(Alternate) Steven Universe x Corrupt gem reader Insert

part 135: Test complete

With a yell of frustration Steven runs up the ramp, prompting the boulder to be pushed back as well. He chased the boulder all the way back up to the statue's mouth, in which you promptly chased after him up the ramp.

Upon entering the mouth, you both come out atop the faux dungeon course, which was a massive rectangular prism that was over a deep, black void. Here, you got a clear view of the entire set-up. It almost reminded you of a game glitch with how everything was just suspended above the pseudo dungeon; from the pendulum blades to the spiked block, all of which only moved with you were in close proximity. Slowly, you came to the end of the prism.

My stars. You had to wonder how much time they spent on this.

"I... can't believe it." Steven said slowly in devastation at the scam. He groaned out loud, putting a hand up to his head in frustrated hurt. "It won't be easy. Good luck, you're gonna need it." Steven bitterly repeated the gem's parting words to him. "How am I supposed to prove myself if they keep-"

"Steven has no need to prove himself."

Steven flinched at the tense tone in your voice and looked up at you. You stared at the beam silently before closing your eyes and letting out a deep sigh, turning your head to look at him with a stern expression. "Steven never needed to prove himself. He already has many achievements that make him worthy with or without a test."

Steven's face crumpled a bit with timidity and found himself shrinking back a bit from your serious expression, averting his gaze as he tried to think of a response. "I-I mean, I know... but I--"

"No buts, mister." You interrupted him, lifting a finger in a scolding manner, before lightly booping his nose. "(Name) may not have been there for all of Steven's escapades, but what she has seen and heard Steven go through makes Steven a very capable and very brave crystal gem."

He was quiet for a moment, his face softening as he pondered your words. But then he sighed, taking your paw into both his hands, pushing it away from him as he turned his head and looked to the ground, avoiding your gaze. "I know, I guess... but I just... want to hear that from--"

"What's taking them so long?"

You both suddenly heard a voice near the end of the prism. It sounded like Amethyst's voice.

"Beats me. I'd think they'd figure it out by now." You heard Spinel's voice reply.

Curious, you both wandered over towards the edge of the prism with Steven kneeling down beside you and you crouching down as you peered off the edge of the prism.

At the end of the course, there was a large platform decorated in a massive cluster of star balloons with a manner reading 'Congratulations" in cursive writing. Standing beneath the display were the four gems in question, apparently waiting for you both to emerge.

"I didn't think mine was very difficult." Pearl noted worriedly. "Do you think he hurt himself?"

"There's no way." Garnet assured her calmly. "It's impossible for him to fail."

Spinel scoffed as Amethyst groaned out loud.

"Where's the fun in that?" Spinel pouted with a roll of her eyes.

"Yeah, what's the point?" Amethyst asked in annoyance.

"The point is that he's come far." Pearl explained, almost matter-of-factly. "He can make Rose's bubble! And he's pulled out Rose's shield twice."

"Three times," Garnet corrected. "Counting the time me and him first encountered (Name)."

"Ah, right. Well, nevertheless, he's lost his healing powers. We have to give him another success." Pearl continues on. "He can't lose his confidence like that again."