Chapter 3: The Ruse
Steven took a solid stance in front of Cinnabar, ready to call out his shield in case the situation got out of hand. Behind him Peridot froze, one leg pulling her back, and one tugging her forward.
Cinnabar rubbed her neck and stretched, a yawn cracking her face before disappearing. There was an air of surrealness to her, of a contrast that seemed contradictory. She was tall, a centimeter shy of matching Garnet, with a gaze that Steven swore could bore a hole in his head.
Yet, he felt no danger being near the Gem commander. There was something… comforting about her.
She didn't have that perpetual frown Jasper had, only a rather confused, shifting expression. It took a moment, but he soon realized that gaze of hers was one of curiosity rather than scrutinization. She was also strangely casual in the way she held herself, at least in comparison to the likes of Jasper or even Peridot.
Steven took a step forward, wanting to greet her. Peridot, however, stuck herself between them.
"Hello, ma'am! I am Peridot F Facet-2-F-5-L, Cut-5-X-G," Peridot said, reading off her title. She crossed her arms into a diamond and waited.
Cinnabar sighed.
"At ease," she began, ordering her to break the pose. "Where am I, Peridot? Is this the Earth Colony? And—"
Cinnabar took a look at Steven.
"—Who are you?"
Steven opened his mouth to reply but Peridot moved in front of him again.
"Just a quartz, ma'am. Here to assist you," Peridot replied, talking over him. "And yes, this is the Earth Colony, in the Sol Star System."
While Cinnabar contemplated Peridot's answer, Steven tried to move past her. Blocking his way again, Peridot hissed.
"This is one of Homeworld's greatest commanders. You will not approach her unless addressed."
"But she asked me a question," Steven muttered back.
"Where is my ship, Peridot? My crew?" Cinnabar asked. "I barely remember what happened— Something about an engine blast?"
"Your ship…" Peridot mumbled to herself. She gulped. "Your ship crash landed near this area. Your crew… was shattered, in the collision."
A twang of guilt appeared in Cinnabar's eyes, though it was quickly buried.
"That is… unfortunate. Send a message to Homeworld, the fastest way possible. A group of Gems that loyal should be honored." Cinnabar crossed her arms. "And send a message to Pink Diamond, tell her I require a new ship and crew."
"We will try our best, ma'am."
The request caught Steven off guard.
It was strange. She was completely different from Jasper. She respected the Gems below her, thought they weren't just expendable. She was nice, Steven thought. He smiled. This might be easy.
And now Steven had caught onto Peridot's ruse. She wasn't going to tell Cinnabar what was actually going on. To the commander, it was still 6000 years in the past, and there never was a rebellion.
Peridot had made it easier for him.
"Ms. Cinnabar, ma'am?" he managed to get out. The commander looked up from her train of thought. She was surprised at being directly addressed.
"Steven! Do not speak to the commander unless spoken to—"
"Stand down, Peridot. It's alright," Cinnabar said, motioning her to the side. Stepping away, Peridot silently hoped to herself that Steven wouldn't ruin this. Cinnabar went on. "Continue."
"Uh, well you see, Pink Diamond can't receive messages right now." Steven hoped his fibbing was convincing. "But you're free to stay at the temple until she can!"
Peridot pressed her palm into her face. He blew it, she thought, beginning to panic. But then, Cinnabar smiled. Leaning forward, she put her hands on her knees.
"What was your name again, little Gem?" she asked, cocking her head.
"Uh, Steven, ma'am. Steven… Quartz," he lied.
"I knew Pink Diamond wasn't as binding as Yellow, but I never imagined she allowed her subjects to pick out titles." She stood straight again. "I appreciate the offer Steven of Quartz. I accept."
Steven gave an internal cheer. This was going so well, he thought.
"Right this way, ma'am!" Running up to the pipe vines that led to the exit, Steven extended a hand out to Cinnabar and signaled her over. She followed, amused by the rambunctious Gem.
Peridot, meanwhile, was having a panic attack.
Why did she lie, she thought. If she told the commander the truth, she might've had a chance to actually escape this hunking rock. She could return to Homeworld, a hero! But instead, she made up some crazy fib to keep herself here.
She felt like a clod.
Peridot looked to Steven and Cinnabar, who were climbing up the crystal vines leading to the exit. The commander was holding back laughter as Steven helped her up. Obviously, she didn't feel she needed the assistance. Beaming at this, however, Steven kept going, pointing out their exit in the only tunnel leading out of the room.
Peridot plugged up the feeling in her chest.
She began following them, needing to make sure Steven didn't ruin this any further than he may already have. Yet as she pulled herself up the vines to the ledge Steven and Cinnabar took, the lump in her chest grew warmer. She saw Steven confidently lead Cinnabar down the tunnel, his mouth running with what Peridot would call inanities.
Did she lie… For hi— No. No, of course not, she thought.
The door at the end of the tunnel opened. Taking a look inside the house, Steven nodded to himself as he confirmed it was clear. Cinnabar, however, simply walked right in.
"What… strange decor." Cinnabar stepped straight over the warp pad, not paying it any mind. Pausing at a wooden support beam, she ran her hands over it, before taking it into her grip. She recoiled as it crumbled, stumbling as it shattered in her fingers. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I didn't realize this settlement had such fragile supports."
She dropped the wood shards into Steven's hand, who then deposited it into a nearby bin.
"Oh, it's okay. We're just a bit more careful with the walls here," Steven replied. Peridot covered his mouth and began laughing nervously.
"Hahaha, what Steven means is, feel free to destroy whatever you want!" she said, a few levels louder than she probably intended. Caressing the damaged pillar, Cinnabar shook her head.
"No, it was my fault. I apologize." She walked further into the room before stopping. "Steven of Quartz, retrieve the commander of this settlement. I wish to speak to her."
Peridot and Steven panicked, immediately realizing a flaw in their unspoken plan.
