Lost

Chapter 12

When they walk into the dome with a still corrupted Steven everyone feels incredibly discouraged. The diamond essence should have worked, so why didn't it?

Peridot starts pacing, chin in her hand, as her mind starts running a mile a minute. "Maybe it didn't work because he's a diamond and essence from all four diamonds is needed." She stops suddenly, fully capturing everyone's attention, "I have two theories. One, the healing fountain doesn't actually contain any of Pink Diamond's essence like we previously assumed, therefore it didn't work because we're missing one of the four essences needed to heal him. Second, that it isn't technically Pink Diamonds essence that heals corruption when combined with the other diamonds essences, but Steven's as Pink Diamond, that's required. I'm leaning more toward the second."

Pearl, Garnet and Connie look intrigued, while everyone else simply looks confused. "What makes you say that?" Asks Connie

Peridot continues her pacing, Steven starts following behind her, for seemingly no other reason than to follow her movements. "Steven isn't Pink Diamond, we all know that. He does, however, have a Pink Diamond gem, and while he has a very recognizable aura of Pink Diamond, his consciousness is entirely different from hers. It's the consciousness, or sense of self that affects one's aura. The aura of a diamond is what produces the essence in their extraction chambers. Without Pink's consciousness, the fountain can likely only heal basic gem injuries, and without Steven's consciousness corruption can't be healed." She pauses for a moment, and Steven nearly runs into her.

"We know Steven's healing powers work differently than Pinks, despite having the same gem. So it makes sense that without Steven's version of diamond essence, corruption can't be healed."

Everyone looks decidedly distraught at the information. If true, can Steven ever be healed? Will they ever be able to have their sweet boy back?

Connie stands up from her spot on the floor, "Well, whether that's true or not, Steven's not gone. He's right here in front of us, so we can't lose hope. Peridot, why don't you call the Diamonds quick and inform them of the results, and your theory as well. Maybe they can help expand on it and come up with possible solutions. The rest of us should head into town. We need to figure out exactly what Steven's been going through to lead to this. It's possible, learning how this came about could lead us to a solution."

Garnet straightens up and adds, "Remember, there's never been anyone like Steven before. He seems to always break the mold. So like Connie said, let's not lose hope."

Determined, everyone nods in unison and the group of gems, humans, and one corruption head downstairs to plan out who's going where. Pearl goes to the fry shop to speak with the Fryman family, Garnet speaks with Kofi, Kiki and Nanafua at Fishstew Pizza, Greg meets with Vidalia and Onion, Connie finds and talks to the Cool Kids, and Bismuth and Lapis cover as much of Little Homeworld as they can.

Amethyst finds Mr Smiley at Funland, running around, clearly busy but thankfully less insanely busy now that he's got so much gem help. Which she's even more grateful for because that means he's got a moment to talk with her when she asks. While they talk, Steven, who followed her closely the entire time, seems mesmerized by the sights and sounds around him. She keeps an eye on him carefully, the last thing they need is a panic and to lose him again.

—-------------------

There's so many noises and colors! The forest he was in wasn't exactly quiet, what with all the birds and other animals around, but that doesn't hold a candle to this place! There's people and gems everywhere, some just milling about, chatting, and others operating machines and exchanging paper objects for things. Some are talking quietly to each other, others are yelling from across the way. He can't help but watch in fascination as some humans and gems climb onto one of the large machines. When it's full a gem pulls a lever, activating the machine. It starts moving, slow at first and the seats the passengers are in start spinning, gradually picking up speed. Suddenly a delightful sound reaches his ears. The people and gems are screaming and laughing in joy while the machine lifts and spins them around! What fun! After a few minutes the machine slows to a stop and the passengers disembark, only for more to take their place and the whole process repeats. The same thing is happening all around, some machines, rides, are larger and faster, filled more with screams and others are smaller, slower, with small humans and gems giggling away. This whole place is filled to the brim with joy and he loves it, basks in it. So much fun!

It isn't long before he feels Amethyst's hand on his head. He may be taller than her, and she may have to reach up to pet him, but he'll always happily enjoy her attention, lowering his head for easier access for her. He looks over at her, seeing the sad smile on her face. She shouldn't be sad, not while there's so much joy around them. She guides him out through the archway they entered from. He notices the stares they receive as they pass, but can't be bothered to care. He's too concerned with finding a way to cheer Amethyst up as they leave Funland.

They pass a building with large open doors, inside is filled to the brim with metal machines and bright flickering colors. He hears one of the machines say, "Someone punch me! Please!" and can't help but be drawn in. His tail wags as he turns to go inside the colorful wonderland before him. Amethyst follows him when she sees him turn. The floor beneath his paws is soft and colorful, everything's colorful. He can't help but prance around happily. He goes right up to the machine that's literally begging to be punched. Amethyst watches as he raises a paw, as if to punch the machine, giggling a little. He slashes his paw down, trying to punch like the machine wants, and it crumbles under his claws. Pieces of metal and plastic go flying everywhere, the machine's voice rapidly slows, sounding deeper, before stuttering out completely. Amethyst gasps and pulls him away, he can hear someone yelling now, so he follows her, running out of the arcade, while she laughs. When they're far enough away Amethyst slows and laughs more, with her hands on her knees.

"Dude! You literally crushed that game!" He gives her a dog-like grin, happy that she seems to have cheered up from her earlier melancholy.

—------------------------------------------

The sun is heading for the horizon as everyone regroups back at the house. He watches the seagulls call as they fly about, catching the last food of the day and enjoying the last rays of warm sunshine. He then follows Amethyst inside. Over the next hour or so he lays on the window seat and continues to watch the gulls while everyone talks about what they did while he and Amethyst were at Funland. He glances over at the group when the human girl speaks up.

"So," she takes a shaky breath, "This all boils down to one thing. Steven's cor-corruption has been happening slowly over the last few... Months..."

"And none of us noticed." The blue gem says, fists clenched and looking angry. He whines a little, looking at them all sadly. He's not sure what they're talking about, but it makes him feel bad, whatever it is.

The pale gem gets up and starts pacing again. "We know it has something to do with those moments we've seen him glow pink. Like that time at The Reef with Volleyball. He got so upset when he learned Pink was the one who hurt her."

"When we fused to rescue the out of control roller coaster Smokey glowed pink when we couldn't run fast enough. Steven was feeling a lot of stress and pressure at that moment. It was still super cool to be able to move so fast that everything else looked slo-mo." Amethyst seems contemplative as she remembers that time.

Everyone goes quiet for a moment when he perks up at the sound of a knock on the door. The human girl opens it, revealing a familiar gem.

In walks Centi, his Nephrite friend!