Steven and Amy had lapsed into silence, waiting- for whenever Blue and Yellow decided to let them out, he supposed. He had noticed, in his time on Homeworld, that it never really got dark. The sun cast shadows, trailing across the room, disappearing into a brief twilight, then starting over again without the cycle of night. Maybe there were two suns? It was a puzzle that he chose to occupy himself with, lest he begin to dwell on other, less pleasant problems.
Steven shifted slightly, pressing a hand against his gem. It still hurt from time to time, a gentle tug at his consciousness: a watered-down version of the destabilizing force his earlier injury had caused. He saw Amy look over, then away again. He sighed; he was worrying her- again.
Steven drew his hand away from his gem, flexing his fingers before summoning his shield. He hadn't really had time to look at it before, what with all the running and fighting- but the fact that it had changed had been bothering him. Well- along with everything else.
He took a closer look, running his hand along the pink shield's newly-pentagonal form, all sharp edges and flat planes. Instead of a curved, convex surface, the straight outer edges mirrored a flat, raised central pentagon. Its vine-like spiral design was changed, too, no longer a single line growing out from the center but five converging from the outside, feeding into a much-more-organic-looking rose emblem, surrounded by a backing diamond outline. He traced a finger over one of the rose's petals, frowning. What did the change mean? Was this his mom's old shield, back when she was still living as Pink Diamond, or was it something new?
The answers, as usual, eluded him. He shivered, feeling another uncomfortable twinge from his gem, and let his shield disperse. He rested his head back against the wall, closing his eyes as he tried to relax, or at least scrape together a little more patience for the Diamonds' inevitable return.
He could feel Amy watching him but chose not to acknowledge it, letting her take her time getting around to whatever she wanted to say. Sure enough, after another moment the gem cleared her throat, an anxious note in her voice as she asked, "Uh… My Steven?"
"Yeah?" he replied, eyes still closed.
He heard Amy shuffle, then, "It… may be wise for me to reform before the other Diamonds return."
Steven straightened, looking over at her, concerned. "But… won't it hurt?" He'd almost forgotten about that demand of Yellow's.
Amy levied him an exasperated look. "That's not worth concerning yourself about, My Steven."
Steven frowned, about to voice a denial, when Amy spoke again, "It's going to happen either way, so do I have your permission to reform or not?"
Steven opened his mouth, blinked, then furrowed his brow. She shouldn't have to ask permission about what to do with her own body. "But… isn't there some way to make it easier, at least?" he asked, sensing his former thought wouldn't go over well. He really didn't want to risk hurting her, if he truly did have to poof her.
Amy leaned back, crossing her arms in annoyance. "My Steven. I am not as fragile as you seem to think."
Steven tensed. "I didn't mean-"
Amy threw her hands out, effectively stopping the conversation in its tracks. "Look," she said, after a pause, "your concern for me is… appreciated, but unnecessary. I'm an amethyst, not a sapphire; you don't have to be delicate with me." She looked down, continuing, "And I think we can agree that it would be best if no one else saw my gem. Or… this." She gestured with her third arm, shame blooming across her features.
Steven's shoulders slumped. Right. "Sorry- I wasn't even thinking of that…"
Amy waved a hand, brushing off his apology. "It won't take me long; I've had some practice doing quick-changes."
"That's-" Steven rethought his words. "You can take as long as you need, Amy; I won't let anyone hurt you."
To his surprise, the corner of Amy's mouth turned up slightly, a brief hint of a smile. She shook her head. "That a yes, then?" she drawled.
Steven was confused, but not displeased, by Amy's sudden change of mood. "Of course," he nodded, mentally preparing himself for having to hurt his new friend.
She nodded in turn, sobering. "Well," she said, tilting her head as she looked away, "see you on the other side." She closed her eyes, concentrating for a moment, before her form dissipated with a sharp pop.
Steven, suddenly realizing her gem was, indeed, falling, scrambled up, sprinting to catch it. He managed to get his fingers around her just before she hit the ground. That was… unexpected. Could all gems just poof like that? He held the gem gingerly, as if a single motion might break her, feeling the warm thrum of life within brush against his fingers. Did Amy feel the same from his gem when he was poofed?
