It was only Jasper's first day alive, and yet, in accordance to her insanely successful first battle, she was being taken back to Homeworld to meet Pink Diamond. Her Diamond.
As she sat in the ship, gazing out at the stars flashing past, she found herself tracing the pink emblem on her uniform. She could barely quell the excitement in her chest. It was all she could do to stop herself from punching through the walls of the ship in pure joy. She just sat, fists trembling on her knees.
The members of the Ruby crew kept sneaking her amazed glances – deep down, they seemed terrified to have this Gem-shattering powerhouse on their ship, but Jasper could see the awe and respect in the way they moved around her and saluted her.
Jasper had not yet seen any of the Diamonds. She had examined their murals inside the Moon Control Base, but that was all. Even though Pink Diamond's mural was the barest and had only one colony, hers was Jasper's favourite. There was something about her serene figure, reaching up to hold her colony in an almost awestruck way, that just seemed beautiful to her. The thought of meeting such a Gem set a storm of nervous butterflies storming through her stomach.
"We're here . . . Jasper."
The voice snapped her out of her revelry. Jasper lifted her gaze to find a nervous Ruby saluting her by the door. Steeling herself, she stood and stalked down the plank, following another Ruby stationed outside.
The smaller Gem led her down high, pink halls and matching doorways, each engraved — interestingly — with what looked to be an organic plant form from Pink Diamond's first colony. Eventually they stopped in front of the largest door yet, and while the Ruby stood still and expressionless beside her, Jasper wrung her hands. She was almost terrified of what waited for her behind that door.
She occupied herself by surveying the corridor. There were three doors on this side (as far as she could see), five on the opposing wall and what seemed like the barracks at the far end to her left. There was a diamond set in the middle of the barracks doors.
Suddenly, the door in front of her slid open, revealing as enormous pink room, peppered with enormous carved pillars — and a pink Gem in the middle of it all, barely taller than herself.
The Gem leant forward and smiled. "Jasper."
The Quartz felt a small jab in her side and looked down to find the Ruby stepping back. She gestured at the doorway, and, taking a breath (more to steady herself than serve any biological purpose), Jasper stepped into the room, standing tall and saluting Pink Diamond.
"Please, you don't have to do that."
The warm, musical voice induced her to lift her gaze. Pink Diamond seemed calm but alert, her surreal eyes effortlessly locking with Jasper's own. She tensed under her powerful gaze.
"But, my Diamond— I . . . I'm showing you my respect." It felt like a crime to argue with such a presence.
Pink Diamond closed her eyes and laughed. The light sound set Jasper's skin tingling.
"Respect? Your respect for what? For sitting here and looking pretty?"
Jasper was shocked. Feeling flustered, she focussed back on the floor. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Her Diamond wouldn't accept her respect. She didn't respect herself. Then . . . why did Jasper look up to her? She respected her. . .
"F-For . . . For creating me, my Diamond."
Pink Diamond's expression hadn't been stony to begin with, but something about her softened. There was a moment's pause, and then her shoulders slumped, as if relieved of a great weight. She thought she saw something flicker across her Diamond's face, but then it was gone, replaced by a small smile.
"I heard that your first battle was a major success."
Jasper felt a bloom of pride in her chest and she straightened respectfully. "Yes . . . Yes, my Diamond!" she replied confidently. "The moment I emerged I . . . I ran straight into the fight. I thought of you, and the other Diamonds, and of how much you still had to do. I fought for Homeworld, my Diamond. I fought for you—"
Jasper could see her Diamond's shoulders tense, and she cut herself off. Several seconds ticked by in heavy silence. Finally, she opened her mouth to speak, but then Pink Diamond seemed to snap to attention.
Her lips curled delicately. "Thank you, Jasper. How noble."
Warm pride blossomed in her chest, and she beamed. She had made her Diamond proud. . . This beautiful, powerful Gem was proud of her. She couldn't take her eyes off the larger Gem's face . . . and that smile. That smile encompassed every flicker of joy she could ever hope for.
Suddenly, Jasper felt her hand in an intimate grasp, and she was jerked back to reality. She gazed up into fantastic fuchsia eyes.
"I, and all of Homeworld, I'm sure, appreciate your strength and bravery. You will make a very positive contribution to our forces. We may yet stop this rebellion."
Jasper just stared in awe. After what felt like ages gazing at her Diamond's perfect features, she swallowed and cautiously drew back to salute her.
"Thank you, My Diamond. I'll— I'll try my best."
With that, she was escorted from the room by a short, lithe Gem, and the huge door slid shut behind them.
Her chest was filled with adoration for her Diamond, and in her mind, her last few words were looping over and over in her mind. How noble . . . appreciate your strength and bravery.
Before she knew it, she was back on the Ruby escort ship, seated on the bench by the door. As the ship pulled off, headed back to Earth, Jasper found she couldn't stop smiling.
I won't let you down, my Diamond. I promise.