#It gets even more sus when I am search for fanfic stuff

[zelda7999]

25. based on your recent reference searches, what would the fbi assume about you?

because it's a funny question HSHJDDF

"That is one fruity fellow"

So uhhhhh my most recent search was for anatomy practice-- but the character I was drawing is a twink your honour! He needs SMOL and all the chest pics were BEEF CAKES. So i need to be more specific! and then I also needed to know how to make the scars on his back! aaaand yeah kjlashfklsjdfh

[wonderland-smile-stories]

~ Chapter 12 ~

I apologize in advance for any spelling or grammar mistakes and how poorly written this fanfic is. English is not my first language and together with my dyslexia ass things can go wrong I'm sorry.

Just like any other day, I was walking around trying the find stuff to survive and Eun-hyuk. Luckily today it was warmer and the sun was shining. I think spring has begun, but I have honestly no idea what date it was. 

I know months have passed, but that's it. After a while, you kind of lose track of time.

If it's spring it means I have been here in Korea for a year now. That means it's been a year since I met Ji-su, Eun-yu, Eun-hyuk, and everyone else at Green Homes. I wish I could talk to them, but it's not like I can just walk into the stadium. 

Only the soldiers can leave that place. I have seen some normal people work in a fenced area on the surface, but it's never someone I know. I have seen Eun-yu sneaking out a lot. I always try to follow her and make sure she is safe. 

I know she is searching for her brother, but she will get killed if she isn't careful. I always make sure she's safe. Every time I saw her I tried to follow her without her noticing me. Of course, I could just go up to her if I wanted to, but I don't know if she would be happy to see me. 

I left her behind while promising that I would find her brother and come back. In all those months apart I haven't found Eun-hyuk or any trace from him. 

I just know that she wouldn't be happy to see me. So for now I'm just going to stay in the shadows and hope that if one day I show myself to her she will forgive me.

Don't even get me started on telling her about Hyun-su. I don't know if could tell her that he's dead. I know that she doesn't care about a lot of people, but at the end of the day, Hyun-su was her friend. 

And if I have to tell her I have to tell the other people from Green Homes. I don't want to disappoint the kids or Ji-su. Just imagining the kid's teary face when I have to tell them that Hyun-su is dead makes my heart hurt. 

I really wish I could see Hyun-su one more time. I want to say a proper goodbye, but I know that will never happen. 

I keep on having dreams about him. I always dream about them when I get injured or am exhausted. They feel so real when they happen. Some are just what-if stuff like how it would have been if there wasn't a monster outbreak, but others seem so real. 

Like I'm seeing what Hyun-su is going through, but I know that it's not possible. He's dead, so why would I be seeing the things he's seeing? Maybe my brain is trying to make me feel better. I just don't know if it's real or not. 

I know it's stupid and silly, I have tried to go to the places I have seen in my dreams, but nobody is there or I can't seem to figure out where the place is. 

It's not like I can ask people for help. 

I haven't seen many humans out there. Most of the time if I see one they aren't too happy or too pleased to see me. Humanity has gone downhill in just these couple of months. Even if they don't know I'm a monster some will attack me. 

A girl all alone is an easy target for them in their minds. They would kill me just for the bag on my back and the little supplies I carry with me. Everyone is trying to survive and they will do anything to do so. 

It isn't better if they somehow find out I'm a monster. It hasn't happened much, but there have been times I had to defend myself against a monster and people would see me. Even if I would defend those people against a monster at the end they would have still tried to kill me. 

Of course, not all humans are like that. I have met some small groups of survivors or people who are alone and who are thankful for the help and the saving. There were even times when I exchanged supplies with them to help one another. 

There have been times when people came to find me to just kill me. Don't know how they find out that I'm not human. Maybe people that I help told them not thinking they would come and hunt me. 

I don't even have time to utter a word before they attack me. Even after trying to reason with them they still want to see me die. 

In the beginning, I just ran away and tried to get away from them so that nobody would get hurt. I was maybe hoping that if they saw that I wasn't fighting back they would just leave me alone, but they always came back.

 Always. 

Every time with more people and with more weapons. 

After months of being hunted by them, and being injured time after time I just snapped. Maybe at that point, it was the monster and me merging, but it felt good. They mistook my kindness as a weakness in the beginning, but they soon figured out that the fucked up. 

I killed them all. 

I ripped heads off their body and watched how they choked on their blood and tears. How they begged for their lives while I chased them down the same streets where they have been chasing me. They became the prey and I became the hunter. 

Those people wanted to see me as a monster and I did just that. 

I became a monster. 

I gave them want they so desperately wanted me to be. 

In the end, I kill most of them, leaving just enough alive for them to tell others to fear me. 

That way they will fear me enough to leave me alone. Nowadays not a lot of them try to find me. Some fools try, but with the right scare, they would just run away with pee running down their legs. 

Those moments were also the once I had those dreams a lot. I got hurt a lot and my body needed to heal so much that I passed out too many times. Luckily I always reached my shelter on time or found a place to hide before I could. 

There were also times I woke up someone else. Not like I woke up from being asleep or so. No, I was standing upright like I was doing something and I just woke up. I don't think it was the mystery person who did this.

I think I did it myself or at least my monster. She always told me not to worry about it and that it was for my safety. I honestly don't know.

Speaking of the mystery person. I think I have seen him a few times, but he was always gone before I could fully see time. Those times were those people would attack me I'm pretty sure he had helped me escape them a few times. 

Or sometimes I would wake up and hear the sound of the door closing in my shelter. There would be fresh supplies on my table and other stuff I could use. I really wish I could catch the person. I think it's Eun-hyuk, but I have no proof that it's him.

I was on another daily round. It has been a quiet and peaceful few days. Which I didn't mind at all. It's not like I fight monsters every day. It's just I always have to be on guard because I can sense them around, but today wasn't the case at all. 

I had just walked into a building when I heard people talking. It sounded like men arguing, but I couldn't make out what they were talking about. There were words like food and search that I could pick up, but other than that I couldn't hear anything else. 

It wasn't helping that they were in a building switching between whispering, talking, and yelling. Good luck to them in finding food here. This area was looted months ago by other survivors. 

Their talking suddenly stopped before gunshots ran through the air. I had to duck for a moment thinking some bullets flew past me from the building. Soon yelling followed together with more bullets. 

What the hell did they find? 

Not a lot of people have guns. If they have managed to find an abandoned military vehicle like I did, then they were one of the few. 

The screams didn't stop. It only became louder. 

"Ugh, fuck it." 

Without thinking more about it I ran inside to see what was happening. 

When I came inside I saw a tall red monster attack two soldiers. By the time I got there, the monster had already managed to wound and knock out one of the soldiers. 

The monster looked fairly human in some parts. The skin was red and looked like it was tightly stretched over its muscles and bones. It had two normal-looking legs, but it also had two extra legs. 

Those legs looked like they came from an insect, like a grasshopper. His big red hands seemed to be equipped with six long claws ready to attack anyone and anything that came in his path. 

My eyes snapped back to the soldier when the monster yelled loudly at him. I'm pretty sure the soldier was going to pass out, but he stood his ground in front of his fellow soldier. What are they doing in this part of the city? 

The other was still screaming while shooting at it. The gunfire stopped and a look of dread washed over the soldier's face. Without giving the soldier a chance to think the monster knocked him against the wall leaving him limp next to his friend. 

I could just walk away and let the monster kill them, but I know that if two of them are here others are nearby. If they come here more blood will be lost. Without doing more thinking I held up my hand locking the monster in place. 

Not knowing what was happening to him the monster began to thrash around trying to get out of the invisible trap. It didn't take him long before he caught the sight of me. A loud growl left his lips, but it didn't face me. 

One swift move with my hand and I smashed him against the wall just like he did to the soldier a few minutes ago. I had hoped he would be knocked out, but he clearly wasn't going down without a fight. 

So again, and again, and again I smashed him against the wall until he finally stopped moving. Releasing the grip I had on the monster I watch it slum down like a rag doll. I could have just let him be, but like I said earlier more people would come and more would die. 

It would be just too big of a mess where more monsters could be lured here with all the noise. 

My head went back to the injured soldiers when I heard muttering. The one soldier was trying to wake up the other, but seeing how much blood he was losing from his head I think he will be out for a while.

They need to go back to the others so they can help him. 

Slowly I began to make my way to the pair trying not to spook the awake one. Of course, the moment he saw me he grabbed his gun and aimed at me. 

"S-stop! I'll shoot!" 

I raised a brow ignoring his words. 

"Oh yeah? With what ammo?" I grabbed his gun firing at the ceiling. 

Just like I predicted nothing came out. 

The soldier looked at me with wide eyes before bursting into tears. Does he really need to cry? Letting out a sigh I throw the gun in his lap before squatting down in front of him. My eyes scanned him up and down. 

There was blood on one of his legs and some blood came from a head wound, but that's it. If he's lucky he can make it to the others without a problem. Seeing they made a lot of noise with shooting the monster I'll bet the others are coming in this direction. 

His friend on the other hand was not that lucky. The bleeding hasn't stopped, so if nobody helps them he will die for sure. There's also a big chance other monsters are making their way here with all the noise they have made. 

They just need to get out of here and seeing that they aren't going to on their own I'm going to have to help them. 

Without saying anything I grabbed the crying soldier. A scream left his mouth before he went completely limp and silent. 

Did he seriously just pass out? 

Why is this guy even a soldier! 

Well, this is going to be harder than I thought. 

Letting out a big sigh I throw him over my shoulder before grabbing the other one's leg. This is the best I can do. It's this or them dying here. The moment I got outside I saw rain hitting the ground. 

Great, this is just fucking great. 

The sooner I find their group the sooner I can go back to finding resources and other stuff. I know that these are soldiers from the stadium. I know they have been searching for resources on the other side of the city, but I guess it's harder to find them now after so long. 

They are going to have to go further to find food. Even for me, it's hard to find stuff, so I can only imagine how it must be for such a large group. 

It didn't take me long to locate their group. 

Just like I had thought they were coming in our direction looking for the lost soldiers. It also wasn't long until their guns were aiming at me. 

"Stop right there!" I heard one of them yell, but I honestly didn't stop. 

I just wanted this to be over with. I mean I know they could just shoot me, but I know I will survive. The two soldiers I'm carrying not so much. 

