Steven Universe Of The Creek

Chapter 14 Eyes Of Redden Astigmatism

Steven and Craig went to the stump where Kelsey, J.P. and Omar were waiting. They agreed to speak inside the stump itself to catch up on who Steven really is. Even while feeling uncomfortable with his size being bigger than the kids he's with underground, it wasn't hard to get used to it thanks to the beanbag Craig offered him to sit in.

"Last night was the most surreal night I've ever witnessed." Kelsey said.

"And the whole Ruby and Aquamarine thing felt more like a fever dream." J.P. added.

"But to tell you the truth, when you told us about your call with Garnet, I can't really believe in fever dreams anymore." Omar added.

"Though since my friends aren't human, they probably don't know what fever dreams are." Steven said, scratching on the back of his head.

"I think what really makes me surprised is the fact that gem in your belly button," Omar pointed underneath Steven's shirt. "has a history."

"He told me about the gem war with Pink Diamond and Rose Quartz." Craig added. "Or The Rebellion that happens every five thousand and three hundred years from where he goes to." His friends became more confused and even dumbfounded with the idea. "I know, it hurts my head too."

"I'm more shocked that this whole Rebellion thing took place where the Iceman was more brought up in school." Kelsey commented.

"The thing is, there's no such thing as gem culture, even if we make it out to be." Steven confessed. "I've spent my life without going to school, which would've made me be like you kids. But at the same time, I would've been in high school instead of elementary school."

"My brother would've given you a tour at his school...if he wasn't hiding from you right now." Craig lowered his head.

"Did it have to do with that big boom from yesterday?" J.P. wondered. "I swear, it wasn't like how I pictured it when hearing it."

This caused Steven to sign while looking above from the stump's exit. "If you picture it, was it pink?"

"No."

"Was last night more than enough to prove it wasn't anything but pink?"

"Pink just isn't my color."

"Even when he was glowing?" Craig pointed at Steven.

"I'm just saying, I would love to glow, just not the color pink. But I did understand the whole Ruby and-"

"Look, I'm not saying you're wrong, it's just there's so much going on, I can't process all the information." Steven replied, taking a deep breath. "Ruby and Aquamarine could still be around but if I wasn't here today, they would still track me down."

"Hey, I'm aware how hazardous they are, especially when they fused together, like you told us."

"So what makes you think staying with us is a good idea?" Kelsey wondered.

"Because I know they won't hurt you or any kid in this creek. The adults will find out and it will cause them to be banned from town." Steven replied. "But that's just me looking at the positives."

"We can still help you." Omar offered. "I wanted to do what Craig did when he saved you."

"Trust me, I appreciate your loyalty, but you saw how powerful they are."

"I know, I'm not blind. But even if they somehow get banned from town, they would still catch you if they're the last enemies you have."

Steven couldn't disagree if he left Herkleton right now. No matter where he goes, he won't be able to be free from any danger from the gems he can't change. "You know with so many kids here, I don't know if they see the difference between a human or a gem."