Prologue:

Breathe.

The first thought drove into my mind like a dagger, screaming at every neuron in my brain to follow this one desperate instruction.

Breathe!

It came as a gasp, swallowing as much air as my lungs would allow, desperate to take in all that I could for fear it would be gone by the next breath.

Too much, came the second thought, I choked. A fit of coughing followed. Each sharp little intake of oxygen like shards of glass in my lungs but I welcomed each one. Pain and desperation fought each other but instinct had the final say, discomfort was a small price to pay for survival.

Breathe...

The coughing slowed. So did my breathing. My mind cleared and my body calmed, but then a thought.

A name?

Gone.

Suddenly my mind was alive, buzzing with thoughts and feelings, confusion swept over me like a river, I struggled to pick out one question from the torrent that was pulling me under.

Who am I?

This question seemed the most pressing when my mind settled on it but... strange... the more I thought about it the less it seemed to matter.

Where am I?

Everything was blurry and my vision stung. Tears were in my eyes from the coughing fit so it was hard to make anything out except lights. I blinked slowly, shapes swam into my vision, I was in a room. No, too small to be a room and too large to be a pod. A tank perhaps? Yes, I was in a tank. With cords and tubes hanging from the top, running down to the ground, weaving towards me, appearing to connect into... something. Damn tears. Raising my hand I began to rub my eyes.

My fingers were cold. Like ice. I pulled my hand away slowly, only... it wasn't my hand. It was shaped like my hand, it was acting like my hand but where there should have been flesh and bone... there was metal. Slowly I traced the outline of my hand back down my arm, instead of a wrist I found a mechanical joint. My forearm was now a metal brace. The elbow... the whole arm... even the shoulder... all gone. No, not gone. Replaced.

What am I?

This question felt right. I felt like I already knew the answer to it. I wasn't all machine, my right arm was gone but the rest appeared to be flesh. I wasn't someone though, I was something, it was burning at the back of my mind along with what felt like a name. Was it my name? No, it wasn't mine. I don't have one, I don't need one. I don't need anything. No wait, I do need one thing. What I need, the only thing I need, is a mission. Ah Yes...

It wasn't my name.

It was her name.

My missions name...

Rose Quartz.

Chapter 1: Party Planner

It was a day like any other. A crisp summer breeze cut through the air as the warm summer sun shone down onto the countryside. Enjoying the full benefits of the seasons' more favourable climate was a rather quaint farm situated roughly towards the middle of the countrysides' nowhere.

At first glance it would seem like any other farm, one yielding a modest crop and a fairly standard sized barn but upon closer inspection it would become apparent that this farm wasn't quite what it seemed. The barn, despite having been patched up expertly, bore scars from a previous battle which were still faintly visible on its frame. The structure also had strange additions to it, like a silo filled with water on one side. Also towards the front where part of a truck was sticking out over the barn doors. However, the strangest thing about the farm, located just south of the property, was a large crystal plinth. It sat shimmering in the morning sunshine seemingly devoid of any practical purpose except maybe looking aesthetically pleasing. At least until a large column of light beamed down and struck it. When the light faded two stout figures stood on the pad, one was holding a large box over his head while the other clutched a personal tablet to her chest.

"Come on Steven, we have a lot of party preparation to oversee before my traditional surprise party can begin." Peridot set off towards the barn at a brisk trot with Steven in tow.

"Traditionally, surprise parties are planned by someone other than the person getting surprised," Steven replied. "That's what makes it an actual surprise."

"Don't be ridiculous Steven. This is my first birthday and it's far to important an occasion to leave in the hands of someone-" Peridot glanced back, Steven was attempting to balance the box of party favours on his head, chortling merrily as his fumbling efforts caused the contents to rattle about inside. "-less suited to the task."

As they approached the barn they were greeted by a couple of familiar faces busying themselves with the decorations. Lapis Lazuli was using her power of flight to easily hang up streamers on the barn while Pearl arranged the balloon displays on the ground, she was taking care that they were perfectly symmetrical and colour coordinated. Upon spotting Peridot, Lapis broke away from her task and glided to the ground.

