Let's continue.
Steven moved calmly through one of his mother's memories, surrounded by that strange feeling these journeys into memory always left behind. He had recently revisited a memory that wasn't exactly pleasant, one that forced him to confront the way he had been created. And no, he wasn't referring to the moment his mother relinquished her physical form, but to something deeper and more difficult to process. Even so, he decided to push that thought aside and focus on the present, because he had learned that getting lost in his doubts only dragged him down further.
He looked around at the place that had once been the homeworld. It was still imposing, even if it didn't look exactly the same as in the series he remembered. It was such a vast and magnificent place that it made it clear, even after so many years, how far humans were from reaching a similar level of evolution. He walked enveloped in a mixture of awe and nostalgia, as if each step rekindled feelings that never quite settled.
He followed closely behind Pink Diamond, who had just left Pinel behind. Steven noted this detail in his mind, trying to think of some way to help her return home, or at least to what was left of it. He didn't know if Pinel might mistake him for her mother or if she would react by attacking him, and that was a possibility he preferred to avoid for now. For the moment, the most sensible thing to do was to follow Pink Diamond, her mother, or at least the version of her that this memory preserved. To keep things simple, he decided to continue calling her simply his mother.
He continued moving forward behind her, a few tears still trickling down his face, though they were much smaller now. He tried to take it with humor, because it was the only way to keep from breaking down inside. At least he now knew that he had to discover his powers manually, something he thanked his mother for with a mixture of irony and affection. He muttered a small thank you that only he could hear, already accustomed to his own muttering complaints, because more than once he had cursed everything in sight just to find a way out of that place.
However, as things unfolded, he began to realize that perhaps it was best to observe everything calmly. There was something fascinating about seeing how it had been before, how the gems functioned in their origin and how they developed in what he remembered as their first stage or first era, or something like that. Perhaps, after all, understanding these memories was part of the path to understanding himself.
Out of nowhere, the entire field changed without my having the slightest intention of doing so. Everything transformed before me, as if memory had decided to jump to another point on its own. In front of my mother, and in front of me as well, appeared three imposing figures, giant women whose presence made Pink Diamond, my mother, seem as small as a child standing between their parents and a Stone Age grandfather who was two meters tall.
Those are them. I said it with surprise, because although I had already seen Yellow and Blue, the one I hadn't yet had the opportunity to observe so closely was White Diamond.
Yellow Diamond.
Blue Diamond.
And the most majestic, the most exalted, the most dazzling of all... White Diamond.
The three of them stood before me, and even though I wasn't truly present, I could feel the pressure and weight of their presence as if I were breathing the same air as them.
Then a voice resonated throughout the entire hall. The echo was so deep it seemed to vibrate in every corner. The place was empty, and it made sense; not even the Pearls were there. This was a gathering that belonged only to the Great Diamonds.
A soft voice, yet as commanding as a controlled thunderclap, rose from above.
"My little golden star, how are you?" White Diamond lowered her hand and took my mother as gently as if she were lifting a crystal figurine. She brought her close to her face the way a person might pick up a small sister to see what mischief she'd gotten into.
My mother exhaled in annoyance, and three black lines crossed her face, a sign that she was quite angry. Oh, come on, White, don't treat me like a newly created gem, you know.
White Diamond let out a soft, almost musical laugh and dropped her to the ground as if she were a feather. "You'll always be my golden star," she said, patting her on the head, which only made my mother press her lips together even more tightly.
I watched everything in silence, fascinated and confused in equal measure. It was strange to see the four Diamonds, these figures who in public acted like absolute dictators, behaving in such a... close way. I couldn't say they were friendly, because even then I still felt that air of danger, that sense that they could destabilize gems at random just because. But at the same time, there was something familiar between them. Something that could only be described as an extremely dysfunctional family.
A typical American politician, I thought as a bead of sweat trickled down my forehead.
A change of perspective
Connie was really worried. From the moment Garnet had told her that Steven was practically on the brink of death, her mind hadn't rested. Fear gnawed at her like a thorn in her chest, and unable to contain herself, she decided to tell her mother immediately.
Connie took a deep breath before speaking, trying to maintain her composure, but her voice trembled at the mere thought of everything that might be happening far away from her. "Mom, do you think we could go see Steve?" she asked, looking at her mother with genuine desperation in her eyes.