"I said stop!" The same guy yelled. 

I had honestly thought they would already have shot me by now, but they had managed to hold it together. 

"Wait." Another guy said when I was closer. 

Slowly I saw some of them lowering their gun. They all stayed silent when I reached them. Without saying anything I dropped the soldiers in front of them before taking a step back. 

Quickly the others took a look at them, checking if they were still alive. 

"They are still breathing, sire." One of the soldiers said to another man. 

I guess that he was the one in charge of them 

"Take them and go," I spoke up before turning around to leave. 

There was some mumbling behind me when I walked away when I heard a voice say. 

"Wait! It's dangerous to be out here on your own." 

I let out a laugh before turning around to face the group of men. 

"I'm the most dangerous thing out here. Now go." They all looked at each other not sure what to do. 

The man who was in charge and had yelled at me looked less scared and spoke up again. 

"What are you?" 

Squinting my eyes I looked at him trying to figure out why he wasn't as scared as the others. 

I know not a lot of people have seen special infecties, but they are soldiers I'm pretty sure they would have seen some. 

"I think you can figure that out on your own. Now leave this place. Nothing here is worth getting hurt or killed for." He was about to speak up again when a loud explosion rang through the air. 

Everyone turned around and looked up. 

That came from the stadium. 

The leader and another soldier began to talk. Something about another soldier gone missing. In the end, they decided to go back. 

The sergeant looked at me. 

"Thank you." I nodded before turning around and hoping that nothing bad had happened at their camp.

Previous Chapter ~ Next Chapter

———————————————————

Hey guys! I hope you guys are liking it so far. This is going to be the last chapter with just Mi-na! The other ones are all with Eun-yu. I’m sorry if it was boring having her by herself, but out of all the storylines I made for this season this one was the best! Like I said before season two was a struggle to write!

[star-vibing-prompts]

Random shit I had or others had said as prompts.

Warnings: Swearing, Mentions of sus, dark humor(probably), dark themes(also probably), Sensitive topics

----------------------------

"Motherfucker is high on cat nip at the top."

"Imma just kick this fish then-"

"Let me sleep with you!"

"STOP CREAMING YOURSELF"

"Let me throw your child!"

"I smacked a bad guy's booty."

"That was a good ass slap!"

"Give me all these delicious batteries!"

"Everybody died in this family!"

"I JUST SHOT HER BODY WITH MY GUN-"

"I DIDNT EVEN KNOW I HAD BALLS STILL!"

"I got stuff on my neck!"

"Be honest, am I hot?" "I'M GAY-"

"IMMA WHIP OUT MY BEANS ESSAY"

"Not the duckussy"

"Already sus gonna hide in the ooc"

"Okay I got my happiness, bye"

"I like me some Among Us"

"Can someone hold me please"

"[Name] stop searching. I wanna search something up to on him!"

"IS HE WRITING A FANFIC OML"

"I KNOW BUT WHEN I LAUGH I SOMEHOW CHOKE ACK-"

"You're more grosser than I am."

"Ohh~ Hee got the rizz~"

"OKAY BACK TO CRYING"

"I love dying screaming"

"IM CRYING WHAT DID WE JUST WALK IN ON???"

"I will slap myself if I say something sus"

"Let her scream lmao."

"Being force to talk by a 14 year old"

"Such a beautiful break up"

"STOP RIZZING ME"

"Anyway does anyone want to get slap by me?"

"Damn she hot"

"THE FUCK WOMAN???"

"DAMN I AM A LONELY BITCH"

"Actually *SHITTING* himself would be pooping. *PISSING* himself would be peeing."

"Why did you eat mah stick?"

"STOP EATING POOP???? WHOS POOP EVEN IS THAT???"

"I- Wha- ho- ...MY BRAIN CANT HANDLE THISI-"

"I think u just pissed him up even more"

"And why are you creaming [Name]?" "Damn tell me how you really feel about the cream jesus"

"One of them is: What the fuck is going on at this point and why am I still here for it?"

"I just love killing people!"

"I want to fuck Optimus Prime."

"Allergies are kicking me ass"

"I would've given you some but you didn't talk fast enough /j"

"[NAME] PLEASE I BE SILLY"

"I SWEAR ON [NAME] IT AINT ME"

"Why is [Name] robbing [Name2]"

"Enjoy your last peaceful moments"

"You were the chosen one"

"Then speak it"

"And [Name] just set himself on fire"

"I feel like I am being judged now,,,,,bye." *disappears*

"The shame has already been done there is no going back"

"My mom used to buy me robux before she mcfucking died"

"I BROKE MY STICK"

"THEY DONT KNOW WHAT GOES ON BEHIND CLOSED DOORS"

"My gaydar told me"

"What the fuck are smiley fries."

"Rice with beef broth because we have no chicken"

"Anime cat girls are canon within Spongebob now."

"The Cat Has Ingested The Wall"

"Split dat chicken wingg"

"Oeuur... digs chicken wing out of the carpet"

SHRIEKS AND BREAKS IN THROUGH A WINDOW

"They have been bestowed the name [New name]"

"I love the fumbling with the remote"

"Literally vibrating in my chair, I’m really excited for the game"

"That's so sad imagine someone hated you so much they wouldn't even spend more than 5 bucks to hire a hitman"

"Bro's gonna be willing to die after that"

"FLOOFY AND GOOBER"

"I wanna invite them for tea and crumpets

The best type of relationship"

"ILL FORFEIT ALL MY LEGAL POSSESSIONS TO HIM"

"Like damn dude you don't need THAT much eye liner"

"This is so emo"

"My dude needs to look fabulous"

"WHAT A GOOBER ! FOOLISH LITTLE FELLOW"

"OMG ITS MY KID"

"LIL GUY IS SPEEDY ASF"

"They got a little too silly"

"ITTY BITTY"

"They just need to put some ice on it"

"Aww noo they spilled the cranberry juice" :(

[half-man-half-lime]

On why being dark makes Worm a good power fantasy

Okay I have a tendency to pointlessly and circuitously ramble so I’m just gonna leave a TL;DR up here: Worm shows that the most powerless people in the most hopeless situations can still make a difference through perseverance.

So here and there I’ve seen posts going around (not gonna search and link the various posts I’m referencing in this post, it’s 2 AM and I’m lazy) about why everyone should shut up about people liking lighter works, and how Steven Universe is a great work of escapism because it lets people experience a world where compassion can win wars and make the world a better place. I’m not gonna argue about whether lighter or darker stuff is better, the point of those posts is people can like what they want (also see that one comic I’m not gonna link where stories are balloons and someone makes a heavy iron balloon and drops it into a pit and someone stuck in the muck grabs a hold of it; you know the one).

But that stuff HAS been making me think about why Worm is a good escapist fantasy in a number of ways. My analysis of the Parahumans stories has been kind of sidetracked by the amazing analysis by the We’ve Got Worm/Ward podcast, all that stuff about characterization and themes and shit, it’s great, but all that stuff plus the YBUTTing (You’re Being Unfair To Taylor, basically dismantling her moral justifications and pointing out the negative effect her moral choices have on her and those around her) kind of make you forget the childish, sadistic appeal of a story about a girl who cuts people’s eyes out and is Completely Justified in doing so and also Extremely Clever like a seasoned D&D player. And that stuff is fun, even if it gets less so after too many rereads. (Seriously, I’ve listened to the audiobooks so many times now, I’ve lost count.)

But one thing Matt and Scott and the reddit commenters have discussed is the usefulness of horror story elements as a way of establishing stakes, which brings me to my point: It’s really fucking empowering to see a nerdy teenage girl take down invincible serial killers and bully god to death when she seems like she should have absolutely no way or right to do so.

Like, one of the reasons One Piece was always so appealing to me, something that sort of faded with the power creep and repetition of the same story beats over and over again, is how satisfying it is to see Luffy and pals take down warlords and tyrants a thousand times stronger than them through sheer force of will. What right does this punk-ass kid from the East Blue with stretchy powers have to take down a powerful Fish-Man, or a lightning-slinging self-proclaimed god, or a seasoned undercover assassin with a thirst for blood? But he does it anyway! He works out and trains and shit, and basically wrecks his body sometimes, and in the end, after a lot of screaming and punching, those guys are gone, and he’s still here! Because they had the audacity to hurt his friends, and he and his pals will fucking bully reality into doing what they want if it means stopping people who do those sort of things.

Now the thing about Taylor Hebert is she isn’t strong, not physically. This bullied kid never got super-strength or web-slingers to swing around on, nor the charisma to make quips and piss off the local mad scientists. She’s clever, but not enough to build a laser gun or a giant robot. She controls bugs. Wowee. Like the Stretchy Man, she should by all rights be underwhelming to deal with, but somehow she always seems to make it out alive, her enemies leaving without the eyeballs or prosthetic foreheads they came in with. (Don’t worry, they both got new ones, it just took a while. Well. Not Valefor.)

And that’s cool in a vacuum, but in the Parahumans universe? That’s an accomplishment. The Endbringers and the Slaughterhouse Nine, the horror as stakes, they’re like an uphill battle against a bigger, steeper uphill battle. And Taylor has bugs. She can’t chop Leviathan in half, and if she tries (which she does, to a degree), she risks drowning, being crushed and paralyzed, and being thrown headfirst into a concrete floor all at the same time. So she slinks around the Endbringers, too far away to be stepped on, giving CPR to the fighters wounded in battle; she plots against the Nine and probes for weaknesses, even if it means risking herself and her teammates. She beats the shit out of the genius killer mannequin man, not with fireballs or hundred-ton punches, but with spiderwebs and glue, and in the end, after being wounded and exhausted, tens of people are alive because of what she did.

To compare this to Steven Universe, or the opposite side of Skitter’s coin, the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (though sadly SU is a better comparison because on top of the positivity it handles things like abuse and trauma) (woe is me that I’m too lazy to write crossover or toneswap fanfic, between Worm and USG by the way, if you want to do that for me, be my guest (Also a Freaks and Geeks mashup, Worms and Germs)), it’s enormously encouraging that Steven is ultimately able to stop the onslaught of genocidal space empresses, not by punching them, but by appealing to their humanity, a task that his upbringing and challenges completely prepared him for. Doreen Green, in a world of angsty heroes and villains and murder and trauma, can befriend her enemies and stop them by suggesting more fulfilling career goals, or end centuries of interstellar war with a chalk board and a day or two of diplomatic negotiations.

