Steven Universe: The Diamond Legacy

The Fellowship Reunited

I broke off a sturdy branch to use as a hiking stick, touching my palm against the tear in the tree  where another one sprouted. I tripped and scraped my hand while trying to follow Little Brother. It was nothing serious and I cleaned it with salt water by the seaside cove where we stopped to rest before taking the hike up towards the hills.

"Don't worry, it's a small cut. I'll be fine." I reassured Little Brother, who fretted about me, checking my hand in his mittens with worried eyes. "I'm made of strong stuff." It ended up forming a scab on its own , but not before growing some flowers while trying to clean the scrape.

I thought it strange Little Brother wasn't  at all shocked from that.

We hiked up the inner area of the island, pressing forward with my hiking stick with Little Brother waddling in front of me. The little fella was pretty robust, hiking like a champ, however he was still a living watermelon creature. Every six steps for him was one step for me. "Here, hop on." I crouched on the ground and gave him a piggyback ride.

"Ooh you're heavier than I thought!" I grunted carrying him, continuing on through the jungle. "This is great exercise. Y'know my Dad and I used to do this all the time when I was a little kid. Whenever I got tired from walking he'd put me onto his shoulders and carry me the same way I'm carrying you now."

Little Brother made a gummy smile and laughed. "Yeah, those were good times." I chuckled along with him. "After a long day on the boardwalk he'd carry me  and I'd love being above the crowds. He's so tall, I always felt I was riding on top of a giant."

I slowed down my walk and not because I was growing tired. "I hope he's okay. I heard his voice when I almost drowned and when the Cluster saved me. He told me to wait for him on the island, I hope he can find me here."

Little Brother mumbled and gently patted my head. "Thanks Little Bro. You sure make great company." We came to a literal chasm splitting the island in half, with the caves on the other side. A waterfall cascades down the mountain over those caves, winding its way to the ocean. I walked along the edge of the cliff looking for a natural bridge or another way to go across, there was none.

Little Brother tugged at my pants nervously. "It's okay. We'll just figure a way to get across." I scratched my head and thought. "I could always make a floating leap across, but that leaves Little Brother behind, and I'm not comfortable enough trying a leap of faith with extra weight on my shoulders." I snapped my fingers. "I got it!" I stretched my arm and created a platform bridge across the chasm.

Little Brother exclaimed "Raaaaa!!!?"

"I know right." I shrugged my shoulders. "Magic powers kinda run in my family." Little Brother gaped speechless. "At least one side of my family. Well come on, it's perfectly safe." Little Brother didn't move.

"Little Brother, it's all right." I kneeled down to him. "I'll walk with you across." Little Brother shook his head nervously. "Ok, then I'll carry you." He crossed his arms and shook his head again. "Little Bro." I crossed my arms. "You wanted to take me to the caves, well the only way we're getting to those caves is across this bridge. Look I'll show you!" When I stepped onto the bridge he hugged my leg.

"Little Brother!" I said before softening my tone. "It's okay. Trust me." He stared at me wide eyed before reluctantly nodding. I took his hand and walked him across the bridge, focusing on the waterfall in front of me and not looking to my sides.

Don't look down, don't look down.

My subconsciousness set up walls on both sides of the platform, ensuring we wouldn't fall off. Much easier!

We made it across without a hitch. "See that wasn't so bad wasn't it?" Little Brother was shaking. I picked him up a hugged him. "You did a great job you were really brave." Little Brother wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tight. I placed him on the ground as we gazed out onto the shimmering ocean spanning beyond the horizon.