The Harvester

by CZ-VT

Follow Hematite- a new Harvester Gem -and the Diamond Authority as they try to learn how to work together. [[Plot-driven, SU-inspired standalone series. Rated Teen: frightening imagery, alcohol, violence & peril, themes of mental illness, and some themes not suitable for all readers. Read at your own discretion. Continued on AO3, discontinued here.]]

12. The Incident

Summary: Hematite displays the results of some intense personal training.

---

This chapter marks the end of Arc 1.
[This chapter contains a scene from chapter 2 that some readers may find disturbing or uncomfortable. Reader discretion is advised.]

---

Do it.

Hematite walked down the bridge toward Yellow Diamond's tower, his steps measured, breathing even, his eyes dead ahead.

This was it.

Stopping at the tall office doors, the service gem took a slow, deep breath. He hesitated. Hematite's hand lifted, and his fingers gently brushed his gemstone.

I've got nothing to lose.

Knocking on the door, he took a step back. The doors hissed open, and Hematite looked inside, not moving, his arms now folded neatly behind him. Yellow Diamond was at her desk.

Good.

–

Yellow Diamond was thumbing through a few archive disks in her hand. Looking up, she met Hematite with a rather unwelcome stare.

"Can I help you, Hematite?..." she spoke promptly. The pearl that commonly was around gave Hematite a suspicious glare, but looked away without a word.

There was an eerie quietness in the air... something stale. Something tense. Her eyes narrowed, fixated on the gem in front of her. Why was he here? Why was he looking at her like that? He didn't normally just show up like this, let alone without a single word. Normally, he'd have already started babbling. She crossed her arms and awaited his reply.

–

His silence was heavy, dense, cold, invasive. It filled the whole office, reaching every corner of the room, weighing everything down. Hematite was so quiet, he almost seemed like a statue.

Do it.

He finally moved. Lifting his head and giving Yellow Diamond a 'friendly' grin, he saluted his superior.

"Hematite reporting, Yellow Diamond. May I enter?"

–

Yellow raised a brow and nodded.

"Yes. Is there something you need or are you just here to talk about your riveting adventures with Blue?" she said with an annoyed scowl. Glancing over at the Pearl, she gave her a look... one that the Pearl understood immediately. She bowed gracefully, then made her way out of the room. She didn't look at Hematite this time.

–

After the Pearl left, Hematite took a few steps into the office. The door hissed behind him, shutting with a 'click'. He was still smiling.

He rubbed his fingers together behind his back.

"No, no adventures to report." His voice lowered a little. "No, I've been training ever since our last..." He swallowed. His finger twitched. "Spar."

Pausing a moment, he tilted his head with a bright smile.

"I came to see if you would like a rematch. Three days, the Sky Arena. Evening."

–

The Diamond couldn't help but smirk with a cocky demeanor. She never really passed up the opportunity to spar...plus, this was one of the few times he'd actually asked her to. She figured she would humor him and accept his little request. Tapping a finger gently on the table, she thought about it with a sarcastic smirk for a moment, then looked back at him with an unsettling grin.

"As you wish.~"

–

Hematite grinned back, clenching his fist behind his back. His eyepiece glinted in the light as he stood straight.

"Excellent."

–

Word got out quickly that Yellow and Hematite were going to have another showdown, this time, in the Sky Arena. A smaller crowd had quickly gathered up, making their way in the stands. The warp pad kept flashing on and off, new gems arriving with each few passing minutes. Yellow stood somewhere around the sidelines of the battlegrounds, stretching her arms out and waving her sword. Blue, too, showed up... but decided to keep a low profile. She figured it'd be good to come along and watch to make sure everything went alright. After their last battle, well... she'd be lying if she said she didn't have the best feeling about this. She slipped in quietly, seating herself up on the second row. Maybe they wouldn't notice her.

The evening sky above was slowly reddening with the setting sun, casting the arena in warm hues. However, the light was slowly being suffocated by dark storm clouds that were starting to form. It was very common that lightning storms followed Yellow Diamond around, especially when she was closer up to the sky. The air felt charged with electricity, making some of the gathered gems a bit antsy.

–

There were many familiar faces in the crowd. Mago, whom was currently shrunken to her civilian size and keeping a low profile, Puff, Rubes, a few gems Hematite had met at the bar, and of course, many of '''The Harvester's''' loyal fans. They loved seeing him fight, even if they were sure this match was going to end... badly. But they would still be there for moral support!

Murmurs drifted through the crowd. Most of the gems were nervously discussing the last time Yellow Diamond and the service gem had duked it out, Hematite was thrashed. How would this be any different? Did he have a new trick, was he going to cheat? Over time, the crowd's murmuring grew in volume. Their excitement was steadily rising.

But... where was Hematite?

Nobody had seen the service gem since this fight started gaining popularity. Did he chicken out, ditch, refuse to be beaten again by Yellow Diamond?

No.

He was waiting. Watching. From a dark tunnel at the far end of the Sky Arena, Hematite was crouched, his knees bent, his arms resting on them. The air around him was heavy and cold, his breathing shallow.

Eyes wide, the small gem watched Yellow Diamond with intense focus.

Go ahead.

Swing your little sword around.

It won't do you any good.

–

Blue would normally be right there with the crowd cheering, but she wanted to bring no attention to herself. She hunkered down as low as she could, trying to be subtle. Her gaze drifted to Yellow, who was nimbly swaying her sword, breathing calmly. This would be fine. It would be over in a flash. Just like all the other fights... Of course, Blue wanted to support him, to see him happy again. Maybe if he won, he'd be fine. He'd feel better. Regardless, she couldn't even so much as cheer. It was best if she just stayed quiet and watched. If Yellow tried to pull another trick, she'd jump in. She didn't want anyone to get hurt. She didn't want Hematite to get hurt...

Yellow quickly swiped her sword towards the entrance of the Sky Arena, watching it intently.

"Hmph." She smirked, clicking the end of her sword to the ground. Looks like he's a no show. Figures.

–

Ha. You're looking the wrong way.~

Guess that was the advantage of waiting here overnight.

Tapping his clawed finger on his forearm, Hematite took a deep breath. It looked like the crowd had stopped gathering. Everyone was here.

There should have been more.

Oh well. Time to give those who are here a good show.

The ivory-haired gem slowly stood to his feet, clenching and unclenching his fists. He rolled his head to stretch his neck, frowning deeply. Don't break character. Don't let her scare you.

Looking forward, the service gem inhaled slowly through his nose, letting the breath out through gritted teeth.

It's time.

Hematite slowly walked out of the darkness of the far tunnel. He was across the arena from Yellow Diamond. The crowd quickly noticed him and most exploded into cheers and whoops. There he was! Phew, so he hadn't bailed!

They would have hated it if their time was wasted.

The small service gem stood, motionless, waiting for his opponent to notice him.

He was sure the crowd would get her attention.

–

Yellow turned her head, looking to the smaller gem that had now entered the ring. She smirked again, pointing her sword to him.

"I see you finally decided to show up! Well then, are you ready?" She said with confidence. This would be easy. Dark clouds rolled overhead, darkening the stadium. They had been gathering there all day, and now that the two were out and about, the skies started coming to life at last with a brilliant display of lightning. A roaring roll of thunder rumbled along the horizon.

This was it. Time to spring into action. Time to put the Hematite in his place yet again. She was ready.

–

This will be easy.

Hematite didn't move as his opponent pointed her sword at him. Instead, he smiled widely. A crack of thunder rumbled overhead once more as the sky was sent aglow with lightning.

There was a long pause.

"Let's make this quick. Shall we?"

–

Yellow narrowed her eyes, but the grin on her face spoke a thousand words.

She advanced forward, her blade aglow already. The crowd erupted in cheers. The fun had begun. While running, she zig zagged with sparks of lightning trailing behind her. Perhaps this would throw him off right off the bat. When she had maneuvered herself close enough, she shot out a thick bolt of lightning right towards her opponent.

–

Hm. How showy.

This was going to be fun.

The smaller gem hadn't moved an inch as she bolted across the arena to him, seemingly unfazed by her impressive show of speed. As soon as she neared and shot her lightning at him, however, that changed.

With unnatural speed, Hematite ducked and dodged the lightning strike entirely, his body shooting forward. He went straight for his opponent, and was upon her within one short moment. Leaping upwards, he delivered a sharp blow her to abdomen, sending her back. But his full force was not put behind the punch; it was only enough to make her lose her footing. His expression was eerily calm and cold, and as Yellow stumbled back, Hematite darted for her again.

–

Yellow let out a sharp gasp, taken aback by the sudden blow. Wha...how did he dodge that so quickly!? She stumbled back, scrambling to regain her footing. Not a moment later, she noticed the gem advancing quickly and swiped her sword to keep some distance between them. She muttered something crossly under her breath.

"A lucky shot..." she snarled, charging for him as well, her stance low. She looked down. With any luck, she could aim for his feet to knock him down.

–

The tiniest smirk crossed Hematite's face as he approached her, despite her swinging sword.

"Luck had nothing to do with it." he said lowly, but loud enough for her to hear. The smaller gem saw where her eyes went to, and he charged even faster for her, looking like he too was going to go for her legs.

–

Yellow scowled, but didn't notice that he was speeding up. As soon as she got close enough, she decided to pull a fast one and instead of going for his legs... she jumped. With a fierce yell, she went straight in for the kill, her sword clutched in her hand, poised to come down right through the figure below her. He wanted fast, so she was going to make it fast.

–

Right on cue.

As Yellow Diamond leapt into the air, Hematite spun around, his fists suddenly alight with electricity. Before she could blink, the smaller gem lashed out his lightning whips, grabbing onto her foot.

