Chapter 3: Rose's son. A tearful reunion
I do not won anything from Steven Universe.
(Play Steven Universe OST – Mirror Gem)
Six years have passed. Azure is now 16 and has a near fully formed angelite stone on his chest shown in full glory. The process was starting to become comfortable to him. His body matured, appearing slim and athletic due to constant training with the Crystal Gems. His hair grew beyond shoulder length, forcing him to tie it up. Currently, he was sitting with Lapis at a boardwalk, overlooking the sea with the morning sky.
"Hey Azure. We should get ready to start searching for Rose's son." Lapis said.
Lapis held on to Azure from the back, interlocking her arms around his shoulders. Azure gently touched her arms.
"I'll be ready soon. Just thinking of childhood memories here." He said, reminiscing his times with the Crystal Gems.
"Okay, I'll let the others know." Lapis said.
Lapis used her hydrokinesis to form two wings to fly back to the temple of the Crystal Gems. Azure continued to look at the open ocean. A sullen expression marred his face.
'Rose, I may not understand what happened, but I do know for a fact that you had someone you loved. I'm not sure if I feel ready to see your son…' Azure thought with guilt.
He then stood up and left the boardwalk, heading to the Gem's temple.
'Maybe I might find out if it's worth finding and training him. Rose was never one to answer anything in regards about the future… Perhaps she intended to pass her teachings to us Crystal Gems.' Azure thought.
Azure left the board walk and went to the temple of the Crystal Gems.
(Mirror Gem OST ends here)
######
An hour later, Azure was ready. He was wearing a blue t-shirt with blue shorts and white sneakers. He was waiting patiently for the others to come out.
"You guys okay? I'm ready." He called out.
After Azure called out, the Gems came out. Amethyst, Garnet, and Pearl looked relatively the same. However, there was a minor difference with Lapis. She was wearing blue flip-flops for her feet.
"Let's go. We will be visiting Greg's home." Garnet said.
"You know where this person named Greg is?" Azure asked.
"Yes. He provided me the name of his vehicle and where he works at so I can quickly reach to his place without getting lost in Beach City." Garnet said.
"So how will we get to his place? He lives quite a distance away from the temple." Azure said.
Lapis giggled quietly, but everyone, save for Azure, heard her.
"We'll be using our teleporters to make it to the place. I'm sure you noticed from that training arena we teleported there." Garnet said.
"Wait, the teleportation was different because it felt like walking through doors. These teleporting pads are not like anything I've experienced." Azure said.
"It'll feel a bit funny at first, but you'll get used to it. We Gems often use them to cover long distance travel." Amethyst said.
"Alright then. Let's go." Azure said with a smile.
The Crystal Gems stepped on the teleport pad and disappeared in a column of light.
######
At a bright flash of light, the Gems arrived at what looked like a small building with a sign saying 'It's a Wash'. Behind it, there was a hill which overlooked the sea at the horizon. A large van, almost looking like an RV was shown parked near it. The van was a white mid-1970's Dodge Tradesman with an elaborate custom paint job; an outer-space mural with asteroids, shooting stars, and planets combined with a purple and white 'Mr. Universe' logo and red, orange, and blue stripes. Azure was amazed on seeing the area.
"Wow… I didn't think he would choose a peaceful part of Beach Town. Between Waterman and Thayer, this is one of the unique areas in this place." Azure said.
"You know a lot about this town, Azure?" Lapis asked.
"I still remember how the place looks. I used to come here when I was helping out the caretakers in the orphanage with their tasks" Azure said.
"Despite being young, you were willing to go that far?" Amethyst asked with surprise.
"It's not like I didn't had a choice. I wanted to try and help the caretakers who took me in. I never knew my mother or father so I often felt alone. One of the caretakers educated me and made me learn how to help others" Azure said.
Lapis and the others were surprised on hearing about Azure's brief past. Despite his reminiscence, they all went to the large van and knocked on it.
"Greg? We have come back." Garnet said.
