Disclaimer: I don't own Steven Universe, its characters, or its storylines. However, Rebecca Sugar is free to use my characters and storylines, should she so choose.

A/N: Hello, fellow readers and writers. Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you like it. Well, this is it, the last chapter. This is the last part of this arc. I'm debating of continuing with the story, depending on interest. However, that will be addressed at the end, but this is the conclusion of the current storyline. I want to thank you again for all your time, attention, and patience throughout this whole story. So, one more time, let's get to it. And here … we … go:

Steven Universe: Crystallize Red

Thank You for Everything

White Pearl finally made it back to Homeworld, still in agony with her gem still cracked. She stumbled all the way into White Diamond's throne room and used the conveyor to carry her to her Diamond, down the incredibly long walk down the hall. White Pearl crumbled to her knees in front of White Diamond crying in pain, holding her gem as her body glitched and skipped…

Pleading and remorseful, White Pearl said with her glitching voice, "My Diamond… Forgive me… I failed you. We went there… The other gems… and the machine…"

White Diamond raised her hand to stop the distraught Pearl talking, "I saw."

White Diamond scooped up and cradled White Pearl into her hands, and gently ran her thumb over her Pearl's gem with a regretful sigh….

"You've been with me so long…" White Diamond whispered ruefully.

She gently placed her thumb and index fingers around the Pearl's gem, White Pearl smiling up at her adoringly…. PKSSH! Before White Pearl knew what was happening, White Diamond crushed her gem to dust, and brushed the remnants off her fingers.

Tapping on a keypad on the arm of her throne, White Diamond recounted, "It seems this little diversion proved fruitless. A shame…"

A door to the side opened momentarily, and a new, different Pearl tentatively stepped through. The young gem looked up in awe at White Diamond, who beckoned her closer. Overjoyed, this Pearl's face lit up, and she flitted over…

"My Diamond, I am honored you have summoned me." Pearl exclaimed, "Whatever your whim or bidding, I will carry it out without fail!"

White Diamond held up her hand to quiet her, and gingerly scooped up new Pearl in her hand. She looked deep into the smaller gem's eyes as Pearl lovingly gazed back. Then, White Diamond began to sing… Pearl's eyes went blank, the blue fading to a pale white, and her clothes changed and unfurled into flowing robes. White Diamond finished her song and set White Pearl down at her feet, and White Pearl silently took her place next to the throne.

-XXX-

It had been days, and Steven had been keeping vigil over the four new gems. He tried healing them as soon as they all got back to the temple and several times afterward, but to no response; they were by all metrics healthy, yet they all four remained dormant. The young gem meanwhile placed them gently on a pillow was carefully not to jostle them whenever he had to move. On some occasions, Steven had to do something else, but his mind never strayed far from them. Even after coming from a mission, he rushed right back to their side. The four gems were in his care, and their silence left him waiting, wondering, and worrying.

Meanwhile, the other Crystal Gems were at a loss. They definitely wanted Carnelian back, but the other three were a much more treacherous prospect. They had no idea how these new gems would react to Earth and her people or even where the three's loyalties lie. Would they leave? Would they go back to Homeworld? Would they still want to fight? What could they even do about the three? Should they let them go? Make them leave? Get them a gem base somewhere on Earth? One thing was certain however: bubbling them was out of the question. Then, there was the flash drive, another potential hand grenade. Was it a trap, a literal grenade? Could it actually be Homeworld secrets, because they were never that lucky? For altogether different reasons, the rest of the Crystal Gems were left worrying and waiting just like Steven.

Then, one overcast day that threatened to rain all morning, Steven was home alone … when Carnelian's gem started to glow! Steven excitedly backed away to give her some space. Her light grew until it filled the room and started to pulse. The process went on for a few moments … but no action came afterward. Her light then dimmed steadily until it went out! Steven was at complete loss, unsure of what just happened and what it meant. All he could do was relay the occurrence to the others when they got back…

"You got me there, Steven." Amethyst said, "I got nothing."

Pearl chimed in, "Could she have, I guess, 'searching' for the others? I know when I reform I can generally sense others around me. Could she have 'felt' the others weren't back yet and stayed in her gem?"

Garnet adjusted her visor. "That seems most likely."

Steven said with hope, "So, she'll come back when they come back? Okay, at least that's something."

So, they went back to waiting, and more days passed. Carnelian was now regularly shining and beginning to reform only to pause for a moment then dim back down. Then, one day when everyone was in the temple, they had their closest moment. Carnelian shined awake … and started to form! All stopped and looked as she gained a vague shape of herself. She stopped and froze for a long while … before steadily shrinking back down and falling dormant again, all the joy in the room with her.

