Steven Universe: The Outcast Trio

by Raven Craven

Steven Universe's peaceful days are suddenly coming to an end as he starts having strange dreams about a red shadow that lives in pitch blackness. As he tries to uncover the truth behind this red shadow, he learns more about his mother, Rose, and the things she did before and during The Gem War. But, his search for the truth doesn't end there, as more Gems pay Earth a visit. R&R

2. Chapter One: The Fire Inside

Chapter one: The Fire Inside...

-Connie-

As I'm lost in thought, on the work my last period teacher assigned me, suddenly the school bell rings.

I glance up from my papers, to see all the other students filing out of the classroom door.

Were we supposed to get out early today…?

I worriedly look at the black board to read in white chalk: Early Release Today for Thanksgiving Break Tomorrow.

"Oh man, how could I forget the break? I better tell Steven I'm leaving early... Oh wait, I'll just call him when I get to Funland, since that's what I texted him." I whispered distractedly as I put all my school stuff away in my backpack.

Once my stuff is away, I silently head out of the classroom and towards the front doors of school.

I bet Steven will be glad to know I left school early!

I wonder how he's doing...with Peridot and Lapis around...

Man, I wish I had a bike, it's going to take forever to get to Funland from here!

Once outside the school, I brush off my blue overalls, which covers my light-green/green striped shirt, before I glance down at my orange sneakers.

At least I'm dressed for having fun at Funland!

Anxiously, I start walking towards Funland, which is to the north of the school.

XXX

-Steven-

"Hold on a minute, will you? I'm sorry if I brought up terrible memories, but all I really want to do is help you! You can't tell me that you seriously enjoy being alone here?" I spoke firmly as I continued to fly after the red shadow.

"It's okay, Steven, I know you didn't mean to make me think about the past...so, will you quit following me?!" The red shadow responded in a huff, before it added firmly, "I don't...enjoy...being alone, but it's better than being out there!"

"Wait, you didn't give me the chance to tell you earlier, that the war is over!" I cried impatiently as I tried to speed up.

But, as soon as I fly closer to the red shadow, it just speeds up faster than me.

"You really expect me to believe that...? You're not Rose, Steven…you didn't even know about the war, so why should I believe you?" The red shadow spoke distantly.

"Well, if you come with me, I can show you that the war is over!" I replied firmly as I reached out towards the red shadow.

"No! It isn't just the war, Steven...! The Crystal Gems…I don't want to see them. They're part of the reason my Diamond is gone!" The red shadow responded heatedly.

"I understand...if you don't want to see them. But, maybe it was all a big misunderstanding! Please, I don't want to leave you alone in this place." I spoke seriously as I suddenly got closer to the red shadow.

The red shadow tilts its head back once, to stare at me with surprise, before it angrily throws a red arm back at me.

I duck just as its arm flies past my head, before I calmly summon my shield in my left hand.

"I don't want to hurt you, whatever your name is! I'm just trying to talk to you!" I spoke in a huff as I held the shield up defensively in front of me.

"My name...oh, right, I didn't get to tell you that." The red shadow spoke with surprise as it stopped flying to hover in midair (it turned to face me), before it added hastily, "My name…is…Spinel. I was a soldier under Pink Diamond's court; and, I was in charge of setting up the Moon Base, before your mom came back from checking out the planet and then she took over everything."

I stop flying to hover a good distance away from Spinel, before I speak earnestly, "It's nice to finally be able to greet you properly, Spinel! Also, I didn't know you worked for Pink Diamond... But, that isn't the point right now...so if you come along with me, I can prove that the war is over."

"Steven, that's…nice of you..." Spinel spoke in between heavy sighs, before she added firmly, "But, I have no intention of going back, now or ever. And, shouldn't you be getting back to where you came from? I'm sure there are people missing you…unlike me."

"Right now Lapis and Peridot are having fun on a carnival ride at Funland…but you probably don't even know what a carnival ride is." I spoke seriously as Spinel looked at me curiously, before I added honestly, "And, don't talk like that, I'm sure there are people who miss you too, Spinel."

"Even if there was…it's just safer here, Steven. I'm sorry, but…don't follow me anymore!" Spinel responded harshly as she turned to fly away again.

"No! Don't go…!" I replied anxiously as I reached out towards Spinel with my right hand, when suddenly my shield started glowing pink.

Just then, the shield flies out of my hand and shoots straight at Spinel!

"Spinel, look out!" I called hastily as she quickly turned around, before she noticed the shield flying at her.

"Whoa…! Steven, what do you think you're doing?!" Spinel asked with disbelief as she dodged the shield by quickly moving to the right.

"I don't know what's going on… My shield is acting crazy!" I spoke worriedly as I watched the shield curve in an arch behind Spinel, before it flies right back at her.

I have to do something, at this rate who knows what will happen to Spinel!

Right as my shield is inches away from Spinel's back, I fly forward, reach out to grab her, as she turns around to dodge the incoming shield. So, I end up slamming into her back and we start to fall out of the air, barely missing the shield by a hair.

Before we can sigh with relief, we realize with dread that we're still falling down!

"Steven, let go! I can't float if you're weighing me down!" Spinel spoke in a huff as she tried to shove me away from her.

"Wait a second, didn't you tell me before that you can't let me touch you? Why did you say that…nothing even happened!" I spoke with disbelief as I turned Spinel around to face me.

"Well, that's because… But, I guess it won't work if you're dreaming…" Spinel whispered distractedly.

"So this is a dream! I knew it." I spoke smugly as I smirked to myself for figuring out one part of this mystery.

"Yes, you're dreaming…now let me go!" Spinel responded heatedly as she finally shoved me away from her and she turned away from me.

"Wait, Spinel, I have more questions!" I spoke hurriedly as I tried to grab her and stop her from flying off again.

But, she ignores me as she stops herself from hitting the ground by hovering above the ground, which was only a few feet down from us.

I try to imagine that I'm floating above Spinel, but I'm freaking out too much from all the questions gnawing at me, so I continue to fall right at Spinel!

"Look out below, Spinel!" I called worriedly as a strange red light suddenly shines on the ground beneath her.

Spinel finally looks up at me angrily, completely unaware of the light below her, before she speaks coolly, "You're trying my patience, Steven. You…seem like a nice, Gem…? If that's what you are… But, for the last time…leave me alone!"

The red light grows until it suddenly swallows up Spinel completely!

"Spinel…! Hold on, I'm coming!" I spoke anxiously as I fell faster, until I passed through the red light too.

XXX

-Pearl-

Once I finally reach the Temple, I slide to a stop since I was running the last leg across the beach, when I notice Amethyst running inside the front door of the house, before she slams it shut behind her.

I can't believe she beat me back to the Temple!

When I get inside the house, I'm seriously going to give her a stern talking-to!

I frown grimly, but I instantly laugh it away.

Why am I getting so upset over this?

Amethyst is only trying to help me out with that girl…so, I shouldn't be giving her such a hard time.

