Steven Universe: Diamond Heart
Chapter Eleven: A Fun Night Indeed
After returning to the ship and setting a course for home, there was a celebration underway on the ship. Lights were flashing different colors, the whole crew was on deck, drinking, dancing, having the time of their lives. Even The Crystal Gems and their human accomplices were enjoying themselves, while Echo simply watch as Amethyst was doing some crazy dance moves on the dance floor.
"Check out these moves!" Amethyst boasted, doing a corkscrew head spin, as Echo simply watched.
"Yeah, you got moves, alright." Echo rolled his eyes, watching Amethyst dance.
Meanwhile, Micheal and Garnet were at the bar section of the ship, getting some drinks. The two sat at a table, as Micheal downed another bottle of whiskey.
"Haven't had whiskey like this in a long while." Micheal admitted, tossing the empty bottle to the side.
"You seem to handle your drinking quite well." Garnet pointed pointed out, stoicly, adjusting her shades "Have you ever been intoxicated before?"
"Only a few times, but that was after I retired from the army." Micheal shrugged "And before I met the Diamond Authority and got my powers. Now, because of this healing factor, I can't never really enjoy a good hangover or two."
"I see." Garnet nodded "Perhaps that's actually a good thing. You can enjoy the drinks and not worry about doing anything stupid, while your drunk."
"True." Micheal admitted "But it gets rather depressing after a while. Kinda like Steve Rogers, after Bucky was presumed dead, in the First Avenger."
"I see." Garnet mused, unsure about the last part "Nonetheless, it's better you be sober and at your best, and not having a hangover, doing things you may regret."
"Yeah, you're probably right." Micheal agreed "Better to focus on the present, while looking forward to the future, while not dwelling on the past."
"Exactly." Garnet smiled "Just as long as you don't get into serious trouble."
"Troubles been my middle name for quite some time." Micheal chuckled.
"Not true." Garnet smiled, kissing Micheals cheek "Your name is 'cutiepie'."
"Aw shucks." Micheal blushed "Yer makin' me blush."
Suddenly, one member of the crew bumped into Micheal, spilling his drink and falling over on his face.
"Ouch!" The disgruntled crew member grumbled "Sorry about that, mate. Didn't mean to bump into you like that."
"It's okay." Micheal said, offering a hand, which the man accepted, as Micheal noticed some odd features about the man.
The man wore a pair of white, baggy pants, a pair of light green boots, a bright yellow jacket over a white t-shirt, and a moderate green headband. His hair was blonde, his skin was tanned and he had dark green eyes.
"Sorry for bumping into you, sir." The man chuckled nervously, offering a friendly handshake "Name's Perin. Perin Troy."
"Micheal Andreas." Micheal nodded, returning the handshake "Nice to meet you, Perin."
"Micheal Andreas?" Perin gasped "As in THE Micheal Andreas? The great war hero?!"
"Well, I don't know about hero..." Micheal chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Don't be modest. I'm your biggest fan!" Perin declared, as he pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen "Is it okay if I ask for your autograph?"
"I guess not." Micheal shrugged, signing his name on the sheet of paper "Anything for a fan."
"Thanks." Perin smiled, putting the paper in his pocket "The family back home is going to love it!"
"Hey, Mikey, old friend." Arlyn beamed, joining the chat "How are you, old friend?"
"Quite well, pirate." Micheal chuckled "It's been a while, but the Black Raven hasn't lost its touch."
"Indeed." Arlyn smiled, then placed a hand on Perin's shoulder "How are you, Perin?"
"Quite well, sir." Perin saluted "You know Micheal Andreas, sir?"
"Quite, indeed." Arlyn nodded "In fact, before you, he was once my quartermaster, for quite some time. Not one for words, but plenty loyal."
"Really?" Perin gasped "You mean that the great war hero was your second mate, before me?"
"For a time, yeah." Arlyn shrugged "But we went our seperate ways, after some time. Something about seeing the 'bigger picture', hmm?"
"Arlyn, we talked about this." Micheal frowned "I left because I had some stuff to take care of some personal stuff."
"Sure, sure." Arlyn joked "Now, Perin, you'd best get back to work. The cannon balls aren't going to sort themselves."
"Aye, captain." Perin saluted, before turning to Micheal "It was an honor to meet you, Mr. Andreas."
"You too, kid." Micheal smiled, as Perin left, before turning to Arlyn with a glare "I told you not to go mouthing off about me."