The back doors of the van opened. Inside the van, there was a large sound system. Inside, two male figures were shown. One was a younger kid, about 6 years old. He had curly black-brown hair with black irises. His body had a stocky built, appearing rather short. He was wearing a salmon-pink T-shirt with a gold star in the center of it. The shirt was several sizes larger than him. He was also wearing sky blue shorts but had not footwear. There was a small bandage on his left cheek. He was holding a ukulele, playing it.
"Ah, we have been waiting for you all. It looks like you guys found two new friends." The man said.
The man in question was more of an adult-like version of the young boy. He was plump in appearance and had a dark-beige beard surrounding his mouth. His taupe hair is styled in a mullet grown past his shoulders. He had a receding hairline, which resulted in him having a large bald spot on his head. His eyes were a dark-taupe color. His choice of clothing is a white tank top, with long or short gray pants and blue flip-flops. His skin has a tan line on his shoulders and feet. The tan lines separated his skin in to two distinctive colors. One part was a light apricot color and the other was a red-peachy color.
"Yes, these are newest members of the Crystal Gems. I'm sure Rose told you about them, Greg" Garnet said.
"Ah, now I remember. If I recall, the young lady with the blue dress must be Lapis and the one near him is named Azure." Greg said.
'Quite a lot of optimism this person has.' Azure thought, feeling welcomed.
"He looks like he has been having fun." Pearl said,
"Well, I've taught him everything on how to play music and he immediately learned it quick. Guess the apple didn't fell far from the tree." Greg joked.
Greg had a brief look at Azure, realizing that he looked human. However, he could see the angelite stone on his chest.
"Hmm? Azure, are you a Gem?" Greg asked curiously.
"Well, you're half-right… I'm actually half-human due to special circumstances." Azure said.
"Half-human!? How did you become half-Gem?" Greg asked.
"It's rather complicated to say so I'll shorten it out for you. My best friend, Lapis, was the reason. Unknowingly, when I was a kid, I felt her emotions from the gemstone when it shined at me. Due to the experience, my body began to change. As a result, my heart turned into a gemstone." Azure said.
"Does it feel strange to you?" Greg asked, concerned for Azure.
"No, it doesn't hurt anymore. I had this gemstone growing in me when I was 6 years old." Azure said.
"I see. How did this happen to you?" Greg continued.
"Believe it or not, this has been regarded as a legend among all Gems, both Homeworld and Crystal. This legend began about 9,500 years ago." Azure said.
"What!? 9500 years ago!?" Greg asked with shock.
"Yes… A Gem felt a strong bond with a female human… No one can find out what was the cause of the bond to form. It existed beyond physical and emotional, almost akin to being bonded at the spiritual level. When the Gem shined its light at the person, she became a legendary figure that forever caused an impact to Rose. The name of the Gem, born from the human, was called Angelite. The newly created Gem fought against Homeworld to liberate the Earth. However, she perished in a valiant fight." Azure explained.
"Wow… That's quite an epic tale to hear… So, you became a new Gem because you felt something from Lapis. You two remind me of her when we were together." Greg admitted with a stray tear.
"What's wrong, Dad?" The boy asked.
The young boy looked at the people with his father. The Crystal Gems saw him and they all felt Rose from within him.
(Play Steven Universe OST - The Hill)
'Rose's son…' Azure thought.
The young boy went up to Azure, who was desperately holding his grief back. The others noticed this and were sympathetic for him.
"What's wrong? Why are you so sad?" The boy asked.
Greg walked up to the young boy. This got his attention to his father.
"Let him have some time to sort his thoughts out, Steven. Your mother had several friends whom cared for her." Greg said.
Azure's grief was threatening to show itself. He quickly took off, jumping several meters at a nearby hill. Lapis could physically feel his sadness.
"I'll follow him… He still needs some time to understand." Lapis said, creating wings of water.
Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl watched as Lapis flew to where Azure left.
'He's just like Pearl, but even he would feel such sadness from losing Rose.' Garnet thought.
