get my claws into White Diamond's soldiers. They've always acted as though they're better than the rest of us. I'm happy to prove them wrong.
----
Not much time fur updates lately, but we're still going strong. We've commandeered at least fifty ships. White Diamond can't ignore us fur much longer.
----
Fusion. The word on all of our lips after our dear friends Mituna and Latula proved yesterday that it doesn't just belong to gems of the same type. They've joined us today as Chrysocolla, as Mitula, as one person greater than the sum of their parts, as the ultimate representation of their love and passion for one another.
Friends, the diamonds would have us see Mitula as an abomination. An affront against the purity of purpose their components were made for. Are we going to let them?
[Chanting from a large crowd: "NO!"]
Let us fight for fusion today. For the love we experience in becoming someone greater than ourselves. For the freedom to express that love in the most mundane situations. For the way that love has been ripped from our hands for the sake of the empire!
Together, we are strong. Together, we can fight. Together, we will not lose!
Don't cry, Psii.
Shut up. He's a good speaker, okay?
Ha! Believe me, I know.
I wonder what it's like, two fuse. I've never tried it.
...Want to find out?
[Pause.]
Woah.
Woah.
We... I can see so far.
We... I can see so far.
Who am I meow?
Who am I meow?
Pietersite and Chrysoberyl... I'm Hawk's Eye.
Pietersite and Chrysoberyl... I'm Hawk's Eye.
But more than that... I'm the Diipsiiple.
But more than that... I'm the Diipsiiple.
[Laughter.]
I bet Signless is going two be jealous.
I bet Signless is going two be jealous.
----
White Diamond's army struck back against us last night, and caught us off guard. Casualties were huge; we did our best to collect poofed gems before they were lost or broken, but many are still unaccounted fur. Among the generals, Damara and Horuss are still missing, and Mituna was cracked. He and Latula are both distraught; they can't fuse anymore, and Mituna has changed immeasurably.
Psiioniic was poofed, but I was thankfully able to recover hiss gem. I don't know what Signless and I would do without him. He hasn't reformed yet, and I find myself unable to take my eyes off him until he does. I can't imagine how Rufioh must feel, with both Damara and Horuss gone.
I want to strike back. Signless says we shouldn't be so hasty, but I want to attack as soon as we can. We've been travelling between the colonies, trying to build up our forces, but it's time to take the battle to Homeworld. Meenah agrees, and I can't imagine it will be long before Signless allows it.
I--Psiioniic is returning.
----
Signless, Psii, I'm sorry. Meenah, Rufioh and I went back to Homeworld to try and find Damara and Horuss. I hope you find this if I don't make it back alive. I love you both so much.
I know you both mean well, but we can't leave our own behind. We're no better than White if we do, even if it gets us shattered. You both need to remember that, even if I'm gone--shit!
Chrysoberyl?
...Hey, Holly Blue.
Where have you been? I've been worried sick that you got caught up in that rebellion business--are you safe? Are you hurt anywhere?
I'm fine. I wasn't--I'm okay.
Well, come, let's go to my office. You can tell me everything about... wherever you've been all this time.
Um. Actually, I can't really stay. I'm so sorry, Holly Blue, I--do you happen to know where the diamonds are keeping captured rebels?
Well, yes, but why do you need to know?
I...
[Pause.]
...You're one of them, aren't you. You're a rebel.
...Yes.
Why didn't you tell me?
I--
You didn't trust me. Of course, you wouldn't. You shouldn't. I'm loyal to the diamonds more than anyone else.
I'm sorry, Holly Blue.
You shouldn't be here. It's not safe, this place is crawling with guards. You know that as well as I do.
I have to fight fur my friends. You can understand that, can't you?
Of course I can. But you need to leave, quickly. Before you get caught.
No!
Chrysoberyl--
[Static voice, too indistinct to be understood.]
Shoot. Are there more of you here, right now? Two rebels have been caught.
Fuck! I have to help them, where--
No! I forbid it. You have to leave, now.
I won't--
[Poof.]
I'm sorry. I won't let them shatter you.
[Silence, with the exception of small rustling sounds as the recording crystal is moved. After several minutes, a warp pad activates. Sounds of nature can now be heard, including the ever-present toadsong native to Beforus.]
You'll be safe here. I'll contact Pietersite, I'm sure he must be a rebel too.
...Goodbye, Chrysoberyl.
[More rustling, but this time the sound fades away as it continues. From a distance, a warp pad activates again.
Silence, with the exception of the nature sounds, for six hours and twelve minutes.]
She's here.
Oh, thank the heavens.
Oh my stars, her stupid recording crystal is here two.
[Laughter, wet with tears.]
Has it been recording this whole time?
Ha, yeah, I think so.
Why in the galaxy would she need it on back on Homeworld?
Well, only one way two find out.
