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Chapter 7: Guest of Dishonor

Episode 1: Prologue

8, June 2017 AD, 19.21 PM (Earth's Time)


The Milky Way Galaxy/Human Solar System/Planet Earth/North America Continete/USA/State Of Delaware/Beach City

Steven with Pearl spent most of their day by organizing the One Year Garnet's Anniversary Wedding. They ordered the cake in the bake and Pearl with Connie's little help worked their magic on the Cake

In meantime, She instructed Steven to give every one task. So Steven instructed Amethyst with the special sweets for Human's Guest...and herself.

Greg for buying decorations.

Bismuth for making sure Ruby and Sapphire won't suspect anything...somehow.

Nephrite for Snacks and Food...of course

For Lion to be admiring.

And Peridot with Pumpkin for...boosting morale.

So by the evening, The Crystal Gems did their tasks and helped Greg to decorate their temple, set tables alongside preparing and laying food.

Now what is left...is the cake itself.

"Everyone, please gather around the table!" Pearl rang the bell. Connie removed the gloves and wiped her hands from the good work.

As soon everyone gathered around the table, Pearl made single clap and hold her hands together to begin the speech.

"Gems, Connie and Greg. I want to thank all of for the hard work you have done to bring this party into reality. Garnet is always a be part of our family and she deserves the best of us. I personally want to give our growing lovable boy huge applauds for helping our dream he himself created to come true."

The Crystal Gems with Greg and Connie clapped their hands to Steven.

"*Whistle* That's my bro!" Amethyst cheered.

"Great job, Sport!" Greg smiled.

"Always full of surprises, Steven." Connie chuckled, making a playful weak punch to Steven's shoulder.

"Thank for everything, my baby," Pearl gave him a warm hug and gently pecked his cheek

Steven blushed shyly from all these applauds. Although he considers that everyone did their job very good and he must not be applauded only.

"Thank you, guys...for everything" Steven slowly nods "But I should not be only applauded. I may gave the orders but in reality, it's all of you who managed to bring this great party for our Garnet."

"And don't forget the old quote, Steven" Connie raised her fist "One for all-"

"And all for one!" The Crystal Gems except Pearl raised their fist and exclaimed it proudly.

"That's the spirit, friends!" Pearl then elbowed Connie to give a signal. Connie nodded and went to the kitchen to bring the cake

"Now for the last part of our party." Pearl continued "Thanks to our Connie. We managed to remake the Wedding Cake...but with slight improvements...So Connie, to the stage!"

"Tada!" Connie appeared with a plate of nearly identical cake from the Wedding Night a Year Ago.

Like Pearl mentioned, it has some changes in it. Instead of Pure Vanilla. Every Tier starting from the top has either Blueberry or Strawberry Flavor. Which it perfectly represents Ruby and Sapphire's respective Colors.

As instead of two small figures. The Top of the cake's tier has two candies using nearly the same copy of Ruby and Sapphire's Gemstones.

The Crystal Gems awed in delight. Bismuth crossed her arms and smiled.

"And there goes again...Pearl always makes a good surprise..." Greg quietly giggled

"Jee, P. I know it's Anniversary for Garnet but...isn't it too much...and I don't think I will not eat this entire cake...That was a rhetorical question of course."

"And how much you paid?" Greg added, "That must cost a fortune."

"I didn't..." Pearl grinned, tieing her hands behind her back.

"Don't tell you to have some shady stuff going on behind our backs, P." Amethyst joked.

Pearl sighs "If by shady stuff you mean asking Major Dewey for a favor, Amethyst. Then yes."

"And he accepted?" Steven asked.

"...For one condition I had to do for the next weekend." Pearl rolled her eyes.

"Ah, how cute" Amethyst giggled. And then she starts to sing to add some salt to the wound.

"Pearl and Dewey sitting in the tree"

"K-i-S-"

"Don't you dare, Amethyst!"

"Wow, wow, Pearl!" Steven embraced Pearl in case if she and Amethyst will begin to fight "Amethyst is just joking...right Amethyst?"

"Yes..." Amethyst then grins as she had an idea to confuse them

"Maybe no or maybe yes, it doesn't matter."

"I don't know if I want to apologize to you with my mouth."

"Is it even my mouth?"

"Are we Crystal Gems or not?"

"BECAUSE I NEVER TELL YOU! AHAHAHAHAH!"

Everyone stared at Amethyst with the silence. Only Greg realized what Amethyst meant by it.

"Amethyst, By the name of God-Emperor himself, stop being Tzeentch Follower and cease your heresy." Greg patted her shoulder.

Amethyst was shocked that Greg realized that. "AWW YEAH, GREGY! Never thought you're a fan as well." She hyped.

Greg just shrugged "Not a fan to be honest...I never played the board game but quite heard it is very good."

"Umm...Dad, what are you talking about?" Steven released Pearl.

"Warhammer 40K, Chump. You should try it. It's very awesome if you like where Humanity is not...weak."

"And We have to buy the Dark Imperium Edition one day." Amethyst adds, still being delighted "Oh, Steveman. you're gonna love the board game! There is faction called Space Mar-"

"Amethyst! Focus! The Year One Of Ruby and Sapphire, remember?" Pearl shook Amethyst's shoulder.

"Oh, my bad, sorry" Amethyst stopped it...but she still quietly quoted Captain Diomedes's lines from the Dawn Of War Series to herself.

"So yeah..." Pearl looked at the cake "Me and Dewey did a trade and we got a base cake for free. Me with Connie finished it by adding the theme of our party."

"And it seems that we have done everything, Pearl. The party can now start," Connie adds, placing the cake carefully on the table before She removed her kitchen apron and tossed to the random chair.

"Correct...Now Steven, would you kindly?" Pearl patted his head.

"Right away!" Steven ran away from the temple to call for Ruby and Sapphire.

