Black Diamond

Chapter 63- From the Ashes

Steven and Connie were sitting outside the house. Any other day, this would be great. Especially with all the wonderful snacks and freshly baked pastries. However, this was not any other day. "Wow, this is worse than I thought. When you said Blare has been off lately. I didn't think it would be this bad." Connie commented, taking a bit out of a banana nut muffin. Black Diamond's former name had become a nickname, and he didn't mind since his actual name was a bit of a mouthful.

Steven just sighed in response looking through the window, into the house. Black Diamond was surrounded by what could easily be called a baker's paradise. The counters and tables were littered with desserts and raw ingredients, and that wasn't even the best part. "How did this start anyway?" Connie asked, looking over the two-tiered tray of assorted baked goods on the table. Steven turned to face Connie before he started. "Alright, it all started about two weeks ago..."

_______TWO WEEKS AGO_____

It was the day after Black Diamond spoke to Steven about a part of his past. However, unlike every morning when Steven was greeted by a covered plate.

__

"What's so out of place about that? I thought Blare made you breakfast every morning." Connie asked. As if on cue Black Diamond opened the door and set down a pitcher of lemonade and a pitcher of water along with two cups. With a smile, he disappeared back into the house.

Steven and Connie said nothing watching as he started baking again as if nothing happened. Steven sighed before explaining, "It's not really about the breakfast. Black Diamond has always been there during breakfast whether he eats or not. We usually talk about all sorts of stuff." Connie nodded finally understanding why it was weird. "So, where was he then?"

_______TWO WEEKS AGO_____________

After a delicious and nutritious meal which was heavily emphasized by Pearl and Black Diamond. Steven went to look for Black Diamond. Walking out onto the patio Steven looked over the beach. Black Diamond often spent the nights there even though Steven offered for him to sleep in the house.

Looking over the beach everything seemed to be the same as usual. Nothing but the ocean, white sand, and a balloon. Steven paused for a second going over that list in his head again. That balloon definitely wasn't there the day before. Steven cautiously approached the balloon stuck in the sand. Only it wasn't a balloon. It was a bubble, with Jasper's gem in it! Where was Black Diamond? Wherever Jasper was he usually wasn't far behind.

After looking around Steven finally looked at his feet and noticed the little flag in the dirt near the string that was holding the bubble. How he missed it was beyond him, but nonetheless, he kneeled down to take a closer look. There was an arrow drawn in the sand, pointing to a spot next to the bubble balloon. Steven began digging in the dirt until he found a glass bottle with a note inside. Steven shook the bottle to get the message.

Steven, this note was intended for you. There is food prepared in the fridge for the rest of today's meals. Also, there is a list on the door with multiple recipe options for all meals after today. If you are wondering where I am. I'm further down in the hole that you have started digging. If there is an emergency simply pull on the string holding Jasper's bubble.

If this letter was found by someone else, please give it to Steven.

P.S. I would prefer to be left here if there is no immediate need for my presence.

Steven was beyond confused and definitely concerned. Blare had never done this before, so he wasn't sure of how he should deal with this. So, in hopes of gaining answers, Steven took off for the temple, hoping that one of the gems knew what to do. Steven threw the door open the door to the house where Amethyst was sitting at the table. She was startled by Steven's sudden interest, but if you asked her she would never admit it. Amethyst said nothing a piece of French toast dripping with syrup in her mouth. Steven took a few deep breaths, "Amethyst, something is wrong with Blare?"