Unless…she just wants to use her phone to help herself, and decides not to help me…

"Amethyst…!" I called worriedly as I quickly jumped high into the air, before I gracefully land on the wooden porch right by the front door.

I then hurry inside the house, gently closing the door behind me as I search for her.

I quickly spot her on the couch, her black phone already inside its black and purple swirling design phone case, and her cell phone box beside her on the couch.

"Ok, Pearlie, I already got this phone figured out, so let's call that mysterious girl!" Amethyst spoke excitedly as she quickly jumped up from the couch and she dashed over to where I stood by the door.

"Already…? But, you just opened the box and took it out!" I spoke with disbelief as I stared at her, then her phone, then back to her, when I noticed a piece of paper behind Amethyst's back in her left hand.

Amethyst finally notices where I'm staring, because she suddenly crumples up the paper and she throws it behind her nonchalantly.

"You didn't see me read any instructions, so it didn't happen." Amethyst spoke seriously as she smirks up at me, before she adds casually, "By the way, I wanted to show Steven my phone first, but he isn't here…so that's why I read them."

"Steven isn't here…?" I spoke worriedly as I glanced all around the open area, the kitchen, the loft, the living room, the warp pad sitting in front of the Temple door were all empty and no Steven in sight.

"I wonder where he could be today… It's not like Connie is out of school yet…hmm…" I whispered anxiously as I began to worry about where he is right now.

"I'm sure he's fine, P! He is a Crystal Gem, after all." Amethyst spoke to reassure me.

"Yes, you're right. I'm just overreacting… Now, show me how to use this thing." I spoke seriously as I handed over my white phone and my hot pink with dark pink and white slime phone case.

"Sure no prob! First you have to turn it on and charge it for a little bit and then…" Amethyst spoke seriously as she carefully explained how the phone works.

...

"I see... Thank you for helping me." I spoke earnestly as I sit on the couch, my phone in my hands as it's plugged into the wall near the couch.

"It was no biggie, now try calling her!" Amethyst spoke excitedly as she leans near me to listen in.

"Amethyst, if you don't mind..." I spoke seriously as I eyed her firmly.

"Ugh, fine... But, I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." Amethyst spoke reluctantly as she sighed deeply, before she jumped up from the couch and she dashed over to the fridge.

I watch impatiently as Amethyst finally opens the fridge to find something to eat, before I type in the Mystery girl's number into my new phone.

Once I hit the call button, I place the phone near my right ear as I wait eagerly for her to answer.

Ring...ring...ring...ring.

Ring...ring...ring...ring.

After the third ring, I start to worry if she's going to pick up at all and I instantly wish that I didn't let Amethyst talk me into this.

Just as I'm about to hang up (and head to my room inside the Temple to think about what I could have done wrong), the ringing stops and I hear her delightfully smooth voice on the other end of the line, "Yes...?"

"Oh, um... Hi, I don't know if you remember me or not, but my name is Pearl. We met at that party a while back and you gave me your number..." I spoke nervously as I wondered what her reply would be; and, I twirled the cell phone charging wire around my left pointer finger anxiously.

"Hmm...oh yeah, Pearl. I remember you. So, how have you been lately?" The mysterious girl asked casually.

"I'm fine...I just got a new phone today, so that I could call you. Um...I'm sorry, I didn't even get your name." I spoke seriously as I instantly felt bad that I didn't ask for her name when we first met.

"Cool, I was wondering why you didn't call me sooner," She spoke jokingly, before she added with regret, "Oh...! That's my bad…I should've wrote my name down on that paper I gave you...instead of just my initial. Well, anyway, my name is September; and, I'm glad you called, Pearl."

"September...that's a very lovely name." I spoke honestly as I smirked to myself, before I added with shock, "You're glad that I called? Why...?"

"Well, if you're not too busy saving the planet, I thought we could hang some more. You seem like a cool person to be around." September spoke earnestly.

"I'm not really busy here lately...and...that's sweet of you to say, September!" I spoke honestly as I smiled warmly at the fact that the conversation is going in a good direction.

"Awesome, so how about we hang out at the Beach City Bowling Alley whenever you're free?" September asked eagerly.

"That sounds fantastic! How about tomorrow afternoon?" I asked excitedly as I suddenly gripped my phone with both of my hands to stop myself from shaking the phone with excitement.

"Sure, that sounds good. I'm free tomorrow, so where do you want to meet up?" September asked seriously.

"Oh, um...where ever is fine with me." I spoke firmly as I spied Amethyst out of the corner of my eye gesturing around frantically.

I suddenly put my hand on the phone, so I can talk to her impatiently, "What is it, Amethyst...? Can't you see that I'm on the phone?"

Amethyst mouths firmly, "Ask her to meet you here at the Temple! It'll make a good impression!"

"Oh...ok." I spoke with surprise, before I put my phone back to my ear.

"Um, sorry about that... If you don't mind, do you want to meet up at my…house?" I asked anxiously.

"Sure, where do you live?" September asked curiously.

"I live on the beach in Beach City, underneath the light house on the hill, it's a wooden house...and, a beautiful statue is carved on the rock wall surrounding the house. You really can't miss it." I spoke seriously as I vaguely described the house and The Temple outside.

"Sounds like an awesome place to live. I'll meet you there tomorrow afternoon, Pearl." September spoke firmly.

"Until then, September." I spoke seriously as I smiled to myself.

"Well, I got to go do some last minute shopping, for snacks for tomorrow, so I'll call you tomorrow." September spoke casually.

"OK, have a good evening, September." I spoke earnestly.

"You too, Pearl. Bye." September spoke honestly as she hung up first.

I remove the phone from my ear, before I smile with glee.

Then, Amethyst suddenly dashes over to stand in front of me with an excited look on her face.

"So...? How did it go? Give me all the juicy details!" Amethyst exclaimed with excitement.

"Well, first: her name is September. Second: she wants to "hang out" with me at the Bowling Alley, whatever that is. And, lastly, she's going to meet me here tomorrow afternoon." I spoke seriously as I remembered each little detail of the phone call.

"Oh my gosh, P! You have a date tomorrow! An actual date! This is exciting news, we have to tell everyone! And, ask Steven what a 'Bowling Alley' is..." Amethyst spoke with glee as she grinned at me proudly.

"Well, maybe not everyone, just Steven, Garnet, and...oh, Connie. I have to make sure I tell her, so we can reschedule our training tomorrow." I spoke seriously as I frowned slightly.

"Yeah…where is Stee-van, anyway? It's not like him to just leave without leaving some kind of note..." Amethyst spoke casually as she glanced around randomly.

"If only we knew his number…" I spoke seriously as I glanced around worriedly too.

"Yeah, but...we don't. So…what do we do now?" Amethyst asked lazily as she finally looked at me.

"Well, we'll wait for Steven to show up, by: cleaning up this house!" I spoke firmly as I placed my phone on the couch, before I stood up straight in front of Amethyst.