SLAM!

Yellow Diamond was on the ground within an instant, a faint crack now in the marble where she landed. Before she could react, Hematite's whips dissipated, and darted forward, his body glowing.

–

The crowd called out, chanting Hematite's name. Blue, however, remained silent... she felt a prickle of anxiety growing within her. He was doing well against her. Too well. Not to mention, he was keeping himself together unusually well. She placed her palm to her mouth, taking a deep breath. Man, Sparky was gonna be maaaad about this.

But she already was. Yellow felt a fierce anger rise within her. She coughed, staggering to get to her feet. That was brutal... even for him. She hadn't landed a single hit, and to make matters worse...why was he suddenly so strong?... She met him with the same bloodthirsty gaze she had during their last match. Clenching her fists, she readied another sword and pointed it towards him.

"ALRIGHT you pebble... Bring it on!" she hissed, her hands starting to glow with flowing electricity.

–

His form shifted quickly, and within a moment he stood at equal height with his opponent. Hematite met her gaze with an icily hollow smile as he ran for her. He wasn't even in a fighting stance, but instead was clenching and unclenching his fists.

Suddenly, they sparkled with lightning, and his hands seemed to.. change. But before Yellow could see what he'd done, Hematite went straight for her and reeled back his hand before suddenly skirting to her side. With a fierce, feral cry, he swiped violently at the side of her head.

–

She blinked in mild surprise... he shifted up? Normally by now he'd be getting tired... then again, she still hadn't laid a single hit on him. She ran quicker, but ducked down to her knees and skidded right past him. Jutting herself back up, she swung her leg around, attempting to kick him in the back.

–

She landed the hit that time. Hematite overestimated himself, and his claws met the open air as he tumbled forward. Normally, he would have landed in a heavy heap, but the ivory haired gem gracefully rolled to the side, landing on all fours. The moment he was up, he launched at her again with claws out at his sides.

–

Yellow grinned ominously. Finally. She darted back, holding her sword in front of her body like a guard. She darted to the side and gained a good distance from the service gem, speeding up until she eventually started to glow brightly with a yellow aura. She easily outran Hematite in this state. With a loud crack, a massive lightning bolt struck the Diamond directly, creating a small crater where she was at said time. She ran right through it, cackling maniacally. Her entire body now surged with the powerful electricity. This time, she was using it to her advantage. The strike itself stung, but it was nothing to her willpower to overcome the pain. A simple flick... that was all it felt like to her at the moment. Bolting forward, she extended her sword, going for another blindingly fast strike.

–

Hmm, Impressive. But it's all show.

As Yellow Diamond was struck by the lightning, Hematite took the chance and put some distance between them, his body aglow. As she neared for her attack, there was a blinding flash, and a hideous CLANG.

Hematite had shifted up again, and was standing at 12 feet tall, his knuckle dusters having taken the blow and shattered his opponent's sword. His body was coursing with electricity, and his shoulders ached terribly, but he didn't so much as outwardly flinch.

"C'mon Sparky. Is that the best you can do?" he growled with a chuckle. Before she could react, he spun around and landed a nasty kick to her abdomen, sending her flying back a considerable distance.

–

What?...

She didn't get a chance to even react, suddenly struck back a good 20 or so feet. She landed ungracefully on her side, tumbling over herself with a pained grunt. The crowd gasped, but quickly started cheering again. Yellow was furious. She shot him another nasty glare, clutching her abdomen. She didn't say anything. Standing back up, she stumbled a little, creating another sword.

"You BRAT..." She snarled, taking a more defensive stance this time.

That actually hurt... that... actually... hurt. He wasn't holding anything back. This strength wasn't like anything she had fought against before from him. Why was he suddenly so strong, so fast? He'd never fought like this in any of their other spars. She'd practically batted him around during all those fights!

So where was this coming from?!

–

Hematite was already racing for her, his body low. As soon as he was within reach, he swiped at her, fingers outstretched. Now at a much closer range, it was clear that his hands had definitely changed. His fingers were longer, more angular, tapered into full-on claws instead of fingertips. He reeled his hand back, swiping at her. He was leaving no room for her to take a swing at him. Again, again, again, he swiped for Yellow Diamond's chest, seemingly aiming for her gemstone. Each time, however, his hands glanced off of her sword, missing consistently. It almost seemed like he wasn't actually trying to hit it, but was rather aiming for right around it.

He let out an unnerving, confident sounding laugh.

–

She swiped her sword in more defensive poses, backing up as he seemed to edge closer and closer. His close strikes didn't go unnoticed, and she shot him a dark, deadly glare.

"HEY! WATCH YOUR CLAWS!" she remarked harshly, darting back quickly, hoping to gain some distance. Was this gem cracked?! He WAS going right for her gem! What was he thinking?! She could have him killed for that alone!

Perhaps he was just getting feisty. He was just really into the fight. Surely that was it. He wouldn't dare go after her gem again.

She was starting to sweat. He wasn't tiring out... why couldn't she land more hits? Why was she suddenly the one being backed up into the wall?! She jumped back quickly, thrashing her sword at his hand at the first sight of an opportunity. If she could just get him away from her for a few moments...

–

But he didn't stop. The gem continued to make wild swipes for his superior's gemstone, and as she darted back, he took the chance and matched her movement, seeing an opening.

"You're sliiippiiiiing.~" he crooned, his voice tinted with a strange melodic malice. This time, instead of going for her gem, Hematite landed a full-force strike to the Diamond's face. He let out a maniacal laugh as he swiped again, this time hitting her sword arm.

–

The sudden tone shift took her by surprise. The sharp cold cock knocked the wind right out of her, her sword flinging into the air. She stumbled backwards, landing on her back, but she scrambled to regain her composure. She shook her head, placing a palm to her cheek.

"YOU..." She sputtered, gnashing her teeth together with a nasty glare. She got to her feet quickly and lit her arms up with lightning. "THATS IT, I'M ENDING THIS!" she roared, violently charging the other gem, bringing her arm back to barrage her opponent. Her body started to glow once more, the electricity surging through her, more powerful than ever. It was also starting to take a toll on her body. She was starting to slow down, and her moves became more erratic. This attack was tiring her out...

It was desperate... a last resort.

Blue bit her lip, clutching her hand close to her chest. She watched nervously, sweat pouring off her brow. Man, she never resorts to this... That's gutsy, even for her. What grace and strategy she did have had all but disappeared, leaving a livid, impetuous diamond in its wake.

–

Then let's end it.

Hematite admittedly was startled by her wild attack, it seemed she had reached her patience limit. Good.

As the Diamond closed in and began landing powerful punches, Hematite blocked them as best he could, her lightning coursing through him. Oh it hurt like hell, but he wasn't about to back down.

"You're getting sloppy, Yellow Diamond.~ " The service gem was in a great deal of pain, but he simply wasn't wearing out. All that training. His weeks of endurance-tempering were paying off. Yellow's attacks hurt like nobody's business, and his entire body was screaming at him to give up, to shift down and find somewhere to recover, but he couldn't give in. Not now.

Not when he was so close.

–

"WHY. WON'T. YOU. TIRRREE RR AAAAAAAGGGHHH!"

She cried out in frustration, delivering blow after blow. He wasn't shifting down or backing off, but she could tell her strikes were finally making purchase. Hematite was in a great deal of pain, that much was obvious. Finally, she felt maybe she was making some headway toward being back on the offensive. She was so infused with rage, she hardly heard the words he spoke to her. Her emotions were taking over, driving her every move and decision. She reeled back, ready to deliver one final, powerful punch, meeting his gaze with the most condescending glare... Then she smirked.

It's over now!

–

Hematite watched Yellow's hand reel back, and he took his chance. In a flash, Hematite had shifted up again to about 20 feet and landed a powerful blow to his opponent, electricity shooting into her through his fist. She flew away a good 50 or so feet, and the ivory haired gem felt a cruel satisfaction in the pit of his stomach.

Now stay down.

–

The crowd fell still. Silent.

So did Yellow Diamond.

Blue gasped, her eyes widening. She wasn't poofed... but...

The battered, beaten gem coughed, shakily trying to get up. She stared at the ground.

How?... How... No, there was no way...

Her breathing got faster, heavier, more shallow.

"FINE! YOU WIN. IT'S OVER. You've bested me, at last. Are you satisfied, now?!" She looked up at him, shaking with absolute fury. Her hands clutched the ground, clawed fingers digging at the tiles.

Blue stared in a stricken silence. He... actually won? She called the match? There had been so few in her days that she had actually seen push Yellow to this point... It was incredibly rare. And yet, even still, none of them had been quite like this... to this level of rage. Her heart sank. Yellow was gonna be beating herself up over this loss for a while. Oh well... at least it was over.

–

The gem stood in grim silence. Thunder rolled overhead, lightning cracking through the sky, lightning it up in a flash.

At Yellow Diamond's words, a cruel grin spread across Hematite's face.

"Satisfied? Oh, you'd know everything about that, wouldn't you?" Hema took a single step forward, his hands out in a sort of shrug as his claws disappeared, shifting back to his regular fingers. "Nothing EVER satisfied you. No matter how harrrrrrd I tried, it was all a waste. Loss after LOSS. AFTER LOSS!" His voice dropped to a crooning lilt. "I would have been fine if you'd just... taught me. Made me a better gem. Did SOMETHING TO BUILD ME UP INSTEAD OF STEPPING ON ME ALL THE TIME! THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EASY!" A sharp, bitter laugh escaped him. "This... you think this is about WINNING? YOU THINK THIS IS OVER?"