"Hey, relax, will ya?" Arlyn smirked "I only told him the good stuff about you, so you have nothing to worry about."
"You still shouldn't be telling strangers about him, without his consent." Garnet scolded "You never know who you may give the information to."
"Relax, Perin's my quartermaster." Arlyn frowned "He's trust worthy and plenty loyal. He know's when he should keep his mouth shut."
"As long as he's the only one who knows and no one else." Micheal stated, sternly "No one else, asides you and the crew, needs to know about me. Understand?"
"Crystal." Arlyn declared "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an incopetent doctor I need to fire, before we hit shore, and see a real doctor."
As Arlyn left, Micheal and Garnet resumed to their chatting.
Meanwhile, Diamond was bellow deck, in the guest room, sitting on a bed, with Jade's gemstone in a chair in front of him. His arms were crossed and he simply stared intensely at the gemstone, as if waiting for Jade to emerge.
As Diamond was lost in his thoughts, Pearl entered the room.
"Hello, dear." Pearl greeted, courtly "She still hasn't emerged yet?"
"No." Diamond said, bluntly "Not yet."
"Perhaps her regeneration takes more time than ours." Pearl shrugged.
"Or maybe she's too afraid to face me." Diamond said "After all these years, I trusted her with my life and what happens? She turns out to be another one of the Diamond Authority proxies."
"Don't say that." Pearl frowned "Jade is your friend and comrade and always will be loyal to you."
"Then why did this happen?" Diamond demanded "Why did she attack Echo and Amethyst? Why would she do something like that, and never come to me for help?"
"Perhaps she wanted to protect you." Pearl suggested "She cared a lot about you and didn't want the Diamond Authority to come after you."
"Well, things are different now." Diamond sighed "I doubt the Diamond Authority are gonna waste their time, looking for me. They'd send her, as their proxy, to try and break me."
"That doesn't mean you should lose faith in her." Pearl declared "She's still your friend, and given time, things will be better for us."
"Perhaps." Diamond mused, his eyes still remained on the gemstone "I just wish she would give me some closure, at least."
Suddenly, as soon as he said that, the gemstone began to glow, and suddenly float, as a white silhouette figure form the shape of a young human, then turn green, as Jade finished her regeneration.
"Finally, I'm back!" Jade beamed "What a relief!"
"Jade?" Diamond asked "Is it really you?"
"Diamond?" Jade turned to him, seeing Pearl beside him, as he stood up "I guess that Echo kid told you what happened, huh?"
"Yes." Diamond said "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Jade nodded "Just needed something to severe the connection of the Diamond Authority's control over me. And when Echo chopped me up, it broke the connection I had with Homeworld. He's set me free."
"So, you won't go berserk now?" Diamond asked "You can make your own choices now?"
"I was made to have my own choices." Jade declared "The Diamond Authority just wasn't willing to let me think for myself, but now, I'm free."
"That's good to hear." Diamond smiled "At least we know that you're rourself now."
"Yep." Jade smiled, before turning to Pearl, with a frown "So, you're Pearl, huh?"
"Yes." Pearl nodded, giving Jade a cold stare "I am."
"Well, then..." Jade began to say, and suddenly hug her "It's really great to meet you!"
"Huh?" Pearl gasped, suddenly startled by the sudden hug.
"I must say, it's actually an honor, to meet the future bride of my brother!" Jade beamed, while giving Diamond a small wink "I'm SOOOO happy that my brother is happy with the one he loves!"
"Ummm...thanks?" Pearl said, awkwardly.
"No problem." Jade said, happily.
"Well then," Pearl turned to Diamond "Dear, the party will be taking place on the top deck. Whenever you're ready, meet me up there. We have a special surprise waiting for you."
"Sure thing." Diamond nodded, as Pearl left, he turned to Jade "What're you doing?"
"Just keeping our past relationship buried, for now." Jade shrugged "Wouldn't want Pearl giving me the stink eye, for my entire stay here, can I?"
"Don't you think you already overdid that part?" Diamond raised an eyebrow "You made her feel a bit uncomfortable."
"And I apologize." Jade said "But this is my first time keeping a friendly relationship here, and I don't want to mess it up."
"I understand, but just play it cool." Diamond said "Nothing major, just keep it smooth. Okay?"
"Got it." Jade nodded "Now, guess we'd better get to the surprise party."
"Right." Diamond nodded, as they made their way to the upper deck.