He sat back against the wall again, cradling Amy's gem to his chest as he waited, expectant. If her time to reform was anything like Amethyst's, it could be only moments before she reappeared. He could only hope the ordeal wasn't too awful for her.
Steven sighed, smoothing his thumb over Amy's top facet as the seconds turned to minutes. Her gem was truly beautiful, as all gems were, glimmering with a faint inner light. Even her so-called blemish, the 'malformed' facet, shone just as brightly as the rest of her. Steven frowned, thinking of what Homeworld did to any gem that was different. He couldn't understand it; he thought she was perfect just the way she was- no matter what anyone said.
Soon enough, Amy's gem began to glow, and Steven released it into the air as she began to reform. The gem hovered, light solidifying into purple skin and hair, plus a newly-pink jumpsuit, before Amy dropped to the ground, renewed.
Steven smiled at her as she looked up. "Looking good," he said with a wink and finger guns, and Amy rolled her eyes. "How do you feel?"
Amy stretched all three of her arms above her head. "Good," she said. "Haven't changed my form in nearly ten thousand years." She looked down at herself, brushing a hand over the pink diamond insignia front-and-center on her jumpsuit. "Never worn pink before- but there's always a first for everything."
"It suits you," Steven added, encouraging, and was rewarded with a smirk.
"If 40C could see me now- she might just lose her form in shock." Amy shook her head, grinning. "Me, an amethyst, serving directly under a Diamond. Hah!" She once more traced the diamond on her chest, pride shining through this time.
Steven bit his lip, withholding a smirk as he shrugged innocently. "Well… maybe we could arrange that."
Amy looked up at him, brows raised, before laughing. "You're funny. -You know, for a Diamond."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Steven replied lightly.
Amy huffed, amused. "You should; never had a commander with an ounce of good humor before."
She made to say something else when suddenly the doors slid open, the pair starting in unison as they turned to the newcomer. The pleasant atmosphere evaporated instantly as they saw who it was, Amy standing as she snapped into a salute, form wavering only slightly as her third arm, tucked instantly behind her back, went missing.
Blue strode in, eyes only for Steven as she approached. "Pink," she greeted, smiling, though there was a tightness around her eyes. "How are you feeling?"
Steven stood, also. "I'm fine, Blue," he replied, keeping his voice carefully even.
Blue's smile grew tight for a moment. "And you've contemplated your actions?"
Steven nodded. "I'm sorry," he said, reticent. "It won't happen again." Not because he regretted saving Amy, but because he wouldn't let it get to that point again. He would do better; he wouldn't let anyone else get hurt because of him.
Blue scrutinized him. "See that it doesn't," she said, cold. She waited for something, a reply, perhaps, but Steven had none. He started to fidget, and a portion of tension sank from Blue's shoulders. "Well… So long as you understand you acted inappropriately, I see no reason why we have to prolong your punishment."
Steven couldn't help but perk up. "I can leave?" he asked, surprised.
Blue smiled again, softly amused, chiding, "Of course, Pink." She took a deep breath, clasped her hands together and continued, "Yellow and I have talked, and we agreed that it's best that you were presented once more to the Courts. It is unbecoming to keep your return nothing more than a rumor among the baser gems."
"Oh," Steven stated. He had no idea what that meant.
Blue looked down at him expectantly. After a moment a flicker of confusion passed over her face; she stressed, "That means you can arrange a ball, Pink. For the first time in six-thousand years."
"A ball?" Steven repeated. What did that have to do with anything? Was there some sort of Homeworld sport he didn't know of?
"I-," Blue's confusion grew, bordering on disappointment, "thought you would be excited." She frowned. "You've always loved your little celebrations, even if Yellow griped about having to attend every one of them."
"Oh!" Steven exclaimed, realizing, at last, what Blue might be talking about. "A party!" He saw Amy, from the corner of his eye, wince.
Blue peered at him, bemused. "Yes, Pink. A ball. To announce to all of Homeworld that you've returned to us."
Steven couldn't help the bubble of excitement that grew within him; he just loved festivities too much for his own good, even if it was to celebrate something as horrible as being trapped here on Homeworld. "I can plan it?" he asked eagerly. "Everything?"