"Ugh...what?! Why?!" Amethyst whined loudly.

"I can't have September come over to a dirty house. And, you're helping too, since it was your idea to invite her to the Temple." I spoke seriously as I gestured around the house.

We both look around the open area: the kitchen looks perfectly clean (everything is in its place as it should be), the living room is mostly orderly (just the cell phone boxes around the couch), the area in front of the Temple door is spotless, so that leaves Steven's loft.

Our eyes travel up to his loft, where I see his bed sheets toppled over his bed and on the floor; and, various games spread out in front of his TV.

"P, this place ain't that messy." Amethyst spoke seriously as I turned around to face her, before she placed her hands on her hips.

"Even so, I want to ask you questions about tomorrow's date while cleaning...otherwise, I won't be able to remain calm." I spoke hesitantly as I looked at her pleadingly.

"OK, fine! But, you totally owe me big time, Pearl." Amethyst spoke casually as she smirked smugly at me.

"What have I gotten myself into...?" I questioned myself as I shook my head lightly.

XXX

-Steven-

My eyes close from the blinding red light all around me as I cover my face with my arms.

Where…am I?

And, wasn't...I falling to the ground?

I quickly move my arms from my face, before I sigh with relief as the red light fades away to reveal where I am.

I'm no longer falling, my feet are planted firmly on the ground, with grass sticking out beneath my sandals.

As I raise my head slowly, to get an idea of where I am, I realize I'm in a empty, grassy, field, with hills here and there. But, on closer inspection, I spot blurry objects in the distance.

So, I quietly start walking towards the objects and as I get closer, I realize with dread where I am.

Plunged into the ground before me, is a medium sized, rainbow, broadsword, with a rainbow gem on the handle.

"This is..." I whispered worriedly as I looked around at the blurry objects again.

And, sure enough, more Gem-like weapons litter the ground here and there.

"It's the…strawberry battlefield!" I spoke cautiously as my heart fell to my stomach.

"S-Spinel…!" I tied to speak loudly, but my voice barely carried over my fear.

This is where...many Gems were shattered.

Why...am I here?

Why is Spinel...here?

Suddenly, a battle axe goes flying past my head, barely missing me.

I instantly take off running, without looking for who threw the axe, as I called out anxiously, "Spinel! Where are you?!"

"Steven...?! What are you doing here?! It's dangerous!" I heard Spinel spoke with worry as I spotted her red shadow form up ahead, on a very tall hill.

In the next instant, a fire ignites at the base of the hill and fans out all around the hill.

"Jump, Steven! I'll catch you!" Spinel spoke firmly as she reached out her right hand towards me.

I nod seriously as I run straight at the fire, before I jump high into the air as I got close enough.

I reach out my right hand to clasp her right hand and then...

As soon as I grasp her hand, my gem flashes pink then a flash of red light surrounds Spinel, before it peels away from her to reveal her true form.

Spinel has unruly, shoulder-length, red hair (two hand fulls of her hair are pulled up at either side of her hair with red-and-black X hair clips), she has red eyes in a wide-eyed stare with red lines around her eyes, her skin is pink (her red Gem is tear-shaped, on the right side of her neck), she's wearing an orange-and-red tunic (the right side of the tunic is orange, the left side is red, while orange wraps around her chest and red wraps around her waist) with yellow and blue ribbons wrapping around her arms down to her wrists, her tunic pants are orange-and-red, color-block (the right leg is red and the left leg is orange), and her shoes are orange-and-red slip-ons.

"Spinel...I can finally...see you!" I spoke with disbelief as she hauled me up onto the hill next to her with only her right arm.

"What are you…talking about?" Spinel spoke with confusion at first, before she looked down at herself.

"Oh…it must've been your gem. No, wait, focus, Spinel... What are you even doing here, Steven?" Spinel spoke seriously at first, before she looked at me with mild patience.

"Well, I didn't mean to follow after you, but...I just kept on falling down, when that red light swallowed me up." I spoke honestly.

"That red light...was me, trying to get away from you." Spinel spoke with remorse as she turned away from me.

"But, Spinel...what are we doing here? This is where a lot of gems were..." I asked cautiously as I stared worriedly at her back.

"Shattered... I suppose the other Crystal Gems told you about this battle. But, did they tell you, that it was all because of your mom?" Spinel spoke coolly, before she whipped back around to glare at me.

"They vaguely explained everything… Why, what really happened, Spinel?" I asked curiously.

"It was right after I returned from my mission to Homeworld: I returned to the Moon Base to give my report to Pink Diamond, but I couldn't find her or her guards anywhere!" Spinel spoke heatedly as she stared intensely at me.

I just stare at Spinel worriedly as she continues with her tale.

"So, naturally, I seek out Rose Quartz to find out where our Diamond is...which brings my search to Earth. To this very field no less..." Spinel spoke with disbelief as she gazed around at the field littered with weapons and flames.

"Spinel...?" I spoke cautiously as I reached out to her.

She looks back at me with a distant look as she speaks emptily, "All around me...were Pink Diamond's soliders, some of them were my subordinates, who were fighting other Gems. Gems...that were once created to serve Pink Diamond, no less. I couldn't believe my eyes...nothing like that had ever happened in Gem history."

"I'm sorry, Spinel…" I spoke sadly, but she didn't hear me as she talked on.

"What's worse, I...didn't believe my subordinates when they said that Rose started it...by..." Spinel spoke hesitantly as tears welled up in the corner of her eyes, before she adds grimly, "Shattering Pink Diamond!"

I clutch my chest with my right hand as a sudden pain squeezes my heart.

"I was created to serve her, loyal to no fault,

Her radiance shone like no other, my feelings in a vault,

I would admire her from afar, for I would not get close,

Because of The Fire Inside…

Then, another before me arrived, she was bright as well,

But she became Her favorite, and thus I instantly fell,

A burning jealousy consumed me, clouding my mind, but before I knew, she had shattered Her, Fanning The Fire Inside...

Without Her to tell me what to do, despair engulfed my heart,

I lost my way until she was found, then I wanted the same fate as Her, but she lost no art,

She poofed me, trapped me in a bubble, so I could not go to Her,

Dimming The Fire Inside..." Spinel spoke with remorse.

"Um, that's a...interesting poem... And, you said that before...but it's not like there's any proof that my mom did that. You said you weren't even there when it happened..." I responded seriously.

"Steven...! Why do you still doubt me...? I might not have proof, but...Her, Pink Diamond not being here is proof enough that something horrible happened to her!" Spinel spoke heatedly as she looked at me with disbelief.

"I can understand that...but still...! Did you even try to get mom's side of the story?" I asked firmly.

"Oh...I got her side of the story, alright. As soon as I saw her up on this hill, I hurried to confront her about everything!" Spinel spoke angrily as she pointed with her left hand towards the other side of the hill, away from the cliff's edge, without looking away from me.

Suddenly, I see someone climbing up the steep slope of the hill, where Spinel pointed, and it isn't until they're a few yards away, when I notice who it really is.

