Akoya
Akoya
Note: Hey folks. I stumbled upon Steven Universe a little while ago, and I have been hooked on it ever since. With summer coming up, there is way more time to write, relax, and watch the new episodes airing in July. With that said, I'm trying to implement new writing techniques, as well as new vocabulary. Big shout-out to Missie2 for providing such a wonderful story, "Chorus", to get me back into the writing mood. Thanks again for reading folks, and constructive feedback is always appreciated.
…..
The glistening crystalline structures of Homeworld dominated much of the skyline.
Two orbits had already passed since the last ring from the transmitter. The dismayed pearl paced tirelessly as the city outside continued to buzz with commotion.
How much longer?
Have they taken them too?
These were the thoughts that predominantly circled within the pearl's head, blinding her vision with each rotation.
The pearl released a frustrated sigh and stumbled in front of her mirror.
Her frilly white crystalline dress, neatly-tied hair bun, and sparkly crescent-shaped earrings could not mask her distress as she twitched with anxiety.
"They need to be okay. They must be!" she mumbled as she glared at herself in the mirror.
Her blue eyes latched onto the transmitter as it gave a loud ring. Hastily, she sprinted over to the contraption and fumbled with the receiver until she could securely grip it in her nervous hands.
The pearl's expression shifted drastically as she heard the relieving news that she had been anticipating for so long.
"Thank you. I'll see you in three orbits then." the pearl stammered as tears of happiness came to her eyes.
The transmission ceased as the pearl hung up the receiver and collapsed onto her bed. Her gem pulsed as she procured a simple crystalline staff from it. She twirled the staff gracefully before holding it above herself and examining it cautiously. She spent the next few moments staring at the staff, then at the ceiling, and then back at the staff, before sitting back up and proceeding to her room's door.
Eyes wide, chin up.
After the pearl finished drying her tears, the door opened to reveal a luxurious palace-like area.
Three orbits. Three orbits till freedom.
With that, and with staff in hand, the pearl stepped through the doorway to begin the final phase of her mission.
…..
The Royal Gem Labs belonged to the esteemed research wing under the permission of the diamonds. Here, gems worked restlessly to conjure, manipulate, and discover various healing methods, combat techniques, and enhancement algorithms. Only the brightest and most creative gems were permitted to operate within the facilities walls, and this pearl was one of those gems.
Many pearls spent the course of their lives in servitude of their owners. Nothing more, nothing less. But for this pearl, she spent most of her time inspecting experiments, tampering with contraptions, and developing new ways to advance the gems of Homeworld. She had her aptitude to thank for that. Normally, stepping through her room's door would mean the beginning of a bustling work day.
Today though, the air was different.
Must find file ninety-two b.
The thought persisted with the pearl as she made her way toward the records area.
Good thing the others made it. Why hunt for new ways to heal when I can risk everything?
The sarcastic humour did little to ease her anxiety as she quickened her steps and gripped her staff tighter.
At last.
The pearl entered the correct combination sequence into the door which made it slide open. The pearl observed her immediate surroundings for a moment before proceeding deeper into the records room.
Ninety-two b, must find ninety-two b.
The pearl finally found the record that she was looking for. The holographic image flared as it was picked up by the pearl, only to flicker off seconds later as the pearl stashed the item into her gem.
Okay, now, time to walk back.
The pearl brisk-walked back toward the door and re-entered the security configuration. As she walked back to her designated work area, she felt as if other gems were scanning her, suspecting her of the foul act that she had just committed.
Upon sitting down at her work station, the pearl gave a tired sigh. She pulled up a holographic display which she started scanning rapidly. The information on it pertained to the latest experiment that the Royal Gem Labs had been working on: The Gem Warrior Enhancement Project.
The project, also known as GWEP, was designed to counter the problem of a band of rebels located on the planet known as Earth. The goal of the project was to construct the perfect soldier to crush the Crystal Gems along with any allies they had on the planet.
This is treason, but I've already gone this far.
The pearl continued scrolling through the vast amounts of information displayed on the hologram, but her mind was far from analyzing the research presented before her.
I'll call them after work. That should settle my mind.
…..
The exhausted pearl returned to her room through the room's door and sprinted to the transmitter.
She started dialing the coordinates that had previously been given by the individuals she had been coordinating with.
"Hey Akoya, how yah holdin' up? Is your team okay?" came the voice which eased some of her tension instantly.
Akoya.
The pearl was still adjusting to the name that had been given to her by her newly-found friends. It was refreshing compared to being known as just another pearl.
"I'm alright Steven. My team pulled through as well. May I speak with Garnet?" Akoya requested somewhat anxiously.
"Sure, gimme a sec." Steven replied.
Akoya waited patiently as she heard a muffled scratching noise over the receiver.
"You have the record?" Garnet inquired.
"Ninety-two b accounted for." Akoya responded as calmly as she could.
"Don't worry. Remember, three orbits." Garnet reassured.
"Thank you. I'll see you then." the calmed pearl replied as she hung up the receiver and sprawled onto her bed once more.
Akoya, Akoya.
The name persisted in her head providing a weird sort of comfort. She continued looping the name in her mind as she closed her eyes and began to relax.
I've wanted to do this for so long. Yet here I am, on the brink of no return, and I'm afraid?
Akoya questioned her emotions as she began to feel the anxiety building once more.
No, no more fear.
Akoya was trying to muster as much courage as she could to overcome her inner doubts. She could feel the armor-clad doubts beginning to shatter and dissipate.
I am strong. I am brave. I am a Crystal Gem.