"ALRIGHT! EVERYONE!" Pearl clapped her hands to give the signal "HIDE ANYWHERE YOU CAN!"

"RED ALERT, PEEPS!" Amethyst needed to make another joke

The Crystal Gems hide to the specific places. Pearl with Amethyst and Greg behind the couch, Connie with Nephrite in the kitchen and Bismuth in another Room.

"Peri! What are you doing!" Connie quietly called out to Peridot.

"I forgot where I supposed to be!" Peridot looked everywhere to find the spot. She begins to panic as she can't find the good spot.

"Come on, Peridot! You're ruining our surprise!" Connie gestured to hide with her.

"Hide with us!" Nephrite joined too.

Yet, Peridot in the nervous state decided to use the obvious and quick solution:

She just made T-pose to pretend she is a statue...

...or White Diamond.

"I'm hidden! They won't notice me!" Peridot snickered quietly.

"Oh my God, Peri..." Connie slapped her forehead.

"I noticed that Peridot can be, Connie." Nephrite giggled behind Connie's back.

"Yeah, it sometimes happens to us, Nephy" Connie quietly replied. Using a chance, She quickly rushed to Peridot and grabbed her hand "Come here, you living Dorito! I don't need another Creepy White Diamond in my entire life."

"Connie! The Light!" Pearl pointed to the switch. They forgot to turn it off.

"Annnnnd switch off!" Connie turned off the lights, making everything dark.

"Now be quiet. Wait for Steven's voice and get yourself ready." Pearl tried to make everyone to hear with keeping her voice down.

The Crystal Gems gave thumbs up to acknowledge they got an order from the Pearl. They waited for nearly a minute before they start to hear the footsteps. Everyone pressed to their covers as footsteps are getting louder and louder.

"I'm not sure, Ruby. Pearl said it concerns you too." They Heard Steven's voice.

"Connie, on Steven's mark!" Pearl quietly called out.

"Got it!" Connie got herself prepared to switch the lights on.

Steven opened the door and entered the Temple with Ruby and Sapphire.

"Oh, the lights are gone." Steven scratched his head. He faked it that he doesn't know why the lights are off.

"If it's about the Electricity, Steven. Peridot might be an expert...I can make a campfire if you want." Ruby shrugs while Sapphire smiled brightly. Perhaps she already saw the vision

"Actually we are not here for this...but BEEEECAUSE!"

Connie turned the lights on and everyone jumped out from their covers.

"HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!

"LET"S SING THAT SONG LIKE IT"S STEVEN'S BIRTHDAY!" Peridot suggested in a loud scream.

"THEN HAPPY WEDDING DAY, TO YOU! Everyone decided to use Peridot's idea.

"HAPPY WEDDING DAY, TO YOU!

"HAPPY WEDDING DAY, DEAR RUBY AND SAPPHIRE!"

"HAPPY WEDDING DAY TOOOOO YOUUUUU!

The Crystal Gems cheered and clapped to them. Ruby especially was shocked that they made a party just to celebrate their One Year Together!

"REALLY GUYS...IT"S BEEN ALREADY YEAR!" Ruby jumped twice in excitement.

"Damm right, Ruby! One Year is ready and Infiniteness to go!" Amethyst cheered.

Ruby then turned to her Sapphire, who is already smiling brightly. Her expression clearly gives she had seen a future vision...but never told anything.

"You knew it, My Sapphy?" Ruby whispered in delight, grabbing Sapphire's hands.

Instead of a direct answer to her, Sapphire extend her arms "HAPPY ONE YEAR, MY LOVE!"

Sapphire lunged at Ruby and Red Gem caught her love. Ruby then spun Sapphire in the air, laughing as they enjoying it. Their little dance ended with a passionate kiss to each other...And just in front of the Crystal Gems. The young married couple glowed into a bright light

As just before they know:

Garnet appeared in her full form.

"Hope didn't miss the party." Garnet corrected her glasses and crossed her arms. Giving their friends a weak smile.

"Well, technically it's only started as-" Peridot wanted to point out.

Pearl quickly closed Peridot's mouth "No, Garnet. The Party will never start without you. Thank our Bady Boy because he is the responsible for the idea of Anniversary in the first place...and we supported it."

"Yeah, G. My Bro is behind all of this!" Amethyst vouched.

Garnet kneeled to Steven and gave a warm hug as for everything he did.

"Happy One Year being with yourself, Garnet," Steven whispered, deciding to make a little harmless joke.

"Thank you, Steven. Ruby and Sapphire are very grateful for everything you all have done." Garnet rubbed his hair, making him giggle. She then raised on feet and stared at her friends, without any word.

"You think what I'm thinking!" Amethyst grinned at Garnet

Garnets nods to Amethyst

"Let's party, Crystal Gems"


The Milky Way Galaxy/Somewhere In The Gem Empire Territory/The H.G.C Star Executor/Command Deck.

The travel through the systems has been BORING from Pearl's perspective. The crew has been very quiet and there is nothing to make White Pearl cheer herself up...And stars, she can hear Cassiterite quietly singing the song.

"We are Crystal Gems..."

"We always saved the day"

"If we can't-"

"We always find the-."

"What are you singing, Cassiterite?" White Pearl interrupted with boring manner. She slowly slams her head against the chair's comfy pillow just for fun.

Cassiterite sighed, making herself comfortable on her Commander seat. "The old Motto of Crystal Gems, Pearl. Still quite remember when we sing it during the Rebellion."

By mentioning, Cassiterite slowly chuckled, picturing how Crystal Gems used to sing his song "We loved that song. It drove us to fight in the name of Rose Quartz..."

"Still have a nostalgia for the Rebellion?" White Pearl smirks.

Cassiterite gazed at White Pearl with a harsh expression "I don't have any nostalgia for the liers and deceivers, Pearl."

