Prologue: A Fun filled day...?
It all started out so well...where did it all go so horribly wrong?
Where did I...go wrong?
I wish you were here…to tell me what to do.
My...Pink Diamond.
XXX
-Steven-
Huh?
Where...did that voice come from?
I quickly open my eyes only to find myself in total darkness.
"W-Where am I...?! Garnet...? Pearl...? Amyethst…!" I cried worriedly, but no response.
"Where is everyone...?" I whispered.
Silence.
I start walking slowly, looking all around for anything at all, but no matter how far I walk, there isn't anything here.
So, I stop walking in order to cry in a huff, "What's going on here?!"
"It's you...isn't it, Rose?" A voice I never heard of questioned in the distance.
"I'm not Rose, that's my mom...whoever you are!" I yelled back.
"You can't fool me with that disguise, Rose! Why did you do it…? Why...?!" The voice cried angrily as it suddenly sounded closer.
"Do what...? What are you talking about...?" I asked with confusion as I looked around again.
Suddenly, a red shadow rises out of the ground in front of me, it towers over me, before black eyes open to glare and cry in my direction.
"Why did you shatter Pink Diamond...?! My Diamond?!" A black mouth opened on the red shadow, so it could yell angrily at me.
Tears form in the corner of my eyes as I speak with remorse, "I'm not Rose...I'm Steven! I didn't do that to Pink Diamond! And, I don't know why my mom did!"
"That's no excuse...!" The red shadow replied heatedly.
Before I could even respond, the shadow opened it's mouth wider until it jumped into the air and quickly fell down over me, swallowing me whole.
...
I scream myself awake, tossing aside my blankets so I can sit up straight on my bed.
"Wait...bed? I was dreaming this whole time? But, it seemed so real... I need to tell the others about it." I spoke seriously, before I jumped out of bed, slid my sandals on my feet, and I ran down the stairs of my loft so I could get to the warp pad.
As I stand in front of the warp pad, I eye the Temple door on the wall across from me.
I wonder if they're somewhere in the Temple...I can't go in there unless they open a door.
I haven't gotten better at controlling mom's room yet...
Oh wait, what if they left a note?
I dash away from the warp pad, and run over to the kitchen to see if there are any notes lying around.
Luckily, I finally spot one on the fridge's door, which is written in Amyethst's handwriting with purple pen: "Hey Steven, we didn't want to wake you up to tell you where we are going, mostly because you were snoring like a baby! So Pearl told me to write this note... Ugh, ok, so Pearl kept bugging me and Greg to go with her to buy a cell phone, so she could call that Mysterious Girl "S" she met at that party a while back. I told her she could just go with Greg herself, but I guess she wanted help from the Ultimate Wingman! Anyway, we'll probably be gone all day, but Pearl says we'll be back by dinner. Oh, also, Garnet is doing a solo mission today, so you'll have the house all to yourself. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"-Amethyst.
"Ah man, I really wanted to tell the Gems about my dream...and I can't tell Connie because she's at school right now..." I whispered to myself.
I look around the house as I think of who else I can talk to, when I finally look at the warp pad near the Temple door again.
"Oh yeah, I can talk to Lapis! The dream I had was similar to the ones she was in... Maybe it's Lapis I keep seeing!" I spoke excitedly as I ran away from the kitchen and I hurried over to the warp pad again.
I quickly step on the warp pad, hold both of my arms out, and I think about warping to the Barn where Peridot and Lapis live.
Within seconds, the beam of light, from the warp pad, surrounds me as it teleports me over to the Barn's warp pad.
Once the light from the warp pad fades away, I dash towards the Barn, where I can hear Peridot talking to Lapis in the distance.
"Come on, Lapis... It'll be fun! I went with Amethyst and Steven not too long ago and nothing bad happened to me...except some slight stretching of limbs... Oh, and you can win all sorts of prizes, like my 'Lil Alien bud floating in the water wall you made." Peridot spoke excitedly.
"I don't know, Peridot... I just got used to living at the Barn with you. I don't think I can handle going to...what did you call it: an amusement park? There probably will be a lot of people and I don't do so well in crowds." Lapis responded sadly.
"Please, Lapis... I really wanted...to win you a prize." Peridot whispered anxiously.
"Peri, Lapis...!" I spoke excitedly as I finally reached the Barn and I saw the two of them standing just inside the bottom level of the Barn, with Veggie Head (the pumpkin dog I make with my spit last week) jumping around their feet.
"Oh hey, Steven! You're just the Gem I wanted to see..." Peridot spoke excitedly as she looked between Lapis and me.
"Steven, it's so good to see you again!" Lapis spoke warmly as she waved at me.
"Did I interrupt something here...?" I asked curiously as I eyed the both of them.
"Yes you did, but it's good that you did because... I'm trying to convince Lapis here to go with me to Funland! So, help me out here, Steven!" Peridot spoke firmly as she gestured to Lapis.
"Oh, um… You should go with her, Lapis. It would be a great way for you to have another reason to like Earth and living here." I spoke seriously.
"Ok...but...only if you go too, Steven. I'd feel a lot better if we all went together." Lapis spoke sincerely as she smiled slightly at me.
"Only if it's ok with Peridot." I spoke firmly as I looked at her patiently.
"Well...I wasn't expecting anyone else to go along too, but…if that's what Lapis wants, then ok." Peridot spoke distractedly, before she added hastily, "Just wait here Steven, Lapis and I have been practicing on how to change our clothes."
Peridot strides to the back of the barn, before she turns around to face us seriously.
She holds out both of her arms on either side of her, before in one quick movement, she fans out her hands from her waist down to her mid-thigh.
A green light shines from the movement and above her green leggings/pants? a dark green skirt suddenly appears.
I stare in awe at Peridot's new skirt, before she speaks hastily, "Whoops, almost forgot the most important part...!"
She waves her left hand over the left side of her hair, and slightly above her green visor, before another green light shines and is replaced by the same light green ribbon I put on her tablet not too long ago.
