Hi guys! It's been pretty nice coming up with new plot points for this story but then I realized that I didn't exactly give a time frame for when this is all going down. This all takes place right before Aquamarine and Topaz show up. Like RIGHT before. So with that out of the way I hope you guys enjoy!
Everyone gasped at the revelation of another Quartz besides Steven. The Quartz didn't seem to pay much attention to them as they hid their pink gem once more, seeming uncomfortable by it's exposure. After which they sat back down.
"With that out of the way I believe my origins are most likely what's on your mind. Unfortunately it's not exactly... The best for to me to relay that information seeing as how it affects me greatly, even today. All you need to know is that I evaded my bubbling at the hands of Pink Diamond, a fact that seems to matter less and less as time goes on..." The new Quartz lowered their gaze to the ground.
"After the endeavor I had gotten myself a ship and unfortunately crashed it onto a far away planet deprived of it's life by the gems created there... It was dark and hopeless. I'd been abandoned by Diamond on the other Diamonds didn't seem to hold any care for my meaningless existence. I'd been a follower and now with nothing to lead me, I'd been stranded on a lifeless rock that should've been a planet. For many centuries I roamed it... What matters is that eventually in the same way that the accursed rebellion leader found themselves admiring the life of a new planet, I too soon began to admire everything about these planets, including the ones deprived of life. Each crack, each formation, and with my gem type essentially being seen as useless I wanted to desperately become something, anything else. With my shape-shifting capabilities I managed to. I've traveled to many different worlds and shattered many different gems. I found myself here due to being blown through space by a couple of gems as a matter of fact."
Each of them processed the new Quartz's story, Steven flinching upon hearing the shattering that was done by this gem. After the gem was done allowing them to understand the past, they continued.
"With the majority of my past out of the way, can I now hear from your side of the story? What did the Crystal gems do during the war?" The creature ask with intrigue.
"We fought in it. That's all you need to know." Garnet replied. The gem narrowed it's eyes, but nevertheless didn't continue to press them.
"And you?" They asked, looking at Steven. "What has happened during your life?" The gem asked.
"Steven has nothing to do with this!" Pearl stated, the air around them suddenly began to chill as the creature looked at her with feral eyes. A low growl escaped from it's seemingly calm body the likes of which sparked the rest of the gems back into a fighting stance.
"Stop!" Steven shouted, holding his arms out between the gems and the new Quartz. "Let them ask these questions! There probably just scared and want to know what happened while they were gone." Steven stated. The creature continued to look towards Pearl.
"Correct. If we are to have an alliance I expect to know what at the very least happened in the past! Even if it's a brief synopsis. Seeing as how you gems are eager to either shatter or bubble me however, I want all of these answers from the most diplomatic person currently standing in this room. Steven." The Quartz stated. The gems clutched their weapons harder but Steven didn't resist.
"I uh... Well I'm half human half gem and Rose Quartz was my mom." He stated.
"Steven!" All the crystal gems yelled aloud.
"I'm sorry! But they deserve to know!" Steven said back to them. He then sighed. "Not much has happened though I've been learning how to use my gem powers, Connie and I have become best friends, and a few gems from space have even become our friends!" Steven remarked.
"A few gems?" The Quartz asked, leaning forwards.
"Yeah! Lapis, Peridot, and Bis-"
"That's enough Steven." Garnet said, they then turned their attention to the Quartz. "You have what you asked for." They stated much to the displeasure of the gem. The gem sent them a glare but nevertheless didn't attempt to push any further.
"Well. I suppose you're correct... With that out of the way we can move onto our plan to hopefully shatter The Diamonds." The gem stated.
"No!" Steven shouted opposingly.
"No?" The Quartz asked in dismay.
"We're not going to shatter anyone! Even The Diamonds!" Steven remarked.
"And what are we supposed to do? Allow them to do as they please? Destroying worlds? Bubbling and shattering countless gems on Homeworld?!" The gem asked.
"If you're going to be one of us. Then you've got to play by our rules." Garnet remarked. Once more a low growl escaped from the gem which now began to shutter in a disturbing fashion. The gems raised their weapons as the gems hairs stood. Slowly but surely however they managed to calm down, taking in deep breaths.
"I apologize for that... Regardless, what are these 'rules' you speak of?" The Quartz asked.
"Rule number 1: No shattering gems!" Steven stated.
"Rules number 2: No harming any life on this planet." Pearl stated.
"Rule number 3: Protect this planet from any other alien threats." Garnet stated.
With the rules out of the way the Quartz was silent, attempting to process this new information. After a moment it spoke.
"Would you mind if I took a moment of absence to think this over, I'll be right outside." The Quartz stated.
"That's alright." Garnet replied. The gems and Connie then parted as the Quartz slowly walked outside and down the stairs. As it exited discussion began to take place.
"What are you seeing Garnet?" Pearl asked as Garnet folded her arms into a thinking pose.
"The gem appears to be unstable, it's dangerous." She stated.
"Are you sure we can even stop that thing? I've never even seen a gem stay shape-shifted for so long!" Amethyst remarked. As the three of them discussed the safety of the situation, Steven looked out unto the beach where the gem sat at the edge of the waves. It's jet black fur shined in the orange light of the setting sun as the wind blew from the sea.
"This is pretty nuts huh Steven?" Connie remarked, staring at the same creature.
"Yeah... I think I'm going to go talk to her." Steven stated.
"Are you sure about that Steven? I'm not against helping new gems but this one seems... Different then the others." Connie stated nervously.
"She's not too different from Bismuth." Steven said sadly. "She's just lost her way. Maybe I can reason with her." Steven stated.
