Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Steven had no idea what had just occurred. It happened so fast.
One moment he was lying out in the field, watching the stars while he was on his road trip, the next…
The next six to eight portals appeared around him, and twelve humanoid aliens he'd never seen before emerged and pointed guns at him. One of them tackled him to the ground and put a collar around his neck.

“W-what’s going on?! Who are all of you guys?!” Steven yelled as he tried to get away, but the aliens tightened their grips around his arms.

“Silence, hybrid!” One of the aliens yelled at the teen, causing him to whimper in fear. The biggest alien, who Steven assumed was the leader of the group, put away their gun and spoke into a device on their wrist. They then took off their helmet, revealing a feminine face and braided lavender hair. Their indigo eyes had a scar running down their face.

“Lavender Leader to Mother Planet, come in, Mother Planet.”

“This is Mother Planet, go ahead,” a feminine voice replied through the communicator.

“We have successfully found and apprehended the criminal by the name Steven Universe. We await a portal back home,” the alien said before another voice came through the communicator.

“Maroon Leader to Lavender Leader, come in, Lavender Leader,” said the new voice. Steven could hear what seemed like sounds of fighting coming through the other side of the communicator.

“This is Lavender Leader, go ahead,” The Lavender Leader replied.

“We have nearly successfully apprehended the criminals. They managed to injure four of our units when three other gems came to their aid, but now only one gem remains; a skinny, pale-looking gem,” The Maroon Leader said. Steven’s head popped up in shock.

A skinny, pale-looking gem? Is she talking about Pearl?! Steven thought, panicked, only for another voice to suddenly come on the communicator.

It was Pearl’s voice.

“Ugh! Get your hands off me you brutes! Gah—why are you attacking us?! We haven’t done anything wrong!” Came Pearl's pained yell. It sounded like she was struggling against her captors. Without thinking, Steven struggled out of the alien's grip, whirling around to grab the Lavender Leader’s arm so that he could speak into the communicator.

“Pearl! Pearl, can you hear me?!” Steven yelled into the communicator, completely unaware that tears were flowing down his face.
“Steven, is that you? Are you okay?!” Came Pearl's voice. . Steven heard one of the aliens on the communicator tell Pearl to shut up as one of the aliens tried to pull him away from their Leader.

“No, Pearl, I’m not okay! I was ambushed by these aliens. I don't know who they are or why they’re calling me a criminal!” Steven replied tightening his grip on the Leader's arm.
For a moment, Steven only heard more struggling sounds before Pearl finally answered.
“Steven, don't panic! All you need to do is…is…” Before Pearl got a chance to finish her sentence, she let out a sharp cry of pain quickly followed by a poofing sound.

They got Pearl.

The other aliens finally got Steven off the Leader's arm and then punched him twice in the cheek, leaving a big bleeding bruise on his cheek.
“Try that again and you'll be seeing the end of my gun, got it?” The alien threatened, making Steven nod his head in fear.
Before he could gently touch his bruised cheek, one of the aliens grabbed both of Steven’s arms and put handcuffs on him before pulling him up by the back of his jacket.
“Sorry about that, Maroon Leader, you may continue.” The Lavender Leader said.
“That’s alright, Lavender Leader. I just wanted to tell you that we have successfully apprehended all of the criminals and attached anti-reform devices to each of them. We are now waiting for Mother Planet to open a portal home.” The Maroon Leader said before a male alien's voice came through the communicator.
“Woo, stars! Those gems sure gave us a damn good fight!” The male alien said before a female alien spoke.
“Yeah, they gave us a better fight than those diamonds!” The female alien said, making Steven’s heart skip a beat.

They…they got the diamonds too?!’ Steven thought in horror.
“Yeah, I thought fighting and apprehending three genocidal tyrants would take an hour or two, but it only took five minutes to defeat them! Ha! Did you see the look on the white one's face when we poofed the yellow and blue diamonds?” A different female alien yelled as the other two laughed like hyenas.
“And her last words before being poofed were like ‘No! No! Stay away from me, help!’” The female alien mockingly imitated White Diamond’s voice.

Steven couldn’t help but let more tears flow down his face as he found out what White’s last words were. All he could think about was how screwed he was. These aliens could defeat both the Crystal Gems and the diamonds in five minutes, he knew he was in deep trouble. He decided to do something stupid again and headbutted his captor, throwing up dirt as he kicked another between the legs before bolting away from the aliens and into the forest surrounding them.

One of the aliens pulled out their gun to shoot at Steven, but the Lavender Leader stopped them.
“No…let him run. He’ll get a ten-second head start before we start looking for him.” She said with a sinister smile.
Ten seconds passed quickly, and soon the aliens started to make their way into the forest after Steven.
“Remember: don’t use your guns and don’t hurt him too badly. We need to bring him back alive,” The Leader reminded the others as they went.
Steven ran as fast as he could,avoiding trees, rocks, and animals that stood in the dark night. The only thing he could hear was his own heart beating and wind whipping through his ears.
Before long, he had to stop to catch his breath. He tried to get the collar off his neck, but all it did was deliver a painful electric shock, causing him to yell out in pain.
Unfortunately, his yelp alerted the aliens, who started to chase after him.
The poor teen started running again, ignoring the pulsing pain in his legs.
I've got to hide! Steven thought frantically while looking for a hiding spot. He set his sights on a tree hollow with long blades of grass covering the entrance and immediately crawled inside, praying that his pursuers wouldn't find him.

He pulled out his phone, thinking that maybe Connie could help him take down the aliens, maybe by fusing into Stevonnie—but then, a realization hit him.
If the Crystal Gems couldn’t stop these guys, and neither could the diamonds, what difference could Stevonnie make?
Plus I’d be bringing Connie into this. Steven sighed, turning off his phone.
“I’m sorry Connie, but these aren’t gems I’m up against. It’s probably for the best if you stay out of this one.” Steven said in a low voice.
Unfortunately, one of the aliens still heard him and roughly grabbed him by the ankle, pulling him out of the tree. It slammed him back-first into a large rock, making the teen hiss in pain.

A group of aliens started to punch and scratch at Steven, but they were avoiding his lower stomach, where his gem was.
“Stop. He’s had enough.” The Lavender Leader said as she walked toward the heavily bruised teen.
The aliens backed off not before one of the female aliens decided to punch Steven in his right eye. Steven could tell he was going to have a black eye from the blow..
The leader pulled out her gun, causing Steven to close his eyes in fear.
“Here. You know what to do.” The Leader said, handing the gun to the alien who had just punched Steven.
The alien walked up to Steven and knelt down, and leaning in close before whispering into his ear, . “I warned you.”
“Huh?” Steven asked right before the alien bashed the end of their gun into the side of his head, causing Steven to slump over.
“Lavender Leader to Mother Planet, come in, Mother Planet.” The Leader spoke into her communicator.
“This is Mother Planet, go ahead.” A voice replied.
“The criminal tried to escape, but we apprehended him again and we’re ready for the portal home,” The Leader replied.
There were a few seconds of silence before the other voice responded.
“The portal is now opening up. You and your group can come home.” The voice said.

The last thing Steven saw and heard before he lost consciousness was a light yellow portal opening before him.

Chapter Text

Steven POV
“Ugh, my head hurts. What did I do last night, and what did I dream about?” I asked as I rubbed my head, trying to soothe my headache.

“I don’t know why I dreamed about mysterious aliens attacking and taking me, the gems, and the diamonds, and calling us criminals...Well, I can understand why they called the diamonds criminals, but I’m telling my therapist about the dream.” I said with a yawn and started to stretch.

“Thank stars, it's over now. I can—“ I stopped mid-sentence as I looked at the room I’m in.
This isn’t a hotel room; the room was a dull grayish green. There was a bed that didn’t look comfortable, and it was held up by chains that were attached to the wall, and in one corner was what I’m assuming is a toilet and sink. There was a window, but there were bars in some sort of light blue force field covering it, and there were also bars in a force field around the entrance of the room.

This is a jail cell.

My mind started erupting with questions. ‘Why am I here? What did I do? Where are the gems? Are they here, and are they ok?’ I thought as I placed my hands on the side of my head and squeezed my eyes shut, hoping I was still dreaming and would wake up any second.

I hissed in pain as I felt pain in my right eye and my cheek. I quickly made my way towards the sink, where there was a small mirror above it.

My right eye was red and swollen black, my cheek was black and red with a trail of dried blood going down my face, my lip was busted open, and it looked like some of the hair in the front of my head was torn out. I looked horrible.
I immediately started licking my hands and rubbing my spit all over my face so my healing power would take care of the injuries.

They didn’t disappear.

I licked my hands again, hoping that my healing powers were just delayed or something, and started to rub my saliva all over my face, but the injuries were still there.

I closed my eyes in defeat and turned on the sink to clean my face of saliva and used my jacket sleeve to dry my face until I realized something.

My ‘jacket’ sleeve wasn’t pink.It was blue.

I slowly backed away from the mirror to get a good look at myself.

These aren’t my clothes.

I was no longer wearing the black star shirt, jeans, salmon-colored sandals, and my pink varsity jacket. I was now wearing a blue prison jumpsuit with the symbol of Earth on the left shoulder with the number 4 on it and black shoes, and when I looked closer, I saw a black choker-like collar with a pink stripe across the middle and two steady red lights on the collar.

I jumped at the sound of the cell door opening, revealing a short alien that had rabbit ears, short hair, and three green eyes. The alien was also wearing a police uniform and was holding a grey tray full of what looked to be food.

“Rise and shine, uhh… Steven. Here’s your breakfast.” The alien said as they placed the tray of food on the metal bench, and they took one look at me and cringed.

“Holy shit! Lavender and her team beat the shit out of you!” They exclaimed as they gently ran their hand on my bruised cheek.
“They should’ve at least sent you to a Medical Bay so one of the nurses could treat your injuries while you were unconscious.” They said as they stopped touching my face.

I didn’t respond to them, as I still believed that everything that was happening around me wasn’t real and that I was still dreaming and not in a jail on a random planet.
“You must be thinking that this isn’t real or that you’re dreaming, right?” They said, which took me by surprise.
“Y-yes.” I meekly and nervously asked while nodding my head.
“Well, if this were a dream, then you wouldn’t be able to feel this!” They yelled. Before I had a chance to react, the alien punched me extremely hard in the stomach, causing me to fall over.
I clutched my stomach tightly and dry heaved in pain. Then I knew I had good news and bad news.

Good news: they didn’t hit my gem. Bad news: I am not dreaming.

“Oh… I probably shouldn’t have punched you that hard in the stomach. Knowing that you’re already hurt. Umm, do you want some help getting up?” They asked as they reached their hand out to help me up.
I grabbed their hand while my other hand was still clutching my stomach.
They helped me up to my feet, but my legs were still wobbly, so I quickly sat down on the metal bench.
I slowly raised my hands to my hair and clutched my hair tightly.

“Why aren’t my healing powers working? Why aren't any of my other powers working?” I asked no one in particular, but I guess the alien heard me.
“Well, it could be the collar around your neck. Because these types of collars are made to dampen powers and abilities to keep prisoners from using their powers to escape. In short, that collar turned off your gem abilities.” They explain.

“Well…can you please take the collar off? I won’t run away, I promise!” I meant it to I mean I’m on a planet I’ve never been to before, and I’m in an alien prison, and I’m positive that the gems and the diamonds are here as well, and I can’t leave without them.
“Even if I wanted to, I can’t. The collar is thumbprint locked; only Lavender can get the collar off.” They said with an apologetic look on their face.
All I could do was slowly push my head back and cover my eyes with my hand and let out a puff of air in frustration.

“If you want, I can take you to the Medical Bay, and a nurse can patch you up.” They said as they walked towards the cell entrance.
Can no longer take the throbbing pain of my injuries. I got up from the bench and walked behind the alien.

While we walked down the hall, I noticed other aliens in the jail cells. One cell had a purple transparent slime alien that had six eyes, the second cell had a robot that had four arms and was missing one leg, and the third cell was a red lobster-like alien with rubber bands on its pincers like hands, and it was wearing blue sandals.
He seems to have a Yiddish accent because I can hear him talking to someone.

(If you know what reference or where that alien is from you’re my new favorite person!)

“Here we are, the Medical Bay. I’ll see if the nurse is in.” They said as they knocked on the door.
“Allison, you have a patient! Are you in there?” They yelled while knocking.
Suddenly the door was yanked open, revealing a light pink female alien who had messy long hair and looked like a hybrid of an axolotl, and a lion.

“River, unless someone is seriously injured or dying, you better have a good reason why you’re pounding on the fucking door,” Allison said as she pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.
“You’re in luck because this guy needs medical attention!” River said as they pulled me towards the nurse.

Allison looked at me for a second but it felt like hours.”River what happened to him?” Allison asked. “Lavender happened. Her team beat the crap out of him and instead of sending them to Medical Bay they just threw him in the cell and left.” River explained.
Allison took a deep breath and let out a frustrated sigh as she pinched the bridge of her nose.”That stupid irresponsible..! Bring him in, I'll clean him up.” Allison said as she moved out of the doorway.

River brought Steven into the nurse’s office and left. Allison closed the door behind her and went through the cabinets. “You can sit on that table in the corner over there. I just need to grab some supplies.” Allison said as she pulled out a needle, thread, cotton balls, a syringe, and a small glass vial.

“I’m going to need you to lie down please,” Allison said as she grabbed the syringe and vial and started to fill the syringe. I immediately got nervous when she brought the syringe near my face. “Uhh-what is that?” I asked her quickly.

“This? This is a syringe. It is a medical device that injects or withdraws liquid or gases. I thought you humans knew what it was.” Allison said as she brought the syringe close to my face again.
I immediately got nervous again. “No no no! I mean what did you just fill the syringe with I mean!” I frantically asked. I mentally breathed a sigh of relief when she pulled the syringe back.

“Oh, that? Well, I filled the syringe with Xylar-7. It’s our version of what you humans call Novacaine. The only two differences between Xylar-7 and Novocaine are that Xylar-7 starts working faster than Novocaine. One of its side effects is increased appetite for a few minutes, so yeah.” Allison explained.