I first notice her long (down to her waist), curly, pink hair, then I notice her white (with pink hue skirt) dress, before my eyes finally rest on her rose quartz gem on her stomach (with a star cut out of her dress around her gem).

When she finally looks up, because she had her head down as she climbed up the hill, a look of surprise passes over Rose Quartz's face.

Rose speaks with a velvet-like voice as she steps closer to Spinel and I, "Spinel...you're back…you're early."

Spinel glares at me one last time, before she turns to Rose and she speaks heatedly, "I was never meant to stray far from my Diamond... Unlike you, Rose!"

"So...you heard already." Rose spoke with remorse as she frowned instantly.

"Did you think I wouldn't find out about this...?! Or did you think I wasn't capable enough not to question where my Diamond is?!" Spinel spoke with disbelief as she gestured to the field around her.

"No! I never thought any of those things about you, Spinel... Out of all of Pink Diamond's soldiers, you were the only one that I could really connect with." Rose spoke firmly as she stepped even closer to Spinel.

"What are you going on about now...? You and I...we never "connected", as you put it. Since the minute Pink Diamond brought you here to help with the colony project for Earth, I knew there was something off about you!" Spinel responded with hate.

"What do you mean...?" Rose asked with confusion as she stopped moving forward.

"You were always asking me questions about life on Earth or going off on your own to explore it, while I had to pick up the slack... I never knew...that you cared more for this planet than our Diamond!" Spinel spoke with disgust.

"You've got it all wrong, Spinel... I've always admired how dedicated you are to your work, even if it was for something horrible. And, I never meant for…it...to happen... She wouldn't listen to reason! She was destroying this planet, but there's life on this planet, Spinel. Life that's ever changing and growing into something new everyday... And, I'm...going to protect this place, with everything that I am! That's what I've decided from seeing life here on Earth." Rose spoke firmly as she finally took two more steps towards Spinel, so that they are standing right in front of each other.

"This wasn't supposed to happen, though, Rose! My Diamond... What am I supposed to do, now that she's gone?" Spinel asked with hopelessness as she stared up at Rose, who is a great deal taller than Spinel.

Rose looks warmly at Spinel, before she speaks earnestly, "You can do whatever you want to do, Spinel."

"What if I...want revenge for my Diamond?" Spinel asked hesitantly.

"I won't stop you from fighting me, I don't want to either, but if you try...and you do this to start the colony project again, I will stop you. No matter what." Rose spoke firmly, while still looking warmly at Spinel.

Spinel just shakes her head from left to right, before she whispers distantly, "I'm not stronger than you, Rose. That's why She put you in charge, instead of me... Just…do me a favor."

"Anything, just name it, Spinel." Rose spoke eagerly.

"I want you...to shatter me." Spinel spoke coolly as she suddenly lowered her head.

I gasp loudly, before I shout angrily, "Spinel! What are you saying?!"

But, both Spinel and Rose ignore my cry...

"Spinel...! I could never do such a thing to you!" Rose spoke firmly, which made Spinel lift her head so she could glare at Rose.

"Why...?! You've done the same thing to Pink Diamond! I want you to shatter me...at least then, I'll be the same as her again!" Spinel spoke seriously as tears formed in her eyes again.

"No...there must be something else that you want." Rose spoke firmly as she shook her head.

"Without Her...there is nothing else that I could ever want! And, I can't be here...in a place where Gems fight Gems over...a planet! This is madness! I'll have no part in any of this! Please, Rose, you're the only one I can ask... I saw what became of Pearl and Garnet...and I, refuse to become a traitor to my own kind." Spinel spoke honestly as she gestured around with her hands.

"I won't shatter you, but if you insist on not wanting to be here, I made a place...to keep certain Gems safe. I'm...sorry, Spinel." Rose spoke coolly as she suddenly pulled out her pink saber from behind her back and she aimed it at Spinel.

"Wait...what do you mean?! Just shatter me!" Spinel cried angrily.

Rose ignores her cries as she quickly thrusts the sword into Spinel's stomach.

Spinel looks up at Rose with disbelief, before she suddenly poofs, in a red puff of light, and all that's left of her is the red tear-shaped Gem floating in mid-air.

Rose then pulls back her sword from where it stabbed Spinel, so she could touch Spinel's Gem.

Suddenly, a rose quartz bubble surrounds Spinel, before Rose speaks earnestly, "You'll be safe in the Temple's bubble room, until the time is right, Spinel."

Then, Rose lightly taps the bubble, before it disappears as it heads to the bubble room inside the Temple.

I just stare in disbelief at the scene before me, until I realize that this must of been what happened to Spinel all along!

She's inside the Temple's bubble room, because my mom put her there!

"But, then…why am I still here...dreaming?" I asked curiously.

Suddenly, Rose looks over at me and her eyes widen with fear as she speaks with shock, "S-Steven...? What are you doing...here? You can't be here! We both can't be here!"

"Wait, mom, you can...see me?!" I spoke with surprise as stars light up my eyes with excitement.

"Yes...sweetie, I can. But, I'm not supposed to... I'm supposed to be inside your Gem right now... So why?" Rose asked curiously as she moved closer to me.

"I don't know what's going on either...! Spinel was the one who brought me here..." I spoke seriously as I reached out to touch my Mom to see if she's really right in front of me.

"Spinel did...? But, she's...in a bubble. So, we…must be…inside your mind right now." Rose spoke distractedly as she stared off into the distance, before she noticed me reaching out to her.

"Steven, you can't...touch me!" Rose spoke harshly as she recoiled from my touch.

My heart drops to my stomach as I pull my hand back and I look down at my feet to hide the tears forming in my eyes.

"Please don't misunderstand, Steven... Just being here, where you are, is hard…for the both of us." Rose spoke apologetically.

"But, I don't understand! Why did you do that to Spinel? Pink Diamond...? Why can't I touch you? Why won't you tell me anything?!" I asked angrily as I finally lifted my tear filled eyes up to stare pleadingly at mom.

"We don't have much time, Steven... You're about to wake up soon, so…the only thing I can tell you: is that, if you touch me, you'll disappear and I'll end up taking your place." Rose responded firmly as her faced filled with worry.

"That doesn't even make any sense! And, how do you even know I'm about to wake up soon?" I asked with disbelief.

"Because, I'm a part of you...now and always." Rose spoke warmly as she began to fade away and her form slowly turns into pink rose petals.

"Wait, mom! Don't go...please!" I cried desperately as I reached out to her, but she completely turns into pink rose petals before my hand could touch her.

I watch emptily as the rose petals fly away in every direction with the wind, while I continue to cry.

"Steven...? Hey...are you okay?" A familiar voice asked worriedly.

XXX

-Connie-

An hour or so later, after I got out of school and started walking, I finally arrive at Funland; and, I take a quick look around, noticing that Steven isn't waiting underneath the Funland's sign, before I start to worry.

