A Diamond That Doesn't Shine

Only Then

In the cold, sterile laboratories deep within the heart of Homeworld, Black Diamond stood at the helm of her latest project. Her gleaming black form radiated authority, and the gemstone embedded in the center of her chest shimmered with raw, unyielding power. Beside her stood Pearl, her trusted assistant, a figure of precision and obedience. Her hands clasped tightly as she awaited her Diamond's commands.

The room buzzed with energy, crystals humming softly as machines calibrated, their lights reflecting off the pristine walls. Black Diamond's gaze swept over the instruments, her mind focused on a singular goal: creating a new species of Gems.

"This universe needs evolution, Pearl," Black Diamond said, her voice sharp and commanding. 

"The current Gem forms are flawed—weak, prone to rebellion, inefficient. What I seek is perfection. A species that will not falter, not question. A species designed solely for loyalty and strength."

"Yes, my Diamond," Pearl replied, her tone calm but tinged with unease. She had seen Black Diamond's ruthlessness before, her willingness to sacrifice entire colonies for her vision of an unshakable empire.

The centerpiece of the laboratory was a massive containment pod filled with a swirling, iridescent substance: a volatile mixture of liquid crystal and energy harvested from fallen stars. Black Diamond approached it, raising her hand to manipulate the controls. The swirling energy shifted, responding to her will, as she infused the mixture with fragments of her own essence.

"This," Black Diamond said, gesturing toward the pod, "will be their core. They will be bound to me in every way—an unbreakable tether. Their forms will be adaptive, their abilities unparalleled. They will be soldiers, creators, and enforcers all in one." Pearl hesitated before speaking. "My Diamond, what will their purpose be beyond serving you? Will they have autonomy, or—"

"Autonomy?" Black Diamond interrupted, her piercing gaze freezing Pearl in place. "Autonomy is what led to Pink's foolishness, to Rose Quartz's rebellion, to the cracks in our empire. No, Pearl. They will serve, nothing more. That is their purpose."

With a flick of her wrist, Black Diamond activated the pod. The energy inside coalesced into a solid form, glowing brighter and brighter until it reached a blinding crescendo. When the light subsided, the first of the new species emerged.

The being was sleek and angular, its body shimmering with a deep, fiery orange hue, like molten crystal. Its gemstone, a radiant Jacinth, glowed faintly at its core, a direct link to Black Diamond herself. The creature's eyes opened, revealing a cold, calculating intelligence.

"You will be the prototype," Black Diamond said, addressing the Gem. "You are the first of the Jacinth line, the pinnacle of Gem creation. Your loyalty to me is absolute."

The Jacinth bowed, its movements smooth and mechanical. "I exist to serve you, my Diamond," it said, its voice devoid of emotion.

Pearl watched in silence, her unease growing. She had seen countless creations in her time with Black Diamond, but this felt different. There was something unsettling about the cold perfection of the Jacinth, its lack of individuality, its complete submission.

Over the following weeks, the laboratory became a factory of creation. Dozens of Jacinth Gems were brought to life, each one more refined than the last. They were tested rigorously, their abilities pushed to the limit. They displayed incredible strength, adaptability, and unwavering obedience.

But as their numbers grew, so did the tension in the air. Pearl began to notice subtle changes in the Jacinth Gems. They communicated with each other in ways that seemed almost... independent. A glance here, a gesture there. It was faint, but it was enough to make her question their supposed perfection.