White Pearl made a pity face to mock Cass's severe state of despair "Ohh! Why so? I thought lie was an average thing in Crystal Rebellion. Maybe we could ask Rose Quartz about the truth-AW TOO SOON!" White Pearl joked.

"Your humor is staggering, White Pearl." Cassiterite smirked. Thank the stars she is her friend...otherwise, she would throw her out of the airlock.

"At least her jokes are better than Grand Clarity White Diamond's, Cass. Her jokes are the worst." Akray comments, placing the Unit Card on his battleground against Vice Admiral's "Your turn."

"And to be honest. with you, Pearl. We thought we fighting for liberty and Freedom for Earth...only to realize we are fighting Pink Diamond's Independence so that she could do with Earth everything she wants."

"Yeah right! Most of the Rebellions I hear I always imagine like this."

White Pearl stood up to improvise the random Rebel Leader

"Hey, Gems!

"Are You tired of Super Powerfull Interstellar Empire who defeated 291 Empires,"

"Have 5000 Thousand Planets"

"and has the most powerful Leaders in the existence?"

...

"LET"S REBEL AND BE SHATTERED IN SPARKS!"

Cassiterite didn't enjoy how Pearl ignores Crystal Rebellion's damages towards the Gem Empire. "You want my joke about the Crystal Rebellion! let me show it to you, Pearl!"

The Grand Admiral stood up to improvise the state of Gem Empire by her acting skills.

"Knock-knock,

It's Crystal Rebellion!

"I heard you have a problem with one Planet, well GUESS WHAT MOTHERCLODERS!

"WE WILL FIX THIS PROBLEM AND ABANDON YOU IN SEVERE STATE OF DEPRESSION, COLLAPSE AND DOWNFALL!"

"OH LOOK! YOUR WHITE DIAMOND FADED AWAY!"

"WELL GOODBYE FOREVER!"

"AND THEN *BOOOOOM!*" Cassiterite improvised the explosion of Homeworld.

"BIG EXPLOSIOOON!"

"HOMEWORLD CHUCNKS EVERYWHERE"

"WE ARE NOW EXTINCT RACE!"

White Pearl remained silent...and the crew too. Lord Protector and Vice Admiral stopped playing their Card Game and stared at Cassiterite in amusement.

Cassiterite dropped her arms and sighed, realizing she went out of her mentality "I hope you get my point, White Pearl. Gem Empire was ruined by Black Corruption and Crystal Rebellion finished it."

"Although I can see how Cassiterite is bored too yet she made a good point, Pearl...Your turn, Vice Admiral" Arkay then continued playing his card game with Vice Admiral

White Pearl just throws her hands in the air "Fine, I get it! Now please! Tell me when we will reach Pink Diamond's Colony!"

"6 Systems left, Illusive's White Pearl." Navigator Peridot replied, boringly watching at the Galaxy Map.

"GREAT!" White Pearl sang "I will be shattered by being bored here! WHY IT"S BORING IN YOUR SHIP, CASS!"

"I Don't know!"

"Then do something about it!" White Pearl screamed

"FINE! Be your way!" Cassiterite made a dramatic stood up and turned to her crew for the advice.

"My Gems! Any ideas on how to waste some time? Because Your Grand Admiral is bored too!"

"Sing a song!"

"Watch some Stars"

"Truth Or Dare!"

"Hide and Seek!"

"Enough!" Cass stopped them "That's a game for Gemlings! I mean the games for real Gems like us!"

"I can offer you're a card game, Cass" Arkay called out, placing the card.

Cassiterite turned around and looked at him in confusion "The one who you're playing."

"Indeed, Cassiterite. Before the Black Corruption. There was a popular game called "Gem Gwent" it' turn-based card game between two players." Arkay replied.

"Isn't that game you're playing with Vice Admiral right now?" White Pearl presumed.

"Yep..." Arkay puts his last card "You have 36 Power Points and I have 51, Admiral. You must catch up with my number or above. If not, you lose this battle"

Vice Admiral looked at her cards, she has one Peridot Unit with 2 Power Points and Quartz Soldier with 3 Power Points.

"No, I don't have powerful cards, So I loose" Vice Admiral slammed the cards on the table in defeat, making her return to the workstation.

"Happens..." Arkay grabbed the cards and shuffled them. "You might play with me, Cass. It's quite fun game than you think."

"Why should I wasted my time with the cards?" Cassiterite scowled.

"You can play against Crystal Gem Faction in Gem Gwent." Arkay hinted

"THEN I'M PLAYING!" Cass immediately rushed for the chair to join the game. She laid her hands on the table and patiently waited for Arkay's order like some kind of pet.

Arkay placed boxes of a deck of cards in front of Cassiterite. "Okay first. You have to choose the faction you want to play. You have The Gem Empire itself with the Diamonds, The Crystal Gems, The Gem Rebel Alliance or The Black Legion Of Corruption."

"I will go with the Gem Empire...I'm loyalist after all" Cassiterite grabbed the Gem Empire's box of cards and opened them.

"I choose Black Legion Of Corruption" Arkay grabbed the box too.

"Aw, why not the Crystal Gems?"

"Black Legion is my favorite when it comes to massive deck card but weak power points of Units. The Crystal Gem's Faction is a little bit opposite of it." Arkay replied "Okay, now. What will be our Battleground? We have Homeworld, Pink Diamond's Colony or just space itself."

"Go for the Homeworld!" White Pearl called out.

"Well...someone wants to repeat the Black Corruption" Arkay murmured, placing the Card with Homeworld drawn on it.


Battleground Card: Homeworld

"Planet Of Planets, The Great Star of Our Universe...Please give me a duct tape, it's falling apart AGAIN!"


"What's with the humor on the cards?" White Pearl asked.

"It supposed to be like that!" Arkay replied "Just for hiccups"

"So what next?" Cassiterite caressed the surface of the Crystalline Table.

