A one-shot prologue for an AU story I might write eventually. I hope you all enjoy.
Garnet wails in pain as she goes into labor. Her husband, Greg Universe, stood beside her bed with tears in his eyes. "It's okay honey. I'm here for you. We can do this."
"Gr... Greg." Garnet gasps in pain, tightly squeezing his hand as tears ran down all three of her eyes.
"I'm here... I'm here..."
"Thank you, for everything. Thank you for being a part of my life." Garnet was a Gem. Because of that, she could not have children the same way humans are able to. To ensure her children survive birth, she must sacrifice her physical form to give them life. They both cannot exist at the same time. "I trust you… and the others… to take care of them."
"And we will… we will..."
Garnet gasped in more pain. She did not have much time now.
"Greg..."
"Yes..."
"I... looked in the… future… so that... I could see them before... I'm…" Tears flowed from the fusion eyes, down her face. "They are beautiful Greg… and will... do... extraordinary... things..." After uttering the last word to her one true love, the gemstones within her palms glowed blindingly bright; signaling that it is time. "I love you, Greg Universe."
"I love you too, Garnet Universe." The husband and wife clutch their hands even tighter.
Garnet let out her last and loudest cry, as her physical form glowed radiantly and shrunk down. Her hand upon Greg's releasing as the energy became smaller in size by the second; eventually splitting into two forms. After the energy frittered away, what laid in place of where Garnet once was, were two infants. A girl with a sapphire gemstone embedded into her right palm. And a boy with a ruby gemstone embedded into his left palm.
Their first cries of life echoed through the room as Greg carefully scooped the two newborns up. "Shush… it's okay... it's okay; your daddy is here…" Greg felt a mixture of pride and despair looking down at the two bundles of joy in his arms. He and Garnet had wanted children for a while, ever since they were married. They got their wish; blessed with a beautiful daughter and son. But at the same time, he also knew that the love of his life; the woman who had brought him so much happiness, was no longer here.
The door behind him opened slowly as the Crystal Gems: Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, and Jasper entered the room; their expressions of sadness plain to see. Lazuli looked over at Greg holding the two babies before turning her attention to the empty bed. "She's gone... isn't she?"
Greg closed his eyes and stayed silent, which was enough to answer her question. "We should be happy... this... this is what she wanted… more than anything... but…" Lapis choked on her words as she desperately struggled to hold back her tears; knowing that their leader. Their friend. Who inspired not only her but Jasper and Peridot too, was forever gone.
Jasper looked up from her despair, seeing the two infants Greg held ever so carefully. "That's them. Right?" Jasper asked with a faint smile; trying to be happy for the miracle of life that Garnet so desperately wanted to create.
"Yes..." Greg tearfully confirmed. "These are our children." The three Gems stepped forward to get a better look at the two newborns; who were fast asleep in their father's arms. "Guys, I'd like you all to meet Steven and Nora Universe."
You know, I'm kind of surprised that no one else has done a story on this concept. Or if there is one, I probably haven't found it. And if there is one like this; please tell me the name of the story, the author, and where to find it. Because I would love to read it.
Any and all feedback and constructive criticism is appreciated.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day.