Blue nodded, pleased at his belated excitement.
"Can there be balloons? Streamers? -Oh!" he gasped. "What about fireworks?"
Blue furrowed her brow. "Pink, you know you must uphold Homeworld's standards. None of those things, whatever they may be," her hand drifted, brushing his ideas aside, "would be appropriate. Only perfection is acceptable, especially if White is to attend."
Steven deflated. "Oh," he answered. It was one of those parties. Like when the rich tourists came to Beach City, off-and-on, and went around wearing suits and dresses no matter the weather, drinking things that weren't allowed for kids and talking on phones instead of to the people they were with. Pretty, but pretty boring.
Blue frowned once more, this time in concern. "You've always adored planning balls before, Pink," she coaxed. "With how grand this one will be, you'll have so much fun, even without whatever silly toys you're thinking of."
Steven mustered up a smile; Blue smiled back. He would try to have fun, if it meant Blue would be happier. Suddenly the diamond's eyes twinkled. She pressed her hands together, anticipation prevalent. "I know just what will cheer you up, Pink. Come, let's get you out of this place."
Blue turned, making her way out of the room, and Steven followed, though not before making sure Amy was coming, too. Amy rolled her eyes at him, making a slight shooing motion as he slowed to wait for her. Point taken, Steven picked up his pace, coming to walk alongside Blue.
He looked around, noting the absence of one Blue Pearl. He nearly asked for her whereabouts before deciding against it; he wouldn't want to get her in trouble. "Where are we going?" he asked instead.
Blue only smiled knowingly down at him. "You'll see," she teased, deliberately keeping up the mystery.
Blue led them down a series of unfamiliar halls, deeper into the Blue Court part of Homeworld. Fortunately, this time - unlike when he walked with Yellow - the diamond-sized passages were thoroughly empty, not a single gem crossing their path.
It was a quiet walk, but not an unpleasant one, now that Blue had dismissed her anger towards him. He took in the high windows and extensive artwork lining the walls, even spying a few more living statues among the murals and water features, his curiosity - and concern - piqued once again. He wanted so badly to ask whether they were really gems, but at the same time… did he really want to know the answer?
Eventually Blue slowed, and, as if on cue, Blue Pearl appeared from a small connecting hall. She curtsied to her Diamond, forming an elegant salute as the former waited expectantly.
"My Diamond," Blue Pearl acknowledged, "your arrival is anticipated."
Blue nodded, and her pearl stepped back to let them pass, giving Steven a small, encouraging nod as he looked at her. He offered a brief smile in return. At least he hadn't completely ruined his relationship with her, if she was still willing to acknowledge him.
A knot grew in his stomach. Hopefully whatever Blue had planned for him wasn't some new punishment. She didn't seem like she was leading him to his doom, but then, she was a Diamond.
Yet, his trepidation was pushed aside as a set of massive doors opened before them, leading out into a wide, sunlit blue plaza. They set across a beautifully ornate bridge, connecting the top floor of their building to the square ahead, seeming to rest atop one of the inverted pyramid buildings he'd seen dotting Homeworld's skyline. Small groups of aristocratic gems milled about the area, admiring the (admittedly stunning) view, along with fountains and statues that accentuated elegant feats of architecture. The gems stopped what they were doing and saluted as soon as Blue Diamond came into view, every eye on her, and by extension, him.
An impressive building, looking almost akin to a temple with its towering columns and broad, crisscrossing arches, rose from the center of the plaza, steps leading up to it from every direction: large, diamond-sized in the middle, tapering smaller towards the corners. Strangely, the other gems gave the building a large berth.
Blue set off across the open space towards the central building, but Steven found himself trailing slightly behind, taking in the sights around him, relishing in the warmth of the sun against his skin. He found himself breathing a little easier, eyes drifting closed as he soaked in the peace.
He hadn't realized he'd stopped, surprised to find Blue looking back at him when he opened his eyes again. Her lips turned up in a sad sort of smile, eyes glistening.
"You look tired, Pink," she acknowledged softly. "Would you like to sit for a moment?"
"Oh- no, I'm fine, Blue," he said nervously. "I wouldn't want to waste your time."