"Well, what do you think, Steven? Do I look cool or what? I even made the same ribbon you gave me when you gave me that tablet!" Peridot exclaimed happily as she jumped up and down with glee.
"That's so awesome, Peridot! I'm proud of you." I spoke earnestly as I nodded my head in approval.
"Yeah…it's mostly because I really liked the clothes I wore when we played baseball, so I told Peridot that I wanted to wear casual clothes whenever we had the chance. So, she's been practicing all this time for today, I guess." Lapis spoke seriously as she saw me still staring in awe at Peridot.
"That was a great idea, Lapis. I'm glad you two are getting along." I spoke seriously.
Lapis blushes slightly, before she looks away from me so she could speak casually, "It was nothing much, Steven... I just...don't hate her anymore. That's all..."
"Ok, now it's your turn, Lapis!" Peridot spoke excitedly as she stopped jumping up and down, so she could rush back over to where she stood before.
"Alright, here goes nothing...!" Lapis spoke eagerly, before she crossed her arms high over her head.
As Lapis brought her hands down over her hair, a blue light shines before a blue bow sits in her hair right next to her right eye.
As she moves her hands down over her dress, another blue light shines and her dress is replaced by a white-and-blue, striped, sleeveless, shirt with dark blue shorts.
And, finally Lapis taps her bare ankles and feet with her hands, before the blue light shines once more until white ankle socks with white-and-black sneakers appear from the light.
"Wow, that was so cool, Lapis! I wish I could do that..." I spoke with awe.
"Maybe one day you will, Steven." Lapis spoke honestly as she smiled at me.
"But, not today! Because we're going to Funland!" Peridot exclaimed excitedly, before she added quickly, "Oh, wait, I better bring my alien bud too! That way, when I win you a prize, Lapis, your bud will have a bud!"
"Cool. Steven and I will wait by the warp pad for you then, Peridot. And, Veggie Head, you stay here, we'll be back later." Lapis spoke seriously as she slid her hands into her short's pockets, before she walked out of the barn.
Veggie Head barks happily, before it dashes over to a little green dog bed to lay down.
"Okay, I'll be right there!" Peridot spoke anxiously as she hurried over to the water wall to fish out her alien prize from Funland.
So, I just turn silently as I hurry to catch up with Lapis.
Once I do finally catch up to her, she speaks casually, "Hey Steven, wasn't there a reason you stopped by today? You looked pretty out of it earlier... Is there anything wrong?"
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot to ask you...!" I spoke with disbelief that I forgot the real reason I came to the barn in the first place, before I added worriedly, "Have you been...dreaming lately?"
"Who me...? Nah, I don't need to sleep, remember? But, I have been staying up late watching Camp Pining Hearts with Peridot. I think we're almost caught up to the new season, but I always like re-watching my favorite episodes... Why do you ask...?" Lapis spoke honestly as she glanced back at the barn occasionally, before she looked worriedly at me.
"Well...I just had a weird dream earlier and I thought...that it might be about you." I responded anxiously as I told her about my dream from start to finish.
"Oh...I can see why you would think that... You were in my mind before. When I was fused with…Jasper. Right, well sorry, Steven, but that wasn't me... Maybe you should ask the others about it. I'm sure they can help you." Lapis spoke seriously as she stared off into the distance.
"Yeah, as soon as they get home, I'll definitely ask them." I spoke firmly as we both reached the Barn's warp pad.
We both stand in silence as we wait for Peridot to show up, when I suddenly hear my phone's notification go off.
I pull my black, touchscreen, phone from my pocket, unlock the screen, and check my messages.
I notice that the only message I got was from Connie, which read in lime green letters with a white cloud background text: "Hey Steven, I'm at Lunch right now, so I thought I should text you and see what you're up to today. And, also, I wanted to know if you had any plans for tonight...because, if I don't have a lot of homework, we could hang out."-Connie.
I smile at her message, before I type back: "Peridot, Lapis, and I are going to Funland together. You should come once you get out of school. We'll probably be there all day because the Gems are out today. I don't think we've been there together..."-Steven.
As soon as I hit send, I can feel eyes watching me, so I look up to see Lapis staring at me and my phone.
"Steven...I just have to ask...what is that thing you're using? And, who's...Connie?" Lapis asked curiously.
"Oh, right, you probably never saw one before… Well, this is a phone, you can use it to call, text, email people and a whole bunch of other stuff. And, Connie was the girl you tried drowning when you stole the ocean to get back to Homeworld." I spoke seriously as I showed her my phone.
Lapis stares at my phone with awe, before she speaks casually, "Sounds pretty cool...except for that last part... So, if I had one of these "phones", I could talk to you anytime?"
"Yeah! Except...when I'm sleeping, though. Maybe I'll ask my dad if he can get you and Peridot phones too. He, Amethyst, and Pearl went to go and get Pearl a new phone today." I spoke excitedly.
"Oh, I'll...think about it. Because I think your dad...might hate me for what I did to his leg and his vehicle...and his boat. Plus, I also need talk it over with Peridot first. And, at least she has that tablet to contact you..." Lapis spoke hesitantly, before she spotted Peridot running down the hill with her alien in her arms.
"Okay, I finally got my 'Lil Bud out of the water, so let's go have some fun!" Peridot spoke with glee as she stopped right next to us.
Suddenly, my phone's notification goes off again and I quickly read Connie's new message: "Wait...Lapis is back? And, you didn't tell me sooner?! I guess that makes sense, though, since we kept seeing Jasper all those times ago... But, what about Peridot…? I thought she was one of those bad Homeworld Gems who tried to take you away? Ugh... I'll be there for sure, there's no way I'm leaving you alone with those two."-Connie.
I quickly type a new message, to try to calm Connie down: "I must have forgotten to tell you about Lapis and Peridot...and with all the other stuff that's happened recently. Once you get out of school, we can talk about everything."-Steven.
After I hit send, I glance back at Peridot and Lapis, so I can ask sheepishly, "It's okay if Connie joins us later...?"