"Hey Peridot. What do you think of the streamers?"

"Looking good Lapis." Peridot placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the decorations. "Yes, everything is looking to be within acceptable parameters. Even Pearl has exceeded expectations which is pleasantly unexpected."

"Thank you… I think?" Pearl managed as she strung up the last batch of balloons.

"Yes, yes. I'm a soft touch I know, but there's no time for me to micromanage now. Everyone gather around Stevens' butt for some last minute preparations." Steven had put down the box of party favours and was now torso deep in it, rooting around for goodies.

"According to this online instructional video I found incorrectly categorised as 'home movies', it's customary for parties to have something called 'The Clown' as entertainment." Peridot looked up from her screen. "Steven, are you still willing to assume this role?"

"Sure am!" Steven pulled his head out of the party favours box to reveal he was wearing a rainbow wig and red nose. It was not his best look.

"Yes well, also based off my research into traditional human parties, the clown should make at least one child cry. Pearl, Lapis, as you two have the most experience in that field I'll leave it between you to decide who will assume the role."

Lapis placed her hand supportively on Pearl's shoulder. "You should do it. You're much better at crying in public than I am."

"Great." Peridot concluded before Pearl could protest. "Now to inspect the birthday cake."

Steven and Peridot approached the dining table. Sitting upon it was a large white cake with dainty frosting and topped off with a Bride and Groom ornament.

"We sure do buy a lot of Wedding cakes." Steven mused as he took in the beautiful confection.

"It's the largest type the store will provide." Peridot ran her finger through the icing and examined it carefully. "And if I'm going to throw a huge party then I can't settle for anything small, can I?"

"Does that mean your not coming P-dot?" Teased a voice from under the table. A purple cat emerged, grinning slyly and flicking its tail nonchalantly. "Be a shame if you don't make the height requirement for your own birthday party."

"Of course I make the height requirements. My party will cater to all shapes and sizes, from giant woman to half baked Amethysts." Peridot picked up the purple cat and smiled confidently at it. "I wouldn't want to exclude a certain close friend now, would I?"

The cat began to glow and distort, changing shape until it began to resemble someone familiar.

"Hey Amethyst." Steven greeted his friend while adjusting his wig.

"Steven, love the new look." Amethyst regarded Stevens pastel coloured hair before turning her attention back to Peridot. "Getting ready for the party I'm guessing?"

"Yes, preparations are proceeding as planned." Peridot peaked over her tablet and regarded Amethyst with a critical eye. "Assuming you don't set anything back with your usual mischief."

Amethyst assumed a pose that seemed to feign innocence. "Whatever do you mean Peridot? I'm always so well behaved."

"Just don't eat the cake before I get a chance to blow out the candles," Peridot stressed.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't do you like that, we're shorties squad for life!" Amethyst pulled Peridot into an affectionate head lock and ruffled her hair. "I love you guuurl!"

"Right, well just in case, I had four substitute cakes prepared for you to eat instead." Peridot pointed over to a table placed beside the farm tractor with a selection of delicious looking cakes sitting ready.

"Good call P-dot, I was definitely going to eat that cake when you two left." Amethyst paused, taking notice of the icing still coating Peridots finger. "You going to finish that?"

"Hey is that Garnet arriving?" Peridot hastily broke free of the headlock as the warp pad flared to life. Sure enough, Garnet had arrived along with a balding man holding an impressive electric guitar. Peridot and Steven rushed up to greet them.

"The Greg, I assume you have recovered from your earlier setback?" Peridot enquired.

"There was a setback?" Steven took the guitar from his father's hands and holstered it on his back.

"Hey Stew-ball, isn't it just like your old man to drive all his sound equipment up here but forget my guitar back at the car wash?" Greg rubbed his bald spot in embarrassment as he explained. "Not to worry though Peridot, that's everything I need to play my music. Been a while since Mr Universe took to the stage."