Carnelian was on the other three latent gems' time, so they had to figure out Azurite, Sphene, and Thulite to get through to her. The Crystal Gems realized there was one recourse, their only one, to get answers for this predicament: to see what's on the memory drive. They could finally discover what its actual purpose, they could know the other three gems' true nature, and so know what to do for Carnelian…

They set up for a presentation, with all of them in the temple to see it including Lapis and Connie. Connie and Peridot connected a computer to a projector, Peridot fashioning an adaptor so that the drive would work on the laptop. All the Crystal Gems gathered around it with Steven sitting in front, the four sleeping gems situated on their pillow in his lap. Peridot connected the drive to the laptop and found several files. One, however, stood out: a prominent and obvious video file right in the front, titled 'Captain—please watch this'. Everyone took deep hitching breaths of trepidation and unease. Peridot enlarged it to full screen and played it…

It was a composite-video log, made of three videos spliced together. Each one was of one of Carnelian's former teammates, each one sitting alone in front of a camera speaking. The video played in an order of cycling from Sphene to Thulite and finally to Azurite…

"My Captain/ My Captain/ Scarl-… Carn-… Captain…/ As I speak, all factors have been accounted for. All parameters understood. We'll head for Earth first thing tomorrow/ All necessary tools and supplies are on our ship, and we're ready to head out … but personally, I've never wanted to fix something less/ We're all set to head to your location tomorrow. And I… I want to see you more than anything else in the universe but … I also hope you don't have to see me…/ If you're watching this, then I succeeded in delivering this memory drive to you, and our encounter went as predicted: you were victorious/ If you're seeing this, then we couldn't beat you; you're just as unbreakable as ever/ If you're watching this, then you won, but I mean, of course you did. That's no surprise; I know how incredible you are…/

To give a full account: we were accosted by White Pearl as soon as she arrived. Her directions were so shocking and unexpected that … we didn't fully react at first. But then, we witnessed her infect you with the White Song/ We didn't really believe her when this was laid out in front of us, didn't want to believe it either. Then, she shot you. It… Just seeing you ghosting with nothing there… I wish I could stop seeing it/ When she… When they … did that to you… I didn't know it was possible to be that scared, to be this scared still. That it happened to you and you had no idea, and the fact there was absolutely nothing I could do to help you… It's a nightmare I've never had before…/"

Sphene faltered, her breaths growing shaky, and she lifted her visor to rub her eyes. She cleared her throat as she wiped away an escaping tear and steadied the tremble in her voice, so she could continue. "We were present when you met White Diamond, and we had to witness them punish you. It was … unbearable to watch/ I still can't… How could they even…" Thulite, obviously disturbed, stopped as her hands found their way to her mouth and her eyes clenched close. Azurite's video picked up. "I wish you never went through that. I never wanted to see you suffer, to have you beg, to cry like that… I almost stopped everything right there, just stop the charade right there … but I didn't…/

Then, you left. And we were given an ultimatum: we were to monitor you or else they would shatter you then us. We quickly surmised however their true goal: We were to bare witness to your slow painful descent and make an account of it/ They gave us a choice, but not really. They were going to break you apart bit by bit, and we had to count the hammer and chisel strikes/ It was obvious they were just going to shatter us when it was all over, but first… They were going to torment you and drain away every part of you, and they were going to make us watch every second… But you showed them, didn't you? You defied all their plans. / Captain, even as naturally resilient and adaptable as you are, I cannot stress how remarkable your survival is. By every metric, parameter, and external factor, you should have been terminated. And yet, you not only survive, you managed to continue on with relative normality/ Captain, I call you unbreakable all the time, but I wasn't ready for how right I was. You weathered everything the song did to you, and barely cracked. It's almost unbelievable but not really surprising at all/ It should've been surprising. If it were a different group of gems, they would've thought all their monitors had failed. But, no. It was just you, going strong like you've always done. I just wish … I was there to help you…/

My Captain/ my Captain/ Scarlet, my love, my Captain/ This is my final report: I want to thank you more than anything, with every mineral of my being. It is all too clear to me what my existence would entail if not for you: rote, formulaic, static… It's a way I can't even imagine living now. Captain, you gave me permission to be me, even before I knew who I was. I … owe everything I am to you. All my projects, intel, data, and the like are yours to use at your discretion, and I hope they serve you well. I… I'm honored to have served under you, and proud to call you my Captain… Thank you/ Well, this, uh… This is it, my last report: you … you know me; it takes a minute for me to get my thoughts together. You helped me see and do things and ideas that not only didn't I think we're possible for me, but also never crossed my mind to do… I wouldn't choose anyone else to follow but you. I don't care what anyone else says: Captain, you are the best leader a gem could have… I know that's my opinion and all, but they can fight me on it. Well, I mean, they can't now but… Anyway, Boss … it was great, start to finish. Thank you. /