"Well alright. But be careful! I don't wanna lose my sword buddy!" She joked, before staring at the sunset once more. "Anyway I should go, I bet my mom's beginning to worry." Connie stated.
"Ok. I'll see ya later Connie." Steven stated as the two of them pulled into a warm hug before parting ways. Steven then fixed his eyes back on the gem, the lowering sun still shining on it's fur coat.
When he eventually arrived on the beach the gem had still been there, simply sitting and watching the sun in the distance.
"Sunsets on Earth are pretty beautiful huh?" Steven asked, sending a friendly smile towards the gem. It didn't respond for a moment, still mesmerized by the sight.
"More than you can believe." It finally said. "I'm excited to learn more of this planet... It's life, it's technology, it's... Gems." It then turned it's head towards Steven. "I actually haven't been to a planet with life of this magnitude before. It'll be interesting to discover what it has to offer. It's a shame that you are the way you are." It stated turning it's head back towards the sun which was now almost completely down, the night beginning to take hold.
"W-what do you mean?" Steven asked.
"Your humanity... It means that you're going to die one day, you have a time limit and it weakens you. It's a shame too, I believe you would enjoy being a full gem." The Quartz stated. Steven chuckled a bit, to which the Quartz turned their head once more.
"You know the funny thing is I actually did want to be a gem at one point. I was kind of sad about being half human. But then I realized that because I'm half human I'll always have a real connection to the Earth. And I'm proud of that." Steven stated, holding his gem and looking up at the now visible full moon. The Quartz turned toward the moon as well.
"Hm. I suppose you're right, I've never had a connection of such magnitude aside from the one to Pink." The gem stated. For a moment the two sat there, a night breeze passing by and chilling the air around them. Steven looked at the Quartz for a moment before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. He passed it over to the gem.
"Here. You can use it to find out lots of things about the Earth until we can get you one of your own." Steven stated. A pink hand protruded from the body of the Quartz as it held the black phone and examined it.
"We don't exactly have the best WiFi but I think that you'll be able to make due." Steven said. The gem continued to examine the phone.
"How does this object work?" The gem asked.
"Oh! Well you see it's a phone. Here let me show you." Steven stated excitedly. He then took the phone and though it took some time, he was able to properly show the Quartz how to properly maneuver around the web and search up simple things such as animals, rocks, and other technology.
"And that's how it's done!" Steven said, proudly showing off his Earthly knowledge. The gem had a rough understanding of how to use this device now, which was all they needed. They took the phone back from Steven and used a hand to pull it beneath their fur coat in a rather strange manner.
"Thank you Steven. This will be integral in finding new forms to combat and shatter gems." The Quartz stated.
"Hey, I thought we agreed. No shattering other gems." Steven exclaimed.
"And how do you expect to defeat them properly without having to deal with them once again?" The gem asked.
"Simple! You can bubble them." Steven said merrily.
"Imprisoning your enemies rather than killing them? Doesn't that sound worse? Keeping a gem trapped in a bubble for all eternity rather than giving them some form of release from their existence?" The Quartz stated morbidly.
"We don't have to keep them there forever, just long enough so that we can find a way to talk to them!" Steven chided.
"Oh is that so? Then tell me Steven how many gems have you bubbled and reconciled with during your time on this planet?" The gem questioned.
"Uh.." Steven nervously said, a bead of sweat dripping down his face. "Well there's Centipeetle!" He remarked. The Quartz stared at him.
"And how many have you kept bubbled during your time on this planet." The Quartz questioned.
"Uh" Steven said once more, turning away as he recounted the tens and maybe hundreds of gems bubbled in the heart of the temple. This time he didn't answer.
"You should learn from your mother Steven, she knew how to properly handle things. She saw a problem and when it refused to stop being her adversary, she shattered it!" The Quartz stated.
"Oh yeah!? Well if that's true then why is it that every other gem is miserable because of it!" A now angered Steven shouted. "None of this ever would've happened, corruption, the bubbling of the Quartz, The gem experiments! Nothing would've happened if mom just hadn't have shattered Pink!" Steven shouted. He however regretted doing so when he noticed the Quartz with a newfound interest.
"Gem... Experiments?" The Quartz asked. Steven nervously looked away, understanding what that meant they rose onto all four of their legs.
"I'll be making my way back to your 'temple' now. I believe I understand what I now wish to do." The gem stated as it walked away. Steven, followed, staying silent the entire time.
When they both returned the gems were still speaking, upon the entree of the Quartz however they were all silent. Staring at the new gem with anticipation.
"I've decided that I wish to stay here, more specifically in the area in which Steven is currently occupying and living in. I believe he is more than integral to my understanding of not just the Earth but also history." The gem stated. For a moment the room had been silent.
"Alright then." Garnet said finally.
"Garnet!" Pearl chided.
"One of you will have to watch over the two of them." Garnet explained.
"Meh, I'll do it." Amethyst lazily said. The Quartz eyed them in confusion, but continued it's silence. Steven then let out a yawn.
"Well alright then, I'm pretty beat guys. I'm heading to bed." Steven said as he climbed up the ladder to reach his mattress. The Quartz stared at him as he did. The rest of the gems, aside from Amethyst decided to go into their rooms. Pearl still speaking to Garnet about the situation.
"Goodnight Amethyst!" Steven shouted.
"Night Steven!" Amethyst said as they laid on the counter and began to sleep. No one had spoken to the Quartz but they didn't exactly know what to call it, regardless it held little problems with this. Instead it sat near the entrance of the room and pulled out the cell phone Steven had given to it. Spending the rest of the night gathering as much information as it could.