Blue frowned. She stooped down, gently touching a finger to his cheek, a soft sense of peace descending with it. "My schedule has been cleared for a quarter-cycle. You are the most important thing, right now."
Steven looked down, uncomfortable with the scrutiny.
Blue stood again. She surveyed the plaza, then gestured to an ornate fountain dominating the corner to the right. "Let's sit by the fountain, Pink; you always like the angle of the light there."
Steven nodded, following in Blue's wake. She walked to the opposite side of the massive water feature, seating herself on a diamond-sized bench, held up by twin statues and a crystalline latticework. Steven leaped up next to her, fiddling with his new clothes as he sat, too. Amy and Blue Pearl stood respectfully to the side, giving them space.
Blue sighed. She turned her gaze from Steven to the gravity-defying displays of water before her, gleaming in the light like liquid gems.
"Do you remember this place, Pink? You helped me design it." She paused, continuing when Steven didn't reply, "The first time you saw this fountain you jumped right into it; you just had to see the patterns beneath the water for yourself. They were new- designed just for you." A wistful nostalgia came across Blue's face. "I was furious, but you just laughed." She smiled. "No one could ever resist your happiness, Pink. Especially me."
Blue looked away from the fountain, gazing off into the distance. Her smile faded. "So much has changed while you were absent." She looked down at Steven. "You've changed." Her gaze grew intense, searching; he looked away.
"We'll find a way to make things just like they used to be, Pink," Blue said, a consolation. "Don't worry."
That was, unfortunately, exactly what Steven was worried about. He withheld a frown, watching the graceful movements of the water, eyes following the sinuous forms as they danced before his eyes. The basin of the fountain glimmered as the light changed, a beautiful rush of color and light. Despite his worries, Steven found himself beginning to unwind again.
For a brief, blissful moment, the two of them sat in peaceful silence. Two the same, and yet complete opposites: neither able to be what the other wanted. Yet, as the silence stretched, Steven's nervousness returned.
He glanced up at Blue, finding her watching the gems lingering in the distance. She seemed to have relaxed further, an antithesis to Steven's changing mood. He waited a moment, eyes darting about, before he hopped down from the bench. Blue glanced to him, and though her gaze remained easy - nonjudgmental - it still burned holes in his back.
Steven walked to the lip of the fountain, hopping up to stand on the edge. He crouched down, running a hand across the water's surface. Cool and pristine; a perfect reflection of Homeworld itself. The ripples set his own reflection to chaotic strips of pink, a slight disappointment as he hadn't seen his new form yet. Though- he thought back to his gem's change in positioning. Did he even want to see himself? Maybe this was for the best.
Steven looked deeper into the water. Up close he could see just how intricate the glimmering patterns inlaid at the bottom of the pool were. Every minute polygon in perfect symmetry, thousands of crystals laid in seamless alignment.
"Did you really make this for- me?" he asked, narrowly avoiding mention of his mom.
He could feel Blue's ease behind him. "Of course, Pink," she said, loving. "All of this was- is for you."
If Blue was trying to make him feel guilty, it was working. He frowned into the crystalline depths, running a hand through the water again. It trailed through his fingers, slipping away like so much else. He stood, hopping down from the fountain's edge.
"Are you ready to continue?" Blue asked gently.
He nodded. "Yes, Blue," he replied.
Blue rose, graceful, and continued toward the center building, looking over at a group of yellow gems, saluting respectfully from a distance.
Blue looked down at him. "Do you remember when Yellow let you name that experimental batch of citrine? They were still under development at the time." She paused, a questioning glance sent Steven's way.
"Sorry… I don't," Steven admitted.
Blue frowned, a brief flicker of sadness coming over her before a soft smile resurfaced. "Gold topaz, you called them." She shook her head, chuckling softly. "The agates are still getting confused over that one. Hm… perhaps you remember the billitonite?"
Steven shook his head. "Sorry," he repeated.
"You named them fire pearl- pearl! They didn't even know to be offended… Oh!" She covered her mouth, a light peal of laughter on her tongue. "Or that batch of pyrite- fool's gold! White was absolutely furious." She laughed again. "We kept it, of course. You were always so silly, Pink."
