Episode 32: Change Your Fate
Thirteen Years Ago
Above the Temple on a bright yet breezy day, Rose Quartz stood near the edge of the cliff.
A bright and joyful smile spread across her lips while she kept her attention at the deep blue sky. With her eyes locked onto the skies she slowly raised her hand to her enlarged stomach, softly rubbing it. A small hum exited her lips just as she closed her eyes and let the winds of the world flow through her hair.
"Rose."
Hearing her name getting called, Rose slowly opened her eyes, but didn't turn around. Her smile remained and yet she continued looking at the sky.
"Garnet." Rose said calmly.
Garnet approached her sister, coming up to her and standing by her side.
"You wanted to talk." Garnet said.
Rose nodded. Another hum exited her lips while she softly rubbed her stomach once more. Now was the time.
"Garnet. I want you to be the new leader of the Crystal Gems." Rose said.
Garnet didn't flinch nor show any kind of reaction to what Rose had just told her. Instead, Garnet crossed her arms and lifted her head.
"I knew you'd ask me this." Garnet replied nonchalantly.
A small giggle exited Rose. No denial there. There wasn't anything that Garnet couldn't know about. However, Rose's giggles subsided and her smile faded into a small frown.
"I'm asking you because I...I don't want to do this anymore." Rose admitted. "Even though The Great War is beyond over, we've spent many millenniums protecting humanity from our kind. I still love humans, but...I wish to indulge in a new path of life. The path of Motherhood. And I know this position is very difficult at times, but I'm giving it to you because I know you can do it. And I'm sorry for putting this much weight on your shoulders."
Garnet became silent once Rose had finished speaking.
The leader of the Crystal Gems... That is a very, very heavy burden to bear. Back then their numbers were massive and leading them through the War wasn't easy. Now...there were only four of them left. Taking charge wasn't that hard for Garnet since making sure Amethyst and Pearl were in harmony didn't look too difficult. Rose wasn't in a position to be out in the field considering her current condition, so...Garnet is the perfect candidate for leadership.
"I will do it." Garnet replied.
Hearing this Rose turned her head to Garnet and her lips began to curve upwards. She then raised out her hand to her and Garnet uncrossed her arms before taking Rose's hand into her own.
"Thank you, Garnet." Rose said. "Change can be a hard thing, but we need to keep moving forward. And I know you'll be an amazing leader and an amazing aunt." She added, keeping her other hand on her stomach.
Garnet lightly grinned. She'll definitely be the best leader and aunt.
"And I don't wish to sound mean, but I don't want to know the future of my child. If you know, please don't tell me or Greg. We want to be surprised." Rose asked.
Garnet gave her a nod. It'll be more rewarding to see the child for herself than looking into what it'll already look like.
Present Time
Inside the Universe Residence lies The Temple. The Temple itself is both a home and a sanctuary for the Crystal Gems. It has been here for centuries and though the Temple is currently ancient, it's still holding up well.
Within the Temple lies a massive room. The room itself was supremely large with various cracks located on different sections of the walls with a large object placed in the center, illuminating it's surroundings with the light from molten lava. However, up above showcases the very purpose of the room.
Covering the ceiling was a huge collection of bubbles. Violet, purple, white, etc. Each bubble was of a different; ranging from the rainbow spectrum to others outside of it. Inside the bubbles were Gemstones. Some large, some small, and some in many sizes. Every single monster the Crystals face end up here after getting their bodies destroyed, keeping them safe and secured.
Down below Garnet stood near the middle of the room with her arms crossed, looking up at the bubbled Gems. No expression was shown on her face. She simply...just gazed at the monsters her and the Crystals defeated. The very monsters who've caused a lot of trouble throughout the millenniums and hurt a lot of people. The very creatures who took many, many human lives.
Garnet then lowered her head and turned around, walking away from the bubbles. Going up the small flight of stairs the door of the Temple opened, but before Garnet stepped through it she stopped in her tracks. After a few seconds she quietly exited out of the room.
Coming out of the room Garnet uncrossed her arms and entered the house. Walking pass the Warp Pad she entered the living room. Turning her head from left to right she didn't see anybody around her. The kitchen area was completely empty, nobody was sitting on the couch, and she didn't spot anyone outside through the window.
Hmm... She was all by herself. Guess everyone else is doing their own things.
Since she's by herself, what was Garnet going to do until the rest of the family returns?
Raising up her hand she placed it onto her visor and gently straightened it. For a moment Garnet stood completely still until she slowly removed her hand from her visor.
Walking up to the door she opened it up and walked right outside.
