Ch. 13 The Together Breakfast
The morning sun streamed through the windows of the Beach House in Beach City, casting a warm glow on the wooden floors. Steven rubbed his eyes as he stepped out of his bedroom, stretching his arms with a yawn. The house was eerily silent, a rare occurrence for the usually bustling home.
"Where is everyone?" Steven muttered to himself, glancing around the empty living room. He checked the usual spots: the kitchen, the bathroom, and the warp pad. No sign of Garnet, Pearl, or Amethyst. He knocked on Diana's door, but there was no response.
Steven decided to make breakfast, determined not to let the silence dampen his spirits. He headed to the kitchen and pulled out the waffle iron, mixing a batch of batter with practiced ease. He hummed a cheerful tune as he poured the batter into the iron, the smell of cooking waffles filling the air.
Once the waffles were golden brown and crispy, Steven began stacking them into a towering masterpiece. He drizzled syrup over each layer, adding whipped cream and popcorn for a playful touch. He finished the "Together Breakfast" with a strawberry garnish, delicately placing it on top.
Steven beamed at his creation. "Perfect!" he declared, admiring the mountain of waffles. "Now, to get everyone to share it with me."
He made another round of the house, calling for the Crystal Gems and Diana. "Garnet? Pearl? Amethyst? Diana?" His voice echoed through the empty rooms. He even checked outside, but there was no sign of them.
Disheartened, Steven returned to the kitchen, looking at the untouched breakfast. "I guess it's just me," he sighed, slumping into a chair. "I made it for everyone, but no one's here to share it."
Just as Steven was about to give up, he heard a door creak open. Diana emerged from her bedroom, looking groggy but awake. She rubbed her eyes and stretched, her mind still processing her heavy conversation with Garnet the previous night.
"Good morning, Diana!" Steven's face lit up at the sight of his sister. "I made breakfast. Want to eat with me?"
Diana's stomach growled in response, and she gave a small smile. "That sounds great, Steven. I'm starving."
Steven's happiness was infectious as he quickly set a place for Diana at the table. She sat down and eyed the tower of waffles with amusement. "This looks amazing, Steven."
"Thanks!" Steven said, handing her a fork. "I call it 'Together Breakfast.'"
Diana took a bite, the sweetness of the syrup and whipped cream mingling perfectly with the crunchy popcorn. "It's delicious," she said, her smile widening.
Steven joined her, and they enjoyed breakfast together. The silence that had once seemed so daunting was now filled with laughter and conversation as the siblings shared the meal.
As they ate, Diana felt a sense of normalcy returning. Despite the revelations about her identity, moments like these with Steven reminded her of what truly mattered. They might have extraordinary origins and responsibilities but were still a family.
"Thanks for making breakfast, Steven," Diana said, squeezing his hand. "It's exactly what I needed."
"Anytime," Steven replied, grinning. "I'm just glad we could share it."
The kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of waffles and Steven and Diana's cheerful banter as they enjoyed their breakfast. The morning sun illuminated their faces, and the room felt cozy. Diana had just finished her first bite when a sudden flash of light appeared in the corner of the room.
Garnet materialized in the kitchen, her stoic expression softening as she saw Steven and Diana at the table.
"Hey, Garnet!" Steven greeted, his eyes lighting up. "I just made this awesome breakfast. Want to join us?"
Garnet's gaze fell on the towering stack of waffles, and she slightly shook her head. "Thank you, Steven, but I have something I need to take care of. I need to go into the Crystal Temple."
She produced a scroll from her gauntlet, holding it up for Steven and Diana. The scroll was covered in intricate patterns that seemed to shift and shimmer as if alive. Strange, whispering voices emanated from it, filling the room with an eerie ambiance.
"What's that?" Steven asked, his curiosity piqued.
Garnet's expression grew stern. "It's a scroll that has been causing some trouble. It contains dark and ancient magic that needs to be destroyed."
Intrigued, Steven quickly pulled out his phone and took a picture of the scroll. Garnet's eyes widened as she noticed, and in a swift motion, she snatched the phone from Steven's hand.
"I'll need to burn that too," Garnet said, her voice calm but firm. "This scroll is too dangerous to leave any trace of."
