Aventurine kept repeating the message under her breath as she traipsed through the woods. "A message for Rose Quartz, from Pink Diamond, delivered via Aventurine, Facet 7G3X, Cut 2XJ, concerning the rebellion." She inhaled sharply. "Stars, at least let me deliver the message before I'm shattered..."

The Crystal Gems might not have been Diamonds, but they were easily a hundred times more likely to shatter an Aventurine for a bad message. Perhaps Pink Diamond intended for Aventurine to be shattered. After all, Yellow's words had been far from kind.

Aventurine silenced herself. Years of experience had taught her to recognize the feeling of a gem watching her. However, this...this was far more than a single gem. Aventurine was surrounded.

She resisted the urge to call out. Were it not the Crystal Gems, she would definitely be shattered for speaking while carrying a message, and if it were, they might shatter her for noticing them. She covered her mouth with both hands and continued walking.

Suddenly a sword was at her throat. Aventurine didn't speak a word, but a scream is not a word.

She quickly clenched her own hands over her mouth to silence herself before inspecting the gem before her. It was a Pearl, delicate and graceful, although this one appeared much, much more aggressive.

"State your purpose." She spat.

Aventurine shook her head. I cannot.

The Pearl did not hesitate to raise her sword.

"Wait." A voice commanded.

Aventurine's eyes grew wide when she saw the large gem step out of the flora. A Rose Quartz.

"She is an Aventurine. Not a combatant, a messenger gem."

Aventurine nodded.

"Do you have a message?" The Pearl asked harshly

She nodded again.

"For whom?"

Aventurine lowered her hands. "A message for Rose Quartz, leader of the rebellion, from Pink Diamond, delivered via Aventurine, Facet 7G3X, cut 2XJ, concerning the rebellion."

She watched as several gems stepped out into sight. Each one wore a star somewhere on their body, rather than the diamond Aventurine was used to.

Oh stars...I'm going to be shattered before I say a word...

"Go ahead." Rose Quartz was surprisingly gentle.

Aventurine pursed her lips, inhaled, and then said, "This is your last chance. If you decide to return to your Diamond, you and your 'Crystal Gems' may live. Otherwise, you will all be shattered." She took another breath. "Sincerely, Pink Diamond, through Aventurine, Facet 7G3X, Cut 2XJ."

The gems surrounding her seemed cross, and Aventurine could only find peace in that she had delivered her message, although it seemed it would be her last.

"I see." Rose Quartz pondered those words for a moment. "Aventurine, I understand that you are afraid, but could I send you with a message for Pink Diamond?"

Aventurine breathed a sigh of relief. They wouldn't shatter someone carrying a message. Just please let it be a message of surrender.

"I am ready." She waited for the message.

"Tell Pink that she can get her gems off of my planet or I will make her get off. This is not her world to destroy."

Aventurine flinched. Rose's words were far from peaceful.

"Understood?"

"Yes. I understand. The message will be delivered promptly."