Peridot, after waking up from the dream, was sort of surprise to be here on Homeworld again, much less Pink's room.

Scratch that, she was fucking forming at the mouth.

Here she was, a simple defective Peridot, standing and sitting in the form of one of the former Diamonds. She even fused with a diamond, she fused with Steven. Though she never felt like she could fuse, she was shocked and a bit giddy that the hybrid told her to keep it a secret to the didn't mind fusing with her, but she did. She was a simple Peridot, low class and broken, Steven was a one of kind gem hybrid, and a diamond added to that. She knew that she wasn't connected to Homeworld and their culture anymore, but she couldn't help but feel unworthy of being at the boy's bed, much less fusing with him.

After they had snapped out of that nightmare, one where both of them were quickly forgetting already due to shock, Steven had filled her in on where she was and how they had got here. As well as the mission at hand. The young diamond was happy to the young Peridot back as well, commenting on her new outfit. Peridot was no wearing a simple farmer style outfit with the same shade of green as her old Homeworld one. With a green overalls but the lower half had a small skirt to attached instead, along with short dark yellowish boots and black and green socks. She had her vizor on as well, the shape being more rounder as the edges stuck out slightly from the sides of her face. Her hair even seemed more wavy and natural like as she ran her knuckle gloved cover hands through it. The gloves, as well as the overalls, had small stars on them. The hybrid a lot at her new form, the others liking very much as well since it matched with her framer life style back at the barn. Well, when there was a barn.

Steven never was to far from Peridot's side, finding this little need to protect her. When they left Pink's old makeup room, the young boy saw that the rest had woken up and gotten ready for the next day. Though day and night were hard to read here on Homeworld. Connie had changed to a more formal clothing as if she was going to a meeting of some kind. The teen didn't look all that amused at her outfit as he put on his new diamond outfit, getting a slight worry look from Garnet Lapis at how he still kept it. Peridot was shocked by the outfit, seeing how much it fit the boy as a diamond but still had a Steven flare to it. She loved it right away.

After eating his little breakfast with Connie beside him, Steven stood up and smiled at the rest of the gems as he started to get serious. "Alright guys. I'm gonna have to meet up with Blue and Yellow for my Diamond training. I'm sure they will need you guys to come as well."

Garnet tenses up, looking very displeased with that. "I won't go."

The young hybrid sighed, rubbing his head. "Garnet..."

"I won't go. I don't want to be anywhere near Blue Diamond," The fusion frowned deeply, shaking her head. "I understand why you need me Steven, I understand why you are even taking these classes, but I can't be near her. I don't trust her."

"But you trust me don't you," Steven snap a bit too harshly. "Even though you, Connie, and Pearl basically drugged him and locked me in my home I still let you be around me. Do you honestly not trust my judgment on my own kind?"

"You don't know anything about the Diamond's Steven," Lapis stated, leaning on the wall as she looked at the boy with a glum look. "Of course we trust you, but it's them we don't trust. What if they are just tricking you?"

The young hybrid just glared at the blue gem, shocking her and Peridot for that look. He use to be so fond of Lapis, What changed to make him so cold to her? "Don't sound like Connie now Lapis," He ignored the hurt look in the young girl's eyes and continued. "Of course the Diamonds are hard to trust, but news flash; they don't trust us either. If you guys don't show up they will just be on their guard more and then never help us sure corruption. I need you all there, no arguments."

"Steven-"

"Enough Garnet. The answer is no. Someone has to be the leader here and right now, you aren't it." The chime of both Blue and Yellow Diamond's song was heard throughout the room, cutting off the hybrid as it was the single of the Diamonds wanting him to show up. Though there was no sign of their Pearl's showing up. Where was he supposed to go?

Peridot, being quicker then Pearl, took the teen's arm as she gasped in shock at the chimes she heard. "Steven," She spoke, getting the diamond's full attention. "That's the chime to the throne room. I heard it a few time when working for Homeworld."

Steven smiled, taking Peridot's hand subconsciously as he too got all giddy and excited as well as nervous. "Then let's go guys! Come on!" As the hybrid walked out of the room with a blushing green gem beside him, the rest of the group followed, all having mixed feelings of what just happened.