Steven couldn't help but smile. Those were some pretty good names.
Another laugh flitted about the open space, brightening the area. "The worst, though, was that batch of leucite. Do you remember that, Pink?"
Steven shook his head again, but his denial couldn't dampen Blue's enthusiasm.
"You tried to name them white garnet." She smiled broadly, laughing, "White really put her foot down on that one." She laughed once more, then let out a breath, a sad nostalgia taking hold. "We had so much fun, Pink, all of us: you, me, Yellow… even White. Your little games brought us all together."
Steven was surprised. "White would play with- us?"
"Oh yes," Blue confirmed, "she always loved to hear you sing." The sadness grew, and she looked to the building looming above with a wistful sigh. "You would come here to show us your new performances, sometimes; you made such beautiful music. With you around, the palace never felt empty, always full of laughter and song." She looked longingly into the distance.
They'd reached the steps; Blue began to ascend them.
"Why don't we do that now?" Steven asked tentatively. "I could sing for you guys." He really needed to score some points with White; he hadn't even gotten two words in the last time he'd tried to talk to her.
"No," Blue breathed sadly, "White never leaves her head these days. Not even for Yellow and me. No one wants to be around, not with your empty spot." She glanced aside, eyes watery, but composed herself before turning back to Steven again. "But maybe, if you prepare everything perfectly, White might just attend your ball, Pink." There was a faint hope in her voice, as if she couldn't truly believe her own words.
"I'll do my best," Steven confirmed, leaping up the last step.
Blue smiled at him, a deep fondness presenting itself. For a moment it looked as if she might say something profound, but then she looked away, taking in the wide doorway, open before them. "We're here, Pink."
While the outside of the building was all sky-blues and arching, sparkling motifs, the inside was quite different. Steven couldn't help but look around in awe as Blue led him inside. If he hadn't known better, he might have thought the doorway led right out into the expanse of space itself. Colorful nebulas burst along the dark walls, millions of stars seeming to hang suspended in the air, coalescing into revolving galaxies, sparkling as they swirled in gentle procession around the room. They moved in harmony, dancers following their own, unheard beat, a truly magnificent spectacle.
The doors closed behind them, leaving the room solely illuminated by starlight, every speck shining like a crystal beacon against the darkness. He nearly crashed into Blue's ankles, still walking as he craned his neck in the opposite direction, trying and failing to take everything in at once.
"Do you like it, Pink?" Blue teased.
"Ah-" Steven had to pick his jaw up off the floor, blinking as he redirected his attention to Blue's words. "It's incredible- I've never seen anything like this!" He looked around again, wide arms emphasizing his amazement. "Are they real? -I mean, are these stars really out there?"
"Of course," Blue quietly laughed, "all of my colonies are present in these maps." She smiled. "You know, you had just the same expression when you first saw this place."
Blue gazed lovingly down at Steven, eyes only for him, as if, among all these wonders, he was still the most precious thing in the room. If he'd still been human he would've blushed, but as he was he felt an energetic thrum resonating from his gem, a wave of emotion overtaking him.
"Blue," he breathed, "did you make this for…?"
"Everything for you, Pink," she finished, confirming his thought in a soft sigh of syllables.
Steven looked down, his tears, for once, not Blue's doing. The Diamonds truly loved his mom, didn't they? And yet… even with all of this, she didn't feel that love. They gave her everything she wanted, apart from the one thing she needed: agency over her own decisions, her own life. How could they care so much for her, and yet ignore her thoughts, her feelings? Steven could understand how she must've felt; he knew how frustrating- how lonely that could be. Maybe he and his mom had more in common than he'd thought.
"Pink?" Blue queried. She leant over, concern on her face. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Blue," Steven replied, wiping away his tears. He offered Blue a watery smile. "It's just so beautiful."
A flimsy excuse, but Blue accepted the flattery. She looked away, smiling softly. "This way," she said, moving farther into the room.
Steven followed, continuing to look around, his enthusiasm a little dampened. But only a little.