"Uh, yes Commander Cinnabar ma'am, please give me and Steven a moment," Peridot lied. She pulled Steven back into the warp pad room, her voice going low yet still pitched. "What are we going to do! Oh my stars, I didn't think about this!"
"Wake up the Gems?" Steven suggested. Peridot pinched the bridge of her nose.
"To what end? Garnet is a fusion, Amethyst is a runt, and Pearl is a pearl." Peridot panicked and began shaking. Putting his hands on her shoulder, Steven felt her begin to calm. She looked up at him, immediately catching the blinding sight of his dumb smile.
"Don't worry. I got a plan," he said. Peridot frowned and pulled away, hiding the flush on her face.
"J-just hurry," she said turning away. Steven gave her a thumbs up.
"Just wait here, ma'am, I'll get the one in charge," Steven said out loud. Cinnabar nodded and returned to her examination of the couch.
Steven crossed through the door into Rose's room, his mind racing with a choice: Which of the Gems should he get. After a moment, he made his decision.
"Pearl," he said under his breath. All at once, a cloud of pink parted, a new doorway appearing in its place. Running through, Steven found the Gem in question on one of her many water platforms, cleaning an item from her collection of swords. He gave a sigh of relief. Today wasn't one of the few days she slept.
"Pearl!"
Jumping, Pearl let out a cry of shock as the sword tumbled out of her hand. She tried to grab it before it flowed off the water platform into Amethyst's room, but she just barely missed it. Pearl sighed as it teetered off, her efforts in vain.
"Steven? It's way past your bedtime, mister," she chided. "Why are you up?"
"We've got a bit of a situation," Steven replied. Pearl's expression softened. In a few moments, she got up to him.
"Uh, you know how we found that Gem in the ship today?" Steven asked, pursing his lips. Pearl nodded. "Well, I may have, uh, let her out."
"You did what!?" Pearl panicked. "Do you know how dangerous that could be?!"
"Please, don't get angry Pearl!" Steven cried. "She's actually really nice! She just wants to talk to the commander."
Pearl rubbed her temples as she turned to think through the situation.
"What does she know?" Pearl asked.
"Uh, she doesn't seem to know about the Rebellion, and uh, she thinks this is an 'Earth Settlement', I think," Steven replied. "Pearl, we don't have to fight her, I think we can help."
Pearl sighed, though she couldn't help but see Steven's good intentions. She thought over the situation, processing the fact that Cinnabar thought the Earth colony was still loyal to Homeworld. The idea was laughable, Pearl thought. Still, that just meant she had her work cut out for her.
"Alright. We'll try."
Steven gave a cheer as the two began walking back to the house.
Entering the living room, Pearl felt apprehension take her almost immediately. Cinnabar sat straight ahead of them, leaning back on the couch with a look of cool disposition. She seemed taken by thought.
Pearl could discern her rank as commander, which put her request to see the 'settlement's' commander in perspective. She was probably looking for a Gem of equal rank. But more than her rank, Pearl recognized the Gem herself. She was a Cinnabar.
Commander Cinnabar.
It hit Pearl all at once. Memories from years ago brought themselves to the forefront. If she messed this up, Pearl realized she might not be able to keep Steven safe.
"M'lady," she began, trudging up her old routines as a servant Pearl. Cinnabar snapped to attention and studied the Gem before her. She gave her a questioning glance.
"A pearl is the commander of this Earth settlement?" Cinnabar began. Pearl held back her impulse to hit the commander.
"Yes, any issue with that?" she quipped back, standing straight. She would not give an inch. Grinning, Cinnabar took Pearl's palm into a handshake.
"I like that. You have some Mohs, Commander Pearl," Cinnabar began, her iron grip shaking Pearl in place. Yet, she also grinned. It was nice to get some respect, she thought. Cinnabar continued. "I'm Commander Cinnabar, and I apologize for the intrusion"
"It's… no issue. Though, what exactly are you seeking to discuss?"
Cinnabar frowned, remembering her predicament.
"For now, I need time and a place to rest. But, in the long term, I require contact with Pink Diamond, to request for a new ship and crew." Cinnabar turned away, approaching the couch. "I have work in Alpha Centauri to attend to."
Pearl thought of a calculated response, proceeded to panic, and threw out the first idea that came to mind.
"Well, of course. Feel free to remain here until we can get contact." Immediately regretting what just came out of her mouth, Pearl bowed as Cinnabar nodded and sat on the couch. She wouldn't be able to kick the commander out now, and she certainly couldn't reveal what was actually happening. This was a disaster.
"And Pearl?"
"Yes?"
"Have the requested ship equipped with these… soft things." Cinnabar felt the couch with her hand. "I cannot bear another rock hard chair."
Pearl gave the commander a strange look before nodding. Making her way back to the temple door where Steven and Peridot were waiting, Pearl began to stew over what just happened. All at once, she grabbed onto Steven's ear and Peridot's hair.
"My room. Now." The temple door opened as Pearl tossed the two Gems inside. Once the door closed Pearl began fuming.
"I—" Steven began, before being cut off.
"What did you do!" Pearl started, addressing Steven. "What on Earth would possess you to release that Gem! Oh my goodness, I have no idea what we're going to do. We can't just give her a ship and let her walk back to Yellow Diamond. And we certainly can't just fight her!"
"But Pearl!" Steven cut in. "I think we can help her! Look how nice she is. She didn't even bat an eye at the idea of you being in charge! Maybe we can show her how nice the Earth is?"
"Hah! Good luck with that," Peridot said aloud. "That's Commander Cinnabar. Yellow Diamond designed her to be the most loyal Gem of all time. She trusted her so much, the commander can even get away with being how she is. Reforming her is an impossibility."
"I'm not concerned with that," Pearl said, shaking her head. "The possibility of reforming her or not, it's what she's capable of that worries me. Commander Cinnabar was a one Gem army. She took over entire planets, almost single-handedly! Having her on Earth is too dangerous."
