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Steven Universe: Naoya’s Story

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Synopsis
In Beach City, a boy grows up between two worlds. The son of Simón Platón, an ordinary human, and Rose Quartz, the mysterious leader of the Crystal Gems, his life was never normal. But there’s something he hasn’t told anyone. Faint memories of another life. Fragments of a story that feels like a cartoon. And the sense that the future… has already happened once before. As he grows up between missions, corrupted Gems, and the strange calm of Beach City, he begins to notice things that don’t add up: secrets in his mother’s gaze, uncomfortable silences whenever Homeworld is mentioned, and a truth that feels too big to ignore. Because Rose Quartz is not who she claims to be. And when the Diamonds turn their attention back to Earth, he’ll have to decide whether to follow the course of history… or stand against the empire that once tried to conquer the planet. Even if it means challenging the most powerful beings in the universe.
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Chapter 1 - Chapter 1

Author's Note:

Hey! This is a new story—something a bit out of the ordinary. It's based on a few suggestions from people on Discord. Of course, I only took certain ideas and then adapted them into what I wanted to create.

This chapter is mostly lore. If you enjoy lore and the slightly unhinged vibe I added, go ahead and read it. If not, you're totally free to skip it. Though, if you leave a little star, it'd be greatly appreciated.

One more thing: if you want to leave suggestions for this series—which I'll be developing partly thanks to you—you can join our Discord server.

The story will start off with a more serious tone and later shift into comedy, just in case you notice the change in writing.

With nothing more to say...

Let's continue:

The silence of the beach had always been something normal.

But not that day. Not now.

There was only one person sitting on the sand: a young woman who looked to be around twenty-six. Usually, her face carried a warm, almost everlasting smile.

Not this time.

Her expression was different. Her gaze, fixed on the ocean, carried something deeper… a question.

Why?

But what was the real question?

Why was the life of humans—of organic beings—so fleeting?

That was the thought consuming her.

She… was not like them.

She could live forever if she wished. Immortality wasn't a distant or frightening concept to her… but did she truly want it?

Everyone she had ever loved… faded away with time.

She had always wanted to save them. She always could.

Ever since that time with the lion, she understood she could alter that fate—even if the cost was turning them into something… different.

For her, that was easy to accept.

But for humans…

No.

When the time came, when she offered the only thing she could give—an eternity by her side—they simply refused.

Why?

Was she even a good person?

She wasn't.

And she knew it.

But she didn't show it. The only one who knew that side of her was Pearl… and even then, Pearl would never say anything.

Rose clenched the sand in her fingers. Her fists trembled slightly as quiet tears began to fall down her face.

She didn't want the others to see her like this.

She sighed.

She knew it wasn't healthy to keep everything bottled up. Some human women had told her that before: talk, feel, let it out.

It always amazed her how much she could learn from them.

Slowly, she took a strand of her hair and began wrapping it around her finger—a nervous habit she didn't even realize she had.

She was stressed.

And it all traced back to one person.

Simon.

A human… no.

Someone special.

Someone who had made her feel something she had never experienced before.

Simon was incredibly intelligent. He dedicated his life to studying ancient artifacts, especially Egyptian ones. Rose loved watching him try to decipher mysteries that even Gems didn't fully understand.

It was… fascinating.

Even in a time when many women were treated like objects, he never saw her that way.

He treated her with respect. With care. Like someone important.

And if he hadn't…

A small, bittersweet smile appeared on Rose's face.

She probably would have hit him and fed him to Lion.

The soft sound of her laughter faded into the breeze.

"Why did you leave, Simon?"

Her voice broke.

Simon had died.

A simple robbery.

Something so mundane… so absurd.

And she wasn't there.

She couldn't save him.

Even if he would have refused.

But life… had never gone the way Rose wanted.

It never did.

Memories flooded her mind.

Their hands intertwined.

His first gift.

Their first kiss.

Their first time…

Their last time.

The tears fell freely now, and this time, she didn't try to stop them.

"At least… you left me something."

Carefully, she brought her hand to her stomach.

It was no longer completely flat.

It was a surprise.

One she had wanted to give him.

A child.

She knew that was what he truly wanted… a family.

But now…

That would never happen.

He was gone.

"What am I going to do with you… little one?"

Her voice came out broken, heavy with sorrow.

Rose had considered something before.

Abandoning her physical form.

It wasn't the first time the thought crossed her mind. For someone like her, ceasing to exist that way wasn't exactly the end… it was more like a transformation.

But now…

She couldn't.

Her gaze slowly dropped to her stomach.

The child would have no one.

And that… was unacceptable.

She didn't want to leave all the responsibility to the Gems. That would be cruel. Selfish.

They wouldn't understand.

Or worse… they would try to understand something they could never fully feel.

A human child wasn't a mission, nor a cause.

It was… a life.

And besides…

Simon was gone.

Before, at least, she had someone. Someone to hold her hand, someone to guide her through something as… human as raising a child.

Now she had no one.

She didn't know what to do.

Or maybe she did…

But she didn't want to admit it.

A plan.

A simple one.

An effective one.

One that didn't come from Rose… but from something much older within her.

Pink Diamond.

A cold idea. Practical.

Almost… logical.

But also wrong.

A sad smile appeared on her face.

"I promised to protect life…"

Her eyes closed for a moment.

"But my child… comes first."

When she opened them again, there was no doubt left in her gaze.

Rose began to walk.

Slowly, but with purpose.

In front of her, the portal stood in silence, as if it had been waiting for her all this time.

"I'm sorry…"

It wasn't clear who that apology was for.

Maybe for Earth.

Maybe for the Gems.

Or maybe… for herself.

Without stopping, she stepped through the portal.

Light swallowed her completely.

And in an instant…

She was gone.

The heat was the first thing she felt.

A desert.

Vast. Silent. Ancient.

But Rose didn't care.

Not about the wind.

Not about the sand.

Not about the solitude.

With a single motion, she jumped.

Her body cut through the air effortlessly, covering a great distance before landing on a specific point.

One that wasn't visible to the naked eye.

But she remembered it.

How could she not?

That place…

Was a fragment of her past.

A past she had tried to leave behind.

Rose extended her hand.

Two large pink quartz pillars formed instantly, followed by a shovel made of the same material.

Without wasting time, she began to dig.

The sand gave way easily under her strength.

Minutes passed.