Connie was obviously the first to hold a murderous glare towards the green gem holding on the Steven's hand. Who does she think she is holding on to her boyfriend? Why couldn't Steven pay more attention to her, she was his Jam bud! The way the two talk, it was like they have been friends for ages, but they have been on good grounds for only a few months. How can the boy be so calm around her but not Connie? She growled, thinking of ways to get rid of Peridot. That should be her holding Steven's hand and smiling with the pink eyed boy. To be honest, she even hated how those eyes looked as well. She hated how the Diamonds changed and corrupted her boyfriend. He never would have agreed with anything those tyrants where doing here on Homeworld. He would never be this interested in any of the buildings or the gems that he saw. She knew the boy inside and out, and no way in hell would the hybrid be this okay with everything. He would fight, fight alongside her, to help and get rid of these Diamonds. She blamed the Diamonds, she blamed Homeworld, she blamed... Peridot. And she was going to do what it took to get rid of her.

Amethyst was down right smirking at the two happy gems ahead of them, seeing how Steven's pink eyes lit up with everything Peridot was excited to tell him. As they walked to the throne room, the purple gem was thinking hardly as well. She was happy for her brother, and she was happy for Peridot as well. She knew they loved each other, even if they don't know it themselves. In a way, why wouldn't they be. Out of the rest of them, Peridot was close with Steven the most, herself in second. All three of them were different from the others, even Lapis. They all felt like they didn't belong and were weakest of the Crystal Gems. Even though she might feel like the third wheel now with the two love birds, she didn't might. She wanted to be there for her brother and best friend, to protect them and make sure they didn't get hurt. She promised Steven that she would make sure that the war complex never fell on his shoulder, and she felt bed that she could keep it all off of his shoulders. She wanted to change, she wanted to be better, and now maybe she can. Homeworld wasn't looking at her as badly as Jasper put it back on Earth, sure a few looked at her with worry and even a bit of disgust, but most still looked high up at her, like she was a leader besides having Steven there. Here, they saw her as an elite soldier, even for her height. Maybe... Homeworld wasn't all that bad after all.

Pearl was frowning deeply, tense and sour like a lemon. She didn't like Peridot, but really her anger was more towards Steven. She was the guide, the helper, someone who he saw as a mother, but now he was leaving her. He thinks he knows everything about Homeworld, that he doesn't need her. How stupid does this freak think he is!? The Diamond can't be trusted, and soon they will take the last remaining memory of Rose she has left. She was going to put an end to all of this, plain and simple. She just had to buy her time.

Pretty soon, the gnang made it to the throne room as four little Aquamarines flew up and opened the curtain for them, their smiles sweet and big which bright a shiver to the hybrid spine. These sweet angles were only reminding him of the other Aquamarine he fought with. "Welcome Steven Diamond."

"Steven Diamond...?" Peridot repeated in confusion, looking at the blushing boy next to her as they walked past the curtains.

Steven shakes his head, blushing a bit as he smiles a bit. "I gotta find a new title. Steven Diamond just doesn't sound good together."

Peridot nods, "I couldn't agree more."

"Steven! So you found your way here."

Steven, as well as the rest of the group turn to see that it was Blue Diamond who had spoken. The young hybrid gasped, as did everyone but Pearl and Lapis. The throne room was so gorgeous, and massive. Their eyes wandered to the red soft carpeting floor and the bright lights above made of tons of different color crystals, but yet they all brought one big white shine. Far ahead of them were a few large steps leading up to four beautiful colored thrones. All of them different sizes but shaped like four sharpe looking diamonds, just like in the old singina. To the left rest Blue Diamond in her throne, the color deep rich blue decorated in bubbles, frost, and teardrop craved lightly at the bottom of them. To the right of her laid Yellow Diamond in her throne of right golden yellow, the design of lighting and stars carved into hers. The one above theirs was much larger and empty, white as the purest snow the boy had ever seen, with cravings dipped in black like ink to symbol stars and curve. The last throne, one that Steven felt most drawn to, was that of Pink Diamond's. It was much smaller than the other thrones, but still looked pretty big. It was deep hot pink the designs carved with roses and vines underneath it. The boy was in awe, shocked to see Pink's old throne. And he was pretty sure that it was going to be his own.

