Lapis and Peridot were enjoying putting on their little show for the people of Funnland. They hadn't been able to do a lot together as Lapis usually helped the residents of Little Homeschool discover their creative side while Peridot, the self-appointed " ambassador of Earth culture" spent he days with Amethyst helping gems adjust. But for the last week they'd gotten together and practiced so they could put on this show and bring some joy to everyone.

Lapis sent a series of flying fish around the small crowd of children that eagerly reached out to touch them while Peridot levitated what self-made musical instruments she'd made around moving and crashing them to create the barest form of rhythm. As the crowd grew to a large enough size the two gems grew closer mentally preparing for the finale.

"You ready Peridot?"

"You bet! Let's show these earthlings our genius!"

Peridot levitated a large metal orb that sprang to life flashing images of space as she activated their fog machine while Lapis used her powers to create large water sharks that swam around it moving faster and faster.

Steven's eyes were nearly bursting as he watched the show. But just as they show began to get intense the machine started to smoke, and sizzle and Lapis and Peridot had to act fast and sink the device before it could explode. As soon as it was safe, they turned to face the confused looking crowd.

"Well, everyone thanks for watching our show we hope you enjoyed it!"

They watched the crowd disperse before peering over the edge at their device.

"A shame. I was sure this would work. My designs were perfection."

"Peridot you created this last night out of an old washing machine and random robonoid parts you had. Next time though we'll get it right."

Peridot gave one final look already planning her next device when they turned to the sound of excited clapping.

"Awesome! Please tell me there's more."

They both had to do a double take as standing less then a few feet away was Steven, but not the Steven they knew. This one was smaller nearly the same size as Peridot. At first, they weren't sure it was him.

"Thanks little human… do we know you?"

Steven thought for a moment. He knew he knew them, but he wasn't sure how.

"Yes! I know we're friends." He pointed to each one. "You're Peridot and you're Lapis." Then he pointed to himself. "And I'm Steven. Best friends forever." In his excitement he ran forward and hugged Lapis.

She simply stood there unsure looking to Peridot who began examining him.

"Fascinating… Steven I knew humans changed over time, but you didn't mention they could simply shrink like this."

Steven pulled free and hugged Peridot who began to mildly freak out. "I'm not small I'm just five. I'm already a big boy."

They shared a look unsure of what he was saying and as he stepped back Peridot moved up his shirt only relaxing when he saw his gem.

"Well, it's definitely Steven. Just smaller and squishier." With each gentle poke he gave out a small chuckle encouraging her.

Lapis looked down at the smaller Steven still feeling the warmth of his hug.

"Should we tell the gems? What if he's having some kind of problem?"

"Maybe what do you think Steven?"

Steven in his child like mind didn't understand shrugged and began to flap his oversized jacket and laughing. The sight was so adorable that it gave Lapis an idea for her art.

"Actually, how about we head to Homeschool? I want to get a sketch of this little guy." Hearing that they were leaving Steven instinctively reached out and gently took her hand.

Before Lapis could ask Steven spoke up. "If I go anywhere, I have to hold their hand. Mamma said so." He said proudly.

They simply shrugged and started their journey to Homeschool. Meanwhile across the pier Spinel was failing to knock down the series of pins needed to win her prize.

It was her fourth time trying and the single pin remaining mocked her.

"Come on Spinel you can do this. Steven needs that giant stuffed bear." She stretched out her limb and brought it back with enough force so when she let got the ball bounced all around the small tent eventually knocking over the final pin earning her prize.

"Yes did you see that Steven I knew I'd win…" but as she turned around she expected to see her best friend happily waiting for her. Instead, she didn't see his happy mug anywhere. This instantly brought on a wave of panic that nearly caused her to rip the bear's head off as she searched for him. With every second that passed her worry and fear grew. Normal Steven could defend himself, but the lovable child version hadn't shown any ability to use his powers. Normally not a problem as on Homeworld he was either with her, the Pearls or the diamonds.

"Steven! Come on it's not time for hide and seek!" she stretched all around the pier looking for any sign of him.

Eventually though she stopped and took a breath trying to calm down.

"Okay Spinel so you lost Steven. Don't panic…"

"…"

"…!"

"Arrhhh!- No think Spinel where could he go?"

Nearby the multicolored gem known as crazy Lace skated over.

"Hey Spinel, why so sad?"

"hey crazy lace, kind of lost Steven and I need to find him." As one of the most social gems at Funnland crazy Lace often helped with lost or frightened kids and she'd seen Steven just a few minutes ago.

"Well don't worry he left with Peridot and Lapis not long ago. Try Homeschool."

"Of course!" she grabbed Crazy Lace's head and kissed her in excitement. "Thanks, lacey I owe you one."

As she sped out of Funnland the trio of Lapis, Steven and Peridot and just arrived at Lappis's studio. He'd been excited the entire trip asking questions and swing their joined hands.

As such both gems already decided they weren't going to give him up anytime soon. Especially when Peridot asked about Camp Pinning Hearts and the memory challenged Steven curiously asked. "Camp Pinning hearts? What's that! It sounds awesome!" Peridot nearly poofed herself in pure excitement as Steven's devotion to her favorite show had always been less than fanatical. She was so excited she actually had to remove her visor to wipe away a tear. "Don't worry Steven we'll watch it together. I'll even join you in the underappreciated musical episode."

While Lapis was pleased Peridot had someone to watch their show with, she really wanted to sketch Steven like this.

Sure, she'd sketched him numerous times but there was something about this version that captivated her.

"Alright Steven now just sit still while I draw you."

However, the moment she brought out her supplies Steven got excited and nearly screamed.

"Drawing!? Can I draw? Pleeeasssseee?"

Lapis felt her gem glow with happiness as much like with Peridot before her she'd always wanted to do more art things with Steven.

"Okay you can draw me while I draw you."

She handed him a large array of brushes and paints which he instantly struggled to use. After helping him out they began to draw. Lapis went slowly wanting to get the details right as her pencil sketched the basic design of this small Steven all the while Steven did his best to fingerpaint Lapis and Peridot.

While the three of them happily went about playing and painting and Spinel did her best to speed to Little Homeschool across the galaxy the former monarchs of Homeworld were growing worried. White especially kept eyeing the warp.

"What's keeping them? Spinel's spent more time in Steven's home then we have. She should have been back with Steven by now."

While she paced about Yellow mentally ran thought every scenario she could think of.

"Poofed? No, she was made to be durable, incapacitated by a rouge gem? No, she's still skilled with the scythe that Earth Bismuth made for her. What in Homworld's name could be keeping her then!?

Blue however had a thought.

What if she's already playing with him!? With his eagerness and her personality, they could be all day and night! She'll no doubt only bring him back when he's asleep and then White will take him!

She marched toward the warp shrinking in size so she could fit. "I'm going to get him."

And when I get him, I'm keeping him for a whole day!

Yellow and White saw her smile as she heard the warp and stopped her. "Oh no you don't. You just want to keep him all to yourself. We'll send the Pearls. They should be able to track down Steven as well as convince Spinel."

The words were barley out of her mouth when the Pearls ran full sped to the warp. They also missed their little Steven and knew that Spinel would demand they join her in her playtime.