Peridot was a simple scholar who set out on a trip with her dear friend and captain of the ship, Jasper. What no one planned though is her disappearance during a typhoon that hit the ship. Would she meet her end underneath this cold abyss or she'll end up find a greater treasure that would change her entire life?
PERIDOT'S POV
Generic Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, Steven Universe belong to its respective owner.
"Dialogues"
Inner thoughts
"Dialogues in memories"
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Chapter I: Departure
I scrunched my nose as I caught the scent of the salty sea breeze that swept past, causing the end of my coat to whip violently behind me. The ocean stretched out as far as I can see, no sign of any other island near the coast.
The market by the harbor is buzzing with life as usual. Merchants neatly arranged their products for buyers to choose from and longshoremen are busy loading the ships set to depart for trade. I have lived in this island since I was born and yet I can't seem to find it in myself to love this little harbor island.
I made my way on the busy street, taking care to not bump any loaders or get to close to any store. I'd rather stay inside my librarium than be out here under the scourging heat, but I have business to attend to and I'm sure I would not hear the end of it if ever I decided not to go.
I groaned inwardly as I got close to the docks, staring into the vast extent of the clear blue sea as the waves clash onto the port and rocking the docked ships by it. It didn't take long for me find who I am searching for, after all the giant of a woman stood out in every way possible even in a crowd.
If her height did not made it easy for one to spot her in a crowd then her long and wild platinum hair would surely do the trick.
"Captain Jasper, I believe you have called for me." As soon as I got into arms reach, the tall woman engulfed me in a bear hug. Her tall height and muscular stature made it easy for her to lift me up with ease.
Jasper has been a close friend of mine for as long as I remember. To be completely honest though, I don't remember where exactly we met or where she came from.
The Amazonian woman's background was pretty vague, seeming to have popped out of nowhere and without any known relatives. We became close pretty easily—which was due to the fact that she resisted on leaving me alone and opting to cling unto me for unknown reasons.
Our friendship remained strong as we grew older. I ended up as a tactician with being a researcher as my side occupation while Jasper first trained for the army. She has been a really noble and loyal soldier, since the first day she joined the corps.
What surprised me is how she ended up being a ship captain rather than an elite guard… didn't really see it in her to be the type to like the ocean.
"You don't need to be so formal, Peri. I did ask the marshal to let you come but it's a request, not an order." She said as she let go, allowing me ample time to regain the air knocked out of my lungs.
"You know I hate travelling on ships, Jasper. It makes me really anxious…" I said as I tap my artificial foot on the ground, which produced a metallic thump each time.
The ocean is really horrifying for me. Just imagine being in the middle of nowhere with no people there to help you when something goes wrong. We could get erased from the face of the Earth and people won't even know until it's too late!
It is more terrifying because of the fact that I can't swim… not because I don't know how to but the weight of my limb enhancer, my artificial leg, could easily pull me down. It doesn't really work that well under water too.
"Don't worry. I swear I'll protect you no matter what happens." Jasper said, holding onto my shoulder as if sensing my worries. She gave me a soft smile before turning back to her crew.
"Okay men, we'll go in a few hours so let's get the crates goin', aye?" The ship's crew energetically responded, each person in sync with the others as they loaded each crate. Jasper is really a good captain which shows in the amount of respect her crew have for her.
No one really said it but I can sense the urgency in their work. I looked up at the sky which was covered in dark clouds, looks like rain or dare I say it, storm brewing.
Jasper of all people would know that proceeding in this weather will be risky, but the orders from her superior is of great importance and urgency that there is no choice but to go on with this trip today.
Once all the cargo has been loaded, we finally embarked. I looked longingly at the port, slowly looking smaller and smaller as we moved forward.
I clutched onto the railings as I try to focus at the movement of the ship the wave is causing, a shiver running down my spine as I saw my distorted reflection in the water... what was that? Something underneath the surface glinted as light passed by it. What—
"Just relax, Peridot. How 'bout we go visit some libraries in there? I could even get you a new book if you want." I snapped out of my trance by Jasper, the curiosity over the mysterious glint underwater partially forgotten.
She knew that the mention of new books would lighten my mood, after all she knew a scholar like me would practically drool over new knowledge the foreign lands could offer.
I hummed happily as I once again looked into the waves, noticing its increase in height as it crash into the side of the ship. The ship began to rock as the wind started to pick up as well, the wood of the deck creaking ominously as the wind tugged forcefully on the sail.
"Captain, we're having problems with the ship control. Your guidance please." A young sailor saluted as she confronted Jasper, her long lavender dyed hair whipping with the wind. As soon as the smaller woman finished her sentence, the ship tilted to the side.
I held onto the railings as strong as I can while Jasper went up to control the ship. I watched in horror as the waves licked the side of the deck, splashing water onto me. The ship tilted violently and suddenly I was face to face with a wave…
Before I could even scream the wave have swallowed me, the force enough to pry my hands off the railing and drag me down with it. I flailed my arms around and tried to kick in the water, but the added weight of my artificial limb caused me to further sink.
This is it...
This is where I die.
I felt the fatigue slowing my movements, until I had to stop completely with exhaustion—in complete mercy of the depths. I stretched my hands up in an attempt to reach unto the surface, my consciousness slowly slipping as I felt my throat contract with the lack of oxygen. I reached as far as I could, feeling something brush by my fingertips.
Specs of gold filled my vision. Instead of sinking, it felt like I was merely… drifting in the water. It was a weird sense of tranquility. Then suddenly I can feel the water moving… was it the water moving… or was I moving?
I didn't get to know the answer as I passed out.
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Ok so I'm back with my AUs again, I know, all these AUs y'all. I've been meaning to post this one for so long now though and I've been working on it even before the latest episodes and the episodes before that. I just don't post stories that is not at least halfway through and all.
So this time we get a researcher/scholar/tactician/whatever you wanna call her smart gal Peridot. UuU I didn't really think about what Peridot would be but instead I focused on what
Lapis is gonna be. Eeeeeey. geddit geddit? So yeah, please tell me what y'all think about it in the reviews and have a verr nais day. UuU Thank you for reading~