And that’s appealing especially today because a lot of people feel tired of fighting and knowing that no amount of talking or empathy will stop transphobes and Trump supporters from making the world a waking nightmare. And plenty of people are tired of stories of Hopeless Bleak Despair, and want a little compassion in their lives. I get that, I truly do. I enjoy those stories for the same reasons.

BUT, Worm means a lot to me right now too. And it wouldn’t be the same without the pain and suffering. Scaring the Slaughterhouse Nine out of Brockton Bay wouldn’t seem like such an achievement if we didn’t see Brian cut to pieces, doomed to permanent PTSD, while the Undersiders lie paralyzed on the floor, subject to Bonesaw’s torturous whims. The defeat of Behemoth would seem a little more predictable and boring if the Avengers pulled it off in an hour, without hundreds of dead heroes (and thousands more who died in past fights), infighting, and the threat of an ally destroying all of India in a misguided attempt to stop the beast. Mannequin running away from a super-puncher or a fireball-shooter wouldn’t feel like the accomplishment it does coming from the scared teenage girl whose only weapons are some squishy bugs, a knife and baton, and some craft supplies.

Worm presents a world where suffering is everywhere, where the where traumatized, hopeless people can fight and fight and endure endless pain, lose loved ones and body parts, be given just little enough power by those that seek to exploit and hurt them that they shouldn’t be able to fight back, to leverage nothing but pepperspray and spiders against dragons, and, after all that struggling and fighting and pain, actually make the bad guys stop hurting people. (it’s like that Chesterton quote in Coraline that people misattribute to Neil Gaiman, about how fantasy shows us how dragons can be beaten.)

And it’s an upsetting and exhausting story to read, especially binge reading or listening, and it ends in genuine heartbreaking tragedy, yet somehow the victory seems like one of the most earned wins in all of fiction. Nobody should be able to defeat Grieving Golden Jesus or Superdense Hurricane Godzilla, and that’s why it’s so empowering when Taylor Hebert fucking does.

Isn’t that just as reassuring, in a world that seems so hopeless right now, when we all feel so powerless, so tired of struggling? I think so.

[saltiestdemonloves]

SU Fanfic. For all my followers who follow me for other content, just ignore this! I had an idea that crossed my mind and since I love Steven Universe I thought I would write it! This is a fic about my OC Black Diamond? And how she interacted with Pink before everything happened!

**

Black leaned forward, brow furrowed as she studied the stats of her planet Iros. The corner of her lips turned down into a tight frown as she took in the information and an annoyed puff of breath escapes her. “I asked my quartz’s to take care of these weeks ago,” she mutters, already pulling up the communicator.

Before she could input the information to contact her general, she hears the exasperated sigh of Pink. Her finger pauses, hovering over the buttons as she hears the steps come closer. 

Her Pearl peers up at her through her long thick hair, “My Diamond?”

Black’s eyes flicker down to meet the soft gaze of her Pearl and she smiles softly. Leaning from her seat, she asks the small gem, “Could you fetch Pink for me?”

Black Pearl nods and quickly steps down from the raised throne steps and hurries out of Blacks room. Black waits patiently, humming to herself as she does. Soon the door slides open and Black Pearl is leading a mystified Pink into her room.

She watches amusedly as Pink’s gaze sets upon her and her eyes widen. Black stands to greet the young diamond. “Hello Pink, it’s been a while.”

“Um,” Pink stands stiffly, looking down nervously at her own Pearl that clung to her clothes. “Did I... do something?”

Black’s brows raise at the question. “No, not that I’m aware of.”

“Oh.” Pink’s stiff posture slackens slightly. “Was there something you needed.”

“They’ve done a number on you, haven’t they?” Black murmurs softly, more to herself than Pink. There’s a flash of sympathy, then guilt, that crosses her face. “I’m sorry.”

“Black?”

Inhaling deeply, Black clears her face of the unhappy expressions and reaches out for Pink’s hand. “I know you want a planet of your own, would you like to help me manage mine?”

Pink’s eyes widen and a grin begins to spread across her lips, “Really?”

“Hm,” Black nods. Ping grasps Black’s hand and a pleased look crosses her face at how their hands fitted. Much better than the other diamonds. It was nice to get to interact with a gem that’s closer to her size. Black waits with a smile as Pink settles herself on the arm of her seat. Then, she pulls up her tablet. With a sigh, she says, “I’ve got a little infestation happening.”

“What is it?”

“These wild beasts,” Black mutters. She pulls up an image to reveal taloned birds, larger than a quartz gem, squawking, and diving for a soldier. “They are not like intelligent life, dangerous and mindless. I try to avoid unnecessary death for as long as possible, I create ways for those in charge of the kindergartens to avoid interactions with as much life as possible. I re-home them. I try.”

Pink wears a similar expression as to what Black wore earlier. “What’s wrong?”

“I made plans and ordered for my general to execute them, and to... execute the creatures. I cannot risk them damaging the kindergarten or those that are inside. But they’re still a relevant issue.”

“You can’t move the kindergartens away?”

“The injectors are already implanted,” Black answers shaking her head. “I think I might have to send in more soldiers.”

“Will it work?”

Black’s brow furrows and she hums before looking down at the Pearls and asking hers, “Could you please retrieve Black Sapphire? I need to consort with her.”

Black Pearl nods, “Of course, my Diamond.”

“Thank you,” Black murmurs, looking back up at her tablet.

“Is it... always like this?” Pink asks, her voice soft and thick with uncertainty. She looks around at Black and her tablet, sitting alone beside her Pearl, stressing about a creature.

“Not as luxurious as a bright-eyed young Diamond would think, hm?”

“I still want a planet,” Pink says quickly. “I just...”

“A planet is not a toy,” Black says softly. “It is fragile and must be handled with great care or else chaos will ensue. That can be intimidating, I know. But I see the strength in you, I know you will be able to do the right thing.”

Pink sighs and leans back, “The other diamonds don't seem to think so.”

“Well, to be fair, they’ve been at it much longer than I have. I’m closer to your age than I am theirs. In their eyes, I’m just as young and inexperienced as you, and that won't change for a long time, if ever.”

“Really?”

“Mhm,” Black smiles. “But I don’t mind, I know where I stand. I am skilled and resourceful, I am a good Diamond and leader. Hopefully, I am a good friend as well?”

Pink grins and nods, “Yes!”

“Good.”

“My Diamond,” Black Pearl crosses the throne room to meet her diamond and steps out of the way for her sapphire to stand beside her.

The sapphire bows, “My Diamond, you asked for me?”

“Pink and I needed to know if it is wise to send more soldiers to face the creatures on planet Iros.”

There’s a pause from the sapphire before she nods, “I see it being a success, no shattering. However, several will be poofed and an injector is nearly knocked over.”

“Only nearly? Does it affect the growth of the gems?”

“No, they will be fine.”

“That’s all I needed to hear,” Black says with a smile. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Sapphire says with a bow.

“Do they have to die?” Pink asked, there a hint of sadness in her voice. “They aren’t aware of what they’re doing.”

Black pauses before shaking her head, “I’m sorry, Pink. I’ve already tried everything else.”

Pink sighs and leans her chin against her palm, “That... stinks.”

“It does indeed,” Black agrees with a frown. “This is the part that I detest. If there was another way to harvest gems, I’d do it in a flash.”

“Really?”

“Hm.”

Pink pauses before saying, “Yellow scolds me when I show sympathy for the creatures. She says it’s pointless and a way of life.”

“There’s no shame in feeling sad about things, regretful.”

“They don’t talk about you often, only when they’re talking about work stuff. Weren’t you close before?”

Black’s nose scrunches at the question, she looks down at Pink who watched her curiously. “Would you like my honest opinion?” Pink nods and Black inhales deeply. “I... was very much like you. Young, naive, my eyes were wide open. But when I emerged, there was not as much... paternal instincts as they have now for you. They see you more so as a daughter, I was more like the annoying little sister.”

“Really?” Pink grimaces at the thought. It was hard to picture Black like that.

“Mhm. White says that I’m too curious about things. I asked too many questions and inquired too many times. They still don’t like that I do that.” Black looks down and pulls gently on her skirt, fixing where it had ruffled. “My court has learned that I am not all-knowing as the other diamonds like for them to believe. They’ve learned it’s okay to ask questions, to ensure everything is alright and they know the things that are needed.”

Pink hesitates, “So it’s okay if I ask you questions.”

“Whenever you’d like,” Black murmurs. “Even when you’re back on the homeworld. All you have to do is contact me on the communicator.”

Pink grapples Black in a tight squeeze, “Thank you!”

Chuckling, Black returns the hug before pulling back and sighing. Before she could ask a word to the Sapphire, she says, “Yellow and Blue will be searching for Pink if she does not return to them shortly.”

“Then I suppose it’s time to return you,” Black says softly. Pink frowns and groans before nodding, she slides off the arm of Blacks throne carefully before turning to face the diamond.

“Why don’t you come to the homeworld?”

Black shrugs, “I’m not sure. It’s not as appealing as it once was.”

“I throw balls,” Pink says, a hint of suggestion plays in her tone.

“Do you?” Black smiles, “I suppose I’ll have to come to one, one of these days.”

“Please do! It would make my day!”

Grinning, Black nods and says, “Tell you what, you plan the ball and I’ll come and stay for a while. I can give you a break from the other diamonds for a bit.”

Pink nods, her fluff of hair bouncing as she does. “Thank you, Black! I’ll be sure to send you an invitation soon!”

***

I’ll be posting a picture of Black Diamond soon! That way you’ll know how she looks!!!