–

Her eyes widened, her furious face cringed with confusion and disgust upon his words... before fading into a hollow stare. The entire arena kept quiet, small gasps and soft murmurs being passed around. Blue felt her non-existent heart drop suddenly. What was he talking about...?

"Ha... haha...h haahahaHAHAHA!" Unnerving laughter erupted from Hematite's chest, and he put his palm to his forehead, cackling maniacally to the thundering skies. "You think this is OVER?" he repeated. His laughing grew louder, all sense of sanity gone from the horrific sound. "Nooo, no nononono! Yellow Diamond..." He dropped his hand, his eyes shut peacefully as he smiled, his face still toward the sky. Slowly, he lowered his head, and his eyes snapped open and locked onto his opponent.

"W e ' n."

Hematite lowered himself to the ground on all fours, his eyes never leaving Yellow Diamond. His form began to glow and shift even bigger, but it was painfully slow, as if he was making a show of it.

–

Yellow wanted to say something... but nothing came out. She wanted to yell, she wanted to respond. She wanted to say anything. But she couldn't. Her legs were locked into place, eyes unable to look away as Hematite's body took a huge form, towering now above her.

She wasted no time in placing her hand to her gem, summoning a sword, and stepping back. The angry confusion returned to her, mixed this time with... something else. An emotion she couldn't quite put a finger on. She was sweating bullets at this point, already roughed up immensely from the fight. No, she was in no shape to continue, especially not against this thing.

He still spoke, his voice slightly warped by the shifting.

"Don't you know the rules of the food chain, Yellow Diamond?" He slammed a massive hand down, leaving a huge crack in the marble. "There is no 'mercy', to a predator." A crack of thunder shook the sky arena, and the crowd suddenly started to stir, some gems gasping in surprise or worry. Hematite's massive form stayed alight for an unnerving amount of time until it finally flashed brilliantly, revealing his crouched, fully sized form. He opened his eyes and grinned down at his opponent, gaze full of fire. "There is only 'eat'." A massive hand raised to his face, and with a flick, Hematite's hunting visor blocked out his eyes.

"Or be eaten."

His words struck like a hundred daggers into her, a piercing anxiety rushing through her.

She felt... something. Something awful. She felt... what was this? No, she refused to feel this way.

Baring her fangs, she swiped her sword threateningly to the side, looking up to the monstrous figure with as much courage as she could muster.

"Wh.. What ARE YOU DOING?! I ALREADY CALLED OFF THE MATCH!"

–

The visor began to glow. Hematite's gaze never left his now minuscule opponent, and as the screen fully lit up, he bit his lip in anticipation. A soft chuckle escaped him at the sight of Yellow Diamond's sword.

"I'm sorry to say, Yellow Diamond, but I humbly refuse your..." He condescendingly tapped his chin with one clawed finger. A grin spread across his face. "Request."

At this point, two of the guards that were standing watch at the entrance of the Sky Arena charged at the giant gem. Without taking his eyes off of Yellow Diamond, Hematite waited for his chance, and then batted the two guards away, back into the main entrance. He picked up a piece of rubble from the more torn up side of the arena, still without taking his eyes off of his opponent, and placed it in front of the tunnel, blocking the entrance.

–

Yellow's brows furrowed, her lips curling into a harsh snarl.

But it was a mask.

She felt something. Something dreadful. Something she didn't like. She was trying her hardest to suppress it. He couldn't be serious, whatever he was doing. This was some sort of sick joke. Was this Blue's doing? She raised her sword up to the gem and backed up. The crowd started getting far more anxious, gems raising their voices now and pointing. They sounded distressed.

Blue was still among them... and felt everything around her. All the bustling, anxious gems, their confused whispers, their fearful questions... She opened her mouth to say something, but instead got to her feet and jumped down to the first stand, between two gems. She gripped the side of the wall, looking frantically between the two gems on the arena floor.

"I ORDER you to stand down! This fight is OVER, Hematite! You have NO authority here, and failure to comply will result in a SEVERE punishment!" she shouted up at him.

She was visibly sweating... even the sword in her hand started trembling, unbeknownst to her.

–

Hematite glanced around at the audience he had. The faintest laugh escaped him at the sight of all these gems, and he slowly looked back down at his opponent. He advanced a single 'pace', putting his hand in front of him. His visor began to whir.

When he spoke, Hematite's voice was low, cold, and devious.

"Gem Located: Yellow Diamond. Status: No gem faults detected. Mission Objective." An eerie grin spread across his face, and there was a long pause before a yellow, diamond-shaped target flickered onto the screen with a high-pitched honing sound.

" e."

–

Everyone panicked.

The crowd erupted into screams and vicious yelling. He was turning on her. He was actually turning on her!

Gems began to scramble out of the stands, some unable to move from their seats.

Blue gasped in horror, clutching the wall so hard, she left small cracks in it. It was as if she had felt someone strike her gem head on, an exploding pain rupturing through her body. She finally put all the pieces together. Hematite's behavior, his sudden absence in recent weeks, the cold, dead look in his eyes. It all made sense now... horrible, terrifying sense. No. Oh stars, what was he doing? No... No he can't..

"No, Oh no... No, this is REALLY BAD..." Blue whimpered, looking nervously at the gem next to her. "YOU, do you have a communicator?! I need it now!" She scrambled, the gem nervously handing her the small device. She quickly held it up to her face, desperately trying to get it to work. Come on, White, I REALLY need you to pick this thing up right now...

Yellow, in the ring, felt whatever had been building up to this point hit her at full force. It hit her like a ship crashing down right on top of her, lighting the field around her in an unseen, ghastly inferno. She knew what it was.

Fear.

Pure, horrible, unmistakable horror.

Her body went numb for a split second, and she dropped her sword. The weapon clattered to the floor, exploding into a cloud of dust. She placed her hands up in front of her, balled up into fists. Her eyes were widened in shock, but her teeth were still bared.

"STAND DOWN, HEMATITE!" she shouted, unable to look away from the gem's visor.

"THAT IS AN ORDER! STAND DOWN, OR I'LL..." She froze mid-sentence, her pace quickening as she turned to run. There was no way she was going to keep going backwards, lest she slip up and trip.

–

The crowd's panic only drove Hematite on, and he slowly advanced toward his target, sending the fleeing gems into an even further frenzy. Hematite watched as Yellow Diamond ran, and he lowered himself closer to the ground, this time bending his knees so he could crouch down and reach for the fleeing gem.

"What's the matter, Yellow Diamond?~ Are you afraid to fight me now?!" Raising a hand, he lunged toward her, the shadow of his clawed fingers falling over her form. He purposefully missed grabbing the diamond, his hand slamming down no more than ten feet behind her. The diamond quickly realized she was heading for a corner and made a quick turn, bolting away from the massive gem. Hema made no move to chase after her any faster than he was. He watched her head toward the destroyed end of the arena. He slowly stood to his feet, now standing at his full height.

"Come on, now! Did you really forget how small you actually were to a HARVESTER?" A laugh rumbled in his chest, and he followed after her toward the end of the arena.

–

Yellow's pace quickened, desperately trying to flee from the oncoming gem. He wasn't stopping. Why wasn't he stopping. Didn't he know he'd be shattered if he dared to hurt her?... She skidded to a halt, finally coming to the end of the arena... now faced with an open drop. She was cornered. There was no way she could simply jump off the arena, a fall from this high would hurt, and it was dangerous if she landed on her gemstone. She turned her head slowly facing the huge, murderous gem walking precariously closer. Yellow was stuck.

She scowled in anger, positioning herself for an attack. Despite knowing it would do nothing, she would at least try to face her dangerous opponent. Countless times she had stared death in the face before, why did this feel different? Why did this make her so unnerved, so nervous, so absolutely horrified?

"THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE, HEMATITE. STOP THIS RIDICULOUS BEHAVIOR THIS INSTANT!"

–

Hematite rolled his eyes and gave a theatrical sigh as the tiny gem below him readied for an attack. He was towering above her. One little nudge, and he could have sent her plummeting off the edge of the arena. But he didn't, he simply stared down at her with a cruel smile.

"Well, at least you're '''brave''' enough to face me.~" Hematite crouched down, his hand closing in on her.

"An unwise decision."

–

The audience exploded into chaos, gems crawling over other gems to get away. Even though the entrance way was blocked off, they still found themselves scrambling over the edges of the rubble to get to the warp pad. Yellow, on the other hand, wasn't lucky enough to find any means of escape. She watched in disbelief as the hand cast her in shadow.

She flinched. Flinging her arm over her head and hunkering low, she braced for impact. This was it. This was the end. There was no point in running, no point in trying to attack. It would have made no difference... and she knew it. Yellow started to spark wildly, small bolts of electricity flickering around her body. She was surprisingly steady, despite all of her fears.

In one, last ditch effort, she bared her teeth and shouted with all of her fury, all of her courage. Whatever she could muster.

"Y-YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!"

–

That's right. Cower. Be afraid. Feel everything I did that night.

Hematite's hand slowly, carefully coiled around the tiny Diamond, his fingers trapping her firmly in his grasp. Turning his hand over, he lifted her up towards his face, making sure to drag it out. He ignored her threat.

He already knew he'd pay dearly for this.

"You said that night that I needed to know my place." He drew her closer. "Well here it is, Yellow Diamond." Closer. "I was made for this. This is where I belong, and there's nothing you can do about that."

Yellow yelped sharply as she was picked up suddenly, thrashing and squirming in the gigantic hand.

"LET GO OF ME! LET GO OF ME RIGHT NOW!" She screamed in angry desperation. It was a fruitless effort, whacking her electrified hands into his palm as hard as she could, closing her eyes and yelling... just yelling. Yelling as loud as she could.

