Pearl was not back by morning.
Daybreak came, although the moon was still high, riding alongside the sun in a way it surely was not supposed to, and Steven danced downstairs in a flurry of pyjamas and energy, eager to greet all three of his best friends with gusto and boundless questions. When he realised that Amethyst sat at the table alone, he was concerned- even more so when he noticed that her breakfast consisted only of a rather drab-looking bowl of cereal, which she had barely touched, aside from poking it sideways with a spoon.
"Amethyst?" he said, voice full of childish worry, "Where's... where's Garnet and Pearl?"
The only reply he got was a low grunt. Amethyst didn't even glance to regard him. She just continued with poking at her food, before shoving it away with a low murmur of, "I've lost my appetite."
Tagging along like a friendly puppy, Steven bounded after her as she trudged to the window. "Hey! You never lose your appetite, Amethyst, this isn't like you! C'mon, some pizza will make you feel better!"
The promise of the leftover pizza didn't cause Amethyst to even bat an eyelid, she only sat down on the windowsill, just like last night, staring up at the moon- it looked like a second sun, even brighter in the light of day, a pure, polished diamond. Steven had to shield his eyes from it, but Amethyst just gazed at it, eyes narrowed.
"Has the moon got something to do with it?"
Amethyst froze at the question. She'd been told, quite strictly by Pearl (then again, Pearl told her everything quite strictly, whether it was to keep a secret or do the dishes) not to let Steven know anything of the events. Not the Bloodstone Chambers, not the Bloodstone Circle, not the incidents that both Garnet and Rose could recalled with a shudder. None. Of. It.
So they sat in silence, Amethyst feeling less energetic than she ever had in her life, Steven confused and concerned. He reached up and held her hand. That's how they stayed for a while, not exchanging their usual childish banter, not even glances, just holding hands to extract any dregs of vain comfort they had left as the worry made them both sick.
Amethyst's walkie-talkie- the one she carried just in case, from the pair Pearl had begrudgingly agreed to share- began to buzz at her hip.
She whipped it out so quickly sparks nearly flew at her hands, the item's holster in danger of bursting into flames. It barely had time to buzz twice before she was answering it, present and correct, pressing it close to her ear with endless hope in her eyes.
"Yeswho'scalling?" she blurted out in one breath, nearly bouncing in her seat as Steven perked up next to her, listening in.
"It's me, Pearl." Those words made them both nearly squeal with excitement, relief and joy flooding through them as their every worry seemed to just flush out. "I'm in the veins of the temple. Garnet's fine, just a little dinged up, but it's nothing a little TLC won't handle. Don't either of you worry. Just stay calm. Meet us in the Carotid Passages, we'll be right there."
"Woah, woah, woah. Isn't that, like, five minutes away from the you-know-what chamber? Isn't that totally dangerous?" Her voice lowered to a sideways mumble. "The place you told me not to tell Steven about, never-ever?"
A haughty tutting came from the other side, scolding such an idea. "Heavens, no, do you think I'd do that to Steven? I assure you, it's completely safe. I wouldn't let a child enter someplace dangerous! Whether it happens to be Steven or you..."
Amethyst snorted. "Fine, bossy. If you're sure..."
"I am sure!"
"Yeah, yeah. See you there."
She tucked the walkie-talkie into its little holster again, looking far more cheerful than before, her usual grin spread wide across her face. It was as if all the sunshine had exploded back into her body, all the worry and care leaving her, turning her back into the loveable bundle of mischief Steven was used to. He laughed with her, eyes bright.
"Oh! Amethyst! Do you think we should bring snacks? The Carrot passage must be a pretty long way, right?"
"That's right, Steven, the Carrot passage!" She laughed loudly, slapping her knee. "You're a riot, Steven. Snacks, now you're talking! How does pizza sound?"
Whooping, Steven began fixing a packed lunch for the journey, filling two lunch bags- no, three, they might need more- with pizza, cookies, chocolate bars, sandwiches, cans of cola, anything they'd need to keep their energy up. He shoved them into his burger backpack, making sure not to crush them, but he remembered to bring the essentials; an inflatable raft, a scarf, and an oversized sweater his father tried to knit. It had loose stitches and frayed edges and the pattern, which was supposed to be a cookie cat, looked a little wonky, but he loved it just for the love put into it.
"Ready, champ?"
"Yeah! Let's go!"
Steven practically leapt after her, unable to control his anticipation, endlessly excited for this mission. Not only a mission, but a secret, dangerous mission? Garnet was going to be so proud of him! He shook with laughter, tagging after Amethyst, who chuckled and ruffled his hair.
"Easy, Tiger Millionaire. Stay behind me, and don't poke anything. If we get into trouble, Pearl will squawk at me until she turns blue. Squaaaaawk!"
Both of them were sent into fits of giggles, Amethyst squawking and flapping her arms, until they were breathless. After they calmed down (and survived a second outburst, after Steven let out a small 'squaaaawk'), Amethyst approached the temple gates, watching them slide open welcomingly, and they entered.
"Uh, Amethyst? Where is the... 'you know what' chamber?"
There was a pause, before Amethyst went to her walkie-talkie.
"...Pearl? Yeah, we're gonna need directions..."