Crystal-formers: Gems in Disguise

Chapter 2: Beach City's Old Threat

It was a beautiful summer day at Beach City, the sky was a perfect shade of blue, without any clouds. The small city laid perfectly quiet next to the boardwalk, that lead to the calm oceans. The city sat behind the large hill, leading to the lighthouse on the very top; and bellow it, sits the Crystal Temple. Home to the Crystal Gems: Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and Steven Universe.

A while ago, they allowed Peridot (who was a Homeworld Gem) to join them. After that whole turning-out-to-be-tiny-freeing-her-locked-in-the-bathroom thing, Steven thought that they needed her for more help and more understanding of Homeworld now. The Gems were concerned, but they saw how much she redeemed herself. So they allowed it, but kept a close eye on her.

But now it's about today, and things couldn't get anymore better.

Cheers could be heard in the distance, as many multi-colored balloons floated through the air. At downtown, colorful confedi rained down from higher buildings, flowing across the sky as people gathered on the sidewalk of Main Street.

Different types of floats drove along the road. Some showing historical moments in the city. Some showing the businesses of the city in today's current time. And the rest showed what plans were soon going to take place in the near future.

Today was the city's founding day and was very important to everyone, even the Crystal Gems (including Steven and Peridot).

The entire team stood at the every end of the street (Steven saying they deserved the best for last). Steven was frantic during the entire parade, starry eyes shown brightly with joy. Peridot was even excited, nothing on Homeworld would ever top the things they had on earth; she rubbed her small bare hands together and crossed her, what Steven called, footsies over each other in excitement . But the other Crystal Gems didn't looked too impressed; Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl just had small grins on their faces as they watched how excited Steven and Peridot were.

After the historical floats passed by, then came the business floats. Steven's dad, Greg Universe, passed by; driving in his "Mr. Universe" van, a banner decorated both sides that were promoting his car wash outside of town.

Steven saw him very quickly and began waving his arms frantically to get his father's attention. And it did, Greg giving his son a small wave in return.

As soon as all the businesses presented their floats, the ones with macrame buildings and figures showing "The Near Future" came last. Peridot's eyes grew larger and brighter with joy at all the marvels that were to come soon.

~*~

After the parade, the Gems walked along the boardwalk back to the temple. Steven was skipping and twirling around the others as Peridot giggled at him.

"That parade was AMAZING!!" Steven said, his eyes became starry again.

"I found it quite amusing," Peridot said, a smile on her face. "Homeworld can't be compared to that."

"What did you guys think of it?" Steven asked, he stopped circling around the Gems but continue to skip right next to Peridot.

"Eh," Garnet shrugged, walking at the far left. "Same thing, as always."

"I found it kinda lame and boring." Amethyst said, next to Garnet at her right; hands behind her head and eyes half opened, looking rather tired.

"I mean, it's the same every year for at least less than a century." Pearl said, walking in between Amethyst and Peridot. "They always have the same things and the same plans that hardly ever happened yet."

Steven stopped skipping and slowly walked along with small frown. "Really?"

"Yeah, man." Amethyst said. "Haven't ya noticed?"