"But Pearl, I think—"
"But nothing Steven! Not another word," Pearl said with a sigh. At that, Steven frowned.
"Why! Why can't you just trust me on this!" Steven's voice ripped through the room, causing Pearl to step back in shock. "All I want to do is help you guys, but you won't let me!"
Steven began sniffling as tears poured down his face.
"I want to help her, Pearl. Show her why Mom loved Earth so much. Why won't you just let me try?" Steven stuck his finger out at Pearl, wiping the tears from his face. "Peridot said it's impossible, but Garnet said I can make that possible, and I will!"
Steven's voice reverberated through the stunned silent room, ringing long enough for Steven to hear his own words echo back at him. It hit him at that moment; he had just blown up at Pearl. He pulled his finger back, stashing it in his pocket and looking down in shame. His anger subsided almost immediately.
"Pearl, I'm—"
"Steven… It's alright."
Steven looked up, for a moment taken aback by her expression. It wasn't happiness or anger, but concern. He saw fear in her eyes and yet, she was also proud.
"Whatever the case." Pearl rubbed her eyelids in stress. "Cinnabar won't be leaving anytime soon."
Pearl glanced back at the hall leading to the house.
"I'm going to go discuss this with Garnet. And you." Pearl turned to Peridot. "You're staying as far away from Cinnabar as you can."
"What! But I'm the only one who actually knows Homeworld enough to talk to her!"
"I don't care," Pearl deadpanned. "We can't risk you blabbering about this plan or especially about the Cluster."
"Why you—"
"Pearl?" Steven broke in, wiping the tears pouring from his face. "Peridot was the one who convinced Cinnabar that it's still before the rebellion. She could've just told her what's going on and be on her way to Homeworld. I think we should trust her here."
"Ha! I win! It's two against one, you've been out voted!" Peridot cheered over the minuscule victory as Pearl cringed and rubbed her temples. She sighed.
"Steven, you're sleeping in here tonight. I won't risk you being near her." Pearl finished as she walked away from the two, down to the door to Garnet's room. Peridot rolled her eyes before walking away herself, back to the house.
Watching the two part ways, Steven sniffled. He wiped the last of the tears away.
They may have a chance yet.
Steven snuck back into the house, his mind racing with a million thoughts at once. He had a good amount of time before Pearl would return to her room, so he could have a moment with Cinnabar. Entering the living room, Steven quickly found her lying back on the couch, staring up at the ceiling.
She seemed peaceful.
"Commander Cinnabar, ma'am?" Steven began, holding his hands together. Cinnabar snapped to attention but calmed as she realized who it was.
"Steven of Quartz, is something wrong?"
"No, it's just—" Steven's chest twanged at the commander's gentle voice. She wasn't like anyone he had seen from Homeworld. "—Peridot said I was here to assist you. Do you need anything?"
Cinnabar laid her head back onto the cushion.
"Company."
"Huh?"
"Company. I'm used to my crew during the long nights, but… they're gone now," Cinnabar explained. Steven nodded before he took a seat at the end of the couch. At that, Cinnabar seemed to relax. They sat together for several minutes before the commander broke the silence. "I see why so many Gems hope they are transferred to this planet."
"Why?" Steven asked.
"The way it treats Gems like you." Cinnabar turned to look at Steven. "On Homeworld, each Gem is the same, deviations are almost always fixed. Pink Diamond, however, seems to see the value in a commanding Pearl or a small Quartz Warrior."
"Do you think it's better this way?" Steven asked, seeing an opportunity. Cinnabar stayed silent for a moment and turned away.
"I said I understood it, not that I agreed."
Steven's heart fell at the response and he began to look down at his feet.
"Oh…" He slumped, his body almost deflating. Cinnabar saw how her answer affected him.
"Do not take it personally, Steven of Quartz," she began. Her eyes flicked down to the gemstone in her knee. "It is in my nature. I am infinitely loyal to the Diamond Authority, especially my Diamond. I subscribe to her ways because it is my destiny to do so."
Steven thought over her response.
"Why do you like other Gems so much if you feel like that?"
Cinnabar frowned, the question catching her off guard.
"I believe that to be loyal to the Diamonds means to respect everything that they have made. Homeworld, the settlements, and even the lowliest of Gems. If the Diamonds have given the mind to create them, then they deserve my respect."
Steven smiled, the answer almost like music to his ears. He could work with this, he thought. She just needed some pushing.
Cinnabar snorted, Steven's wide smile getting to her.
"You are dismissed Steven of Quartz. I am at peace now."
Steven stood up from the couch, pleased with the information he got. Wishing her a goodnight, Steven gave the commander one last smile before walking back to Pearl's room, his mind racing.
It was the next morning, around nine.
Cinnabar sat silent on a kitchen stool, her eyes locked straight ahead. Across from her stood a conundrum, a mystery that had befuddled her throughout the night. It was an object of great wonder and yet ever more questions, one that challenged her in ways she had never experienced before.
Cinnabar was looking at the microwave.
Through the night, Cinnabar had pondered the device's purpose. What was it meant to do, how did it function, what were the strange runes that dotted its face. She had experimented with it numerous times already, yet every time it yielded different results: Strange sounds and beeps, at varying times. She would crack this case yet.
But, for now, its secrets would be kept from her.
Peridot stood behind the crack of the bathroom door, observing Cinnabar. The commander could tell she was there, however; Peridot wasn't very subtle.
And just inside the temple, in Pearl's room, Garnet and Steven stood by. Trying to listen in on Cinnabar, they pressed their ears against the door, leaning in to get some whisper of info. Amethyst propped herself on the wall next to them, a brow raised at the performance.
When nothing came out of the spying, Amethyst approached the two.
"So, someone wanna remind me who that Gem in the house is?" she asked, crossing her arms and anchoring her head against the wall.
"She's a missing commander from before the Rebellion," Garnet explained, pulling away from the door. "Who believes she's about 6000 years in the past."
Amethyst gave her a dumb look.
"Steven thinks we can reform her."