“Oh. Well, what’s..ahh!” I yelled mid-sentence as Allison pricked my cheek with a syringe. “No more questions sorry!” Allison said as she injected the liquid into my cheek.
“Alright in the next 20 seconds, your face will be completely numb.” She said as she took the syringe out of my cheek and prepared the needle and thread.
20 seconds passed and suddenly my face started to tingle until it finally stopped. I brought my hand up to my bruised cheek and started to pinch it hard.
I didn’t feel anything.
“I believe that your face is now numb because you’re doing that. Now I can start stitching that gash mark up.” Allison said as she brought the needle and thread near my cheek.

“I’m gonna need you to turn your head to the wall so I can get a better angle while I’m stitching up this wound,” Allison said. I obeyed and turned my head towards the wall. I know my face was completely numb so I couldn’t feel a needle go through my cheek, but I tensed up a little.
A few minutes passed by and Allison was nearly sewn up my wound. I couldn’t help but look at Allison with curiosity. What kind of alien species is she supposed to be?

Suddenly Allison sighed. “What question do you want to ask me?” Allison asked with a slightly annoyed tone. “W-what?” I ask in complete shock and confusion.
“You have been darting your eyes at me for a while now and you act like I didn’t notice. What is your question?” Allison asked with a hardened look in her eyes.

“Uuh well… I was wondering what kind of species you are? Because you look like a mixture between an axolotl, and lion.” I asked while choosing my words carefully not to offend the nurse who is currently sewing my cheek.
Allison just sighed and rolled her eyes. “ My species is called a Gilmane. A combination of a lion and an axolotl. We have the gills, regenerative ability, and dorsal fins of an axolotl and sharp fangs, claws, and speed of a lion.” Allison explained as she continued sewing.
I looked at Allison again and noticed her face looked kind of like a lizard's beak and her hands also looked like they belonged to a lizard. And I’ve also noticed she blinks sideways, something that lizards also do.
“Uhm…are you sure you’re species is a combination of a lion and axolotl because I can see some lizard thrown in there,” I asked.

Allison sighed again.”Maybe that’s because I’m half Gilmane and half Draco. I’m..I’m a hybrid.”Allison revealed which caught me off guard. I wanted to know more about her.
“C-can you tell me more?” I asked her. She just scoffed “I don’t know why you’re suddenly so interested in me and my life but alright.” Allison said.
“My mom was a Gilmane my dad a Draco. A Dragcos is are lizard dragon-like alien by the way. I don’t know where Mom and Dad used to work when they met, but they were on patrol. They ran into each other and the rest fell into place.

From then on they started meeting up with each other every single day. They confess their love for each other and the rest is history and a few months later I came into existence.” Allison explained while finishing up sewing.
I couldn’t help but smile a bit.” You’re just like me.” I said softly. Allison had a confused look on her face. “I’m just like you? What do you mean?” Allison asked as she started to tie the stitches’ ends.

“I’m a hybrid too! My dad is a human and my mom was a gem! See?” I said as I slowly twisted my body to pull my shirt up slightly to reveal my pink gem.
All Allison did was stare.
Allison just stared at my gem for what felt like hours. Until I noticed that she started to smile softly. “I guess we are the same,” Allison said softly. Allison grabbed a wet cotton ball and started to clean my cheek and place a large bandage around it.

Allison went to what looked like a mini fridge and pulled out a small ice pack and she went through the cabinets and pulled out a pill bottle.
She opened the bottle and pulled out two pills and grabbed a small cup and filled room water and handed it to me. “Take these pills, it's for the pain and this ice pack is for your eye,” Allison said while handing me the ice pack.

I took the pain medicine and drank the water and immediately I felt like my head was swimming. I can barely focus or think straight.
“Oh sorry! I meant to tell you the pain pills have some side effects. Like foggy mind, inability to walk right, and twitching limbs.” Allison explained as she saw me slowly rocking from side to side and my left arm was twitching.

“Why don’t I bring you back to your cell ok?” Allison said as she gently grabbed my hand and started leaning me down the hallway back to my cell. A tray of food that River left for me on the bench was waiting.
Allison led me into the cell then closed and locked the door behind her and walked away. I sat down on the bench and looked at the ‘food’ on the tray. It didn’t even look like food, it just looked like mush and it had a bluish purple color mixed.

I was about to slide the tray of mush away. But my stomach started yelling for food so I slid the tray closer to me. I took the spoon that was on the edge of the tray and scooped up a small bit of the mush.
I nervously looked at the spoon and hesitantly put my tongue on the food and to my surprise it didn’t taste that bad. I scooped up more food and ate some of it and couldn’t help but love the taste.
It tastes like sausage, eggs, and fruit all mixed into one and it weirdly tastes good.

Hours passed and nothing much happened. River brought me what I assumed was lunch. This time the mush was a brownish yellow mixed color but at least the food tasted good. It tasted like vegetable stew and grilled cheese.
Another hour passed and River came back again with dinner. This time the mush was just plain red and green splotches. It tasted like spaghetti and green beans.

“Lights out!” River shouted as the lights started to shut off one by one. I carefully made my way to the bed and lay down. I can hear the other aliens grumbling and talking about whatever makes it hard for me to sleep.
Not only that but my head was still buzzing with questions. ‘Why am I and the gems in jail? What did we do wrong? Am I ever going to see Earth, Dad, Connie, or Little Homeworld gems again?’ I thought as tears started to fall down my face.

I curled myself up on the bed and kept crying softly until I fell asleep.

Chapter Text

The lights snapped on, and Steven's cell door opened. River entered the cell, walked up to Steven, and shook him awake.

“Hey, Steven, you’ve got to wake up. It’s time for your trial,” River said as they shook the sleeping teen.
Steven finally opened his eyes and started to yawn as he stood up. ”Why are you waking me up?” Steven asked as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
“You have to wake up for your trial with the judge. You, the Crystal Gems, and the Diamonds’ trial got bumped up to today.” River said.
Steven immediately snapped awake when he heard the word ’trial.’ “T-trial?” Steven said meekly.

“Yeah, your trial was scheduled for the next two weeks.
But when news came out that Maroon’s group had managed to apprehend the Diamonds, the public was in an uproar and demanded that the trial be held today. So the people upstairs pulled some strings, and here we are.” River explained with a laugh.
Steven stood there staring silently at River, unsure of what to say next. “Well, I’m just here to wake you up and give you your breakfast so you don’t go to the courtroom hungry.”

River said as they placed a tray of brownish-purple mush on the bench.

“I’ll return in ten minutes to take you to the courtroom. So I suggest you eat as quickly as you can.” River said as they walked out of the cell and closed the door.
Steven reached over to grab the tray and started eating the mush. This time, it tasted like bacon and grapes. When Steven finished eating, he placed his tray to the side. Steven decided to get up, stretch, and wash his face over the jail cell sink.
Ten minutes passed, and the cell door opened. “Come on, time to go,” River said as they moved out of the way so Steven could get out. River led Steven down the opposite direction and through the double doors.

The two continued walking down the hallway and through doors until they stopped at a gray door with four silver locks and a hand scanner on the side.
River placed their hand on the scanner. There was a soft clicking sound from the door, and the locks started to unlock. The door opened, revealing a giant futuristic courtroom that was silver and brown. There were sky boxes in the front and sides of the courtroom, and the courtroom was filled with aliens of various shapes and sizes.

“River brought Steven towards a table and went back into the hallway. A few minutes later, River returned with the Crystal Gems and Bismuth, Lapis, and Peridot in tow. All six looked terrible; their hair was messy, and they looked tired. And if you looked closely, there were small gray blinking devices on their gems and colored collars around their necks, and for some reason, Peridot had a device wrapped around her mouth.

They put a muzzle on her mouth.

All six gems perked up when they saw Steven and wanted to run over to the teen, give him hugs, and give whoever hurt him a piece of their mind. But they noticed the teen was giving them pleading eyes, almost like he was pleading with them not to do anything that could get them in even worse trouble. So they refrained for now and walked over to Steven's table.
River left the room again, and a few minutes later, they were along with Steven’s captor, Lavender. She was holding a futuristic gun while holding the door open.

She turned her head and glared. “Get in there, you tyrannical scum!” She snarled, revealing the Diamonds.
Steven and the gems saw that, at an average adult human height, they were so used to seeing them as colossal.

It was so weird to see them this small.

The Diamonds weren’t in their usual outfit but in the same blue prison jumpsuit and black shoes that Steven and the gems wore. They also had collars around their necks and small devices on their gems. They also had handcuffs attached to their legs.

The entire courtroom erupted in boos and hisses, and some aliens were even throwing paper balls and food at them.

Yellow tried to shield herself from the paper and food thrown at her with an annoyed look on her face.
Blue tried to do the same, but tears were streaming down her face. White stared at the ground and let whatever hit her go like it didn’t bug her.

Lavender led the Diamonds to a table on the other side of the room. Lavender held her gun on one side, and another armed alien stood on the other.

“All rise for the honorable Judge Malice!” The guard announced. The booing and hissing slowly stopped as everyone stood up. A female Gilmane with gray curly hair and black eyes approached the judge’s stand. “Be seated.” Malice said as everyone sat back down.

“Today, we are to discuss the crimes of the Diamond Authority vs. the Galaxy. Where the Diamonds have committed mass genocide, war crimes, and mass invasion.” Malice listed the Diamonds’ crimes.
“Diamonds, how do you plead your case?” Malice asked the trio. Yellow was about to answer, but White beat her to it.
“Guilty, your honor,” White said, which shocked everyone, including Steven, the gems, and Blue and Yellow.

The courtroom erupted in chaos and confusion at White’s plea. “White, what are you doing?!” Yellow questioned with a confused, horrified look on her face. “Yellow, we have hurt and destroyed many planets inhabited before. We are guilty and need to take responsibility,” White answered her fellow Diamond.
“But White…!” Yellow started, but she stopped as White glared at her. “We’re guilty, Yellow, and that’s the end,” White said while glaring daggers at Yellow. Yellow was going to rebut, but she chose to stay silent. “Whatever punishment we get, we deserve it. We’re monsters, just like how we treated Pink.” Blue said meekly as more tears flowed down her face.

“Order! Order in the courtroom!” Malice shouted as she banged her gavel, and the yelling slowly stopped.
“Like everyone in the courtroom, I am surprised by your plea, White Diamond. I assumed you would plead not guilty.” Malice said.

“Well, you can thank Steven for teaching Yellow and Blue and me how to change for the better,” White said with a small smile. Steven also smiled at what White said.
“Well, that sure is touching, but that doesn’t save or excuse you from all the crimes the three of you have committed!” Malice yelled as she banged her gavel.

“Let the trial begin!” Malice announced.

(I don’t know how to write a trial, so I will skip to the last witness and get to the verdict.)

The last witness was finishing up her statement while crying. “I just don’t understand why you attack us. Our leaders agreed to let you use our planet for resources, grow more gems, or whatever. They just asked to give us enough time to retreat from the planet, but no! You’ve sent your army to attack and kill us for no reason. Our species used to be a group of thousands, maybe millions, and now only 50 of us are left because of you. How would it feel if this happened the other way around, you…genocidal tyrannical monsters!” The alien shouted.

The trial against the Diamonds has not been going well so far. Several aliens expressed sadness, confusion, and rage at the diamonds’ crimes.
Even one witness ran up towards the Diamond’s table and physically attacked Yellow Diamond, blaming her for the death of their wife and daughter, before guards pulled them away.

“Sky, thank you for voicing your statement. You may go now.”

Malice said to the alien. “I just hope those dictators get what they deserve,” Sky murmured as she left the podium and glared at the Diamonds.

“Ok, it is time for the jury to discuss their verdict.” Malice said.

The jury pool got up and went into a room to discuss their decision. But the verdict would be clear to everyone in the courtroom. Blue and Yellow weren’t taking this well.

Yellow was murmuring at her breath, grinding her teeth, and had a tight grip on the table as the table started to form cracks.
Blue had her head on the table, and a puddle of tears formed around her head, with defeat written all over her face.
White kept her composure. She was mentally preparing herself for whatever punishment the judge would give them, even if one of the punishments was for them to be shattered.

They’re monsters after all, and they don’t deserve to exist anymore.

Steven looked at the Diamonds with sadness and hopelessness in his eyes. Knowing that they’re going to lose a trial and that there’s nothing he can do to change it. Almost like White could sense Steven's eyes on them. She turned her head towards the teen and gave him a sad smile before turning back.

A few minutes later, the jury came back and took their seats. “Have the jury reached their verdict?” Malice asked. “We have your honor. We found the Diamond Authority guilty. On all accounts of mass genocide, war crimes, mass invasions, and so on.”

The courtroom erupted with cheers after thousands upon thousands of years of living in fear destroyed lives, pain, and suffering.

Justice has finally been served.

Malice pounded her gavel, and the courtroom went silent. “Honestly, I’m not surprised by the verdict. You three may have reformed thanks to Steven and his family. But that doesn’t wipe away thousands of years of pain and horror. And I’ll be honest, the punishment would have all three of you shattered, and your shards will be given to those whose lives you’ve affected and ruined.” Malice said, which made Steven’s heart race.

‘Wait, the Diamond 'affected our lives. Does that mean we will get a piece of the Diamond’s shards?! I don’t want their shards!’ Steven thought.
“But. According to those leaders, they would rather take those shards and feed them to galaxy worms instead because they hate you so much that they don’t want to see a piece of you. So, Diamonds, you are sentenced to stay in the Frozen Star Graveyard.” Malice said as gasps were heard throughout the courtroom.
‘The Frozen Star Graveyard? What is that?’ Steven thought. Malice suddenly answered his question.

“For those who don’t know, the Frozen Star Graveyard is a type of black hole where, unlike other black holes, you don’t come out into a different universe, but you’re trapped in a black void where it’s theorized to be even colder than space itself. And the moment something living is sucked up into it, the Frozen Star will disappear, never to be seen again. Think of it as being exiled out of the solar system or existence.” Malice explained.

Malice pounded her gavel again. “Take them to the prison ship and leave them there until it’s time to transport them to the Frozen Star Graveyard. That lunch until the next case!” Malice said as she and the rest of the courtroom began to clear out.