Looking past Blue, he saw a raised dais he'd overlooked before. It ran the breadth of the room, a half-circle of diamond-sized stairs leading up. On the platform sat four pedestals, two on each side of the room, and on each pedestal stood a pearl. The two pearls farthest to the back were luminous as blue moonlight, dressed in translucent, flowing skirts and sleeves that swirled as they danced, while those to the front were a shade off from true black, their skin iridescent and gleaming in softly-shifting color, reflecting the nebulas around them, cloaked in long ribbons of star-spangled silk over elegant-cut jumpsuits. Every pearl moved in tandem, perfectly in step as if it was the most natural thing in the world, a hypnotizing display of billowing fabrics, twinkling with every move, and lithe limbs, defying gravity as they danced.
"What do you think of them?" Blue asked, following his gaze.
He stared, transfixed. "They're beautiful." He paused, frowning as he looked around. Weren't pearls treated as property here on Homeworld? Why were they here alone?
"Is something wrong?" Blue asked.
"No- I just, uh." He really didn't want to say it. "Who- who do they-?" He gestured helplessly to the pearls; not a single one had so much as turned to look at them, still flawlessly executing their routines.
Blue laughed. "They're mine, of course."
Steven frowned. Blue had more than one pearl? Why hadn't he seen them around before?
Blue walked up the dais, looking over her pearls, focusing in on the one closest to the left. She crouched down, hand hovering close to the small gem. She took Blue's outstretched finger, caressing it as she twirled about the appendage, incorporating it into her dance. It was beautiful, but… wrong. The pearl's face remained blank, eyes hooded, hardly a single recognizable emotion crossing her visage as she pirouetted.
Blue looked down at the pearl, approving, before drawing her hand away. The pearl's touch lingered, not reluctant, but savoring the connection. But as soon as Blue broke contact she resumed her dance routine, not a single step misplaced, returning to impeccable sync.
"Why haven't I seen them before?" Steven asked, ascending the steps himself in a series of jumps.
Blue offered a soft laugh. "These pearls are here for the enjoyment of my court. They complement the room beautifully- Don't you agree?"
Steven slowly nodded, swallowing. Surely Blue didn't just leave these pearls here, dancing endlessly, waiting for a brief moment when she might return? And yet, that was exactly what she was implying. To have no life other than to be a display for others, a living art installation… The mere thought was appalling. Sickening.
"Do you like them, Pink?" Blue asked, a soft intensity behind her question.
"Yeah," Steven replied, the smile across his face fitting like a mask, hiding the cold horror he felt, "they're… lovely."
He found it hard to tear his eyes off the pearls, though for an entirely different reason than before. He searched, vainly, for some hint of free will, some spark of rebellion in their eyes. There was none.
"I had my best gems see to their production," Blue said, reclining on an elegant glass bench perched against the wall, near-invisible in the low light. "Their color was such a chore to perfect; it's so hard to yield pearls with just the right luster for low light. But these," she motioned languidly to the dancers, "are flawless."
Blue spoke of the pearls as if they were nothing more than yesterday's fashion trend, an item to be used and thrown away, instead of the people they were. Steven withheld a shudder.
"Sing to us, pearls," Blue instructed. She smiled at Steven, expecting a happiness he didn't feel. "One of Pink's favorites."
"Yes, My Diamond," the back-left pearl's ethereal voice sounded, hollow and lifeless.
The pearls opened their mouths, a perfect harmony of notes pouring forth as their choreography shifted, becoming more structured, though no less graceful. Their song was beautiful, but alien, empty, devoid of emotion in much the same way the pearls themselves seemed to be.
"Come sit with me," Blue requested Steven, holding out a hand in invitation.
Steven acquiesced, walking past the pearls to leap up to Blue's bench. He settled himself next to her, looking up at the drifting stars again.
Blue lifted her hand, and one of the galaxies stopped its trajectory around the room, drifting down to rest in her palm. She lowered it to Steven's level, propping herself up on her elbow as her other arm came around, gesturing to the sparkling constellation.
"Do you remember the name of this galaxy, Pink?" she asked quietly.
The galaxy formed a loose spiral of light, the warm glow of millions of stars lighting up Blue's cradling hand. "No, sorry," he replied, peering closer into the celestial mass.