"Who's...Connie? Nah, it doesn't matter, any friend of yours, Steven, is bound to be a friend to me-us. I mean us, as in me and Lapis." Peridot spoke casually as she kept glancing at Lapis occasionally.
"Yeah, I've got no problem with it." Lapis spoke seriously, before she added jokingly, "So, let's go...before I change my mind."
"Alright, who wants to warp us there?" Peridot asked excitedly as she jumped on the warp pad.
"Not me, I usually fly, so I'm not good with warping..." Lapis spoke honestly as she stepped up onto the warp pad, so she could stand next to Peridot.
"Okay, I can warp us. Let me just put my phone away..." I spoke firmly as I looked at my phone one last time for any more messages from Connie.
Connie sends another message, but she sounds a lot calmer this time: "I understand, Steven. These days must have been pretty tough for you...and with me starting school again, I haven't had the time to ask you about how you're doing. I can't wait until school lets out, but I got to go now...lunch is over. I'll call you when I get to Funland."-Connie.
I type a quick, "OK, see you there", mostly because I don't know what else to say to her yet.
So, I just quietly put my phone back in my pocket and hop on the warp pad.
"To Funland!" I spoke eagerly as I held my arms out and thought of warping back home.
XXX
-Amyethst-
"Pearl, just pick one already...! This is getting boring real fast." I spoke in a huff as I laid upside down on a black sofa, in the cell phone store, somewhere in the middle of Beach City.
"But, Amethyst, there are so many different kinds to choose from...not to mention, the different colors either. How ever will I choose the right one?" Pearl asked anxiously as she moved from display to display checking out all the different phones.
"Ugh, just go with the easiest one for you to figure out and the one with the color you like…" I responded lazily before I watched Greg eye Pearl warily.
"Oh wait, what if I get a phone too?" I spoke excitedly as I rolled off the sofa, so I could stand up and run over to Pearl and Greg.
"What...? Why would you get or need a phone?" Pearl asked worriedly as she stopped looking at phones to glance at me anxiously.
"If I get the same phone as you, I can figure out how it works for you to use it! Plus, it'll be way easier to keep tabs on everyone if I-you have a phone. Yeah...that's what I meant." I spoke seriously, before I mumbled that last part.
"Oh, alright, but only because it'll be easy for me to know where you are when I need help with my phone." Pearl spoke seriously before she looked to Greg for an answer.
"Uh, yeah, sure... I'll buy you two some phones. Just pick out whatever ones you want." Greg spoke firmly as he glanced around at the nearly empty store.
"Okay, I think I'll go with this one and this casing." Pearl spoke seriously as she picked out a white touch screen phone and a pink rose, patterned, case.
"No way, Pearlie, you can get the phone, but not the case." I chided as I pointed from the phone to the case, before I added seriously, "You said you were moving on from Rose, so what you need is...something like this!"
I spot a hot pink phone case, with dark pink and white "slime" pattern at the top of the case, hanging on the wall next to Pearl, so I grab it and replace the rose case with the slime one.
"I guess you're right, Amethyst. Fine, I'll buy the one you picked, so go find yourself a phone." Pearl spoke seriously as she eyes the new phone case warily.
"When it comes to being cool, I'm always right. And, I already found a good one while you were taking forever..." I spoke honestly as I grabbed a black touch screen phone with a purple-and-black swirling design phone case.
"Alright, let me pay for these, so we can get out of here." Greg spoke firmly as he pulled out his money from his pocket.
"What's the matter, Greg...? You've been acting weird, since the moment we stepped into the store!" I spoke teasingly as I elbowed him in his side.
"I haven't been acting weird... I just don't want to get sucked in by all these newer phones and end up buying something that will take up all my time. Especially from Steven..." Greg spoke honestly as he handed the money over to the cashier, who has been waiting patiently for us to pick out phones and then leave.
"Sure, that's your reason... Well, whatever, at least we can finally leave with these cell phones! I can't wait until I show Steven that I got a phone too!" I spoke excitedly as I grabbed my phone and case, before I headed towards the exit.
"Wait for us, Amethyst! You have to show me how to use this thing, so I can call her." Pearl spoke anxiously as she grabbed her phone and case, so she could hurry up and catch up with me.
"Yeah, sure, P... As soon as I call Steven with my new phone! Race you back to the Temple!" I responded excitedly as I pushed the door open with my shoulder, before I ran towards the Temple in the distance.
"Amethyst...! Sorry about this, Greg, but I need to catch up with her." Pearl spoke seriously as she looked back at Greg once with a shrug, before she turned to chase me down.
"It's no problem, Pearl. I got to go back to the car wash anyway." Greg spoke firmly as he headed over to the driver's side of his van.
"Amethyst, get back here!" Pearl cried in a huff as she jumped from rooftop to rooftop to catch up with me.
"No way, the first one back to the Temple gets to try their phone out first! See ya, P!" I spoke with glee as I rolled myself into a ball, so I could dash away from Pearl.
"Why did I ever agree to let you have a phone...!?" Pearl whispered heatedly as she struggled to keep up with me.
XXX
-Connie-
I glance at my phone as I read Steven's last message: "OK, see you there."
That doesn't sound like the usual "Steven" response... I wonder if he's okay...
I put my phone away silently as I slowly head back to class.
I know I shouldn't worry, since he said he'll tell me about everything when I get to Funland...
But…why do I still feel bad that he didn't tell me everything sooner?
About Lapis or Peridot…or even Bismuth...or about Jasper getting corrupted, or that huge Ruby fusion…
No...I will give Steven the benefit of the doubt! I won't feel bad or jump to conclusions!
He would do the same thing for me, after all.
Man, I wish school would let out early today...
XXX
-Steven-
Once the warp pad's light fades away, the three of us are standing on the warp pad inside my house.
"I thought it would be quicker to warp here, so we can all walk to Funland." I spoke honestly as I led the way over to the door.
"I like the way you think, Steven. This way I can tell Lapis about all the cool stuff in Funland!" Peridot spoke excitedly as she followed after me, with Lapis right behind her.
"Oh yeah...? What do they have then, Peridot?" Lapis asked curiously as she smirked at Peridot.
