《Steven Universe - Don't break this one!》Chapter 5
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Pink Diamond is in despair: decades have passed, but the world is not changing. This short visit to the Diamonds Kindergarten did not improve anything. In the end, her relationship with Spinel is the only thing that progresses. Pink having had no Pearl in a long time, the Gem took the opportunity to take over part of the work entrusted to them. The only problem is, if there is one thing she proves incapable of, it's to have structure. Pink Diamond has never had such a bad assistant. A Pearl knows how to manage your appointments, organize your belongings and give structure to your daily life. Spinel only ever wants to play, so her competence in these areas is quite reduced. What’s worse: she doesn't understand the difference between fun and seriousness.
Not to mention that Pink Diamond feels increasingly ambiguous about the little Gem. On the one hand, she appreciates her maid. She is the only creature who can offer her moments of relaxation. But on the other hand, the Diamond hates her. Every day, Spinel does her best to provide her with new activities, but her futility and childishness quickly make her unbearable. Each one of her actions reminds Pink of her old ways. Thus, behind the facade of games and laughter, hostility roars. A horrible wish. The Diamond would like to abandon her somewhere, with all of her mistakes, and move on. However, without Spinel nothing would be left. She would return to a daily life of isolation and sadness.
So here she is, forced to endure the company of a mirror constantly reflecting the worst of her personality. Spinel is not Pearl. She never will be. Pink understands it now: someone who breaks her only friend in a fit of anger no longer deserves to be happy.
« What are we going to do today, my Diamond? » Spinel begins.
It's the same routine every morning. Good grief, why is she smiling? There is nothing funny!
« Are you okay, my Diamond? »
« Yes, perfectly. Let's play a game! Something that can amuse a Lapis Lazuli. There are some in front of Blue's quarters. Let's go! » Pink answers with a smile.
« Liar! You're not doing well! Besides, the Lapis Lazuli annoy you. These gems are haughty, contemptuous and... destructive. » She thinks. Yet Pink gets carried away by her own lie and, strangely, the smile of that Lapis cheers her up a bit. She feels herself becoming as hypocritical as the other Diamonds. Why are her emotions so contradictory? Why does her guilt never abate?
Pink hardly ever leaves the garden. It has become her main home. An obsession never leaves her: she wants her own colony. However, her reasons have changed. All that interested her before was to become her sisters’ equal. Today, Pink Diamond wants to produce Gems to replace those that her rage has destroyed. A colony comes with its Kindergarten, which can create life out of nothing. A miracle she dreams of being a part of. It would be some kind of « second chance », a way for the Diamond to make amends, but she doesn't dare ask Yellow yet.
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« My Diamond! What are we going to do today? »
Spinel seems sincere in her actions, but is she really? What does she think of her existence? Pink Diamond tries to ask her:
« Spinel, are you happy to be with me? »
« I don't understand, my Diamond. »
« I want to know if you are satisfied with my company, if your situation pleases you. »
She hesitates to answer. Deep in her heart, Spinel is happy with her relationship with Pink. Since the creators left, the other Gems no longer need Spinels. What is the point of keeping a specialist in entertainment and fun, in a world where only efficiency matters? Her fellows were therefore put away for eternity. Well, that was true until that wonderful day when Yellow came to get her. She chose her, among all her sisters, to amuse a Diamond! What an honor!
Spinel would never have dared to dream of it. Pink Diamond is an angel. All that matters now is making her happy. She would like so much to make the melancholy in her eyes disappear for good. The smile of her mistress has the effect of a drug. A rare event that causes euphoria. Every second with her is a delight. The Gem is convinced that her mistress loves her too, how could anyone be more satisfied? Spinel is aware that her feelings are irrelevant. It's not her opinions that matter, but Pink's, so she simply retorts:
« If you are satisfied with my services, I am, my Diamond! »
« No. » Pink thinks to herself: « This little gem does not understand the question. » She now has the certainty that her maid is blind to the emotions of others. A tool for a purpose. Her goal is limited to being funny. That's all she can do. Only the mission interests her, like any gem. Spinel will never replace Pearl. Why did Pink think, even for a second, that she could? No. This young one is just a warning: This is what you really are, Pink. This is what you look like under your responsible monarch makeup. Who would trust such a frivolous thing? Who would give her a colony?
This is how, unfortunately, the interested party turns out to be ignorant of how her mistress perceives her. A terrible irony, because it is her emotions that blind her. The poor Gem is doing her best to be the greatest possible Spinel. She even agreed to follow protocol, calling her « My Diamond », despite the habit irritating her. She would like so much to just call her « Pink » !
Returning one evening to her room, Pink Diamond is surprised to see Yellow and Blue waiting for her in front of the door. This is unusual for them:
« Pink! There you are, finally! » Yellow begins dryly.
