Snippet Star 15

Pearl, the Ronin 2

Genre: Adventure/Drama

Pairs: Not important

Parody: Steven Universe

AU-Type: Canon-eqsue

Tags: Steven Grows Up without Pearl, Pearl Grows a Spine, #TrueRenagade, Broken Friendships, Masterless Life Ahead, Deconstruction, Amethyst and Garnet were raising Steven on their own, Future Vision is a bit more limited

12 long years. Pearl had never felt such freedom and it had never passed so quickly. Of course, given she was a Gem, 12 years was a year to her. She had wandered and drifted throughout the world having seen plenty of sights. At the moment, she found herself settling (for a while) in the likes of a small islet in the Pacific wanting to meditate. She thought of the child Pink brought into the world and a pang of guilt and sorrow always followed. She could not blame the child for the sins of the mother, but she knew everyone else in Gemkind would.

The day of the child's birthday had come and Pearl leaned back on her chair. She knew she was going to have to return to the States. She just hoped it had not fell to pieces.

-PtR-

For the Crystal Gems, life without Pearl was quite different. Garnet and Amethyst both did not exactly feel the other could be a good parent and were in a bit of a panic to when Steven was finally born. Amethyst had left Rose with a bit of resentment considering her refusal to answer what become of Pearl and if it was a good time to have the child. Of course, an underlying thought had Amethyst thinking that Rose would have been a bad parent given her track record. Thus, Amethyst sought to make her a good parent and she went to the one person she could trust, Vidalia. Thus, Amethyst played main mother role while Garnet handled corrupted Gems. Of course, they'd swap on occasion but Amethyst did most of the care.

The fateful day had come, Steven's 12th birthday, and Vidalia was dreading the day. Sour Cream put a comforting hand on his mother's shoulder. She had vented to him about what she was burdened with, and he had tried to keep her calm all those years.

"The day's here, and that boy's life will never be the same." Vidalia said pouring herself a cup of whiskey.

"Look, I can deliver the letter. Just let me…you look exhausted." Sour Cream insisted as his mother shoved him the letters. "Thanks…"

"You're welcome. I need to lie down." Vidalia said lumbering off for her bed.

Sour Cream had begun the slow walk for the Universe house just glad he did not have to stay for the party. He had discovered that Steven was back from school and having his party with his friends. He decided to come back later as he just wanted to let him have his party. Sitting outside on the tables near the Big Donut, he had read through all four of the letters. From what little his mother had explained to him about the Gem race, he could tell that this secret Pearl was keeping was devastating. Personally, he wanted to punch Rose himself if he could.

"Sour Cream, you all right?" Sadie asked coming out with a broom.

"Sadie, I have to tell a child something horrible. News that will practically change his life forever…and I got to do it on his birthday." Sour Cream said dryly. "So no, I feel like shit."

"Steven doesn't have diabetes…does he?" Sadie asked with concern. "He has been sneaking out to get more donuts."

"No. It's not a sickness, it's his mom. I have to tell him and his family that everything about Rose is a fucking lie. Her name, her goals, everything." Sour Cream said darkly. "His world will fall apart with this letter and I got to give it to him."

"Oh…god, I'm so sorry." Sadie said empathizing. "You want anything?"

"I'd ask for booze…but I guess I could use company and a chocolate donut." Sour Cream said with a sigh.

Sadie had kept him company till the evening when Sour Cream watched Steven's friends heading done. He got up, thanked Sadie, and walked off to his "doom". He trudged those steps and got to the door. Amethyst had answered and Sour Cream could see Steven trying out one of his presents.

"Hey, Sour Cream. Vidalia with you?" Amethyst asked.

"No, she's not. Look, my mom was given something to hold onto for several years to give to you, Steven, Garnet, and Greg." Sour Cream said giving her the letters. "…They're from Pearl…before she left town."

Sour Cream walked away leaving Amethyst with a dropped jaw and only the sound of his feet on the steps. They all read their letters and reactions was mixed. Steven was completely quiet and a complete mix of emotions. He had no idea what to think at first, only to shrug before tossing the letter aside to continue playing video games. The rest were a lot more obviously hit hard by it, but all put up a façade of indifference.

"So, Amethyst? What was Pearl like?" Steven asked curiously.

"Pearl…she was a stickler for the rules. Always neat and organized…complained about my junky room." Amethyst said with a chuckle. "Tell you what, I'll talk about her a little more tomorrow. I need to lie down."

She retreated to her room, Garnet went to hers, and Greg bolted for the van. Steven seriously did not get what was the issue. At least, he did not see the big deal at the moment. The realization would come soon enough. Pearl set her course to return and the Crystal Gems would be reunited.

(A/N: I had a feeling that Amethyst would have stepped up to be a decent parent given Pearl's absence. Her clothes in "mom" mode would obviously be different. Her eating habits would be also be a bit more restrained…seeing she'd want to show a better example for Steven. Steven, himself, is a lot less innocent given he does go to the school (in fact, Connie's school), and would take all this rather on the nose. Pearl's return is going to be interesting.)