"Well, when I went the first time, I was too short to ride the rollercoaster, but this time...uh..." Peridot spoke eagerly, before she added grimly, "Honestly, Lapis, I didn't get to ride anything and the stuff that Steven and Amyethst did was mostly shapeshift, which I can't even do. So...yeah..."
"Oh...that's okay, though. At least we'll all be there together, and that's what really counts, right?" Lapis responded seriously.
"Don't worry you two, I'll find us some rides we can go on together!" I spoke earnestly as I reached the door first, so I could hold it open for Peridot and Lapis.
"I knew it would be a good idea to bring you along, Steven." Peridot spoke firmly as she walked out the door first.
"Actually, it was my idea...but, I am glad you came with us, Steven." Lapis corrected casually, before she smiled at me on her way out.
"It was no problem at all, I'm just glad to be invited... Especially considering...that dream I had this morning." I whispered seriously as I eyed my bed, while I walked out of the house and closed the door behind me.
XXX
-Lapis-
After we leave Steven's house, travel left across the sandy beach for a very long time, we end up walking on wooden planks instead of sand.
Steven told us that this is a smaller "Boardwalk" than the one with all the stores he eats at almost every day, which are at the other side of Beach City.
Then, we see the "amusement park" in the distance, which even from here, I can see lots of people.
Next I notice the excitement on Peridot's face as Steven leads the way under a huge sign that says "Beach City Funland" on it (the words "Beach City" are in blue while "Funland" is in pink) and is held up by two pink columns.
He keeps walking under it as he glances all around occasionally to find good rides for us.
I spot the "rollercoaster" Peridot mentioned earlier to the far left of us, so I eye it warily as we continue down the path.
It has a bunch of containers filled two by two with humans as it races up, then down, and then into a loop, before it does it all over again.
I secretly am glad that we don't have to ride something like that as we continue to walk farther away from it.
I also notice people are crowding around the other rides as well; and, as I begin to wonder why, Steven finally stops walking once he finds a good ride.
I silently read the sign by the entrance, which is in blue letters on a wooden sign on a wooden fence surrounding the ride: Beaver's Waterway.
I look at the ride itself next: a wooden path, next to the sign, leads to a right corner in the distance, after the right corner I can barely spot steps leading down to a small platform area, and the rest of the ride is made of a light blue slide (with water) where wooden boats climb hills and speed down hills.
"Steven, what's this ride...about?" I asked warily as I quickly glanced at Peridot worriedly.
"Well, you get into these boats made of wood as it travels through the water up a steep hill, then you speed down until you get back to where you started. It's a lot of fun, plus it doesn't have a height requirement, so we can all ride it together!" Steven spoke seriously as he gestured with his hands what the ride does.
"Are you...going to be okay on this ride, Lapis? It's a water ride..." Peridot asked worriedly as she looked at me for approval.
I smile at her genuine concern, until I answer her honestly, "I'll be fine, since you two are going with me. So, come on before more people show up."
"Sweet, I'll lead the way then!" Steven cried excitedly as he headed down the wooden path.
Peridot walks in front of me, but she occasionally glances back at me worriedly.
I think it's sweet, in a Peridot way, that she's this overly concerned for me...especially since, I used to be so mean to her.
Maybe...today will be a good day to get closer to her.
And, if I mess something up, at least Steven is here to help me out...
"Lapis...you ok?" Peridot asked anxiously.
"Oh...um. Yeah, sorry I just got lost in my own thoughts." I spoke honestly, before I notice that we're already standing next in line for the boat ride.
I must've been so lost in my own thoughts, that I didn't pay attention to the steps behind me.
I need to focus, I want to remember everything about today!
"The floor doesn't stop moving, so be careful as you three make your way to the next boat." The human attendant spoke seriously as she gestured for us to go.
"Alright, I'll sit in front, Peri you sit behind me, and Lapis you sit behind Peridot." Steven spoke firmly as he walked slowly towards the wooden boat on the moving floor.
"Sounds good to me, Steven. Whoa, this floor is so weird!" Peridot spoke casually as she stepped on the moving floor next and her feet crossed immediately.
"Be careful, Peridot. You don't want to fall over..." I spoke seriously as I stepped on the moving floor next, before the movement makes me loose my balance.
I take a few steps after Steven and Peridot, before my feet go in the opposite direction of the moving floor and I stumble forwards.
"Ah...!" I cried as the ground came up at me.
"Lapis!" Peridot exclaimed worriedly as she dove to catch me.
In the next minute, I'm kneeling on the ground as Peridot's right hand is holding my left hand, which she pulled at the last second to stop me from falling, as she looks me over anxiously.
"I've got you, Lapis. Did you hurt yourself...?" Peridot asked with concern.
"I'm...f-fine, Peridot. Thanks for catching me." I whispered with embarrassment that I would fall over so easily.
"Before you can go and give me advice, you should be the one to be more careful. Come on, Steven is waiting for us." Peridot spoke earnestly before she helped pull me to my feet.
I smile warmly at her as I nod silently.
"Hurry up, guys, the boat is about to take off!" Steven cried anxiously as he sat in the front of our boat, which was the second in line to climb the hill.
"We're coming, Steven! Lapis almost fell, so I caught her and we're on our way now!" Peridot called proudly as she pulled me after her towards the boat.
As I continue to smile, I squeeze Peridot's hand lightly and she glances back at me worriedly.
"Thanks...I really mean it." I spoke warmly.
Peridot's face lights up as she smiles brightly at me as she speaks firmly, "No problem, that's what I'm here for!"
We finally manage to make it to the boat before it can take off, so Peridot quickly jumps in (she puts her alien bud on her lap) and I quickly climb onto the seat behind her.
"Get ready, everyone!" Steven exclaimed excitedly as the boat slowly starts to climb the water hill.
Suddenly, Peridot slowly slides backwards, until she's leaning on my chest in my lap.
"Oh, um... Sorry, Lapis, I guess I wasn't holding on to the edge as we started climbing the hill…" Peridot whispered worriedly as she looked back at me once, before she struggled to sit back up.