[h1ghtechl0wlife]

shapeshifting gays are cursed w/ more than shapeshifting

hl: clicks over to a book w/ a lot of reviews that has a nice cover

"When Nox was fourteen, his brother Joth murdered their older brother, their mother, and a human girl. Nox survived, but the attack wrecked his womb. "

RUNS

im in the Bad Section of supernatural mlm

jackalloops: I'm So Sorry

hightech.lowlife: i can't believe abo is a thing that exists out of fanfiction sites

....possibly existed BEFORE the ones on fanfiction sites

squints

i dont want to know

jackalloops: mpreg is abo only got big in self-publishing books around when teen wolf got popular

bc that's where the dynamic started

hightech.lowlife: wh what

jackalloops: in fandom not the show*

hightech.lowlife: i think we've had this exact conversation like 3 times but

oh ok

like not okay but

jackalloops: like there's alpha/betas/omegas in teen wolf but in traditional werewolf fashion not "omegas have vaginas between their balls and ass"

"and everyone sprays their rank musk thru the streets"

hightech.lowlife: y e ah what wrong w ppl

jackalloops: "women don't exist possibly, also"

hightech.lowlife: why am i finding this on amazon

jackalloops: bc amazon lets u self publish

jackalloops:honestly i wouldn't be surprised if this werewolf one [one i linked earlier] is also abo, just hidden

a secret abo-verse

oH

she's the one who wrote the bear shifter books

hightech.lowlife: it better not be bc it looked cute

jackalloops: i can absolutely almost confirm that it's gonna have bo flavor

hightech.lowlife: god dammit

why cant i have gay werewolves tha tDONT GET PREGNANT

am i asking for the MOON zephy

jackalloops: i mean, basicall yes

hightech.lowlife: see what i did there

rev and google have a smirking cat emoji

discord is lacking

imagine one

jackalloops: things i can offer: avoid female authors bc they inevitably started writing gay shit from fanfic and most m/m werewolf writers have their roots in teen wolf's Horrible Fandom unless it's pre-2000

2010ish?

hightech.lowlife: i was leery of the female author for that reason but i thought mb........

but yeah it's like

a Notable issue

i try to avoid female writers for mlm stuff anyway bc just

bad.

incorrect

bad words

jackalloops: saammeeee

someone fanfic writers r fine but once they're trying to publish something it goes

wrong

here's someone who reviewed it who's also reviewed mpreg and abo-verse stuff (link)

me, stalking for good m/m werewolf books

hightech.lowlife: u g h

jackalloops: additionally why would u connect ur legal name to 30ish reviews of mpreg novels

hightech.lowlife: stressful

one of the top reviews on the book i'd been looking at bc it had like 22 positive reviews was like

"though this would contain m-preg was sorely disappointed"

but like

crytyping.

jackalloops: thoug,,,t this woul..dd countaim m---rpef waas sorely disappoin tes

hightech.lowlife: stumbles away from mlm shapeshifter/paranormal books in defeat, AGAIN

jackalloops: same, honestly.

hightech.lowlife: i just hate romance being the only thing in a book (or even like, 5% of the writing) but thats all there is in gay fiction!!! and u think itll get better if u go for a genre like horror or fantasy or smth but it just gets WORSE

kicks something over

a straight person, probably

jackalloops: animals i've noticed aren't used in abo-verse/mpreg fiction: felines (exception: jaguars, for some reason????), reptiles, mermen (unless they're spawning mermen in which case sorry it's awful no one wants to read about clouds of cum in the water that's not??? attractive??? to literally anyone salmon literally die after it happens is how bad it is)

hightech.lowlife: goes over in a huff to ao3 since i've found Trustworthy authors

jackalloops: bears usually aren't unless it's like hypermasc

hightech.lowlife: goes to search i was in

jackalloops: and not even i am into hypermasc

hightech.lowlife: "X has no idea Y is capable of falling pregnant "

IM FEELING VERY ATTACKED

jackalloops: also usually it's hypermasc bear shifter + tiny human boy just on the cusp of adulthood

usually underage

hightech.lowlife: j e su s

and ye ive noticed that abt cat shifters? but try and find gay cat shifters that dont have 100% romance stories

you cant!!

jackalloops: see also with bear shifters/werebears: grossly misrepresented bdsm (no safe words, no consent, not sane)

hightech.lowlife: why

where have all these things come from

oh right

straight women

jackalloops: (:

hightech.lowlife: also, my rec's from bookgorilla ended with a book, in the lgbt section, about a mom sending her gay son to conversion therapy camp because she's religious and 'struggling'

hasn't my day been bad enough????????????????/

jackalloops: that's not .... lgbt... .. . . . . .

hightech.lowlife: well see the whole family LEarns together and grows later and it's

uplifting

you know to straights

kicks something really hard

definitely a straight this time

jackalloops: petition to not let any straight people write any gay literature

hightech.lowlife: signs it seven times

jackalloops: hey actually i bet i could email the white house and b like "dr mister potatonut straight ppl have been writing Too Much Gay Fiction, can u make it illegal and only allow The Gays to produce gay content "

and dumptruck would b like ur absolutely write straight ppl aren't allowed in gay space anymore

hightech.lowlife: snorts

jackalloops: https://68.media.tumblr.com/1793dfec84c0b1ae337a05a53dd0ba41/tumblr_o4711oNXs21syym37o1_500.gif here the dark haired one kinda looks like a werewolf

hightech.lowlife: cute

jackalloops: light haired dude is possibly a cat of some sort

serval?

hightech.lowlife:d efinitely.

jackalloops: neither of them can get pregnant.

hightech.lowlife: omg i wans thinkgin servla

jackalloops: that's about where my creativity ends sorry

but i assure u, no mpreg or abo in that gif

hightech.lowlife: omg neither of them can get pregnant... a dream

what a good story

claps

[shaecanilao]

Just Like The Movies EP. 1

A/N: This is literally a fanfic lmao please bear with me

“Lily, do you have all of your stuff ready?”

My best friend and roommate, Dani, decides to take me with her to a business trip which will be ‘the best vacation of my life’ and ‘a trip I’ll never forget’ – according to her. She’s a perfectionist and she hates it when I forget stuff so here she is frantically going through her suitcase while I’m chilling in the backyard.

She’s shooting in Atlanta with some actors whom I have no idea about because one, she might get sued if she tells me, and two, I’m not really that interested. She’s an assistant producer to this movie that I also I don’t have any idea about. Best thing about this trip is that she’ll have 2 free days at the end of the week so we get to go out and do whatever we want.

For now, I let her worry about her suitcase because I got mine all sorted out.

We’ve just moved into this 3-bedroom house in Boston about 3 weeks ago and needless to say, I’m loving it. We’ve got this space in the backyard where Dani and I get to do boxing or some HIIT in the morning. We finally got to adopt dogs! They weren’t allowed in our old place which sucked so badly. Donut, my 7-month old Golden Retriever, and Bagel, Dani’s 3-year old Brown Lab, also loved running around there playing all morning with Fluffy the neighbor’s dog from over the fence. Fluffy isn’t his real name though. I am yet to ask my neighbor whom I haven’t met.

On the day of our flight, Dani and I woke up at 4 AM to make sure that we don’t get late and boy, I hated it. We got the sitter pick up Donut and Bagel early in the morning too. I wanted to tell her that it wasn’t my idea to get a flight this early. Who gets a 5:30 flight voluntarily anyways?

“You sure you didn’t forget anything?” Dani asked me right at the door.

“Nope.” Oh I forgot something. “Oh wait, Fluffy!”

I ran to the backyard and said goodbye to Fluffy. For sure he’ll be surprised too that Donut, Bagel, and I won’t be playing with him this week.

Right when we got to Atlanta, we ran to the hotel so Dani can drop her stuff.

As I was putting my bags on the bed, Dani said “Crap, I’ve got 20 mins. I gotta run.”

And, she’s out the door. Damn, this girl’s busy. Well, that’s my cue to soak in the bath tub.

A message pops on my screen.

I asked for room service so food will be there in a bit. – Dani

I guess she’s making up for the early morning flight she made me take. If I’m being honest, I didn’t even want to be here. But, being the good friend that Dani is, she forced me to get a life since because I didn’t even notice that I drowned myself with work after that breakup.

Hours have passed and it’s barely 3 pm. I’ve done all the skin care you could possibly put on your whole body and have scrolled through Netflix at least about 5 times. I am bored out of my mind!

I’m so sorry. You know I love you. But can you bring the folder in my white suitcase to the studio please? I really need it now. – Dani

This girl is lucky I am bored.

Okay, be there in 15.

When I arrived in the studio, I asked a guy with one of those radio stuff in his hands hoping he knows my friend. “Hi, I’m Lily Dewan. I’m here for Dani Andrews. Do you know where she is?”

“Sir, Lily Dewan is here.”

“Sir? Dani is a girl. Excuse me?”

“My name’s Eric,” the guy enthusiastically introduced himself. “The director said I should bring you to your trailer already. Dani will be there.”

Okay, that’s kinda weird. Okay, it’s weird.

I went to the trailer and It’s true that Dani is waiting for me there.

“Here’s your file.” I handed her the folder. “Can I go now? What is that guy, Eric, talking about? Something about the director?”

“Promise me you won’t freak out.”

“You’re freaking me out by telling me not to freak out. What is happening?”

“Remember when we shot that video when I asked you to act out lines from a script?”

“Uhm, yes?”

“I showed that to the casting crew of this movie.”

“What are you talking about?”

“We’ve been looking for the right actress for this role for months and the director hasn’t agreed to cast any of the ones that auditioned and the studio is going crazy looking for someone he will like. One of my colleagues accidentally saw that video and she convinced me to show it to the director and he liked you.”

“Why didn’t you tell me before you brought me here?”

“Because I know you and I know that you won’t agree!”

“Exactly, but you still brought me here!”

“Lily, you have every right to say no to this. But, you have nothing to lose. You’re here anyways. Why not try? Just go out there. Try. They’ll shoot actual scenes, but it’s almost like your screen test. If you don’t sign anything, they can just not show it. Besides, I know for a fact that you’ll like who you’ll be acting with.”

“Who?”

“You’ll see when you get there.”

If there’s another important thing you need to know about Dani – she knows how to convince me to do anything.

After all the hair and makeup, I was asked to go to the main studio where the shooting happens. My character is pretty small but she kinda makes the foundation of the story so I guess this is why the director was specific about what he wants, but to be honest, I still don’t know why he wants me. I’m a spy who pretended to be dead to stop her boyfriend who was trying to look for her so that he’ll be kept safe. Said boyfriend then, tried to uncover the truth about her death which lead him to another trouble so I show myself again to save him only to die trying to do so. Then, boyfriend becomes one of the best spies in the world.