Steven was sitting alone in the corner of his room outside the courtroom, trying to think of how to get the judge to give the diamonds a different sentence, when he saw Malice walking out of the courtroom. Steven took a deep breath before walking up to Malice.

“Uhm, M-Malice, can I talk to you, please? Steven asked. The Gilmane stopped in her place and turned towards Steven with an impatient look on her face. “Fine, but make it fast. I need to get the prison ship captain and the coordinates to the Frozen Star Graveyard to send the Diamonds.” Malice said while tapping her feet.

“Well, that’s what I need to talk to you about. I know that the Diamonds are guilty of so many horrible things and have destroyed and killed so many to grow their empire or their army. And I know all that can’t be swept under the rug and forgotten about. But exiling them from the solar system sounds too harsh a punishment. Maybe they should just be imprisoned for thousands of years instead. I mean, it’s only fair and...” Steven stopped in mid-sentence as he heard Malice start to laugh.

“‘Too harsh,’ he says. ‘It’s only fair,’ he says. What about the Diamonds, Steven?! Were they too harsh when they used occupied planets for their kindergartens to destroy the ecosystem so nothing will ever grow again? Or attacking hundreds of planets filled with defenseless people to expand their worthless empire?” Malice said coldly, making Steven shake his head in fear.

“Then it’s only fair that they get exiled from the solar system. My sentence stays Steven. I don't care that they’ve changed, and stop trying to protect them because they’re a part of your family.” Malice said.

Steven felt his eyes fill up with tears as he sadly walked back to the corner.
“Wait, Steven!” Malice suddenly said. Steven suddenly turned hopeful. Maybe Malice changed her mind?
“To show I’m not completely heartless, I’ll let you go to the prison ship with a guard to say your last goodbye to the Diamonds,” Malice said as she walked away. Immediately, Steven's hope was shattered as a guard walked behind him and started guiding him to the ship.

The walk was long and silent. Steven had no idea what to think or what to say until they reached the ship.
The guard put in the door code and stepped back.
“You got five minutes, kid; better make it count.” The guard said gruffly as he pushed Steven into the ship.

When the ship door opened, Steven noticed that the Diamonds weren’t wearing the collars or handcuffs anymore. The Diamonds could easily escape now that the collars weren’t on their necks. But they didn't; they didn't even bother using their powers to escape; they just stayed where they were.
They are taking responsibility for their actions.

When the door closed, Steven ran up to them and hugged all three of them at once while crying. This caught Blue and Yellow by surprise, while White just smiled and brushed his curly hair with her hand.

“I’m sorry that this is all happening to you guys, and I couldn’t get you a lesser sentence!” Steven said while sobbing.
“It’s ok, Steven. We know you want to help us. But those witnesses were right; we're genocidal tyrant monsters who deserve the worst punishment.” Yellow, she said as she awkwardly returned the hug to Steven.

“Yellow is right. Steven being exiled from the solar system seems like the best punishment for us. White was right with what she said earlier; we're guilty, and we need to take responsibility for our actions.” Blue said as she gently hugged the teen.

“Don't blame yourself for trying to help us, Steven. But can you do one last thing for us?” White asked,

“Anything! What is it?!” Steven asked White, wanting to fulfill her last request.
“Please don’t forget us.” White said as tears rolled down her face.
“I won't, I promise.” Steven said as he hugged the Diamonds tighter as all four of them started to cry.

A few minutes later the door opened, revealing the guard. “Time’s up! Time to go!” The guard yelled.

Steven didn’t want to get out of the hug, but he knows the guard will force him out of it if he doesn’t get up in time. So he got up and quietly left the ship, not before looking back at the Diamonds. He sadly waved goodbye, and White returned the gesture as a door closed behind him.

“Go back to the courtroom; lunch is almost over.” The guard said. Steven was about to walk back to the courtroom, but he turned around. “Umm, can I go to the bathroom first?” Steven asked.

The guard murmured under his breath and then rolled his eyes. “Go ahead, just turn left and keep walking down the hall; that’s where the bathrooms are. That’s where the bathrooms are, and be quick about it!” The guard said as Steven walked down the corner and waited until the guard went inside the ship. Steven ran back to the ship’s door and peeked out the window. He saw the guard was yelling at the Diamonds about something as he pressed a few buttons and flipped a red switch.
A few seconds later the Diamonds were suddenly poofed into their gems, which surprised Steven.

The guard began to collect the Diamond’s jumpsuits and took the devices that were attached to gems off and walked towards the door. Steven quickly ran away from the door and hid around the corner as the guard walked out of the ship.
Unfortunately the guard noticed Steven hiding near the corner. “Hey! I thought you were going to the bathroom?” The guard said. Steven thought of a quick lie.

“Uhh, I did go to the bathroom, but it turns out I didn’t need to go at all?” Steven said nervously, hoping the guard would buy it. “Hmm…alright then, get to the courtroom; the Crystal Gems trial is about to start, and I have to pilot this ship to the Frozen Star Graveyard.” The guard said as they placed the jumpsuit, collars, and small devices on a nearby table.

Chapter Text

Steven entered the courtroom, where everyone else was waiting for him. “It's good to see you’ve returned, Mr. Universe. Now we can start yours and the Crystal Gems’ trial,” Malice said as Steven approached the table where the gems were.

“Now, onto the next trial, The Crystal Gem vs. the solar system. Crystal Gems, you stand here accused of participating in fighting in an illegal war, vandalism, destroying a priceless artifact, and destroying private property. How do you plead?” Malice asked.

“Well, not guilty, of course, your honor! And with all due respect, this list of crimes is ridiculous! Yes, we fought in the Gem War but were fighting against the Diamonds for our freedom. But we’ve never vandalized anything, destroyed private property, or stolen a priceless artifact!” Pearl exclaimed, completely confused by the rest of their ‘crimes.’

“Well, according to our nanobot security camera, it detected vandalism on the Moon Base.” Malice said as a screen appeared out of nowhere, showing the Moon Base.

This made Steven, Peridot, and the gems, minus Garnet, nervous. They remembered Garnet destroying the Moon Base panel after Peridot showed them what would happen to the Earth if the Cluster emerged and said, ‘It could’ve been great.’

“Oh! Well, if you’re talking about the Moon Base panel. Then maybe Garnet shouldn’t have destroyed it. I mean, tempers were pretty high that day…” Pearl said nervously while messing with the sleeve of her jumpsuit. “I have no regret for my actions,” Garnet said. Malice sighed in annoyance. “I wasn’t talking about the panel being destroyed. I was talking about vandalizing the Moon Base walls and murals.” Malice clarified.

“Huh?!” All four of them said it, except for Garnet.

The screen switched to the inside of the Moon Base. The walls have been spray-painted red and purple with various words.

Pearl and Peridot stared at the screen in shock. Steven was confused; he had no idea what the words were saying. Amethyst, Bismuth, and Lapis tried not to laugh at the screen.

“As you can see, the Moon Base walls and murals have been spray-painted with swear words and insults directed towards the diamonds and Homeworld in gem glyphs.” Malice said as she accidentally let a laugh slip out. 

Some aliens in the courtroom gasped at the word spray-painted on the wall, and some laughed because they found the insults directed at the Diamonds funny.

“What? None of us—” Pearl stammered before she glared at the purple laughter gem.

“Amethyst, how could you?!” Pearl squawked, causing Amethyst to jump. “Me?! I didn’t do that, P! Honest!” Amethyst yelled at the pale gem.

“Oh, of course you did, but it has your name written all over it,” Pearl said, doubting Amethyst. Amethyst was about to yell back at Pearl, but Steven got in between the two gems and covered their mouths with his hands. “How about you tell us when this happened so we can better understand who vandalized the Moon Base?” Steven asked Malice with a nervous smile.

“It also stated that the vandalism happened on June 12, 2020, and more was added on July 1, 2020.” Malice said while reviewing the report.

“Ha! I told you I didn’t spray paint the Moon Base Pearl! I was on Earth in Little Homeworld the entire time!” Amethyst said gloatingly while ripping Steven’s hand off her mouth.

“She’s right. I saw her in Little Homeworld teaching her class,” Lapis said. “I saw her in Little Homeworld during those days as well. She was hanging out with Jasper.” Bismuth said, also confirming that the purple gem never left the planet.

Peridot also said something to confirm Amethyst was still on Earth between those days. But the muzzle was muffling her words. “Ok, it wasn’t you, Amethyst. It wasn’t Steven because he was on his road trip. I know I would never do this. Then that only leaves… Garnet,” Pearl said in shock as all seven of them slowly turned their heads toward the taller gem. “Like I said, I have no regrets and was bored that day,” Garnet said with a smirk.

The courtroom, along with Amethyst, Lapis, and Bismuth, burst out laughing until Malice banged her gavel while covering her mouth to hide her laughter.

“T-that’s enough! Now that we know who vandalized the Moon Base, there is a matter of stealing and destroying a priceless artifact. The artifact in question is The Glass of Time or The Hourglass.” Malice said. Steven and the gems immediately knew what she was talking about. They remembered the odd event in the Sea Spiral, when 93 Stevens appeared out of nowhere and started fighting each other. Then, one Steven stopped the fight and smashed the hourglass, causing the other Stevens to turn into sand and disappear.

Steven had nightmares for months after watching himself die.

“Yo Malice, if I remember correctly, that hourglass was a gem artifact. We were retrieving it on a gem mission. So we technically didn’t steal anything.” Amethyst said while crossing her arms.

“Well, whoever told you that the hourglass was a gem artifact they were lying. This hourglass was stolen from the planet Ouroboros.” Malice started with making Steven and the gems gasp. 

“It was stolen by an unknown alien convict thousands of years ago. They hid it on Earth for safekeeping, but got caught and locked in the galactic prison. The police were supposed to retrieve the hourglass, but you four beat them to it.”

Steven was about to ask what took them so long to get to Earth to retrieve the hourglass. But Malice started pounding her gavel.

“Ok, no more questions! We are already behind schedule. Let the trial begin!” Malice said.

(Still don’t know how to write a trial. Timeskip to the last person and the verdict.”)

Steven and the Crystal Gems’ trial was the complete opposite of the Diamonds’ trial.

Instead of angry witnesses, they were met with praise. They were thanking them for standing up to the Diamonds, something they were too scared to do. And the fact that they fought against Homeworld so other gems can be free on Earth is pretty heroic.

“If I didn’t have family waiting at home, I would’ve joined the fight against the Diamonds and Homeworld! Thank you, Crystal Gems—all seven of you are the galaxy’s guardian angels!” the female alien said. Amethyst, Bismuth, Garnet, Lapis, and Peridot proudly smiled at the alien’s kind words. At the same time, Steven and Pearl are about to cry tears of joy.

“Thank you, Luna, for your statement. You may go now.” Malice said to Luna. As Luna left the podium, she ran up to Pearl to hug her before leaving the courtroom. This made the pale gem blush. “It’s time for the jury to discuss their verdict.” Malice said as the jury pool left for the backroom.

It didn’t take long for the jury to reach a verdict since they returned a minute later. “Has the jury reached its verdict?” Malice asked the jury. “We have your honor. We found the Crystal Gems not guilty.” The alien said with a smile. “Steven and the gems breathe a sigh of relief. Glad that they’re not guilty until Malice starts talking. “Don’t think you're out of the woods yet. Unfortunately, the interstellar government doesn't take too kindly to freedom fighters, and all of you still need to be punished.” Malice said with a slightly apologetic look.

All seven of them looked worried and scared of what the punishment would be. 

“Fortunately, since all seven of you have been found not guilty, I've decided to give you each a slap on the wrist.” Malice said until she was interrupted by Amethyst. “What?! Punishment or not, you’re not slapping my wrist!” Amethyst yelled. “She means she’s going to give us a mild punishment,” Garnet said to the purple gem, placing her hand on her shoulder for comfort. “She is correct, Amethyst. As I said, all seven of you will receive a slap on the wrist by working a community service job for 1080 hours.” Malice said as she banged her gavel, the aliens in the courtroom gasped.

Amethyst was about to say something until Malice beat her to it. “1080 hours is a month and a half. To those who didn’t know.” Malice said while eyeing Amethyst. Making the purple gem blush in embarrassment. “Well then, I’ll assign you to your community service jobs. Pearl, you will be cleaning and repairing an old shelter that’s also a school.” Malice said while Pearl nodded in agreement to doing the job. But inside, she shudders at the idea of cleaning up alien messes in an old building.

“Garnet, you will be helping plant and harvest fruit and vegetables on Pomona Prime. The farmers and harvesters will need all the help they can get. Because not only are the fruits and vegetables giant, but they’re also alive and hostile.” Malice said. “I can handle it,” Garnet said while cracking her knuckles.

“Amethyst, you will be cleaning up the trash from the planet. Along with cleaning up the graffiti from the Moon Base.” Malice said, and Amethyst was not happy about her job. “What?! I have to pick up trash and clean the graffiti that Garnet made?! That’s bullshit!” Amethyst yelled. “Oh? Well, would you and your friends rather spend the next 10,000 years behind bars?” Malice asks in a sarcastically sweet voice. Amethyst looked shocked that she and her family would have to go to jail if she didn't do her community service job.

Amethyst looked back and forth to see that everyone was glaring at her, not to screw this up. She let out a sigh. “Fine, I’ll pick up the trash and clean the graffiti, but I won’t be happy about it,” Amethyst said as she crossed her arms in frustration. “Well, I’m glad you came around, Amethyst.” Malice said with a cocky smile.

“Bismuth, you’ll be helping a group of blacksmiths on the planet Pyros to create new weapons. A war is going on on the other side of the galaxy, and their current weapons are falling apart. The original blacksmith is getting old and starting to slow down, so he needs more help.” Malice said, and Bismuth got excited. “I have to make new weapons for a war?! Ho-ho! When I finish creating their weapons, their fighters will mean some serious bismuth!” Bismuth exclaimed.