"Now, you have to choose the Leader Card for our Battle. Your options are Our White Diamond (Honor Her Name) or Golden Diamond."

Cass checked the two Leaders Cards.


Leader Card:

White Diamond: The Diamond Of The Diamonds

"Oh, Darling. You can't imagine The Agony We will deliver!"

Special ability: The Corruption Song

Description: If Gem Empire lost the round, unleash the song to Corrupt All The Gems on your enemies deck to turn them into mindless Beasts!


Or


Leader Card:

Golden Diamond: Protector Of Gemkind

"The Golden Protects!..."

Special ability: The Last Stand Of Gemkind.

If Gem Empire loses the round, Golden Diamond becomes the "Fallen Diamond" and increases every Diamond Unit by one power point. AVENGE THE FALLEN HERO!


"They seem to be useless" Cass murmurous.

"Believe me. You have to use The Leader Ability in case of extreme situations. Their abilities are very powerful and can be used only once per Game. They can be unlocked if Faction lost the round."

"Is there any other Leader Cards?" Cass checked her box.

"Well, there was supposed to be Goddess Diamond. But I don't have the complete set of cards...so no."

"Shame...Fine I will go with my Glorious White Diamond then" Cassiterite placed the White Diamond Leader Card on the table.

"Good, I will go with the Black Diamond: The Betrayer for the serious injury."


Leader Card:

Black Diamond: The Renegade

"Your Doom has finally arrived, White Diamond!"

Special ability: The Corruption Terror.

If The Black Legion lost the round. Black Diamond can corrupt All Gems except Diamonds in the enemy deck and transfer them to The Black Legion Faction.


"The abilities are bit overpowered...Is there any strategy in this game?" Cassiterite checked her Faction Card Deck.

"Yes, You create your own style of play. This game is not about getting more power points to win. You need to make your own kind of trick or strategy to win the battle. So shall we begin?"

"Who goes first?"

"The one who has the short name according to the rules"

"Ha! Arkay wins easily!" White Pearl comments

"Actually, Cassiterite wins. My Name Is Lord Protector Morokei Of Great Diamond Order. The Tittle is also a part of my official name. So start the battle, Grand Admiral"

"With pleasure." Cassiterite shuffled her 30 random cards and picked 5 five cards for her hand.

She got Yellow Peridot, Blue Quartz Soldier, The Amethyst Knight Of Diamond Inquisition, Yellow Diamond As Legendary Unit and Diamond Defender.

"Here" She dropped a Yellow Peridot Card with 2 Power Points.

Arkay finished shuffling his card deck and grabbed 5 cards. He got: The Corrupted Black Pearl, The Follower Of Wild Hunt, Lord Protector Rahgot: The Hatred As Legendary Unit, The Corrupted Quartz Berserker, and Corrupted Gem Beast.

"I go with the classic enemy for Homeworld." Arkay drops the Corrupted Gem Beast

"Then I will unleash PURGE on you, heretic!" Cassiterite roleplayed and laid a Card of The Amethyst Knight Of Diamond Inquisition Unit

"War for the War Diamond! Shards For The Shard Throne! BOOM!" Arkay laid a Card of The Corrupted Quartz Warrior.

"It will be interesting..." White Pearl said to herself, intensively watching their game.


Sometime Later.

The game between Arkay and Grand Admiral Cassiterite has been quite tense from Pearl's perspective. Arkay has lost the first round as he didn't get much power points and refused to sacrifice his remaining card for the battle.

As for Cassiterite, she nearly placed all her cards on the table. She is having a powerful Diamond Cards like Yellow Diamond with High Lady Diamond Inquisitor as Legendary Card Heroes. Alongside her faction has a good amount of Gem Units and Lesser Important Diamond Units

So Cassiterite has 78 Power Points for her faction. Yellow and High Lady Inquisitor have 10 Power Points in their Cards while All Gems with 32 Powers Points in overall with some less Important Diamond Units in her deck around 10 or 15.

For Arkay's Black Legion Faction. He has only 61 Power Points. He placed nearly all The Corrupted Lord Protectors, The Followers of Wild Hunt and a decent army of Corrupted Black Legion Gems.

"Looks like you lost this war, Arkay. Lay your final card and let's acknowledge the power of our White Diamond." Cassiterite put her hands on the back of her head and relaxed, feeling the smell of sweet victory

Arkay smirked by her clouded mind "Unfortunately for you, Cass. I may have lost the round but I unlocked my Black Diamond's Ability. So by My decision, I unleash "The Corruption" on your Gems and take them into my deck."

"Um okay..." Cass nervously scratched her hair and gave all the cards of Gems to Arkay. She now only has The Diamond Units in her deck.

"Then I pass my turn and the result is..." Arkay counted his PowerPoints and raised his hands in the air "By the Stars! 93 Power Points!"

"WHAT! How! that's not fair!" Cass slammed her fist. Then she quickly counted her Powers Points and it's only 46 Power Points!

"Like I told you, It's not about how much Power points the faction has. It's about the strategy."

"But I still have One Round left!" Grand Admiral removed all the cards from her battleground and So Arkay did for the next.

"And no cards left on you which means You're defeated, Grand Admiral!" Arkay dramatically dropped his last card on the table. It just a Corrupted Beast Gem with 1 Power Pont.


The Black Legion Of Corruption has won the Battle:

"We shall deny White Diamond and her manipulations!"

"We shall deny Goddess Diamond and her lies for peace!"

"We shall deny Golden Diamond and her honor!"

"Death to the False Diamonds!

For Renegade Black Diamond!

Let the Galaxy BURN IN HER NAME!"

- A Dirge of Black Legion


"But I still can use my Leader Card to destroy your unit. It will be an even!" Cassiterite complained.

"On corrupted Gem? You're corrupting already corrupted Gem by Black Diamond! Which means I still won!"

"Screw you, you clod! You're the cheater!" Cassiterite cursed, standing up and returning to her Captain Seat.