The sound of metal—or something like it—striking a solid surface broke the steady rhythm.

Rose stopped.

And then…

She smiled.

But it wasn't a happy smile.

It was a mix of nostalgia… and determination.

Quickly, Rose shifted her stance, planting her feet firmly.

There was something…

A connection.

One she hadn't felt in a long time.

In response, what little remained buried beneath the sand began to vibrate.

The ground trembled.

Not violently, but deeply… ancient.

Then, they emerged.

Massive pink quartz legs rose from the desert, pristine, complete with heels—like a forgotten structure coming back to life.

Rose watched them in silence.

And nodded.

A pink sphere formed around her, wrapping her gently. Without hesitation, she let it carry her, allowing her body to be absorbed.

The sphere descended.

And vanished into the structure.

Seconds later—

Rose opened her eyes.

She stood inside a chamber.

Everything was intact.

As if time had never passed.

Her eyes slowly scanned the space, filling with memories.

"Wow… it's been a long time since I've been here."

A faint, nostalgic smile appeared on her face…

But it disappeared almost instantly.

She remembered why she had come back.

In front of her, multiple digital panels activated, floating in the air. Their glow lit up her face as she began searching.

She knew exactly what she wanted.

It wasn't doubt.

It was… resignation.

A tool.

A weapon, really.

A resource her sisters had given her in the past, with a single purpose:

To defeat Rose Quartz.

To defeat herself.

She never used it.

For obvious reasons.

But now…

She could give it a different meaning.

A different purpose.

One… necessary.

Her fingers moved precisely across the controls until she found what she was looking for.

A specific point on the galactic map.

She doubted anyone had touched it.

It didn't look valuable. It wasn't an elegant weapon or a coveted artifact.

It was simply…

Functional.

And because of that, likely forgotten.

"Perfect…"

As she marked the destination, she murmured softly:

"Injector…"

A brief pause followed.

"Ironic, isn't it?"

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Something I once wanted to destroy… and now it's what will help me."

Her hand rested gently over her stomach.

"You'll be used to create life."

Her voice dropped even lower.

"But this time… it will be organic life."

A small laugh escaped her lips.

"Heh…"

But it didn't last.

It wasn't joy.

It was tension.

Without wasting any more time, she activated the system.

The massive legs began to rise, tearing free from the ground with overwhelming force. Sand scattered in every direction as the structure ascended.

The air vibrated.

And in an instant—

The ship vanished into the sky.

Rose remained standing inside the chamber.

One of her hands rested constantly over her stomach, as if that simple gesture reminded her of the reason behind everything.

She was doing this for him.

Nothing else.

Not for Earth.

Not for the Gems.

Not for her old promises.

Only for her child.

"At least… you'll have a mother who's there."

Her voice was barely a whisper.

She wasn't human.

She never would be.

But she would give everything she had to be enough.

After centuries of observing humans, she believed she had a foundation. She had seen how they loved, how they raised children, how they failed… and how they tried again.

Maybe… that would be enough.

Besides, she had some gold.

She vaguely remembered the concept.

"Money…"

She said it as if it still felt foreign.

With that, she could get a house in Beach City. A quiet place, near the ocean.

A place where they could live.

Just the two of them.

…And possibly Pearl.

Rose closed her eyes for a moment.

Pearl.

She knew.

She had always known.

That affection that went beyond loyalty.

That care that brushed against something deeper… something dangerous.

But Rose never responded to it.

She couldn't.

To her, Pearl had always been… her Pearl.

And that idea alone was already tainted.

"It would be like chaining her… and then calling it love."

She gently shook her head.

No.

That wasn't something she was willing to do.

Silence returned.

The ship continued its course.

She could arrive in minutes if she wanted.

But she wouldn't.

She adjusted the speed.

A two-hour trip.

Slower.

Safer.

She didn't know if it would really affect the baby… but she wasn't willing to take the risk.

"For now… it doesn't hurt to remember."

A small change appeared in her expression.

Lighter.

Almost playful.

Unexpectedly, she began moving her feet slightly, making small motions that connected directly to the ship's controls.

The massive structure responded.

It tilted.

Turned.

Swayed gently through the void of space, as if dancing among the stars.

A soft laugh escaped her lips.

Light.

Almost forgotten.

Meanwhile, her other hand returned to her stomach.

"Maybe one day… I can show you all of this, my son."

Her gaze softened.

"A past almost no one knows."

A brief pause.

"Only Pearl…"

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"And maybe… White."

She gave a small shrug.

"But that doesn't matter anymore."

To her, that world was behind her.

Or at least…

That's what she wanted to believe.

After two hours of travel, Rose finally arrived.

The space before her was silent… but not unfamiliar.

She was close.

Close to a place she would rather not remember.

Spinel.

The thought crossed her mind for a moment.

"Should I bring her with me…?"

The doubt appeared… and vanished just as quickly.

She didn't know if it was the right thing.

Not now.

Not in the middle of all this.

She lightly shook her head, pushing the thought aside.

There were more urgent matters.

She redirected the ship.

"This should be fine…"

Even "close," in human terms, was still absurd.

Light-years away.

Impossible to see with the naked eye.

That place… wasn't just any location.

It was reserved exclusively for Diamonds.

And, in theory…

For Pink Diamond.

Rose narrowed her eyes.

"I'm not that anymore… so this is free territory."

She didn't think the other Diamonds would show up.

Blue… maybe.

But she doubted it.

For a moment, she considered asking.

Garnet.

Her future vision had always been useful.

But no.

She didn't want to interfere.

Besides…

Garnet still believed Rose Quartz and Pink Diamond were two different people.

"Maybe she just felt something pass…"

A ship.

A flash.

A "bird," as some humans would call it.

A faint smile appeared on her face.

"My leg ship…"

She shook her head slightly, amused.

Humans always found strange ways to describe the unknown.

But the lightness faded when she looked ahead.

There…

Suspended above a floating island…

It was there.

An injector.

Massive.

Disproportionate.

Dangerous.

One of the Empire's worst creations.

The kind of tool designed to drain the life out of an entire planet.

Rose frowned.

She didn't want to stay there any longer than necessary.

Without hesitation, she pressed a command on the holographic interface.

A pink energy emerged, slowly wrapping around the injector, as if claiming it.

As the process began, Rose turned her attention to the records.

To her surprise…

They were still active.

Planets.

Colonies.

The state of the Empire.

Everything was still there.