I haven't stopped thinking about that day. I've analyzed it, replayed it, and relived it so many times, and… It's clear now: I could've gotten us out of there. The walls, the elevator, the floor, there were so many ways out. I could've done something, and we could've escaped … but I didn't. I froze, and I didn't do anything. I just went along with it. You needed me, and I abandoned you. I…" Azurite paused as she began to cry but caught it and forced herself to stop. "I can't even dare to ask. I know I've given up every right to anything from you but… I would give anything to see you one last time … to look in your eyes again … to hear your voice again … just be your arms one more time…/

To the Crystal Gems: I am certain that, in the event of my survival, you will most likely have me confined. I accept and will comply with this punishment. As for the machine you were given by the Captain, it is free for your use and discretion. On this drive, I have provided additional data, research, and schematics for the Rejuvenation machine as well as several other projects of mine. These may prove redundant for your Peridot, but the extra insight should at least prove confirming. That machine specifically has exceptional utility and potential, so no need to limit your modifications. On a more personal note … thank you for supporting the Captain throughout this whole ordeal. I'm sure you're already well-acquainted with her talents and skill, and yet I cannot sing her praises enough. I am certain she will prove irreplaceable to you, if she hasn't already, and I hope your team will be even stronger than ours was/

To the Crystal Gems: you'll probably lock us up after all this, if we even survived the fight. That's fair; I won't fight it. But before all of that… thank you for helping the Captain keep going. She's … all yours now. She'll give you everything she's got and more, probably already is. Hey, and now you'll get everything she was saving for us. I hope you'll… No, I'm sure you'll enjoy it … just like we did… Oh, almost forgot; that machine she gave you? Don't be afraid to crank the dials all the way up on it. I think it could even reach Diamond level if you tweak it right/

Crystal Gems, if you're watching this too… I'm so glad Scarlet found you all. I can't thank you enough for giving her what I took away. She thinks the stars of you, which is all I need to know. Thank you so much for being there for her when she needed it and staying with her when things got worse. I'm so grateful for you … being a group she can join and be happy. With everything I am, thank you. /

Now, for the final time, I am Sphene, Facet 7, Cut 4VC, signing off. Captain Carnelian, it has been a privilege, Ma'am. Farewell." Sphene reached out of frame. BRZZT! Her portion of the video ended. Thulite came on screen as she cleared her throat. "Officer Thulite, reporting on my last and, well, last mission: I was to go to the planet Earth and assist in repairing the Blast Injector. The operation was a failure … thank the stars. As of now and from this point on, I'll be taking my leave … permanently. Captain Carnelian, please take care of yourself the same way you take care of others. May you always stay pristine. Thulite out." Thulite reach forward and ended her record. "Captain. Carnelian. Scarlet. More than anything, I want you to know: I meant it every time I said I loved you. You made it easy. You gave me more than I could've ever asked for and more than I ever deserved. You were truly my Red Sky, the best of me, my everything. Thank you for loving me. I hope you get everything wonderful you can imagine, and if it's at all possible, that you find a gem that loves you as much as you loved me… Goodbye."

Finally, the video ended.

…?

…?

…?

The Crystal Gems sat in silence as they tried to absorb everything that was just said to them. The video had indeed settled quite a few questions … with tragic answers.

Pearl voiced for everyone, "They expected us to imprison them; that's why…"

Connie finished the thought, "That's why they're staying in their gems."

Garnet added, "They didn't expect Tanzanite to fall in their battle either or for her to be forgiving."

Amethyst asked desperately, "Can't we do something? Can we, like, shake them awake or something? Tell 'em it's safe to come out?"

Garnet solemnly responded, "You know we can't do that."

Finally, Steven chimed in, "Then, we'll just have to wait, make sure they're comfortable. They'll come back eventually. And now we know the truth: they were on our side the whole time, and they get to be with Tanzanite again. That's better than we could've hoped for."

Of course, Steven had found a bright side and managed to make the others smile a little. For now, however, there was only more waiting ahead. The four gems in the meantime needed a place to lie securely, comfortably, and peacefully, but the perfect place was fortunately close by… Steven and Connie went to the four gems' ship, the vessel still nestled against the temple quiet and undisturbed. Using a code Carnelian gave them to get in, the two teens carried the four gems into the main command center and placed them at their normal positions: Sphene was placed at the helm to the left; Thulite was placed at navigation post to the right; Azurite was placed at the second-mate position to the right of the main seat; and Carnelian was placed in the captain's seat in the center position.