"What do you think?" Amethyst asked, raising a brow. Garnet shook her head and looked down at Steven as he stepped back, his hand still pressed against the door.
"This is his project, not my call to make." Garnet looked up, pulling away her visor. "All I know is that I'm going to have to do something uncomfortable."
"Huh?" Steven asked, turning at the word. Garnet smiled, giving a thumbs up before closing her eyes. Glowing all at once, Garnet's body filled the pathway with light, her silhouette shuddering after a moment. With a flash, it split into two smaller forms.
"Ruby! Sapphire!" Steven called, rushing in to hug them as the light dissipated. After a moment, he pulled away. "But, why did you guys unfuse?"
"We can't risk the possibility of Cinnabar seeing us as Garnet," Sapphire explained, pulling away after a moment. "She may accept the idea of Pearl as the commander, but not a permanent fusion."
"Yeah, and if she found out, she'd kick our butts!" Ruby got in, smashing her fist into her palm. Sapphire had a chuckle before turning back.
"Steven." Her voice came in a smooth cadence.
"Yeah?"
"I want to say, that Ruby and I have faith in your plan," Sapphire began. "But, considering the current circumstances, with my lack of Future Vision, we have to warn you."
"About how dangerous Cinnabar is?" Steven guessed. Sapphire shook her head.
"Cinnabar is tough, sure, but it's more than that. It's what she knows," Ruby continued. "We haven't told you everything yet, and Cinnabar has already blabbered a lot."
Sapphire broke in, placing her hands on Steven's shoulders.
"Trust us when we ask you this, Steven. Whatever happens, you must keep your shield hidden from her. Never call it out," Sapphire pleaded. "Do you understand?"
Steven nodded, though a part of him groaned at the prospect of more secrets he'd have to just not ask about. Thinking, Steven decided he wanted to know at least one thing.
"I still got a question."
"Shoot, little buddy." Ruby replied, even though she was barely a few inches taller than Steven.
"Who's this 'Pink Diamond' Cinnabar keeps talking about?"
The Gems went silent. Ruby and Sapphire looked at each other whilst Amethyst kicked the ground and shrugged. Turning to Steven, Sapphire shook her head.
"You know we love you right?"
"I love you guys too," he said with a laugh.
"Then please understand we can't tell you right now." Sapphire's hands tightened against Steven's shoulders. "This is to protect you."
"But—"
"Alright Gems, let's do this," Pearl called out, unintentionally walking in and interrupting the conversation. Everyone turned to her and at once noticed her strange attire. Amethyst snorted and snickered.
"Uh, Pea, watcha wearing girl?" she laughed. Pearl raised a brow at the question, straightening her outfit as she came to stop. All at once, Steven realized she was wearing a pastel pink service uniform, with a matching hat.
"This is what I wore after the Rebellion. It helped with early contact with humans," she began, turning in place, to show off the rows of shiny badges and flags pins. She tipped the cap to Steven. "And I look great in it."
"Yeah, whatever, Pea," Amethyst laughed. "Let's just do this."
"First," Pearl said, moving to right in front of the door, "We all understand our roles? We must each do our best to convince Commander Cinnabar that this is a loyal Homeworld colony."
Pearl held back the desire to shudder.
"That means acting in ways we would usually find… disagreeable. Ruby and Sapphire—" She turned to the two. "—that means acting as you did before you two met. Completely loyal to Homeworld, and unfortunately not each other. Amethyst, you will need to be on your best behaviour. And Steven—"
Pearl took a long look at the young Gem.
"It's your call," she continued, sighing as she turned away.
Steven smiled to himself, his mind racing with what was to come next.
Stepping through the door first, Pearl signaled Sapphire and Amethyst to follow her soon after. Behind them came Steven and Ruby, with the former making sure the latter wasn't getting too close to Sapphire.
Seeing them enter, Cinnabar turned.
"Good morning, Commander Cinnabar," Pearl said with a bow. Cinnabar frowned, walking past her.
"At ease, Commander Pearl. There's no need for formalities here." Cinnabar replied, pulling Pearl up by the neck of her jacket as she passed. Amethyst smirked at the sight. "I see you have some more Gems here."
"Oh, yes," Pearl said with a huff, straightening her clothing. "This is my Sapphire, our Amethyst and Ruby, and you've already met Steven."
"It is an honor to meet you, Commander Cinnabar," Sapphire spoke, keeping her head low. Nodding in reluctant agreement, Cinnabar placed her hand on Sapphire's shoulder, causing her to tense up.
"The honor is mine," she responded, pulling the small gem up. Again, Amethyst took notice. "Stand straight, I said there's no need for this."
"Hey, you're pretty cool, ya know that?" Amethyst finally blurted out.
"Amethyst!" Pearl reprimanded, brows furrowing as she turned. Putting a hand up, Cinnabar made Pearl go silent.
"It's alright, I've learned that this settlement has its… quirks." She looked at Amethyst. "You're pretty… cool, too."
She paused for a moment, the word foreign to her tongue. Amethyst smirked at Pearl as Ruby and Steven stepped forward.
"Hello, commander." Ruby began, giving a stoic salute as she droned. Steven stared on at the sight, blinking once then twice in confusion. Who the heck was this, he thought. This was Ruby? She was like a completely different Gem!
Her rambunctious attitude and simple nature were completely gone, buried under a sterile layer of protocol and regiment.
"At ease to you as well, soldier. I will have no groveling in my presence," Cinnabar responded. Ruby loosened up but kept her form straight. Turning to Pearl then, Cinnabar rolled her eyes. "Any updates on communicating with Pink Diamond yet?"
"None. Our Peridot is still trying to establish a connection," Pearl responded. She smiled to herself. 'Our Peridot' had a nice ring to it, she mused.
"Hm, disappointing." Cinnabar replied. "Well, a few extra days won't hurt. I can afford some time to get to know our newest colony."