"But can't White Diamond corrupt corrupted Gems to her side?" White Pearl approached him.

"According to the rules, she can't. Corrupted Gems are set on either on Gem Empire or Black Legion faction. They can't change the sides."

"That's pure idiocy." White Pearl muttered

"Hey, I never made any rules! I played by the manual"

As they finished playing the game. The Peridot Navigator raised her hand to inform her Grand Admiral,

"What is it, Peridot?" Cassiterite muttered.

"My Grand Admiral, We are one system away from Pink Diamond's system. The Rest of the Executor's Crew request authorization to use FTL Hyper Jump to reach the orbit of Pink Diamond's in pure sparks."

"Request granted." Admiral Cassiterite tapped her fingers.

Minute later. Cassiterite had enough of the awkward silence. So she returned to Arkay and sat to her previous chair

"I presume you Wouldn't mind a few rounds of Gwent again?" Arkay smirked.

"Want a little competition? I wage 2000 Gemcrits that I will beat your cheating ass in this game." Cassiterite grins in confidence.

"Ooooohh" Some of her crew took an interest in their game.

Arkay carefully laid his cards on the table. He took a good look at Cassiterite before he gave his answer.

"Make it 3000 and we have a deal"

"Shady Lord Protector, huh? Never thought you're a cloding Pirate!" Cassiterite cursed at him.

"Appreciate it, I was a quite pirate in the previous life." Arkay chuckled

He then leaned towards her, shame she can't see his face to witness it.

"But to balance our wage. I will put my mask into our Game. If you lose, you will pay 3000 Gemcrits. I lose, I will pay 2000 Gemcrits and you will get my mask as a trophy too."

"Ooooohhh...It's going to be awesome!" White Pearl hyped. it would be interesting if she could see his real face. Lord Protectors are quite famed with "Anonymous" Profile they always had in Diamond Order...

Cassiterite leaned forward to him, she took a good stare at him as and nodded in agreement. Their competition...begins now.

"Let's play your game then, you clod."


Meanwhile on Beach City

The Party has been quite...calm. Unlike the wedding, their party is mostly just for laughs, jokes and family dinner. But Garnet didn't mind it. Sometimes the calm dinner part is more enjoyable...

...than having your wedding ruined by Diamonds.

As for now, Steven, Connie, Amethyst, and Greg are enjoying the delicious cake. Nephrite refused and preferred the bag of chips as for dinner. The rest are..well...because they Gems after all...

"Anyone want another piece of cake?" Pearl gently cut the small piece and offered them.

Amethyst raised her hand, waving in a swift motion to make Pearl acknowledge her.

"Anyone?" Pearl ignored Amethyst.

"I'm HERE you salty bird! Don't ignore me!" Amethyst called out

"You ate too much already, Amethyst. Give Steven or Connie to eat the cake too. They deserve more than you do."

"Don't worry, Pearl. I'm already full" Steven replied.

"Me too, Pearl. I do enjoy the cakes and but I try to keep myself fit, remember?" Connie joked.

Pearl chuckled "Fine, Amethyst. You're getting the last piece of cake and no more." Pearl brought a small piece to Amethyst

"No promises, Hehe!" Amethyst quietly laughed like a maniac, licking her lips.

Pearl immediately walked to Bismuth, checking how she is

"Do you want anything else, Bismuth? You seem so quiet."

"Nah, I'm fine, Pearl. Thank you for inviting me though..." Bismuth nods, drinking the glass of water.

"And you, Nephrite, you want something?"

"More Chips, please!" Nephrite respectfully asked and raised her bowl. Pearl gladly grabbed the bowl and came back from the kitchen with a bowl full of chips for Nephrite.

"Here you go. Enjoy" Pearl gently laid the bowl and went to help other Guest.

But when she passed Garnet who is silently doing nothing. Pearl crouched to her to ask her.

"Do you want something, Garnet? You are very quiet too." She whispered for the only Garnet to hear. She doesn't want Steven to hear her voice...

"No..I'm fine." Garnet slowly nods.

"You sure?" Pearl dissapointingly sighted. She gently laid her hand Garnet's shoulder "Look, If you really don't like the party. Then I'm really sorry it's not what you expected, Garnet. I try-"

"Don't be. I'm enjoying it...Sapphire and Ruby too." Garnet smiled.

"Hey, Pearl" Steven gently called out "Have you got a minute?"

Pearl walked to Steven, crouching to meet his level. "You want something, my baby?"

"No, it just I see you're quite worried with party's progression, Pearl. Don't be...it's not an official party, unlike the Wedding..." Steven whispered.

Pearl chuckled from it "I'm not worried, Steven. I'm just trying to make everyone feel calm and better. You have to admit It's a rare occurrence when we can have a fun time as a family without some to interrupt us."

*Knock Knock*

The Crystal Gems alongside Greg and Connie stopped having the fun and looked at the door.

"That's probably Priyanka. She said she might visit us." Greg shrugs.

"My Mom is still working as far as I know..." Connie bit her lip, she noticed that Peridot is very close to the door as she is playing with Pumpkin and...sleeping Lion.

"Peri, maybe you could check who it might be since you're closer to the door?" Connie asked her nicely.

"Yeah-yeah...lazy human" Peridot gets up with on her feet with annoying expression and walked to the door with Pumpkin following.

When she opened the door. Peridot dropped her jaws with Pumpkin stop breathing like a dog when they saw...

her.

"Hey-ya, How is Your Mission with Jasper doing, huh? Your reports are delaying for nearly a cycle." Aquamarine greeted with a warm smile, elbowing against the doorframe.

Peridot immediately slammed the door and run to the living room.

"That stupid Fairy is back!" She exclaimed in anger. Pumpkin barked in a very aggressive manner, trying to warm them too.