On Yin/Yang Road in Angel District of Destiny City lies a large building known as Lee Sanctuary. Within the enormous building rows of beds were placed far on both sides with several bunk-beds in the center. Most people in the area were either sleeping, interacting with one another, or they were engaging in various activities. Some on the upper-floor were sitting on the ground with their heads against their knees or getting comfort by those who need it.
For those who are lost or abandoned by society, Lee's Sanctuary will be here to help you. No matter who you are, where you're from, or what you've been through, there is always room for you. You will be found, no matter how deep you fall into despair.
Passing by the main area and into the cafeteria, Christie stood in the kitchen wearing a apron and a hairnet while stirring a ladle into a small pot of beans on the stove. A smile stretched across her lips as she then removed the ladle and placed on some kitchen mittens before grabbing the sides of the pot and taking it over to the serving area.
"Thanks, Christie." Her co-worker said.
"You're welcome." Christie replied happily. "The stew and cornbread are almost ready."
The serving co-worker chuckled a little as he started pouring some beans into a paper bowl and serving it to some people.
*Knock knock*
Hearing the gentle knocks on the wall, Christie turned her head and saw her boss at the entrance of the kitchen.
Christie's boss was a tall Chinese man with short black hair and eyes. He wore a white collared with a black-tie, a black-blazer, black dress-pants and shoes, and wore a white watch on his left wrist. The man grinned at those working and calmly walked into the kitchen.
"Mr. Lee." Christie said kindly.
"Christie. Just got done with a meeting and wanted to check in on everyone." Mr. Lee replied. "Also, Christie, you have a visitor at the entrance."
A visitor? Huh, wonder who it could be.
"Let me step in so I can make sure everyone can enjoy your cooking sooner than later." Mr. Lee asked.
Giving him a nod, Christie removed her apron and hairnet before giving it to her boss and exiting the kitchen.
Walking into the main area, Christie passed by a few children waving at her to which she returned before continuing on toward the front of the building.
Upon reaching the front of the building a small gasp exited her lips as she stopped in place. Standing in front of the door was Garnet. A small wave of confusion entered Christie's mind at the sight of the de-facto leader of the Crystal Gems. She didn't mind seeing Garnet and Lee's Sanctuary is welcomed to everyone, though it is a little concerning seeing her without any warning or a notification first.
Turning her head Garnet spotted Christie at the entrance to the main area and soon approached her. Once she came in close the two shared a small embrace before separating.
"Garnet, it's good to see you." Christie said.
"You as well, Christie." Garnet replied nonchalantly.
"Did something happen? Is Steven and Lion in the city again?" Christie asked.
"No. I wanted to see you." Garnet replied.
"Oh, well that's very sweet of you. I'm a little busy right now, but I guess it's okay." Christie said before another thought came to her mind. "Wait. How did you know where I was?"
"Greg told me." Garnet simply answered.
That made sense.
Turning around, Christie walked back to the main area with Garnet following her. As they walked a couple of eyes were placed on Garnet. Some looked at with awe, some with confusion, and some merely narrowed their eyes. Garnet paid no mind to it. Everyone had own opinions on Gems.
Going back into the kitchen Christie and Garnet approached Mr. Lee, whom was nearly done with Christie's stew and cornbread. Turning his head he took notice of Christie but his pupils slowly shrunk at the sight of Garnet.
"Mr. Lee, this is Garnet. She's a family friend. Is it okay if she stays here for a while?" Christie asked.
Mr. Lee blinked at turned to the tall woman. "Sure. Can you give a hand?"
Garnet nodded.
With that confirmation Mr. Lee stepped away from the stove and handed Christie her apron and hairnet.
"I'll be right back. I spoke to the others and there aren't enough napkins in the cafeteria." Mr. Lee said before walking pass Christie and Garnet.
Watching him leave, Christie placed her apron on and her hairnet before checking in on the food.
"That was my boss, Mr. Lee. He's the owner of the building and a good man. I hope you'll like him." Christie said.
"Okay." Garnet replied.
Standing next to Christie, Garnet merely watched her stir her stew a bit more until she raised up the ladle to her lips and lightly took a taste test. Smacking her lips a little she gave out a satisfying hum and placed the ladle to the side.
"None of my business, but can I ask you something, Garnet?" Christie asked as she opened up the stove and brought out the fully-finished cornbread.
"Sure." Garnet replied.
"You always seem to be at the right place at the right time. Steven even told me that you always appear when needed. Is that like a sixth sense Gems have or is it just a coincidence?" Christie asked, putting the cornbread on the counter.
Garnet hummed a little while cupping her chin. Could she tell Christie about this? Sure she's seen many capabilities of Gems since seven of her kids are Gems, but this might be a bit too much for her. But...maybe it wouldn't hurt too much if she experienced it herself.
