A Diamond That Doesn't Shine

Chapter 4 - All Whole New World

The trip was brief, yet the weight of its purpose made it feel endless. Steven was confined, locked away from the chaos, while the former Crystal Gems were contained within their bubbles, their once-brilliant light dimmed. Y/N sat at the controls, exhausted but determined, hands steady on the wheel despite the weariness pressing down on them. 

Homeworld stretched out before them, a mesmerizing blend of beauty and menace. Its architecture stood tall and imposing, a testament to the power of the Diamond Authority. To Y/N, it was captivating—a landscape both threatening and serene. As they gazed out, their gem glimmered faintly, responding to the sight. 

"Jasper, Lapis," Y/N said, their voice steady but firm, "it's time for you both to reform and take on Black Diamond uniforms." 

The two gems exchanged a glance before nodding silently. They poofed in unison, their forms dissolving into light, leaving Spinel to inspect their gemstones carefully. 

Spinel turned her gaze to Y/N. "Where do I land this thing?" Y/N asked, their tone betraying a hint of hesitation. The realization hit them like a thunderbolt—they had no idea how to navigate this part of Homeworld. 

Spinel noticed the uncertainty and let out a small sigh. Pulling up a holographic map, she pointed to a dark, imposing corner of the planet. "This is your dock," she explained, her voice carrying a mix of reassurance and formality. "Just next door are the docks for the other Diamonds. From your dock, there are two main tunnels: one leading to your personal quarters and the other to the central building that houses the ballroom and meeting chambers. We'll head to the meeting room first to negotiate with the other Diamonds about what to do with Pink." 

Spinel hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Are you sure you don’t want to take on Black Diamond’s original form? It might make things... smoother." 

Y/N considered her words, glancing down at themselves. Their form was smaller than what was expected of a Diamond, their features a mosaic of countless shades of black, blending into an almost fragmented appearance. They were a far cry from the imposing figure that Black Diamond had once been. 

"My mother—Black Diamond—wanted me this way," Y/N replied, their voice resolute. "This is how I’ll stay." 

Spinel nodded, though her expression suggested lingering doubt. 

Y/N took a deep breath, trying to suppress the swirling emotions within. They weren’t entirely Pink Diamond, nor entirely Black Diamond. A fragment of both, and yet something else entirely. They had kindness in them, and remnants of their old compassion, but they knew they had to suppress that part of themselves to survive here. For the sake of their comatose best friend, for the safety of everyone they cared about, and for the balance of Homeworld, they would hold their fractured self together.

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Flying was relatively simple—or so Y/N told themselves. The real challenge was landing, especially with a massive crown-shaped ship that seemed intent on toppling over at the slightest misstep. Every maneuver demanded focus, but somehow, Y/N managed to stabilize it, the docking clamps finally latching onto the platform with a resounding *clang*. 

Once docked, Y/N took a deep breath and stepped away from the controls. They began the walk toward the exit doors, their footsteps steady but their mind racing. Behind them followed Lapis and Jasper, now clad in sleek, imposing uniforms designed to match Black Diamond’s colors. Spinel trailed close by, her expression unreadable yet unmistakably tinged with tension. 

The atmosphere was heavy. Anxiety clung to the group like a second skin. Even Spinel, who often masked her emotions with her characteristic energy, seemed uncharacteristically subdued. Jasper's body was rigid, her shoulders squared as though preparing for a fight. Lapis fidgeted with her hands, her fingers twisting and untwisting in a silent display of unease. 

As for Y/N, their gem glowed faintly as they shifted their form, tweaking it again and again, searching for the perfect presentation. They had promised themselves they would remain as they were—a fragmented reflection of Black Diamond’s will. Yet, Spinel's earlier words echoed in their mind, a subtle nudge that had grown into a gnawing doubt. 

Finally, Y/N made a decision. If they were to command respect, to stand on equal footing with the other Diamonds, they would need to present themselves as their full, commanding self. With a deep inhale, they enlarged their form, stretching to a height that rivaled, if not slightly surpassed, White Diamond's towering stature. The transformation was taxing but necessary. 

Spinel glanced up at them and gave a small nod of approval. "That'll do," she said quietly before stepping forward to open the ship’s doors. 

The doors hissed as they slid open, revealing the grand dockyard bathed in the pale glow of Homeworld’s distant star. As Y/N took their first step outside, they froze. The air was filled with a sound they hadn’t expected—cheering. 

Below the ship, a crowd of gems had gathered, their voices rising in a cacophony of jubilation. Gems of every cut and rank were lined up in orderly rows, their faces lit with expressions ranging from awe to fervent adoration. They chanted the name "Black Diamond!", their voices echoing through the massive dockyard. 

Lapis leaned in slightly. "They’re cheering for you," she whispered, her voice tinged with both amazement and confusion. 

Spinel grinned, though there was a flicker of something darker in her eyes. "They’ve been waiting for their Black Diamond to return. You’re their hope now." 

Y/N felt a strange mix of emotions: pride, fear, and the crushing weight of expectation. They straightened their towering form and looked down at the sea of faces, their gem glowing faintly in response to the energy around them. 

"I am here," Y/N said, their voice amplified and steady, carrying across the dockyard. The crowd erupted in louder cheers, their devotion palpable. 

As the group descended toward the platform that led to the meeting chambers, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. This was not only a return—it was an unveiling, a declaration to the world that Black Diamond’s legacy had been reborn. Whether they could live up to it was a question that remained unanswered, even to themselves.