I immediately pull out my phone from my backpack, dial Steven's number, listen to it ring, and eagerly wait for him to answer.

It isn't until it rings for the fourth time, that I begin to realize that he isn't answering.

What's going on, Steven...?

Why won't you answer your phone?

Did...something happen?!

Before the call could go to voicemail, I hang up and put my phone back in my backpack.

I sigh heavily as I adjust my backpack, before I stride seriously into Funland.

If Peridot and Lapis did anything to hurt Steven…I'll...!

Well, I don't know what I'd do...

But, I'm going to do something!

I check out the rides first, but as I pass by the rollercoaster, the waterway, and the train ride, I start to think that maybe Steven isn't even on a ride right now.

Then, why didn't he answer…?

I can understand if he was on a ride that he wouldn't be able to answer me, but if he isn't...then just where is he?

...

So I wander around for a while, looking everywhere for Steven, until I finally find a clue: in the distance, I can see Lapis and Peridot sitting in a teacup as it slowly lifts into the air, before it starts spinning around really fast.

They seem...different from when I saw them last...

Maybe Steven...changed the way they think about Earth.

Well, if they're having fun, there's no point in bothering them...yet.

And, if they're over there…Steven shouldn't be too far away!

I smile eagerly as I walk quickly over to the Teacup Ride.

I glance around at the people standing in line by the Teacup Ride, when I still don't spot Steven, I sigh in frustration.

Just where could you be...?

I'm really starting to worry, Steven!

Just when I'm about to pull out my phone again, I hear Steven's voice nearby, "Wait, mom! Don't go...please!"

I quickly turn my head and sure enough, I see Steven sitting at a table near the food vendors, with his head on the table.

"Steven!" I spoke half excitedly and half worriedly as I dashed over to his table and I flung my backpack to the ground, so I could check on him.

"Steven...? Hey…are you okay?" I asked worriedly as I lightly shake his shoulders, since it's dangerous to wake a sleeping person.

"Hmm..." Steven mumbled as his arms twitched and tears stream from his closed eyes down his face.

"Steven, it's me, Connie..." I whispered as I stopped shaking him.

Suddenly, more tears fall from Steven's face, before he slowly opens his eyes to stare up at me.

"Connie...? What...where... Oh, I'm back at Funland." Steven spoke as if he was disoriented, before he finally lifted his head off the table and shook himself fully awake.

"Yeah, we're both at Funland, just like you wanted, but...why were you crying in your sleep?" I asked cautiously as I pulled out a chair and sat next to Steven.

"I was...?" Steven asked with confusion as he suddenly wiped at his eyes with both of his hands; and, then he lowered his hands to see fallen tears on his palms.

"You're right...I was." Steven said distantly as he looked back at me.

"Did you have a nightmare, while you were waiting for Lapis and Peridot to finish with their ride?" I asked curiously.

"Something like that..." Steven responded hesitantly as he looked away suddenly.

"Steven...you know you can tell me anything. If something is bothering you, please tell me. I only want to help." I spoke firmly as I smiled earnestly at him.

Steven looks at me from the corner of his eyes, before he smiles back and he says honestly, "That's similar to what I said to Spinel… That makes me glad, Connie. That's a natural response when someone looks like they need help."

"Who's Spinel, Steven?" I asked with confusion this time.

Steven finally turns his full attention to me as he speaks seriously, "Spinel is a gem, just like the other Crystal Gems, only she worked for Pink Diamond. She…has been calling out to me in my dreams twice today. She wanted me to see what happened to her, but I didn't even get to ask her why she wanted me to know... What I do know is: my mom poofed her, put her in a bubble, and now she's in the bubble room inside the Temple."

"Whoa... First off, thanks for telling me. And, second, maybe she was showing you what happened to her, so you could let her out of the bubble?" I replied eagerly as my eyes light up with curiosity.

"That's the thing, though, Connie... She told me that she didn't want to be here, so I don't know how I can help her." Steven spoke dejectedly as he frowned.

"Well, if anyone can figure out how to help Gems, it's you, Steven." I spoke firmly.

"Thanks, Connie. You always know what to say to cheer me up." Steven spoke earnestly as he smirked at me.

"Thanks for thinking so, Steven...but I don't always know what to say to cheer people up. I just know what I would want to hear, when I'm feeling down." I spoke honestly.

"Even so...maybe I can convince Spinel that Earth isn't what it used to be. If it's not too much trouble, could I ask you for your help, Connie? I might need help convincing her." Steven spoke firmly as his eyes light up with stars.

"Sure thing, Steven! I don't know if I can be of much help, but I'll do my best!" I spoke firmly as I clenched my right fist in front of my chest.

"Thanks, Connie. Now we just have to wait until Lapis and Peridot get back, so we can head to the Temple." Steven spoke seriously as he glanced around for those two.

"Ok. By the way, I wanted to know…if you could tell me about what happened with them..." I asked hesitantly as Steven finally looked at me again.

"Sure, we've got time. Let's start with Peridot first..." Steven spoke eagerly as he began to tell me about Peridot helping the Crystal Gems save the Earth from the Cluster.

Steven stops mid-sentence, so that he can look around the table for something.

"What are you looking for, Steven?" I asked curiously.

"I just remembered that I had bought a pretzel for you, but it's not on the table anymore..." Steven spoke worriedly as he continued to look for it.

I quickly glance around until I spot a seagull eating a pretzel and nachos on the ground near our table, "I think I found the culprit, Steven."

"Huh, where?" Steven asked eagerly.

I point at the bird, then Steven turns his head and he frowns at the seagull, before he whispers seriously, "So we meet again..."

We both bust out laughing, before we finally calm down so that Steven could tell me about how Lapis came to live at the barn with Peridot, but Lapis didn't want to until she decided to save Peridot from the Rubies from Homeworld.

"Speaking of the Rubies... Can you tell me what happened to them? When we were fused as Stevonnie, I saw them as one big fusion. Or about Jasper…why did she look like that? Or who Bismuth is?" I asked curiously.

"I guess we still have a lot to talk about... Alright, since Peri and Lapis still aren't back yet, I'll tell you everything." Steven spoke seriously as he began to to tell me what happened to the Rubies, Jasper, and Bismuth.

XXX

-Peridot-

Once we stand in line for the Teacup Ride, I clutch my alien bud to my chest tightly.

I really hope that Lapis likes this ride...the first ride was a bust, the second ride was better...but it's not enough!

I want Lapis to have nothing but fun today!

That way, when I win her a prize, she'll be filled with joy!

She won't have an experience like I did when I was here last time...I'll make sure of it!

Well, the last part was good, but not the rest of it...

"Peridot, we're next in line." Lapis spoke seriously as she nudged me with her shoulder.

I shake away any more thoughts as I focus on Lapis, then I notice that the line has thinned and that we can finally get on the ride.

"Alright, let's go, Lapis!" I spoke excitedly as I led the way to an empty, pink spotted, teacup.

