Steven Universe: A Bridge Too Far

Chapter 3: The Shard

Steven Universe's vision is still black, a deep sleeper so persistent somehow his conscious is feeling irritated by it. Ever since he saw those strange images of those pieces of rock blasting across space, hearing that strange voice again and Steven replied to it...he would do anything to have anything he wanted...a single wish...his wish ''Am I dead?''

He couldn't feel his body, as if his brain was floating across an empty void attending its own thoughts alone, undisturbed. Asking one question...would he really do anything for a wish?

Steven sighs softly within '''Why did I just say that? Of course, I wouldn't go far to hurt others to get what I want! Right? How far would I go? I didn't really think that one though...when Pearl speaks wisdom, always think before you say which can get you out of trouble! Can't I do anything right?'''

The boy starts feeling a tingling sensation somehow, the tips of his fingers. He looks to find no hands, it starts spreading across his body like fire! Steven can feel his own senses coming back to reality "Wooo! Alright! I can feel my toes again! I'm alive! I hope this means I get to return to my actual body and not this creepy place with nobody here!"

A large beam of light bursts open in the pitch black, like a sun coming to life that becomes Steven's beacon of hope. He hears echos of familiar voices coming from the light, Garnet, Pearl, Amethyst, Peridot, Lapis, his dad and Connie. Looking over him and wanting Steven to wake up "Don't worry guys! I'm coming back, just gotta swim over there."

Steven starts making swimming motions towards the light, closer he gets the more intense. Reaching out, so happy he can be back with his family "almost there, just a little more."

Suddenly the half-human slowly turns around looking horrified, it's that voice again. He sees nothing in this eternal darkness until something slowly creeps out of the darkness. It was that smoke black crystal shard he found from smashing a meteor. What creeps Steven out the most is seeing a red mist inside glowing like a heartbeat, that is talking to him.
Steven gulps nervously "w-who are you? Why do you keep haunting me? Why me!? What did I do so wrong to you!?"

The Crystal glows brightly, making Steven's give a puzzling look "wait, you mean I can find you? Where?"

Again, the Crystal glows brightly at the boy "w...what? Why aren't you telling me right now? Hang on, I still have many questions left!"

Steven feels a strong force pushing him far away from the Crystal and towards the glowing light. He keeps calling out, hoping another answer would be heard...but nothing is heard as Steven feels the light gently warming his body "I hope we can meet again! I'm gonna give you a name little guy, I'm gonna call you Crystal because...you are one and I just thought about it."

The Crystal slowly glows brighter red as if it's breathing long and hard, analysing this strange half-gem. Steven Universe gasps loudly, hearing it speak to him again "w-well...I still have a LOT of questions that I need answering as soon as possible. If I ever get it, does this mean you'll see me again?"

Steven's vision starts to fade, eyelids forcing themselves down but not before hearing something else "Well...that's better than nothing I suppose. I'll try my best...as long as you keep your promise and I will keep mine...whoever or whatever you are."

With that, Steven's vision goes dark but as soon as he opens his eyes, he is back at the Crystal Temple on the couch seeing Garnet, Pearl, Amethyst, Peridot, Lapis, his dad, Connie and Lion looking over with bright smiles of relief.
Gregory kneels down, giving his son a firm embrace "Steven! Thank goodness you're okay again!"

Steven slowly blinks, feeling tired and confused "d-dad? Where am I? What happened?"

"STEVEN! Oh, thank Rose you're alright! We have been so worried about you!" Pearl rushes over to hug the half-human.