Mrs. Maheswaran glanced at her, still holding her phone after finishing an important call. There was a short silence, but long enough to increase Connie's anxiety. "Steve, what do you need from him?" she asked calmly, though with a hint of unease.
Connie rested her hands on her head, rubbing her hair in frustration, as if trying to organize her thoughts. It was clear she was on the verge of breaking down. "Mom," she sighed, "Steven texted me recently saying he had to go out, and I really don't know if he was in an accident." Her voice was fragile, almost a whisper.
Connie's mother set her things aside and turned to face her daughter, her expression now more serious and worried. "What do you mean, honey?" she asked, sensing that Connie's concern was too genuine to ignore.
Connie looked away for a few seconds and then spoke quickly because she was afraid she would break down if she paused. "I don't know, I called Garnet, and she just said he was in recovery or something." She obviously omitted the part where they had practically told her they would let her know if Steven died, because even saying it felt like a knife to the heart.
Mrs. Maheswaran stared at her, which made Connie tense up even more. After several seconds, her mother gently placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders to calm her.
"Daughter, look at me," she said in a warm but firm voice.
Connie obeyed slowly, her eyes already glistening with tears she had been holding back.
"Look, as your mother, I know that if something happened to you, I'd be a little... no, I'd immediately correct myself by shaking my head, I'd really lose it. My nerves would be through the roof, and I feel like that's exactly what might be happening there. I suppose everyone has different ways of dealing with difficult situations, and I want you to understand that."
Connie lowered her head and began to cry silently, trying not to sob, but she eventually buried her face in her hands. Her mother didn't hesitate for a second and hugged her tightly, enveloping her in a warm embrace that spoke volumes.
Different people deal with things differently, and I can't imagine what it would be like if something happened to Steven, she continued, gently stroking her head. The few times I've spoken with Garnet, I've realized she's not easy to read, so maybe she was just expressing herself in her own way. Don't take it personally. Did she tell you where Steven was?
Connie shook her head, clinging to her mother, unable to stop crying.
Mrs. Maheswaran held her close, and as she stroked her hair, she thought about how much she adored her daughter and how protective she was of her emotions. That's why she made her study so much, not out of obligation, but to keep her mind occupied, focused, and secure.
I just want you to vent, I don't want you to keep anything bottled up. If Steven calls you, talk to him. If you need to see him, you could stay one night at his house, just one, no more, no less, but I want you to be at peace and sleep soundly.
She cupped Connie's face in both hands and kissed her forehead, holding her with immense affection. "You have my full support in whatever you do," she said with a gentle smile as she looked her up and down. Then she let out a small giggle, as if trying to break the ice with tenderness. "You seem to be training, aren't you? Is it because of Steve?"
Connie blushed immediately and covered her face in embarrassment, while her mother chuckled quietly at seeing her so touched.
A Change of Perspective
Steven was now walking through a sea of memories. It was a strange sensation, almost like an endless dream, and according to mental calculations that even he didn't understand, several days had already passed. Worry began to settle in his chest like a cold stone, but he couldn't escape it, only move forward and observe.
The landscape would slowly transform into a war zone, the same place where Rose Quartz had fought with sweat, pain, and conviction for her beliefs, for the planet she once ruled and then chose to liberate. What an irony, Steven thought, observing the contrast between the glorious past and the emotional reality he carried.
Before him unfolded an intense scene. Pearl stood behind her mother, taking a stab wound that stopped the attack meant for Rose. This act caused Rose to turn furiously and attack without hesitation the gem that had tried to shatter her from behind.
In a matter of seconds, Pearl emerged from her recovered gem, assuming a flawless battle stance, determined to protect no matter how many times she had to regenerate. Steven watched her with a mixture of confusion and sadness, noticing something he had always ignored. Pearl looked in love, or perhaps it was simply a consequence of being his Pearl, his gem, his protector. It didn't matter to him at that moment, but he noted it down in his mind as an important thought.
The voices inside his head began to emerge uncontrollably. Some were logical, others strange, others sounded like memories from a past life, as if his consciousness were a jigsaw puzzle jigsaw puzzle from across universes. He felt his mind was racing with an absurdly high IQ, according to him, but that wasn't the problem. What was truly alarming was that he would think once and hear several responses, some positive, others dark, others simply chaotic.