Lapis climbs in first, so I climb in next and I sit across from her.

I glance around, noticing that there's no seatbelts or anything on this ride, before I say jokingly to Lapis, "We could totally fall out of this ride, so we better hold on to the edges!"

Lapis laughs knowingly as she answers casually, "Well, we wouldn't want that to happen...or else I'll have to fly us to safety."

I smirk at her as we both grab the teacup's edge with one hand, glad that she's in a good mood so far, before the human attendant pulls a level to get the ride started.

The teacup we're sitting in slowly rises high into the air, before it spins around in a circle as it travels around a very large multicolored teapot.

The teacup doesn't spin that fast, but the wind still pulls at both Lapis' hair and my hair.

I catch Lapis smiling as she tries to keep her hair out of her eyes with her free hand, but fails miserably.

And, since I'm wearing my visor, I don't have to worry about my hair flying in my face.

Note to self: make a face visor for Lapis...one that matches mine.

...

After a while the dizzying Teacup Ride comes to a slow stop, it lowers our cup back to the ground, then I eagerly jump out of the ride with my alien bud clutched to my chest.

"Wow, Peridot, that ride was so much fun!" Lapis spoke with a surprising amount of glee as she got off the ride after me.

I just stare at her with shock, before I ask cautiously, "You...actually liked that ride, Lapis?"

"Yeah! It was just like flying around with Steven!" Lapis spoke earnestly, before she saw the look on my face and she added sadly, "Didn't...you...like it, Peridot?"

"'Liked it'…? It was awesome! I just wasn't expecting you to be so excited about it." I spoke honestly and secretly happy that my plan worked after all.

"Yeah, well, I really am enjoying myself, Peridot. Thanks again for bringing me here." Lapis spoke warmly as she smiled at me.

Lapis...is…smiling at me!

Today is going great after all!

Now, I just have to win her a prize and everything will be perfect!

"Well, we should get back to Steven now, Peridot." Lapis spoke seriously as she started walking away from the Teacup Ride and towards the tables in the distance.

"Wait, Lapis!" I spoke hurriedly, then Lapis stopped walking so she could turn to look at me curiously, before I added hastily, "How about I win you that prize before we head back to Steven?"

"Oh, okay... Sounds good." Lapis spoke casually as she walked back over to where I stood.

"Just follow me then!" I spoke excitedly as I led the way past the Teacup Ride to where the prize vendor's were.

...

As we past stall after stall, the sun has already set with the moon lighting up the clouds in the sky, I keep checking out the prizes to find one that suits Lapis.

It isn't until I spot a light blue and white Dolphin with black eyes prize, I looked up a ton of sea creatures on my tablet before we came, when I stop at a stall.

I spot the human known as Mr. Smiley sleeping in a chair inside the stall, so I quickly check out what I have to do in order to win that dolphin before he wakes up.

Along the back wall is a brown board filled with holes and attached to the board are multicolored "balloons", which Steven told me about before.

"If my memory serves me correctly...at this stall, I have to throw small projectiles at those balloons and make them pop to get prizes." I spoke seriously to Lapis as I placed my alien bud on the counter.

"Sounds interesting, Peridot. Good luck." Lapis spoke firmly as she suddenly eyed the dolphin above her head with interest.

I smirk to myself, knowing that I chose the right prize to win, before I ring the bell on the counter to wake Mr. Smiley up.

"Wha...! Oh, it's you again! Back to win more prizes, huh, kid?" Mr. Smiley spoke casually as he jumped in his chair as he woke up.

"Yes, please!" I spoke excitedly as I placed some money on the counter that Steven saved from the last trip here.

"Alright, so do you know how to play?" Mr. Smiley asked as he took the money and put it into his back pocket, before he put three metal, black, darts on the counter.

Metal...darts?

Since I have metal powers this will be easy!

"Yes!" I spoke eagerly as I grabbed the first metal dart.

"Okay then. There are numbers written in paper from 1 to 30 in each balloon, whatever number you get, that's the prize you get." Mr. Smiley spoke seriously as he stepped back from the board, so I could throw my dart.

I glance at Lapis once, she gives me two thumbs up in support, before I decide to throw the dart at a blue balloon.

As it flies through the air, I move my fingers sneakily to try to control how fast the dart is going.

But, the dart flies too fast before I can control it, so it lands in the board above the blue balloon.

"Aw, sorry, but you lose a dart. You still have two more, so try again." Mr. Smiley spoke casually as I grabbed the next dart.

Come on, Peridot...you have to focus!

I need to win that dolphin prize for Lapis!

I throw the next dart at the same blue balloon, but this time when I use my fingers, I actually control the dart.

However, whatever I'm doing this time with my fingers, causes the dart to fly too slowly, which makes the dart bounce off the balloon and land on the ground.

"Grr...this is impossible!" I cried in frustration.

"Hey, don't worry, kid, not everyone can hit a balloon with a dart the first few times." Mr. Smiley spoke earnestly.

"Well, I have to..." I mumbled under my breath, before I glanced worriedly at Lapis.

"It's okay if you can't do it, Peridot. We can always come again next time..." Lapis spoke reassuringly.

"No, I said I would win you a prize and we aren't leaving until you...have...that...dolphin!" I spoke firmly as I grabbed the last dart, aimed at the blue balloon, imagined it popping the blue balloon, before I let it fly out of my fingers towards the balloon.

I use every ounce of concentration as I willed my metal powers, with my fingers again, to control the dart at the correct speed and the correct direction.

I even close my eyes, so I wouldn't be distracted by anything.

Only when I hear a loud pop sound, do I finally open my eyes with expectation.

My eyes search the board for the dart, until they finally rest on the dart embedded into the board and a piece of white paper where the blue balloon used to be.

"Yes, I did it!" I cried in triumph.

"Yes you did, now let's see what you won..." Mr. Smiley spoke eagerly as he walked over to the board, pulled off the dart and the paper, and read off the black number.

"You got...number thirty, which is: the dolphin prize!" Mr. Smiley spoke seriously as he put the paper in his pocket, before he moved over to the dolphin above Lapis' head.

He unhooks the dolphin, hands it to me, before he moves back to sit on his chair and he speaks casually, "You two kids have a nice day!"

"Oh my stars, I can't believe I won a second prize at Funland! I must be super lucky..." I beamed proudly as I turned to Lapis.

"Here, for you, Lapis." I spoke warmly as I handed her the dolphin, before I grabbed my alien bud off the counter.

"Thanks, Peridot. It's really cute." Lapis replied earnestly as she holds it in her right arm.

"Now, let's go show Steven what I won you!" I spoke excitedly as I grabbed Lapis' left hand and I pulled her after me.

Not even thinking twice at grabbing her hand or the fact that Lapis didn't complain about it...

...

"I can't believe I got us lost...!" I cried grimly as I looked around for Steven, but nothing looked familiar.