----
WELL! Things got purr-etty dramatic around here fur a few weeks but first, the good news: Meenah, Rufioh, Damara, and Horuss are all back, safe and sound! The way they were returned makes things a little tricky, but it does mean tempers have settled a bit regarding our little rescue mission... including my own. Sign and Psii had me basically under lock and key fur a while to stop me from running off again. Fair enough, since I would have definitely gone to help them had I had a chance. Luckily, I didn't need to.
Here's where things get dicey: Pink Diamond brought them back, calling out fur "Blue Diamond" the whole time. Apparently she saw him sneak out as Blue Quartz a while back and decided not to say anything beclaws she was a little sympathetic to the cause. She wasn't sure she'd participate in the rebellion herself, but apparently "White Diamond is a reel pain in the ass," and when she heard some rebels had been brought back to Homeworld she "had to do somefin." So: we meow have two diamonds on our side, and the odds of our success are meow much greater.
However, most of our army wasn't aware we had one diamond on our side, and quite a few of them are... reasonably upset that Signless has been lying to them all this time! They also found out that Psii, Kankri and I all knew too, so they've kicked us and Pink out to discuss things among themselves. I suspect Signless will be overthrown and Meenah will take control of the rebellion, and I'm honestly not too concerned about that. As long as we're still fighting fur the same things, right?
He's purr-etty stressed out about it, though. He's a pacifist, and putting Meenah in charge will definitely shift the direction of this war. But, you know, as much as I appreciate hiss pacifistic teachings, we need to listen to the will of the people here. That's the whole point of the war. I know Psii agrees, even if he's not a huge fan of the fighting either.
I'll keep this log updated. We're making hisstory, after all.
----
I don't think it's a good idea.
I do.
Yes, Dis, we're all aware of your opinion.
Oh please, as if everyone in the galaxy doesn't know what you think--
Guys, please. Calm down.
That's right. We all need to stay calm--
Don't pretend you're not antagonizing her, SL.
The thing is, it's not up to us anymore what the rebellion as a whole does. Meenah's in charge meow, and if we don't respect that, then what was all this for?
I know, but it's too risky! They don't know what the diamonds are capable of. You two don't even know what we're capable of. What White is capable of. It's going to fail.
You can't say that for sure.
Oh, whose side are you on, Psii?!
My own! The rebellion's! There's no picking sides here, we're all on the same fucking team. We want the diamond authority gone, right? We've been risking everything for that this whole time, we have two keep fighting.
Exactly.
But that doesn't mean we can't be smart about it, at least.
We are being smart about it! We finally have the gempower to win! Pink is on our side now. We don't know how long she'll be here, but we have half the diamonds with us. This is our best chance fur a fair shot. We have to act now.
You don't understand. Yellow is a better strategist and fighter than Pink or I, and White is more powerful than the three of us combined. You think we have a chance but you're not understanding the power differential, it's not as close as it seems from the numbers.
You don't understand! It's not just diamond versus diamond! The rest of us are here too, and the diamonds' armies will be more confused than ours. They won't be sure who to support when the time comes, when the authority is called into real question, I know it! Even Holly Blue Agate is confused about it, and he supports the diamonds more than anyone.
You're both so FUCKING annoying! We've had this argument TWENTY TWO FUCKING TIMES this week, and it always goes the exact same way! I'm sick of it. Let me know if you guys stop your gem polishing contest long enough two actually compromise.
[Door slams.]
...
...
Look, I'm just worried we'll put all of our effort into this and everyone will get shattered for it. And it will all have been for nothing.
I know. But that's what this log is for, you know?
...What?
I'm keeping this... diary, journal, logbook, whatever you want to call it; I'm keeping it so if we all fail, the gems who come after us will have a way to know what we did. What it was like fur us, what we tried, what we believed in. So that our story isn't lost, even if... we do fail.
Oh. ...I don't think I ever realized that.
Well, meow you know.
I'm still worried we'll all be shattered, you know.
I know. I am too.
You are?
Of course I am! Stars, Signless, I'm not some kind of fearless war machine. I'm a gem. I don't want any of us to be shattered, least of all me! I just think... some things are worth that risk, and this is one of them.
[Pause.]
I'm sorry. I think I've been underestimating you.
Ha! Maybe. But you don't have anything to apologize fur, okay? Not to me, anyway.
Right.
[Pause.]
It's possible... that I've been overestimating White Diamond's strength. I'm terrified of him, but maybe that's influencing my ability to see him for what he really is.
Well... you would know better than I do.
I'm not sure that's true. Fear and trauma can do some tricky things to a gem's brain. You're seeing things from a more objective viewpoint, and I should respect that.
...Hey, Signless?
Yes?
Did you have a different pearl before Kankri?
...Yes.
...What happened to them?
[Long pause.]
She raised me, essentially. When I first formed, the other diamonds didn't have time to entertain me or teach me how to... be a diamond, I suppose. She had been around for a very long time, so I guess they thought she could be my guide until I knew enough to help with colonization. And she was very good at that!