The emotional, psychological, and visual overload caused his mind to collapse, imploding the entire scene. The colors vanished in an instant, time shattered, and the world dissolved in a silent expansion. Everything was plunged into a deep black, and Steven was suspended, floating in an infinite nothingness, unable to react. His eyes remained open, fixed on the darkness, as if he had forgotten how to blink.
Now he was trapped in a directionless void.
-------------------
Meanwhile, in real life, two whole days had passed without Steven waking up. He was still submerged, but they pulled him out periodically to check on him, and this was one of those critical moments.
Amethyst carefully dried him, trying to keep his temperature stable. Garnet used her energy to warm him and stimulate his weakened body. Pearl meticulously checked his temperature and vital signs with small machines she had improvised using Gem technology. Lapis kept every inch of Steven's body clean, convinced that if he was going to wake up, he should do so in a dignified state. According to her, water represented purity and rebirth.
Lapis watched Steven's face intently. It was impossible to ignore that even unconscious, Steven didn't stop crying. His tears seemed to flow of their own accord, as if his mind were experiencing a grief that no one could hear.
Inside, Lapis thought with deep sadness, "I didn't know you would get like this." If I'd been braver, maybe you wouldn't be in this situation. I'll just try to help you in any way I can.
Amethyst shared similar thoughts, though she tried to hide them with her usual demeanor. But if Garnet had said this was one of the best possible outcomes, then all they could do was be patient and hopeful.
Pearl was completely focused, not letting anxiety overwhelm her. She checked every detail: temperature, breathing, pulse, body rigidity, and the state of the pupils. Although she saw no signs of consciousness, the stable vital signs gave her a small emotional respite.
She looked around and noticed that everyone was immersed in their own mental storms, even Garnet, who was staring at Steven without her glasses, her three eyes wide open—something that only happened when something truly signified danger or change.
Then Pearl looked at Steven again, and her heart skipped a beat. Steven's eyes were no longer normal. They were completely pink, shimmering, with a deep, crystalline hue like diamonds, staring directly at her without blinking. Pearl's eyes widened in horror, and she immediately took three steps back, causing everyone else to jump and look at her in utter confusion.
Pearl looked back at Steven with a mixture of doubt and fear. His face was exactly the same as before, with that vacant stare that showed no sign of what had just happened, as if nothing had occurred. Pearl forced herself to shake her head in front of the others, letting them know that nothing significant had happened, and they all went back to what they were doing as if nothing had happened. Although Pearl couldn't do the same, because her mind was caught up in thoughts she couldn't stop.
Pearl was thinking.
Why did I see those eyes? They looked so much like hers when she was... when she was Pink Diamond. The thought sent a shiver down her spine and an invisible knot in her chest as she tried to stay focused on what she had to do. After several minutes, Steven was returned to the healing tears. They didn't know if it was actually working, but at least it prevented the possibility of his body suffering something serious like cardiac arrest or organ failure, and that's why they preferred to keep him in the safest place possible.
Pearl glanced toward where Greg had been. He had already left because he couldn't help directly, although he tried his best. His way of helping was to tidy up Steven's house so that, if he were to wake up, he would at least find himself in a calm and comfortable environment, free of chaos and disorder.
Pearl sighed softly and turned her gaze back to the water where Lapis was keeping Steven under her control, not taking her eyes off him for a single second. Garnet stood firm against a column, her posture that of someone who wouldn't rest even if time itself ceased to exist. Amethyst, in her bird form, hovered above, watching for any sign of danger, especially in case Jasper or Peridot appeared without warning.
The silence between them grew so heavy it felt almost tangible. Pearl looked up at the sky, as if searching for an answer that no gem, vision, ability, or technology could provide.
What would happen if Steven died, she thought, a fear so profound she hadn't expected to feel it. A single tear traced a path down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it away with the same precision with which she would clean a ceremonial sword. She didn't want any of the others to see her vulnerable, nor did she want that question to linger in the air, its voice a voice of its own.
In the end, like all of them, she could only wait.
Wait for Steven to wake up.
Wait for it not to be too late.
Waiting for fate to decide otherwise.
Steven continued floating in the exact same spot, trapped within that infinite darkness where there was no form, no direction, no sound. His gaze remained lost, completely empty, without any reaction. Time there was meaningless. Seconds, minutes, hours, days? He couldn't tell. He was conscious, yet simultaneously unaware, as if his mind were locked within itself, unable to escape or comprehend his situation.