She was level with his face now, firmly held in his fist.

"Do you remember my arena name, Yellow Diamond?" The giant gem grinned and licked his teeth slowly.

"I am The Harvester."

–

Shattering.

The noise of shattering rang through her mind, a deafening sound... a horrible sound.

Now dangerously close to his face, his words shot through her like another hundred daggers. But this time, they sank in. Deep.

Her expression warped suddenly into unmasked horror. Her eyes were wide, her lips parted into a small, quivering frown. She gripped tightly on the gem's hand that grasped her, clawed fingers slowly digging into his skin. She trembled, unable to speak. She was... terrified. Speechless. Her gaze drifted slowly from Hematite's teeth, up to his eyes. They met him with a look that he had never seen before, at least from her.

Don't. Please. Don't.

–

As Hematite stared at the terrified gem in his hand, something in his chest tightened. He'd never seen Yellow Diamond like this before. All her bravery, all her hatred, all her condescending sneers. They'd been replaced by a look of undisguised horror.

This is what he wanted.

This is what he'd wanted, and yet...

Was throwing his life away really worth the momentary terror of this one spiteful Diamond?

. . .

Well, there was no turning back anymore anyways.

Hematite's hunting visor dulled, the target vanishing. For a moment, it looked as if he was going to call off this charade.

But then his lips parted.

Slowly, the giant gem lifted Yellow Diamond over his face and opened his mouth below her.

–

Yellow gasped in dismay, frantically holding onto Hematite's hand as she was lifted up.

"NO! NO LET GO OF ME!" She pleaded. There wasn't a single sliver of anger left in her... it was all replaced with sheer terror. She was at his complete mercy. She could do nothing. She was going to die like this, scared and humiliated, and no-one was going to save her.

This is it, this is the end.

She flinched abruptly, clutching her hand close to her gem, forced to stare into the awaiting maw below. With one final whimper, she closed her eyes and cried out.

"STOP! I'M SORRY!"

–

Hematite froze as Yellow's final cry rang out.

I'm sorry.

His mouth closed partially, leaving only a shocked, small frown.

"You-"

–

THWICK!

A sharp object shot into Hematite's back, right behind his shoulder.

"PUT. HER. DOWN."

–

A stabbing pain shot through Hematite's back, and he winced heavily, inhaling sharply through his teeth and leaning forward. He still managed to hold onto Yellow Diamond, keeping her away from the edge of the arena.Thankfully. He panted for a moment at the sharp pain and looked back to see White Diamond standing not too far off.

Oh no.

–

White stood upon the rubble that covered the entrance. She must have jumped over the wall to get here. Her expression was cold. Stern. Angry. She walked forward slowly, breathing heavily... but steadily. She stopped only 10 or so feet away from the huge gem, looking up and summoning another pole arm.

"Drop her. Now."

Yellow looked on in disbelief; small, quiet whimpers escaping her. She was still petrified... Was she safe now? She looked from the huge gem down to the other Diamond, then back up at Hematite. The look she had before was still frozen on her face. She still expected him to do it.

–

Hematite watched as White approached. He made no sudden movements, no sign that he was going to cause trouble. As she pulled out another pole arm, he tensed. At her command, Hematite slowly looked to the gem still in his hand. There was a long pause.

"..."

He sighed heavily through his nose, and his hunting visor poofed away in a flash. Giving Yellow Diamond an almost... apologetic look, he slowly, carefully lowered her to the ground, behind White Diamond. He let go, setting her down so that she only fell a few inches to the floor. Slowly, he drew his hand away.

–

Yellow quickly skittered away from his hand, trembling behind White and quickly turning to face the two. Her expression changed yet again, but this time the anger came back... and it was laced with fear.

"Oh thank the stars you're here White-"

"SPARKY, YOU FREAKIN' IDIOT!"

Blue's voice erupted from the stands, a loud, crumbling thud soon following. She jumped onto the arena grounds and bolted for the other gems, a fire in her eyes. She stormed up to Yellow and shoved her violently back. The yellow gem gasped and held her arm where Blue pushed her. She looked at Blue, utterly bewildered, hurt even.

Blue heaved, tears welled up in her furious eyes.

"YOU... You did this. This is YOUR FAULT," she hissed, pointing at her with an accusatory finger.

White raised a brow, but didn't look back at the two. She was focused on Hematite. She stepped forward.

"Shift down this instant. You are in a lot of trouble."

–

Hematite removed the pole arm from his shoulder and set it down beside him. He turned to look at White, guilt plastered across his face.

"... Yes, White Diamond." Closing his eyes, Hematite grasped his forearm nervously, his form beginning to glow. His size shifted down rather steadily, but as he shrank down to about ten feet, the glowing faltered. In a flash, he was suddenly on the ground, tiny.

His exhaustion had caught up with him.

Hematite sat up and stared at the three towering diamonds before him, still holding his arm. A cold shudder ran up his form, making his hair stand on end.

This is it.

–

White observed the small gem, looking right through him. She did not look pleased.

Behind her, however, Blue continued to deliver an onslaught of angry shouts to her yellow counterpart.

"YOU were the one who beat him down! YOU were the one that changed him! YOU were the one that made him feel HORRIBLE! YOU TOLD HIM HE WAS NOTHING. THIS... THIS IS YOUR DOING?!" She shouted, stepping gradually, sluggishly closer to her. White turned her head slightly, but kept her eyes on Hematite, making sure he stayed in place.

Yellow backed up, unsure of how to respond to Blue's accusations. She knew they were accurate accusations. She opened her mouth to say something, but Blue let out a furious roar and was on top of her in seconds. White suddenly tensed, snapping her attention to the two.

"BLUE, ENOUGH."

White slammed the end of her pole arm down on the ground. Blue had grabbed Yellow by the neck and reeled her arm back. She stopped. Shooting Yellow a nasty look, she cursed under her breath. Yellow shoved her off and got to her feet quickly, shaking in anger. Blue didn't look much better.

White's eyes narrowed, and she leaned down to pick up Hematite. Her fingers wrapped around his tiny form, and she slowly lifted him up off the ground. Her grasp was firm, but not enough to hurt him.

"Is this true, Yellow...?" she asked as she stood straight, tone unreadable.

Yellow froze, the anxiety returning to her. She glanced away and bit her lip, but after a moment, she hung her head.

"Yes."

White looked down at Hematite and walked over to Blue.

She handed him to her.

"Be careful with him."

–

Admittedly, Hematite expected White to shatter him then and there when she picked him up, and was surprised that her grip wasn't tighter. He couldn't meet her eyes, though, and looked down at her hand, trembling, waiting for his punishment.

But instead, he was handed off to Blue. For a moment, he thought that White was going to have her do the job. But his fears were momentarily quelled with White's words.

Be careful with him.

He couldn't stop shaking, whether from exhaustion or fear, it was impossible to tell. Hematite leaned back against Blue's fingers. He crossed his arms, holding himself to try and calm his nerves.

He had it coming.

What he just pulled was unforgivable.

It was just a matter of time before one of them broke him for this.

–

White turned to the other diamond and walked towards her. Yellow felt a chill go up her spine as she finally looked up at the fast approaching gem.

"But! I... I didn't want ANY of this! I..." Her voice faltered, stammering and stumbling over her words. "I just... wanted to keep him in line. I wanted to make sure he didn't betray us. I wanted to keep him in check, so that no-one would get hur-"

THWACK!

–

Hematite's eyes flew open at the sharp sound, and he sat up enough to peer through Blue's fingers. His arms uncrossed, and he carefully placed a shaking hand on her palm to steady himself as he watched.

Did White just... punch her?

–

Yellow stumbled back, the wind knocked completely out of her. She grabbed her face, looking up at White in horror.

White grasped the hilt of her pole arm, meeting Yellow with a furious stare. She clenched the fist that she had punched her with.

"That was not your problem. That was not your job. You had no right to take this matter into your own hands. If you had a problem with one of MY gems, you should have taken it up with ME. WHAT. WERE. YOU. THINKING?! DO YOU HAVE ANY idea what you've done?! He was FINE, Yellow! There was NOTHING wrong with his loyalty, until you used your iron-fist tactics on him! YOU did this, YOU brought this on YOURSELF." She hissed through her teeth.

Yellow looked...stunned.

Taken aback.

She looked guilty.

She looked away, biting her tongue, but her brows furrowed.

"You've created a monster, White."

White placed a finger sharply on Yellow's gem, making the shorter diamond look sharply up at her. The monochromatic gem stared her dead in the eyes.

"No, Yellow Diamond, YOU have created a monster."

–

Slowly, the tiny gem's eyes widened, and he felt tears pricking at their corners.

... There was nothing wrong with him?

Slowly, Hema looked up at Blue and sniffled, tears streaming down his face. He blinked as he heard Yellow's last accusation.

Monster.

He kept his eyes on Blue for a moment longer, regret and guilt in his eyes, until he looked away, leaning against her fingers again.

–

Blue looked down on the small gem, careful with her hold. In fact, she didn't even really grip him like White did. She simply let him sit in her palm. Even after all that, after all she saw, how she had every reason to believe he was dangerous... she still trusted him. She still believed in him. Deep down, she knew he wouldn't try to pull a fast one, or try to escape for that matter. Blue gave him a reassuring look, a faint smile returning to her. She, too, had a few tears in her eyes. They were subtle, but they were there.

Yellow wasn't finished. She yelled out in frustration, still appalled by the entire situation. Angry that she got hit, angry at her humiliation, angry that she was made to fear. White turned to walk back towards Blue, but Yellow stepped quickly forward to follow her.

