Begginings

Chapter 1: Who's That?

Jasper's POV

I woke up to the sound of blazing sirens. It was nothing new, just how we woke up every day here at Camp. I got up, rubbing my arm. I had gotten a pretty nasty blow at training yesterday. I don't know how it happened. Usually I could always counter my trainer's attack moves, but yesterday I just slipped up. It wasn't great for my training record. If I ever wanted to get out of here I would need to be flawless in combat, as other classes weren't my strong point.

Immediately I noticed a difference in the atmosphere. I could hear murmuring outside of my dorm, which wasn't normal. My dorm was - lot farther from the other ones, because I was granted a more separated living quarters for showing extreme promise in the art of combat and negotiation (mostly by force). I was eager to see who it was, even though I was worried. I fixed my scruffy pale orange hair into a messy ponytail and peeped out of the crack in the door.

There were two different gems, and I knew who one of them was. She was the camp's head, Hematite. She came to speak at important meetings and also came into Camp when new shipments of junior gems were here. What was she doing here? I didn't know at all.

The gem she was talking to was a fairly tall, but not noticeably tall, purple-colored gem with large shoulder guards and her dark grey hair in a neat bun. Her body seemed to have youth, but her face showed signs of old mentality. In her left eye she had a bright red gem, shaped in a horizontal oval. She was speaking to Hematite, her head shaking and her voice slow and careful.

I studied her a little closer, and realized that around her gem a large black diamond was placed neatly around it, almost overlapping her other, functioning eye. Only the diamond authority and it's very close counterparts could ever have diamonds or triangles on their outfits or bodies! This gem must work with red diamond! Or maybe...

"Jasper? Are you present?" I jumped back as Hematite spoke. I tried to sound like I wasn't eavesdropping, and replied.

"This is Jasper. How could I be of service?" I recited, as I had been taught to speak to my superiors like. Hematite opened the door, smiling robotically with her grey face. I swear, she could be a robotic drone. There's no difference.

"Jasper, meet Red Diamond."

"R-red Diamond?" I asked, stammering. I was not an easily impressed gem, but Red Diamond was legendary!

She, along with the founder Clear Diamond, founded Homeworld City and created society as we know it! Clear Diamond was the brains, but Red Diamond was the brawn. She fought ancient gem monsters for territory, conquered incredibly tough terrain, and was the biggest, baddest gem this world has ever seen! She was the only reason I ever paid attention in Gem History class! I couldn't believe I was meeting her in person! However I did wonder why she looked so old...

"Yes, I am Red Diamond. You are Jasper, correct?"

"Yes. I am." I replied, regaining my professionalism.

"I've been hearing good things about you. You show good promise in the art of combat." Internally, I was freaking out, but I kept my cool.

"Really? I wouldn't say that..."

"Oh, you are. I've seen footage of your battle techniques. They're very impressive. Slightly barbaric, but impressive."

"Thank you!" I replied, smiling wide and clenching my fists excitedly. I just couldn't hold it in anymore!

"Now, Jasper, I didn't just come here to tell you how good at fighting you are. Today a new shipment of Junior Gems will come in, and there's one in particular that we believe has great potential. Her name is Rose Quartz. Since you're such a promising student, you'll be her companion. She will live with you in your dorm, and you will be in many of the same classes. I would like you to mentor her, in a sense. Especially in combat." A companion? Some of my friends had companions. Axenite, my best friend, had one a few years ago. Things didn't turn out so well for them. But I hope this will be different.

"This is a great honor, ma'am. I am happy to be of service to you and your authority." I replied, shaking Red Diamond's hand and getting down on one knee and putting my head on my united fists, the symbol of great respect. I may not be the most polite sometimes, but no one dares skip the bow of honor when they're around a respectable elder, let alone one of the most excellent gems to ever exist.

"I'm glad you're happy to cooperate. Be at the courtyard in fifteen minutes," Hematite monotoned, strutting out the door.

"It was nice meeting you." Red Diamond said as she left, waving to me politely.

"It was nice meeting you too!" I excitedly called, running to the door to catch another glimpse of her. After she left I started running around the room, laughing and smiling in joy.

This was already turning out to be a great day.