Her eyes moved quickly through the information…

Until something made her stop.

The Quartzes.

Her expression changed.

All of them… or almost all… had been bubbled.

Just for resembling her.

The silence grew heavier.

Rose blinked.

For a moment, her face showed something close to disbelief.

As if she had created a problem she never anticipated.

"Another consequence…"

She murmured.

She hadn't thought about it.

Not like this.

But she couldn't ignore it.

"I'll have to fix it."

She didn't know how.

But she would.

Then…

Another piece of information caught her attention.

Something… worse.

A story.

A narrative.

Her eyes moved slowly as she read.

Rose Quartz…

The enemy.

The "villain."

A symbol of chaos and destruction.

And the Diamonds…

The saviors.

The ones who brought order.

The "angels."

Rose remained silent.

Processing.

Taking it in.

"Wow…"

Her voice was low.

Honest.

"I didn't expect this."

Her expression was hard to read.

It wasn't just surprise.

There was something else.

Something between irony… and resignation.

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 2,000-Word Split 

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Shaking her head softly, Rose pulled her attention away from the records.

There was something more important.

In front of her, the galactic map expanded once again, and without hesitation, she marked a planet she had selected long ago.

Not because of how it looked.

But because of what it was.

A special world.

Small.

Much smaller than Earth.

But what it lacked in size… it more than made up for in richness.

It was absurdly rich in nutrients and minerals.

Especially one.

Diamond.

Not just any diamond.

Pure diamond.

Few worlds in the galaxy could compare.

The Empire would have considered it an absolute treasure. A perfect place to create exceptionally strong Gems.

Like Jasper.

An anomaly.

Even among her own kind, Jasper was… too perfect.

But she was still a rare case.

And now…

That didn't matter.

Rose narrowed her eyes.

"I'm not going to create thousands of Gems."

Her voice was firm.

Almost sharp.

"Not this time."

What she was about to do…

Was something the Empire had never even considered.

And for good reason.

Her thoughts inevitably turned to the Diamonds.

"Do they think Homeworld never tried to create more…?"

A brief pause.

"Of course they did."

And they succeeded.

But the result…

Was never what they expected.

The original four Diamonds were not a normal product of the system.

They were an anomaly.

A mistake… or a miracle.

Not even White understood her own origin.

She only knew one thing:

That she was perfect.

The others…

Those that came after in those attempts…

Were just that.

Attempts.

Bodies without true consciousness.

Empty Diamonds.

Tools.

Rose closed her eyes for a moment.

She could picture it.

A room filled with them.

Still.

Silent.

Abandoned.

"…Nothing unusual for her."

She murmured, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

But now…

Now things would be different.

Her hand returned to her stomach.

Her resolve hardened.

"White wanted purity…"

Her eyes slowly opened.

"But I…"

A faint smile formed on her lips.

"I'm going to make something new."

Her mind began to piece everything together.

A risky idea.

Dangerous.

But possible.

"What if… I fuse with a Gem that has no data?"

Not a Gem with a purpose.

Not one that was designed.

But one… completely blank.

"And then… I alter its formation."

Her gaze softened as it dropped to her stomach.

"So it's born… where it belongs."

Inside him.

Inside her child.

Silence filled the chamber.

It was madness.

It could fail.

It could go wrong in ways she couldn't even predict.

But the alternative…

Was worse.

"…I'm not going to leave you alone."

Her voice was firm.

Certain.

She wouldn't abandon her form.

She wouldn't disappear.

Not this time.

Not like before.

"If this works…"

She took a slow breath.

"You'll be the first."

Her eyes shone with determination… and something else.

Something unknown.

"The first true hybrid."

Half human.

Half Gem.

And not just any Gem.

"A semi-Diamond."

After another five hours of travel, Rose finally reached the planet.

Without ceremony, she deployed the injector at the exact point where she had once planned a very different kind of colony.

Now…

That purpose had changed.

The massive structure touched down on the grass-covered ground, sinking slightly under its own weight.

The place was…

Silent.

Too silent.

There was no organic life.

No animals.

No echoes.

Nothing.

And in another context…

That would have made it a perfect target for the Empire.

Rose glanced away for a moment.

"Good thing I never mentioned it…"

She muttered to herself.

She didn't want to imagine what the other Diamonds would have done with a world like this.

The hatch opened.

Rose stepped down calmly, as if she were arriving somewhere ordinary… and not at the stage of something that should never exist.

From her gem, she pulled out a small bag.

Chips.

She began eating absentmindedly as she walked.

Since her pregnancy began, she had developed certain… habits.

Eating was one of them.

And surprisingly, she liked it.

A small smile appeared on her face as she remembered.

"Amethyst…"

That time.

That look.

That exaggerated excitement.

She had nearly jumped at the chance to fuse with her just to "see what it felt like."

Rose let out a quiet laugh.

"Not a chance…"

She shook her head.

She wasn't going to risk that.

Not out of curiosity.

Not for anyone.

The mental image alone was enough to make her frown slightly.

"…No."

Definitely not.

She pushed the thought aside.

When her feet fully touched the grass, she paused for a moment.

She crouched slightly.

And touched the ground.

Her expression changed.

There was doubt.

One she couldn't hide.

This was wrong.

She knew it.

But her hand slowly rose to her stomach.

And everything became clear.

Her gaze hardened.

She stood up.

And walked straight toward the injector.

With a quick jump, she reached the control platform.

The holographic interfaces activated instantly, displaying a massive amount of data.

Rose didn't hesitate.

Being a Diamond had its advantages.

She knew how they worked.

How they were built.

How they were used.

Blue had made sure she understood every detail.

And now…

That knowledge would serve a new purpose.

Her fingers moved quickly across the controls.

First:

Full extraction.

Not partial.

Not fragmented.

Everything.

All of the planet's energy would be used in a single process.

She wasn't creating an army.

She wasn't forming a colony.

"Just one…"

She murmured.

One Gem.

But not just any Gem.

She adjusted the parameters with precision.

A structural base similar to her own.

But…

Smaller.

Adapted.

Designed for a human body.

"…I'm not going to risk you."

Her eyes dropped briefly to her stomach.

She wouldn't allow something as simple as size to harm him.

She continued.

Abilities…

She couldn't define them.

Color…

Neither.

That…

Was beyond her control.

Fate.

Or something else.

Rose paused for a moment.

Her reflection faintly shimmered across the interface.

