A Diamond That Doesn't Shine

The Tower

Steven paced the pristine halls of Homeworld, the weight of his new role pressing heavily on his shoulders. The Diamonds had welcomed him into their lives, treating him with love and reverence, but their affection felt suffocating. They saw him as Pink Diamond reborn—a symbol of their lost sister—and Steven found himself trapped in their expectations. 

But Steven couldn’t let go of his old life. The Crystal Gems were more than his friends; they were his family. The thought of them living under the Diamonds’ control, their memories wiped clean of their true selves, was unbearable. 

He had to save them. 

Steven’s plan was risky. Y/N, the enigmatic figure who had supported him, possessed a chamber filled with ancient, forbidden technology—artifacts capable of restoring the memories of those the Diamonds had erased. 

Y/N’s chambers were heavily guarded, but Steven had learned the layout of Homeworld’s palace. He waited until Y/N left for a meeting with the Diamonds, then slipped through the labyrinthine corridors, his pink glow dimmed to avoid detection. 

The door to Y/N’s chamber stood tall and imposing, its surface etched with intricate, swirling patterns. Steven placed his hand against the gem sensor, holding his breath as it scanned him. The door slid open silently, revealing a dimly lit room filled with ancient relics. 

At the center of the room stood a pedestal holding a device—a Memory Restorer. Its design was elegant yet intimidating, its crystalline core pulsating with a soft, rhythmic light. 

Steven approached the pedestal, his heart pounding. “This has to work,” he whispered. 

In the back of the chamber, Steven found the Crystal Gems, encased in translucent, glowing bubbles. Steven clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. 

He activated the Memory Restorer, and a beam of light shot out, enveloping the bubbles and popping them. Slowly, the Gems’ forms and memories began to return,

Ruby and Sapphire was the first to stir in fear of the diamonds and Y/N they forgot all about rose being pink choicing to form Garnet once again. Garnets eyes opening with a sharp intake of breath. “Steven… What have you done?” 

Amethyst groaned, rubbing her head. “Whoa, that was a trip.” 

Pearl sat up, her eyes wide with a mix of relief and sorrow. “Our memories… they’re back.” 

Steven knelt before them, guilt and hope warring within him. “I had to do it. I couldn’t let you stay like that—living a lie.” 

Garnet’s gaze softened, though her voice remained firm. “You’ve put yourself in danger for us. Why, Steven?” 

“Because I’m Pink Diamond,” Steven said, his voice steady despite the fear twisting in his gut. “And I need you to understand what that means.” 

Steven explained everything—the Diamonds’ expectations, their belief that Pink had returned through him, and the love they showered him with that felt more like chains. 

“I’m trying to be what they need,” Steven said, his voice breaking. “But I’m still me. I’m still Steven.” 

Pearl’s eyes filled with tears. “You’ve carried so much on your own, Steven. We’re here now. You don’t have to do this alone.” 

Amethyst crossed her arms, her usual sarcasm replaced with a rare seriousness. “So what’s the plan, man? You gonna keep pretending to be her?” 

Garnet stepped forward, placing a steady hand on Steven’s shoulder. “You don’t have to be Pink Diamond. You can be something new. Something better.”