The director just finished explaining everything that I will do including the stunts when he called up the actor that I’ll be shooting with.

“Can someone call Rivers up? I’ll introduce him to Lily.” WHO?

“Rivers? Scott Rivers?” I’m gonna kill Dani for sure.

He entered the room with Dani and they were laughing about something. She winked at me when our eyes met knowing exactly how flustered I will be once I get introduced to this guy. I don’t get star struck a lot no matter how popular the person is, but I’ve got the biggest crush on Scott Rivers for years – probably even before I met Dani. He always plays the hot guy who doesn’t give a single fuck, but is actually this hot, smart, and funny guy in real life – or at least in his interviews. He may have a long list of flings and ex-girlfriends, but that doesn’t change my mind about him.

“Hi Scott, this is Lily.”

“Hi Lily. So, you’re the special girl.”

“That’s me.” What am I even saying at this point?

Did I mention that I’m going to have a kissing scene in this movie? I’m the girlfriend who supposedly died and will die for the guy, of course he’s going to kiss me. Knowing that I’m gonna have to kiss Scott just made everything more nerve-wracking.

Fast forward to the end of the week and the whole cast were gathering in a wrap-up party. Apparently, my scenes were the last to be shot so after that, everyone’s relieved and ready to go. We’re in the hotel room with hours away from the party.

“God, I don’t even want to go there. I feel awkward just imagining having to mingle with all the popular kids.” Plus, Scott’s gonna be there again. I can’t…I can’t even think straight when he’s present anywhere.

Dani’s on the vanity table doing her makeup while convincing me to go. Or, should I say forcing me to? “You are a cast member now, Lil. You have to go. The other cast are dying to meet you, too. If you didn’t agree to do this, there will be no wrap up party and we’re probably still searching high-and-low’s for an actress by now. Come on, you won’t want to waste this pretty dress.” She got up from her seat and took out a box from the dresser.

“Guess who asked for my help in picking this out for you?”

“Who?” In the box, is a red silk dress that’s calling my name to put it on. It’s so pretty!

“Who would you like to?”

“Stop it! Dani…”

“Okay, I’m kidding! Come on, it’ll be fun!”

“I’m only going because I’d love to wear this thing out.” I grabbed the dress from her hands and tried it on.

“If you say so.”

When we arrived at the party, Dani brought me right up to the table where the director and other main cast members are.

“Hi everyone. I’m so happy to see you guys again. I’d like you to meet our girl here and my best friend, Lily.”

Scott was seated right across of me and being the awkward turtle that I am, I try to avoid his eyes all at cost. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. They even made fun of the director for giving the studio a hard time trying to find the character that he wants. All the conversations are being drowned out because I can feel someone’s eyes drilling a hole on my face. Damn it.

“Excuse me, I’ll get another drink.” I heard Scott told the guy sitting next to him, while he was looking at me.

I let out a long sigh of relief when he walked away only to get startled by Scott himself when he appeared behind me and tapped on my shoulder.

“Yes?”

“Can I have a word?”

I pinched Dani and begged her to help me escape as I was standing up, but she just smiled at me. She’s giving me away! Great.

We went to the open bar and sat by the stools. Scott ordered drinks for the both of us. As he handed me mine, he said “Try that. You’ll like it for sure.”

“What’s up?” I said, trying my best to appear calm and collected.

��I just wanted to make sure that we’re cool? I just…I just thought you were avoiding my eyes from earlier and yeah I’m glad the dress fits! You look beautiful.” My heart? Exploded.

“You? This is from you?”

“Didn’t Dani tell you? Well I, you know, I know nothing about those stuff so I asked for her help since I figured she’d know you.”

“I thought she was joking! Thank you. I love this. Totally my style.”

You know, if I hadn’t just broken up with an awful ex-boyfriend and if I didn’t know Scott’s reputation, I would have fallen for every bit of it. He’s just so awfully smooth and endearing at the same time. Who can say no?

This whole week felt like a dream to me. I’m not sure if everything really happened or will everything go back to normal when I get home so I decided to just drop everything and have this one last hurrah before we go.

Scott was making a move on me and I can totally sense it. Like I said, who can say no to this guy? I know for sure I can’t. He walked me back to the table and left me with Dani as he went to the bathroom. “Lil, you okay? I could see fireworks shooting everywhere back there with Scott. What are you guys talking about?”

“Oh just life in general. Uhm Dan, I think I’m gonna sleep out tonight.”

“Oh, you slut! Go ahead! Are you on that level already?”

“Maybe? I don’t know. Won’t hurt to try and get there. I mean, the next time I see him will be months from now during the promo tour and he would’ve forgotten about it by then anyways. Why not just go for it, right?” Dani and I high-fived as we laughed together.

You’re single. Go out and sleep with whoever you want. No one’s gonna stop you. That’s what she always says. I suffered 3 years of terrible sex with a guy who ended up cheating on me. I’m having none of that anymore.

I stood up as Scott approached me when he got out of the bathroom.

He whispered on my ear, “Wanna get out of here?”

That was my cue to bid goodbye to everyone including my best friend.

We got into his car and hurried to the hotel.

“We’re staying in the same hotel?” I realized as he made his way to the same hotel Dani and I are checked in.

“I guess that’ll mean you can stay longer in my room.”

“I guess so.”

His room was a lot bigger than ours, but it’s understandable since he’s the lead actor. Without skipping a beat, he went straight to the shower and turned the water on. I was walking around the room thinking he’s already in there when his half-naked body popped out from the bathroom door. “Shower? There’s hot water already.”

“Mind helping me with this dress?” After he untied my dress, I faced him. “We’re still going to be friends, right? Don’t you get weird with me when promo tour starts.”

“Don’t worry, babe. I can handle it.”

“Great. I’m glad we agree to that.”

The night was amazing to say the least. Since we’re both going home after that, Scott and I agreed in having another round of it once promo tour starts. Makes me look forward to it even more now. We left his room at the same time right after lunch: him to go to the airport and me going to my room to pack my stuff.

“I need the details!” Dani kept bothering me about all the stuff with Scott since I came back and it’s hilarious and annoying at the same time. “You need to thank me because I’m the main reason why this happened. I deserve some juicy details.”

“You’re my best friend and I love you, but I’m not gonna fuck and tell.”

She doesn’t look pleased, but tried to push for it. “Just give it a number rating then. From 1 to 10, how good is it?”

“Why do you even wanna know? You work with this guy.”

“It’s not like I don’t hear stories about him anyways and the stories vary a lot so some of them are probably lying about it. I know you won’t lie so you tell me the truth.”

“Fine. I’ll give you a number, but that’s it.”

She squealed and slammed her suitcase shut. “Okay! Give me a number from 1-10.”

I paused and laughed at myself, but I’d be lying if I say he’s any less than 10. “Honestly? Probably a 12. But hey, we all like different things. Let’s just say we like the same stuff.”

“Oh my god, you! Look at you putting yourself out there again! My best friend’s back!”

“It’s amusing how you’re so happy I had good sex.” I’m literally laughing at how happy Dani is. She’s probably happy she was successful in selling me off this week.

“If I were you, I would be this happy, too. 3 years wasted with that guy. Well, bye Felicia!”

And, that it so true.

“Too bad your 12 lives on the other side of the country.”

“He’s an actor. So, I guess staying in Hollywood works best for him.”

“But, so are you, Miss Lily Dewan.”

Oh, I forgot about that. “Technically, yes, but I acted once! And, it’s not like I will do it again.”

“You can never say never.” Dani winked at me.

“Next time you do this to me, I swear I won’t do it. A notice would be nice.”

“Promise I won’t surprise you with stuff like this again.”

Since our flight got delayed for hours, we arrived in Boston at around 7 in the morning. I ran to the door of our house as I saw Donut and Bagel with their sitter waiting for us. Our babies are so excited to see us they were jumping up and down.

I grabbed 3 balls from the bag of the dogs’ toys right beside our door and ran straight through the house to the backyard to play fetch with my babies whom I haven’t seen for a week.

“Come on, loves! Fetch!” I laughed. “Oh no love, it’s underneath the table. HAHA! Bagel, hold on. Dani, can you help me with this? Donut’s ball got stuck. I can’t reach it.” As I stood up I realized I forgot another one. “FLUFFY!!” I called out.

I looked over the neighbor’s backyard hoping that Fluffy heard me.

“Hunter. His name is Hunter. But I could see why you call him Fluffy. And, I see you like dogs too.”

It’s not just Fluffy that’s staring back at me.

“What are you doing here?”

“This is where I live. This is my boy, Hunter.”

Dani comes out of the door and sees me standing there stunned. “What happened to Donut’s…” she looks at the person I’m talking to. “Scott?”

[jbhenwiler]

SU Fanfic: Redemption from a Dark World Day 2

REDEMPTION FROM A DARK WORLD

A STEVEN UNIVERSE FANFICTION

---------------------------------DAY II

   David was in a nightmare.  His hometown was under Gem seige.  He was running for his life and desperately searching for his mother.  Fires were burning all around.    Nearby a car exploded, flying glass shards narrowly missing David's face.  A Quartz soldier darted past him, a spear in her hand, a spear covered in human blood.

   Nearby, Steven's ability to enter dreams accidentally activated.  Steven awoke into a world of smoke and fear.  At first scared and confused, he quickly realized what was happening.

Steven: Oh my gosh, I'm in his nightmare!  (Dodges Gem laser blast and quickly summons his shield)  I gotta find David and wake him up!

David: MOOMM!!! (Sprinting, he vaults over a fallen light pole)  MOOOMMMMM!!!!  (Runs right past a startled Steven without noticing him)

Steven: DAVID!! (David either ignored him or was unable to hear Steven's cry)  David!  Where are you going?  (Is suddenly attacked by an Agate wielding a whip, and Steven becomes locked in combat with the Gem)  Ungh-- I don't have time to fight you!

Agate: Die, human scum!

Steven: I'm obviously NOT a human!  ...Well, not entirely anyway. (Gets hit with the whip) GAH!  (A bleeding cut appears on his arm where the lash bit into it)  Oh man, I can actually get hurt here.  (Summons shield and throws it at the Agate.  The Agate, caught off guard, gets hit in the gem on her chest with the flying shield and the gem cracks.  The Agate immediately begins to malfunction)

Agate: Y---You, You, You... (Continues You-ing on loop)

Steven: I'm so sorry!  (Runs away in the direction David took off in)

   Meanwhile, David has arrived at the burning wreck of his home.  Down the street, an apartment building becomes engulfed in a fireball as a Ruby fusion sets into it.