It was like being imprisoned within his own subconscious, feeling neither pain nor relief, only an overwhelming neutrality where he couldn't even identify who he was. He had no clear memories, he didn't know what had happened, or if his mind had truly been overwhelmed. Questions like who he was, what he was doing there, what had happened, and why he couldn't think coherently accumulated within his human mind, forming an unbearable vortex. And it was in the midst of that silent chaos that something caught his attention and compelled him to look up.
A pink light.
Steven squinted, reflexively shielding his eyes with his forearm, and in that same gesture, he noticed something fundamental: he could move again. He tried moving his arms, legs, hands, and neck, as if he had awakened from a long period of paralysis. The sensation was so liberating that for a moment he felt better than ever within that desolate consciousness.
The light descended slowly, soft and bright, causing Steven to observe it with almost childlike wonder. After a few seconds, the figure of the light materialized before him, revealing something that left him speechless. It was himself, or rather, a version of himself, completely pink, with a presence that seemed solid yet celestial. However, what truly unsettled him was the shadow cast behind that figure. That shadow was different, as if it belonged to another being.
The pink figure clasped its hands behind its back and stared at Steven, unblinking, conveying a mixture of peace and authority that instantly disarmed him.
That was Justin, his former life, his past self. Steven swallowed, surprised to recognize him.
Steve: Um, are you, I mean, are you me?
The figures didn't respond, they just held each other's gaze with absolute calm, as if they both knew something he didn't yet understand. After a few seconds, they both smiled warmly, and an intense light emanated from their bodies, blinding Steven. He covered his eyes with both hands to block the light, feeling an energetic pulse ripple through his surroundings.
When the light subsided, Steven slowly opened his eyes and saw something even more incredible. The figures had vanished, and in their place was a rose. It was the most beautiful rose he had ever seen in his two lives, vibrant, perfect, without a single imperfection, as if it were a flower created by a god and not by nature.
An echo resonated throughout the void.
"I am what you need, I am what you are, and I am what you will be."
"I am the one who will help you."
Steven remained completely silent. He had heard those words in his own voice, but also in the voice of his past life, as if both identities had spoken at the same time. It was the sound of his divided soul converging.
The rose shone even brighter, pulsing with an energy that seemed to beat to the rhythm of a heart. Steven closed his eyes and reached out firmly, determined to take it without fear. As soon as his fingers touched the flower, it began to merge with his body, disintegrating into pink sparkles that enveloped him completely, causing his being to begin to glow from within as if his essence were being reborn.
"in reality."
The Gems continued to watch over Steven's body. Another full day had passed without any clear signs of improvement, and worry was beginning to feel like a heavy cloud hanging over them all.
Amethyst stared at the boy's motionless body, her anxiety building. "Girls, do you think Steven... well..." she trailed off, as if uttering the possibility somehow gave her power.
Pearl answered in a very soft, trembling voice, though she tried to sound firm.
"I do believe he'll wake up, I'm sure of it," she whispered, almost to convince herself, and immediately looked at Garnet for a sign.
Garnet adjusted her glasses and nodded slowly before turning her gaze back to Steven. That small gesture was enough to reassure those who knew the vision of possible futures. Amethyst's breathing slowed slightly, Pearl loosened the tension in her hands, and Lapis, though she said nothing, remained respectfully silent. She knew what it meant to stay quiet in these kinds of moments.
Suddenly, Lapis noticed something strange. Steven was moving, not abruptly, but with small, involuntary tremors that disrupted his control over the water.
"Excuse me, Gems, this is normal too," she said, trying to sound calm as she gently lifted the boy's body, which was beginning to tremble.
But Pearl immediately panicked.
"No! He's not! Put him down, get him out of the water!"
Amethyst jumped in shock and frantically waved her arms, trying to stop them. Even Garnet felt a chill run through her soul as she sensed a dangerous shift in the energy. Lapis obeyed quickly and pulled Steven out of the water, but as soon as she did, the boy began writhing in pain, his body arching as if something invisible were consuming him from the inside.
The Gems froze, unsure of the right course of action. Every second seemed to last forever, and when they finally decided to intervene, Steven remained completely still.
All was silent.