Steven softly said to them, "I'll see you all when you come back. Rest well, okay?"

With that, they left the four gems in peace…

-X-

Two weeks had passed since the dramatic battle and several days since Steven had placed Carnelian, Azurite, Sphene, and Thulite in their ship. All the while, Steven tried to say positive, but he couldn't stop thinking about them and everything that lead to this. He was even re-watching the group's final report over and over without anyone else around. One night, Steven was about to go to sleep, with Connie preparing to sleep over as well. As he waited for her to finish in the bathroom, Steven was again thinking and mulling over the words in the video. Slowly, something began uncovering in his mind. 'Machine high potential… Settings turned all the way up… Diamond level power… significantly amplifies healing abilities…' Steven froze in realization just as Connie re-joined him.

"Okay, I'm done… Steven? Steven…?"

Steven jumped to his feet. "We have to go talk to Peridot right now!"

All the Crystal Gems were congregated in the barn. Peridot was steadily going through Sphene's files with Pearl observing intently over her shoulders. Lapis was up in her nest, ostensibly watching a show but actually watching the others. Amethyst was napping in a nearby pile, and Garnet was standing close by. The red fusion had brought them together this night, because 'something important would happen there soon', but she offered no further explanation. A flash of light ignited nearby, then after a moment, Steven and Connie came bounding in…

"Peridot?! Peridot?!" Steven called out breathlessly.

Stirred awake and caught off-guard, Amethyst asked in a daze, "Whoa, Steven, where's the fire?"

Likewise shaken out of her concentration, Peridot asked as well, "What is it, Steven? What's wrong?"

"The files Sphene sent you… Are you looking through them? How far are you?"

"Not very. Why?"

Steven's enthusiasm didn't wane a single bit. "I was thinking about what Sphene and Thulite said. They said the machine could be even more powerful, that it might even be able to pull off Diamond level things…"

Peridot interjected, "I'm sure they were exaggerating, Steven."

"Maybe, but still… What Tanzanite had was some kind of basic corruption, right? Well, the machine helped me cure it. If we can improve it enough and turn it up full blast…"

Lapis then spoke up. "Hold on, Steven… What are you suggesting?"

Steven took a deep breath before saying definitely, "If Sphene and Thulite are right, and we fix the machine… I already got close on my own with Centipeetle, and I helped Tanzanite. Maybe … I can finally cure the corruption."

Pearl tried to be gentle. "Steven… that sounds great, but I don't think…"

Garnet interjected, "Hold on. Peridot, look through the files and see if you can find anything."

Peridot turned back to her computer and started rapidly typing, searching and examining at her usual breakneck pace … until she stopped cold.

"Oh... O-Oh…" Peridot muttered in shock. She went back to typing then stopped cold once again. "Oh … my … stars."

Amethyst asked, "What's wrong? What d'ya see, Peridot?"

Peridot was almost mesmerized as she relayed, "Process enhancements, communication shortcuts, De-limiting functions, ports for extra power sources…"

"Normal speak, P-dot…" Amethyst requested.

"It means…" Peridot slowly looked to the others. "It means they weren't exaggerating."

Everyone gasped even as Steven grew a smile, and Pearl spoke, "So… it's true? We could … actually help them?!"

Peridot answered as she went back to typing, "It will take some time to make the upgrades, and it still won't be able to do what Steven can do. But if we use it as an amplifier for Steven's powers…"

"This could work…" Connie then took Steven by the shoulders. "Steven, you could do it!"

Steven hugged Connie back then asked, "Let's do it. Peridot, when can we start?"

"I need to sort through these plans and combine them with my own, then we'll have actions we can take."

Pearl stepped forward, took a seat next to Peridot, and began typing as well. "I'll help. Don't worry, Steven; we'll be ready in no time."

"Whatever you need, let us know." Garnet affirmed as she placed a hand on Steven's shoulder, smiling down at him.

Lapis and Amethyst climbed down from where they were perched, both hugged him as well, and joined Garnet in looking over the exciting new developments. In between all the relief and elation, Steven couldn't help thinking about the 4 gems that gave them this chance.

Quietly, he offered. "Thank you…"

-XXX-

In the 4 gems' ship, all was quiet and still… Suddenly, a light steadily grew alive as Carnelian's gem began to glow… Then, the light grew even bigger as Sphene and Thulite's gems flashed awake at the same time… Finally, Azurite's gem began to shine, slowly at first but then bloomed until the light of all four of them filled the ship.

End of Arc

A/N: Well, that's a wrap. Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed, and I hope you come back for more. I have more to say in the 'Credits' chapter after this one, so please, please, please go see that one for additional comments, plans, and shout-outs. Until then, thank you again so much, and as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.