“Lapis and Peridot, you both will work on Starwater. Peridot, you’ll be helping the lighthouse keeper repair and upgrade the lighthouse and its attack and defense systems. In case you’re wondering why the lighthouse has attack systems, it is because an unknown group has been trying to poison the water around the planet for an unknown reason. And this planet is the only water source in this part of the galaxy. Lapis, you’ll be helping keep the group away with your water powers. Since they’re aware that the lighthouse defenses are down and have been attacking more frequently.” Lapis sighs before nodding in agreement. “ Malice said to the blue and green gems.

All right, I'll do it.” Lapis said as she looked at the ground. Peridot said something, but the muzzle was still muffling her words. Then Peridot aggressively tried to get the muzzle off her mouth.

“And last but not least, Steven. We were going to a community service job that had something to do with animals. But according to one of the guards you mentioned, you have healing powers. Is that correct?” Malice asked the teen, who nodded his head in agreement.

Steven remembers mentioning that he has healing powers for River. “Well, since you have healing powers, you will be helping at the galactic hospital. Using your healing powers to help the injured and sick people.” Malice said as she pounded her gavel. Steven’s jaw dropped when he heard where he was going to work. ‘There is a galactic hospital that existed the entire time?! Where was this when my powers were going haywire and I was turning pink and swelling up from time to time?!’ Steven turned his head towards the gems to see that they were also shocked by this place's existence.

‘Looks like they didn’t know it existed either.’

Chapter Text

Steven and the gems were surprised to learn about the existence of the galactic hospital. They were at a loss for words. “Uh... I... w-what is the galactic hospital?” Steven stammered.

“The galactic hospital is similar to your hospital on Earth, but it treats all kinds of aliens. It uses more advanced technology to help heal various alien species and has access to supplies from other galaxies and star systems.” Malice explains “But I’ve-we’ve never heard of the galactic hospital! When did it come into existence?” Pearl asked.

“The hospital was built around 5,900 years ago,” Malice explained, which made Pearl gasp softly when Malice mentioned that year. That was the year Pearl and Pink Diamond went to Earth for the first time. Pink shapeshifted into a Rose Quartz so she could fit in with the other amethysts, and the two traveled through Earth and saw the beauty in the planet. Then, Pink decided she didn’t want the Earth colonized anymore and formed the Crystal Gems under her alter-ego, Rose Quartz.

“So do you have any other questions about the hospital?” Malice asked. Half had no more questions, and the other half were still shocked after learning about the galactic hospital. “Well, now that that’s all settled, the court is adjourned,” Malice said as she dismissed everyone. All the aliens started to pile out of the courtroom, and some were standing behind for an unknown reason. River walked towards Steven, led him into the backroom, and told him to wait a few seconds. When they returned, they had Steven’s clothes, sandals, and phone in their hands and placed them in front of the teen.

“Here are your clothes. You have to change. You can’t leave with that jumpsuit and those shoes on prison property. You can change in the personal bathroom. It’s private and there’s enough space for you to move around. I’ll watch your phone for you while you change. River said as they grabbed Steven’s phone. “Thanks,” Steven said, picking up his clothes and walking away before stopping. “Umm… where is the personal bathroom?” Steven asked River with an awkward look on his face.

“Oh! The bathroom is just down the hall. I think it’s the third door or the second. Oh! Come to think of it, I believe that the personal bathroom needs a key to get in.” River said as they started fishing the bathroom key out of their pocket. “Here you can give the key back to me when you come back,” River said as they handed Steven the bathroom key. “Thank you again,” Steven said as he grabbed the key and his clothes, left the room, and went to the bathroom. When the teen entered the hall, he saw three doors before him. “Well, River did say either the second or third door is the bathroom. So I’ll try the second door first?” Steven said as he walked up to the second door and unlocked it.

When he opened the door, it revealed a broom closet full of cleaning supplies, trash cans, and trash bags. “Oh, this is the janitor’s closet,” Steven said as he closed the door. He walked towards the third door and unlocked it to reveal the bathroom. “Oh, good. Finally, I can take off these clothes and put my normal clothes back on,” Steven said as he walked into the bathroom and locked the door behind him.

(Yeah, I’m not comfortable writing a 16-year-old teenager undressing. Soo…timeskip.)

Steven came out of the bathroom in regular clothes while holding the prison jumpsuit and shoes. As Steven returned to the room where River was, he noticed they were looking at something. “Hey, what are you looking at?” Steven asked as he looked up at the TV-like device. “Oh, the warden flying the prison ship just announced to Malice that he’s arrived at the Frozen Star Graveyard. So Malice decided to turn on all the screens so everyone in the building could watch the Diamonds get sucked in. I bet this is playing all over the news right now.” River said as they turned their attention towards Steven and flinched in surprise at the sight of the teen.

Steven’s skin started to pale, his eyes were unsettlingly focused on the screen, and he wasn’t blinking. River gently grabbed the teen’s arm and led him towards a nearby chair. “Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll turn the volume up a bit, ok?” River said nervously as they grabbed the TV remote and raised the volume. A male and female alien appeared on the screen, talking about what’s happening. “-That’s correct, Nova, and for those just turning in. The Diamonds, the tyrannical genocidal dictators of Homeworld, have been found guilty in their court case for numerous crimes they committed across the galaxy. Their punishment is to be thrown into the Frozen Star Graveyard. An elusive black hole where whatever gets sucked in it will never come out, and the black hole always mysteriously disappears afterwards.” The male anchorman said.

“That’s right, Jupiter, apparently the warden and the pilot of the prison ship, who asked to remain anonymous. Has just announced that he’s arrived at the Frozen Star Graveyard. We will be able to view the event via nanobot security cameras. We’ll now go live with the nanobots’ security cameras.” Nova, the anchorwoman, said as the screen switched over to three security cameras. One security camera showed the ship's outside, the second camera showed outside, and the third showed a giant black hole with icy blue light shining through it.

The warden got up from his seat and went to the back of the ship. He pressed a couple of buttons and moved the Diamonds to the edge of the floor. When the warden walked back to the front of the ship and pressed another button, two metal doors sealed shut behind him. A red caution light started to flash, and an alarm blared. The warden flipped a final switch, releasing the airlock. The backdoor opened, and the Diamond’s gems were immediately pulled out of the ship and into space.

Slowly drifting towards the black hole.

Steven watched the screen breathlessly as the gems slowly approached the black holes. The teen didn’t know how to feel right now. Angry at the fact that he didn’t try harder to help the Diamonds and Malice’s harsh punishment towards them, or the sadness that he failed to help the Diamonds, and that he’s never seen them again. Despite his indifferent relationship with them. He watched as the gems drifted closer and closer towards the black hole. Until each gem was stuck into the black hole one by one, as soon as White’s gem was sucked in, the black hole started to get smaller and smaller until it disappeared.

And, just like that, the Diamonds were gone for good.

Chapter Text

Steven felt completely numb after watching the diamonds’ gems get sucked into the black hole, and the black hole disappeared afterwards.

His mind went blank as he stared at the screen, unknowingly letting tears run down his face. Loud cheers could be heard from down the hall from the courtroom and through different rooms, which made River flinch in surprise at the volume.

River got up from the table and walked towards the door. “I’m just going to…shut this door now.” They said as they slowly closed, but that sound of muffled cheers was still heard through the door. River looked at the crying teen, walked towards Steven, sat beside him, and touched his back gently. “Hey, I-I’m sorry you must see your family members get banished from the solar system,” River said gently, but Steven didn’t respond. “Do you want a hug? I can imagine you might need one after seeing tha…Oh!” River's sentence was interrupted as the teen immediately hugged them while crying on their shoulders.

River hugged back and gently rubbed their hands against Steven’s back. This lasted for almost ten minutes while ignoring the cheering and the other rooms until Steven’s crying finally started to calm down. River handed Steven a tissue to clean his face, which the teen thanked them for. The peaceful moment was interrupted when Lavender barged into the room. “River, I’m here to take the collar off this runt and send him to the portal room; back to his planet,” Lavender said as she approached the teen. Who was shaking in fear at the sight of her.

Lavender rolled her eyes. “Stop shaking! I’m here to take the collar off your neck and take you to the portal room. Like Malice said, no more, no less.” Lavender said she pressed her thumb against the thumbprint lock, and the collar unlocked itself.

Lavender took the collar off Steven’s neck and tossed it onto the table. “Come on, let’s get you home,” Lavender said as she roughly grabbed the teen’s shoulder, making him wince in pain as they walked toward the door.

Steven turned his head toward River silently, pleading for help. River saw this, nodded in agreement, and quickly grabbed Steven’s hand.

“Uhh… you know what, Lavender? Why don’t I take Steven to the portal room? You’ve been working so hard, you deserve a break.” River said they hoped Lavender would agree. Lavender thought for a moment before she answered. “You know what? You’re right. I have been working hard, and I deserve a break. You can go ahead and take the runt to the portal room. The other gems have already left. Except for Pearl, she seems to be waiting for something.” Lavender said as she left the room.

“Well, let's get you home, yeah?”  River said as the two walked out of the room. As the two made their way down the hall, River decided to make small talk with the teen. “Uhm…sorry that Lavender was calling you ‘runt’. She does that to everyone whom she sees as smaller or weaker than her.” River said with an awkward look on their face. “It’s fine. It reminds me of Jasper because Jasper always called Amethyst a runt because she came out smaller than the other Amethysts.” Steven said as he remembered how much Jasper‘s words hurt Amethyst and made her feel insecure about herself. “So who’s Jasper?” River asked the teen.

“Oh, Jasper is a…” Steven has no idea what kind of current relationship he has with Jasper.

“I guess Jasper is a sort of friend/enemy to me. She used to be Yellow Diamond’s strongest and best soldier during Era Two. She didn’t like the Crystal Gems, especially me,since she thought I was Rose Quartz..uh.. my mom. And she didn’t like how fusions beat her in a battle three times.” Steven said as he went on and on about the bad things Jasper did.

Even the incident that happened in the forest.

When Steven finished talking about Jasper, his complexion was turning pink due to the stress and bad memories related to Jasper. Steven noticed this and remembered what his therapist had told him to do if this happened. Steven took a deep breath, held in for 10 seconds, and slowly released. He repeated this method three times until his complexion returned to normal. River noticed this, but chose not to ask, feeling Steven would rather not talk about it. “So let me get this straight. You wanted this gem, who is extremely dangerous and has extreme anger issues, to join a school filled with gems and humans?” River asked. “Yep,” Steven replied. “That’s a dumb idea,” River said while wondering what the teen was thinking.

“Yeah. I should’ve listened to Amethyst and left Jasper alone. She made it clear she didn’t want to join Little Homeschool. And I really shouldn’t have trained with her to get my powers under control and talk to someone instead.” Steven said with his voice filled with regret.

Steven noticed Pearl sitting near the wall as the two entered the double doors. When Pearl saw the teen, she immediately got up, approached Steven, and hugged him, and the teen returned the hug. “Pearl t-the Diamonds…” Steven said, but Pearl stopped him. “I know Steven, I saw it, we all saw it,” Pearl said while brushing her hand through his hair. 

“What’s going to happen to Homeworld? They need a leader.” Steven asked the pale gem. “I’ve already asked. They said something about sending three aliens who know all about gem culture to take over as the leaders of Homeworld for the time being.” Pearl said with a worried look on her face. Steven just nodded, but he was also concerned that three aliens would be taking over as leaders of Homeworld. River approached Steven and handed him a letter. “Here you are required to report to the Galactic Hospital for your community service in two weeks at 7 AM sharp,” River said as Steven grabbed the letter. “Uhm… how am I supposed to get to the hospital? I don’t exactly have a spaceship.” Steven said with a confused look on his face.

“Don’t worry. The letter has the name of the hospital. Just tap it and the letter will be all the work.” River said, which only confused the teen even more. “Well, it’s time for you two to get home. Goodbye, Steven and Pearl. I wish we could have met in better circumstances.” River said with a small smile. Both Steven and Pearl said their goodbyes to River and each other. Steven promised to video call her, Garnet, and Amethyst later, as he walked through the yellow portal.

Steven found himself in the same forest where he was hiding from Lavender and her group. He started walking out of the forest, noticing the Sun going down. He pulled out his phone to check the time, only to be greeted by a low battery warning and his phone shutting down. Steven sighed in annoyance as he pocketed his phone and walked through the field towards his car. When he finally reached his car, he got in, started it, and plugged his phone into the charger. Steven hasn’t started driving yet; instead, he pulled out a random cassette tape and put it on the radio. Steven reclined his seat, staring at the sky as music played softly in the background, and he rested his eyes.

Steven couldn’t stop thinking about the experience he just went through. Being ambushed, going to jail, the Diamonds’ trial, the Crystal Gems' trial, and the Diamonds’ gems getting sucked into a black hole. Steven’s eyes shut open at the memory and sighed. He noticed his phone turned back on, and he saw that the time was 9:57, and he had two missed phone calls from his dad and Connie and three texts from his dad as well. The teen didn’t feel like talking or texting anyone at the moment. Instead, he Boogle up nearby hotels, found one that was close by, and looked up the location.

Steven started the car, looked up at the night sky one more time, and sighed. “Goodbye, Diamonds." he said sadly as he pulled his car out and started driving towards the hotel.

Chapter Text

When Steven arrived at the hotel, he checked in, immediately got in the shower, and got ready for bed. After putting on his pajamas, he decided to watch a little TV while scrolling through his phone. When the teen checked the time and saw it was 10:30, he was about to turn off the TV and sleep. But when his phone went off, he checked it to see that Connie was calling him.

Steven answered his phone. “Hey Connie,” Steven said. “Steven! Where were you yesterday? I’ve been calling your phone three times the other day!” Connie said on the other line. Steven cringed at the question, knowing she would ask what happened to him. “I got ambushed and taken to a galactic,” Steven said, wanting to get this out of the way. “What?! Steven, tell me what happened right now!” Connie yelled as Steven pulled his phone away from his ear. So Steven started to explain what happened to him, the gems, and the Diamonds from beginning to end.

“So to avoid jail time me and the gems have to attend community service next month. I must work at a galactic hospital because I have healing powers.” Steven explained until Connie interrupted him. “I’m sorry, but did you just say ‘Galactic hospital’?!” Connie asked in surprise. “Yeah, apparently there is a hospital in space for all kinds of aliens.”Steven said, “Damn! I feel like that hospital could’ve been very helpful when you were turning pink and swelling up all the time.” Connie said with a slight chuckle. “That’s what I thought!” Steven said with a laugh, and Connie joined in with him.