"Oh, well," Pearl continued. "Of course, I can show you around. Without any ships, however, we'll have to walk."
Cinnabar went into thought.
"No, that won't be necessary," she answered, looking up. "You have better things to attend to."
"Uh, no, please I insist, you should have a guide with you," Pearl replied, a nervous jitter tingeing her voice as she tried to tug Cinnabar's arm. Turning to the formation of the other four Gems, Cinnabar hummed to herself in thought. She took a long look at Steven.
"In that case, I choose Steven of Quartz to be my guide."
"What!" Pearl panicked, quickly pulling herself back down to Earth. "Uh, I mean, why would you want such a low ranking Gem to go with you?"
Cinnabar shot Pearl a look that made her step back.
"I've taken quite a liking to Steven, I may just have to request him as a transfer to my next crew." The room went silent, a solid few seconds passing before Cinnabar chuckled. "I'm only kidding."
Awkward laughter took the room as the Gems went along with the commander's idea of a joke. The only one with a legitimate chuckle between them was Steven, who let out a few faint giggles at the suggestion.
Rolling her eyes with a smile, Cinnabar turned away from the group, approaching the door without another word. Steven stepped forward to follow her, only for Pearl to stop and grab onto his arm.
"We'll be following close behind. Keep her from leaving the city," she whispered into his ear.
Steven nodded in agreement, shooting the rest of the Gems a thumbs up. Rushing off to catch up with Cinnabar, he paused one final time to blow an air kiss at the group.
As the door shut behind him, Ruby and Sapphire held each other's hand.
"We believe in you, Steven."
Cinnabar and Steven had barely touched the sands of the beach before the former turned to look back at the temple. Holding her chin, she studied the tall out-of-place statue behind Steven's home.
"What a strange place to put a base," Cinnabar commented.
"Oh, uh, Pearl thought it was a good location," Steven replied, making up a lie on the spot.
"How so?" Cinnabar's question made Steven purse his lips, his lie immediately coming back to bite him. He glanced at the ocean at their right.
"Well, it's right next to the water," he began, speaking on the fly. "And that's the best way to get around without flying."
Steven pointed to the Gem Sloop that resided near the shore.
"How… quaint," Cinnabar said with a nod. "A rather unique way to travel. I believe that's what that one Amethyst would describe as, cool?"
"If you think that's cool, you're gonna love Beach City."
Steven smiled, grabbing onto Cinnabar's hand and tugging her. The commander paused for a moment, before allowing the young Gem to walk her down the beach. Spotting the buildings they were approaching, Cinnabar hummed a note of interest.
"More Gems?" she questioned. Steven shook his head.
"It's a city, for humans," he explained. "Like me— Er, like my friend. Yeah, my friend."
"Hu…mans?" Cinnabar asked as they turned, now on a course to the Big Donut.
"Yeah, they're all over the planet," Steven said with a smile.
"Oh." Cinnabar's eyes tracked the top of the buildings they passed. "I didn't realize this planet hosted intelligent life."
"Yeah, as far as intelligence goes, Beach City is the place to go." Steven disconnected from Cinnabar's side and proudly pointed to The Big Donut. "Beach City is the peak of human civilization! Here we see a place where food is sold."
Steven giggled to himself as if he were speaking to a child. He had to admit, this was rather fun. Running up to the front of the shop, Steven pulled the door open as he gestured Cinnabar inside.
"After you, m'lady," he said, bearing a grin. Cinnabar snorted as she rolled her eyes, stepping past Steven without another word. Then, however, she paused.
"What is that strange scent?" she asked, sniffing the air once then twice.
"That's the smell of freshly made donuts!" Steven cheered, rushing past her. Walking to the counter, he pulled the attention of Sadie, whose eyes were firmly locked on the tall red Gem before her.
"Hey Steven," she said, her gaze traveling back to the commander. "Who's your new friend?"
"Play along," Steven whispered. He turned and bowed before Cinnabar, causing her to take a step back. "Introducing! The great, the powerful, the awesome! Commander Cinnabar!"
"Steven of Quartz, please," the commander whined, her voice going strained. A flush of even darker red grew on her face as she stared at the ceiling. "I said, no groveling."
"Sorry," he apologized with a laugh, standing straight.
"A commander, eh? Like in the army?" Sadie asked. Steven gave a sigh of relief as the tension in the room broke. "We don't get many of those around here. What division?"
"Yellow Diamond Special Forces. Task Force 0A." Cinnabar read off the title like it was imprinted in her mind.
"Hah!" Sadie laughed, wiping a tear from her eye. "Your friends, Steven. They're always a riot. So, what can I get you two?"
"What do you have here exactly?" Cinnabar's eyes trailed across the menu above, the words and prices foreign to her.
"Well, it's a donut shop. So mostly donuts," Sadie replied, glancing back at the display of baked goods behind her.
"What is a… dough-nut?" Cinnabar asked. Slamming his money onto the counter, Steven interrupted any answer that could've come.
"Trust me on this one, Cinnabar," Steven said. "Two donuts, one plain and—"
Steven looked up at Cinnabar who shrugged.
"—something special for her."
Cinnabar stared on at the sight as Sadie got to work retrieving the donuts. She hummed in thought.
"What a strange and inefficient system," she said aloud. Steven shot her a look. "Having one collect the items rather than them being dispensed automatically? Quite peculiar."
"Ah, well, if we had a machine do this, I'd sorta be out of a job, haha," Sadie said with an awkward laugh, putting the donuts into a bag. Cinnabar's eyes lit up.
"Oh! So it's designed so there's enough functions for all of your kind to fulfill?" Cinnabar suggested, leaning over the counter. "Fascinating!"
Sadie snorted.
"Sure, let's call it that," she replied, pushing the baggie of donuts over. Steven quickly paid for the treats before turning back to the commander, digging into the bag with a hungry resolve.
"Try this!" he cheered, pulling something from the bag and handing it to Cinnabar. Taking a bite from his rather plain donut, Steven chirped a note of happiness, to which Cinnabar took note of.