As Diamond and Jade went to the door that leads to the deck, Pearl was there, waiting at the door.
"Okay, are you ready?" Pearl asked, excited.
"I am." Diamond nodded "So, what's the surprise?"
"Take a look." Pearl smirked, as she opened the door.
"SURPRISE!"
Diamond was greeted with a great surprise, as the whole deck was decorated to fit a sort of great occassion.
"And here is the man of the hour!" Arlyn declared, holding up a wine glass "Diamond Bloodstone Mercury!"
"All hail Diamond!" The whole crew bellowed.
"I see you guys wasted no time in readying the celebration." Diamond chuckled, with a smile.
"And why not?" Arlyn smirked "Now that we've found the dragon statue, we're taken the few days off! Do you know what that means?"
The crew cheered, with their own opinions.
"No more plundering!"
"Drinking all night long!"
"And with women!"
The crew glared at Perin.
"What?" Perin frowned "It's true!"
The crew suddenly burst out in laughter, now understanding the joke.
"And Diamond," Arlyn patted Diamonds shoulder, pointing towards a karaoke stage "I want you to have the honors."
"What do you mean?" Diamond asked, confused.
"Why, get on the stage and sing!" Arlyn declared "You know what that is, right?"
"Of course, I know what that is." Diamond said "But I'm not exactly the best singer."
"Diamond, your singing isn't that bad." Pearl grinned "Or don't you remember that wonderful song you sung to me, when we first started dating?"
"Of course I do." Diamond defended "It's just been a while."
"Well, why not find out?" Pearl urged.
"Well," Diamond began, before giving up "Alright. But only because you asked me to, love."
"That's the spirit, mate." Arlyn smirked, as he urged Diamond toward the stage "Now, get up there and sing!"
"Alright, alright." Diamond said "No need to shove."
Diamond made his way up to the stage, and as he stood up there, he was rather nervous. While he was okay with singing a few songs for Pearl, especially when it's just the two of them, he never sung in front of a large crowd before. He took in a breath, then nodded to the dj to begin the instrumental of the first song.
The crew began cheering, as the music blasted from the speaker, as Diamond could see that the Gems and the human accomplices nodded in approval, as he began to sing.
The hot wind blowing
Jagged lines across the sand.
The crumbling buildings
In our minds are all that stand.
Just like the buffalo,
Blindly following the herd.
We try to justify
All the things that have occured.
The music began picking up pace slightly, as Diamond continued.
I don't know what I've been told,
But the wishes of the people can't be controlled.
I don't know what I've been told,
But the wishes of the people can't be controlled.
The crew was cheering like crazy, and the Gems were cheering him on, as he continued.
Heat of the desert.
Dust settles on my face.
Without a compass
The soldier knows no disgrace.
Out of the ashes.
The eagle rises still.
Freedom is calling
To all those who bend their will.
Here I am.
Dirty and faceless,
Waiting to heed your instruction.
On my own.
Invisible warrior.
I am a wind of destruction!
A strong gust of wind blew, as the crew was cheering even louder, and the Gems simply cheered him on.
"Sing it, Big D!" Amethyst whooped.
"You're doing great, Diamond!" Pearl cheered.
"Woohoo! Yeah, MC Diamond! WOO!" Steven cheered happily.
As the song was getting close to the final verse, Diamond continued with the final lyrics.
We fight for justice
In a forgotten place.
Fulfill our duty
Then vanish without a trace.
Don't need a medal
For al the men we kill.
Freedom is calling
To all those who bend their will!
The crew cheered, as Diamond finished the song.
Winds of destruction!
As the song ended, the crew clapped and cheered in approval, as Diamond stepped down to rejoin his friends.
"That was AWESOME, Diamond!" Steven cheered "I had know idea you could sing so great!"
"What can I say?" Diamond shrugged, sitting down next to Pearl "I used to do a few tones back then."
"How good it is that we get to hear your amazing voice again." Pearl giggled "You're almost as good as me."
"Yeah, well, I had an amazing teacher." Diamond grinned.
"Well, now that we've found the dragon statue," Amethyst spoke up "You guys wouldn't have to worry about having kids now. Right?"
"I suppose not." Diamond shrugged "But that can wait until after our wedding."
"This is truly a blessing." Rose smiled, appearing beside Echo "I only wish we could've found it sooner."
"Perhaps." Garnet admitted "But what's happened has happened. For now, we enjoy our celebration."