"Well...you could say I have...future vision." Garnet answered.
Looking at Garnet, Christie blinked at her before remembering a word Kameron told her.
"You have clairvoyance?" Christie said.
Garnet nodded. "Would you like to use it?"
Christie gave Garnet a confused look before Garnet approached her and placed her hands on Christie's shoulders. Tilting her upper-body, Garnet planted her lips onto Christie's forehead and after a couple of seconds she removed her lips.
For the moment Christie didn't feel anything. Then...her eyes widened and her pupils got dilated. After a couple of seconds her pupils returned to normal and she released a small puff of air from her mouth.
Turning her head she spotted Mr. Lee entering the cafeteria, but as he was Christie's eyes immediately widened and she quickly ran out of the kitchen.
"Mr. Lee! Watch out!" Christie yelled as she ran up to her boss and tackled him, sending them both to the floor.
Everyone around the cafeteria and the kitchen witnessed what happened right in front of them while small groans exited Mr. Lee's mouth. While he and Christie slowly got up a ceiling fan from above suddenly broke off and crashed right onto the open floor, making several people gasp and scream when it dropped.
Looking at the damaged ceiling fan, Mr. Lee turned to Christie who too looked just as shocked as he was. Pulling her boss in, Christie embraced him while Mr. Lee retuned it fully with some breaths exiting his lips.
"Thank you, Christie. I've been meaning to repair that ceiling fan, but I never got around to it." Mr. Lee. said. "How did you know it was gonna fall?"
Christie looked up at Garnet, whom remained in the kitchen. "I...let my intuition take over. What matters is that you and everyone else is safe."
Outside of the building Christie and Garnet sat down on a nearby bench. Removing her glasses, Christie wiped her face her free hand. Small breaths exited her mouth as her chest was slowly rising and going back down. Garnet...only placed her hand on Christie's back, softly rubbing it and keeping an on her considering what just occurred.
She saw it... It's a little hard to believe, but...Christie actually saw something happen before it was going to happen. If she hadn't acted Mr. Lee... Slowly shaking her head tears started forming at the corner of her eyes before she quickly wiped them away.
Putting her glasses back on, Christie turned her head to Garnet, "Garnet. What just happened?"
Hearing fear in her voice, Garnet removed her hand from Christie's back and placed it onto her lap.
"You witnessed a vision of the future." Garnet explained.
Christie's eyes lightly widened hearing this. "Is this what you meant when you said you asked me to experience it?"
Garnet slowly nodded. "What you saw was a possible future. One that you prevented from becoming a reality."
Christie blinked and gave it some thought to what Garnet just told her. What she just saw was a possible future...and she prevented it from happening.
"You gave me your Future Vision?" Christie asked.
Garnet shook her head. "I only gave you a small ounce of it. It will only last for a short time before it will leave you."
Okay... Okay, so on one hand this isn't permanent. That's a good thing, but...the bigger question now was how long was Christie going to have this power until it expires?
Turning her head Christie placed her eyes on a nearby crosswalk and noticed Mrs. Cherry on the other side waiting to cross. Right as she looked at Mrs. Cherry Christie's pupils dilated again. A gasp then exited Christie's mouth as her eyes reverted to normal. Right as the crosswalk light turned green Christie quickly stood up and ran right toward Mrs. Cherry.
"Mrs. Cherry!" Christie yelled.
Garnet stood up and watched Christie run before quickly following her.
Hearing her name, Mrs. Cherry looked up to see Christie. Before she could speak, Christie grabbed her arm and quickly tugged her back to the other side of the crosswalk.
"Mrs. Evans, what are you doing?" Mrs. Cherry asked with some annoyance in her voice.
"You have to stay right here. Please, if you don't you're gonna get hurt." Christie explained.
Mrs. Cherry gave Christie a confused expression before turning her head to the side and saw nothing coming from the road.
"What are you talking about? There's nothing-"
HONK! HONK!
Right when Mrs. Cherry was about to finish a loud horn erupted into the air. Turning their heads both women gasped at a massively large truck speeding down the road. The driver was cackling on and on, not paying attention to the road at all. However, the driver widened her eyes and shifted her head to the side, giving off a loud sneeze and slightly shifting her truck onto the sidewalk.
Watching it come toward them, Christie and Mrs. Cherry embraced themselves and screamed as loud as they could.
Just when the truck was about to hit them Garnet landed right in front of them before summoning her gauntlets. Pulling her right arm back she quickly threw it right at the front of the truck. On impact her fist went right through it, damaging the truck's engine and making it stop in place.