Pearl felt her vision blur, almost collapsing. Amethyst paled until she was nearly pastel gray. Garnet couldn't bear the tension any longer, and her fusion broke down, separating into Ruby and Sapphire, both sobbing with wide eyes, unable to accept the inevitable. Lapis stood with her mouth slightly open, unable to process what she was seeing, as if time itself had shattered around her.
Inside Steven's mind, he observed his own body in disbelief. He felt no physical pain, but his mental perception was completely different. The chaos that had once tormented him now felt more ordered and quiet. He still heard voices, memories, and echoes, but they were no longer an uncontrollable hurricane, but rather ideas that floated and calmly organized themselves.
He shook his head as he breathed deeply, or at least that's what it felt like within his consciousness, and he perceived a sudden and powerful change within himself.
I suppose this is what Mother was saying, he thought reflectively as he looked at his hand, now more toned, almost possessing a spiritual strength entirely beyond human capabilities.
The emptiness that surrounded him began to shift, as if the invisible sky were stirring or opening above him.
"It seems the world is calling me," she said, smiling with a broad, confident expression, just before that space shattered completely, as if her mind had broken free from the shell of an egg destined to be reborn.
And then she returned.
In reality, they were practically holding a wake for him, their faces a mixture of despair and grief. Pearl clutched his chest, her breath ragged; Ruby and Sapphire wept, embracing each other; Amethyst trembled, unsure what to do; and Lapis wore a blank expression, as if her soul had shattered.
But everything changed when Steven's eyes suddenly opened, and he calmly sat up, slowly taking in his surroundings as his vision cleared. It took him a few seconds to process what he saw. He noticed nothing unusual, only desperate faces, eyes swollen from crying, and utter silence.
After a few awkward and confusing seconds, they all reacted at once.
"STEVEN!" the five gems shouted, rushing toward him to hug him as if he were the most important thing in their lives. Steven was even more confused, feeling so many hands on him at once. Ruby and Sapphire, bursting with emotion, fused back into Garnet, who tightened the collective embrace even further.
Pearl wept uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face as if her soul had waited an eternity. "My baby's back, my baby's here, my boy," she repeated, her voice breaking.
Amethyst sobbed dramatically as she clung to his leg, having descended from the air transformed into a bird and landed directly on the group. No one complained.
Lapis ended up on top of Steven, hugging him tightly as she wept. She apologized repeatedly, her voice more broken than ever.
Steven was just returning to reality, so he awkwardly returned the hug, still not fully present. "Am I... am I okay? Yes, don't worry, I just need to see if I can think straight. I just woke up, you know?" he said with a weak little laugh that made them all hug him even tighter.
"Ow!" he groaned softly, causing them all to stop, tears streaming down their faces.
Amethyst spoke first, her voice breaking.
"Oh, come on, man, let us see you and hug you a little longer. It's been a tough few days. Just let us stay here, okay?"
Pearl cried even harder as she took his arm.
"Yes, Steven, just let us stay here. We were so worried about you. We didn't think you'd be so hurt. Let me stay here, okay?"
Garnet, still behind him, spoke with a vulnerable voice as she took off her glasses.
"Come on, Steven, just let me... I mean, let us, Ruby, Sapphire, and me. We want to be by your side. You had us so worried sick. Your father was worried sick with Connie."
As soon as Steven heard those two names, he sat up quickly and tried to turn around to look at his surroundings.
"Where are they?" he said excitedly, unaware of the weight he was still carrying.
Soft whimpers made him look down. He saw Lapis with the expression of a wounded puppy.
"Forgive me, will you forgive me?" she asked, hugging him even tighter around the waist, causing him to wince in pain.
Steven took a deep breath, and despite his confusion, gently placed his trembling hand on Lapis's head to calm her, which stirred a feeling of jealousy in the others.
Gently, he lifted Lapis's chin with his hand, and she looked at him, tears still streaming down her face, though less intensely. Steven sighed, his mind still clouded, and spoke the first thing that came to mind.
It's not your fault. I wanted to fight Jasper. If I hadn't, no one would have, and I'd blame myself even more if something happened to you. So, if I think about it, nothing happened to you, right?
The Gems shook their heads, still crying silently.
"See? Besides, why is it so cold in here?" he asked, confused, as he looked to see if he was wearing his favorite shirt, but he froze when he saw himself.
...
...
...
Steven went completely white and screamed in despair.
"AND MY CLOTHES!"
End of Chapter 34