So sorry for the wait! But, because you guys have been awesome, I have a little something for two lucky Pokemon X, Y, Omega Ruby, or Alpha Sapphire fans/owners! I have two codes for a shiny, Mythical Level 100 Genesect! Just read the chapter, leave a review, and at the end of your review, just add ::Genesect Contest::. Easy enough, right? Now on to the story!

Grappling at the black gem that shone through a specific hole in my shirt (that I could feel wasn't actually a shirt, but an actual part of me), I gasped out, "What – Steven! W-What do I do? I can't be a Gem! I'm a human!" Looking up with utter panic, tears sprang to my eyes as I settled my gaze on Steven. "Steven, I... What's going on? How did this happen? What's going to happen to me?!" By that point, I was sure I should have been hyperventilating... But I wasn't. 'Right. Because Gems are different... than humans... And I'm not human anymore... But I had just gotten my memories back! What the hell is going on?'

"I... I can't deal with this right now! I'm... I'm sorry, Steven!" With that, my legs began moving of their own accord, running out of the beach house and leaping easily from the deck to the beach far below. I never in my right mind would have attempted that jump but some unfamiliar instincts kicked in and I was suddenly soaring through the air. I couldn't think on I it though as I felt my bare feet hit the sand and take off.

It was actually a strange sensation. My running speed was beyond incredible, but I couldn't focus on that as tears blurred my vision. After running such a huge stretch, probably around five miles, I still felt as though I could keep running forever. I didn't feel tired at all. However, I knew I needed to find a spot somewhere to sit down so I could gather myself together.

'I'm... I'm a Gem, now. I'm an onyx... I don't even remember seeing any onyx Gems when Yellow Diamond invaded earth seven years ago. But I didn't get to see all of them because...'

'Mom... Dad... They were trying to take me somewhere safe. I was hurt and Mom was in the back seat with me treating my bleeding head. I remember the pouring rain, and I couldn't help but worry about Dad's bad driving. We had almost made it to the next city before a landslide completely swept my family's vehicle off that cliff.'

'I lost my memory, but Mom and Dad... They lost their lives. My... my parents are dead! They were the only family I had left and they were taken away from me so fast! It... It's not fair!'

'And now I'm suddenly a Gem! Some random Homeworld Gem had experimented on me and turned me into a freaking Gem against my will and the process was excruciating!'

'But... Asides from the pain and torment... Is it really such a bad thing? If I really am a full Gem, then does that mean that I'll have powers and super strength and basically the ability to not die as long as my Gem stayed intact? Oh, this is all so confusing! What do I do?!'

I probably stayed in place for a good few hours, lamenting and trying to put the pieces of my life back together in my mind. I would go from crying because I had lost my parents to panicking because I had been turned into a Gem. After finally exhausting my brain, I knew it was time to go back and face everyone. If I was a Gem, then I was going to need Steven's family's help desperately. I had too many questions to even count.

Instead of running back to the temple, I walked at a leisurely pace, trying to blank out my mind as I focused on the bright shining stars that lit up the night sky. It may have been considered stalling, but after everything I had been through, I felt as though I deserved to have a bit of meditation time as I walked and enjoyed the view.

Two hours later, I nervously trudged up the path to the beach house, noting the lights on inside. Heaving a sigh as I tried to build up some courage, I began ascending the stairs until I was stopped by an overly-worried voice.

"Ar – Connie, you're back!"

Looking up, I saw Steven as he let the screen door slam behind him before rushing towards me. In just a few short strides, he was on me, pulling me in close to him in almost a crushing hug. Voice muffled by my hair, he said, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Pulling back from Steven a bit so I could see his teary-eyed face, I smiled lightly. "I'm okay, Steven. I just needed to be alone and get my thoughts together. I'm glad I have my memory back, but... but it also brought back the memories of my parents, and they're gone now. It's... It's kind of tough to deal with, you know? But... But I know that as of right now, I should be focused on figuring out what all Bloodstone did to me. I don't have time to grieve... So I came back. I... I know I'm going to need help adjusting to my changes, and you and the other Gems are literally the only ones who can help me. I'm... I'm so sorry for running off like that. I'm sure it worried you, especially because I had just told you that my memory came back."

When I finished speaking, Steven wrapped me in his arms once more and hugged me even tighter. "We'll always be here for you, Connie. We'll do everything we can to turn you back to normal."

Steven released our embrace and led me inside by the hand as I answered hesitantly, "Well... That was one thing I thought about... Even if there's a way to make me... human again, I'm not sure... Well, I mean... Maybe I'll like being a... Gem. If what Bloodstone said is true about being converted into a full Gem, then that means I... Well, I won't really have to worry about growing old or dying and... and it would mean I can stay with you... I made a promise to you a long time ago to stay by your side, and now that I remember that, I still plan to keep it. Maybe... Maybe I'll make a good Gem! Maybe I can help on missions and stuff again. I'm way out of practice, but I remember everything from my training. Once I brush up on everything I can finally be an asset to you again, Steven!"