Steven grinned, pulling Peridot with him as they came up to the Diamonds. He felt the green gem squeeze his hand, and he squeezed back. He knew she was scared, but she wasn't going to let her be. The Diamonds weren't going to her, not if he could help it. Wow, maybe he did like her a bit.

Shaking his head, he smiled back up at the Diamond. "Good morning Blue, Good morning Yellow!"

Blue Diamond smiled brightly at Steven while Yellow nodded in approval. She took a glance at the rest of the defects he had brought along and nodded. "Good," Yellow stated. "I see that you brought the rest of you little... party. Now we can begin."

The hybrid looked over at the rest coming up to him and Peridot. He gave Garnet a knowing looking, trying to tell her that he was right to bring her and the rest along. Steven saw her tense and look at the hybrid, but he just shrugged and looked back up at the Diamonds. "Very well Yellow," He spoke formally, knowing that Blue told him of manners. He saw Yellow smirk slightly in approval, so he smiled and continued. "I believe that Blue has told you of my plan to bring White to good grace with me."

"Yes she has," Yellow nodded. "A Ball to kick of Era 3: The Return of the Fourth Diamond. While I do believe that week is a bit too long to get ready, I understand why you wish to make it in one week time."

"The new Era will be a big change to the gems of Homeworld, more so now finding out that a new Diamond has come to take Pink's place. Many changes will come with this big change in history," Blue nodded in excitement, but also nervousness knowing that making a new Era would be very difficult to do.

Yellow frowned at the word change, but didn't comment on it as she flooded her hands together, giving Steven and his gang a studying glance. Steven felt the feeling of uncertainty with Yellow, he bit his lip at it. She still didn't trust him and the others, he had to change that somehow. Blue and himself have spoken of changing a few things on Homeworld, even agreeing on a few of those changes, but he knew that Yellow will be much harder to talk to. White might even be a bit impossible. He can't wait this week being careless and slow minded this time. He had to focus, he had to make sure his plan would work. It had to, for all of Earth's sake.

"Yes," Yellow said slowly, getting deep out of her thoughts as well. She laid back on her throne, waving her hand as she spoke. "I can see why some rules need to be changed, but Homeworld has its traditions. Are you willing to learn our rules before offering options of change Steven?"

Steven smiled, nodding. "You know my answer Yellow. I promised to learned your ways and be a better Diamond."

"Then what better way then to start now," Yellow smirked, pointing towards the rest of the group with Steven with thoughtful look. "First would be the Pearl, Ruby, and Sapphire."

"Huh? Garnet and Pearl?"

"Garnet," Blue gasped, then chuckled, though the sound was not very laughable as she shook her head. "You mean that fusion ca;;s herself a garnet? Like any of our real Garnets look remotely like that fusion."

Steven looked over at Garnet, seeing her growl under her breath trying to control her temper. Pearl looked at the Diamond with a hateful glare, as did Lapis and Connie. Peridot looked a bit hurt, but understood what Blue was coming up with. Steven and Amethyst just looked shocked, they didn't know any other Garnet but Garnet. There were real one gem Garnets here on Homeworld. It was weird to think that, but it made sense why fusions around homeworld are called just fusions. They weren't the real image of the gem on Homeworld. The two felt a bit hard by not knowing this, but it was mostly curiosity then anger. It made the young diamond and amethyst wonder what their other fusions look like, like Opal or even Smokey Quartz. It sparked an interest into them both, but it was Amethyst who walked closer up to the young hybrid to look closer up at the Diamonds.

"Um..." Amethyst got nervous, scared of the shock small glares that the Diamonds gave her. "I-I'm sorry to speak... Yellow and Blue... but are you saying that there are even more gems?"

Yellow looked really shocked by this, commenting her shock. "This overcooked one doesn't know? How can this soldier not know anything about homeworld."

