Trying to Smile Again Continued (Steven UniverseUniverse Fic)

Part Five Chapter Five: Loss

The Crystal Gems boarded onto the towering pink legs that were Pink Diamond's ship, now Steven's. They all made sure everyone was accounted for, and last to do was say goodbye. Steven rushed to his dad, wrapping him in a big hug.

"Be back soon," Steven said.

"Be careful out there Schtuball," Greg told him.

Steven nodded, and returned to the ship. Once he was back at the control room, and he got into the control pad. His legs were encased in a pink hue, following his every moment. The ships legs bent down in a running stance, following Steven's motion. Then the ship sprinted through the water, before jumping and taking off. The ship flew through the sky, Steven standing ready for an interference. It was quiet, everyone thinking of the mission.

"So how long is it gonna take," Peridot asked.

"However long it has to," Garnet answered.

Peridot let out a slight rumble, then was quiet once more. They were headed to Homeworld, the last place Steven saw Spinel. Hopefully she'd be there. If she wasn't...

"Hey Steven," Bismuth said, taking a seat next to him. "You alright? I saw you drifting off a bit there.

"Huh, yeah, yeah! I'm fine, we should be worried about Spinel."

Bismuth nodded and hummed in response. She knew that, but something seemed to be bothering Steven. Probably what he told her, about the whole "he caused Spinel to get taken" thing. It was partially true, he did listen blindly to Aquamarine's words. However, she did trick him, and it would have been easy to believe Spinel could do that... but only if that happened a long time ago!

"I'm sure she'll understand Steven... give her time."

"Thanks Bismuth," Steven said with a smile.

"Just make sure you give her a reason too."

•••

"We're here," Lapis announced.

Steven looked out the window of the ship, taking in the crumbled planet that is Homeworld. Hopefully, if everything gets resolved nicely, he can help fix it one day. As they drew nearer into Homeworld's atmosphere, Steven placed his legs in a firm stance. The ship obliged, and landed gracefully.
They landed far away from White's, Yellow's and Blue's ship, but they were still noticeable in a big pair of pink legs! Gems gathered near it from every direction.

"How do we get out now? We'll be spotted immediately," Pearl asked.

"Maybe... but not all of us," Garnet answered.

She stared towards Bismuth, Lapis and Peridot. They stared back blankly, not quite understanding. Finally, Bismuth made an "oh" face, and picked up Peridot on her shoulder.

"They don't know us!"

"What," Peridot squealed. "Yes they do! We helped, single handedly, take down White Diamond!"

"Maybe, but you weren't noticed during the fight by anyone," Garnet stated.

"I guess your right," Lapis said. "Yeah, we can distract them."

Bismuth nodded in agreement. Peridot, however, shook her head vigorously. She hopped off of the broad gem, and crossed her arms.

"No way! I can be much more than a distraction!"

Bismuth just easily picked up the petite, green gem. Peridot tried fighting out of Bismuth's grasp, but to no avail.

"Good luck," Bismuth said.

Steven nodded at them, as they were sent down to the floor below in a pink bubble. The four gems watched them discuss with the gems below. It seemed like it was working. They didn't know what they were saying, but they got them to move. Bismuth, Lapis and Peridot escorted gems away from the ship, going somewhere else.

"Ok, that's our cue! Let's go," Steven said.

"Right," all gems agreed.

They left the ship in the isolated spot, traveling throughout Homeworld. They were making sure to be sneaky... well, as sneaky as they could be on this bright planet. They scouted every path, every curve, and every crack... but no luck. She was no where to be found! They were getting doubts that she may not be there now, but Steven was determined. He didn't allow them to leave just yet... almost sounding mad.

"No, not yet," he would say each time.

"Steven..." Pearl started. "It's been 3 hours, and we haven't found a trace of her. I think it's time to go."

Steven didn't respond, he couldn't. He didn't know she said anything... he was too focused. He drowned out every other sound, listening for those squeaky shoes, or that saddened voice. All he heard was his thoughts, and a slight ringing noise, probably from focusing to hard.

"Steven," Garnet said louder, slightly annoyed.

"Dude," Amethyst added.

Steven heard a soft faint noise, a familiar noise. It was a squeak! He rushed from their hiding spot, not caring for their cries of worry and concern. Steven rushed out into the crowd of gems, some recognizing him instantly. He was crowded by a swarm of gems saying hi, and some asking for help. He didn't care at the moment, and he tried to look over them. He gasped, and almost ran over a few of the gems when he saw pink pigtails! He ran and ran, as fast as he could. He listened for the squeak, he looked for her friend. Finally, he saw her. Out in the open with a crowd formed around them, he stepped nearer. Her back was turned, and she didn't move, and she had her arms held high, tugging at her hair.

"Spinel... thank goodness. Don't worry, I found you. We can get back home to Beach City, c'mon. I'm... in sorry," Steven said.

He didn't get a response, which he expected. The other three Crystal Gems had found the boy, and rushed to the front of the crowd. They gasped when they saw the gem in front of him.

"Steven," Garnet yelled. "Get away from her!"

"What," Steven yelled baffled. "But, this is..."

He grabbed the gem's shoulder, tugging for her to move. She started to turn... inhumanly, and Steven gasped. He couldn't believe it! Was his mind playing tricks with him?! Was his depression taking over him?! Why was he so dismantled in the head, that he couldn't tell White Pink Pearl from his Pink friend Spin... wait...

"Oh no!"