"No, it's okay. It's not like it's your fault, besides I'm probably going to have to hold onto you, so you won't fall out of the boat." I spoke seriously.
"If you're okay with it, then so am I." Peridot whispered eagerly as she smiled slightly, before she looked forward again.
Just as we reach the top, Steven also slides back and ends up laying on Peridot's alien bud.
"Hold on, Steven, I got you!" Peridot spoke worriedly as she wrapped her arms around Steven's stomach lightly.
I stare at her hands on his stomach, before I quickly wrap my arms around Peridot's waist as we finally go over the top of the water hill.
"From here on, we just go down the hill until we get back to where we were. Plus, if we all lean a certain way, the boat can run into the walls!" Steven spoke excitedly as we began to travel down the narrow water path, before I spot a right turn up ahead.
"Why would we want to do that, Steven?" I asked curiously.
"Because it's fun! Ok, once we turn up ahead, let's start leaning! Just follow my lead." Steven spoke firmly.
"Let's do it, Lapis!" Peridot spoke excitedly as she got ready to lean as we got closer to the right turn.
"Okay..." I whispered warily.
As our boat makes the right turn, Steven leans to the left sharply, so Peridot and I lean to the left with him.
Our boat slams into the light blue wall, before we all laugh excitedly.
"Okay, next wall before we go down the hill up ahead!" Steven exclaimed eagerly as he pointed at the drop in the distance, before he leans to the right.
"Sounds like a plan, Steven!" Peridot responded anxiously as she quickly leaned to the right.
"Wait...what? A hill already... Are we going to fall out of this boat?" I asked worriedly as I leaned to the right with Peridot.
"No, Lapis, we won't fall out of the boat... Once we reach the bottom, we'll go up another hill. Then, down again and we'll be back at the beginning!" Steven answered earnestly as our boat collided with the right wall this time.
As Steven and Peridot laugh with glee, I become anxious about the rest of the ride.
Once our boat straightens out, it heads towards the drop a few feet away.
It isn't until I can see over the edge of the water, that I find a steep drop before it levels out and has a sharp left turn in the distance.
Apprehension gnaws at me as I imagine worse case scenarios about our boat and the others.
But, before I could say anything about my wary feelings, the boat quickly goes over the edge of the hill.
We speed down the steep hill, I'm clinging to Peridot as I worry about her and Steven, while Steven and her are screaming joyfully the entire time.
As we reach the bottom, where it levels out, a wave of water splashes us.
All three of us have surprised looks on our faces and only slightly wet clothes.
"Wha-who! Wasn't that fun, guys?" Steven exclaimed happily as he glanced back at Peridot and me.
"That was really fun! I can't wait until the next drop! Right, Lapis?" Peridot answered gleefully as she looked back at me excitedly.
"I got to admit... I was a little worried at first, but when that wave hit us... You should've seen your guys' faces!" I spoke casually, before I burst out laughing.
"I'm glad you're having fun, Lapis... I was worried on the way over here, because you were making serious faces." Peridot spoke honestly as she smiled back at me.
"Sorry about that Peridot, I was just...over thinking some things. But, I'm okay now." I spoke earnestly.
"Hey guys, once we turn the corner up ahead, let's lean left again." Steven spoke seriously as he pointed at the corner our boat was approaching.
"Sure thing, Steven." Peridot and I answered excitedly.
Then, Peridot and I laugh at saying the same thing at the same time.
But, once we turn the corner, lean left so our boat hits another wall, we all laugh with glee.
It isn't until we get closer to the next hill, that I start worrying again about our safety.
This new hill is twice the size of the last one, which means the hill on the other side going down has to be steeper.
The chances of Steven and Peridot falling out of the boat have gone up now...
"Hold on, everybody! This hill is tall!" Steven spoke excitedly as he held onto the side of the boat as we're slowly pulled up the hill.
This time, Peridot holds onto the side of the boat too, so she doesn't fall back on me.
I hold on too, just in case either of them slide back from the sheer pressure of going up this steep hill.
Once we're half way up the hill, I look over the side of the boat to see how high we're up.
Compared to stealing the Ocean and stretching it out into space, this hill is nothing... And yet...
Why am I worried that something will happen to Steven and Peridot...?
Then, we finally crest the hill, level out quickly, until we speed down a small slope that has a right turn in the distance.
Steven and Peridot are cheering the entire way, until we reach the turn, where I spot another human sitting in a small, red, shed-like structure.
Our boat slowly pulls into the middle of a three half-walled space (it kind of looks like the line we were in for this ride, but instead of people, it has wooden boats in different lines).
The human is pressing buttons in the shed thing, which opens the half door in front of our boat.
Then, our boat is on the move again as it heads for the drop a few feet away.
That horrible gnawing feeling comes back again as I try to not to worry about something horrible happening to Steven and Peridot.
"Get ready guys, this is the best part of the ride!" Steven cheered excitedly.
"I can't wait!" Peridot responded eagerly as she clutched her alien bud to her chest.
But, once we reach the edge, so that I can look down, my eyes widen as I stare down at the huge waterfall-like drop, which levels out eventually.
"Is Steven and Peridot going to be okay...? They would definitely fall out of the boat from this height... Who would make a ride like this?!" I whispered angrily.
As our boat finally goes over the edge, Steven and Peridot cheer one last time, while I watch the water ripple around us from my mood.
I feel light as the boat drops down the slope, water splashing all around us, before I see Steven and Peridot slightly lift out of the boat.
In my panicked state of mind, I imagine them flying out of the boat and be pulled under the water at the bottom.
"No! I won't let that happen! Steven, hold your breath!" I spoke quickly.
"Huh...? O-Okay...?" Steven responded worriedly, before he took a deep breath and held it.
I lift both of my hands up as I imagine a giant water bubble surrounding Steven and Peridot.
The water takes form around them both as I instructed, before my water wings appear on my back, soaking the area on the back of my shirt where my gem is, and l take flight out of the boat.