"Defiantly an Earth Amethyst, but even though she is small she is very strong. I can tell," Blue looked quite fond of the purple gem, turning towards Steven. "I'm sure she has protected you well Steven."

Both Amethyst and Steven blushed at that, Peridot chuckling at the two. Somehow, that rubbed a bad spot on Pearl's end and she stepped forward as well, glaring harshly at the Diamonds. "We protect Steven as well just fine thank you very much!"

"Pearl," Steven gasped in shock, quickly trying to shut the gem up. Amethyst were one thing, but a Peal snapping at a Diamond has to be a big hell no. Garnet looked shocked, but standing back with the others as Steven took hold of Pearl's arm, trying to pull her back. "Pearl, quite it! Please!"

"How disgusting," Yellow snapped loudly, making the young diamond flinch at the rage he felt within his gem. He bit his lip, looking back up at Yellow and Blue, who's Diamond eyes glowed in rage. "A Pearl speaking out of turn on Diamonds! Disobeying her own Diamond as well!"

Blue glared coldly at Pearl as her hands clenched into fist. "My Pearl was right about you, a defect along with Steven. You are unfit to be his protector or servant."

Pearl looked hurt by that comment. Not fit!? She had raised this boy since he was in diapers, and yet he is letting this Diamonds tear down all of her good work on the boy. He was almost perfect, almost just like Rose but with a different take on her. He was meant to lead them, meant to always keep the rebellion alive encase the Diamonds returned to start another war. Steven was meant to fight alongside her, so she could protect him like she did for Rose. The hybrid was a Rose Quartz, he was her baby, and these monsters were taking him away from her. She wasn't unfit for the boy, she was what he needed. Why can't he see how dangerous the Diamonds were? Why did he have to fight her? She blamed the Diamonds, she blamed Peridot and Lapis! It all started with them, everything went downhill cause of them! She wasn't going to let her greatest work go to waste. She wasn't losing her only Rose left. "How dare you," Pearl screamed in fury at Blue, pulling Steven off of her as she lost it. "How dare you call me unfit!? You are the monsters here! You tortured my Diamond, abandon her and are now trying to steal Steven away from us! I won't let you take my baby away from me !"

"Pearl! Stop Plea- AH!"

In her fit of rage, she slapped Steven in the face, knocking him to the floor. His cheek supporting a small cut as he touch it. He hissed, looking at the white gem with complete and utter shock.

Amethyst gasped, as did Garnet and the rest. Blue covered her mouth as well as her Pearl, Yellow looked ready to explode while her Pearl looked shocked and even scared, and Peridot shouted in fear. She raced to the young diamond as he kept looking up at Pearl. The white gem was panting, but was slowly focusing on the pain she had caused. Her blue eyes widen, her hands covering her mouth when finding the small cut Steven now supported on his right cheek. The two looked at each other, both Steven and Pearl, trying to see what the other was thinking. What happened to caused all of this. They use to be so close, like mother and son. Steven, even though was betrayed, loved Pearl like a mother he never had. He felt safe around her, able to cry around her and she would hug the pain away, to be there for him even though she still hurt with the past herself. How? How did their relationship turn to this? Pearl had attacked him, cut his face and threw him to the ground. She was the only gem who never caused him to bleed like this. It was like something that was slowly cracking just shattered completely between the two. That perfect glass image of them together, hugging and laughing together, just crumbled as it left nothing but a black empty void. Steven's eyes widen, knowing what was happening now.

He... stopped loving Pearl.

"P... Pearl..." Steven let the name slip out of his frozen lips, but the name no longer left meaning to it as it did before. His love for her, the mother figure in her, where did it go? It was there, but now there was nothing. He just looked at Pearl, and saw only the gem that attacked him.

"S-Steven..." Pearl saw the change in his eyes, like there was gleam but it vanished. She tried to walk towards the boy, shaking. "Steven I-"

"Don't come near me!" Steven was finally able to move his body, quickly standing up as Peridot held him up. He looked at the slightly worried and scared green gem before him, grabbing hold of her as he kept backing up from Pearl. He was scared of her, not sure what she would do next to him, "Stop! Stay away from us!"