She looked down at the item Steven had handed her, staring at its strange texture and shape. Its skin shined with a deep red velvet colour, sprinkled with white frosting and little yellow star pieces. So, this was a donut, she thought.
Glancing back at Steven as he happily munched on his treat, Cinnabar shrugged. She took a bite and, in an instant, stars appeared in her eyes.
"Wha-What is this feeling? In my mouth?" she sputtered, her hand going to her lips.
"It's sweet, silly." Steven swallowed. "I mean, ma'am."
"What is this, sweet?" She took another bite.
"Well, it's the feeling when you eat something sugary, like a donut."
"Sugar?"
"Oh that's—" Steven paused, his eyes glancing to the storefront window. He pursed his lips as he caught sight of something: Pearl and Amethyst standing at the doorway and being, in general, very un-subtle. "—One moment."
Cinnabar continued to munch on her donut as Steven marched to the door. Scattering, Pearl and Amethyst fled the scene as he stormed outside..
"You're too obvious!" he shouted. Walking back to Cinnabar, Steven shot her a smile, returned as she finished her donut. She dusted her hands in a satisfied manner.
"The Earth colony has such amazing— sweets, as you say, Steven of Quartz," she said looking back at the selection. Steven smiled and raised his donut up to her.
"Here, I have too many of these things anyway," Steven offered. The stars in Cinnabar's eyes returned as she took a hold of Steven's treat.
"Steven of Quartz, thank you."
"No problem!" Steven grinned, walking to the door with the commander in tow. Things were starting good, he thought. If he could manage to turn Cinnabar over to their side with just food alone, this'd be easy.
A few paces ahead of the two, in the stuffed racks of the Beach City T-Shirt Shop, Pearl and Amethyst laid hidden. The former peeked an eye through an aisle of shirts, checking the perimeter before pushing her whole head out to get a full look.
Amethyst, meanwhile, barreled half of her upper chest through, much to the vexation of Pearl.
"What are they doing?" Pearl asked aloud, straining her neck to get a view outside.
"Looks like they're just getting donuts," Amethyst replied. She licked her lips, a hand peeking out from the row of t-shirts. "Think they'd mind if I swiped—"
"Ah! They're coming this way!"
Pearl and Amethyst panicked, diving back into the store's clothing racks without another word. They listened in as the two passed.
"If you like sweet, then you're gonna love salty!" Steven cheered.
"Oh, I'm sure I will," Cinnabar replied. She smiled, amused by the spark the small Gem had.
The two proceeded to pass Fish Stew Pizza and the T-Shirt Shop on their way towards Beach Citywalk Fries. Breaking away from Cinnabar, Steven rushed the food shop counter, surprising the commander as he began to pound it with his fists.
"The bits! The bits!" he cheered, rousing the person behind the stand. Peedee shook awake from his nap, his eyes immediately going to the imposing woman behind Steven.
"Oh, uh, hi?" he said, raising a brow at the contrast between the two. Steven's stocky frame and bubbly expression was a strange compliment to the intimidating size and stoic gaze of his companion. Steven pounded the counter again.
"Get us the bit—!" Steven paused, glancing at Cinnabar over his shoulder. "Er, actually, two orders of fries, please!"
Steven cheered, raising two fingers. Giving the boy a look, Peedee shrugged as he got to work.
"You? Not ordering off the menu for once?" Peedee mused, one eye to a fryer and another back on the woman behind Steven. "It's a miracle I tell ya."
In a few moments, Peedee returned with the order, which Steven scooped up and paid for.
"Bye, Peedee!" Steven called, waving to him after he handed one serving of fries to Cinnabar.
The commander stared at the strange carton as they walked, turning it in her hands once than twice. She pressed it against her chest, only to realize it would crush easily under her grip. Picking up one of the items the container held, she was taken by thought.
"Try one," Steven suggested, immediately stuffing his face with fries.
"What is it?" Cinnabar asked, sniffing.
"Fried potatoes!" Steven said with a smile, munching on more of his own fries. "They're really good. Usually, I ask for the bits when I come here, but most people don't like those, so I thought I'd have you try the normal kind."
They walked down to the beach, Cinnabar still filled with apprehension. She batted a fry about in her hand for a bit, before finally squeezing the end of it. As hot potato mash burst out, flying out ahead of her, Cinnabar lit up.
"Ha!" She laughed, picking up the next fry. She took aim towards the beach, cackling at how far the spray went. "This is something else, Steven of Quartz."
"Well, at least you're having fun," he chuckled, glad she hadn't tried that with the donut earlier. The two took a seat on the edge of the beach, their feet dipping in the sand.
"These humans have such wonderful things, Steven," Cinnabar said with a laugh, continuing to squeeze her food. "Toruses that evoke an amazing feeling in your mouth! Pouches that pop in the most unpredictable of ways!"
Steven smiled.
"Yeah, humans are pretty cool," he began, looking out to the beach in front of them. "Really feels like they should stick around, huh?"
Cinnabar's laughter died down as she contemplated her now empty fry tray. She sighed.
"Let's… not, talk about that, Steven."
Steven pouted at her response. He had tried too early, he thought. She's taking a liking to Earth stuff faster than Peridot is, sure. But it'll take more than some good food to change her mind.
Whatever it takes, though, he'll do it.
Picking herself up, Cinnabar tossed the fry container to the side.
"Come, show me more, Steven of Quartz," she said with a smile. Steven grinned, jumping to his feet.
"Let's go!" he cheered.
They had all day, he thought. No need to rush this.
"I don't get it," Pearl deadpanned.
She and Amethyst were camped out on the top of the U-Stor Storage Units, looking across the road to Funland Amusement Park. Steven and Cinnabar had spent most of the day going from one Beach City landmark to the next, talking and walking through all the wonders the city had to offer.
Pearl and Amethyst, however, were forced to follow the two behind, always at a farther distance than they liked. Laying at the edge of the building, Pearl held a pair of binoculars to her eyes.