######
Lapis was able to find Azure, holding his grief back. Tears were streaming down his face.
"Azure…" Lapis said with sympathy.
"It's so hard… Trying to overcome the fact that someone, whom I could've called 'Mother', is gone… I understand her love for Greg, but I still feel conflicted…" Azure said.
A torrent of emotions was surging in Lapis. She could feel the pain he was holding back.
"It's okay, Azure… I'm feeling what you're feeling. I didn't want to lose you. I'm also sad when Rose disappeared. I want to continue moving forward and fight alongside the Crystal Gems… She was like an older sister, but in your eyes, she was like a mother you were looking for." Lapis said with sympathy.
Azure was quietly shedding tears. His face was looking down the ground. Lapis held on to him from behind, alleviating his sadness.
"I can understand what you're feeling. I'm still grateful for Rose Quartz healing my cracked gemstone. It does feel painful to grace her son with our presence. However, we need to make sure we help train Steven in honor of Rose Quartz. It was a promise which she wanted us to fulfill." Lapis said.
Azure quietly sobbed as his breathing became erratic. Lapis felt him quiver as she heard the quiet sobs. She had some tears flow from her eyes, feeling his emotions. Both shed quiet tears for a full two minutes. Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl eventually showed up to see the pair shedding tears.
'Azure…' Pearl thought with deep concern.
'He cared for Rose as though a child cared for his or her mother.' Garnet thought with melancholy.
'This never feels good… Seeing them crying like that makes me feel terrible.' Amethyst thought.
The Gems went up to the pair to alleviate their sadness. Their gemstones glowed in a soft light. Although they made a very faint glow in the daylight, the light was warm to Azure. It helped alleviate his sadness.
"Thank you… I feel a bit better now." Azure said with an expressionless look.
Lapis could feel some of the lingering grief, but it was subdued. The Gems knew he was suppressing it to keep his emotions at check.
"If you still feel this way Azure, we can let you head back to the temple." Pearl said.
(Play Steven Universe OST – Mirror Gem)
Azure shook his head gently. His tear stained face was shown, but he kept a stoic expression.
"No, I have to overcome this… Rose raised me during her brief time when Lapis and I joined with you all. I won't let her lessons be all for naught." Azure said with determination.
Lapis and Pearl were surprised on his speech. Both couldn't help but feel his grief hidden from within his heart. Both Gems held Azure close to him to alleviate it.
"We all miss Rose Quartz so it does make us shed tears to see her son. However, you're right Azure. Rose indeed raised all of us to protect the Earth. You and Lapis may be our newest members, but I can see that Rose has indeed cared for you as well, despite how short the time was." Pearl said.
Azure smiled somberly. Garnet and Amethyst were also moved to tears. Azure's gemstone began to glow in a white glow, manifesting a veil of light. The light formed into a familiar shape, something all the Gems noticed. The light began to turn into a pink color, till it formed into a construct of Rose Quartz's appearance. Azure walked to the construct of light and took a knee. A small tear was shown flowing out of his left eye.
"Rose… I may not be certain on what I should do… However, your belief has guided me, even though your time was suddenly cut short to procure the birth of your son… Although I still find myself questioning my role, I feel that your son has a greater destiny than me. He might hold the key to ending the tyranny of Homeworld." Azure said.
"You can do it, Azure. I can trust you on this." The construct said.
(Mirror Gem OST ends here)
The construct faded away in a cloud of light particles. All the Gems were in shock on how he was acting, not to mention mournful. Azure slowly stood up, a lone tear stain at his left cheek.
"I'm ready…" He said.
The Gems all held hands with each other and walk down the hill, back to Greg's van.
######
Greg was waiting for the Crystal Gems to come back. Upon seeing them walk down the hill, he then noticed Azure looking slightly melancholy.
"Is everything okay, Azure?" Greg asked with concern.
"It's okay now, Mr. Universe. I'm fine now." Azure reassured.
"Okay… Steven said he wanted to see you again before you left." Greg said.