"You'll be better than me."

It wasn't doubt.

It was a decision.

"In every way."

Her hand rested gently on the final panel.

The final command.

The beginning.

The point of no return.

And even then…

She didn't hesitate.

The injector activated.

A deep pulse ran through the structure as it began its function.

Consume.

Absorb.

Drain.

The process wouldn't be immediate.

It would take hours.

Many.

Maybe ten… or more.

On Homeworld, something like this would have taken years—but that was due to management, distribution, control.

This injector…

Was different.

Special.

Built to do the job without restrictions.

Rose watched in silence.

The sky began to darken slowly, as if life itself were being drained from the world. Energy flowed into the injector, and inside it, crystalline conduits—filled with structures that resembled organs—twisted unnaturally.

Like worms.

Like something alive… but not quite.

An unsettling sight.

Rose didn't look away.

But she didn't speak either.

She simply sat on her ship.

And waited.

The hours passed.

Ten.

A little more, even.

The injector wasn't in perfect condition, which slowed the process.

But in the end…

It finished.

The planet…

Died.

Nothing remained.

Not even a trace of what it could have been.

Rose descended slowly.

Her steps were more careful this time.

Heavier.

She approached the tip of the drill.

And looked inside.

There it was.

A Gem.

No.

A Diamond.

Red.

Rose stood still for a moment.

Staring at it.

Processing it.

Then, with a gentleness that contrasted everything she had done to create it, she took it into her hands.

The crimson glow lit up her face.

"You'll be my son's heart."

Her voice was soft.

Almost fragile.

"So… please."

She pressed the diamond lightly against her chest.

"Make all of this worth it."

Silence surrounded her.

She stayed like that for a few seconds.

Maybe minutes.

Until, finally, she pulled away.

Carefully, she stored the diamond within her gem.

Then, without another word, she put everything back in place.

The injector was removed.

Hidden.

As if it had never been there.

As if that world…

Had never existed.

The ship rose once more.

But this time…

Rose wasn't looking ahead.

Her mind was elsewhere.

A memory.

One she had avoided for far too long.

Her eyes slowly shifted.

Toward a specific direction.

She knew exactly where.

A Gem.

One who had once given everything just to make her happy.

Rose sighed.

Long.

Heavy.

"Maybe… it's for the best."

Her voice came out quieter than usual.

"I don't want her showing up on Earth someday… trying to kill me."

Or her son.

Without hesitation, she redirected the ship.

The trip was short.

And soon…

The place appeared before her.

A garden.

Or what remained of it.

The playground.

From the cockpit, Rose watched in silence.

Everything was…

Abandoned.

Overgrown.

Forgotten.

Her eyes scanned the area, searching for something different.

Some sign.

Anything.

"Maybe… they took her."

She murmured.

A small hope.

But no.

They hadn't.

There she was.

Exactly where she had left her.

Motionless.

Staring straight at the portal.

Waiting.

Always waiting.

Time…

Had meant nothing to her.

Rose remained silent.

Watching her.

Not moving.

"…I guess giving my gem to my son wouldn't have sounded so bad."

A short, dry laugh escaped her lips.

Sarcasm.

But also…

Guilt.

The ship descended slowly.

Searching for the clearest spot.

Or at least…

The least consumed by time.

The ship landed.

Without a sound.

Rose stepped out without a word.

Spinel was still there.

Standing.

Staring at the portal.

Not moving.

Not reacting.

As if time had never passed.

As if nothing had changed.

It was…

Unsettling.

Rose walked toward her slowly.

As she did, her form changed.

Her silhouette grew.

Refined.

She became what she once was.

Pink Diamond.

Except…

Her gem.

That remained unchanged.

She couldn't risk it.

Not now.

Not with her child.

She stopped right behind Spinel.

And still…

She didn't react.

"Spinel."

Her voice was soft.

But enough.

Spinel's body tensed instantly.

Her eyes widened.

Her head snapped around unnaturally, as if her neck had no limits.

And then—

She saw her.

"…Rose?"

Silence.

One second.

Two.

And then—

Her face lit up.

"Rose!"

The smile that spread across her face was huge.

Too huge.

"You came back!"

Before Rose could say anything, Spinel was already on her.

Stretching effortlessly, wrapping herself around her, hugging her tightly while covering her cheeks with kisses.

"I knew you'd come back! I knew you hadn't forgotten me!"

Rose didn't respond.

She just reacted.

Quickly.

Without wasting time, she moved toward the ship, practically dragging Spinel with her.

She didn't want to stay there.

She didn't want to take any risks.

If one of the Diamonds showed up…

Especially Blue…

She didn't know how that would end.

And she wasn't about to risk what she carried inside her.

She boarded the ship.

The doors closed.

And within seconds, they took off.

Spinel was still clinging to her.

As if she had never left.

As if everything were still the same.

But then—

She stopped.

Blinking.

Looking around.

"…Huh?"

Confusion replaced her excitement for a moment.

"Where are we going, Rose?"

She was still hanging onto her like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Rose took a deep breath.

"Home."

A brief pause.

"But not to Homeworld."

Spinel tilted her head.

Clearly confused.

Rose closed her eyes for a second.

"I need to explain something to you."

A sigh escaped her lips.

"…A lot of things."

Spinel, without losing her energy, suddenly let go and flipped down onto the floor with a small spin.

Then she stood up in an exaggerated pose.

"Of course!"

She smiled.

"I'm your best friend! You can tell me anything."

Her appearance…

Was a contrast.

The dirt.

The wear.

The abandonment.

Gave her a neglected look.

Almost broken.

But her smile…

Was still the same.

"I have a lot to tell you…"

Rose's voice was more serious than usual.

Her form shifted again.

Her body shrank.

Her presence softened.

She became Rose Quartz once more.

Spinel didn't react.

At least… not at first.

She didn't seem to care.

But then—

Rose started talking.

And didn't stop.

She explained everything.

The war.

The rebellion.

Her identity as Pink Diamond.

The lie.

Earth.

The Gems.

The passage of time.

Thousands of years condensed into words.

One after another.

Without real pauses.

Without softening anything.

And little by little…

Spinel's smile began to fade.

At first, slightly.

Then…

Completely.

Her expression changed.

Confusion.

Processing.

Something that didn't quite fit.

And finally—

Silence.

Hours later…

Rose finished.

The cockpit fell into a heavy, tense calm.