"Its marker is H-4, but its name is the Whirlpool Galaxy." She looked at Steven, her expression warm. "You helped me name it." Blue suppressed a laugh. "You insisted that the numeric designations were too boring to remember." Blue sighed fondly, then returned to her explanation. "Seven of my colonies are located within the galaxy, four of them formerly fully aquatic worlds. They posed an interesting challenge during colonization." She swirled a finger and one of the stars grew, others falling away until a sole, unfamiliar solar system rested in her hand. "You see this planet?" She pointed to a world, resembling the post-colonization image of Earth Peridot had found at the Moon Base, only larger and more impressive. "4-MX. Otherwise known as Telix."
"Did it… were there organics on it?" Steven asked tentatively. How many worlds had Blue destroyed in the name of so-called 'progress?'
Blue frowned, hand hesitating over the sphere. "No, Pink," she sighed. She seemed to consider Steven a moment, then continued, "There was evidence that it once supported organic life, but the destabilization of its sun," she backed out the diorama to the solar system view again, this time showing a much larger, red star at its center, the planet's surface not dotted with crystalline spires but entirely water, appearing smooth and placid beneath a veil of swirling white clouds, "caused its environment to become hostile to organics millennia prior to the first gem's arrival on its surface. However, some primitive structures and technologies were at least partially intact." She shook her head. "You insisted on bringing some of that garbage back with us, when I took you to visit. -The peridots were delighted, naturally."
Steven straightened in surprise. "You took mo- me there?"
Blue's smile brightened at his interest. "Of course. Yellow and I took you to many of our colonies; how else could you begin to understand how to run your own?" Her smile faded suddenly, a faraway look coming across her face before she shook off the melancholy. She resumed her former train of thought, looking back to the diorama, "It was quite a project to reinitialize the star before it destroyed the potential colony." She turned her hand, the model showing a time lapse of a massive structure being built around the red star, then closing in slowly until it was removed, a small, yellow star now in its place.
"Wow," Steven breathed. To remake an entire star- What couldn't Homeworld do?
Blue's smile returned. "Yes, it was quite an undertaking with the time restraints, even for my best starkeepers." The simulation picked up speed, zooming in once more on the colony as it showed ships coming and going, the water drained as the planet was terraformed and utilized. "More than once, Yellow tried to convince me to scrap the project completely, move on to a world with less risk." She laughed, a light reminiscence. "But I saw its potential, and I was right; the Sapphires formed in Telix's kindergartens are some of the best to ever be produced. Even Yellow had to admit that, especially once I offered some to her Court." Blue gazed down at her finished colony with pride, and for the first time Steven felt something other than horror associated with the destruction of a world.
If there weren't any living beings there, it wasn't that bad to use the world to make gems, was it? Especially if it was about to be destroyed anyway. He furrowed his brow, conflicted as he turned his attention back to the singing pearls. Homeworld was complicated: a lot more complicated than he'd imagined.
Blue tilted her head back, commenting wryly, "Yellow loves to laud on about how efficiently she builds her colonies, but the fact remains that my gems' rates of accidents and failures are ten percent or more below hers. She sometimes forgets that our gems are not us: they are not perfect, and when rushed are prone to mistakes." She let out a breath, then finished with a self-satisfied wave, "My colonies may be fewer, but I know they achieve the utmost level of excellence in their construction."
Suddenly the pearls' voices stopped; they looked in unison to the floor at the foot of Blue's perch. A single soft footstep cut through the sudden silence.
"My Diamond," Blue Pearl's voice echoed, and as Steven leaned over the bench's edge he caught sight of her, "I apologize for the interruption, but I have received an urgent message from-"
Blue stiffened, demanding sharply, "That will be all, Pearl."
Blue Pearl bowed, standing respectfully to the side as she followed her orders.
Steven tensed at the sudden change in Blue's demeanor. Gone was the easy, reminiscent relaxation, replaced by a cold tension, chilling the air and tightening about his throat. The diamond rose, seeming frazzled as she glanced around the room, shaking the image of her colony from her hand. She caught sight of Steven's worry and offered him a tight smile. It was probably meant to be reassuring, but truly was anything but.
"We'll have to continue this later, Pink," Blue offered apologetically, turning before she'd even finished her thought. "Pearl, escort Pink back to her chambers."