The driver gasped and shook in her seat before letting out some puffs of air. Removing her seatbelt, she opened her door and got out to see what she just hit. Moving toward the front of her truck her eyes shot open at the sight of Garnet with her fist in her vehicle and both Christie and Mrs. Cherry holding each other.
"Oops... Sorry about that. Just left my cousin's bar and laughing my ass off from one of his jokes. Anybody injured?" The driver said.
Christie and Mrs. Cherry released each other while Garnet removed her fist from the truck.
"No, no we're okay." Mrs. Cherry replied and looked at Christie. "Thank you for saving my life, but...how did you know the truck was coming this way?"
Christie swallowed some saliva and tried to think of something believable to say. "I...I had a feeling. It's...a little hard for me to explain, but...I had a feeling that something was gonna happen, so I stepped in when I needed to."
Mrs. Cherry smiled and wrapped her arms around Christie. "Thank you."
Christie returned her hug before they broke apart.
"Well, I'm gonna go in the opposite direction and make sure to keep a look out for my surroundings." Mrs. Cherry said before walking off.
Christie let out a long sigh. Thank the universe she was able to see the outcome before it happened. Otherwise...
"Excuse me?" The driver said, gaining Christie's attention while Garnet pulled her arm out from the truck. "I am deeply sorry for my reckless driving and I want to make sure it doesn't give us any issues."
Christie shook her head and pulled out her phone, "No. It's okay. Well, it really isn't, but at least nobody got hurt. I'll call a tow-truck."
Walking among the sidewalk, Christie placed both of her hands on both sides of her head. First she prevented Mr. Lee from getting hurt from the old ceiling fan and now she just prevented Mrs. Cherry from getting hit by that driver. In just mere minutes she witnessed terrible events taking place and altered them.
Garnet walked by Christie's side, watching the poor woman. Part of her felt bad for giving her a portion of Future Vision, but she never thought actions like this was going to happen. The more she thought about it the more weight landed onto her mind.
"Christie." Garnet said.
Stopping in her tracks, Christie turned to Garnet and in a flash the de-facto leader wrapped her arms around the woman. A small gasp exited Christie's mouth, but a sigh exited her lips, accepting the embrace.
"I'm sorry." Garnet apologized. "I shouldn't have given you my power." She added, slowly pushing Christie back.
Looking up at her, Christie removed her hands from her head.
"Did... Did you see this happen?" Christie asked cautiously.
Garnet nodded. "I saw this happen before coming here. The only difference I didn't see was of me saving you from the truck."
Christie's eyes widened, letting the words swim into her mind.
Garnet knew... She knew and still allowed it to happen without telling Christie about it.
"Why... Why didn't you tell me, Garnet?" Christie asked.
Removing one of her hands from Christie's shoulders, Garnet placed it onto her visor, removing it and allowing Christie to see her eyes. Her right eye was red while her left eye was blue, and there was a third eye on her forehead that was purple.
"Because... I knew how you were going to handle the situations." Garnet answered, though there was sadness in her voice. "I can see a myriad of things that can harm people, including you. I shouldn't have let any of them be me. I should have told you, but I also saw how strong you really are, Christie."
Christie blinked at Garnet. Even though Garnet should've told her about this, hearing how strong she was and how she would handle the situation touched her heart. Part of her wanted to mad at Garnet, but...she couldn't. She saved her life just as she saved two. She can't get mad at someone for that.
"There are so many possibilities for the future, but only ourselves are able to make them happen or prevent them from happening. You, Christie are capable of doing just that and so am I." Garnet said.
Christie slowly nodded, "That is true. Garnet, do you know why Destiny City is given that name?"
Garnet shook her head.
"This is where people are able to forge their own lives and follow their own paths, regardless of what other say. My parents told me and my sister that we're never bound to only one fate. They've always supported us, but never made plans about our futures, allowing me and my sister to decide what to do with ourselves on our own. That goes for everyone else too. No matter what, never believe your born to do only one thing. We're all more than that."
Garnet blinked with all three of her eyes. Her vision did come true...and her perspective on Christie was right. She is a very strong person. The mother of the Rainbow Gems and the wife of Green Diamond.
Garnet's lips stretched upwards before she waved her hand across her eyes, summoning back her visor.
"I believe my break is over. You can come back if you want to." Christie said.
Garnet nodded.
"Next time though, please tell your visions before giving me your power again, okay?" Christie asked as they walked back to Lee's Sanctuary.
End Of Episode 32.
Hope you all enjoyed Garnet's episode. I'm sorry if this one isn't filled with a lot of action, but I wanted to go a different direction here instead. Also I wanted to expand more on Christie Evans.
Only more Crystal Gem to go, so stay tuned.