Shimmering Blood

Chapter 11- hundreds of years

AN: STEVEN UNIVERSE DOESN'T BELONG TO ME ONLY TO REBECCA SUGAR AND CARTOON NETWORK.

Hundreds of years had passed since the fateful battle between Homeworld and the Bloodstone-led faction, where Moonstone and his soldiers helped Rose Quartz defeat the rebel. Seven hundred and forty-three years, to be exact. Time had changed everything-Homeworld, Pink Diamond, Earth, even Moonstone himself.

Pink Diamond, once playful and immature, had grown into a far more formidable leader, shedding the last remnants of her childish behavior. Over the years, she had become more serious and focused, as any Diamond should be. The rebellion, however, raged on, with the Crystal Gems and their ever-expanding ranks clashing with Homeworld forces for control of Earth. The conflict had pushed Pink Diamond to act with more purpose and authority. Gone were the days of naivety. Now, she was as fierce and determined as her Diamond peers.

Meanwhile, Earth continued to thrive. Humans, though still primitive by Gem standards, had multiplied and spread, occupying more and more territory. They expanded their civilizations, though they were careful to avoid areas occupied by either Homeworld or the Crystal Gems. Despite this, their presence on the planet had complicated the war, as both sides had to navigate around the growing population.

For Moonstone, the years had been defined by unrelenting warfare. He had honed his skills in the art of battle, growing not only in mind but also in strength and cunning. His days were spent in constant skirmishes, patrolling the edges of the Kindergartens, defending Homeworld's foothold on Earth. He had become a master of the battlefield, leading his troops with precision and unwavering resolve. Gems were produced endlessly, and each new soldier gave him more resources to deploy against Rose Quartz's forces.

His trusted second-in-command, Emerald, remained ever loyal by his side. She had become indispensable, handling the day-to-day tasks that Moonstone couldn't afford to manage: the reports, overseeing gem production, addressing complaints, and managing the occasional staff shortage. She allowed Moonstone to focus entirely on his mission-defending Homeworld's interests and crushing the rebellion.

But despite Moonstone's growing experience and the vast resources at his disposal, the war was far from over. Rose Quartz had proven herself to be a formidable opponent. She was unlike any Quartz soldier he had ever faced-her strength, speed, and resilience were unparalleled. Every time they clashed on the battlefield, Rose fought with a determination that was as infuriating as it was impressive. She wasn't fighting for Homeworld, but for Earth, and her connection to the planet and its lifeforms seemed to make her unstoppable.

Her closest allies were just as troublesome. Pearl, Garnet, and Bismuth all fought alongside her, each presenting their own unique challenges. Pearl, Moonstone had learned with great fury, was none other than the defected servant of Pink Diamond herself. When Moonstone first heard the rumors, he could hardly contain his anger. From the very beginning, he had suspected that Pearl was up to something-and now, her true betrayal was clear. By defecting to the Crystal Gems, she had weakened Pink Diamond's court, steering her attention away from her duties and giving Rose Quartz time to build her army.

Garnet, too, was an anomaly. A fusion of Ruby and Sapphire, she was once loyal to Blue Diamond. But when word reached Homeworld of her fusion and her decision to side with Rose Quartz, Blue Diamond had immediately ordered Garnet's shattering. And if shattering wasn't possible, she was to be split, bubbled, and sent back to Homeworld for judgment. Moonstone understood why-this Garnet had defied the strict rules of Blue Diamond's court, running away and lying about her nature. Fusions were only permitted with Diamond authority, and Garnet's existence, an unsanctioned union, had opened the door for more defectors to follow.

Bismuth was no less dangerous. A blacksmith and warrior, she had forged weapons designed to shatter Homeworld Gems-a clear violation of the natural order. Her defiance and ruthlessness made her a force to be reckoned with, and Moonstone knew that every time she entered the battlefield, the stakes were high.