Azure felt the familiar feeling of sadness but was able to overcome it. He mentally shook his head and walked to where Steven was. The Gems watched Azure interact with Steven.
"Hello, Steven." Azure said in a calm tone.
"Hi! Are you one of the Gems like Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl?" Steven asked innocently.
"I'm not 100% Gem… I'm actually just like you, Steven." Azure answered with a smile.
"What do you mean you're like me? Ae you my brother?" Steven asked, tilting his head.
Azure laughed heartedly. He shook his head as the young boy was trying to understand what Azure meant. Lapis felt a hint of sadness grow within him.
"I wouldn't say I'm your brother because I had my own parents. However, I never knew them ever since I was a child. I meant to say that you're also half-Gem and half-human like me." Azure answered.
"You mean you have an amazing stone like the one on my belly button?" Steven asked with stars in his irises.
Azure chuckled from Steven's excitement, shaking his head lightly.
"I do have an amazing gemstone, but it's not on my belly button. It is right here." He said, lifting his shirt up.
Steven saw the heart shaped gemstone on Azure's chest. He was amazed and stared at him in awe. The Gems were all smiling, seeing Steven's excitement.
"It looks like a heart." Steven said innocently.
Azure laughed as Steven pointed out the shape of his gemstone. The Gems decided to talk with Steven. They all amazed him upon seeing them walk towards him.
"Hi Steven. It's been a few months since we last saw each other." Garnet said in a motherly tone.
"It felt longer than months." Steven said.
I'm sorry, but we have been training our two new friends. You already met Azure, whom has a gemstone in his chest, but you didn't meet the other one" Garnet responded.
Garnet walked to Azure after finishing. By then, Lapis showed up. Steven was noticed she looked mellower but was friendly.
"My name is Lapis Lazuli. I'm the second newest person that Garnet told you about." Lapis said in a calm tone, bowing with her wings of water being shown.
"Wow… You look amazing… Is that your power? Making water move?" Steven asked.
"Y-yes. I can make water do what I like." Lapis said.
She made water in a cup slowly levitate in the air before forming a sphere. The orb then changed into an exact shape of Steven before it changed to the shape of Azure.
"Wow… That was cool." Steven said with stars in his irises.
Amethyst and Pearl walked up to Steven as Lapis walked to Azure, where Garnet waited.
"It has been a while, Steven" Pearl said with a smile.
"We came here to visit you for a reason." Amethyst said calmly.
Steven hopped from where he was standing, seeing the two familiar Gems arriving. They all smiled seeing how energetic he was.
"Am I coming with you all in a great adventure?" Steven asked with excitement.
"Yes, we decided to come and ask you to come with us and be part of the Crystal Gems." Pearl said.
Steven jumped up with excitement. He then ran to Greg with excitement, who was nearby.
"Dad, can I go with them? They have come for me because I want to be a Crystal Gem." Steven asked.
Greg knew that his son's destiny was tied with the Crystal Gems. Steven will never have a normal life like any ordinary boy would. He also looked at Azure, whom he felt had a deeper connection with Rose. Although reluctant, he agreed to allow Steven with the Crystal Gems.
"Alright. I'll let you join the Crystal Gems. However, I'll help in building a house for you." Greg said.
"Oh, Rose prepared a home near the temple so it's fine for Steven to move his stuff there if he wants. We can remodel it to suit his needs." Azure said.
"Okay, but mind if I have a look just in case? I can bring Steven with me." Greg asked.
The Crystal Gems nodded in response. They all smiled in response. Greg started his van and drove off to the Crystal Gems temple. Azure and the Gems teleported to the temple.
######
Greg arrived at the site. To say he was surprised, it was an understatement. The house was a made like a sacred place, appearing like a modestly-sized dwelling with one large interior room and an upper level. There was a balcony/deck with further seating and an umbrella. The wood glittered with light as the sunlight touched it.
"Wow… I never thought Rose would be able to help in making this place…" Greg said with surprise.