The two friends started talking nonstop on their phones, talking about whatever. Connie started talking about this guy in her class, whom she'd been seeing lately, and Steven was happy for her. He was a little jealous, but he was generally pleased for her. Yes, the two used to date for a few months and were happy together. But the universe had other plans because the spark the two had for each other faded away, and they had to break up. But they were much happier as friends than as a couple. While Connie was talking about the previous day's drama, Steven yawned, which made Connie stop talking.”

“Uh..Steven, I’m not boring you, am I?” Connie asks, which made Steven panic. “No! No! You’re not boring me, I swear! I’m just exhausted right now.” Steven said as he checked the time and saw it was one minute till midnight. “Oh my God, Connie, it’s almost midnight!” Steven said while still looking at the time. “What? Oh man, I've got to sleep. I have a big exam tomorrow! I’ll talk to you later, Steven!” Connie said. “Ok, bye Connie!” Steven said as he finger hovered over the hang-up button. “Bye, Steven, and good night!” Connie said as Steven hung up his phone and turned it off, along with the TV. As he nestled into the covers and fall asleep.

Chapter Text

When Steven arrived at the hotel, he checked in, immediately got in the shower, and got ready for bed. After putting on his pajamas, he decided to watch a little TV while scrolling through his phone. When the teen checked the time and saw it was 10:30, he was about to turn off the TV and sleep. But when his phone went off, he checked it to see that Connie was calling him.

Steven answered his phone. “Hey Connie,” Steven said. “Steven! Where were you yesterday? I’ve been calling your phone three times the other day!” Connie said on the other line. Steven cringed at the question, knowing she would ask what happened to him. “I got ambushed and taken to a galactic,” Steven said, wanting to get this out of the way. “What?! Steven, tell me what happened right now!” Connie yelled as Steven pulled his phone away from his ear. So Steven started to explain what happened to him, the gems, and the Diamonds from beginning to end.

“So to avoid jail time me and the gems have to attend community service next month. I must work at a galactic hospital because I have healing powers.” Steven explained until Connie interrupted him. “I’m sorry, but did you just say ‘Galactic hospital’?!” Connie asked in surprise. “Yeah, apparently there is a hospital in space for all kinds of aliens.”Steven said, “Damn! I feel like that hospital could’ve been very helpful when you were turning pink and swelling up all the time.” Connie said with a slight chuckle. “That’s what I thought!” Steven said with a laugh, and Connie joined in with him.

The two friends started talking nonstop on their phones, talking about whatever. Connie started talking about this guy in her class, whom she'd been seeing lately, and Steven was happy for her. He was a little jealous, but he was generally pleased for her. Yes, the two used to date for a few months and were happy together. But the universe had other plans because the spark the two had for each other faded away, and they had to break up. But they were much happier as friends than as a couple. While Connie was talking about the previous day's drama, Steven yawned, which made Connie stop talking.”

“Uh..Steven, I’m not boring you, am I?” Connie asks, which made Steven panic. “No! No! You’re not boring me, I swear! I’m just exhausted right now.” Steven said as he checked the time and saw it was one minute till midnight. “Oh my God, Connie, it’s almost midnight!” Steven said while still looking at the time. “What? Oh man, I've got to sleep. I have a big exam tomorrow! I’ll talk to you later, Steven!” Connie said. “Ok, bye Connie!” Steven said as he finger hovered over the hang-up button. “Bye, Steven, and good night!” Connie said as Steven hung up his phone and turned it off, along with the TV. As he nestled into the covers and fall asleep.

Chapter Text

Two weeks came and went quickly. So far Steven has called his therapist and told her everything that happened in the courtroom. Including the fact that he watched the Diamonds get sucked into a black hole as punishment for their crimes. His therapist told him that it was a noble and kind thing to help the Diamonds and try to get them at least sentenced. But even though the Diamonds have changed, the rest of the aliens don’t see or believe that. And that Malice is in her full right to punish the Diamonds even if the punishment was harsh. But it is nice of Steven to remember them now that they’re gone.

Right now Steven was lying on a hotel bed video calling the gems. Things in Little Homeworld and Beach City were going great and Spinel is now staying on Earth permanently. Because she was present when Maroon and her team attacked the Diamonds. She was poofed by one of Maroon’s teammates and when she reformed, she immediately retreated to Earth for safety when she realized that the Diamonds were missing. She’s been staying with Jasper since the gems were nowhere to be found so Jasper was her only option.

When the gems returned to Earth Spinel immediately told the gems what had happened and asked where the gems had disappeared to. Pearl was the unfortunate one to tell the pink gem what happened and what happened to the Diamonds.

After that, the poor pink gem instantly broke down the tears at the fact she’ll never see the Diamonds again. She refuses to talk to anyone or leave the home she was sharing with Jasper. Thankfully Jasper is helping Spinel out in her depressive state in her way that worked a little bit. This took Steven by surprise at the fact that Spinel and Jasper are getting along so well.

Pretty soon Steven ended the video call and opened the time app and set an alarm for 6:00 AM so he’ll have enough time to get ready for his community service job. Until he gets another phone call this time from his dad. Steven immediately declined the call, still not on good terms with his dad. On account of that, he learned that he had human relatives on Earth the entire time and Greg didn’t want to tell him or let him see them because of how bad Greg’s parents were. And the fact that Steven crashed the van which could’ve killed them both. But instead of scolding the teen like a parent should, he was proud of him because he stood up to him, which made Steven lose respect for Greg.

The two haven’t spoken to each other in months with Greg sending texts to Steven every so often saying good morning asking how his day was going or just sending money to him for his road trip.

To make it clear Steven doesn’t hate his dad he just doesn’t wants to talk to him at the moment. When Steven got into bed he received a text from his dad telling him good night and that he loves and misses him.

Steven only replied with ‘good night’ before turning his phone off and going to sleep.

When Steven’s alarm went off he shut it off, then sluggishly tried to get out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. The teen has never gotten up this early in his life but he has to get used to it for the next month and a half. After Steven finished showering and brushing his teeth and hair he put on his clothes. He checked his phone to see if there was a nearby coffee shop and there was one a few minutes away. But it wasn’t open yet and he didn’t have time to get there because it was already 6:46. Steven pulled the letter River had given him from his bag. Ripped it open the envelope and began to read the best he could without falling asleep.

‘Steven Universe you are hereby required by law to report to the Galactic Hospital for your community service at 7 AM sharp. Failure to report to your assigned community service job will result in a probation violation and you'll be either required to pay a fine or face jail time.’

-Judge Malice

When Steven finishes reading the letter he’s still wondering how he’s supposed to get to the Galactic Hospital. Until he remembered what River told him all he had to do was tap the name of the hospital and the letter would take care of the rest. Steven was still confused about what River meant by the letter would take care of the rest. “I still have no idea what you mean by the letter will take care of it if I tap the name of the hospital River. But ok…” Steven said as he tapped the hospital’s name. He noticed that the hospital’s name started to glow light orange and suddenly Steven was surrounded by a beam of light. Steven dropped the letter in shock as he was surrounded by a beam of light and slowly started levitating. And before he knew what was happening he was instantly teleported out of the hotel room which caused his hotel room to shake and the lights to flicker before going back to normal.

Chapter Text

A beam of light appeared with Steven inside, who let out a yelp while he landed roughly on his butt.

“Ow! What the…hell?” Steven said as he widened his eyes and turned toward the giant building. The building was futuristic-looking and white and silver in color. It had sharp angles and smooth curves, a dome-like roof, what looked to be teleporters on the side of the building, and what looked to be alien plant life planted around it.

The teen was speechless as he silently watched aliens of various shapes and sizes enter and exit the hospital. Until the sound of the ambulance horn started him to moving out of the way so the ambulance could drive off. Steven slowly rose and walked towards the hospital’s entrance before stopping at the door. Steven can feel fear rising in his stomach. Even though this is just a community service job, it felt like a new adventure to Steven. A new adventure that doesn’t have anything to do with gems or Homeworld.

And Steven has to do it on his own.

Steven can feel his legs shaking, his breathing becoming uneven, and he noticed in the door's reflection that his complexion had started to pink. Steven felt like he was 13 years old and powerless all over again. The teen backed away from the door before taking a deep breath, pressing his arm on a metal pole, and resting his head against his arm. ‘Come on, Universe. If you can dismantle a gem empire and establish peace across the universe. You can do this. So stop panicking and get in there!’ Steven thought as he took one more deep breath before entering the hospital. Steven slowly made his way through the waiting room, where he saw around ten injured or sick aliens sitting down and waiting for their name to be called. 

Steven looked around the waiting room and noticed how cozy it looked. The walls were a light pastel blue on the table or the desk. Two framed pictures of a planet and the Milky Way, and a natural amount of light was flooding the room. ‘Wow, it’s so cozy. I thought the Galactic hospital waiting room would be more…futuristic.’ Steven thought until he bumped into the front desk, which caused the alien who was staring at her computer to jump. “Oh dear! Are you alright?” The alien asked with concern in their voice. “Uhm…I’m ok, thanks for asking.” Steven said as he rubbed his side and his face flushed in embarrassment. “Well, I’m glad you’re ok. Oh yeah, welcome to the Galactic hospital. What brings you here today?” The alien said in a professional tone.

“I’m here for my community service job, which Judge Malice assigned me,” Steven said to the alien. “Okay, sir, just show me the letter Judge Malice gave you, and I’ll call one of the nurses to take you back to get started.” The alien said with a slight smile. Steven's eyes widened in shock. He didn’t have the letter with him. It was on the floor in the hotel room back on Earth.

‘Fuck! I left it in the hotel!’ That was all the teen could think. 

“Um, you see…I may have left it back on Earth. Hehe.” Steven said awkwardly with a nervous laugh. The alien frowned at what the teen said. “I’m sorry, sir, but if you don’t have the signed letter from Judge Malice confirming you’re here for a community service job, I can’t let you back there.” The alien said before continuing. “Plus, a lot of people have claimed to be here for a ‘community service job’ only for them to raid the hospital for medicine to feed their addiction or medical supplies to sell for money.” The alien had an annoyed look on her face. 

“Seriously? Oh my God.” Steven said surprised that some aliens would lie about working here to steal medicine and medical supplies. “Yeah. Well, since you don’t have the signed letter from Judge Malice, I will have to ask you to leave.” The alien said, which caught Steven by surprise. “What?! But I do have community service here, I swear! If I don’t do my community service job, I'll have to go to jail!” Steven pleaded with the alien, who only got more upset. “Sir, if you don’t leave right now, I’ll have to call security!” The alien said as she raised her voice. 

“What is going on here? What’s with all the yelling?” A feminine voice said, which sounded familiar to Steven. The voice in question was Allison, the hybrid Gilmane. She wore mint green scrubs and tied her hair in a messy bun. “Oh, it’s nothing, Nurse Allison. It’s just that this guy claims he has a community service job here assigned by Judge Malice. But he doesn’t have a signed letter from Judge Malice to confirm this, and I’m asking him to leave, but he’s refusing. Don’t worry, I’m about to call security.” The alien said as she pulled out a phone. When Allison saw Steven, she had a shocked look on her face. Before her face quickly returned to normal, she grabbed the phone from the alien.

“Sky, did you at least check the emails? Someone from the courthouse must have sent you a message that this young man here is supposed to work here for community service.” Allison said.

“Oh, uh, no, I didn’t check. Let me take a quick look,” Sky said as she went on her computer and looked through the emails. She ended up finding the email.

“Oh, I found it! It says that Steven Universe has been assigned to work here. And I’m guessing you’re Steven Universe, right?” Sky asked, looking up at her computer screen and looking at the teen. “Yes! I’m Steven Universe!” Steven said Glad that this problem is over. “Great! I’m so sorry about the confusion, Mr. Universe. You may go with our head nurse, Allison.” Sky said as she went back to her computer. “Follow me, Mr. Universe. I’ll take you to meet the others,” Allison said professionally, much different from when Steven met her. 

Steven and Allison walked down the hallway, with Steven trailing behind. Allison noticed this and rolled her eyes. “Come on, Steven, pick up the pace. There's a strong possibility I won’t return or look for you if you get lost.” Allison said in a tone that Steven recognized when he first met her. So the teen quickly ran up towards Allison. “So Allison, why didn’t you tell Sky that you know who I am?” Steven asked. “Well, there are multiple reasons why I didn’t tell Sky I know you. But the main reason is that it's pretty dangerous for a person to know the nurses or doctors outside of their work. Especially if the person in question can use this information to get past the front desk and do stars know what in the back rooms.” Allison explained. “Oh, okay then,” Steven said.

(This isn’t a fact, I just made all this up)

“So what should I do here since I am temporarily working here?” Steven asked Gilmane. “Well, people who work here at community service, their jobs are usually cleaning the medical supplies, minus the syringes, stocking up on cotton balls, bandages, tongue depressors, or if you’ve never done anything violent towards children or anyone. Look after the children or patients. But since I read Judge Malice’s email, it stated you have healing powers, so that you will work in the healing department with the other healers.” Allison said as she stopped in front of a light green door with a white open hand and a mint green cross symbol in the middle of the hand with the words ' Healing Department’ on the bottom.

Steven was shocked to hear that he would work with other healers to help the injured and the sick. He couldn’t help but smile widely at the thought. 

When Allison opened the door, the two were greeted with an empty mint blue room with a small closet and lockers, a cream colored couch, a medium-sized table with a small pot plant in the middle of the table, and a TV hooked up to the wall. There was also a kitchen island with a sink, a coffee machine, and what looked to be a microwave. “Wow! This is the healing department room?” Steven asked Allison. “Well, it’s the healing department’s break room. Where the other healers come to talk or have lunch or whatever.” Allison said as she walked into the room and went through a closet at the end of the room.