"What's there not to get, Pea?" Amethyst said, leaning against a power box.
"Commander Cinnabar was one of Homeworld's greatest warriors. Conqueror of worlds, right hand to Yellow Diamond." Pearl huffed. "Why is she so… nice! She and Steven have done nothing but mingle in the trivialities of human attractions. And she's enjoying herself?"
"Maybe it was just a load?"
"What?" Pearl asked, peeking her head up.
"A load. A crock. A bunch of liiiies," Amethyst explained, leaning forward. "Maybe Homeworld said all those things to scare you guys."
"Maybe..." Pearl hummed in thought. "I'm worried about him, Amethyst."
"We all are."
"For who he is, I mean," Pearl said with a sigh. "He's so trusting. He's going to be crushed when he finds someone he can't just befriend."
"Maybe that won't happen," Amethyst suggested. Pearl didn't respond.
"They're moving."
Steven held onto Cinnabar's hand, pulling her through the aisles of the amusement park. The two had already ridden the roller coaster a few times and now they were off to see the Ferris wheel.
"Ha! Slow down Steven!" Cinnabar cackled as they ran through the park. Thankfully Funland was having a slow day, so the two got onto the Ferris wheel quickly. Soon they were on their way, ascending into the air, much to the amusement of Steven. Cinnabar peered over the edge. "What's the point of this one?"
"Well, humans can't fly by themselves. So these things are the next best thing," Steven explained, letting his arms dangle over the edge. Cinnabar nodded, the answer making sense to her. She had to admit, it was a nice view. As soon as that thought crossed Cinnabar's mind, however, the Ferris wheel ground to a halt, making their cart rock.
"What's going on?" she asked, head spinning around.
"Oh, this old thing breaks down sometimes. Mr. Smiley will get it running in a bit," Steven explained, peering over the edge. Cinnabar relaxed in her seat again, taking the quiet moment to look far off into the sea. She watched the waves roll in and out.
"I've never gotten the chance to just watch the ocean before, you know that?"
"Really? Why?"
"Whenever I'm on a planet with an ocean, I'm too busy conquering it," she answered. Gripping the gemstone on his belly, Steven decided not to reply. He paused, feeling the gem's surface as it got warmer to the touch. That was strange, he thought.
"Did you know your gem is in the same place as Pink Diamond?" Cinnabar suddenly said, catching Steven's attention. He realized that she had caught him rubbing his gem.
"Wait, really?" he said, looking down at the warm crystal.
"Yup," she replied, using the strange word Steven had taught her earlier. "On Homeworld, that would be considered a great honor."
"Wow," Steven beamed, his eyes full of stars. He faltered for a moment. "Homeworld seems pretty cool."
"Yeah, it is." Cinnabar returned to looking off into the sea. She stayed silent for a few moments. "It's just…"
"Just what?"
"It feels like it's missing something."
Steven thought over his next few words.
"Something like donuts?" he suggested, to which Cinnabar laughed.
"No, not donuts, though they are nice," she explained, looking out at the sea again.
"Fries? Amusement parks? Oceans?" Steven prodded further, leaning in his seat. Cinnabar shot him a glance, causing him to pause.
"You."
Steven froze. He hadn't expected this. In his mind, Cinnabar would discover the wonderful things Earth had to offer, realize the horrible ways of Yellow Diamond, and join the Crystal Gems.
He hadn't accounted on her playing his game in reverse.
"I'm serious, Steven of Quartz. Homeworld lacks the imagination and engagement you have shown me today," Cinnabar continued, leaning forward. "I could put in a spectacular word for you to Yellow Diamond."
Steven shuffled in his seat and looked off to the side.
"I'm sorry, Cinnabar. I can't go," he answered, looking back. "I've got a duty here on Earth."
Cinnabar frowned, leaning back in her seat. She rubbed her chin in thought before smiling.
"Alright, Steven of Quartz. I respect your decision. It probably wouldn't have worked out anyways," she explained, looking off to the horizon on her right. She glanced back at Steven. "I will say, however, I'm impressed."
"Impressed? Why?"
"Few Gems have the Mohs to deny me. It takes a strong will to do that."
"Thanks!" Steven grinned. The two enjoyed another quiet moment. Watching Cinnabar look longingly off into the distance, Steven thought over his next few words.
"Could you, tell me about the Diamonds, Cinnabar?"
"They don't teach you much about them here, do they?"
Steven nodded, to which Cinnabar chuckled.
"Well then, prepare for a personal lesson in Gem history!" Cinnabar grinned as she got to her feet, tipping the Ferris wheel cart off balance. Steven grabbed onto his seat and held on for dear life as Cinnabar pointed to the sky. "Long ago in the history of the universe, there was nothing but chaos and darkness!"
Cinnabar's proud cries pierced the air, catching the attention of the many Beach City residents below. They collectively decided to ignore the crazy red woman yelling from the ferris wheel.
"Then, from the darkness came the Diamond Authority: White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Diamond, and Pink Diamond!" Cinnabar put a foot onto her seat, further unbalancing the cart. She extended her hand and pointed to the sun. "They, as beacons of light, beat back the darkness! Tamed the chaos! My Diamond lit ablaze the first star and the rest—! Well, that's ancient history."
Cinnabar crashed back into her seat, rocking the cart back and forth.
"Wow, I never knew that," Steven said, nodding his head. Cinnabar grinned.
"Well, now you—"
Screams erupted from below, interrupting Cinnabar mid-sentence. Her head snapped at the sound, turning her gaze down to a group of people who were gathered below. Looking over the edge of the cart, Steven peeked his head to get a look.
"Whoa!"
A gelatinous mass of blue spread across the wooden dock, writhing and twisting as the crowd around it moved back. It had a bulbous head, housing an amalgamation of different colored lights that shook about. Whipping its long tendrils, the creature shrieked, causing the crowd to panic.