Without another word, Garnet turned and headed towards the Crystal Temple. Diana, looking both concerned and curious, stood up and followed her. "Garnet, wait! What's the purpose of this scroll? Why is it so important?"
Steven watched as Diana and Garnet entered the Crystal Temple. Steven tried to follow just as the door was about to close, but the door shut firmly in his face. He tried to open the door with his gem, but it remained stubbornly closed.
"Hey, let me in!" Steven called out, but there was no response. He pressed his ear against the door, trying to hear what was happening inside, but the whispers from the scroll seemed to grow louder, muffling any other sounds.
Dejectedly, Steven backed away from the door and returned to the kitchen. He slumped into his chair, staring at the now-cold "Together Breakfast" on the table. The waffles that had been a symbol of togetherness now felt like a bittersweet reminder of the separation he was experiencing.
The interior of the Crystal Temple was bathed in a soothing blue light, casting a tranquil glow over its vast, crystalline expanse. Garnet stood at the center of the Temple, her gaze fixed on an ornate pedestal in front of her. Diana followed closely, her curiosity and concern evident on her face.
As Diana approached, she watched Garnet spread the scroll once more. The strange patterns and whispering voices were now more subdued, almost as if the scroll sensed its impending fate.
Diana took a deep breath and stepped closer. "Garnet, what exactly is the purpose of this scroll? Why is it so dangerous?"
Garnet's gaze remained steady as she placed the scroll onto the pedestal. Her voice was calm but stern. "This scroll contains ancient and forbidden magic. It's a relic from long before the Crystal Gems, a remnant of a dark era."
Diana's eyes widened as she looked at the scroll. The patterns seemed to shift and writhe as if trying to escape their destiny. "What kind of magic does it hold?"
"It's not just any magic," Garnet explained, her fingers tracing the scroll's intricate symbols. "This scroll was created by a group of ancient beings who sought to control and manipulate the very fabric of reality. They used dark rituals to bend others to their will, spreading chaos and destruction."
Diana's expression grew more troubled. "And how does destroying the scroll help?"
Garnet nodded towards a large, crystalline basin set up beside the pedestal. "Burning it will eliminate the magic and destroy any lingering traces of its influence. It's important to ensure that such dangerous artifacts do not fall into the wrong hands."
Diana watched as Garnet ignited a small flame in the basin, the fire flickering to life with an otherworldly glow. The scroll's eerie whispers grew louder for a moment before being consumed by the flames. The fire crackled and danced, and the scroll began to disintegrate, its dark magic dissolving into the air.
As the scroll turned to ash, Garnet turned to Diana, her expression softening. "Thank you for coming with me, Diana. I know it must be confusing."
Diana nodded, though her mind was still racing. "It is confusing. I just want to understand everything. I want to help."
Garnet placed a reassuring hand on Diana's shoulder. "You are helping, Diana. By being here, you are showing that you care about protecting what matters. The Crystal Gems are a family, and your role in that family is important."
Diana managed a small smile, feeling relief and resolve. "I guess it's good to know we're doing something to keep everyone safe."
Garnet gave her a nod of approval. "Exactly. And remember, you're not alone in this. We face challenges together."
The Temple's serene ambiance returned as the scroll's ashes settled into the basin. Diana and Garnet stood side by side, their bond strengthened by their shared purpose and understanding.
"Let's head back," Garnet said gently. "I feel horrible for not eating what Steven had made."
The front door of the Beach House suddenly swung open, causing a loud creak that echoed through the hallway. A figure burst into the room, clad in a comically oversized police uniform with a badge that read "Dumb Police." A ridiculous hat and fake mustache partially obscured the figure's face, but the shape and playful sparkle in the eyes were unmistakable.
"Dumb police, coming through!" the figure shouted in an exaggerated, nasally voice. "Look out, dumb police coming to solve the case of the missing breakfast!"
The figure, unmistakably Amethyst in disguise, brandished a giant water gun with an overly dramatic flourish. With a mischievous grin, she aimed the water gun at Steven's meticulously arranged "Together Breakfast."
"Hey!" Steven shouted, jumping in front of the breakfast with a protective stance. The water hit him instead, drenching his shirt and causing him to shiver from the unexpected chill.