Somehow we ended up standing near a giant, black metal, wheel, with glowing white lights on the metal parts; and, that has white containers, with white seats, of two people going up and around the wheel very slowly.

I read the sign near the ride, which says in red letters: Ferris Wheel.

And, everything else was a bunch of random rides.

"It's not your fault, Peridot... We just weren't paying attention to where we were going. I'm sure we'll find him soon." Lapis spoke firmly as she looked around too.

Then, I suddenly got an idea...

"Let's ride this Ferris Wheel thing, we might be able to see him from up there." I spoke eagerly as I gestured to the ride.

Lapis looks up at the ride, before she looks back to me seriously and she speaks firmly, "Or I could fly high up and look for Steven that way. Why waste anymore time to find him...especially if he's out looking for us now."

Ugh, she's right, but...I wanted to talk to her alone some more on the Ferris Wheel.

"Yeah, well... What if that Connie person finally showed up? She'd be with Steven right now... So it would be easier to spot them both with both of us looking. And, you can't fly both of us and our stuffed buds, while looking for those two, in the dark... Right?" I asked with hope that she'll want to ride the Ferris Wheel with me.

"Hmm... I guess you have a point. Let's go then." Lapis spoke firmly as she led the way over to the line.

I smirk to myself as I find out that we're next in line for the Ferris Wheel.

"You get on first, Peridot and I'll sit by the door." Lapis spoke seriously as she waited for me to slide in first.

I nod once as I slide on the white seats to the far left of the container, place my alien bud on my lap, as Lapis climbs in and sits next to me, with her dolphin on her lap.

The human attendant closes the door, pulls a lever, and the container starts moving up into the sky.

I immediately start fidgeting as I think about what to say first, so I just peer at Lapis sneakily.

As she searches the ground for Steven and Connie, she suddenly grins as she rests her chin on her right hand.

"You know...I'll never get tired of being up in the air." Lapis spoke seriously suddenly.

"Is that so...?" I replied cautiously.

"Yeah...everything just...looks, feels, and is better up here." Lapis responded earnestly as she sighed deeply.

Oh no…what if Lapis decides she doesn't like living at the Barn because she likes being in the sky more?

"Lapis...?" I said hesitantly.

"Yes, Peridot...?" Lapis asked curiously as she turned to look at me.

"You...do like living with me…at the Barn, right? I'm not too annoying or dull...to be around?" I asked worriedly as I looked at her anxiously.

Lapis looks at me worriedly as she speaks firmly, "No, I don't think you're annoying or dull! You're really fun, I like being around you...and...I feel like I could talk to you about anything and you wouldn't hate me, if you knew the real me."

"Lapis...that's so sweet! I've always worried about that...but, I guess I don't have to now. And, I'm always here to listen, whenever you need to talk about something." I spoke honestly as I smiled at her.

"The same goes for me too, Peridot. If you need to tell my anything, I'll listen too." Lapis spoke earnestly as she smiled back.

"Okay..." I spoke seriously as I wiped away a lone tear that threatened to ruin the moment, before I spoke firmly, "Let's find Steven, so we can go home to the Barn."

"Yeah, I bet Veggie Head is missing us badly too…" Lapis spoke seriously as she peered over her side of the container to look for Steven and Connie.

"Right." I spoke seriously too as I looked on my side of the container for Steven and Connie.

XXX

-Steven-

"Wow, I've missed out on a lot…I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you, Steven." Connie spoke remorsefully.

"That's ok, from now on when something Gem related happens, no matter what it is, I'll tell you first." I spoke firmly.

"Thanks. I hate to interrupt you, but Lapis and Peridot are taking a long time for just one ride. Should we go and check on them?" Connie asked worriedly.

"Yeah, I'm worried too, let's go, Connie." I spoke earnestly as I jumped down from my chair.

Connie stands up from her chair, picks up her backpack and puts it on, before she looks back at me.

"OK, I'm ready, lead the way." Connie spoke seriously.

"To the Teacup ride then!" I spoke casually as I tried to lighten the mood.

But, as we walk over to the Teacup Ride, look all around for Lapis and Peridot, we realize with worry that they're both missing!

"Oh no, they didn't wander off after the ride did they? They could be anywhere by now, Steven..." Connie spoke worriedly as she turned to look at me.

"Hmm..." I whispered to myself as I thought of where those two could be, before I remembered another reason why Peridot wanted to bring Lapis here today.

"Peridot probably wanted to win Lapis a prize before they came back to the table. So, we should go ask the prize vendors if they saw them." I spoke seriously.

"Okay, let's go." Connie spoke firmly as I led the way towards the prize vendors.

...

It isn't until I find and talk to Mr. Smiley that Connie and I find out: that Peridot and Lapis was here at the stall and that Peridot actually won Lapis a dolphin prize!

"Did you happen to see where they went, though, Mr. Smiley?" I asked curiously.

"Hmm... If I had to think about it, I think they were headed towards the Ferris Wheel." Mr. Smiley spoke seriously as he pointed to the right of the stall, where we all can see the glowing Ferris Wheel in the distance.

"Thank you for your help, sir. Come on, Steven, we've almost found them!" Connie spoke excitedly as she led the way to the Ferris Wheel.

"Thanks, Mr. Smiley! Wait up, Connie!" I spoke hurriedly as I dashed after Connie.

"Sure, no problem, kids!" I heard Mr. Smiley reply back.

Once I finally catch up to Connie I speak apologetically, "I'm sorry we couldn't go on any rides today, Connie. Maybe we can go another day..."

"That sounds fine to me, Steven. But, I won't be able to hang out on Thursday, since that's Thanksgiving; and, my parents want me to help out around the house." Connie spoke seriously as she frowned at me.

"Oh, okay. No problem." I spoke firmly as we finally reached the Ferris Wheel.

As we both look at the people standing in line and sitting in the carts of the Ferris Wheel, we suddenly spot Lapis and Peridot exiting a cart on the Ferris Wheel.

"Lapis, Peri, over here!" I shouted as I signed them to join Connie and me.

"Steven! There you are, we totally got lost trying to find you..." Peridot spoke with relief as she ran over to us with her alien bud clutched to her chest.

"Yeah, at least you had someone walking with you, so you wouldn't be too worried about us." Lapis spoke seriously as she strolled over to us, with a dolphin prize resting in her right arm, before looking over at Connie.

"Oh, this is Connie, my friend and jam bud. Connie, Lapis Lazuli and Peridot." I spoke eagerly as I introduced everyone.

"Hi..." Connie spoke nervously as she waved to Peridot and Lapis.

"Nice to meet you, Connie. We would stay longer to chat, but we need to get back to the Barn to check up on Veggie Head." Peridot spoke earnestly as she nodded to Connie, before she looked at me seriously.

"Aw, okay… I hope you two had fun today." I spoke firmly.

"Yep, it was fun, Steven. And, look Peridot even won me a dolphin." Lapis spoke honestly as she pointed with her free hand at the dolphin resting in her arm.