Pearl was shocked, but pushed forwards, trying to comfort her baby. "Steven please, it was an accid- "

"Leave me alone! Don't hurt me!" Steven kept moving back, his fear only growing more.

"Steven...!"

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!"

Yellow Lightning flew across the room, landing smack into Pearl's side. Garnet, Amethyst and Connie shouted in shock, Steven holding on to Peridot, protecting her from the blast. They all watched as Pearl screamed and her form began to crumble away, she tried to reach the hybrid. Her finger almost touching his nose as he looked into her blue eyes in horror, but they never reached as more and more of her skinny body broke apart. She started to fall to hr knees, not even having knees to fall on to. Her eyes never broke away from the teen's, the light blue turn a shade darker as the shocked expression became a betrayed look, and it was all pointed at the teen. Then, poofed, the white gem's form disappeared and her egg shaped gem remained, falling to the ground before the two shirt gems. The other looking down at the gem in shock.

Yellow Diamond was standing up from her throne, staring down at where the crazy Pearl use to stand. Blue looked at her with shock to see her jump so fast to help Steven. She had claimed not to trust the hybrid, down right stating how she didn't care for him, but almost like a second instinct she rushed to protect him. The yellow Diamond looked shocked as well, surprised that she was so quick on helping the young diamond. After she saw that Pearl attack him, seeing that red liquid pour from the cut, she felt nothing but rage. She couldn't let him be hurt, then the screams she heard from him, pure fearful screams. She hated that sound coming from such a happy and odd hybrid diamond. She felt this need to protect the boy, make sure nothing happened to him. Seeing this made her think of her wars, and thinking how Steven would stand in the middle of it and get attacked. She wouldn't let that happened. These defects claimed to protect him, but yet one of their own harmed him. Did these gems have no sense of morals, code? Diamonds protected each other, through thick and thin. Their gems matter, and as of each other. She would never let anyone hurt the boy, as long as she remained a ruler.

With her shock and rage fading, the Yellow Diamond looked over at the Peridot holding on to Steven. She was trying to protect him and vise versa. Maybe this defective wasn't as bad as the others, she could be useful. "Peridot. Pick up that gem and ride of it."

Peridot, hearing the order from Yellow, squeaked and raced to obey. "Yes Diamond!" The rest of the gems were shocked to hear the green gem revert back to serving the Diamonds so quickly. Steven stopped Peridot however from moving, his gaze hard but still holding fear. "No Peridot. Let me."

"Steven..?"

"You are apart of my court," Steven stated out of the blew, his eyes holding a possessive nature to them. He was still scared and shocked over what happened, but Yellow ordering Peridot around upset him. She was his now, under his court. His gem told him so, so it had to be right. "You obey me Peridot, and I'm ordering you not to listen to Yellow. You are mine."

Peridot blushed, the rest watching all of this with shocked or opened mouths. Yellow raised an eyebrow to this, while Blue looked more thoughtful a his words with a fond smile. His possessive nature for his court was there after all, they would both have to look further into that.

Peridot nodded, happy to see Steven smile softly again as he reached to pick up Pearl's gem. He bubbled it and pasted it to Garnet, frowning. "It would be best if she stayed there for a while," He whispered.

Garnet frowned, taking the bubble in her hands. "Steven..."

"No, I mean it Garnet," Steven growled, his eyes shining as he spoke slowly. "Keep her in there."

With nothing more said, the young hybrid looked back at the Diamonds. His fear and anger slipping as he looked back up at the them with a blank. His comment blunt, "I'm gonna need a new Pearl."

Yellow, shocked, chuckled in delight as Blue just smiled brightly at the boy, clapping approval. The gems had mixed feelings about this. How did their Steven change in just five minutes? What did Pearl do, and can they fix it? There hold on him slipped with each passing second.

Peridot was the only one smiling at all of this.

I hoped you guys liked this chapter. If not then eh, I don't care.

As for the meaning behinds Peridot's smile, well you'll just have to wait next chapter for that. I needed to get rid of Pearl guys, don't worry, you will know why soon in this book.

Till then

High Five The Sky!