"Amethyst, I knew it was you all along," Steven said, his voice a mix of irritation and amusement as he wiped water from his eyes. "You're not fooling anyone."
Amethyst laughed, reveling in her prank. "Oh, come on, Steven! I just wanted to add a little splash of fun to your 'Together Breakfast'!"
Determined to save his breakfast, Steven quickly grabbed a new shirt from the laundry basket and put it on, but before he could fully button it, Amethyst squirted the new shirt with her water gun, soaking it instantly.
"Amethyst!" Steven exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration.
Just then, Garnet and Diana entered the room, their eyes widening at the chaotic scene unfolding before them. Diana's concern grew as she saw Amethyst's antics threatening Steven's hard work.
"Amethyst!" Garnet's voice was firm, filled with disapproval as she saw the ruined breakfast. "Steven worked hard to make that breakfast. You're ruining it for him."
Amethyst's playful demeanor faltered momentarily as she looked at Garnet and then at the soggy breakfast. Her shoulders slumped, and she lowered the water gun. "I'm sorry, Steven. I didn't mean to mess up your hard work. I was trying to have some fun."
Steven, dripping wet but still with a hint of a smile, looked at Amethyst. "It's okay, Amethyst. I know you meant well. But you gotta admit, my 'Together Breakfast' doesn't look very together now."
Diana, still concerned, stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Steven's shoulder. "You did an amazing job, Steven. The thought counts, and I appreciate everything you did."
Garnet nodded in agreement. "And Amethyst, let's be more mindful of Steven's efforts next time. We can have fun without ruining something important to someone else."
Amethyst nodded sheepishly. "Got it. I'll make it up to you, Steven. Maybe I can help make the next breakfast?"
Steven's expression softened as he looked at Amethyst. "I'd like that, Amethyst. Thanks for apologizing."
Garnet gently patted Amethyst on the back before turning to Steven and Diana. "Let's clean up, and then we can figure out what to do next. We can still enjoy the morning together."
Pearl stormed out of the Crystal Temple, her face flushed with irritation. She clutched one of her precious swords, which she had just retrieved from a hidden compartment. As she stepped out through Amethyst's door, her eyes locked on Amethyst, who was still holding the water gun with an apologetic expression.
"Amethyst!" Pearl's voice was sharp and accusatory. "I know you've been messing around with my things again! I saw you with one of my swords!"
Amethyst's eyes widened in feigned innocence. "I didn't touch your swords, Pearl! I swear!"
Pearl wasn't buying it. "I cleaned my room and knew I had more swords in there. Now they're missing!"
Looking increasingly nervous, Amethyst mumbled, "I'll check it out."
Without another word, Amethyst darted back into the Temple through Pearl's door. Steven, who had been watching from the sidelines, glanced at Diana and Garnet, who was still cleaning. Seeing an opportunity, Steven quickly followed Pearl through the door, unaware that Diana had noticed him.
Sensing that Steven might get into trouble, Diana hurriedly followed him.
Inside the Crystal Temple, Steven and Diana arrived just in time to see Pearl dancing gracefully atop her waterfall, her swords floating around her in an intricate display. She moved with elegance, replacing her sword collection in its rightful place.
"Wow," Steven whispered, awe in his voice. He started to call out to Pearl. "Hey, Pearl!"
Diana hurriedly placed a hand on Steven's shoulder, noticing the potential for trouble. "Steven, don't. We shouldn't interrupt her."
But it was too late. Pearl's head snapped in their direction, her face turning from concentration to irritation. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing at Steven.
Steven, ignoring Pearl's anger, waded into the water, trying to swim closer to Pearl. "I just wanted to see what you were doing."
Diana, increasingly concerned, called out urgently, "Steven, come back!"
Pearl's voice grew stern. "Stay away from the waterfall, Steven! You'll get hurt!"
But Steven was already too far in, and as he swam closer to the edge of the long waterfall, he lost his footing. With a yelp, he slipped over the edge and began to fall.
Diana gasped, her heart racing. Without hesitation, she sprinted to the edge and leaped after Steven, catching him in mid-air. They tumbled together down the waterfall, landing with a splash in Amethyst's room.