Once I'm in the air, the water bubble lifts Steven and Peridot out of the boat so it can fly next to me.
"Just keep holding your breath, Steven. I'll set you both down shortly." I spoke seriously and with relief that I stopped them from falling out of the boat.
Steven only nods his head in my direction, while Peridot gives me a questioning look.
With one hand still up towards the water bubble, I fly down to the boardwalk below, compelling the bubble to follow.
As my shoes touch the ground, I bring the water bubble safely down, before I make it dissipate around Steven and Peridot.
Steven then takes a big gulp of fresh air, before he questions me worriedly, "Lapis...what was that all about? Were we in danger or something?!"
"Oh, um... Well, you see, Steven I…" I whispered distractedly.
I can't tell him that I thought something bad would happen to them both, while on that last part of the water ride.
They would think I was crazy...
Or worse...they might make me leave and go back to the barn.
And, Peridot was really looking forward to today's trip to Funland.
Oh, why did I have to freak out like that...?!
I clutch my head with my hands, until I hear Peridot speak calmly, "Lapis...obviously you weren't ready to go on a water ride. No one here blames you for flying us to safety. You just have to tell us when you're uncomfortable and we'll bail on any ride."
I look at the wood beneath my feet as I speak anxiously, "I'm sorry, guys... You were both looking forward to that last part."
I finally look up at them and to my surprise, they're both smiling warmly at me.
"It's okay, Lapis, it's my fault...I was the one who picked out the ride, next time I'm going to pick one with no water." Steven spoke firmly.
"So, we aren't...leaving?" I asked worriedly.
"Not unless you want to leave, Lapis." Steven spoke earnestly.
"I want to stay. Because," I spoke firmly, before I took a deep calming breath and I finished seriously, "Peridot didn't win me a 'Lil bud yet."
We all smirk at that, before we laugh our tension away.
"Okay, the next ride I had planned on us going in, is a train ride. There's no water on this one, it's not a height requirement, it's like the rollercoaster but smaller, and we can sit right next to each other!" Steven spoke excitedly as he glanced at the two of us.
"Sounds good, Steven." I responded honestly.
"Sweet, at least I can ride something like what Amethyst and Steven rode last time!" Peridot spoke with glee.
"Alright, just follow me guys!" Steven spoke firmly as he led the way to the next ride.
XXX
-Peridot-
As Steven walks in front of Lapis, I start worrying that it was a mistake inviting Lapis out to Funland.
The whole reason I wanted to bring her here was so I could get closer to her, but it's doing more harm than good!
Ugh...maybe…we should just leave, go back to the barn, and just watch Camp Pining Hearts.
"Here we are, guys! The train ride is really cool, but it can only sit two people in one car. So, who wants to sit with who?" Steven asked excitedly as he gestured to the wooden structure that leads to the train ride.
Like the water ride, this ride is fenced off by a wooden fence, but unlike the last ride, there are wooden steps that lead up to a wooden platform. I can barely see from here, that there are multiple ropes marking separate lines to line up for the ride; and, as I look at the rest of the ride, I note that the tracks are made of metal, which almost looks like real train tracks.
"If it's alright with Lapis...maybe you should sit with her, Steven." I spoke seriously as I looked at anything other then Lapis.
"Peri...?" Steven responded with disbelief.
"Don't you want to sit with me, Peridot?" Lapis asked worriedly.
"Well, I was the one who thought we should go to Funland today, but…I made you uncomfortable. It's not Steven's fault...it's mine!" I spoke anxiously as I finally looked at Lapis.
"I don't blame you, Peridot. I didn't even know I would freak out like that... So, technically, it's my fault. But, everything is okay now. Let's just have some fun." Lapis spoke earnestly as she held out her hand to me.
"If you're sure, Lapis..." I spoke warily as I reached my hand out.
"Yeah, we're not leaving until you win me a prize." Lapis spoke firmly as she took my hand and led the way up the wooden steps with Steven right behind us.
Once we reach the platform, Lapis leads us to the back of the really old looking train, which just pulled up when we got in line, she ushers me to sit in the second to last train car, so I sit in the leftmost seat.
Lapis then sits next to me as Steven hops in the last train car behind us.
Another human attendant straps us all in, before a black metal bar slides down on our laps.
"Steven, what's going on...?!" I asked worriedly as I tried to turn around to look at him.
"It's okay, Peridot, it's to keep us from falling out of the train." Steven responded calmly.
"Oh…okay." I spoke with relief.
"Guess I can't fly us out of this one, huh, Peridot?" Lapis joked warmly as she lightly elbowed my arm.
"Yeah, that's probably why they installed it." I spoke jokingly as I laughed at her joke.
Just then the ride takes off slowly, before it picks up speed as it goes around a left corner.
The next few minutes go by very fast, so fast that all I can recall is that we pick up speed as we go straight for a while, then quickly speed around a right turn, after that we speed down a spiral that almost touched the ground, before speeding up a steep hill and slowing back down to where we were. All the while, everyone was cheering.
Once the ride came to a full stop, I look at Lapis and Steven, making sure they had fun by seeing the smiles on their faces, before I say casually, "Why don't we take a quick break before we go on anymore rides?"
"Sure, I'm kind of hungry now too." Steven spoke eagerly as the human attendant let us off the ride.
"Hmm...can we…try some food too, Steven? Today is a day of new experiences and neither of us has had any Earth food yet." I spoke with excitement as Lapis and I follow Steven down the wooden steps of the train ride, so that we can go find a food vendor.
"Food...? It's not like we need any, though, Peridot." Lapis spoke casually.
"Yeah, I know, but watching Amethyst eat food makes me want to try some! I bet it's cool." I spoke firmly.
"I don't know..." Lapis spoke warily as she rubbed her left arm with her right hand.
"Come on, Lapis, please...? I'm sure Steven can find us something that's really good!" I spoke excitedly as I turned to Steven to gesture that I needed his help to convince Lapis to try some food out.
"Oh, um… I'll buy us stuff we can share. So, that way, Lapis can have some if she wants." Steven spoke seriously.