“So where is everyone? Where are the other healers?” Steven asked as he walked into the room. “I don’t know, working, I bet. The rest of the healers arrived at the hospital at 6:40, so they’re probably around the hospital healing other patients or attending to the children.” Allison said then a loud bump against the wall can be heard. “Ow dammit!” Allison yelped, making Steven flinch. “Are you ok? What happened?” Steven said with concern in his voice. “Yeah, I’m fine. I accidentally hit my head against the wall, but I’m fine.” Allison said as she rubbed the back of her head. Until she saw what she was looking for. “Ah-Ha! Found it!” Allison said as she came out of the closet with a pair of light, pink scrubs wrapped in plastic in her hands.

“Here you’re going to have to change into these scrubs. So patients will know you work here.” Allison said as she handed Steven the pair of scrubs. “You can change in the bathroom and leave your clothes in one of the lockers,” Allison said as she watched Steven walk out of the room into the nearby bathroom. Steven looked at himself in the mirror when he finished changing into his scrubs uniform. ‘Something about wearing these scrubs feels right. Like I was meant to wear these and work here.’ Steven thought with a slight smile, then let out a sigh. ‘I just wish the scrubs were a different color than pink.’ Steven thought not liking the color for obvious and personal reasons. “Maybe I can ask Allison if she can check different colored scrubs.” Steven wondered as he removed his sandals and put on a pair of white sandals. Then picked up his clothes and shoes and headed out of the bathroom.

When Steven returned, Allison gave him a small piece of paper with a locker number and combinations written on it. “Here is the combination to your locker. Each healer gets their locker to store their stuff while they work. So put your clothes in your locker so we can get started.” Allison said as she picked up a clipboard. Steven approached the red locker and looked for the one that matched the number. Once he found it, he tried to unlock the locker with the combination but failed to open it multiple times. Allison let out a sigh of annoyance before walking towards the teen. “Let me help you with this,” Allison said with ease as she put the locker combination in the open locker door. “There you go,” Allison said as Steven's face blushed in embarrassment at the fact that Allison effortlessly opened the locker door while he struggled a couple of times.

“Don’t be embarrassed, kid. People all over the galaxy have trouble unlocking these lockers occasionally, even if they have the correct combination. You need to practice. It'll become easier over time.” Allison said as she placed a gentle hand on Steven’s shoulder. Steven made a mental note to buy a locker lock with the same combination so he could practice opening it on his own as he put his clothes and sandals in his locker and closed the locker door. “Umm, hey, Allison just asking if there are some more scrubs? In a different color specifically.” Steven asked Allison nervously. Allison looked at Steven with a confused look before thinking for a few seconds.”I believe some extra pairs of scrubs are in a box somewhere in the hospital. I don’t know, but I’ll check when I have time. But in the meantime, those are the scrubs you must wear to work.” Allison said to the teen. “Do you have any other questions before we get started?” Allison asked. “I don’t have any questions,” Steven responded. “Good, first we need to see your healing powers' strength. Follow me.” Allison said as she walked out the door with Steven following in tow. As the door closed behind them.

Chapter Text

“Alright Steven, here's where we will see how strong your healing powers are,” Allison said as she opened the door to reveal two female aliens. They both look like light brown humanoid cats with four amber eyes, small yellow horn nubs, two tails, and short curly black hair. But the only difference is that one has a long slash mark going down her left arm and the other's right arm looks like it’s broken. Allison looked through her clipboard before looking up. “Ok, Steven this is Lusine and Seren they’re both twins ages 12 species Felinorex.

“According to Sky, they both came to the hospital together without a parent or a guardian. They came up to the front desk crying and asking for a healer to help them. Sky also mentioned that Lusine had a blood-covered towel wrapped around her arm and Seren had a clumsily made makeshift splint around her arm.” Allison explained.

Steven felt horrible for these girls who had to have injected themselves so badly that they had to go to the hospital. And that they made their way to the hospital all alone. Where are the parents in this and why didn’t they take their daughters to the hospital? “Wh-what happened to them?” Steven asked, shifting his focus onto the crying girls. “We don’t know. The girls won’t tell us what happened. They just kept asking for a healer until we moved them here.” Allison said. Steven decides to walk up to the girl slowly, but keeping his distance. “Hi Lusine and Seren, my name is Steven. I’m a healer and I’ll be happy to help you both.” Steven said with a gentle smile. The twins perked up when they heard the teen was a healer and wiped their tears.

“Y-you’re a healer?” “You c-can help us?” Both girls asked while sniffling. Steven nodded his head with a smile. Suddenly both girls shove their injured arms in front of Steven making him take a step back. “Please heal my arm!” “No heal my arm first!” Both girls suddenly shouted as they waved their injured arms in the teen’s direction. “Well before Steven heals your arms first please tell us. What happened to your arms?” Allison asked with a worried expression on her face. “Did something or someone attack both of you?” Steven asked with a worried expression on his face as well. Lusine shook her head in disagreement. “No, no one did this to us. W-we did this to each other, but it was a complete accident I swear!” Seren said before Lusine continued for her sister. “You see, our mom and aunt were both sword fighters when they were young. So we asked our mom if we could be sword fighters and she said yes, and started training us. And it was fun until today Mom said that we’re gonna spar with each other using these types of safety swords so we won’t hurt each other.” 

said before pausing and taking a deep breath before continuing. “But our mom got called into work and we couldn’t spar today. But our mom said we will try the spar tomorrow but Seren and I were too excited to wait until tomorrow. So we decided to spar but not with the safety swords but with real swords that used to belong to our mom and aunt. Everything was going fine until we both lost our footing and Seren accidentally slashed her sword across my arm.” Lusine said. “Then I fell over and landed on my arm the wrong way and I broke my arm. When we realized what happened I tried to make a splint for my arm and Lusine grabbed the towel and wrapped it around her arm and then we rushed to the hospital.” Seren finished explaining what happened with tears welling up in the girl's eyes.

“Why didn’t you two tell and why did you come to the hospital alone? Were there any other adults looking after you both? W-where was your dad when this happened?” Steven asked continuously wondering where the adult was when this happened. “We don’t have a dad and our mom trusts us enough to be home alone while she’s at work,” Lusine said as tears ran down her face.

“Please don’t tell our mom! We’re gonna be in so much trouble if she finds out she’ll probably never let us practice sword fighting again!” The twins begged Steven and Allison with tears running down their faces.

“I’m sorry sweeties but I’m going to have to contact your mother. We can’t let you both leave the hospital alone, it's dangerous.” Allison said as she wrote something down on her clipboard. The twins started crying at the fact that they’re gonna be in trouble with their mother for sparring when they’re not supposed to and walking to the hospital alone.

“Look I’m sorry girls but what you two did was very dangerous and you shouldn’t hide your injuries, despite being healed. Sometimes you have to face the consequences of your actions.” Allison explains with an apologetic look on her face. The twins wiped their tears and nodded their heads knowing that there’s no way around this. “Ok you can call our mom and tell her what happened and to pick us up,” Lusine said sadly.

Steven gave the girls an apologetic look. Sad at the fact that the girls are gonna get in trouble with their mom. But he’s glad that they finally agreed to let Allison call their mom and tell her what happened.

“Ok, Steven you can go ahead and heal them,” Allison said as she watched the teen. Steven gently grabbed Lusine in one hand and licked his other hand and was about to touch Lusine's arm. Allison's eyes widened at what Steven was about to do. Allison quickly grabbed Steven’s arm which caused Steven and the twins to flinch and look at Allison in surprise. “Steven, I need to talk to you outside real quick. Girls, I'm going to need you both to wait here. This won’t take long so can you both wait here?” Allison said with a false smile. The twins nodded with confused looks on their faces as they watched the two leave the room.

As soon as the door closed Allison quickly turned around with an angry look on her face. “What the hell were you doing?!” Allison yelled softly not to cause commotion but it still surprised Steven. “I was about to heal Lusine’s arm!” Steven yelled back softly as well. “Really? Cause what I saw is you licking your hand and putting it on an open wound!” Allison said getting even madder when the teen gave her a confused look. “I don’t understand the problem. That’s how I usually heal humans and gems!” Steven said not understanding what’s wrong with the way he heals people. Allison’s eyes widened at what the teen said. “So you’re telling me that your healing powers come from your saliva?” Allison asked in disbelief as Steven nodded his head slightly. “Yeah, I have healing spit. At first, I thought I had healing tears just like my mom but turns out it was my spit that can heal. After letting my friend Connie drink some of my juice, it healed her eyes so she doesn’t have to wear glasses anymore.” Steven explained. 

Allison felt nauseous after Steven explained how he healed my friend’s eyes. She silently grabbed the teen’s hand and let him down the hall into a room full of futuristic medical tech and devices. Allison grabbed a device that looked like gray gloves and grabbed Steven’s hands and attached it to his hands. “Stick out your tongue Steven,” Allison said which confused the teen who did it anyway. Allison attached a needle-like sucker to Steven’s tongue. Then attached the tube on top of the needle and then attached the tube to the palm's gloves. “What’s this device supposed to do?” Steven asked the best he could with his tongue out. “You’ll see,” Allison said as she turned on the device. Steven could feel the needle sucking on his tongue lightly but kept a good grip. For a while, nothing happened until a pink light was sucked out of Steven’s tongue and made its way into the gloves. Steven’s hands started to tingle and start to get warmer.

As soon as the last bit of pink light made its way into the glove Steven's hands returned to normal. Allison turned off the device and took the gloves and needle off of Steven. “Come on, let's get back to the girls,” Allison said as she put the device away and walked toward the exit. Steven just stood there confused about what had just happened. “Wait what? Allison, what did that thing do to me? And what was that pink light that came out of my tongue?” Steven asked as he walked out of the room he caught up to Allison. “You’ll see now let’s get back to the twins so you can heal them before they’re mother gets here. Sky has already called her.” The two made their way back to the room where the twins were. “Ok, we’re back sweeties. We just need to change something quickly. But now Steven can finally heal you both. Go ahead, Steven.” Allison said before bringing the teen close to her and whispered in his ear. “Don’t lick your hands, just relax and use your hands.” Then Allison pushed Steven gently toward the girls. 

Steven gently grabbed Lusine’s arm again and took a deep breath and placed his other hand on top of the slash mark and closed his eyes. Suddenly Steven felt the palm of his hand getting warmer. As he opened his eyes he also noticed the palm of his hand was glowing pink and Lusine’s arm was bathed in a light pink glow and the slash mark started to close before the glow disappeared. Leaving behind only dry blood stains on Lusine’s arm. Steven looked at his hand in shock before noticing that Seren was tapping his arm and raising her broken arm in front of him. ‘Maybe I was just seeing things.’ Steven thought as he took another breath and placed his hand on Seren’s arm. But this time he didn’t close his eyes. Just like with Lusine’s arm, Steven felt his hand warm up and his palm glowed pink. And Seren’s arm was bathed in a light pink glow and her crooked arm was snapped back into place before the glow disappeared.

‘I wasn’t seeing things. My healing powers were moved to my hands.’ 

Steven thought as he looked at his hands then he looked at the girls. Allison was washing the dried blood off Lusine’s arm and looking at her arm. While Seren was taking her makeshift splint off her arm. “Ok, Seren let me see your arm so I can scan it to make sure the bone is completely healed,” Allison said as she pulled out a small scanner from a cabinet. Seren gave Allison her arm. Allison pointed the scanner at the girl’s arm and started scanning it. When I was done Allison stepped back and pointed the scanner at the wall, causing it to project an X-ray of Seren's arm. There were no hairline cracks, no fractures, no nothing, the bone was completely healed. 

“Well, your two arms are completely healed!” Allison said with a smile. Which made Steven and the twins smile big. “But unfortunately I can’t get you two leave the hospital grounds without your mother and a guardian present. Thankfully I already asked the front desk to call your mother to come pick you two up.” Allison said and that made the twins’ smiles disappear immediately. “Sorry, you two but like Allison said walking to the hospital and back alone is dangerous. Something could happen to you both.” Steven said with an apologetic look. “Plus I’m sure your mom would be here any minute now.” As soon as the teen said that there was a loud knock on the door and then entered a tall lengthy gray humanoid cat alien with long curly brown hair, put up in a ponytail. Light yellow long curvy horns.four forest green eyes and five tails.

“My kits! Where are my precious kits?!” The alien yelled. Taking Steven, Lusine, and Seren by surprise when Allison just stood there calm and collected. Allison pointed to where the alien’s daughters are. “ They're over there Miss. Seraphina. Their arms are all healed and they’re ready to go.” Allison said to Seraphina who quickly walked over to her daughters and gave them a tight hug. “Oh my stars, are you two ok, are both of you hurt?” Seraphina asked while looking all over her daughters for injuries. “No Mom, we're not hurt anymore thanks to Steven,” Lusine said. “Yeah, he healed our arms! Also, hi.” Seren said with a sheepish smile. 

“Oh, I’m so glad you are healed and are ok now,” Seraphina said while giving her daughters another hug. “Now what’s this about the front desk, telling me you two were sparring with real swords even though I told you both not to?” Seraphina said with an angry tone in her voice. Fear and dread dropped to the twins' stomachs. Both twins started stammering back-and-forth making up excuses to get out of trouble but it only made their mom angry and annoyed. “Stop!” Seraphina yelled, making everyone but Allison jump in surprise. “We will talk about this when we get home. Come on, let's go.” Seraphina said calmly before turning towards Steven. “Thank you so much for healing my daughters. And I'm sorry if they gave you any trouble.” Seraphina said to the teen with a smile. “ You're welcome and they were no problem ma’am,” Steven replied with a smile in return. “Please call me Seraphina. No need for formality.” Seraphina said as she exited the room with the twins in tow with their heads down in shame.

“Well, congratulations Steven you healed your first patient. And it seems that your healing power is capable of handling deep wounds and broken bones.” Allison said with a smile then a beeping noise was heard and Allison pulled out what looked like a phone, looked through it, and smiled again. “And you’re in luck where can I see if your healing powers are capable of healing amputated limbs, and illnesses. Come on.” Allison said as she exited the room with Steven following behind. “Wait wait! Allison, can you please tell me what happened to my healing powers and what was that device you hooked me up to?” Steven asked, demanding an answer. “First that device I hooked you up to was called The Power Weaver. It was made to swap powers to a different part of your body. Second, nothing's wrong with your healing powers. I just moved them to your hands. Because healing people with your spit is very unsanitary that many people will not be happy with that fact. So now you have the healing touch, does that answer all your questions?” Allison said, making the teen nod his head softly.