Steven made me sit on the couch as he busied himself in the kitchen to make what seemed to be hot cocoa. Still talking to me, he said in a bit of a nervous voice, "Are you sure you're okay about your parents? Do you even know what happened to them?"

Feeling my mood drop a bit once more, I said hesitantly, "Not really, I... When my parents took me... When they fled Beach City so my mom could patch me up, the rain became too much. A... A landslide started right as we reached it and it swept our car off a cliff... When I woke up in the hospital, they told me my parents had been tossed from the vehicle and into the river, which made the doctors presume them dead, but I didn't even know them at the time. I feel awful for ever forgetting them, but now that I remember them, I will always have my memories of them. But, I have to move forward. Something new and possibly exciting has happened to me, so it's obviously the path I should focus on. I want to make sure they're proud of me, always."

Steven sat down beside me with two hot mugs and handed one to me. After he sipped his cocoa a little bit, he looked at me with shimmering eyes. "Connie, you have no idea..." He tried to taper off as he seemed to change what he wanted to say, but I cleared my throat (which was strange considering I no longer had the need to) to prompt him. "Right. Um. When you left that day and didn't come back, I was... devastated. But you did come back finally... And then it nearly broke me that you claimed you weren't you, but Aria, and I was even more-so upset when I knew you'd lost your memories but my powers didn't heal you. I missed you... I missed you so much. And I'm so sorry about your parents, but if you've obtained peace with what happened... Then I'm really, truly happy for you. And I know that they're proud of you, and you will never disappoint them."

I sat down my hot chocolate and leaned sideways to hug Steven close. Not letting go, I looked down at the pale white of my skin which was a far cry from my dark Eastern complexion. "So... How did you recognize me back in the dungeon?"

Steven pulled away from the hug and looked at me hard. It made me a little nervous, so I immediately began playing with my impossible long, silky black hair. Finally, a smile appeared on his lips. "I could never mistake you. I can practically feel your energy. Plus, asides from your nose adjusting slightly, you still look exactly the same, just different clothes and light skin. You still look beautiful. You still look like Connie to me."

I blushed and turned my head away, suddenly finding great interest in the crystals scattered around the warp pad. "Bloodstone... Bloodstone said my Gem chose this form. I have no idea why, though. I've never been one to really dress like this..."

"I think it looks great," Steven said without hesitation, grinning at me. "With your black Gem, it really suits you."

Blushing a bit more at that, I looked back at Steven with caution. "Sp... Uh... Speaking of which... I'm an onyx, right? And all Gems have their own abilities suited to their Gems? So... What about my kind?"

Steven visibly went rigid, and I immediately knew something was wrong.

"Steven? What are onyx Gems meant for?"

Letting out a puff of air as he blew a stray lock from his face, he frowned. "I... I don't know much. There were three of them that showed up during the battle, and they were pretty... Ruthless. They managed to poof Lapis. I saved her Gem in time, but not before they did the same to Peridot. I was lucky to save both Gems, but it took Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and me to take the onyxs down." Steven seemed to noticed my stricken look, because his eyebrows shot up in recognition as he stuttered out, "B-but you're obviously not like them! You're still... You. You just look a little different and probably have magic powers. I think those onyxs were trained to be battle-hardened."

I relaxed a bit at Steven's retraction and something clicked in my mind. "Well, Bloodstone did try to use some kind of helmet thing to 'implant Gem tech' in my head. I managed to hold her off long enough for you guys to rescue me."

"You mean... She was trying to brainwash you or something?" Steven asked curiously, looking down at me.

Looking up at him to meet his gaze, I said, "Basically, yeah. I think. She said it would permanently alter my memories forever."

Setting his mug down, Steven grabbed my arm and used it to pull me to him. We had been hugging a lot lately, I noticed, but I didn't really mind. It was a comforting feeling.

"Well, the Gems and I managed to poof her and store her away, and Garnet made sure to destroy everything in that place that she could find before we left. You're safe now. Different, but you're still technically you and you're not hurt. Or, well... I mean, are you hurt?"

Shaking my head slowly, I said, "When I woke up the first time after... this..." I said as I lightly brushed my fingers over my gem. "It felt like every inch of me was on fire. It was so painful, Steven. Bloodstone said everything was going like it should though, and after waking up the second time with no pain, I'm assuming whatever the process was is all done. Except for the 'Gem tech' stuff. Now I'm... I'm Connie Maheswaren, the Onyx. Maybe... Maybe I can even become Onyx... Of the Crystal Gems."

Steven seemed to be trying to hold back tears, but he immediately straightened up when the warp pad activated and manifested Garnet and Pearl.

"Hey! You're back!" Steven exclaimed, not letting go of me where we were standing between the kitchen and living room.

"Yes, we needed to dispose of all of Bloodstone's possessions. Aria, how are you feeling?"

When Pearl asked this, Steven's smile seemed to almost blast through the room as he immediately plowed through his recount of everything. Some might have thought it wasn't his place to really tell my story, but I really didn't want to. My head was still kind of reeling from it. Amethyst strolled through the door, cramming fries in her mouth, so it was the five of us in the room.