"Steven...that's not a very convincing argument." I spoke dismally.
"I know, sorry, Peridot... But, I'm not going to force Lapis to eat if she doesn't want to. That wouldn't be right, am I right?" Steven spoke firmly, before he tried to add a joke to the end of his sentence.
"I...suppose you're right. Sorry, Lapis..." I spoke seriously as I apologized to Lapis.
"It's okay, Peridot. Maybe I'll try some next time..." Lapis spoke casually as she shrugged slightly.
"Alright, follow me everyone, I'll find us something good to eat!" Steven spoke excitedly as he led the way again.
XXX
-Steven-
Once I finally found a food vendor, I bought three, medium-sized, warm, pretzels and one container of nachos, with hot cheese drizzled all over the tortilla chips.
I also found an empty green table, with matching green chairs, for all of us to sit at.
As we sit down, and I place the food on the table, I see Peridot eye the food with awe, while Lapis eyes it warily.
"Oh wait, I forgot to get drinks! Silly me..." I spoke with disbelief as I lightly smack the side of the my head for forgetting the most important part of snacks, before I added seriously, "Do you two want anything to drink?"
"Not really, but thanks anyway, Steven." Lapis spoke honestly.
"I think I'll try whatever you get, Steven!" Peridot spoke excitedly, before she held her hand to one side of her mouth so she could whisper, "Get two straws, in case Lapis wants to try it."
"Okay, I'll be right back, just wait here guys." I spoke seriously as I got up from my chair and I hurried back to the vendor.
As I stand in front of the stall to choose what drinks to buy for Peridot and I, suddenly I feel light headed.
"Wha...? What's going on?" I whispered worriedly as I tried to shake the feeling away.
It isn't until I yawn loudly, when I realize that I'm just really tired.
"Ugh, but if I...fall asleep, I'll probably have that crazy dream again. So, I can't sleep until I tell the Gems about it!" I spoke firmly until I finally just smack my face with both of my hands to keep myself from falling asleep.
"Rose... Why...?" The voice from my dream questioned with disbelief.
I nearly jump out of my skin as I look all around for the sound of the voice, but there's no one around the food vendor's stall, beside me and the vendor.
Then, where did that voice come from...?
Oh, maybe it's because I'm slowly falling asleep!
Now I definitely can't fall asleep!
"Hey, have you decided what you want to drink yet?" The vendor asked patiently.
"Yeah, I'll take two of your finest sodas, please." I spoke firmly as I placed the money on the counter.
"Sure thing, kid." The vendor spoke politely as he took the money and replaced it with two ice cold sodas in red cups.
"Can I also get two straws for one cup?" I asked nicely.
"Here you go, have a nice day." The vendor spoke seriously as he pulled two red straws out from under the counter and he placed them into one of my cups.
"Thanks, I will. And, I hope you have a good day too." I replied honestly as I took both red cups in either of my hands.
The vendor's eyes widen, before he responds, "Thanks, kid. You're the first person to say that to me today."
"No problem, it's the least I can do." I spoke earnestly as I nodded my head to him, before I turned around to head back to my table.
As I near the green table where I left Peridot and Lapis at, I can hear Peridot speaking with glee, "Oh… my…Stars…Lapis…! This 'nacho snack' is simply amazing! The saltines of the perfectly shaped, triangle chips goes really well with the sweet, melted, cheese! You should totally try some!"
"No thanks, I don't really feel like eating..." Lapis responded firmly.
"Oh...uh, okay. More for me, I suppose…" Peridot spoke dismally.
They both turn my way when I place the red cups of soda I bought on the table.
"So, how are you two doing? Feeling rested yet? Because the day is far from over!" I spoke excitedly as I handed Peridot the cup with two straws.
"As good as I'll ever be, Steven..." Peridot replied grimly, before she saw Lapis look at her with concern.
"I mean, I feel just great! I just tried the 'nachos' you bought and they tasted awesome!" Peridot added hastily as she glanced at Lapis occasionally.
"I'm glad you liked them, Peridot. Try your soda next, it's also really awesome." I responded casually as I grabbed one of the pretzels, before I sat down in a green chair with my soda in front of me.
"Oh, okay, Steven..." Peridot said warily as she held the red cup with one hand, before she grabbed the red straw with her other hand.
She quickly took a long sip of the soda, with her eyes closed, before she sat back in her chair to think.
"Well...? Do you like the soda?" I asked eagerly as I bit into my pretzel.
"I don't know... Is it supposed to taste...really fizzy? And, why does it have such a…weird...ugh, after taste?" Peridot questioned with disgust as she finally opened her eyes, before she shook with distaste.
"Hmm... Let me try it..." I spoke seriously as I picked up my cup and took a quick gulp of soda.
My taste buds are instantly hit with a bitter taste, so I shake my head to try to get rid of it.
"Ew, gross... I bought Root Beer soda...I hate Root Bear soda." I spoke grimly as I place the cup back down and slowly slid it away from me.
"Oh, you don't like it too... That's a relief, I was worried you might actually like that garbage drink." Peridot spoke with relief as she reached her hand back into the nacho container.
"After this…do you guys want to go on more rides?" Lapis asked, eager to change the subject of gross drinks.
"Sure, no problem." I spoke firmly as I bit into my pretzel again, before I mumbled with food in my mouth, "Which ride you want to go on?"
"I'm okay with whatever." Lapis spoke seriously as she shrugged.
"Can I pick the next one, Steven?" Peridot asked excitedly after she ate some nachos.
"Sure, Peri, what do you want to go on next?" I asked eagerly as I finished my pretzel, so I can start on the next one.
I glance at the last pretzel, before I decide to save it for when Connie gets here.
"Well, while you were deciding upon some drinks, I spotted a really fun looking one!" Peridot exclaimed happily as she pointed to a ride in the distance.
I turn my head, to see where she's pointing, when I notice with a sense of dread, that she's pointing at the white, flying (it goes up in the air as it spins around super fast), Teacup Ride I got banned from a long while ago.