“Good now let’s get to the second floor. We’ll take the elevator.” Allison said as she walked towards an elevator and pushed the up button. Steven just stood next to Allison in silence. ‘I can’t believe that device moved my healing power to my hands. I wonder why it was created in the first place. I wonder who created it. I hope I’ll remember to not lick my hands the next time I need to heal someone.’ Steven thought. Suddenly he was grabbed by the shoulder by an annoyed Allison who was holding the elevator door open. “Uhm…Sorry,” Steven said sheepishly with a nervous laugh. Allison just rolled her eyes and pushed the second-floor button and the elevator door closed in front of them.

Chapter Text

Steven’s Pov

‘So far my first day as a healer in the Galactic hospital is great. Even though I just healed two patients I felt warmth in my heart. Which is weird and funny since I used to feel that when I used my healing powers for the first time since I was 13 I don’t. Now I don’t feel the warmth anymore when I’m healing other gems or myself.’

‘Does this mean I’m tired of healing other gems? Am I in a rut?’

“Steven!” Allison yelled, pulling me out of my thoughts. Allison was giving me a hard and annoyed look while the patient was giving me a confused look. “Did you hear what I said?” Allison asked with her arms crossed. “Uhh…you said..I..no I’m sorry.” I said with a defeated sigh. Allison rolled her eyes with a sigh. “I said this is your next patient, Vexia, age 20. He’s a Tuffan species or a rock alien and no he’s not a gem or a distant relative of gems. Gems and Tuffan are completely different and separate species.” Allison said. I looked at the alien. Vexia looked like he was carved from a gray and light brown boulder. He was short, had black eyes with white pupils, and short red hair. The only thing that stood out from the alien was the missing left arm that was wrapped in gauze with grayish red blood dripping from the bottom.

“So Vexia can you explain what happened to your arm?” I asked Vexia. “Fine. I was at my job in the animal shelter and everything was going fine. Until I was told it was my turn to feed the Dreadhound Lulu.” Vexia said until I interrupted him. “Uhm sorry to interrupt but what’s a Dreadhound?” I said with a confused expression. “A Dreadhound is a puppy, but picture it 80 feet tall and has sharp fangs, antenna, and eight eyes all over its body.” Vexia explained to me. “Anyway, I couldn’t leave her food in a bowl like the other animals because she was born a runt so I have to hand feed her instead. Everything was going well until the fire alarm went off and it startled Lulu. Which caused her to run around and start barking like crazy. I tried to calm her down but she ended up running towards me and the next thing I knew my left arm was bitten off. I’m not mad at what Lulu did. She was a puppy who got scared by the loud sounds. I would do the same thing.” Vexia finished explaining what happened to his arm.

I couldn’t help but feel nauseous at the fact that a creature which is considered a puppy bit Vexia’s arm clean off. “Well, thankfully I was able to get my arm out of Lulu’s mouth and kept it cold in a cooler.” Vexia said as he pulled out a large cooler that seemed to be leaking from behind him.

“Well, it’s good that you have the other limb. It doesn’t make things more complicated if you didn’t have it with you or you didn’t keep it cool.” Allison said as she wrote something down on her clipboard. “Ok lie down on the table and stick out your left arm so I can clean your wound.” Allison said as she went through the cabinet she pulled out a small table that was connected to the examination table. 

When Allison unwrapped the bloody covered gauze I couldn’t help the gag at the sight of the exposed arm, broken bone, and blood. Unfortunately, Allison and Vexia notice this. “Steven, if this makes you uncomfortable then you can go outside and wait while I clean the wound. I’ll come get you when I’m done cleaning.” Allison said with a small smile. “Yeah man, you look like you’re about to vomit. Maybe waiting outside is the best idea.” Vexia said with a worried look on his face. I both liked and disliked how they were worried for me. I had a feeling that temporarily working in a hospital would not be easy and I would see things or hear things that I might not like or that would stick with me for the rest of my life. But I’m gonna be working here for a month and a half so I’m gonna have to learn to get used to it. Plus I can talk to my therapist, the gems, or Connie if I see something messed up.

“No no I’m fine I can stay and help.” I said as I quickly shook my head. Allison blinked at my response. “Ok if you say so.” Allison said nervously as she pulled out two washcloths from the drawer. She then rinsed the cloths and placed disinfecting soap on them and handed one of the cloths to me. As we were cleaning Vexia’s wound I was still gagging at the sight of Vexia’s exposed shoulder. Even though I didn’t eat anything all day I can still feel the bile rising in my stomach. Until Allison finally rinsed off Vexia’s wound. Then she pulled out a towel from the bottom cabinet and gently dried the wound. 

Allison then walked towards the cooler and pulled out Vexia’s severed arm and handed it to me. I cautiously grabbed the arm as Allison pulled out the same small device that she used for Lusine and Seren’s arms. “Ok, Steven go ahead and place Vexia’s arm back on his shoulder and keep turning up until the bone is in the correct place.” Allison said as she pointed the scanner at Vexia’s shoulder and stared at the scanner. “The scanner will let me know if you have the arm in the right place. Once it’s in the right position you can go ahead and heal Vexia’s arm. Got it?” Allison said. “Got it.” I said as I placed the arm on Vexia’s shoulder and started slowly turning it. 

“Keep turning the arm, Steven. It’s almost in the correct position.” Allison said as she kept her eyes on the scanner. When I kept turning the arm a I heard a small bell chime coming from the scanner. Allison smiled and put the scanner down.. “Alright, Steven the arm is in the correct position. You can go ahead and heal Vexia’s arm now.” Allison said as she placed her hands on Vexia’s arm holding it in place. I gently put my hand on the arm and took a deep breath. My palm started to get warmer and started to glow pink. Suddenly Vexia’s entire arm was covered in pink. In a few seconds, the glow disappeared.  Allison and I took our hands off of Vexia’s arms. “Ok Vexia I want you to try and lift your left arm please.” Allison said as she helped him up the table. Vexia looked at his left arm nervously before looking back at us. All I can do is watch for the moment of truth if I successfully heal an amputated limb.

Vexia took a deep breath and struggled to move his left arm. His fingers were twitching slightly but he managed to get his hand up. Vexia was slowly lifting his arm as if it weighed a thousand pounds. As soon as he got his arm halfway up his head Allison walked up to Vexia and gently grabbed his arm. “Vexia you can stop and put your arm down now. It’s taking a lot out of you just to raise your arm.” Allison said as she picked up the scanner and started scanning Vexia’s arm. “It seems like some of the nerves are damaged. But other than that your arm and arm bone are completely reattached.” Allison said as she wrote something down on her clipboard again. “But I’m still gonna have to prescribe you some Vexoff and suggest you take physical therapy, not come into work for a few weeks, and rest your arm.” Allison said as she held Vexia the prescription note. “You’re good to go.” Allison said.

Vexia took the prescription note and smiled slightly. Before sliding off the table and grabbed his cooler.

“Thanks for healing me, Steven. You’re an alright guy.” Vexia said as he moved his cooler under his right arm and pulled out his right arm to give me a handshake. When I returned the handshake I felt that warm feeling in my heart again and savored the feeling. And watched as Vexia left the room.

It was completely silent in the room until Allison broke the silence. “Ibuprofen.” Allison said quickly.“What?” I said in confusion. “Vexoff is our version of Ibuprofen. Just wanted to let you know.” Allison said with a cheeky smile. “Oh! Uhh… thanks for letting me know that.” I said with a small smile. “Come on, let's get your third patient.” Allison said as she walked out the door and I quickly followed behind her.

‘Well onto the next patient.’

Chapter Text

As Steven and Allison came out of the elevator and walked down the hallway Steven noticed two things about this floor. One: the rooms were see-through. Some were empty but some had patients in the rooms, with a sign that reads ’caution’. Two: Some of the doctors or nurses were wearing masks and gloves. And some others were wearing white hazmat suits. Three: he saw a sign that said ‘Please go to the decontamination station before leaving this floor! Thank you!’. When they finally got to the next patient’s room. As Steven was about to open the door. “Steven, wait!” Allison said as she quickly moved the teen’s arm and looked at her clipboard then sighed.

“The patient has a level three infection. We have to put on masks and gloves. Allison said as she walked towards a large clearish gray box that had gloves on one side and masks on the other side. She pulled out two pairs of gloves and a mask and went back to the teen and handed him the gloves and mask. As soon as the two put on their mask and gloves Steven knocked on the door before entering the room. There in the room was a feminine lizard-like alien lying in a hospital bed with IV tubes hooked up to their arms and a breathing mask around their mouth.

While Allison was checking the patient’s charts, Steven got a little closer to get a better look at the alien. The feminine alien looked a little like Allison but more lizard-like, with light yellow skin, red eyes, and medium-long unkept blonde hair. The one thing Steven also noticed was the painfully red scale-like sores on the alien’s face, neck, and finger tips.

“Alright, Steven. This is Andromeda, age 9, species: Draco. She’s tested positive for the Scarlet scale virus. “Sorry to interrupt, but what’s the Scarlet scale virus?” Steven asked while his eyes darted back to Andromeda. The scarlet scale virus is a highly contagious and dangerous virus affecting only the Draco species. The virus is known to cause severe headaches, high fever, extremely low energy, rapidly spreading crimson sores, and crimson cough,” Allison explained.

“If the virus can only affect Dracos then why do we have to put on masks and gloves?” Steven is completely missing the point. “Because it’s hospital protocol to keep everyone safe. Plus there’s a chance I can get the virus I’m part Draco remember? And there could be a chance of the virus mutating and being able to infect you.” Allison said before thinking again. “But now that I’m thinking about it, the species barrier should be able to protect you with a natural defense mechanism that should prevent the virus from affecting you or jumping onto another species. Like a key and lock system.” Allison said to herself.

(That’s all true in a way! The species barrier I mean.)

“Wait what did you say, Allison?” Steven said. “N-nothing I was just talking to myself,” Allison said with a slight dismissive wave. ‘Note to self look up species barrier when I have the time.’ Steven thought to himself. 

“According to Andromeda’s parents when their daughter came home from school, Andromeda told them that she didn’t feel well so they gave her some medicine thinking it was just a stomach bug. But as the days went by, she wasn’t getting better. They already took her to the doctor and the doctor said she has a fever. A few more days passed and her mother found Andromeda passed out on the floor of the kitchen with red sores appearing on her face, neck, and fingertips. Andromeda’s mother rushed her daughter to the hospital where she tested positive for Scarlet scale virus and the doctors immediately placed her in quarantine.” Allison said with a worried look on her face before she continued.

“The poor thing she’s been in quarantine for three weeks. She’s too weak to do anything; she doesn’t have the strength to lift her head, let alone her fingers. The only thing she can do in quarantine is sleep or take medicine or injections.” Allison said sadly before turning towards Steven. “You see, the Steven Scarlet scale virus was around thousands of years ago and it took out 50% of the population and had no cure until it suddenly disappeared before the scientists found a cure. 

But now it’s back and it’s taking its first victim. Our scientists are already hard at work on making a cure. But in the meantime, our healers have been trying to cure Andromeda but each one has failed. Maybe just maybe your healing power could be strong enough to cure Andromeda.” Allison explained to the teen.

 Steven just stood there shocked, saddened, and surprised. Shocked at the fact that this virus nearly wiped out a species thousands of years ago and disappeared. Saddened that the virus came back and its first victim was a 9-year-old girl who had her entire life ahead of her and there’s no cure yet. And shock that the other healers have tried and failed to heal Andromeda and it's all up to him to heal Andromeda.

Steven looked at Allison then at Andromeda who is now asleep. For a few seconds before he turned back to Allison. “Ok, Allison. I’ll try to heal Andromeda.” Steven said with a determined look on his face. Allison smiled softly and nodded at Steven. The teen walked over to the unconscious patient and gently placed his hand on her chest and took a deep breath before the palm of his hand started glowing pink. 

Suddenly a wave of pink light washed over Andromeda’s body and the red sores on her face, neck, and fingers started to disappear and Andromeda’s breathing began to get better. Allison and Steven watched in awe and joy as the nine-year-old was being cured. But that joy was immediately replaced with horror and confusion as red sores started to reappear and Andromeda’s breathing began to get raspy again.

Steven immediately tried to heal Andromeda again but it was the same result. Steven tried again three more times while ignoring the fact that he was starting to feel weak and tired while he was doing this.

Seeing that Steven was getting weaker from repeatedly using his healing power. Allison gently placed her hand on Steven’s shoulder causing the teen to freeze and look at Allison in desperation. “Why isn’t it working Allison? Why can’t I cure her?” Steven asked with tears filling his eyes. “I don’t know why it isn’t working either kid. The other healers have told me that when they tried to heal Andromeda it had the same results. But your healing powers were the closest it ever got to completely healing Andromeda. So that's some good news.” Allison said, trying to put a positive spin to calm the crying teen. But it obviously isn’t working.

“What’s going to happen to Andromeda now?” Steven asked with tears rolling down his face. Allison gently rubbed Steven’s back “Well we’re just gonna have to put our faith in the scientists and hope that they find a cure. Maybe they’re close to finding one.” Allison said with a waver in her voice as she and Steven walked out of the room and silently closed the door behind them. As the two made their way towards the decontamination station they were stopped by an axolotl-like lanky tall alien with mint green skin and light lavender eyes and wearing blue colored scrubs. “ Nurse Allison, what are you doing in a quarantine station? This isn’t your station for this week.” The masculine alien said with a confused look on his face. “Relax Arxim. I’m just here to test to see how strong Steven’s healing powers are on illness, diseases, and viruses.” Allison explained. 

“Who’s Steven?” Arxim asked, completely unaware of the teen. He’s Steven, he's the hospital's newest temporary healer by Judge Malice’s word.” Allison said. “Ah Judge Malice, huh? So it was either do a community service job or go to jail. Wait, did you say he’s a healer?” Arxim asked Allison with a surprise look on his face.“Temporary healer. But yes, here's a healer.” Allison said with an eye roll before continuing. 