Nearby, a gem teleporter shined. Azure and the Gems came out of the teleportation device. They all saw Greg and Steven waiting outside.
"You guys did a great job building the house. How is the house glowing in the sun with such a shine?" Greg asked.
"That would be because of me… I enchanted the wood with light to be more durable and protective. This ability that I discovered years ago allows me to create enhancements without tiring. A unique feature about it is the enhancements self-sustainability. It used the sunlight and moonlight to power itself, therefore keeping it enchanted till the end of time." Azure said.
"Wow, that's amazing. Let's have a look of the interior." Greg said.
Everyone walked inside. The upper level acted a miniature room. The main interior had a lounge, fireplace, kitchen/bar, and a bathroom.
"Is there anything else about this place?" Greg asked.
"Well, the entrance to the Crystal Temple is at the deeper interior. There are rooms for each Gem, providing some privacy for everyone." Garnet said.
"Oh, good point in pointing that out" Greg said.
"In any case, the main household will be perfect for Steven. If he moves here, he has plenty of places to see." Azure said.
"I agree. We will have a lot of things we can do to protect the Earth." Amethyst said with excitement.
######
The Gems began to slowly moving in Steven's furniture in the house. They were all working hard. Lapis and Azure used their individual powers to help with the household. Azure used his light powers to lift the furniture up and place them in appropriate places. Lapis commanded the water to wash off any dirt or clean off any dust in the house. The others helped with the cleaning and lifting as well.
"Whew… That takes care of moving the furniture around. Let's see if there's anything else I need to do." Azure said.
He then used his photokinesis to shine on the house in order to find any leftover dust. Using a dust fan, he managed to clean the house off from any dust that was overlooked. Garnet showed up, seeing Azure cleaning the house up.
"You don't have to strain yourself, Azure. You're not a full gem so you will need to rest for some time." Garnet said in a caring tone.
"I know, Garnet, but I want to help develop this place as much as I can. I've been raised by you and the Crystal Gems. For that, I want to help provide my support with Steven as a sign of gratitude from Rose and also being a respecting brother for him." Azure said.
The Gem had a small smile and knelt down near him. She then kissed Azure on his forehead. This caused him to see a faint vision of the future. He could see himself with Lapis, protecting the Earth and fighting alongside the Crystal Gems.
"Whoa… Was that a vision of the future?" Azure asked with surprise.
"Yes. I have the ability to project visions of the future by kissing on the forehead. This allows me to share my visions, but they're limited to being changed." Garnet said.
"The future is never set on stones in time. Of course it can be subjected to being changed, depending on one's actions that can influence those changes." Garnet explained.
'I'll have to thank Pearl's and Garnet's homeschooling… Otherwise I wouldn't be this smart without them.' Azure thought with a chuckle.
"Is there something that made you laugh?" Garnet asked.
"Just thinking on how thankful I am for you and Pearl homeschooling me." Azure said.
Garnet smiled in response. By then, Lapis came by, noticing Azure and Garnet talking in a jovial mood.
"Let's make sure Steven is also well-educated. For humans, there's a saying that makes us rather unique… 'Knowledge is power'." Azure said.
"I agree as well. Not having knowledge is essentially asking for one to fight in a one-sided battle." Garnet said.
Azure noticed Lapis nearby and smiled. She smiled in response, seeing him looking more positive.
"I was about to let Garnet know that I finished washing the house up. What were you about to do, Azure?" Lapis asked.
"Oh, I was about to dust the house off. I may have lived here for some time, but I haven't done much other than training." Azure said.
Lapis smiled in response. Garnet felt the familiar feeling of parental love to Azure when he was a young boy. It made her look back to how they initially met.
That's all from here.
Note 1: Next chapter officially starts Steven Universe. I'll be focusing on more important plots for Steven universe to make the story more interesting.
Note 2: Although it was a short amount of time, Azure holds a deep bond with Rose, akin to that of an adopted child. He often thinks of Rose as his adoptive mother, despite Lapis being with him.
Anything else, send a review.