"WELL? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS THEN, HM?! He ATTACKED me. He was going to KILL me!" She remarked, throwing her arms dramatically up in the air, sparks flying off her body.

White stopped, clicking the end of her pole arm audibly on the tiled floor. She looked back at Yellow with another harsh glare.

"Hematite will be punished for his actions today. However..." She paused.

–

Hematite listened intently to every word, despite the fact that his head was starting to throb. For a moment, he looked like he was going to pass out right there in Blue's hand, but something Yellow said grabbed his attention.

He was going to kill me!

Growling lowly, Hematite pouted and angrily peeked over Blue's fingers, his brows furrowed. If he hadn't seen White walking over, he would have spoken up.

Hematite will be punished for his actions today.

The tiny gem's eyes widened. Wait... was she..

–

There was a horrible, cold tension that filled the air. Yellow narrowed her eyes, and Blue bit her lip. White raised a brow.

"Hematite will not be shattered for this."

...

"WWHHHHAAAAAATTT?!"

–

Slowly, the small service gem sank back behind Blue's fingers.

Ooooh Yellow was not gonna be happy about-Yeah. There it was. The gem winced at Yellow Diamond's angry outburst, but stayed out of sight. He didn't want her seeing him right now. He'd be lucky if she didn't make a go to grab him herself at this point.

–

Sparks flew in every direction, Yellow's whole body momentarily glowing with yellow light, but it soon faded away.

"YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS, WHITE! HE-"

"Did everything he was told until you berated him. You took everything into your own hands, treated him unfairly, beat him down and expected him to not get angry? If this has been going on from the get-go, I'm surprised he's held it together this long. Actually, I'm impressed. He will be punished dearly, yes. But he shall not be killed over your mistakes," she growled.

"MY mistakes?!"

"Yes, Yellow. YOUR mistakes." She turned again, continuing to walk forward.

"BUT WHITE-"

"SILENCE!" White slammed her pole arm down, cracking the ground beneath her. "I've had enough of this. I've made up my mind, I've made my judgments... Now stop this at once, Yellow Diamond. Honestly, I expected better from you."

Silence followed.

Yellow scoffed and in a fit of frustration and yelled out in anger before storming off in the other direction. She headed over to the rubble covering the door and climbed over it. She'd had enough of today.

Everyone had had enough of today.

–

The tiny gem's head began to swim again, and he broke out into a cold sweat. Uh-oh.

Hematite flinched as White's polearm made heavy contact with what sounded like the tile floor, but he stayed where he was. He gave Blue a glance in the silence that followed White's disapproving last words. As Yellow Diamond stormed off, Hematite swallowed and looked back at the gem holding him.

"... I'm sorry. For everything."

–

Blue blinked and gave the gem a nod of understanding. It didn't excuse what he did, but at the very least she understood why he did it. At least, for the most part. White made her way back to the two and held out her palm.

"The Hematite, if you please."

Blue swallowed nervously, hesitant for a split second, but she handed him carefully over to her. White took the tiny gem and easily grasped him, making sure not to squeeze him too tightly. She wasn't quite as comfortable holding him as freely as Blue was. She stared down at him with sharp, judging eyes, but looked quickly to the entrance.

There was a long pause.

"Well, by the sounds of it, you certainly gave them a show..."

–

As he was passed off to White, Hematite tensed involuntarily, but forced himself to stay still. He wasn't going to be shattered. He was okay. This was okay. Looking up at his superior, he neatly folded his arms over the edge of her hand and swallowed nervously. Why was she so quiet?

Well you certainly gave them a show.

Blinking, Hematite's mouth opened in surprise. Well, alright. That wasn't the first thing he'd expected out of her mouth but...

"... Why spare me?"

–

White didn't respond for a moment, making her way to the warp pad. With a flash, they, too, were gone. Long, agonizing moments awaited as she made her way to another warp pad, one that would take her to the White tower.

–

The silence was killing him.

As the two of them made their way to the warp pad, and then to the next, it took all of his effort to keep his composure. He could do this. It was no big deal... What he did was... justified..

Right?

–

Finally, as she continued walking, she spoke.

"I want to hear more of your story. There's a lot you haven't been telling us, Hematite. The little stunt you pulled today spoke a thousand words." Her voice was stern, but in an odd way... compassionate. Much like a mother who just wanted what was best for their child, even though they just got themselves into a lot of trouble.

"I still need to know if you have snapped for good... what your reasoning behind all this was... And if you still really are my Hematite."

–

Hematite looked up as White began to speak. She was mad, understandably... But there was.. Something else.

I need to know if you have snapped for good.

If you still really are my Hematite

The tiny gem's eyes widened in shock, and finally, the walls came crashing down. Burying his face in his hands, Hematite let out a shuddering breath that quickly turned into a sob.

"I-I'm sorry! I swear, I wasn't going to hurt her!" He shook his head. "I wanted to tell you what was going on, I did! I even tried to tell B-blue! But Y-yellow Diamond said if I told anyone what was going on, she'd... Sh-she'd!"

–

White narrowed her eyes and hushed him softly.

"Shhh... Calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. No-one is going to hurt you." Her eyes drifted down, looking upon him with sorrow. Even if she was mad, it wasn't going to help the situation, let alone Hematite's nerves for her to be outwardly angry.

"Start from the beginning... What did Yellow do to you?..."

–

The tiny gem managed to look up at his superior, and by the look in his eyes, it was clear he didn't quite believe her promise.

No-one is going to hurt you.

Hematite's hands grasped his forearms, and he held himself tightly, shaking his head. He was trembling uncontrollably.

"I-I can't."

There was a pause. He was still shaking like a leaf. Shutting his eyes tightly, he looked away and took a long, shallow breath.

"That night when I came back late from bringing Yellow Diamond her files, she..." Hematite swallowed thickly, as if the words were stuck in his throat. "She said I needed to be reminded how 'small' I am. She thought I questioned my position, th-thought I was stronger than you three."

Hematite shook his head again, the tears that he was trying to keep in escaped from the corners of his eyes. "A-and that you were all waiting... Waiting for me to slip up- a-and-!" The realization hit him like a war hammer.

This was it.

This was what she was talking about.

He had slipped up. He did consider himself more powerful than her, even for a short time.

She was right.

–

White nodded simply, looking straight on ahead. She stepped onto another warp pad, sending them off with another brilliant flash of light. They appeared soon right outside of the White Diamond tower. After some time, they'd finally made their way up to the office. There was another pause, as she placed her hand to the door. It came open, revealing the warm, calm room that they were both entirely familiar with. She walked through, her grasp on Hematite slowly but surely becoming less firm.

She sat down to her desk, placing Hematite onto the smooth surface. To the left, there was a tray with hot tea still steaming in its cup. Seems she'd been in the middle of a new cup when Blue called her. She grinned softly, grabbing one of the cups and sliding it casually towards Hematite. Even if he was small, perhaps he would have enjoyed a little bit of it.

–

The tiny gem, though he was still in quite the state, found some comfort in the familiar sight of White's office.

Right.

He was okay.

Deep breath...

He was safe with her.

Hematite looked down as the expanse of White's desk came into view, and he let out the smallest 'ooph' as he landed. He'd taken quite the beating during the end of the fight, to say the least, and his entire body was aching.

As White slid over the cup of tea, he gave her a confused stare, but then nodded appreciatively. If anything... he was happy for the warmth. Leaning back against the still-hot cup, he drew his knees closer to his chest. The warmth of the smooth surface on his back soothed him, making his eyes drift shut just slightly.

Silence.

–

"Now. Let's try this again." She took a deep breath, inhaling and holding it for a moment. She closed her eyes. After a few seconds, she exhaled, drawing it out.

"What did she tell you?... Did she really make you feel like you were nothing?... Did she really think that you would turn on us?"

–

"... She sure seemed to think I would. I swore, that night, that I was loyal to the three of you... That I would never think of turning on you." His face had guilt written all over it. "But she didn't believe me. And... that night."

No, he couldn't bring himself to give her the details.

"I thought she was going to kill me."

–

She looked down, and away from Hematite. She looked... almost guilty? The Diamond sighed heavily, taking the other cup of tea from the tray and looking down into it.

"I really wish she didn't try and take control of everything... I swear..."

–

Hematite took a deep breath.

"Ever since then... every chance she's gotten, she's put me down, said I was nothing."

He rested his head in his arms. A strange, empty tone took over his voice. It wasn't angry, no.

It was void of emotion, aside from a trace of sadness.

"Nothing. Worthless. Pathetic. Weak. Small. A coward."

Another pause.

"Don't go thinking you mean anything." Hematite couldn't look his superior in the eye, and he scooted closer to the teacup. His voice was quiet.

"Her exact words."

–

White clasped her hands together, pressing her fingertips into one another. She curiously listened to every word, her irritation seeming to build with every passing syllable. She bared her teeth and looked away, but closed her eyes and took yet another deep breath. Of course she wanted to be furious, but she remained calm. For both their sakes. She picked up her tea and sipped at it, placing the cup back down onto its tiny plate a moment later.

"I see..."

A crude silence filled the air. The sun had long since set, but the warm glow of the room made it seem like there was more than enough natural lighting... yet it was subtle. Soothing, even.

"Hematite. Let me tell you something about Yellow Diamond..." She said, placing her finger onto the cup, running it across the edge leisurely.

–

At White's silence, Hematite dropped his knees back down, and his hands rested on the desk, supporting him. She wanted to tell him something about Yellow? Oh, joy. He was going to get the 'she's not as bad as she seems' talk again.

He'd already heard this. And he had already taken a chance and let Yellow show him what she was really like.

Regardless, he nodded silently and watched White's hand as she fiddled with the teacup.