Amethyst, who had been lounging on her bed, looked up in surprise as Diana and Steven crashed into her room. She jumped up, her face lit with confusion and irritation.
"Seriously?" Amethyst complained, looking at the siblings. "Pearl always thinks I'm messing with her stuff, but it's just falling down the waterfall!"
Diana and Steven, now soaked and disoriented, stood up and brushed themselves off. Diana looked around at the mess in Amethyst's room and raised an eyebrow. "It still looks pretty messy in here, Amethyst."
Amethyst grinned, clearly pleased by the comment. "Well, it's gotta look like my room, right? A little mess adds character!"
Steven chuckled despite the situation. "I guess that's one way to look at it."
Diana smiled, relieved that Steven and Amethyst were both safe. "Let's get cleaned up and maybe start fresh. It's been quite a morning."
Amethyst nodded, already starting to reorganize her room to her liking. "Sounds good to me! And Steven, maybe try to avoid the waterfalls next time, huh?"
Diana and Steven, still damp from their unexpected plunge, walked back into the kitchen. The warm sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow over the space. Diana glanced around, noticing the aftermath of their chaotic morning. Steven, now in a clean shirt, was drying off and removing some items from the breakfast table.
Diana's gaze fell upon Garnet, who was busy clearing away the trash from the kitchen, her movements methodical and precise. Seeing Garnet working diligently, Diana felt a pang of guilt. She had been so preoccupied with Steven and the commotion that she hadn't thought to offer help.
"Garnet," Diana said, her voice carrying a note of remorse as she approached her. "I'm sorry I didn't help with the cleanup earlier. I was trying to make sure Steven stayed safe."
Garnet looked up from the trash bin, her expression softening. "It's okay, Diana. You had a lot on your plate this morning."
Diana nodded, but her thoughts were still swirling. She glanced back towards Pearl and Amethyst's rooms, where the sounds of tidying and organizing could still be faintly heard. Her curiosity about her connection to Pink Diamond stirred within her.
"Garnet," Diana began hesitantly, "did Pink Diamond have a room of her own in the Crystal Temple before she poofed and I became her... daughter?"
Garnet paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. She placed the last trash into the bin and walked over to Diana. "Yes, Pink Diamond did have her private quarters in the Crystal Temple. It was a place of great significance for her, reflecting her status and unique connection to Earth."
Diana's eyes widened slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Would it be possible for me to see it? I mean, to understand who she was and maybe feel connected to that part of her life?"
Garnet nodded slowly. "I think that would be a good idea. It might help you understand more about yourself and your connection to Pink Diamond."
Diana smiled, feeling anticipation and nervousness. "Thank you, Garnet. I appreciate it."
Garnet offered a reassuring smile. "Let's go then. I'll show you the way."
Diana and Garnet returned to the Crystal Temple, leaving Steven behind in the kitchen. The Temple's familiar crystalline walls glimmered as they walked, a serene atmosphere enveloping them.
Garnet led them to a large, intricately decorated door that Diana had never noticed. The door was adorned with symbols and designs that seemed to pulse with a soft light. Garnet placed her hand on the door, and it slid open with a gentle hum.
Inside, the room was a marvel of elegance and history. The walls were lined with luxurious fabrics and tapestries depicting ancient scenes of Pink Diamond's reign. Artifacts, some resembling the precious items Diana had seen in her dreams, were displayed. A large, ornate bed sat in the center, surrounded by delicate, flowing curtains.
Diana stepped inside, her eyes wide with wonder. "This... this is amazing."
Garnet nodded, standing by the door. "This was Pink Diamond's sanctuary. It was a place where she could be herself, away from the pressures of her duties."
Diana walked further into the room, her fingers lightly grazing the surfaces. "It feels like a part of her is still here, a part of me connecting with her."
Garnet watched her with understanding. "It's important to remember that you are still you, Diana. Pink Diamond's legacy is a part of your history, but you are your person. Embrace both aspects of yourself."
Diana nodded, taking in the room's beauty and history. "Thank you, Garnet. This room will help me understand more about myself and my place here."
Garnet gave a small, encouraging smile. "I'm glad. Take your time. We'll be here if you need us. And remember, you can always come back to this room. It's now yours, after all."
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