Spinel was the first to speak.

"So…"

Her voice wasn't as playful anymore.

"You're 'dead' to the Empire."

Rose didn't interrupt.

"You live on Earth… away from all of that."

Pause.

"And you want me to keep it a secret."

Another pause.

Spinel tilted her head slightly.

"You came to get me…"

Her eyes shifted, as if organizing everything in her mind.

"And now I need a new identity."

Her tone was strange.

Too structured.

"A rebel… captured by Rose Quartz… forgotten for millennia…"

She blinked.

"And then released… because you realized I wasn't corrupted."

Her lips curved slightly.

"And you decided to… integrate me."

Silence.

"Into your ranks?"

Rose nodded slowly.

"Okay…"

The answer was simple.

Too simple.

"I think I get it."

Rose blinked.

Surprised.

"Huh…?"

That wasn't the reaction she expected.

There was no anger.

No rejection.

Not even clear sadness.

Just…

Acceptance.

Spinel looked at her expression and let out a soft huff.

"Come on, Rose…"

She crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks slightly.

"You know how I am."

Her tone shifted.

Lighter.

But not entirely.

"You made me to be with you."

Her eyes locked onto hers.

"I can adapt."

A small smile appeared.

"If you want to go to Earth… I'll go with you."

She shrugged.

"I don't care where."

Her voice lowered slightly.

"I just want to be by your side."

Rose didn't say anything.

Spinel continued.

"I'm smart, you know."

A small pause.

"Even if I'd rather make you laugh."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"I understand what you did."

Silence.

"…Even if there were probably better ways."

That one hit.

Rose nodded.

Sadly.

Without defending herself.

"But anyway—"

Her tone shifted again.

Abruptly.

Like flipping a switch.

"You're having a baby, right?!"

Spinel suddenly moved closer, crouching in front of her.

Her eyes sparkled.

Too much.

"Yeah…"

Rose answered quietly.

"I want to create life."

Her hand rested on her stomach.

"Organic… and half Gem."

Spinel nodded.

Very seriously.

As if she were analyzing something deeply.

"Interesting…"

She murmured.

But then—

One of her eyes drifted slightly to the side.

Unnaturally.

Her smile returned.

But it wasn't the same as before.

It was…

Unstable.

"Sounds fun."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Section split up to 4,000 words

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Upon arriving on Earth, the first thing Rose did was step out of the ship.

Spinel followed her.

Before leaving, she had already made a decision.

She reset herself.

Her form changed completely, taking on a new appearance, new clothing. Something different… something that wouldn't draw attention.

Avoiding problems.

That was best.

Pink Diamond's ship—or Rose Quartz's—was quickly covered with desert sand, carefully buried until it disappeared completely.

A secret.

One only the two of them knew.

Just in case.

Always just in case.

The wind blew softly.

The desert stretched endlessly.

Spinel took a small step forward, stretching with renewed energy.

"So…"

Her new look contrasted with the surroundings.

Freer.

More… eye-catching.

"Where are we going, Rose?"

The change in her way of speaking was subtle.

But it was there.

Rose started walking without answering right away.

Spinel followed.

For a moment, an uncomfortable question crossed her mind.

How had they not been discovered?

After all this time.

After everything that had happened.

But she shook her head.

It didn't matter.

Not now.

She walked alongside Rose…

Though her expression said something else.

She slowed down slightly.

Watching her.

Closely.

Her back.

The way she moved.

Her… calmness.

Spinel clenched her teeth slightly.

She was angry.

Very.

But she didn't show it.

It wasn't worth it.

…Or was it?

Thousands of years.

In one place.

Waiting.

Thinking.

Imagining.

That changes anyone.

And Spinel…

Had too much imagination.

Her expression returned to normal within seconds.

As if nothing had happened.

But something, deep down…

Was no longer the same.

The change in Spinel was obvious.

Not in her appearance.

Not in her voice.

But in something deeper.

Even so…

She had made a decision.

To give one more chance.

To the person who, for so long, had been her purpose.

Her reason.

Her everything.

"Just… one more."

She didn't say it out loud.

But she thought it.

Because now she understood something she hadn't before.

Rose no longer had authority over her.

It wasn't the same relationship anymore.

And still…

Part of Spinel felt that if something went wrong, she could end up trapped again.

But this time…

She didn't care as much.

"It'd be better…"

Her thought turned cold.

"Than standing around like an idiot for another few thousand years."

The silence didn't last long.

They stood in front of a portal.

The entrance.

The return.

Spinel tilted her head slightly.

"So…"

Her eyes rested on Rose.

"I'm a rebel, right?"

Rose smiled.

As always.

That bright smile.

Almost perfect.

"Exactly."

The stars in her eyes didn't fade.

They never did.

Spinel watched her for a few more seconds.

"Just making sure."

She replied casually.

As if none of this was strange.

Rose took a small step forward.

She took a deep breath.

Once.

Twice.

"I hope this works out…"

She murmured.

More to herself than anyone else.

Spinel, meanwhile, simply put on a carefree expression.

That playful face.

Almost silly.

The one she always used.

The one everyone expected.

But it wasn't entirely real anymore.

Not anymore.

The portal began to activate.

Light grew.

Surrounding them.

And in an instant—

They vanished.

The desert was left behind.

Silent.

Empty.

As if nothing had ever happened.

And with that…

The future began to change.

Because from that moment on—

The story would no longer follow the same path.

Although, honestly…

That path had already broken long before.

From the moment Rose chose not to disappear.

Three Gems observed the new addition to the team.

Two with neutral expressions.

And one… whose eyes were practically popping out.

There was something about that Gem that felt way too familiar.

"So… you're the new one, huh?"

Amethyst was the first to speak.

The size difference made Spinel look up… then shrink herself slightly to match her height.

"I am."

Spinel replied with a smile, stretching a bit as she pointed at herself.

"Wow…"

Amethyst wasted no time. She grabbed her hands, spinning her around, inspecting her like a new toy.

"You're super weird! I like you."

Behind them, Garnet watched silently.

Then she looked at Rose.

A small gesture.

A confirmation.

Everything was fine.

At least… for now.

Rose simply nodded. Not because she needed to—but to keep appearances.

Spinel fit in quickly.

Too quickly.

Amethyst adored her.

Rose… did too.

Pearl, on the other hand, kept her distance. She spoke when necessary, but never started a real conversation.