"What in the stars is that?" Cinnabar asked, as the people began to run away.
Steven's eyes bulged as he looked at the creature. It had no solid body, and he couldn't spot a gemstone anywhere on it. It wasn't like anything he had seen before.
It was like—
Steven recalled the giant monster that had appeared a few days ago.
"The Cluster!" he called, perching himself on the cart.
"The what?" Cinnabar asked, making Steven wince as he realized his mistake. Even if his suspicions that this was another fragmented piece of the Cluster were true, he shouldn't have just yelled it out like that.
"I-It's a big monster that's been messing with us! Yeah, and it keeps sending those guys!" Steven pursed his lips, hiding the stains from the lie he just said through his teeth.
Gaining a devilish grin, Cinnabar watched as the blob writhed and swung around on the docks.
"Are you ready for some real fun, Steven of Quartz?" she asked. He didn't have a chance to react before Cinnabar lifted him up from his seat and placed him on her shoulder. Letting out a battle cry all at once, the commander leapt, cascading to the Earth below with Steven in hand. "Graaaaa!"
"Ahhhh!" Steven screamed in fear as he held on for dear life.
Cinnabar crashed into the dock, the wood beneath her knees shattering. Standing straight and crossing her arms, the commander grinned, excitement and determination filling her all at once. A moment later, Steven hit the ground, bouncing off the dock in his bubble and landing straight on his feet.
The goo creature whipped around to face the two.
"Watch and learn, Steven! This'll be easy!" Cinnabar called, bending her knees and rearing back.
All at once, she charged, the monster shrieking in anger at its challenger. Leaping through the air, the commander dodged a tendril of blue slime that shot past her, rolling to avoid another that followed soon after. In moments, Cinnabar was practically dancing across the dock, avoiding the wavess of blue from the beast.
It was no obstacle, however, as she closed the distance to the creature. Rearing back, Cinnabar landed a massive blow to its head, sending it flying back a few meters. Yet, it picked itself right back up, barely deformed by the impact.
Cinnabar's grin grew as she cracked her knuckles.
The goo monster launched an attack, firing ten of its tendrils towards Cinnabar. Going low, the commander swung her leg through the air, knocking every tentacle to the side. She then grabbed onto the failed attack and pulled, launching the monster in her direction.
With one precise strike, Cinnabar decked the monster in mid-air. Shock waves rippled through the theme park, loosening screws and giving people headaches. With a shudder, the goo creature exploded, splattering into with that, its large amalgam of Gems shattered, leaving several smaller shards scattered around in the piles of slime.
Steven stared at the sight in shock, stars in his eyes.
"That. Was. So. Cool!" he called. Steven ran up to the pleased Cinnabar, who stood with a fist held up in the air. She comically blew on it, before turning back to the excited Steven.
"I take it you found my performance entertaining?" she cracked.
Pearl lowered her binoculars, hands shaking. She fell back with her mouth agape. The monster's arrival had happened so fast, she had no time to react. Yet, in such little time, Cinnabar had destroyed the creature in a terrifying display of power.
"Whoa," Amethyst muttered. "She's… really really strong."
Pearl shook off her look of shock. Cinnabar was powerful, she thought, but not unbeatable. An encounter with Alexandrite would hopefully be enough to take her down. Pearl began looking through her binoculars again, centering on Cinnabar and Steven. The latter was gushing over the former, who was laughing over the triviality of the beast she had just slain.
It was so jarring in comparison to her demeanor from the rest of the day. Cinnabar came across like a quiet, even peaceful Gem, yet in a moment she was a killing machine. Pearl watched as Cinnabar picked Steven up and placed him on her bicep. He laughed as she flexed, bouncing him up and down.
Pearl pulled the binoculars away.
"Oh, Steven…" she muttered.
Cinnabar let Steven back onto the dock. She flexed one more time before cackling.
"Ah, Steven of Quartz, that felt amazing!" she gushed, throwing her hands up as she twirled. "It's like I haven't fought something in a thousand years!"
"Yeah," he said, his laughter dying down and growing awkward. Cinnabar's grin disappeared.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"It's nothing," he said, kicking a chunk of the creature that had landed by his feet. Cinnabar frowned, crossing her arms.
"Steven of Quartz, I will not—" Cinnabar stopped as something struck her back, wet and viscous. She turned, her eyes widening.
Before her stood the creature, or rather, several dozen smaller copies of it, reconstituting themselves into a practical army of slime monsters. Each copy glistened with a shard from the larger amalgam she had shattered earlier, taunting her as she had just multiplied the enemy.
Turning to find more forming behind him, Steven gasped.
With a kick, Cinnabar slammed Steven away, sending him flying from the battle and its dangers. Just as she did so, each one of the smaller new creatures launched a tendril at her. Before she could react, she was in their hold, her arms bound at her sides.
"Gah!" she cried, shock taking her. She struggled against their grip as it tightened, pausing after a moment. "Steven."
"C-Cinnabar?" Steven stammered, rising from the ground.
"Get down."
Cinnabar swung her leg up to her chest, blowing out and loosening the grip of the goo creatures. Reaching for the gemstone on her knee, Cinnabar summoned her weapon. In a flash, she pulled out a short magenta scythe and swiped left, cutting away the monstrous tendrils.
Steven ducked away as Cinnabar swung her weapon, slashing against the next wave of attacks. Her weapon became a blur and a moment later so did her arms. All at once, Cinnabar's body bled away into a pillar of crimson, eviscerating the tendrils of the creatures as they barreled at her.
Steven stared at the sight with a look of pure awe, captured by pure speed he had never seen before.
Cinnabar ground to a halt, her back to Steven as her attack came to an end. Chunks of the monsters came raining down all around her, flowing down between the planks of the docks. They were done. They wouldn't reform again.
"Hm." Cinnabar turned back to Steven, the scythe still in her hand. She gave him a cheeky smile, one with her eyes closed. "I told you it would be easy."
End of Chapter 3