"Maybe it should just be you two on that ride." I spoke finally as I sighed heavily.
"Really...?" Lapis asked sadly.
"What...? Why won't you join us, Steven?" Peridot asked worriedly as she looked from Lapis to me.
"Well, I didn't want to say anything, but I got banned from that ride a while back...and I don't want to get banned again, especially since this is the first time Lapis has been to Funland. So, you two should go have some fun! I'll wait right here until you guys get back." I spoke seriously as I kept gesturing to the ride and then back to them.
"If you're sure, Steven..." Lapis responded seriously as she got up from her green chair.
"We'll be right back, Steven! Don't eat all those nachos, I really like them!" Peridot exclaimed firmly as she jumped up from her chair to follow Lapis to the Teacup Ride.
"Don't worry..." I spoke tiredly, before I ate another bite of my pretzel and I added lazily, "I won't eat...your...nachos."
My eye lids drop for half a second, before I suddenly hear screaming in both of my ears.
"Whaa...!" I cried with panic as I jumped in my chair, my eyes shoot wide open.
I quickly look around, no one else is around me, when something really strange happens...
The scenery around me starts melting away and in its absence, a pitch blackness descends all around me.
"No! I must have fallen asleep from eating those delicious, warm, salty, pretzels! I didn't even finish that gross soda... Oh man, what's going to happen this time?" I whispered anxiously as the chair I sat in disappeared, so I fell to the ground with a thud.
"Ouch...! That smarts..." I spoke in a huff as I pushed myself to my feet.
As I look around me again, darkness is the only thing I can see and silence fills the air around me.
It's just like my dream this morning, except...
It feels...strangely familiar too.
"Hello…? Anyone there...? I know things didn't go well last time I was here, but maybe it'll be different this time. If you want to talk, I'm here to listen." I spoke seriously as I began walking forward in the darkness.
"Farther...you must walk farther, before I feel like talking to you, Rose." The same voice from earlier spoke gravely in the distance.
"Like I said before, my name is Steven; and, sure, I'll walk farther, if you talk to me. Tell me what's wrong, I only want to help." I spoke honestly as I kept looking all around me as I walked.
"'Help'...? Where were you when I needed you...? When I thought some other soldier had shattered Pink Diamond? But, it was really you, Rose… I wasn't there to see it...but they told me it was you who did it!" The voice spoke angrily as I got closer to it.
"If you weren't there to see it, then how could you believe someone else's story? I...don't even fully believe it myself." I spoke coolly as I glared at nothing.
"'Don't fully believe it yourself'''...? I don't...understand! You were there! How can you not remember what you did...?!" The voice cried heatedly as the same red shadow from my dream rises out of the ground to glare black eyes at me.
"I keep telling you, I'm not my mom! I'm not Rose, I'm Steven!" I cried angrily as tears suddenly rolled down my face.
"'Steven'...? You're not...Rose? Then...where is she?" The red shadow spoke with disbelief as it shrunk in size, which is only slightly taller than me, before it tilted its head to the side to stare curiously at me.
"She's here..." I spoke seriously as I lifted my shirt up enough to flash the Rose Quartz gem in the middle of my stomach.
As the red shadow leans closer, to look at my gem, it suddenly is reflected on the outside of my gem.
"I don't...get it. You're not Rose, but you have her gem?" The red shadow asked with confusion as it looked up at me.
"She gave up her form to bring me into this world. She's gone...but I'm still here." I spoke firmly as I stared evenly at the shadow.
"I'm...sorry. I didn't even...know. I took out all my anger towards Rose on you... I'm sorry, Steven." The red shadow spoke with remorse as it covered its face with red hands.
"It's okay, it's happened before. It's no big deal, so don't be sad about it... Um...I don't even know your name." I spoke seriously as I reached out towards the shadow.
"Oh, um, my name is..." The red shadow spoke casually as it lifted its red hands from its face, before it saw me reaching towards it.
"No! Don't touch me...! Not as long as you have her gem!" The red shadow replied harshly as it recoiled backwards and out of my reach.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable..." I spoke dejectedly as I pulled my hand back.
"No, it's not that, Steven…! I just can't…let you touch me. I don't want to go back... Everything must be still horrible out there... But, it's nice and peaceful here." The red shadow spoke firmly as it still kept backing up.
"Wait, what do you mean? Where are we? And, what's horrible out there?" I asked anxiously as I wished the shadow would stop backing away.
"I can't tell you where we are...you might try and let me out, but I won't go back! Do you hear me?! Do you understand?! I...have…nothing to go back to anymore! Wait...you sound as if you don't know what's been going on." The red shadow spoke heatedly as it finally stopped backing away, in order to stare at me with disbelief.
"I really don't know, so why don't you tell me?" I asked nicely.
"The War, Steven! The Gem War! The battle was still raging on when Rose... No! I've already said too much!" The red shadow cried angrily, before it gasped and it turned away.
"The Gem War...? You mean at the Strawberry Battlefield…? Pearl and my mom and I think Garnet all fought at that war..." I spoke seriously as I remembered Pearl and Garnet telling me stories about it.
"Pearl and Garnet...are still…? They weren't shattered...? Oh, of course they wouldn't be shattered, but my Diamond was! I'm sorry, Steven, but I have to go... Now that I know you aren't Rose, I won't call you here anymore... Goodbye." The red shadow spoke coolly as it turned its back on me, before it fled into the distance.
"Wait, I have more questions! Don't go just yet! And, what do you mean 'call me here'...? How...? Where...? Wait up, will you, whoever you are?!" I exclaimed in a panic as I dashed after the red shadow.
But, it turns it's head once, to notice me following it, before it turns back around as it picks up speed.
"Man, I shouldn't have ate before falling asleep...! I feel sluggish... Wait, if this is a dream... Then, I can fly!" I spoke seriously as I suddenly jumped into the air.
I quickly imagine myself flying fast after the shadow; and, sure enough, a few seconds in midair, I take off flying towards the shadow.
Once I catch that shadow, I'll get all the answers to my questions!
XXX
-To be Continued-