–

White reached down to grab something out of one of the drawers in her desk. Placing it on the surface of the table, she turned it on. Hematite would have likely immediately noticed that it was an archival Diamond pad instead of a standard one for taking notes. Pressing its screen with her finger, White brought something up like a hologram in front of them both.

She made her way to what seemed like a gallery of different pictures, videos, and reports. She mumbled something quietly, before her tapping a file promptly.

On the holo screen, a picture of Yellow diamond came up...but she was dancing with someone, it looked like. The other gem in the photo was unfamiliar, but beautiful. She had long, voluminous ringlets in her hair, and she was smiling happily. But there was something else... Yellow Diamond was smiling. Genuinely, warmly smiling. She looked content... no, she looked happy.

White took a deep, shuddering breath.

"Have you ever wondered why there was a Pink District, Hematite?... Why there were three diamonds, and four factions?... Have you ever wondered if there was ever a fourth?" She paused for a moment.

"Long ago, there was a forth Diamond. Pink Diamond. Pink Diamond was kind to everyone she met. Loving... Caring... Motherly, even. She saw beauty in everything. She was... a wonderful friend to us all."

White's eyes went cold.

"And then she betrayed us."

The picture flipped to the next screen, an image of absolute carnage. Burning buildings, gems running around in terror, warriors running into action with their weapons drawn... and her. Pink Diamond. The same from the picture just before, holding a sword and shield, fighting off the warriors.

"She rebelled against Homeworld over 5700 years ago to defend some... pitiful planet." Her tone dropped, and her eyes closed.

"Ironically enough... the very same planet that you were lost on." She opened her eyes, her gaze fixed on the small service gem.

"After the war, we severed all ties with Pink Diamond. She was free to live on her pathetic little rock, and we went our separate ways. We never spoke to her again... but that isn't to say that severe, irreversible damage wasn't done."

White stopped once more, grabbing her tea and taking another sip. She went to the next image. It was an image of Yellow Diamond. She had a much colder, angrier, and dry face. She stood in front of a crowd of warriors, holding her sword in front of her, her hands placed firmly on its hilt... much like she did normally.

"After Pink left, something in all of us changed. We all had deep connections with her in some form or another."

She swirled the cup in her hand.

"She liked to study with me... we liked to sit out in the parks and have tea, chatting and gossiping the night away."

The diamond smiled warmly in remembrance.

"She and Blue went to hang out at the bars commonly, even sparring against each other for fun."

She closed her eyes again.

"But her and Yellow..."

Opening them again, she looked sadly at Hematite.

"It was arguable that Pink and Yellow were, well. Inseparable. The greatest of friends. They were always talking, always hanging around one another, laughing, smiling... They too would spar every now and then. They would go out to parties and dance throughout the night. They were always thinking about gem-kind, Homeworld, and all of its majesty. Yellow had so much respect for Pink. She looked up to her, even. On top of that, Pink kept her well grounded. Level headed. She helped Yellow keep her temperament in check. Yellow was a very different gem back then... But. After the war, something in her..."

She paused, reluctantly turning off the diamond pad with a mechanical click.

"Something in her changed."

–

Hematite's eyes were wide as saucers as he listened to White's words, and he stared at the different holograms silently as they came up.

Pink Diamond...

So much made sense now... The Pink district, the extra tower, the various pink-insignia'd rebels...

But, Hematite always figured the last leader had died. That she, whoever she was, whether a good leader or bad, that the three of them were just... upset. So he'd never pried about it or read up on it. Perhaps she'd been shattered tragically, and they had to tear down the Pink District to make room for progress? Whatever happened, it didn't effect him, after all, and he didn't want reason to pity the gems he was sent after, so he never asked.

But he had wondered if that made any sense. Why would they tear her stuff down if it had been a tragedy? Wouldn't they leave it up in remembrance?

But no.

She was a traitor to Homeworld.

Not only that, but she betrayed them all for the sake of that gemforsaken planet, the one he'd been stuck on for over a decade. How could anyone turn on their home to protect some sorry clod of mud floating out in space?

He couldn't understand it.

If I'd known there was such a traitor back on that planet, I would have harvested her myself, Hematite thought to himself. He remained quiet and continued listening to White talk about each of their relations to Pink Diamond.

The look on her face broke his heart.

"... You all really miss her.. don't you?"

–

"Yes. We all.. miss her, Hematite. But, the past is in the past, time cannot heal this wound. She will never come back and we will never go back for her." She shrugged, sighing heavily.

"We all took it very hard when the war was over. When everything was said and done... but, during the war... Yellow's outlook on everything changed. Her entire demeanor...shifted. She became cold, merciless. Heavy hearted, even. She grew bitter, distrustful. We can't really say we blamed her, but..." She pushed her cup of tea away finally and grabbed the Diamond pad. She looked over it casually, and put it down in the drawer once more.

"It changed her. It effected all of us, but ... I personally believe that Yellow took it the worst. She changed the most drastically out of all of us, that I know for a fact. She became a much more cold, stern gem. She started to enforce her rules more strictly, with an iron fist. All her focus went toward progression, work, advancing modern gem-tech in any way possible. She spoke less, trusted less, and went about her own business. For a long time, she even shut us out." She looked down at Hematite, placing her palm on his tea cup. It was still warm.

"... But she eventually came around. Yellow is... ah, what is the word I'm looking for." There was a long pause. She stared right through him, her gaze drifting upwards to look at nothing as she thought.

"Yellow doesn't always go about things in the best way... But you already seem to have figured that out. Now, the point I've been trying to get at, Hematite... I'm not going to tell you to try and be friends with her. After all this, I don't expect you to. But know this... she does what she does because she doesn't want to see us or anyone on Homeworld get hurt. Even if that means being harsh. I know it might seem hard to believe, and, hell... I don't expect you to fully believe me. Just understand that Yellow isn't quite as cruel as she seems... you just...have to get to know her better. To know why she is the way she is."

As White spoke, Hematite found himself slowly putting pieces together. The aggression, the mistrust, the anger, the distance... She was this way all because of Pink Diamond?

What a horrid gem...

Yellow looked so happy before... Yellow Diamond, happy? The fact that he couldn't even picture it on his own was...

No gem should have that taken away. Not even her.

White shrugged again, the smile returning to her face.

"It's pretty hard to befriend her, sure. She isn't the most social of gems, and she doesn't really open up to anyone...She hardly even opens up to us. Buuuut who knows... perhaps this little fiasco has humbled her. Knocked her down a few pegs. If you ask me, she needed it."

White rolled her eyes, the faintest of chuckles escaping her.

"Something I've noticed about you, Hematite... something I've found fascinating about you the more I learn about you. You are a very compassionate gem, and fierce when you need to be. You have so much... love in you. Something so few gems seem to have, these days..."

She paused.

"Who knows, Hematite... maybe someday, assuming you two can move past this... even she could learn how to love like you."

–

Hematite touched his gemstone lightly as he continued to listen to White's words.

You're so full of love.

Looking up, the tiny gem's eyes widened slightly.

Maybe even she could learn to love like you.

Tears filled Hematite's eyes, and he turned away, ashamed.

"How can you say that about me after what I just did? What if I'm..." His voice grew quiet. "What if that was the real me?" The tiny gem looked up at his superior, his eyes wide. "What if I've changed like she did?"

It was... a silly question, in a way. After all, most of his behavior back in the arena had been a facade, a mask... something to keep himself from breaking his resolve. But Hematite's head was swimming, and he was having a hard time processing all of after his breakdown toward the end of the fight.

–

She smiled warmly, cupping her hand around Hematite and petting his hair gently with her index finger. She couldn't help but chuckle... and surprisingly, it was genuine. With everything that happened today, she had every reason to be upset. She had every reason to still be angry. But for this moment, for this talk... she was compassionate.

"Hematite. What happened out there... that wasn't you. If you really changed, you would not be questioning these things. You would not have stopped when you did. You would not be here right now, confused and scared. You wouldn't be this upset..." She carefully ran her thumb over his cheek, wiping away some of his tears that collected.

"I wanted to make sure you were still loyal... that you were still you... And I truly believe that you are. You have not become a monster, Hematite. You are not nothing. You are not weak... you are not expendable. You are Hematite... and you are my Hematite."

–

Hematite gave the smallest flinch when White brought her hand near, but he quickly relaxed. He sniffled and leaned slightly into the petting, surprised at how comforting it was.

What happened out there, it wasn't you.

He looked at her quietly, blinking as she wiped away his tears. Her words sank deep, and he felt his breath catch in his throat. She was right, of course. Right about everything. He'd terrified himself with how he acted, and deep down he knew that it wasn't him. But that didn't change the fact that he had the capacity to act the way he did. And while that thought alone troubled him...

He trusted White's judgment better than his own.

She was smart. She knew what she was talking about.

Not to mention Blue still seemed to trust him some small amount too, if their moment back at the arena meant anything...

He could trust himself, right?

He would just make sure he never got to this point again.

"R-right. Right. Your Hematite," he repeated quietly, rubbing his arm with a small smile. His expression fell, however, after a moment. "White? What will be my punishment?"

–

White sighed heavily, the smile leaving her face.

"We will discuss your punishment tomorrow, Hematite. Right now... I think we aaaaalll could use a bit of rest. Don't you think?... Can I trust you to stay out of trouble?" She gave him a wink, a small smirk returning. She took the cups and placed them on the tray, standing up from her chair and stretching. "Take the rest of the night off as you see fit. Just remember to report to me immediately tomorrow." She gave him a stern stare, but the smirk was still there.

"You won't be getting off of this one easy. Everything I've said here tonight still holds true, but it does not excuse your actions either. Buuuut that is for tomorrow's discussion." She nodded, gesturing for the door. "You are dismissed."