David: MOM!

David's Mom: David!  Help me!!  I'm trapped!

   David frantically dashes into the burning house.  Inside the kitchen is a fire extinguisher.  David quickly equips it and deftly pulls the pin, and lets loose a volley of foam at the flames surrounding him.  He pushes deeper into the living room, where he finds his mother, who has her legs pinned under a large fallen bookcase that once took up most of a wall.

David: Hold on, I'll get you out!  (Crouches down and begins lifting the shelves with all his strength.  It soon proves to be too much to handle)

David's Mom: David... It's OK... Save yourself, get as far from here as you can!

David: No!  I'm not leaving you behind!  Unnghh... ARRRRGHHH!!  (Desperately pushes himself past his limits.  He begins to cough as the smoke starts filling the room)

David's Mom: David, no!  Get out of here!  This house has gas appliances it's going to blow any second!

David: (Tears freely flowing down his soot-stained face) Mom...

David's Mom:  It's alright, David.  I love you.  I'll always be with you, even as a spirit!  Now go!  GO!!

David: (Finally gives up and gets up, turns to his mother one last time)  Goodbye, mom...  (Sprints through the flames out of the house)

   Just as David runs out of his home, it explodes.  David is knocked off his feet by the blast and he careens into a parked car, the impact cracking the side window, and David then falls onto his back, barely able to stand and crying profusely.  Steven finally catches up with him.

Steven: Oh my gosh!  Are you all right??

David: (Thoroughly traumatized) All my fault... All my fault...

Steven: We have to get out of here!  You need to wake up!!!

David: I could have saved her...

Steven: DAVID WAKE UP!!!

   The Ruby fusion eyes the two of them and begins to stomp in their direction.  Steven's blood runs cold.  He picks up David, hefting him over his shoulder, and runs for their lives in the opposite direction.  The fusion lets out a bloodcurdling roar and gives chase.

David: All my fault...

Steven: Come on, David, I need you to work with me here!

David: (Suddenly gets ahold of himself) Steven, you can put me down now.  (Steven complies)

   The two of them continue running from the Rubies.  They dart into an alleyway where the fusion couldn't fit.  The Rubies don't notice their course change and continue stomping past David and Steven.

Steven:  This isn't just a nightmare...  This is your memory of the day the Gems invaded, isn't it?

   David nods gravely.

Steven: How do we escape this?

David: Usually Rose wakes me up by now!  She-- AGGHHHHHH!!! (A spear tip abruptly pierces David's stomach from behind, stained with fresh blood.  A Jasper chuckles devilishly behind him.)

Steven: DAVID NOOO!!!

   The whole world pixelates and glitches out.  Everything goes white and the nightmare suddenly ends.  David jolts awake and immediately checks his belly to see if he's actually wounded.  Steven rushes downstairs to David's side.

David: Steven... What the heck were you doing in there!?

Steven: I have the ability to enter people's dreams but... I wasn't expecting that power to activate on its own!

   Pearl barges in.

Pearl: What's going on?  What happened?

Steven: My dream powers turned themselves on and I got sucked into David's nightmare.

Pearl: Are you two OK?

Steven: (Checks his arm where he got cut in the nightmare; the cut was only part of the dream) Yeah... We're fine, just kind of shook up.

David: What time is it?

Pearl: It's around 3 AM.  You two should go back to sleep.

David: I don't think I can.  And I don't want to keep scaring Steven with my bad memories.  Is he going to do that every time I have a dream?

Steven: Not all the time.  I can control it usually.

Pearl: Nevertheless, you humans need sleep.  David, why don't you take a walk outside to calm down?

David: That's an excellent idea.  (Gets up, and grabs his sword from the table)

Pearl: Why exactly do you need that?

David: My world's Pearl would often send me out to practice swordplay after I had a nightmare.  She said it would make me feel more powerful and in control.

Pearl: That does sound like me... OK, but don't hurt yourself.

   Cut to beach outside the house.  David is performing agile sword moves befitting his lightweight frame on the moonlit sand.  Sweat is pouring down his forehead.  He pauses for a second and wipes his brow.  Amethyst exits the house and sees David.  She walks down the porch stairs towards him.

Amethyst: Yo, I heard about your little nighttime adventure from Steven.  Was it really that bad in your world?  Fires, explosions, and stuff?

David: ...I don't really want to talk about it right now.  (Executes a parry with an imaginary opponent)

Amethyst: From what I heard from our Rose, the Gem War on our world was really, really bad.  We're more powerful than we look, but to be experiencing all that carnage from a human perspective... I could understand how you'd be having bad dreams every night.  Did Rose... Ever enter your dreams like Steven did just now?

David: (Searches his memories) I... Don't remember her ever doing it.  Then again, I have these dreams so often that they kinda blend together.  I guess it makes sense that if Steven could do it, then Rose could too.  Most of the time Rose would just gently shake me until I woke up.  I think she didn't want to enter my nightmares because she didn't want to relive her own failures in protecting us-- That is, humanity...  That's my take on it anyway.

Amethyst:  You ready to go back inside?

David: (Sheathes his sword into the scabbard strapped across his back) ...Yeah, I think I'm ready.

   David and Amethyst walked along the beach.  Suddenly, a crackling noise issued from where David stepped.

David: Hmm?  (Crouches down, and when he sees what he steps on, his eyes widen and tear up.  He falls down on his knees and stares at the paper in his hands, a tear of relief and joy tracking down his cheek)  My picture of mom... It was here all along...

Amethyst:  Huh.... It must have fallen out of your pocket as Garnet was carrying you back to the house earlier.  Good for you, man.  Try not to lose it again, OK?

David: ...OK.  Let's go home.

   David went inside and went back to sleep, this time slumbering dreamlessly and peacefully until way past sunrise, about 10:30.  He woke up and Steven was in the kitchen.  He walks over to the couch with a bowl of cereal.

Steven: Morning, David.

David: Hey, Steven.  Sorry about last night.

Steven: It's OK.  Just try to come find me and actually let me help instead of locking up next time it happens.  I got you some breakfast.  (Hands David the bowl of cereal he was holding)

David: Thanks.  (Begins eating)

   Enter Pearl.

Pearl: Good morning David.  I have an idea for something we can do today: I'm curious about the sword you arrived here with.  Did your world's Bismuth make it?

David: Yes, she did.  I'd like to meet your Bismuth if it's at all possible.

Pearl: I was just about to suggest that.  Finish nourishing yourself and we'll go to Little Homeworld and meet her.

   David goes stiff.

David: Little... Homeworld?

Pearl:  I understand your predisposition towards Gems you don't know, so Steven will be tagging along with us to support you.

Steven: It's OK, David.  They're all friendly there, and they love humans.  Besides, it'll be good for you to face your fears.

David: (Calms down a little bit) Just... Don't let any of them get too close to me.

   David finishes his cereal and Steven, David, and Pearl prepare to leave.

Steven: Wait... Pearl, how are we going to get to Little Homeworld with David?  He won't go near a warp pad, let alone travel by one.  (David nods in the background)

Pearl: Hmm... Good question.  We may have to borrow Greg's van.  Can you call him over?

   Steven whips out his smartphone and dials his father.

Steven: Hey, dad.  Remember David's fear of warp pads?  We need you to drive us to Little Homeworld.............  OK, we'll wait here.  (Hangs up)

   A few minutes later, Greg pulls up in his signature van.

Greg: All aboard the Universe Express!

Steven: (Slightly embarassed and annoyed) Dad, I told you to stop calling it that.

   The three of them get into the van.  Steven rides next to his father and Pearl and David ride with Greg's assorted belongings in the back.  Greg shifts into drive and moves across the beach towards the streets of Beach City.

David: Friendly Gems...  How many are there?  How do so many exist?

Pearl: This isn't like the world you came from, David.  Most of the Gems in Little Homeworld were members of the original resistance against Homeworld during the First (And only) Gem War.  Most of the rest are Off-Colors, the misfits of Gem society.  And a small minority are Homeworld Gems who simply want to experience life on Earth.  They all love this planet.  There's no need to be afraid of them.

Steven: Like I said earlier, David, these Gems love humans.  Think of them like a big group of Crystal Gems that you never got to meet.  Like a bunch of moms-- I mean, Rose Quartzes.

David: (Frowns as he thinks of the way Rose treated him)  That wasn't really the best analogy, Steven.

   They remain silent the rest of the trip.  15 or so minutes later, Little Homeworld appears before them.  Despite feeling less scared then before, David is still visibly tense.  They pull up into a parking lot near the entrance to the village.

Greg: Alright, guys.  We're here!  Do you want me to come with you guys?

Steven:  If you want to, dad.

Greg: I'll come with you then.  (Opens the driver's door)

   The four of them get out of the van and stroll into Little Homeworld.  Immediately a wide variety of Gems come into sight.  David walks behind the rest of the group and is visibly uneasy.

Steven: It's OK, David.  Just stay close to me.

Assorted Gems: Yo, what's up, Steven? Hey, Pearl!  Check out my new jacket! Steven, can you help me with something when you're not busy?

Calcite: (Walks up to David, who immediately bristles with fear)  Hey there, pal!  Haven't seen you around these parts before.

David: (Whimpers and hides behind Steven)

Steven: Hey, Calcite, this guy's not very into strangers.  Could you leave him alone for now?

Calcite: Oh, sorry.  I understand some humans can be skittish around Gems.  I'll see you around, OK?

Steven: Thanks for understanding!  See ya later!

   The group walks to a large building with a huge sword hanging over the entrance.  A sign next to the door reads in both English and Gem: "Bismuth's Forge and Construction."

Pearl: Here we are!  Go on in, David.

David: Does she know about me?

   Pearl: ...I talked to her last night while you were sleeping.  She knows you're from an alternate universe where we lost Earth, that you were a Gem slave, and that your Bismuth made you a sword.  That's pretty much all she knows.

David: ...OK.

   David, Pearl, and Steven walk into the forge.  Greg stays outside.