The Crystal Gems looked each other with confusion. They didn't panic as they're not afraid that Aquamarine will cause harm again. Blue Diamond put a strict order to NOT kidnaps Humans anymore on her Court. But the question is...

Why she is back?

"Say hello from the past apparently" Greg sighed, dropping the fork as he lost appetite.

Garnet clenched her hand in anger...it's the second time someone ruins her special day. "Not a moment of peace for us. I will have a nice chat with her.." She then raised herself.

Pearl rushed to Garnet and stopped her "I will take the matter, Garnet. It's your day." Pearl made Garnet to sit down again.

She then removed her kitchen apron and summoned spear. Pearl then slowly and carefully approached the main door and took a ready stance before opening it

"Oh, Hey, Pearl! Blue Di- BY THE STARS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Aquamarine raised her arms as Pearl nearly pierced her Gemstone with her spear.

"Do your Diamond don't understand we are done with Homeworld or White Diamond!? We are not coming back!" Pearl moved her spear closer to Aquamarine gemstone.

"But we came in PEACE!" Aquamarine looked back to give a signal "Amethyst, do your thing! Show them we came with peace!"

A little bit far away. Blue Amethyst raised a sign that says "P.E.A.C.E" with a hand-drawn picture of Earth and Homeworld with a heart between them and began to sing the song Aquamarine prepared.

"Peace!"

"Oh, Peace!

"We come here with Peace!

"Please don't shatter us!"

"We are here for Peeeeaeece!"

With the simple song ended. Both Aquamarine and Blue Amethyst made a bright smile to Pearl, hoping she at least got the message for what they want.

Pearl slowly lowered her speak in confusion, not understanding what their intentions. Aquamarine's stance was calmed but Pearl will not go easy on the Blue Fairy for everything she did.

"Speak then, Aquamarine. What do you want?"

Aquamarine cleared her throat, taking a good look at Pearl spear before explaining.

"As I mentioned. We come here for a news. You see, O-Our Blue Diamond is in orbit. She wants to speak with...Steven as she calls him."

"What for!" Pearl again raised her spear at Aquamarine, presuming that she wants to steal him again.

"SHE KNOWS HOW TO BRING PINK DIAMOND ALIVE!" Blue Amethyst exclaimed behind Aquamarine.

"Let me guess...I should kill my Child by her plan?" Pearl hissed. "Well, that's not gonna happen! Now get lost before I will poof you!"

"NO! PLEASE JUST LISTEN TO AQUAMARINE, PINK PEARL! SHE TELLS THE TRUTH! BLUE HAS A PLAN AND IT WILL GONNA WORK!" Blue Amethyst begged.

"Pearl. Maeby we could hear from her too! I think it concerns everyone now!" She heard Steven's voice.

Pearl accepted Steven's idea. She released a breath and lowered her spear. She decided to let Aquamarine give a chance to explain.

But first...

"Wand" Pearl waved her fingers towards Aquamarine, requesting in a very quiet respectful manner

"Wh-"

"Give me your wand!" Pearl this time increased her voice if Aquamarine seriously has a problem of the understanding request.

"OKAY, JUST TAKE IT!" Aquamarine in fear immediately hands wand to Pearl.

"Good." Pearl tossed her Wand to the couch so that Aquamarine won't have a chance to snatch from Pearl's hand "I will give you one chance...but you!" Pearl pointed at Blue Amethyst "You will stay here and don't go anywhere!"

"Yes, mam" Amethyst repḷed obediently. Never in her existence, she witnessed a very Crazy Pearl.

Pearl grabbed Aquamarine by her collar and brought her to the living room. The Crystal Gems except Steven gave a death stare to Aquamarine.

"Is it wise to have the kidnapper here, Pearl?" Connie crossed her arms.

"Bet she just here to take him back from us." Bismuth slowly cracked her fingers.

"Aquamarine told me Blue Diamond wants to see Steven again..." Pearl let go of the Aquamarine and she collapsed on her butt, making one "ow" noise before shutting her mouth completely.

"What for, Aquamarine?" Steven quietly asked, He came closer to Aquamarine and sat on his knees in front. Pearl moved behind Aquamarine to watch any sudden movement she will try to use.

"She want's to take you back to Homeworld. She has an idea how to bring Pink Diamond." Aquamarine nervously explained.

"Oh, Boy. Here we go again...another trip to that place" Greg lost his mood already, seeing his son suffer and suffer makes him depressed.

"Oh, We get it. It will be like the last time we nearly lost Steven thanks to White Diamond, huh Aqua-midget? You think we that stupid!" Amethyst sneered.

"Believe me! The situation is different! There is an idea how to bring Pink Diamond without killing Steven. That's Blue Diamond's words, not mine! And I'm here to deliver it!"

"She can't deliver by herself?" Garnet asked in a calm voice...although she also holds her anger.

"We don't want to create another massive panic again. Blue Diamond is on your side, remember?"

"And you, Aquamarine? You seem so friendly since the last time I saw you." Steven again asked, trying to be nice at her.

"That's what my Diamond ordered: Be nice to Crystal Gems. Otherwise, things would escalate into violence with me and her..." Aquamarine muttered, shaking in fear as she is surrounded by Gems who wish her shattering.

Steven then looked at Pearl to suggest the solution "Maeby she should talk to Blue Diamond personally. It's better to learn from her. Blue indeed doesn't wish to hurt me anymore."

"Yes-Yes-YES! Steven is right! Blue will explain-" Aquamarine tried to persuade them.

Pearl brought her spear closer to Aquamarine's Gemstone, making Blue fairy stop in pure seconds.

"When she wants to see us?" Pearl normally asked her this time.

"She wanted to quick as possible...but she will understand if you need to take some time. Just give me a signal and I will teleport all of you to our Newly Redesigned Handship." Aquamarine stuttered, holding her hands in the air.