“And so far he’s doing a great job. His healing powers were able to heal deep wounds, broken bones, and amputated limbs. But he wasn’t able to heal Andromeda’s illness. But he was the only healer who’s gotten really close to healing Androm…” Allison slows down mid-sentence as she notices Arxim's shocked and excited face. “Stars above! He could be the key to the cure for The Scarlet Scale Virus!” Arxim yelled in excitement before continuing. “I’m gonna need a blood sample from you Steven!” Arxim said as he pulled out a syringe and walked towards the teen. 

Steven immediately got scared at the alien walking towards him with a syringe in his hand causing him to back away. Yes, Steven wanted to cure Andromeda of the virus and he would gladly give up some of his blood if it were the key to the cure. But the way Arxim suddenly demands Steven to give some of his blood and approaches him with a syringe makes the situation completely terrifying.

“W-wait c-can I just…” Steven stopped midsentence as Arxim roughly grabbed his arm and injected the needle causing the teen to scream in pain. 

Allison watches in shock at what’s happening before roughly moving Arxim away from Steven. “What the hell is wrong with you?! You can't just roughly grab someone and stick a syringe in them!” Allison yelled angrily at Arxim. “Calm down Allison. All I was doing was taking a small blood sample. Nothing to panic over. I wasn't injecting him with anything if that’s what you’re so worried about.” 

Arxim said calmly which made Allison angrier. “It doesn’t matter if you weren’t injecting him with something! You still can’t randomly inject someone with a syringe like that! You can lose your job, you could injure the patient, or you can even go to jail!” Allison yelled. All Arxim did was scoff and walk away. “I'm gonna give this blood sample to the scientist.”

 Arxim said as he walked into the elevator. “And honestly Allison you should be thanking me instead of throwing a tantrum. I mean for stars’ sake throwing a tantrum isn’t head nurse material is it now, sweetheart?” Arxim said with a cocky smile as the elevator door closed.

Steven stood there in shock. He can’t believe he found someone as much as a jark then Kevin. When Steven turned to see Allison, his eyes widened in surprise.

Allison was pissed.

 Steven can swear he can see literal fire in her eyes and hear her muttering something angrily. 

“That asshole! I can’t believe he talks to me and treats Steven like that! Just wait until till I get my hands on you. There will be no parts of you that the police or the dreadhounds will be able to find!” 

Allison murmured angrily while clutching her fist.

 Steven gently and cautiously placed a hand on Allison’s shoulder. This caught Allison’s attention and she turned her head towards Steven, noticing the worried look on his face. Allison closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening her eyes, letting the fire in them extinguish.

“I’m sorry Steven, it's just Arxim makes me so mad sometimes. He’s always saying shit that pisses people off. Sometimes I’m still questioning how and why he’s a doctor. But I’m calm now. Come on, let's get to the decontamination station so we can get off this floor. It’s almost time for your first lunch break anyway.” Allison said as the two walked down the hallway. When the two reached the decontamination station. The decontamination station looks like a giant walk-in shower but without the showerhead and there’s multiple black tubes on the wall.

 “What do I do!” Steven asks as he eyeing the station. “You don’t have to do anything, all you have to do is get into the decontamination room and the machine will do the rest.” Allison said as she typed something into the screen then took off her mask and gloves and threw them away and walked into the decontamination room. Steven took off and threw away his mask and gloves and slowly walked into the room and the glass door closed behind him. The soft sounds of beeping can be heard throughout the room along with the sound of liquid gurgling. Suddenly mist started coming out of the tubes on the walls. Covering the two in a thin layer of mist until the mist stopped and the mist was suddenly sucked up into the ceiling.

The machine started to scan Allison and Steven’s bodies three times until a robotic voice said “All clean.” And the door opened. As the two exited the machine Allison’s phone dinged. Allison reached in her pocket to check her phone and smiled slightly. “It’s time for your lunch break. Let’s get you to the cafeteria.” Allison said as she walked towards the elevator with Steven in tow.

As soon the two were in the elevator Allison pressed the button that will lead to the floor, where the cafeteria is. Steven was still thinking about Arxim.

‘If Arxim was able to make Allison that angry with no remorse then maybe I should avoid him at all times.’ Steven thought as the elevator started to move.

Chapter Text

Once the elevator stopped Allison and Steven walked out. This floor had more people and creatures coming in and out of the cafeteria or rooms for the left and right halls. As the two entered the cafeteria Steven was hit with overwhelming and unidentified smells of the food that was being served to everyone.

“Welcome to the cafeteria Steven. This entire room is pretty much standard for what’s for. All doctors, nurses, patients, and guests come here to grab a bite to eat or hang out. Though I don’t know why someone would wanna hang out or take their breaks in a crowded cafeteria. I would rather take my breaks outside.” Allison said as she pointed to the group of aliens lined up and talking. “See those aliens over there? That’s the line where you go and wait to get your food and drinks. I’m pretty sure since you’re temporarily working here you don’t get a lunch account so you don’t have to pay.” Allison said.

“When you get your food, just go out to one of those tables at the other side of the room and just eat or sit there if you’re deciding not to eat. Ok, that’s “ pretty much it see I’ll see you in an hour and a half. I have more patients to tend to.” Allison said as she turned and walked away. Steven’s eyes widened slightly before rushing over to the Gilmane. “Wait! An hour and a half? Aren’t you going to wait o-or have lunch with me?” Steven said. Allison signed “Steven I just said I have other patients to tend to plus my lunch break isn’t for a couple more hours. We both have different scheduled lunch breaks, you know.” Allison said as she walked into the elevator. 

“You’ll be fine Steven, it's just lunch. Hell, who knows maybe you’ll make a friend here. Anyway, I’ll come get you in an hour.” Allison said as the elevator door closed. Steven slowly walked back to the cafeteria and stood in the lunch line. 

‘Okay, Steven no need to panic or worry. All you need to do is get your food, find a table to sit at, and wait for Allison to come back for you. Easy.’ Steven thought to himself nervously only to notice his arms starting to glow pink. ‘No no no no no! Why am I turning pink?! All I had to do was get lunch for myself and I managed to screw that up! Why am I feeling so anxious? Why does it feel like the universe wants me to mess up and suffer? Why-?’

“Hey pinky!”

A loud voice pulled Steven out of his thoughts. Steven looked around to find out where the voice was directed. “I’m talking to you boy with curly hair, pink scrubs, and glowing pink! Are you in the lunch line or what?” The alien asked rather angrily. “Oh! Um…y-yes?” Steven answered nervously. “Well, can you move up?! I have a 30-minute lunch break and I’m pretty sure everyone else behind you would love to get their food!” The alien yelled along with the other aliens who seemed to agree with the alien.

“O-oh! Sorry!” Steven said as he grabbed a lunch tray and moved up the line. 

When Steven got to the food he gave a confused look. The food looks like the same slop he was given when he was in space jail. But they were all in various versions of blue or blue and brown mixed. Steven tried to read what the name of the food was but it was no use. The names of the food were written in an alien language that he couldn’t read. Steven was about to ask the worker what the food was until another alien yelled at him. 

“I swear to the stars I’m going to throw this tray in the back of your head if you don’t go kid!” A female alien yelled which made the teen jump in fear. 

Steven immediately chose the dark blue and brown slop not caring what was in it and rushed down the lunch line, not even bothering to grab some fruit and a drink. 

Steven started walking around the cafeteria to look for an available table to sit at until he found one in the back of the room. As Steven scooped up the mystery mush he noticed that some aliens were staring at him and glaring at him angrily. 

Steven sighed sadly as he put some of the food in his mouth only for him to spit the food out in disgust. “Ugh! This tastes like rotten fruit and spoiled milk mixed together!” Steven exclaimed in disgust as he drowned a bottle of water to get rid of the taste.

Steven heard his stomach growling and sighed. “I should’ve packed a lunch…Man,” Steven said as he lay his head down on the table in defeat while ignoring his stomach yelling for food.

Until he heard a voice.

“No way. You’re actually eating Zorp’s Delight?” The voice said.

Steven flinched at the voice and he raised his head to see a dragon-like female alien with light orange scaled skin and green eyes,medium long brown hair,medium long light purple curl horns and was wearing mint blue scrubs.

“I’m pretty sure the only person who eats that is Dr.Zyr and he's probably the oldest surgeon in this hospital. That I know of.” The alien said.

“Sorry if I’m interrupting whatever you’re doing, I’ll leave you alone.” The alien said as she started to walk away.

“No,no,no wait! I wasn’t doing anything!” Steven yelled, almost hopping off his seat. Taking the alien by surprise.

“Oh well, is it OK for me and my sister to sit with you?” The alien asked with a soft smile as she turned around.

“Sure.” Steven said with a warm smile as he moved down to make some room.

The alien sat down her tray and sat down next to the teen.

“I’m Sage by the way. I’m what my nerdy sister would say a Shihab Draconis or a space dragon and I’m one of the healers of the galactic hospital.” The alien now named Sage says.

Steven smiled when Sage said she’s a healer.

“You’re a healer? I’m a healer too! I just started working here! Well, more like judge Malice told me to work here for the next month or serve jail time.” Steven said while rubbing his neck nervously.

This made Sage do a double take when the teen mentioned jail.

“Judge Malice,jail time? You’re a criminal and the court just let you work here?!” Sage yelled, gaining the attention of a few aliens in the cafeteria.

“No! No! I’m not a criminal! I mean, yes me and the Crystal Gems were arrested and stood trial for being freedom fighters and stealing and destroying some stolen artifacts that weren’t actually gem artifacts. But I swear I’m not a criminal!” Steven said in a panicked voice scared that people will start avoiding him thinking that he’s a dangerous criminal.

“Wait,that was you?” A feminine voice asked. The two turned their heads to see another Shihab Draconis. She had dark orange scaled skin and blue eyes. Her hair was brownish orange short and tied up in a messy bun and she was wearing black glasses. She was wearing a white lab coat and black shirt and light blue pants.

“I saw that trial along with the diamonds trial two weeks ago!” The alien said.

“Oh! Hazel, this is uhh…”Sage paused realizing she didn’t ask for the teen’s name which made her face turn red in embarrassment.

“Um I’m sorry I did not get your name.” Sage said nervously.

“That’s okay. My name is Steven Universe” Steven said with a smile as he pulled out his hand.

“Hazel Featherstar nice to meet you Steven.” Hazel said as she shook the teen’s hand and sat down at the table.

“Wow I knew about the Diamond’s trial but I didn’t know the Crystal Gems we’re on a trial. How did I miss that?” Sage questioned.

“You missed it because you got bored looking for the remote and found it then changed the channel to watch cartoons.” Hazel said deadpan.

“Oh yeah I did do all that!” Sage said she took a sip of her drink.

Steven can I help with chuckles softly at Sage for admitting to not watching the rest of a trial because she got bored and decided to watch cartoons instead. 

Until he stomach started growing loudly again making the gem hybrid blushing in embarrassment.

“Uh sorry about that. I’m just a little hungry.” Steven said meekly.

“Then why don’t you just eat your lunch that’s sitting right next to you?” Hazel said with a confused look on her face.

“He can’t he accidentally got Zorp’s Delight because he couldn’t read the language. And just like everyone else in this hospital aside from Dr. Zyr doesn't like the taste.” Sage explained until she got an idea. 

Sage handed Steven some of her fruit. 

“Here you can have my fruit I wasn’t gonna eat anyway.” Sage said with a smile which caused Hazel to roll her eyes in annoyance and she slide a small bowl of fruit towards Steven.

“You can have half of my fruit.” Hazel said before returning back to her eating her food.

Steven looked at the fruit that was generously gave to him. 

“Thanks guys! You didn’t really have to do this, you know.” Steven said with a smile.

Sage returned the smile. 

“Of course we have to!” Sage said. “We weren’t gonna let you starve all day now, that would be cruel.” Hazel said with a smile as well.

Steven looked at the fruit the sisters gave him. The fruit Sage gave him looked like an apple, but the skin was blue and the fruit Hazel gave him looked like sliced strawberries, but the skin was also green and the inside was a dark purple. 

Steven took a bite of the apple and to his surprise, it tasted surprisingly sweet and sour at the same time so he decided to eat the rest of the apple. When he was finished, he started eating the strawberries which tasted sour, but it wasn’t too sour to make him spit it out. 

“So how’s the fruit?” Hazel asked. “It tasted good, thanks for asking!” Steven said with his mouth full.

“Steven! Don’t talk with your mouth full. You could choke.” Sage exclaimed, while ironically talking with her mouth full.

Steven rolled his eyes and started to laugh and apologizing. The sisters joined in on the laughter.

All three of them start to talk about themselves. Steven told the twins about his past Crystal Gem missions and funny stories about his family. While Sage and Hazel told Steven some interesting and funny hospital stories or stories about themselves or their family.

While the three were laughing and enjoying each other’s company Steven didn’t notice that Allison was calling his name.

“Steven! Hey Steven!” Allison called the teen as she made her way towards the table he was sitting at.

Steven slowly stopped laughing and looked at Allison along with Hazel and Sage.

“Hi nurse Allison!” “Hello nurse Allison.” Both sisters greeted the Gilmane.

“Hello’s Sage and Hazel. I see you before met Steven, the new temporary healer.” Allison said.

“Yep and he’s pretty cool in my book!” Sage said with a smile. “I’ll have to agree as well. Steven is pretty pleasant to be around.” Hazel said with a small smile.

Steven who was read from the compliments, the sisters gave them. “Oh. Uh t-thanks guys!” Steven said while rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Well Steven I’m glad you’ve already made some friends but your lunch break is over it’s time to get back to work. Let’s go!” Allison said with a smile as she walked towards the exit of the cafeteria.

“Oh coming! Just let me throw away my trash first!” Steven said as he picked up his trash and threw it away in a nearby garbage can, and made his way towards the exit not before saying bye to Hazel and Sage.

As Allison and Steven made their way down the hall towards the elevator. Inside Steven’s mind he couldn’t wait to talk to the sisters again tomorrow.