"That better be everything. I can't keep sparing Garnet everytime you forget something. Humans inability to operate Gem technology is incredibly inconvenient." Peridot regarded the large box Garnet had braced against her hip. "Speaking of Garnet, are those the explosives I requested?"

Garnet responded with her signature stoic thumbs-up. Peridot hastily grabbed the box and started struggling with the packaging.

"Wait a second, explosives!" Greg recoiled away from the box in panic, fear edging his voice. "Did she say explosives!?"

"Relax Dad," Steven chuckled. "She means fireworks."

"I tried to get them myself, however problems ensued when-" Peridot paused her ineffectual attempts to open the packaging, her voice turned cold. "-proof of age was requested."

Steven and Greg quickly stifled their laughter, even Garnet had to fight back a grin. Peridot blushed in embarrassment. "That's not funny! Don't you two have something you should be doing!?"

Greg and Garnet exchanged a confused glance. "Haven't Garnet and I already done what you wanted us to do?"

"Well now I want you two to do something else!" Peridot snapped back at him. "Garnet, I need you to transport back to the temple, I've invited a lot of people from Beach City and they're going to need a chaperone capable of using the warp pads."

Garnet nodded as Peridot rounded on Greg. "And you…"

Greg started sweating as the miniature green lady stared into his soul.

"I need you to go out and buy me an Earth personal transportation vehicle, preferably one that is categorised as a convertible." Peridot began pushing Greg towards the Gem pad. "I need it to be very expensive so I can get really disappointed that it's not exactly up to my impossible expectations and then belittle you in front of our friends and family."

"I don't understand, if you're not going to like it why do you want me to buy it!?" Greg managed as he was forced onto the pad with Garnet.

"Because it's my special day!" Peridot fired back before the pad was activated, whisking the confused man away.

"What birthday tradition involves being angry about a car?" Steven enquired having caught up with Peridot.

"A traditional Sweet Sixteen party, I'm not sure what the sixteen is indicative of but I watched several videos online and they looked like a lot of fun."

"I don't think you should be watching those kind of videos Peridot. They'll warp your brain." Steven said disapprovingly. "Just stick to cute cats in funny situations. That's what the internet was made for."

"That's not the only thing Steven, check this out!" Peridot excitedly held her tablet far too close to Stevens face as a video began playing.

"Learn magic tricks for beginners." Steven slowly read the title while the video showed a man wearing far too much eyeshadow pull a fake rabbit out of a hat. "Oh, yeah magic is fun, I guess."

"Yes… Fun." Peridot sounded far away, a faint glimmer of joy danced in her eye as she stared into space, lost in thought. Steven coughed to snap her back to reality.

"The party will be starting soon. Maybe we should be getting ready to greet the guest?" Steven recovered the box of still sealed fireworks with slightly chewed packaging, giving Peridot time to compose herself.

"Yes Steven, you're right. Please make sure the explosives are secured in the barn." Peridot still sounded a little distracted. "I'm going to check that Amethyst hasn't eaten my Birthday cake."

Steven nestled the box of fireworks at the back of the barn, near the meep morp of toilets that had held up remarkably well given that they had been dropped on a Diamond. Upon exiting the barn Steven found Pearl hanging up a 'Happy Birthday' banner, while Peridot was cheerfully babbling with Amethyst and Lapis. Steven smiled to himself, it had been a difficult month and they had all come a long way. Now was definitely the time for some celebration.

Something stirred beside him, he turned to find a pink maned lion staring at him. "Sir, I'm going to need to see an invitation if you want to attend this private party. Being my pet won't cut it this time."

Lion coughed up a half eaten bird.

"Gross."

Author Comment

First of all, thank you so much for reading the first chapter of my first ever written story.

Been reading various stories and fanfiction forever now but this is my first real attempt to actually write my own. As such I'm sure I've made several hundred grammatical mistakes and committed multiple cases of story structure homicide so please… leave feedback and corrections so I can improve as I go along.

The full story has been planned out but it is subject to change… as the next two chapters will prove… but for the most part this whole story has a beginning, middle and (most importantly) a conclusion. So please stick around as I fumble through the story writing process.