And Garnet…

Well, Garnet didn't talk much.

But when she did—

Spinel came out more confused than before.

As if every word brought more questions than answers.

Time passed.

Months.

And with them…

An obvious change.

Rose's stomach began to show.

Little by little.

Until it couldn't be hidden anymore.

The question was inevitable.

"Are you… okay?"

Amethyst was the first to ask.

Rose didn't hesitate.

"I'm expecting a child."

Silence.

"Simon's."

"Oh."

Pearl was the first to react.

"I see."

She turned around.

Started walking toward the rooms.

But then—

She stopped.

Her body tensed.

And she turned back slowly.

"…What did you just say, Rose?"

Her voice changed.

Rose didn't get the chance to answer.

"Wasn't that human… the one who died?"

The atmosphere grew heavy.

Cold.

Amethyst, who had been playing with Spinel after a mission, froze completely.

Garnet…

Almost dropped her glasses.

"Why would you have a child with him?"

Pearl frowned.

She kept talking.

Without noticing the tension.

"I mean… human lives are short. A relationship like that makes no sense, I told you. You're just going to suffer more."

She took a step forward.

"You should leave them."

Silence.

"A child?"

She shook her head slightly.

"I doubt it'll even be able to be born, since—"

"Enough."

Rose's voice cut through the air.

Sharp.

Cold.

Pearl went silent.

Finally noticing the room.

Rose's eyes held no doubt.

No softness.

"It's my decision who I'm with."

Every word was clear.

"I could be with that damn tree on the mountain…"

She gestured vaguely outside.

"And it wouldn't be any of your business, Pearl."

The silence deepened.

"I'm just informing you."

No one spoke.

No one moved.

Rose lowered her gaze for a second.

Her hand rested on her stomach.

"And besides…"

Her voice softened slightly.

But not her resolve.

"My child—"

A pause.

"And I expect you to speak to him with the respect he deserves—"

She looked back up.

"Is going to be born."

Another pause.

Shorter.

"And I'm going to make sure of it."

From that day on, Pearl changed.

She didn't say it.

But it showed.

More serious.

More tense.

More… distant.

With everyone.

Rose, on the other hand, didn't dwell on it much. She had other things on her mind—and right now, they were her priority.

Thanks to some contacts in Beach City's government, she managed to trade gold for a house.

A simple house.

But beautiful.

Located on a hill, overlooking the ocean.

It wasn't big.

Just enough:

A space for her.

For her child.

And a couple of extra rooms.

More for comfort than anything else.

Rose took it seriously.

She researched everything she could about human pregnancy.

And some things…

Left her speechless.

"I have to… breastfeed?"

She looked down, confused.

Then looked back up, clearly processing.

"…I doubt he can breathe in there."

The woman she asked turned completely red.

Rose just kept going.

Spinel, on the other hand…

Moved in.

Without asking.

"It's better than that weird cave."

That was all she said.

Rose had thought about making her a room, but Spinel refused.

"If I stay still for another five thousand years… I'm gonna go insane."

She said it with a smile.

Like it was a joke.

But Rose understood.

So she didn't insist.

She offered her a place in the house.

Spinel accepted immediately.

As if she had been expecting it.

And honestly…

It wasn't bad having company.

Spinel spent her time however she could.

She discovered television.

And didn't let it go.

She spent hours watching comedy shows… and some new cartoons.

"Dragon Ball…?"

She muttered once, curious.

She seemed fascinated.

Rose just shook her head.

Now wasn't the time.

Her focus was elsewhere.

Her body.

Nine months.

Time was up.

She could feel it.

Any moment now…

It would happen.

A constant feeling.

Present.

Inevitable.

And besides…

Garnet had spoken.

That alone was enough to take it seriously.

"Tomorrow… or today."

She had said.

"Someone new will arrive."

But she also mentioned something else.

A possibility.

The baby might not survive.

Rose didn't understand everything.

Garnet wasn't one to explain much.

Something about…

Depression.

After birth.

Consequences.

Possible paths.

She didn't fully grasp it.

But she understood what mattered.

"That's not going to happen."

She murmured.

Her hand rested firmly on her stomach.

"I'll make sure of it."

Rose took the diamond.

Without saying anything else, she headed to her room.

Before going in, everything was already prepared.

She had told Spinel something simple:

"If I don't come out in five hours… take him to the center."

A brief pause.

"To an elderly couple."

She didn't explain further.

But in her mind, it was clear.

She couldn't leave him with the Gems.

Pearl… she didn't trust.

Amethyst… too chaotic.

And Garnet…

Garnet saw too much of the future… and sometimes forgot the present.

As the door closed—

She felt it.

A pressure.

Strong.

Direct.

As if the baby were pushing.

As if it were saying:

"I'm coming out."

"So you decide… or I will."

Rose's body tensed.

Small drops of sweat ran down her face.

She tightened her grip on the red diamond.

She took a deep breath.

And changed form.

She became Pink Diamond again.

Larger.

More stable.

More… capable.

She needed space.

She needed control.

She looked around the room.

Everything was ready.

The bed.

Blankets.

Bottles—"premium," according to the store.

Diapers.

Everything she had learned.

Everything she had prepared.

Maybe excessive.

But necessary.

She shook her head slightly.

This wasn't the time to hesitate.

She looked at the red diamond again.

And then…

At her stomach.

She could feel it.

The baby was ready.

But there was no way out.

"I feel… strange."

She murmured.

But she didn't stop.

She was doing this for him.

For Simon.

So that something of him…

Would live on.

For a moment, sadness surfaced.

Strong.

Real.

But she pushed it away.

She couldn't break now.

She closed her eyes.

And began.

Light appeared first.

Soft.

Then brighter.

The red diamond reacted in her hand, vibrating slightly.

Rose focused everything.

Everything she was.

Everything she had.

Her gem responded.

The connection formed.

This wasn't a normal fusion.

It wasn't like with another Gem.

This was different.

Deeper.

More… invasive.

The red diamond began to integrate.

To move.

To find its place.

Rose felt something she had never felt before.

Consciousness.

Not just hers.

Another.

Weaker.

More unstable.

Her child.

They were both connected.

In the same space.

In the same "body."

And then—

They separated.

Not physically.

But in essence.

As if Rose tore a part of herself away…

And placed it somewhere else.

A forced process.

Unstable.

Dangerous.

Her gem—

Moved.