She seems to be holding an object in her large hand. A golden box.
« We have a present for you, sweetheart! » Blue adds, impatient. Her face is decorated with a radiant smile. A rare image.
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The Diamond walks away and places her package on the ground, which opens to release a white gem. The creature takes shape. It's a... Pearl! Yellow Diamond clears her throat, then declares solemnly:
« We are proud of your efforts, Pink! You haven't done a single folly in decades and your manners have improved dramatically. Your progress is an example of seriousness. You are starting to look like a real Diamond! Only your organization leaves something to be desired. So I took the initiative to have a Pearl created. Be careful, it is not the same as the old one. You must not have fun with this one! You play with Spinel and you work with Pearl, is that understood? »
Pink remains speechless. She is sublime! The texture of her body, but especially her eyes. There is no horror inside, but that warm expression unique to Pearls. Still, the Diamond can't help but back away. Her thoughts are spelled out by Blue, though she doesn’t realize it:
« We don't want her to end up like the last one, okay, sweetheart? »
« Yes, Blue. » Pink replies gloomily.
« Well, we leave you in her company. Pearl! » Yellow adds.
« Yes, Yellow Diamond? »
« No games or familiarity. Is that clear? »
« Very clear, Yellow Diamond. »
« Perfect! »
The two Diamonds go away, leaving Pink with her new maid. She can't help but stare at her. The little one does not react. Pink is her Diamond. She can do whatever she wants with her. A Pearl is only an accessory. Spinel arrives instantly and freezes before the Diamond can notice her. What is a Pearl doing here? Pink Diamond hates these things! Wait, she's got a ribbon around her neck. Maybe it's a gift? Why would anyone give her a Pearl? She will have to be supervised and watched on a daily basis, otherwise this fool will make Pink miserable!
She was so sad the first time Spinel saw her. The gem has worked so hard to fix that, but now here comes a Pearl comes to ruin everything! There is no way she can let Pink Diamond suffer! She will protect her Diamond! Spinel approaches and exclaims:
« My Diamond! We have a new friend! How about playing a game to celebrate? »
The little Gem throws a nasty glance towards her future colleague, who doesn't react. This thing is too stupid to understand. Pink turns around and answers cheerfully:
« What a wonderful idea! Let's go! »
The trio enter the bedroom and spend the evening doing exactly what Yellow has just forbidden: playing. Pink Diamond discreetly looks at her Pearl. This way of moving, of speaking, of acting... everything is the same. Although, not entirely. This model seems more « stern », with discreet colors and prudish manners. She remains magnificent.
« Can I do something for your service, my Diamond? » the Pearl asks.
That voice! Why do they all have such a melodious accent?
« No, but thank you. Spinel, Pearl, I must go for a little while. Stay here! »
« Yes, my Diamond! » The two gems answer as one.
She slips away to breathe. It's too many emotions at once. In her room, her maids remain still and silent. They have no reason to be friendly. However, Spinel wants at least to make an effort of maturity. If a Pearl is to enter in the life of her Diamond, it is better that it be on her terms:
« My mistress doesn't like Pearls, you know? »
No answer. Her interlocutor just stares at her without saying a word.
« You have to stay in your place! » She continues, with a louder tone.
« Yes, my Spinel! You are right, my Spinel! »
His reaction gives her a shiver of excitement. The Gem can't deny how nice it feels to be seen as a superior by... no! This is not what she must focuses on! She rallies and concludes:
« It's for the good of my Diamond. I wouldn't want anything to happen that would make her sad. »
Pearl offers an angelic smile in return. She remembers what Yellow asked her yesterday, the day she was commissioned: « You have to make Pink happy, in your own way. » If keeping her distance helps her accomplish this directive, then so be it! Who better than a Spinel to know how to make someone happy, after all? Yellow gave the order that they furnish her with all the tools necessary to organize the daily life of a Diamond, as well as some training programs and, more unusual, an encyclopedic knowledge of culture and technology of the Gems. Anything that could help her mistress make better decisions. The little one feels proud, but obviously within the limits of propriety. A Pearl remains an accessory. It should never be forgotten.
Pink comes back to her bedroom, trying not to show how terrifying this situation is for her. « Above all, don't break this one! » She repeats to herself over and over. Eventually, the Diamond tries to clear her mind with another topic. If Yellow and Blue trust her enough to offer such a gift, then perhaps asking them for her first colony is no longer impossible. By being careful and reasonable, there is a real chance of convincing the other Diamonds. Creating life out of nothing, that would be a great adventure!
Despite this pleasant prospect, Pink cannot help but observe her Pearl. She whispers: « Don't break this one! » The little Gem looks at her for a moment, curious, then goes back to looking impassive.
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