"Amethyst, Garnet, Pearl...! She's not Aria! She got her memories back! She really is Connie!" Steven said, barely able to contain himself as he hugged me tighter. I couldn't help but feel nice and warm by his embrace, if a bit embarrassed because the other Gems were watching.

The three Gems all made a small noise of surprise, but Garnet was quick to speak with a large grin as she placed her hands on her hips. "While we're extremely glad that Connie has gotten her memories back, we knew it was her anyway. Everyone has their own, unique energy, and yours, Connie, is unmistakable. It's wonderful that you can remember again, though." Garnet paused for a moment before adding, "And I'm truly sorry about your parents, Connie. Doctor and Mr. Maheswaren were great people and incredible parents, and it's compassionate people like them that give us a reason to protect this planet."

I was sure my face was turning red as I muttered out, "Thank you, Garnet... Thank all of you. You came to rescue me, even though you could have easily left me there."

At that, I heard Lion growl in a grumpy tone as he appeared from the bathroom. God knew what he was doing in there. Along with Lion, all four of the Gems immediately began dismissing my gratitude.

"Connie, we would never – "

"We couldn't just leave you at her mercy – "

"We're not like that – "

"No way, I care about you too much!"

Steven's statement seemed to cut through everyone else', but it was overlooked as I continued, "But... Now that I have been turned into... A Gem... I hate to admit it but... I'm going to need everyone's help. I don't know what I am. I don't know what I'm supposed to be. I... I don't think there's a way to turn me back, but being a Gem means I'll be stronger. So, I guess I'm saying I need to be taught how to be a Gem." Turning my attention solely onto Pearl, I said, "Pearl, when Steven said I remembered everything, he meant everything. I may be a bit rusty, but I still remember how to sword fight. If you're willing, I would love for you to become my teacher again. And to learn alongside Steven, even if he's much stronger now than the last time we fought together."

Pearl had her hands clasped together in front of her mouth as her eyes swam with happy tears. "Oh! Yes... Of course I'll train you again!"

"Thank you," I said, bowing to her as my teacher once again.

"Wow, teaching a fully grown person how to be a Gem? This is gonna be weird," I heard Amethyst say from behind me. Turning to look at her, I saw Garnet beside her with a grin on her face.

"What... What are you smiling about?" I asked Garnet cautiously. With my memory back, it was a strange sensation interacting with the Gems. It was like we had just met all over again, or that I had just come back from a... seven year vacation... Right.

Garnet said joyfully, "You don't want to be a human again. You want to stay a Gem. This means Stevonnie has upgraded!"

Both Steven and I looked at her dumbfounded. "Huh?"

"Steven, Connie, now that Connie is a Gem, it means Stevonnie's gem powers will bounce off one another, making her extremely more powerful than when Connie was just a human." Garnet was noticeably excited.

"Wait," I stopped and asked, thinking for a moment. "Does that mean... Stevonnie won't really be Stevonnie anymore?"

Smiling gently, Garnet said, "Your actual fusion would be called Obsidian – however, I think Stevonnie is already perfect."

…

"So, remind me again why I can't keep living in my apartment..." I said irritably as I finished up packing what few belongings I had.

"Because you're a new Gem, and the first one ever to be created from a human. It will be safer for you and everyone else," Garnet said in her matter-of-fact tone as she stood there holding three large boxes in one hand.

"Garnets right, Connie. We don't yet know what you're capable of," Pearl backed her up as she scrubbed every inch of the apartment clean. "With you staying with us, it will be much easier to train you as well as protect you. The rogue Gem experiments and corrupted Gems that remain on Earth are drawn to us because of our Gems."

Taping up my last box, I stood as Steven took the box from me.

"But Lapis and Peridot get their own space!" I tried to argue.

"Connie," Steven said, frowning. " I know how hard you worked for your independence, but right now, you need us. Lapis and Peridot are fully self-aware Gems that can watch each others' backs. You don't even know what kind of weapon you have, let alone how to summon it."

"Steven's right, Connie," Pearl commented as she telekinetically rid herself of the grime from cleaning. "We all know how much you wanted your own space, but right now is just not a good time. I have your apartment looking cleaner than when you moved in, so you can at least get your deposit back."

Sighing in defeat, I finally relented. "Okay, I understand. It wouldn't be good for me to accidentally take the door off a business again... Controlling the strength is really tricky."

"Yeah, but I can't say the look on Kofi's face wasn't worth it!" Amethyst laughed joyfully as everyone began filtering out of my now former apartment. Locking the door behind me one last time, I dropped the key into an envelope and slipped it into my former landlord's mail slot.

"It's not funny, Amethyst!" Pearl growled at the younger Gem. "We have to keep Connie safe until she at least learns a little control over her powers. If we don't, she could seriously injure herself or someone else on accident!"

Dejectedly, I agreed. "Yeah. I don't... I don't think I could live with myself if I hurt someone..." As I said this, my hand automatically went to touch my Gem. I had noticed it had become a habit ever since that first day.

"Don't worry, Connie", Steven said as he pulled me sideways into a hug as we walked through the sand. "We'll make sure nothing happens to you. I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

More to come soon!

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