From her navel.

The pain came.

Sharp. Direct. Blood. Not much. But enough.

Rose gritted her teeth. She could feel it. Her child's life…

Rising.

Falling.

Unstable.

It wasn't enough.

Not like this.

"…No."

She whispered.

And then—

She cried.

Real tears.

Uncontrolled.

Uncalculated.

They fell one after another.

And something changed.

Each tear…

Sustained.

Balanced.

The child's life stopped dropping.

But it wasn't rising either.

It was a thread.

A very thin one.

The red diamond slowly descended.

Drawing closer.

Searching for its place.

The empty space.

Where Rose's gem had once been.

Seconds felt like eternity.

Rose didn't move.

Didn't hesitate.

Didn't stop.

All her focus was there.

On that.

On him.

Finally—

The diamond fit.

Perfectly.

The glow shifted.

The air grew heavy.

And Rose's body trembled.

One part was done.

But not all of it.

Not yet.

She opened her eyes.

Slowly.

Her breathing was unstable.

But her gaze…

Firm.

"Now…"

She murmured.

"The hard part begins."

Rose couldn't move.

She shouldn't.

Right now, everything depended on a fragile balance.

Her son…

Had to adapt.

The red diamond was in place, but that didn't mean the process was over. The connection was still unstable.

She could feel it.

As if something inside her still didn't quite fit.

And her own gem…

Was no longer where it should be.

Moving it had been easy.

Keeping it there…

Was not.

The pain was constant.

Deep.

Not physical in a normal way.

It felt like her very existence rejected the change.

As if something was screaming that this shouldn't be happening.

Rose clenched her teeth.

She wouldn't stop.

Not now.

Not after everything.

Her plan was clear.

When she shared space with her child, their consciousnesses connected.

It wasn't words.

It was something more direct.

More raw.

They felt each other.

Recognized each other.

Adjusted.

Little by little.

Like two pieces trying to fit together.

If she could hold that connection long enough…

Then the exchange would be possible.

Like swapping an organ.

A transition.

Not a rupture.

That was the key.

Don't break anything.

Don't force it too much.

Just…

Guide the change.

"…Come on."

She whispered.

She didn't know if he could understand.

But she wanted to believe he could.

That somehow…

He was listening.

Rose closed her eyes again.

Ignored the pain.

Ignored the fear.

And focused on one thing.

Maintaining the connection.

Until both of them…

Became one.

And then—

Separate them without destroying each other.

At first, Rose felt it.

Her child's vitality…

Fading.

Little by little.

Like it was slipping through her fingers.

Tears began to fall.

One after another.

"No…"

She whispered.

She didn't want to repeat it.

She didn't want another Lion.

Not like that.

Not this way.

Minutes passed.

The connection didn't improve.

Didn't progress.

It was like it had never existed.

The tears were no longer determination.

Now they were fear.

Desperation.

"I don't want you to die…"

Her voice broke.

"I don't want you to go with Simon…"

She shook her head again and again.

"No… please…"

Her breathing became uneven.

"No… no… no…"

And then—

Silence.

Her child's heartbeat…

Stopped.

Rose's glow faded.

Her body went still.

Empty.

She slowly lowered her gaze.

In her hands…

He was there.

Lifeless.

Her tear-filled eyes couldn't understand it.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

Not like this.

Not after everything.

Her gaze shifted.

To her own body.

Her gem.

It wasn't where it should be.

It had moved.

Almost to her chest.

"…Did I do something wrong?"

The thought was weak.

Confused.

She looked down.

There was an opening.

A gap.

Where both things had been connected.

Everything was…

Out of place.

Everything.

With extreme care, Rose placed the small body on the bed.

As if he could still feel something.

As if there was still hope.

She stared at him.

Not moving.

Barely breathing.

Waiting.

One second.

Then another.

Time lost meaning.

Minutes passed.

Maybe more.

Almost an hour.

Nothing.

No sign.

No movement.

Nothing.

Rose began to give in.

Her shoulders dropped.

Her gaze dimmed.

And just as she was about to accept it—

Suddenly—

Her son opened his eyes.

All at once.

Like waking from something… too deep.

He looked around.

Confused.

Lost.

Rose froze.

Her eyes widened.

She knew one thing with absolute certainty:

She hadn't used her tears to bring him back.

The opening in her body began to close slowly, as if healing on its own.

Then—

The crying.

Her son began to cry.

And that was enough.

Rose broke into tears instantly.

The drops fell onto him, and with each one, the small wounds finished healing.

The gem glowed.

A deep red.

Light surrounded his small body completely.

For a second—

His eyes reflected that same red.

A strange pattern.

Almost… like a diamond.

But it vanished.

The light faded.

And the baby slowly closed his eyes.

"Wait—wait…"

Rose's voice trembled.

She picked him up carefully, almost afraid of breaking him.

She brought him close to her chest, gently stroking him.

Then she tilted her head, placing her ear against his small body.

Silence.

One second.

And then—

A heartbeat.

Steady.

Real.

The gem was working.

Rose let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

Her body relaxed.

Her eyes returned to him.

His skin, once pale, now had a warmer tone.

More… alive.

"Simon…"

She whispered.

She remembered.

That color.

That detail.

His hair…

Pink.

Soft.

Strange… but beautiful.

She made a quick estimate.

"…About three kilos."

She murmured.

Then she looked at the gem.

It wasn't exactly where hers used to be.

But it wasn't badly placed either.

Between the abdomen and chest.

Adapted.

Its shape…

Wasn't fully diamond-like.

More like a quartz.

A decision she had made beforehand.

For safety.

For appearance.

For him.

"…It worked."

She said quietly.

She pulled him closer, shifting back into her Rose Quartz form.

Warmth.

That was important.

She had read it.

The baby reacted instinctively, settling against her, as if that was the only place he needed.

He stayed there.

Calm.

Asleep.

Though his expression…

Was still slightly tense.

Furrowed.

Rose watched him in silence.

"Thank you…"

She didn't know exactly to whom.

"God… or whatever."

A pause.

And then—

She realized.

"…A name."

She blinked.

She hadn't thought about that.

She looked around.

Searching.

Anything.

An idea.

Her eyes landed on a knife.

"Na…"

She shook her head.

No.

Then, a pot.

Where she had left some blankets.

"Hoya…"

She paused.

Thinking.

"…Naoya."

She repeated.

More certain.