But she was also sweet to me. She listened when I talked, and cared what I said, and made me feel loved. And I loved her back, in our own way. She taught me to be kind to everyone I met.
Of course, White Diamond caught me laughing with a group of amethysts once, and he figured out where that influence came from. He had the amethysts rejuvenated and Pearl shattered, right in front of me. To teach me a lesson.
I'm so sorry.
It's okay. It was a long time ago.
So, after that...
I was miserable for a long time. I hated Kankri; I saw him as a replacement to someone I didn't want replaced. I didn't know what to do with myself except cry until, well... a certain Pietersite took one look at me and called me annoying. My tears were getting in his eyes, you see, and he couldn't code very well through it.
Hahaha! Wow, that sounds like Psii.
I never told him what I'd been so upset about--though he might have known, he's been around for quite a while--but he was able to talk me into actually doing something with my dissatisfaction. Which was a real turn around for me, as I'm sure you can imagine.
You really love him, don't you.
I do.
That's incredible. You've been through so much together...
You know I love you too, right?
Well, sure, but--
Disciple, Psii might have been the one to pick me up off of my feet, but you're the one who has taught me more than anyone else I know. You challenge me every day to face my fears and change how I think about the world, and I'm so, so grateful for that. You're braver than anyone else I've ever met, and Psii and I both admire you for it.
Well! That's--oh my stars. You're so...
I love you, Disciple. Truly.
...You know you and Psii are the reason I can be so brave, right? You're both... Gah, I'm not as good with words as you, but you inspire me to fight fur myself, or something like that. And I love you too!
Well, that's awfully sweet of you.
We should go apologize to Psii.
Yes. And stop fighting with each other. Because you're right; we have to take the war to Homeworld.
...Yeah.
----
Oh my stars, this is so stupid--hi, "diary," or whatever. DS and SL made up with me privately, off the record. We're all very much still in love going into the invasion, et cetera et cetera. None of us are mad at each other. Is that good enough??
Yes, purrfect!
I don't know who you think is going two listen two this someday--yeah, yeah, I got it.
----
Today's the day. To anyone who listens to this, whether it's an hour from now or six billion years: remember us. Remember what we fought for. Remember who we were.
Fight for love, not for your diamonds.
Live as who you want to be, whoever that is.
We're fighting for you. Don't let it go to waste.
----
Log date: the third day of Era Two. Entry by Holly Blue Agate, captain of the former Blue Diamond's guard.
The rebellion failed. I will do my best to recount how, for Chrysoberyl's sake.
Originally, the invasion went well for them. Their forces were overwhelming compared to ours, and I must confess I and several others on the side of the diamonds felt conflicted in our stance. They were quick to move past us to the diamond court, especially with the power of not only Blue but Pink Diamond on their side. I can only hope now that White Diamond sees it as a waste of resources to shatter those of us who betrayed him, even in the slightest of wavering spirits.
White and Yellow Diamond faced the army standing together, for a moment, but before either side could attack, Yellow Diamond surprised everyone by attacking White Diamond himself. For a brief moment, it appeared as though the rebellion would be the winning side, with three diamonds sided against the single White! It was beautiful to behold, even for one so lowly as I.
However: White Diamond easily cast Yellow aside, poofing him where he stood. He then turned to Pink and poofed her as well, barely an instant later. I have heard she is to be rejuvenated in the following week, remade from scratch as a new version of herself. Yellow has already returned, and it is as if he never betrayed White at all. I believe most of the populace is unaware of his rebellion; I, however, suspect that White is controlling him, somehow.
At this point, many of the remaining gems retreated, scattering to save themselves. It is with a heavy heart that I say Chrysoberyl was not among them, nor the Pietersite she was so close with, Blue Diamond, or his Red Pearl. White brought them all to their knees with barely a whisper.
He brought them to his podium, and all the gems in Homeworld watched as he forced Blue Diamond into his false form of Blue Quartz. "THIS IS THE FACE. OF YOUR REBELLION," he said. "THESE ARE THE LIES YOU'VE BEEN FOLLOWING. MERELY A DIAMOND WHO HAS OUTGROWN HIS WELCOME." Then, he shattered Blue Diamond with his own hand.
Then... I'm sorry. I cannot speak in too much detail about the next. Chrysoberyl and Pietersite were both shattered as well. The pearl, despite his sins, was rejuvenated instead. I believe he is now serving Yellow Diamond.
After everything, I found this recorder and recognized it as Chrysoberyl's. I've listened to all its contents, and I understand, now. I can't start a rebellion myself; I fear the diamonds far too much. I will likely serve them the rest of my life. But I will keep this record safe, until my dying day. I will hold onto it for the gems of the future, who are braver than I, who will fight again for their freedom. I do this to preserve Chrysoberyl's memory.
Whoever listens to this recording: please, remember her, and remember that she was loved, and that she loved all of you. Remember that you are not alone.