–

Nodding, Hematite finally let out a yawn that he had been stifling for a while, and slowly got to his feet.

"Yes, you can trust me." The tiny gem walked over to the edge of the desk and hopped down before heading for the door. A nervous smile found its way to his face, and he nodded.

"I'll take whatever you think is fair. I know I messed up."

The door opened in front of him, and he looked back at his superior.

"... Thank you, White."

With that, he rushed out the door, making a beeline for Blue's office.

He still had one person to talk to tonight.

–

WHAM!

With a horrific crunch, the dummy's entire form exploded into splinters and cotton. A bit of a primitive build, but it worked. After all, to Blue's mace, everything felt soft. Especially now.

With a fierce war cry she slammed her weapon down into its remains, heaving and kneeling down. She glared daggers into the dummy's shredded remains, baring her teeth in unimaginable frustration. She breathed in and out, heavy, irrationally... and then she sighed.

And then she laughed.

She stood up, taking one more deep breath, her weapon disappearing. She tweaked her neck.

Crick. Criiiick.

That felt better.

–

It took a... considerable amount of time to get to Blue's tower, but eventually, Hematite stopped at the door and gave it the tiniest of knocks.

"Blue? Are you in there?" he called best he could, fidgeting with his index finger and thumb.

–

Blue felt a twinge of something spike her back into reality. Turning her head sharply, she made her way to the door and opened it. Looking down, she was greeted with... the smallest of gems.

"Hematite!..." She said, her usual giddy demeanor returning to her. She backed up, allowing the gem to come in. She didn't say anything else...she was still recovering from everything. Her outburst, his outburst, the overall stress of today... she guessed that he probably wanted to talk.

–

The tiny gem scampered inside and looked up at the Diamond before him with a smile.

But after a pause, the smile vanished, and he looked away awkwardly. He... hadn't thought this part through very well. Hematite took a deep breath and scuffed his foot on the floor as he idly looked around.

"S-so... Uhm."

Another pause.

"White can really throw that polearm of hers, huh?" He laughed nervously.

–

Blue stared with a rather... distant look. But then she... smiled.

Then she teared up, her lip quivering, the biggest of grins plastered on her face. She started chuckling quietly, but it soon grew into a hearty laughter. A happy laughter. A relieved laughter. She placed her hands on her head and sighed heavily, wiping a tear from her eye. Looking down to the service gem, she still had the same grin that he was so familiar with.

"I missed that... It's good to have you back again, buddy."

–

At first Blue's demeanor worried him, even when she started laughing, but he quickly smiled when he saw that it was a genuine laugh. Hematite couldn't help but let out a relieved chuckle too. It had been weeks, almost months since he'd properly talked to Blue, ever since that day in the Coliseum. He was glad she wasn't shutting him out after all he'd done.

"It's... good to be back, Blue." He rubbed his arm. "Hey... I'm sorry. That you, you know. Had to see me like that.."

–

Blue knelt down and placed her palm on her knee, getting a little more level to Hematite. Not by much, but at least she wasn't towering over him now.

"Well, Kid... You got a lot of explaining to do. I doubt you're in any shape to go to the bar though." She said, still holding her grin. She ran her fingers through her hair and looked at him, concerned. "So..."

She sat down on the ground now, still only about a foot away from him.

"Let's try this again... And, hah, I know that you didn't wanna come talk to me about your hair!" She gave another warm chuckle.

"Tell me, Hematite... what really happened?... I want to hear it from your side."

–

Hematite looked up at the Diamond as she sat down, and he smiled gratefully. Sitting down himself, he ruffled his own hair and chuckled.

"Aww, come on Blue! What if I did come to talk about my hair?" He grinned at her cheekily, but it faltered quickly and he sighed. There was another long pause and he pursed his lips. Where to start.

"Remember that time I got really really drunk?"

–

Blue chuckled again, crossing her arms and nodding.

"YEaaah... Man, you were really... out of it that night." She looked a little to the left, still at the floor. She appeared to be lost in a thought. "All those things... She said that to you. She made you feel that way. She tried to take away who you were." She frowned, looking back in the other direction.

"It's always her... she does this kinda thing all the time. Tries to take away everyone's fun... ugh, she just. She needs to chill out." she scoffed.

–

Hematite nodded while rubbing the back of his neck. He stared to the side and swallowed. Blue was understandably angry, he'd seen that much in the way she'd pounced Yellow back at the arena after spewing all those admittedly accurate accusations at her fellow Diamond. Hematite knew that now might not have been the best time to discuss all this with her, lest he make her even angrier at Yellow. But no, he had to tell her. He had to let her know his reasoning, how he'd let himself get to this point. It wasn't going to be fun, but it was needed. He'd been silent with her far too long.

Oh boy, here it goes.

"Yeahh. But. Still. I shouldn't have... done what I did today. I guess I just wanted to... give her a taste of her own medicine."

–

Blue fidgeted with her thumbs in her hands. She narrowed her eyes, a little confused.

"What... do you mean?..."

–

Deep breath.

Hematite rubbed his arm nervously and looked at the ground. He couldn't look at her when he said what he was about to. He wasn't sure why. Maybe it was because there was a cruel irony in the fact that a Harvester of all gems was petrified of someone doing to them what THEY did for a job. Or maybe he was ashamed that he hadn't told Blue sooner, or at least hinted at it better.

Or perhaps he felt that he had no right to be mad at someone for doing what he did on a regular basis.

"A long time ago, a few weeks, months... I don't remember, after I started working here at the towers, White gave me an errand to deliver some files to Yellow."

His thumb brushed his arm.

"It went fine until she... picked me up." He glanced at her, quickly adding "I'd shrunken down that day. It was the first time it happened." There was a pause. "I tried joking that she could carry me back to the tower, since it was such a long walk at this size. But she... got really mad. Apparently it was disrespectful. So she, uh. Said I needed to know my place around here. And, well."

There was a long, awkward pause. He didn't want to say it.

"... Let's. Let's just say that for one night, Yellow Diamond seemed to think she was a Harvester." The last part was mumbled, but still intelligible. He went quiet, keeping his eyes away from Blue's face.

–-

...

"I-I would never! I'm here to serve you, White Diamond, and Blue Diamond! I would never question my position!" He was full-on shaking at this point, the smallest of whimpers escaping him. Small, scared, powerless... is this what his mission targets felt like...?
"I'm sorry, I won't forget, I swear it!"
–
"No."
Her eyes narrowed in an ominous calm.

"You won't."

She opened her mouth, moving the tiny Hematite closer to her face, now terrifyingly close to her. Her teeth were pristine, sharp, and to a gem as small as he was... dangerous. She maneuvered her fingers around his body, rolling out her golden tongue and slipping the tiny gem onto the end of it gradually.
–
Oh...
Oh stars, what was she doing?
Hematite's eyes widened in undisguised panic, and he tried to free himself from Yellow Diamond's grasp, but quickly found it was a futile effort. He couldn't see perfectly over her fingers, but he'd seen enough of what she was doing to go into full 'flight' mode.
"Y-yellow Diamond, what are you doing?! I have to get back to White!" He squeaked in fear as his feet met what he could only guess was the gem's tongue, and he tried his best to draw his tiny form away, tightly clinging to the larger gem's fingers. Shutting his eyes tightly, he hoped that if he held on hard enough, he'd be alright.
And she wouldn't actually-
Hematite shook, trying to quell the terror boiling in his stomach. She wouldn't really hurt him, right?
–
She didn't respond. She took a finger and pushed against his abdomen, slipping his small frame over her slippery tongue, just past her teeth. He was just big enough to fit in her mouth, even if he was a bit of a mouthful. Her tongue curled past his legs and drew him in, her mouth becoming more and more apparent as a golden death trap. The only hope the small gem had was the light streaming in from the outside, which gradually became dimmer and dimmer by the second.
–
Gritting his teeth, Hematite tried to fight his way back from the huge gem's sharp teeth, but it was a pointless effort, and he quickly found himself stomach-first on the golden surface. He scrambled to distance himself from the back of Yellow Diamond's mouth, but his actions were fruitless, and his hands only slipped on the smooth surface. Little noises of panic escaped the tiny gem, and tears stung the corners of his eyes.
"Somebody, help!" he choked out, his cry barely audible to his own ears. His voice was failing, as was what little composure he had left. He couldn't understand why she was doing this, he hadn't done anything wrong! He followed her rules, right?! Was there something he missed? Why hadn't she just crushed him if she was going to do this? At least that would have been quick! Hematite, seeing that his light was about to be cut off anyways, closed his eyes tightly and covered his head, his body shaking violently.
–
The pressure got tighter, the roof of her mouth gradually becoming closer and closer to him, the light fading quicker, until... darkness. Her mouth closed completely around him, her tongue pushing him against her teeth. At any given moment, she could snap down on him... but she didn't. She seemed to be toying with him. Admittedly, she didn't dislike how he tasted. Still, she didn't have too much time to dawdle.
–
A sharp whimper escaped Hematite as his back met the hard surface of the gem's teeth, and his panic flared, the image of being crushed into shards flashing through his mind. He clung to her tongue, cringing, and another weak cry escaped him, though not even Yellow Diamond would be able to hear.
This isn't happening. It's not real. Maybe I'm in a training simulation and I don't know it... he lied to himself, what little strength he had to hold on starting to fail him.

Cutting to the chase, Yellow gave a little grin, chuckling darkly, the sound echoing around the puny gem's form. Then, without warning, everything started to tilt under him.

