A Diamond That Doesn't Shine

Color Change *Reworded*

Red inflicted severe damage on another Pearl during one of her tantrums, stopping just short of shattering it. Despite the Pearl's injuries being reparable, I refused to participate in the healing efforts this time.

"I won't participate in healing this time," I asserted firmly. "Red's actions must have consequences. We cannot shield her from the repercussions of her behavior."

"She's still young!" Blue interjected forcefully. "We've all made mistakes. She can learn and grow!"

"She is flawed! She defies everything we stand for!" I retorted, my voice heavy with frustration. "I have shattered hundreds of gems for lesser offenses! If we continue to treat her differently, she will never learn her place. Do you want that, Blue? A gem who cannot fulfill her purpose?"

I glanced at the now completely broken Pearl, then turned to face both of White's Pearls— one perfectly still and silent, the other bearing a similar injury to the damaged gem's eye.

"I will take the broken Pearl for now. Give Pink your intact one," I directed firmly.

"But, Black—" Red began to protest, but my glare silenced her immediately.

"Throw her into the tower. Do not release her. If she makes another mistake, she goes back in. Is that clear?" I commanded, and the others nodded in solemn agreement.

I signaled to my newer male Pearl to take charge of the Pearl and poof her. Despite Red showing sadness at the consequence, it was necessary.

We left the room in silence, waiting until we were closer to my area on Homeworld before speaking again.

"Throw the Pearl into the room," I instructed quietly, the weight of the decision settling heavily upon us all.

.

.

.

"My Diamond, Red is cracked!"

What...

I hurried to Red's room, paying no mind to my Pearl who struggled to keep up.I swung open the door without waiting for my Pearl and witnessed a troubling sight.

"B-Black?" Red stammered, her form unsettled, but I pushed that aside.

"Shh, it's okay, Red. We're here to help you," I reassured her. They all nodded, and Blue took the lead.

Blue placed her hand over Red's gem, which glowed softly. "May this heal your emotional wounds, my dear Red," she murmured, stepping back. Yellow stepped forward next.

Yellow touched her forehead to Red's gem and murmured, "May this heal your physical form." After finishing, she stepped back, and White moved in.

"May this restore the light within you," White intoned calmly, resuming her T-shaped stance that she'd adopted since Red's birth.

I approached Red cautiously, seeing a slight improvement, though damage to a Diamond was far more serious than to a regular gem. Closing my eyes, I felt warmth spread through my gem. 

Placing my hand near Red's gem, I whispered, "Without darkness, light cannot exist, let alone thrive." I watched as Red slowly rose to her feet.

Red stumbled and fell, and I sighed deeply. "Now that that's done, Red, change back." Blue turned away, and Yellow supported her.Red glowed and attempted to shift, but her form remained unchanged in height, only adjusting her color palette and clothes.

"What's wrong with you, Red?!?" I exclaimed, frustration creeping in. Red burst into tears, and Blue quickly stepped in front of her.

"Look at what you've done! She cracked because of your insistence on shape-shifting. Black, you need to stop this nonsense," White spoke sternly.

"But she's meant to be Red! That's what Rainbow intended, right?" I turned away, a smirk playing on my lips. I had won this argument, or so I thought. The mood shifted abruptly when tears began to trickle down my face... Who... I turned and noticed a blue aura filling the room.

Blue had just unlocked a new power... A Diamond only gained new abilities when strongly emotional, when their gem yearned for change. Had I truly affected her so deeply?

"Blue..."

"Can't we just be happy as a family, Black? Please, let Pink be... well, Pink."

"Blue, Pink is just a lighter shade of Red," I muttered under my breath.

"You said it yourself, Black," Blue replied, gesturing toward Red. "Would your love for her diminish if she were smaller? A different color? Would such superficialities really alter your feelings so drastically?"

 was stunned by the question. I had contradicted myself. I failed as a Black Diamond. Wiping my eyes, I knelt beside Red Diamond.

"Red, is this truly what you want to do, who you want to be?" Red nodded silently at me. I sighed deeply and gently wiped her tears away. "Pink, I've been harsh with you. I only want what's best for you and our family. I must admit, I struggle with gems like you—those who seem flawed and unable to fulfill their purpose..." Gasps filled the room.

"But," I continued, gathering my thoughts, "I can try to love you. To love every member of our family." With that, I lowered my hand, and Pink approached cautiously.

"I know I have much to improve on as a part of this family, but may I join you in this activity?" I turned to face the others. They smiled warmly, and even White relaxed her tense T-shaped pose.,

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.

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The water was just the right temperature, little bubbles dancing on the surface of the pool.

"I know this song! It's right on the tip of my tongue!" I chuckled, causing ripples in the water. I had recognized the tune long ago. We had started a game where Pink would sit underwater and sing, and we would try to guess the song. Music was a privilege reserved for higher-class gems and their possessions, such as Pearls and Stones.

The song Pink sang was familiar, heard on different planets but with unique variations. I believe it was called "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Planet" or something similar.

I glanced around, and everyone was laughing. Pink's soaked, fluffy hair emerged as she surfaced.

I smiled warmly at them all, feeling a sense of joy and camaraderie.

This was my family, and though I had failed them once before, moments like these reminded me of the bond we shared.

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!!!THIS IS HOMEWORLD STEVEN!!!