Greg: I'm... Going to stay out here.  I don't generally like being in spaces with giant hammers and swords hanging over my head.

   Inside the forge...

Pearl: Bismuth?  That young man we were talking about is here to see you!

   A thud can be heard from deep within the building.  Out from a door behind a flow of lava came the forge master, Bismuth.

Bismuth: (Sizes up David) Well, lookie here!  So you're the human everyone's talking about.  Come over here and let me look at you better.

David: (Nervously looks at Steven)

Steven: It's fine.  Go ahead.

Bismuth: That's right.  I don't bite.

   David walks slowly towards Bismuth.  Bismuth immediately sees the sword strapped on his back.  Her brow furrows.

Bismuth: Yep.  I can already tell that's my handiwork.  It's a darker shade of pink than I'd normally make one, but it's definitely my work.  Can I see it?

David: (Draws the sword, and hands it to Bismuth)

Bismuth: (Thoroughly examining the blade) It's really lightweight... In fact, there's an antigravity orb built into the hilt.  (Looks at David)  You'd probably need a really light sword, given the obvious abscence of muscle on your bones.  Big blade, but light enough for a malnourished human to handle.  Not the easiest task, but for me... I could do it.   I could definitely do it.

David:  It...  It took several iterations for her to develop it.  I was the first human my version of you made a weapon for... And probably the last.

Bismuth:  What do you mean?

David: .......................

Bismuth: Spit it out, boy, I can take it.

David: You-- I mean, she... Her forge was discovered by the enemy not too long after she completed my sword... Nobody knows whether she was captured, shattered, or somehow made it out of there before the heavy artillery destroyed the place.  I never saw her again... I'm sorry.

Bismuth: It's alright.  It obviously wasn't your fault.  At least I got this masterwork out before I went down.  Truly a perfect weapon for a wonderful human being.  (Smiles warmly at David, then looks back at the sword)  Come to think of it... This alloy... Something's nagging me about it.  Can I analyze this real quick?  I promise I won't mess it up.

David: Sure, go ahead.

   Bismuth takes the sword over to a machine.  She inserts the blade into a slot on the front of the device.  At once, a holographic screen pops up and displays a diagram associated with text in the Gem language.  Bismuth looks at the data and quickly her mood darkens.

Bismuth: ...Just as I thought.  This blade... It's made with a similar material to the Breaking Point.

   Steven and Pearl immediately are shocked.

Steven: You mean...!?

Bismuth: Things must really have been grim in his world... 'Cause this sword... Is made for shattering Gems.

Pearl: David did you know about this!?

David: (Is panicking a little bit) N-No!  I never had to use it.  Rose would never let me fight!

Pearl: I don't think you should be carrying that thing around, David.  Give it to me, Bismuth.

   David appears to become even more upset.

Steven: Pearl, no.  It's fine.  I don't think he would shatter a Gem.  He's not that type of person.

Pearl: You've only known him for a day, Steven!  How do you think he'll react if a Gem threatens him?

Steven: You're right, Pearl.  I don't know how he'd react.  But what I do know is that weapon is like a comfort object for him... It makes him feel safer having it near him.  Taking it away would just make him feel more vulnerable and make his behavior more erratic.

Pearl: ........ I guess you have a point, Steven.  But, (Looks at David sternly) If I see you making any advances on anyone... You're going to be in big trouble!

David: (Nods quickly)  I promise I won't hurt anyone.

Bismuth: (Hands David the sword back) Treat this carefully, kid.  A weapon like this is a big responsibility.

David: (Sheathes the sword) That's the same line my Bismuth gave me when she first gave me this thing.  I hope she's OK...

Bismuth:  Us Bismuths are practically indestructible, David.  Even if the forge collapsed on me... I'd probably just be buried in the rubble somewhere.

David: ............... (Looks concerned)

Bismuth: ...Yeah, I guess that's a problem, if nobody's around to dig me out.  Heh, sorry to give you that thought, kid.  Nothing can be done about it now.

   Just then, Peridot and Lapis Lazuli walk into the forge.

Peridot: ...And that's what I think of the final season of Camp Pining Hearts!

   David cries out and runs to the far end of the forge.

Peridot: ...What's his problem?

Steven: This is David.  He's...From another version of Earth where things didn't go as well for the Crystal Gems.  He's afraid of most Gems.

Peridot: A human, scared of me, the great and loveable Peridot!?  That's not possible!  Come here and mingle!

David: N-N-Not happening!

Peridot: ...This is beyond science.

Lapis: Peridot, being flamboyant won't help him.  Here, let me try.  I know how to deal with the emotionally damaged.  (Walks closer to him)  Your name is David, right?  It's OK, I know what it feels like to be traumatized.

Steven: Uh, Lapis?  His situation was different from yours.  In fact, not to belittle you or anything, but he's been through a lot worse than you have.

Lapis: (Skeptical) Worse than being trapped in a mirror for a few thousand years?

David: (Lifts his shirt over his head, hiding his shivering face and exposing his scarred flesh)

Lapis: ...I stand corrected.

Peridot: (Looking at the skin) What's wrong with his skin?  It's... Disfigured.

Steven: Humans get like this if they're cut up bad enough and then heal.  Could you please stop bothering him, he looks like he's going to faint.

David: (Actually does faint)

Steven: Aw, man.  Had to give him the idea.

Bismuth: Hold up, I'll go get him.  (Walks over and picks up David in one arm, sweeps clutter off a table with the other, and sets him down on the cleared stone surface)

Lapis: Is he really that afraid of us?

Peridot: What did we do?

Steven: Nothing, Peridot.

Pearl: He comes from a world where humans are constantly tormented by Gems.  This seems to have caused him to develop a unique case of Crystallophobia, or fear of Gems and crystals and in his case, most Gem-related paraphernalia and technology.

Peridot: Then why isn't he afraid of you guys?

Steven: Certain Gems he knows and trusts are OK with him, like Pearl, mom, Garnet, and he knew a little bit about Amethyst.  He probably wasn't scared of me at first because he thought I was a human when he met me.

David:  (Starts awake) NO!!

   Everyone jumps back.

Peridot: ...No what?

Steven: Another nightmare?

David: (Nods, then startles when he notices Peridot next to him)  Don't hurt me!

Steven: David, these two are Lapis and Peridot.  They're our friends.

Pearl: They're both official Crystal Gems.  Rose never met them in your timeline, so you wouldn't have known about them.

David: (Stops shivering and lets out a big sigh) ..........A Peridot was the Gem who kept me in a cage before Yellow Diamond... Took me.

Lapis: We would never hurt a human.

Peridot: At least, not anymore.  (Steven glares at her)  ...Sorry, shouldn't have said that.

Steven: We've done what we needed to do here, anyway.  We should go.

Bismuth: I've got work to do.  But David, if you need a person to talk to, I'm pretty much always here, give me a visit, you hear?

David: OK.  Goodbye.  (Gets off the table and sets out towards the door)

   Just after going outside, Jay is confronted with a Homeworld Gem, an Agate with a Yellow Diamond symbol on her chest.

Agate: Hello!  Don't think I've met you before.  I'm Moss Agate, how are you, little guy?

David: H-Hi...

Moss Agate: There's no need to be shy.  I'm quite fond of you humans.  Want to go eat something together?

Greg: (Was standing outside the door)  Hey, he's really nervous around Gems.  It's probably best if you leave him be.

Moss Agate: Oh, are you now?  That's too bad.  Come find me if you decide to, OK?  (Exit Moss Agate)

   Enter Steven and Pearl.

Steven:  You probably shouldn't rush off like that, David.

Greg: Back to the van?

Pearl: While we have you here, perhaps we should go to the clothing store.  It should be open by now.

Greg: OK, let's go!

   They all leave Little Homeworld and get back into the van.  Greg drives to an strip mall.

Steven: So, David, you feeling a little better around strange Gems?

David: .... Maybe a little bit.  I guess Moss Agate was being nice to me.

Steven: That's the spirit!

Greg: OK.  You guys want to come in with me and David?

Pearl: I don't see any need to.  David, you should probably leave your sword in the van.  Generally most human facilities do not allow weapons.

David: (Unstraps his scabbard and sets it next to him, then gets out.

Steven: I'll come with you, dad!  (Unfastens his seat belt and opens his door.

   David, Greg, and Steven circle the van and step onto the sidewalk.  Before them are stores like "Beach Mart" and "GamePlace."

David: Rose, Pearl, and Garnet would often go out and loot old human stores to get food and clothes for me... Among other things.

Greg:  Thankfully our stores are still working and I have plenty of money.  Pick whatever outfits you want, OK?

David: Got it.

   They enter a somewhat large department-style store called "Stacey's."  Inside are human employees and customers, as well as a couple Gems from Little Homeworld window-shopping.  David walks to the Men's area and looks around.  He picks a variety of clothes in his size, including shorts, jeans, and T-shirts, and new shoes, and goes to the changing room.  After trying all of them on, (They all fit perfectly) he goes back to Greg and Steven, wearing a green Beach City T-shirt and blue shorts.

Greg: Tourist outfit, eh?  That's cool.  Let's go check out and go have lunch.  I know a really good Mexican restruant around here.

Steven: You mean Mira Aquí?  Oh, man, David.  You're in for a treat!

   Greg checks out for David's new clothes.  David peeks at the price display popping out from the register.  The total came out to be over $120.

David:  Thanks for everything, Greg.  I mean it.

Greg: No problem, David.

   They return to Pearl in the van.

Pearl: You look nice, David.

David: Thanks.

   Greg gets into the driver's seat.

Greg: So I thought we'd take David to Mira Aquí.

Pearl: Ugh... That place, really?  It stinks of grease and meat.

Steven: Oh, come on, Pearl!  David'll love it!

Pearl: Fine, but I'm staying in the van.

Steven: Yay!

   Greg starts his engines and drives down the street for about 2 minutes before coming to another strip mall.  In bold red letters above one of the slots were the words "Mira Aquí."  Greg parks in front and unlocks the doors.

Greg: You sure you don't want to come in, Pearl?

Pearl: Out of all human food-consumption facilities, this place has the most disgusting and messy products.  I'll remain here and... Guard the van.

David: (Looks confused)

Steven: Don't let her fool you, David.  Mira Aquí's food is the most delicious Mexican food in the whole state of Delmarva!