Pearl then gazed at Steven. She still doesn't understand why Steven wants to experience the nightmares he had on Homeworld

"You really want that, Steven? After all that you went through...and White Diamond did to you. I-"

"Let's give a try, Pearl." Steven slowly approached her, grabbing her hand "Maeby Blue really wants to help me...and maybe we would see my Mom finally..."

"Steven..." Pearl tore a bit. Greg also wiped his eye from any tears...he can't say what he will feel once he will see his wife...

Happy...

or angry for everything she lied?

"You always wanted to see her again, Pearl." Steven caressed her hand.

"I do...but not without you..." Pearl crouched to him "I love you too, My baby...I don't want to trade with you or Rose. I do wish to see you both."

"Then let's give a try...for me...for yourself...and for mom." Steven then squeezed her hand. He can feel how Pearl fights with her old self who wanted to sacrifice everything to bring Rose back...

"If it's relly wish..." Pearl wiped her tears and made one last breath of gloominess before she unsummoned her spear. Aquamarine finally sighed in relief.

"You will spend the night here on Earth, Aquamarine. For the morning, you will teleport us to her Handship once we will be ready." Pearl strictly ordered.

"Why should I wait for you?" Aquamarine snarled.

"Because I still don't trust you will not do anything to make me regret giving you chance." Pearl hissed back.

"Understood...can I have my wand back?"

"NO!" The Crystal Gems exclaimed at her.

"And get out from our home, you clod! Nobody likes your presence!" Peridot showed her finger towards the exit.

"...I will be on the beach...if you need me." Aquamarine lowered her eyes and left them alone. Steven noticed Her walk was slow and weak like she felt broken...he does have some kind of pity for her.

"So...it happens again." Greg sighs, shaking his head to imagine how everything just repeats itself.

"We seriously should be looking at the future" Amethyst rolled her eyes. "The Past is really destroying our lives."

Pearl slowly turned to the Crystal Gems, her face is also filled in wordiness.

"Garnet, what you think?" Pearl called out, hoping what she will say to them.

Garnet raised herself from the chair, she crossed her arms to give a simple answer "I object this...but I still go for Steven's own wish."

Connie also stood up to show her support "Me too, Pearl. I'm going with Steven no matter where he goes. It's his decision and I'm going to support it."

"Hell yeah, sis!" Amethyst cheered, standing up.

Pearl sighs in a good way. She is glad that her friends will support Steven no matter where he goes...but that's what concerns her more.

"So...should we end this party, Garnet? I already can feel you lost your mood thanks to Aquamarine."

Everyone turned their heads to Garnet, waiting patiently for her reply.

"let's end it, Gems. We must be prepared for tomorrow...but thank you for the party." Garnet gladly nodded "I will help to clean."

"No no! We will handle it, Garnet. The Part is may be over but is still your day. Just relax and we will clean everything" Pearl assured.

"...if you need something, I will be outside...watching Aquamarine." Garnet nodded and left the living room...

"Greg, Bismuth could you help us to a tidy room while I clean the dishes?" Pearl grabbed dirty dishes.

"Not a problem." They both agreed and went to find broom somewhere in the living room.

"I will help with the dishes, Pearl." Connie volunteered.

"Why thank you, Connie." Pearl nods with a smile.

"I will help you too" Steven also wanted to volunteer.

Pearl sighed and stopped washing her dishes. "Don't worry, Steven. You already have done your job for today by making this party become reality?" She smiled "It would be better if you gather all your strength for tomorrow..."

"Well, alright...I will be in my room. Connie? want to play some games once you will finish."

"Sure thing, Steven." Connie gladly nodded.

"Have fun, Sport!" Greg called out, using his broom to gather crumbs onto Scoop with Bismuth

Steven nodded to his dad and went upstairs.

"Connie, could you take trash bin? I will finish with the dishes and you can have fun with Steven." Pearl suggested.

"Sure thing, Pearl." Connie immediately went to the grab the trash bag from the bin and went outside.

When Connie left outside. Greg took the chance to ask Pearl.

"Something wrong?" Pearl asked, noticing he gently approached her.

"What Aquamarine said really bothers me...Do you really think Blue Diamond found the way...to bring Rose again?" Greg asked.

"No..." Pearl laid the clean dishes on Dish Dryer and just...stopped. She looked at her reflection on water in the sink before answering.

"You already know Steven's uniqueness, Greg...Now-" Pearl looked at Greg, "Rose won't come back...and I won't murder my growing baby boy...I learned my mistake."

Greg sighed "I understand, Pearl. But there is always a chance." Greg slowly made one step forward to her "

I know you can't trust her for the reasons...but we all already know Blue Diamond is not a cliche villain from the movies. She is desperate to see Rose just like me and you...and ironically...She believes in a simple word that inspires Humans to go forward no matter the obstacles it came across."

"And what's the word, Greg?" Pearl slowly whispered..

"It's a really a simple word..." Greg laid his hand on Pearl's shoulder.

"Hope"


Tomorrow

On the next day. The Crystal Gems alongside Connie with Steven gathered around outside their temple. Pearl with Garnet spent the entire night watching over Aquamarine and Blue Amethyst.

Steven grabbed his cheeseburger pack and warm clothes for any case. Connie did the same thing. It's unknown Homeworld Eco System works there and like Connie told him. One minute can be cold another very hot for her.

"Crystal Gems." They heard Aquamarine's voice.

"What is it?" Pearl replied back in a suspicious voice.

"Tell me. Do all Crystal Gems will meet Blue Diamond or just a portion of you?" Aquamarine angerly asked...she already wasted her existence here on this dirt Planet for nothing good.

"Why you care?" Pearl grumbled back.

In, reply. Aquamarine showed two strange blue Crystal Cubes to them.

"This Cubes will allow to communicate with two individuals no matter how far they are. Since Blue Diamond trusts you. You can have one cube to the Crystal Gems who will stay here and another to who will go to my Diamond."