"Yes, My Diamond," Blue Pearl echoed.
"Wait!" Steven called as Blue started for the exit. She hesitated a moment, glancing back in question.
"What's going on?" he pressed. Whatever it was, if it was enough to make a diamond nervous…
Blue offered him another false smile. "Don't worry, Pink," she placated. "Nothing's wrong. I'll be back in a little while."
"That's not-" But Blue was gone, the doors flung open into the blinding light outside.
"Ugh," Steven murmured, squinting as he brought his hand to his eyes. Though, a blink later, the gesture was proved unnecessary, eyes adjusting much more quickly than he'd expected. Steven sighed.
He hopped off the bench, floating to the ground, loose fabric billowing around his knees, and looked to Blue Pearl. "You're probably not going to tell me what that was about even if I asked, are you?"
Blue Pearl's lips thinned. "My Diamond does not wish to upset you, Pink Steven," she replied. It was clear that was all he was going to get out of her.
He turned away, taking in the room again. He sidled up to one of the pedestals, looking up at the still-dancing pearl. "Hi?" he said tentatively. She glanced at him a moment, continuing her dance. "I'm Steven," he continued.
The pearl's arms flowed into a salute, somehow incorporating it into her routine. "How may we be of service, Pink Diamond?" she asked, voice empty.
"Oh, I don't need anything, uh-" The pearl was watching him, now, in a way that was more than a bit disconcerting. "You- your song was really pretty."
"Thank you, Pink Diamond," she replied, not breaking step. Her stare was getting really eerie now, watching without any discernable intent behind her eyes, almost as if she was looking right through him.
Steven laughed uncomfortably, looking around for Amy. He spotted her leaning around the doorway, peering out into the bright plaza beyond.
"Uh… you're welcome," Steven offered the pearl as he backed away, making his way towards the doors.
"Amy!" he called out, skipping down the oversized steps, away from the (honestly, creepy) pearls (disregarding Blue Pearl, of course). He could feel their eyes following him as he went.
The amethyst looked back, saluting him as he approached.
Steven scrunched up his face, disgruntled. "You don't have to do that, Amy."
Amy looked unimpressed. "…I really do, My Steven." Regardless, she dropped the salute. She glanced over his shoulder, doubtlessly at Blue Pearl trailing behind him.
"Oh, Amy!" He turned back. "This is Blue Pearl! Blue Pearl, Amy." He smiled, gesturing between them both as he made the introduction.
Blue Pearl said nothing as Amy gave him an incredulous stare. "I know what a pearl is, My Steven," she drawled.
Steven frowned. "But… you guys haven't met before, have you?"
Amy stared a moment longer, then added, "No. Can't say I've met many pearls."
The emphasis confused Steven a moment, before he brushed off the awkward encounter. "Well… I guess we should go back to my room."
Blue Pearl stepped forward, offering a quick bow. "This way, Pink Steven," she said, walking out into the sunlight.
Amy stared at her back as if she'd just invoked White herself, then gaped at Steven, raising her brows when he didn't respond. "Does she always do that?"
Steven set off after the pearl, asking, "Do what?"
Amy gestured vaguely. "You know… lead?"
Steven raised his brows. Finally, he got what Amy was hinting at. "She can't show us the way back if she's behind us," he stated.
"But-" Amy shook her head, swallowing her next words. "Nevermind."
Steven was more than a little exasperated by Amy's condescension towards pearls, but he wasn't really sure how to correct it. Every argument just looped back to the same 'but she's a pearl,' mantra. He would just have to give her time; he knew she'd come around eventually, just like Peridot did.
Steven sighed, a wave of melancholy overcoming him as he remembered just how far he was from his friends, from home. He turned his gaze outward instead, pushing the gloomy thoughts aside. Gems stopped and whispered as they passed, keeping a respectable distance, but only a few offering him a salute. They probably had no idea who he was, or why he was hanging out with their diamond. He almost wished he could keep it that way.
However, considering how badly things went when he was mistaken for 'Rose,' his almost quickly turned to ash. It would be better for everyone that Homeworld knew he was - at the very least - a diamond. Or, at least, he hoped it would be.