1001 Nights In Our Garden

The Frame

My name is Steven Universe, I'm 19 years old, and I'm being held hostage by an insane Pink Gem who is threatening to blow up my planet if I don't play with her, and tell her stories every day.

Troubles began while I was cleaning the area around the warp pad. Lion likes to run around the room a lot, and this time of year he sheds everywhere.

So I was in there sweeping when I slipped one of Lion's toys and fell into the warp. I thought the thing was broken, oh boy was I wrong. The next thing I knew, I was standing in the middle of this immense, and overgrown garden.

I let out a low whistle in amazement as I walked through the place. It reminded me of an old picture book Connie and I had read over winter break. Everything was dark and unkempt, like something out of a haunted house. Why didn't I leave then and there? Why, oh why?

It must've been a couple of hours before I became aware that I wasn't alone. It started as some vaguely heard laughter but quickly evolved into the sound of vague squeaking, and dark mutterings.

"Oh my Diamond, shall I stand very still, oh it is my pleasure! Oh anything for my best friend!" I'll stand here, watching and waiting," she continued, now shouting, "For 6000 years as you run off and get yourself a brand new life… on a brand new world and you and you! You go and get yourself a replacement! Ha hehe hahahah! Oh wait til all her new friends get a look at me… so nice of those diamonds to leave so many nice toys within' reach of poor, innocent lil' Spinel."

I had no idea who she was, and what was that about the Diamonds leaving toys? It was so surreal, and I began to slowly walk away with my shield for protection. That's when she became aware that I was walking in her garden. A hand suddenly reached out and pulled me by my jacket.

That's when I came face-to-face with the unhinged lunacy of that fuchsia demon. "Well, well, well, Pink Diamond finally decided to show up to play, sorry kid yer a few thousand years too late!" Her smile was wide and malicious. It didn't take a genius to see I was trapped.

I nervously managed, "Spinel right? Yes, I've ummmh… come to make amends."

"Oh and how do you intend to make up 6000 years!" She was practically growling.

"Uhmmm… what do you want?"

She started pacing again, back and forth, "Hmm? Now there's a question," she motioned to an injector that was planted in a moon that had a large heart shaped whole. "I think I'll just take a little trip to your planet and have some fun destroying everything you love! Sounds good to me."

"The gems will"… Suddenly she struck me with a scythe. I thought I was dead, instead, what she had done made my shield short out. She put it away and tackled me to the ground.

"Steven Universe, savior of the planet Earth, hero of Homeworld. Hahahahehehehe, how does it feel being as weak as all the other meat balloons on your planet. I could kill you now!" Her eyes seemed disjointed as she said this, traveling around before staring back.

"I can see that you're in pain over this."

"Oh yeah, what was your first clue!"

I had to think fast, "The other's didn't hurt you, I'm the one you want, not them."

This gave her pause. She returned to pacing, leaving me struggling on the ground. I had just stumbled my way into another one of my mom's messes. The fact that this insane gem might arbitrarily turn me into a corpse didn't give me high hopes.

She spent what seemed like ages pacing back and forth, hands behind back. Up and down, left and right, at last she got uncomfortably close. I flinched, "What's the matter Universe, not a big fan of my style?" She pulled at her pig tails."

In a life threatening situation, what would you do? "I love it, you look great."

Her whole mood changed in an instant as her smile seemed far more innocent. "Y-you really think so, I- thought it'd scare you." She shrunk back a little.

Then she became enraged, and ran around toppling columns. She suddenly based back in my direction. I was still too weak to even try to resist.

"Let's pretend I believe you, huh?" She sank down beside him. "How could you pay me back."

"You could come to Earth and live with us, the gems and the rest of us. It's great there, and with the war over there's plenty of new friends."

She giggled. It was malicious but not quite as insane as before. "Oh so you want me to punish you, by letting you go free and return to your other friends. I'm not interested in being the punchline of another persons sick joke kid, so think again."

"Well if I can't take you back, then what? Do I stay here and play whatever games you come up with, tell you stories, listen to your jokes? Then if I lie or run, you destroy my home." I meant this as the most insane leap in logic I could manage.

"Ok. I could live with that."

My heart sank. Didn't she know I was still half human? She didn't say anything about how long either. His powers had vanished and she presumably had all the keys.

"So what now?" I asked. "If I'm going to be here for a while I'll need supplies…" She wouldn't even consider that. Instead she wandered over to the control console and pressed a few buttons.

She seemed somewhat defused then suddenly held out her scythe against my neck. "Know this though, try to run, and I'll kill you. No," there was that devilish grin again, "I'll make you watch my injector destroy your planet."

I interrupted, "And then you'll kill me."

She rubbed my head, "Awe such a cute little abomination of nature."

"I still have to eat?"

"This is a garden, it can produce anything you want?" She sat back down beside him, and leaned against his shoulder. "Pink used to tell me stories, tell me one huh?"

"A story?"

"Yes, she'd go on for hours." She sounded rather dreamlike as the gem recalled stories of adventures that they could never actually go on. It sent shivers up my spine to see her relax and recline so easily, after being so violent. I was terrified at what her next change in personality would be.

"What kind of story?"

"Tell me one about you and me, Pink."

I knew that I could connect with other gems and humans in my sleep. I never stopped to consider how mom might have used it. Suddenly I was flying through a pink and Orange sky.

She was right beside me, only wasn't her. This gem was bright pink, and her heart shaped gem was right side up. Rather than seeming insane, this gem seemed to be totally content.

The gem wrapped me in a hug as we continued the long, floating descent. "Oh Pink I waited so long and I'm soo glad your back."

I was completely confused, and just when I thought things were settling down… that's when life got really weird.

Pearl pointed her spear at me, "You miscreant tell us where the treasure is hidden!"

The jasper guards tied us up with heavy ropes.

Spinel, who was smiling brightly said, "Woah! Pink this is your best story yet!"

Crazy as it sounds, that's the way it began. Wonder what would've happened if I had gotten away? Just five minutes might've saved the world, but I guess I'll never know.

Next Time-

The First Night- Spinel's Treasure

Author's Note: From here on out this story becomes an anthology, but there will be continuity. Feel free to leave any suggestions for future stories in the reviews or my inbox. I'm open to any ideas within reason. Thanks so much for reading!