"Here, here!" The group chorused, as they klinked their glasses together, enjoying their celebration.
After two days...
Two days, after the team reached home and finished off their celebrations, and after an incident, involving Echo learning how to summon plant-like guardians, the celebration ended well. Arlyn had his crew prep the ship for departure, as the Gems and the human accomplices were about to see them off.
"Well, it was fun, having you, Mr Calder!" Steven beamed happily "We should do it again sometime!"
"Yeah, we might." Arlyn chuckled "Until then, I have to return to Nassua, to check on some old friends. Perhaps we'll meet again."
"Make sure he stays out of trouble, Lapis." Pearl told Lapis, sternly "And it goes for you as well."
"Don't worry, Pearl. I'll make sure he stays on his best behavior." Lapis said, before turning to Diamond "And I wish you two the best of luck in your future."
"Thanks, Lapis." Diamond smiled "And I hope you're not too angry with me."
"Of course not." Lapis chuckled "We're friends, always and forever."
"I do hope that you intend to take your position as a friend of the Crystal Gems seriously, Arlyn." Garnet said, pointing out the flag, purple outer color, with a white star over a blue skull, flying underneath the main flag "Our flag shows your alligence to us. Fly it with pride."
"I will." Arlyn smiled, as he and Lapis boarded the ship "Now, it's time for the Black Raven to set sail. In hopes that we meet again."
As the pirates left, it was time for the Crystal Gems to say farewell to their human companions, as Micheal finished starting up his motorcycle, as Garnet approached.
"Well, now that my job's finished, I'd best be on my way." Micheal declared.
"Will I ever see you again?" Garnet asked.
"We'll see." Micheal shrugged "I have some stuff to take care of. Until then, I'm on my own."
"But will we ever meet again?" Garnet asked again.
"Of course, but it depends." Micheal stated "I'm still not sure how we're gonna make this work."
"I know it will." Garnet declared, adjusting her shades "I only ask that we meet again."
"Of course." Micheal smiled "Like I said, I'm glad to have someone like you to talk to."
"And I am glad to have met someone like you." Garnet smiled "I always told myself that a fusion can never really find love. But I was wrong. Though Ruby and Sapphire have each other, I have my own feelings for love."
"Still not sure if that makes any sense, but I'll take it, for now." Micheal nodded "I'm glad we met."
"As am I." Garnet nodded, before planting a kiss on Micheal's cheek, then Micheal rode off into the sunset.
Echo was about to leave, before having his path blocked by Amethyst, who gave him a toothy grin.
"Hey, cute stuff." Amethyst chuckled "Where you headed to?"
"Where do you think?" Echo frowned "Now that I'm done helping you guys, I'm leaving."
"Are you gonna come visit again?" Amethyst asked, hopefully "It would really be cool if you would."
"Maybe." Echo shrugged "But right now, I need to be on my own for a while."
"But you don't have to leave." Amethyst frowned "You could stay with us."
"No thanks." Echo bluntly said "I need to be on my own for a while. Maybe some other time."
"Alright." Amethyst smirked "But first-"
"I know the drill." Echo rolled his eyes, planting a kiss on Amethyst's lips "Just don't forget your end of the bargain. And don't you dare try to follow."
"I won't have to worry about that." Amethyst grinned "See you soon, babe!"
Echo rolled his eyes, as he activated his makeshift hoverboard and left the scene.
And now, Jade was about to leave, as she approached her newfound friends.
"Well, It's time for me to be on my way." Jade declared "It was good meeting you all."
"Just don't be a stranger, okay?" Diamond smiled "We can always make more room for new recruits."
"Of course." Jade smiled "Until we meet again, Crystal Gems."
As she left, the Gems and Steven entered the house, reflecting on their wild adventure.
"This was the best week EVER!" Steven beamed happily "I got to more more Gems and made more new friends!"
"Today was indeed a good day." Diamond chuckled.
"Yes it was." Pearl smiled "And tomorrow is about to get even better."
She was right. Whatever tomorrow may bring, it will make more memories for the Crystal Gems to remember.
I hope the end of this chapter wasn't too rushed. I hope you guys can forgive me if it was, I was just so busy with classes, I just don't ever get enough time for myself anymore, nowadays. Still, I will do my best to get these chapters uploaded as soon as possible, and I'm sorry that they may seem rushed. Still, hope you enjoy! And be sure to review!