Aquamarine carefully hands two cubes to Pearl.

"Bismuth, Nephrite...do you plan to go with us?" Pearl looked at them.

"It would be better if they will stay here since they still considered to be traitors according to our Databases," Aquamarine added.

"And I think I would stay here and watch over Nephrite, Lion, and Greg, Pearl. Nephrite still has hard time difficulties handling herself. I'm sorry if you really want me to go with you" Bismuth explained, awkwardly scratching her hair.

"It's okay, Bismuth. We understand it completely. We won't be that long so take care of Nephrite." Pearl hands Bismuth one of the cubes.

"Good luck, my old friend." Bismuth shared a hug to Pearl.

Steven meanwhile stares at the sky, wondering if she watches us...his memories of that cracked planet are now filled with horror...

"You think she is behind all of this?" Connie asked, staring at the sky with Steven.

"Who you mean?" Steven whispered

"You know who I'm speaking about, Steven..." Connie leaned to him and whispered in a very haunting manner

"White Diamond"

Steven shivered by her cold word "I hope not, Connie...I wish it's only Blue Diamond's idea...I'm really afraid to meet her if we would able to bring my mom back."

"Afraid it would be a lot of screaming coming from your mom on Diamonds?" Connie sympathized.

"...Quite so." Steven chuckled...before his mood dropped again.

Steven then looked back to witness how Pearl hugged Bismuth with Nephrite and waved them goodbye. Looks like the time is ticking.

"Come on, Connie. It starts now..."

Steven approached to Lion. Lion immediately pounced on his paws and gently walked to his master, sniffing him.

"Don't miss us, okay? I know you hate when we leave you alone...but I won't be long this time. I promise, bud...perhaps you will see your previous owner too." Steven caressed Lion's head.

Lion in response nuzzled him and licked his face.

"I love you too, Lion!" Steven giggled, wrapping his arms around Lion's mane and embraced him in a tight hug.

Steven did a goodbye kiss to Lion's forehead and walked to his Dad. Connie also approached Lion to say her final goodbyes.

"Hey, Dad." Steven begins...and already he forgot what he wanted to say.

Greg closed his eyes and sighed...apart of him just wishes it just a dream "Well, Sport. I must say. Homeworld really started pulling you more frequently...it will be your second visit, I'm a right?"

"Third..." Steven quietly corrected.

Greg shook his head. "Jee, I'm really sorry, Chump. It's my fault you're being terrorized by Homeworld that frequently...I should have never met Blue Diamond that day."

"Don't be, Dad." Steven laid his hand on Dad's shoulder "Thinks might be rough but we are progressing. Yellow with Blue won't see us hostile anymore."

"And White Diamond?"

Steven closed his mouth and gazed at the sand...trying to come up with something.

"It's...complicated..." Steven scratched his hair.

"So...instead of two charming Giant Women. We have to worry for a Statue..." Greg sighed. But he made a quite smirk as he found something funny "if someone told me our Planet is in danger by the statue...I would laugh at it...if it wasn't true."

"Maeby she also wants to see my mom, dad. I promised Pink Diamond will return one day...and her response was only this:"

"We will see it, Starlight." Steven tried to improvise her creepy voice.

"Quite a Diamond..." Greg shivered by the word

Steven noticed that the Crystal Gems are finished saying goodbyes to everyone.

"It's time." Steven stood on his feet, turning to his dad.

Greg crouched and hugged him "Goodluck, My Champion. I know you will handle yourself. I will prepare some hotdogs for your arrival..and maybe for your mom."

"Thanks, dad. I love you too." Steven let of go of his dad and gave final goodbye wave before leaving him.

Connie approached Greg and hugged him too "Goodbye, Greg. I promise I watch over Steven's back."

"You always does" Greg smiled, embracing her too.

"And please, if my mum or dad will ask you where I'm. Tell them we went to rescue some Corrupted Gems or something. Mom wasn't quite fond when I told her about the White Diamond..."

"Don't worry, Connie. I won't...and be careful, my dear. You have a bright future and I don't want to see it ruined by White Diamond...or anybody else."

"You know I won't give up that easily' Connie joked as she let go of him. She waved a goodbye to Greg before she joined with others

"So it's everyone ready?" Aquamarine sighed.

"Yes"

"Now can I have my wand back?"

"Until we will see Blue Diamond..." Pearl hissed, holding Aquamarine's wand.

Aquamarine growled. "Alright fine. Please walk back as the procedure is dangerous."

The Blue Fairy then dropped a weird ball on the ground and it literally exploded.

"I TOLD YOU!" Pearl summoned her spear.

Pearl thought it was a trick but stopped as she noticed where the ball exploded is now a...

Warp Pad?

"I told you I'm your side, Pink Pearl. What else should I prove to you?" Aquamarine sneered. Pearl just ignored that.

"But what is that? I have never seen this thing before." Peridot asked, taking an interest in this new piece of technology she witnessed.

"Portable Warp Pad from White Court, Peridot. The Era 3 will soon begin and you all still stuck with outdated technology."

The Crystal Gems just decided to slip Aquamarine's insult and approached to the warp pad.

"Goodbye, Chump. Say hi to Blue Diamond from Charming Mr. Universe! He misses her too!" Greg waved his hand.

"Stay safe! Tell Blue Diamond to stop crying already!" Bismuth with Nephrite waved their hands

"HAVE FUN!...AND TELL LAPIS I MISS HER TOO!" Peridot waved her hand.

*Bark* Pumpkin said his goodbye. Lion roared in his might as a goodbye sign

"Don't worry, Guys! We won't be that long! I promise!" Steven waved his hand with Crystal Gems before they all teleported with Aquamarine and Blue Amethyst away and the portal closed in thin air.

But at the same time...

somewhere in Homeworld...

A Diamond Smiled...

"Good...Good"

"We will enjoy your return..."

"Starlight..."