Greg: He's right.  Me and Rose came here once.  (Pearl scoffs)

   Greg, David, and Jamie get out of the van, leaving a slightly fuming and very salty Pearl behind.  Inside they are seated by a waitress and the three of them look over the menu.

David: Greg, what do you recommend here?

Greg: The Aqua Burrito is one of my favorites.  It's all good, really.

David: I'll get that then.

   They order their food and wait.  David also orders a horchata.

David: ...Mom and me really liked this drink... We would always order lots of it when we went out to Mexican restruants.

Greg: No need to explain, David.

   Soon their food arrives.  David once again is overcome with happiness as he eats.

Steven: See, I told you you'd like it!

Greg: He's really tearing into it.  How long was it since you ate at a restruant, David?

David: .......2 years, 4 months, 3 days... Not counting when Amethyst took me to the fry stand yesterday.

Greg: ...That's oddly specific.

David: ...The last time I went out to eat was... The day Gems invaded.  I was eating out alone when I heard the first explosions.  That's why I was running towards my house in the nightmare, Steven.  I was away from home when they came... And when I got home.......

Steven: It's OK, David.  You don't have to tell us.

Greg:  Your mom died that night, didn't she?

Steven: Dad!?

David: (Is restraining tears)  I'll never forgive them...

Steven: Forgive who?

David: The Diamonds.  They took everything from me.  My home, my world, my mom...  If it wasn't for Rose, then they would have taken my life too.

Greg: Anyway... What was your mom like?

Steven: Is it really a good idea asking him that?

David: No, it's fine.  She was the best mom I could have asked for.  My dad died in a car accident when I was a baby, so it was just her raising me.  Thankfully dad had a lot of money saved and mom had a really well-paying job as a secretary for a large company in Empire City, so we were never strapped for cash.  We did all sorts of fun things.  We even took a vacation in Beach City once.

Steven: Did you meet any of the Crystal Gems... Or dad?

David: No, they were preoccupied with their own things.  I could see the temple in the distance sometimes, but for the most part we didn't get too close.

Greg: Did your Rose... Ever talk about me?

David: .....Amethyst told me I shouldn't be telling you this...

Greg: I died?

David: (Nods)  Rose tried to escape with you, Garnet, and Pearl while Amethyst stayed behind, I guess she was the Gem making sure the enemy didn't go after the others.  Rose and the others would never discuss it with me directly, but... There's a shrine in Rose's base... It has your picture... And your broken guitar...

Steven: I guess that explains why I don't exist in your timeline... Mom and dad never had the chance to make me.

Greg: Steven, your math is a little off... David says the Gems invaded about 2 years ago.  You're 17.

David: (Shrugs)

Greg: Let's finish our food.  I don't want to keep Pearl waiting for too long.

   David, Greg, and Steven eat the rest of their meal.  Greg pays up and they leave Mira Aquí for the van.  Pearl is still salty.

Steven: Hey Pearl, we're back!

Pearl: Rose had to be going to a place like this, didn't she.

David: My Pearl didn't seem to like humans eating either.  She would always go to another room in the base come mealtime.

Pearl: (Huffs in a superior fashion)

   Greg starts the van.

Greg: Home, then?

Steven: Sure.

   Greg drives the group back to the beach house.  Everyone (But Greg) gets out of the van and goes into the home.  A short montage scene plays where Steven and David talk and play video games.  Soon it is around 8:30 PM.

Pearl: Steven, bedtime!

David: Honestly, you're almost an adult.  Your bedtime should be later.

Steven: Eh, I'm used to it.  How late did your mom let you stay up?

David: At your age?  10:30.

Steven: Pearl reads a lot of (Air quotes) "Teenage parenting manuals."  She's convinced I need as much sleep as possible.

David: Honestly, she's not wrong.

Steven: Was your Pearl very naggy or restrictive?

David: Hmm... Not quite as much.  Rose on the other hand... Well, you already know how my Rose was.  It was hard.  She would barely ever let me leave the compound.  Garnet wouldn't do anything unless there was a battle involved.  Pearl was the more lenient one in my case.  Like I told you, she had Bismuth make me my sword, and would train me for using it.  She (Or Garnet, for that matter) must have anticipated I would eventually get into a fight where it was either me dying or a Gem getting shattered... That's the reason my sword was made the way it was, I bet.  In that world, it was no holds barred.

Steven:  But you never had to use it?  The sword, that is.

David: ...I almost did.  Me and Pearl were walking back to the base when we heard footsteps near us.  Pearl told me to hide.  I hid behind a nearby boulder.  It was a Homeworld Gem, a Quartz soldier, to be exact.  If she found me... I would have no choice but to fight.  Pearl shape-shifted herself into a Homeworld Pearl's uniform for Yellow Diamond, since her Crystal Gem outfit was on the Wanted list.  They talked for a bit... I couldn't make out what they were saying for the most part.  What I could hear were phrases that made it seem that the local Quartz Brigade was searching for "wild" humans to capture... It made me sick to be spoken of like that... Like I was nothing more than an animal.

Steven: And then?

David: Pearl somehow managed to convince the Quartz that the entire area was dangerously unstable due to rockslides, that several Gems had fallen to their deaths in this zone.  The Quartz gave in and walked off.  Then Pearl motioned for me to come out of hiding and we kept going, not stopping until we reached the compound.

Steven: You keep saying you and the other Crystal Gems lived in a "Compound."  What was that?

David: You could definitely say it was much less luxurious than this Crystal Temple.  We were officially in hiding, and we were on a captive planet.  We couldn't afford to be conspicuous.  Our "Crystal Base," or sometimes "Crystal Compound," was basically a series of caves dug into the side of a mountain cliff in a forest.  The spot was chosen because it was an area that would confound scanners and be invisible from above.  I hated it.  It was damp, cramped, and we had to be quiet because too much noise would echo outside of the cave and anyone passing by could hear us... Then again, it did an excellent job keeping us safe.  In the entire year leading up to me... Getting here, we were never discovered.

   Camera pans upwards to reveal that Pearl was listening to their conversation.  Steven starts and looks up at her.  Before Steven could protest, she started speaking.

Pearl: Living in fear like that... And no chance of fighting the Gems off the planet with your limited numbers... What a bleak life you and the Crystal Gems in that world must have led.

David: 2 Gems, a permafusion, and... Me.  We weren't a resistance in any sense of the word.  We were living in a nightmare world, hoping the monsters didn't find us.  If they did find us, a hopeless battle to the death with no chance of survival would ensue.  We didn't even have warp pads.  We had to get around on foot, since the warp system was closely monitored and a warp in our base could give the enemy direct access to our doorstep.

Steven: How did you get fed?

David: (Motions to his gaunt body) Not well.  I was obviously the only member of the team who needed to eat, and Rose, Pearl, and sometimes Garnet would take turns raiding the ruins of nearby human towns for food.  Since we lived in a forest, we also had access to a lot of fruit-bearing plants... Come to think of it, that's how I got to this world.

Steven: ...What?

David: Me and Rose were hunting for berries when a storm suddenly kicked up... It was really bad.  Lightning struck a nearby tree, and it began to fall... Rose saw that it was going to fall right onto me and she jumped at me, knocking me out of the way as the big trunk crashed into the ground.  We abandoned our harvest and legged it for the cliffs... At the bottom of the cliffs was a river.  I looked down and could see that it was a frothing raging torrent.  Rose was running faster than I could keep up.  "Slow down!"  I remember yelling at her.  She ran slower then.  Then we were running on a stone cliff... The rain made the floor really slippery.  The traction on my worn-out shoes was smooth, and I ended up slipping. I had been running too close to the edge, and I fell off.  I grabbed onto an indentation on the rock face, clinging on for dear life.  That got Rose to immediately stop... But she was too late.  My hand started to give way.  Rose was on her stomach reaching out over the cliff to grab me.  Mixed in with the raindrops falling off her hair I could see her tears beginning to fall............. But that couldn't save me this time.  Before her hand could reach mine, I finally slipped.  I screamed the whole way down.  Thankfully I hit the river instead of the shore, which would have killed me on impact from that height, but the current was much too fast for me to swim to shore.  It carried me headfirst downstream, and I could hear Rose in the distance screaming my name desperately. That's when my head hit a rock, and I was knocked unconscious.  When I woke up... I was with you guys in this very living room.

Pearl: So you were carried by the river... I guess through some kind of portal... Into our dimension...  We better search the nearby ocean for energy signatures, perhaps we could learn what exactly brought you here.  Anyway, you humans need to--

David: Sleep, I know.  That was Rose's mantra every night.

Pearl: Sorry.  I didn't mean to set off any bad memories.

Steven: Remember what I said this morning, David.  If you have another nightmare, and I'm in it, don't get hung up.  Team up with me and let me help you.

David: Sounds like a plan.

   Steven left for the bathroom to change into his bedclothes.  David went down to the couch and lay down.  Before he put the covers over himself, he lifted his shirt and began to feel his scars.  Pearl noticed him doing this and walked over.

Pearl: How long were you in Yellow Diamond's service?

David: ...A week.  Yellow made a point to her soldiers to make me last.  Non-lethal wounds only.  That Quartz Rose saved me from technically disobeyed Yellow by stabbing me through my chest.  She really liked hurting humans... And went too far in hurting me.  I knew long before she did it that she would be the one to kill me... I could tell from the fact she was obviously relishing attacking me... 27.

Pearl: What...?

David: 27.  That's how many scars I have, counting the one on my chest.  they're everywhere; on my back, front, legs, arms.  Some of them are small, some of them are long...  I used to count them every day when I was at Rose's place... Wishing they would go away...

Pearl: (Sits down next to David, and puts her hand in his) It's only going to get better from here, David.  We all want you to be happy.  Get some sleep.  (Exit Pearl)

   David takes the picture of his mom out of his pocket and stares at it.  He runs a finger over it.

David:  I bet it was you, mom.  You stayed with me as a spirit and guided me here when I was about to die...  You brought me to safety like my guardian angel...  (A tear falls down his face)

   Amethyst overheard that.  She opened her mouth to say something, then decided against it and turned around, walking back through the magic door into her room.  David, oblivious to this, got up and turned off the light, goes back and pulls the covers over his body, and quickly falls asleep.