"Nice, well, I'll see you two later. Connie and me are going to the Temple, before I take her to her house." I spoke seriously.

"Okay, bye! Lapis, are we walking back to the Barn?" Peridot asked curiously as she turned to her.

"Sure, we can talk more on the walk back." Lapis spoke honestly as she led the way to the Funland's sign.

"Alright!" Peridot exclaimed with glee as she followed after Lapis.

...

"They definitely are different from the last time I saw them." Connie spoke seriously after they left.

"Yeah, they've come a long way... I'm hoping Spinel will be the same way." I spoke firmly.

"By the way, how are we going to get back to your house? It's pretty dark out and I didn't bring your mom's sword with me, in case anything shows up at night." Connie spoke worriedly as we started walking out of Funland, passing underneath the Funland's sign on our way out.

"I'm sure it'll be fine, there hasn't been anything new attacking the Gems lately..." I spoke nonchalantly as I glanced around at Beach City in the dark.

Street lamps illuminate the sand near the boardwalk, the moon above us provides extra light and casts a white glow to the ocean hitting the sand.

On the sand, however, I hear strange noises, so I stop walking on the boardwalk.

"Connie, do you hear that...?" I asked worriedly as Connie stopped walking next to me.

"Yeah, it sounds a lot like..." Connie spoke seriously as the strange noises sounded closer.

"Roar!" A familiar sound calls out nearby.

"Lion! So, it was you all along..." I spoke with relief as my pink Lion suddenly jumped onto the boardwalk in front of us.

On closer inspection, I spot on Lion's mouth an open tin can, which must have been why Lion was making those strange noises.

"Oh you silly Lion, let me take that off of you." I chided seriously as I walked over to him, took off the tin can, before I petted his mane.

"Roar!" Lion bellowed as he place his chin on my hair.

"Lion, can you take us back home to the Temple?" I asked nicely as I stared up at him.

Lion looks at me for a long time, before he plops down on the ground so that Connie and I can climb on his back.

"Alright, let's go, Connie." I spoke excitedly as I climbed on Lion's back first and I held out a hand for Connie.

"This definitely beats walking home in the dark." Connie spoke firmly as she took my hand, before I pulled her up on Lion's back.

With the both of us sitting on Lion's back, and Connie holding onto me, Lion jumps to his feet.

He turns around so he could jump off the boardwalk and back onto the sand, where he starts sprinting towards the Temple at the other end of the Beach.

The wind whips at both Connie's, Lion's, and my hair, but I'm too busy thinking about Spinel to notice anything else.

I know you said you didn't want to be here, Spinel...

But, I still have to ask you: why did you show me all that?

You wanted me to know what happened to you...

But, why...?

...

As we finally reach the other end of the beach, Lion suddenly jumps high into the air, before he lands with a thud on my front porch.

"Thank you, Lion. Can you take Connie home later?" I asked Lion seriously as I slid off his back, before I petted him again.

"Roar." Lion stared off into the distance at first, before he peered at Connie sliding off his back and he nodded reluctantly.

"Thanks again, Lion, we'll be out again in a little while." I spoke firmly as I walked over to my screen front door.

"Thank you for bringing us here, Lion." Connie spoke honestly as she petted him, before she joined me over at the door.

Lion nods his head, before he yawns loudly and he lays down on the porch.

So, I just quietly open the door, so I don't bother Lion, as we both head inside the Temple.

"Where have you been, Steven?! It's not like you to stay out this late without calling us or leaving us a message!" Pearl exclaimed worriedly as she stood a few feet away from the door with her arms crossed.

I also spot Amethyst lounging on the couch in the living room, with her eyes glued to a new phone, before my eyes wander back to Pearl.

"I'm sorry I didn't call or leave a note, Pearl... But, I can explain everything!" I spoke earnestly.

"It wasn't his fault, Pearl... We were only late because we were talking so much at Funland." Connie spoke firmly as she stepped out from behind me.

"Oh, Connie, so nice to see you. Wait, what...? Oh, you two were at Funland, then that's ok. By the way, Connie, I have an important date-I mean thing I have to do tomorrow, so we won't be able to train together." Pearl spoke seriously as she uncrossed her arms.

"Oh, ok, I'll just hang out with Steven tomorrow." Connie spoke firmly.

"Now, as you were saying, Steven...?" Pearl asked curiously as she looked at me expectantly.

"Okay, first I had this dream this morning, which really freaked me out, then I went to talk to Lapis about it, she didn't know anything, so I told her I would talk to you guys later, since you guys were out buying phones..." I spoke hurriedly, before I had to take a deep breath.

"Alright, calm down. You don't have to rush, Steven." Pearl spoke earnestly.

"But, that's just the thing Pearl, if I don't hurry up, I won't be able to let Spinel out of the Bubble room inside the Temple!" I spoke anxiously.

"Spinel...? Bubble room...? What do you mean...? What's going on, Steven?" Pearl asked worriedly as she glanced back at the Temple door once, before she looked back at me.

So, I try to calmly, but quickly explain what happened today to Pearl and Amethyst, when suddenly a white light shines from the warp pad.

"Garnet's back!" I cried with relief.

As the white light fades, the leader of the Crystal Gems appears standing on the warp pad, with a gem inside a bubble floating above her left hand.

Garnet takes one look around the quiet room, before she asks in her serious tone, "So, what did I miss...?"

"You came at just the right time, Garnet! I want to go to the Bubble Room inside the Temple! There's a Gem I want to talk to in there!" I spoke firmly as I ran over to stand in front of Garnet.

Garnet looks at me deeply, even though she's wearing those sunglasses so I can't actually see her eyes, before she speaks finally, "Hmm... Okay."

"'Okay'...? But, Garnet, we're talking about letting a Gem outside of her bubble! We don't know if she's corrupted or who knows what else...!" Pearl exclaimed anxiously as she dashed to stand next to me.

"I just saw what Steven went through earlier today, and obviously there's a reason Spinel wanted him to see what happened to her. I don't see the harm in getting some answers, besides if she does causes trouble, we'll put her back in her bubble. Right, Steven?" Garnet spoke earnestly, before she smirked down at me.

"Thank you, Garnet!" I spoke with relief as I hugged her.

"You're welcome, Steven. Also, I have to go to the Bubble room anyway, since I wanted to make sure this Gem got there safely." Garnet spoke honestly as I let go if her.

"Well, if Garnet is sure, then I guess we got nothing to worry about." Amethyst spoke firmly as she left her phone on the couch, before she quickly joined the rest of us by the warp pad.

"Fine, but… Connie, you should stay here, it might be dangerous. We don't know what this Gem will do, when she comes out of her bubble." Pearl spoke seriously as she glance back at Connie.

"Oh ok, I'll...uh, guard the door, in case she tries to escape." Connie spoke eagerly as she stood by the door.

"Alright, Gems, let's do this." Garnet spoke seriously as she led the way to the Temple door, before it opens to reveal the Bubble room.

---

XXX

-To be Continued-