"Yes…"

A small smile formed.

"Your name will be Naoya."

She held him closer.

At peace.

For the first time in a long while.

Unaware—

That inside that small body…

Something wasn't quite right.

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6,000 Words

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside the mind of the newborn—

Naoya.

"…What happened?"

His "voice" wasn't really a voice.

It was a thought.

Confused.

Disordered.

He opened his eyes.

Or at least… it felt like he did.

Everything was strange.

Heavy.

As if his own body wasn't responding properly.

And then—

Pain.

A sharp, direct pain in his chest.

Like something had pierced through him.

Instinctively, he looked down.

And saw two things.

First—

A figure.

Pink.

Way too familiar.

Second—

A hole.

In his body.

And in the center…

A gem.

Embedded.

His mind went blank for a moment.

He didn't understand.

Anything.

But then—

The pain began to fade.

Slowly.

As if something was repairing him.

He could feel it.

Regeneration.

And something else.

Warmth.

Liquid.

The tears of the figure in front of him.

That…

Was keeping him going.

"…Pink Diamond?"

The thought appeared on its own.

Automatic.

Without him knowing why.

He watched.

Saw how that figure changed.

Her form.

Her size.

Something didn't match.

But he couldn't process it.

Not fully.

Too much information.

Too many sensations.

His body felt… strange.

Heavy.

Light at the same time.

Like it wasn't his.

Like he had just begun to exist.

He tried to say something.

To ask.

To understand.

But he couldn't.

The exhaustion hit all at once.

Overwhelming.

His thoughts began to shut down.

One by one.

Until—

Silence.

He slept.

Deeply.

More than he should.

As if his mind…

Wasn't ready to wake up yet.

It felt like several days had passed, but he finally managed to wake up.

When he lifted his gaze, the first thing he noticed was that he was lying on a couch.

The second—

Several people in front of him.

One was tall and wore glasses.

Another was about the same height, but pale and slender.

There was a smaller one staring at him strangely.

Another had pigtails and was watching him with curiosity.

And the last one—

The one he assumed was someone close to him…

Something felt off.

But it didn't really matter.

He was confused.

And how could he not be?

Just recently, he had been watching TV with his parents—Jujutsu Kaisen, something fascinating to the mind of a ten-year-old kid.

Simply fascinating.

But now he didn't know what he was doing here.

Why he was a baby.

And why he had a gem.

He had a vague feeling.

But didn't know what to do.

He was starting to panic a little, but then he remembered something his father once told him:

"If you ever get reborn as a baby… just act like one."

Honestly, he had no idea how his dad had been that specific.

But he appreciated the advice.

So he stayed calm.

"So… it was actually possible?"

Pearl said as she crouched down and poked him with her finger, like he was some kind of strange object.

Rose shot her an annoyed look and smacked her hand away.

"Don't touch him like that, can't you see you're making him uncomfortable?"

Her expression clearly said that if she kept going, she'd send her into space.

Pearl just rubbed her hand, looking away, avoiding eye contact with the baby.

"Oh, wow," Amethyst said, staring at him with wide eyes.

"I'm not the smallest one anymore."

…Was that really what she was thinking? Rose thought, with visible exasperation.

Still, Rose looked toward Garnet, who had been silent.

"Well," Garnet said, adjusting her glasses.

"I didn't think it was possible, honestly. It was unlikely… but I'm glad I brought this."

She said it while pulling out a razor from who-knows-where.

She placed it next to the baby.

The baby looked at it like: what the hell?

Rose also stared at Garnet like: why would you give him that?

Garnet simply replied:

"Future vision."

"Well, this is my son—Simon's and mine. I wanted you to see something unusual: a child between human and Gem… fascinating, right?"

Rose said with a smile.

Garnet nodded as she sat down.

Spinel stretched and settled on a beam above the house.

Pearl sat on the floor, still slightly annoyed from the earlier slap.

And Amethyst stayed next to the baby, trying to play with him—something that seemed to be working, since the baby was trying to grab her hands.

Inside the baby's mind:

So… I really did reincarnate?

Was I reborn?

Something like that, I guess.

Man… my dad really was kind of philosophical.

I grabbed this Gem's hands—and now I'm pretty sure I know where I am.

This is that show my mom used to put on for me.

Steven Universe.

But… why am I not seeing Steven?

Why am I Rose Quartz's son?

Why is she still here?

Am I really her kid?

…Yeah, apparently.

I have way too many questions.

And all I can do right now is grab Amethyst's hands while she laughs.

Pearl is watching from the side, looking a bit jealous—but her pride won't let her come closer.

"I could break him… he must be just as fragile as other humans."

She thought, her expression tense.

Rose clearly noticed.

And Spinel was definitely not distracted—she was actually right behind Pearl, holding her by the back of the neck, ready to react if she made a move toward the baby.

Rose shook her head and started preparing some bottles.

Months passed.

Despite everything, Rose was a good mother.

She did everything she could to take care of her baby—who, without her knowing, was already conscious.

That actually made things easier for her, since the baby cooperated without her realizing it.

The baby, for his part, played his role well.

He didn't really understand why he didn't feel sad about his past parents.

He couldn't explain it.

He just… didn't feel anything.

Only the present.

His father had always told him to focus on the present.

And now that he thought about it…

It felt like he had been preparing him for this.

Right now, he was going through a bit of an existential crisis.

But thankfully, they passed quickly—mostly because he kept falling asleep from exhaustion.

He accepted the world he was in.

But he did feel tense whenever Pearl was nearby.

He didn't know why.

But just in case, he decided to trust his instincts…

And be ready to pull out a weapon from his gem if needed.

Another thing he noticed was his gem.

It was red.

From a conversation Rose had—only with Spinel—he understood that his gem was a diamond.

But red.

Rose had said she didn't know what it could do.

But she was fascinated by what it might become.

Hearing that name…

He thought of Naoya.

The sexist guy from Jujutsu Kaisen.

Yeah, no thanks.

Especially in a world full of women.

That would basically be suicide.

So yeah.

Hard pass.

Another thing—

He used to struggle with simple math.

Now?

He could think differently.

Faster.

Sharper.

Like he was… smarter.

He hoped that would help when he eventually awakened his weapon or abilities.

He glanced to the side.

Rose was sitting there, trying to make him a shirt…

While, for some reason, five cats sat around her.

"I hope this isn't bad for my health."

End of Chapter 1