-
A heavy shudder crept up his spine when Yellow Diamond's chuckle echoed around him. He opened his eyes in the darkness, confused by the sudden shift in gravity. But it didn't take long for him to process what was happening as he began to slip. A sharp cry forced itself from the tiny gem's throat, and he shut his eyes tight again, holding on to the golden tongue under him as tightly as he could. Which, admittedly at this point, was a minimal amount.
–
Yellow pressed her tongue, and the small gem, against the roof of her mouth, motioning the golden muscle under him and pushing him back. With a quick motion of her tongue, the pitiful gem was pushed further back, until there was a gradual drop.
Then, without a second thought, the diamond gulped thickly, pulling the Hematite down with a sharp tug, warm flesh now enveloping his upper half.
–
There was no point in it now... that was all he had in his already exhausted state. With one last shudder, the tiny gem's arms gave out on him, and he covered his face, waiting for the inevitable. She was going to put him where he'd never be found. A Diamond's gem dimension was surely a terrifying place...
He wished she'd just zapped and crushed him.
As his form was suddenly moved downward in a swift movement, Hematite let out another yell for help, his mind fuzzy with terror. There was nothing he could do. It was over.
I shouldn't have said anything. I should have just left the pad.
–
Another quick gulp sent the rest of the small gem traveling down her neck. She raised a brow, swiping her tongue over her lips. She moved over to her seat, sitting down and propping her legs up on her desk, sighing heavily. Crossing her arms, she clicked her tongue once.
"Stop whining," she said coldly, looking out to the door in front of her.
–
Hematite could only make out a little of what Yellow Diamond had said at first, and quickly found himself on 'solid' ground again in what he assumed was her stomach. Wait... so she didn't put him away in her gem's pocket dimension?

She was still aggravated from the previous guest, if the irritated scowl on her face was anything to go by.

"If I wanted you dead you'd be shattered easily by now. Consider this a little warning." She said, tapping her fingers on her arm, both of which were crossed over her chest. "Show some courage. You sound pathetic."

The panic that had driven him moments before was starting to fizzle out, his emotional energy almost spent. He'd already had a terrible mission that nearly got him seriously hurt, and now this? After seemingly no provocation?

He backed against the 'wall', his breathing uneven, but he stopped cold at her last words.

Show some courage.

His shaking stopped, and his brow furrowed. A long moment passed, and the gem said nothing.
Slowly, he lifted his hand to his visor, swiping a finger across the surface. The clear visor lit up, the hud coming online, and Hematite looked around at the glittering golden surfaces around him. A deep frown plastered itself across the gem's face, and he slowly pushed his hair from his eyes, ignoring how it clung to his hand.
"Fine."
An uncharacteristic cold tone crept into Hematite's voice, and he looked around again at the environment he found himself in. The diamond's words echoed in his mind.
If I wanted you dead, you'd be shattered easily by now.
Then why do this, he thought with a heavy hint of bitterness. Why do something so...
Well, it didn't matter. Fine. If she wanted him to stop whining, to 'show some courage' after thinking he was going to die, or be locked away forever, then fine. He wouldn't give her the satisfaction of panicking any further.
–
The Diamond's patience today was already worn thin, and she didn't like the Hematite's sharp tone. Still, he was already in a bit of a bind, so she bit her tongue for once.
"Hmph."
Shifting her weight, she leaned over to grab the metallic pad that was on her desk. Blipping on its screen, she peered over its interface. After what seemed like an hour of reading, she lightly tapped the pad on the desk. The Hematite had been quiet for some time now. Good. It was just how she had wanted it. She got her point across, she was sure of it. Maybe now she could trust that he wouldn't try anything funny.
She was doing this for them. For all of them. Still, White did need this gem back. She sighed heavily, taking a deep breath.
"Alright Hematite. Since you probably have gotten my point by now. You should be getting back to White. But you'd better not forget anything I said. Do I make myself clear..." she said rhetorically.

Another day, another enforcement, another lesson. At the very least, she wasn't quite as angry as she had been an hour prior.
But now she had to return him to White. She couldn't keep him in there even if she had wanted to. Besides... it was just a scare tactic.
–
Hematite had done nothing but sit in wait, tiredly wishing he was back in White's office. Soon, he heard Yellow Diamond speaking to him, and noted every word. No, he wouldn't forget anything.

Within a few moments, a small spot on Yellow's abdomen glowed a bright golden color, and she reached in casually, easily able to grab Hema's tiny form and pull him out. Her form returned to normal as soon as Hematite was out in the open, and she glared down at the tiny gem. Hema glanced up in return, but quickly looked back down at her hand. Well, at least she wasn't making this anymore unpleasant than it needed to be.

...

Blue scowled in disgust, looking from Hematite to the door. It all made sense. Everything Hematite said, everything Yellow had been doing... it all played together. It all made... so much sense now. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. There was no use getting worked up now. She had to keep it together for Hematite, and everyone else for that matter.

She gazed back on him with a concerned look this time, the anger not quite gone all the way from her eyes.

"You must have been really scared..." she said, unsure of how exactly to respond. Her hand clenched in her palm, squeezing her fingers. She sighed heavily.

"... And she... made you feel like you were nothing. Like you were worthless..." Her shoulders drooped. The pain on her face said everything. "I couldn't have known... but I should have guessed... I'm so sorry, Hematite. If I had known, why I woulldaaaa..." She grit her teeth, shutting her eyes tightly. "Tsssss... Mmm." She relaxed, the tension fading away once more. Keep it together, Blue.

–

Seeing Blue get so tense wasn't a surprise, but it was worrying to the tiny gem. He nodded, brows furrowed in a frown.

"I was, yes. I guess I just. Wanted to show her what it felt like." Hematite hesitated.

Without warning, the tiny service gem hopped to his feet and scurried over, jumping onto Blue's knee. He knew he wasn't supposed to make contact with her, but he... he had to make sure she could really hear and see him.

"It's not your fault! I could have told you, I could have told White... but I let her control me. I let that terror of her loom over me for years, despite White being my immediate superior. She would have taken care of the whole thing but I..." He clenched his fists. "I didn't understand how things worked when this all started. I just did what I was told, and I was scared of getting hurt. I just.. went along, doing my job."

The tiny gem inhaled deeply. Here goes.

"But you made me feel like I actually had something to strive for. Like I had worth! Sure, White gave me purpose, a job to do, but that was... empty at times. You showed me there was more to life than doing my missions and being afraid. You showed me the arena, sparred with me, praised me, Everything that Yellow Diamond didn't... Everything I wanted her to do. And no, I never stopped trying to make her happier with me, but the failure to do so was... lessened by being able to talk with you."

His eyes were wide, and his expression was hard to read. It was something akin to pleading, but there was a fire there.

"I know you're mad at Yellow Diamond, I am too. And honestly, this whole thing has... probably ruined any shot I had at mending things with her."

His hands shook, just slightly.

"I screwed up today. I screwed up big time. But. I don't want my mistake, my choice to shut out the only person that's been by my side this whole time to ruin... what we had going."

–

There was silence. A hollow, yet shocked look glued to her face. Everything...everything he had said. It was all ringing through her like melodious chimes.

He... he really did care. He acknowledged everything she said. Hema took it all into account. He remembered...he believed her. The whole time, he cared. Despite how things had looked, he didn't lose sight of who he was in the end. What she said mattered to him. She had helped him far more than she could have even imagined, and she did it by just being herself. She helped him. She actually made him feel better. All this time, she had partially thought all of this was her fault. His outbursts, his anger, his unhappiness even. She had been worried that she had influenced him in all the wrong ways. Even to the point of being convinced that she had hurt him... that she taught him the wrong lessons. That she was a horrible leader. All this time... it was the opposite of what she had thought.

A small, single chuckle escaped her.

Tears welled up in her unblinking eyes, her lips parted subtly. She almost looked like she was hurt... but it was quite the opposite. No... no it wasn't hurt. It was hope.

She lifted her hands and grabbed the small gem, squeezing him close to her chest and, without warning, the tears started to flow down her cheeks. A quiet sob resounded through the small room. Her grasp was firm, but... surprisingly gentle coming from the normally rowdy gem. She often didn't know her own strength, but not this time. No, she made sure to be easy with him.

"Hematite..." her voice shuddered in a quiet whisper. She opened her eyes and stared down at her feet, looking past him. "You kept your promise... thank you."

–

Hematite's own eyes filled with tears as Blue pulled him close, and he buried his face in her shirt, hugging her best he could at his size. He was surprised at how careful she was able to hold him, and a bright, relieved smile spread across his face.

They were okay.

He hadn't ruined the best thing he had here on Homeworld.

Sure, he'd really messed up today. There were wounds made that would leave scars for a long time. Some he wasn't aware of yet.

But it also... opened doors. He trusted White more, he understood himself better... and he understood Yellow better. Hell, he'd learned things about his own home that he'd never expected.

But he was still here because Blue supported him. Because she opened up to him and showed him what his life could be.

"Even though I shut you out... and I hurt you... You still didn't give up on me, despite having every reason to."

He looked up at her, teary-eyed, a wide smile still on his face.

"Thank you."

–

Blue sniffed and smiled, giving him a wide grin. Having finally let him free from her embrace, she placed him back on her knee as carefully as she could.

"I always knew there was somethin' special about ya from the first time ya spoke, kid... I guess I saw a lot of me in you? And, hah... I don't say that about many." She shrugged.

"No matter what happens... at the very least, I understand why you did what you did. No it wasn't right, but what she did wasn't right either. In the end, I guess no-one really won." She sighed, placing her palm on her cheek.

"... But maybe it's for the best. If we all learned anything from this whole mess... I'd consider that a plus in the end." She said reassuringly.

At least it was finally over.