🌟 The Caged Bird 🌟 [Rebooted Reader Insert]

part 9: the crystal siren

"I.... just don't understand!"

Pearl exclaimed, starting to pace back and forth across the living room, with a worried, if a little frantic look on her face. "So it's a hybrid of two different types of sirens... and it can use mind control?" She paused, contemplating the information. Then she looked at you with a palpable look of fear. "Just by singing??" The other two sat in a contemplative silence; with Ameythyst looking both confused and curious while Garnet stood with a barely noticeable frown of suspicion.

Connie shifted in place, focusing her attention on her hands. "Well... It-it's technically not mind control..."

"That's insane!" Ameythyst exclaimed. Though she wasn't as frantic as her teammate, as she was mostly confused. "Like... if one's part fish and one's part bird, how did they even-"

"They sound incredibly risky to have around, Steven." Garnet spoke up sternly. "Especially around Beach City..."

"Guys, come on! We don't know if it's on purpose!" Steven's voice pleaded as he cradled you who was blissfully unaware of what was happening as you played with your feet. "E-Even if it was true, this one can be the first to be good! Remember Centipeedle and Peridot?"

"Steven, they were gems; something we have experience in!" Pearl said, gesturing to herself for emphasis. "This is something completely different! We hadn't even known of their existence until today!"

"I-I know... but we still gave them a chance!" Steven insisted, holding you closer to his chest, like he was shielding you. "Please, just trust me on this. We've literally liberated the Galaxy! How hard can caring for a siren be??"

"I... Steven... this isn't the same..." Pearl trailed off fiddling with her fingers anxiously while Garnet hummed inaudibly. The more they thought about his question, the more their resolve against this idea faded.

He wasn't wrong; they've explored dangerous uncharted ruins and fought corrupted gem beasts bigger than themselves. Not to mention that they've rebelled against an entire empire. And his point with Centipeedle and Peridot was hard to deny; he managed to tame Centipeedle enough so that she wouldn't have to be bubbled for long, and managed to convince Peridot that earth wasn't as terrible as she once perceived it.

So, on paper at least, catering to the offspring of a mythos should be like a cakewalk compared to the events before...

Pearl looked to Garnet for her final thoughts. Garnet hummed. "Well... we already agreed to housing them. There's no point in releasing them now at this stage..." the fusion nodded as she crossed her arms. "It's only fair that we care for them until they are mature enough to be able to fend for themselves." She tweaks her visor subtly, then nods. "By then, they can make their own decision as to whether or not they want to remain here with us or leave to find themselves."

There was a brief moment of thoughtful silence as everyone thought about the fusion's proposition.

After a minute or two, pearl let out a short sigh. "That... sounds doable." She still had her reserves about keeping such an uncommon mythos creature, but the least they could do was provide a much more beneficial environment for you to develop in. Besides, she's been proven wrong by him in the past; there's no sense in doubting him now.

"Makes sense to me." Amethyst shrugged lazily. It was still a bit bizarre, but the decision sounded pretty fair to her. Besides, this meant that she got to spend more time learning about your species and what stuff the hybrids were capable of doing. Or eating for that matter.

"Yeah, that seems fair enough." Connie nodded, thankful that the gems were merciful enough to give you a safe place to stay. "Right, Steven?" Connie looked over at Steven.

Steven didn't respond right away, as he mulled over the offer a few times in his head. However, he was quick to have a wide, confident smile as he nodded. "Yeah! Sounds good to me!"

Garnet nodded, a little smile of her own present on her face. "It's settled then." She walks over to steven and lightly presses a finger into your belly. "Welcome to the team, little one." You simply gave a cheerful squeak in response. Garnet chuckled to herself. Even if she was a little anxious, she couldn't deny that it would be exciting to know more about a new form of hybrid.

"First thing's first, we should at least get them into proper apparel..." Pearl noted, seeing that the only cloth that covered you was a blanket. "And maybe some more supplies. Connie, is there anything else to know about sirens? biology wise?"

Connie thought for a moment. "Well... I don't know a lot yet, but they're able to drink milk. And they might be omnivorous."

"Ah, Sounds simple enough. So all's we really need are some clothing." Pearl noted with a small, relieved smile.

"They can use some of mine!" Steven offered enthusiastically. "I think dad might have some left."

"Right. I'll drop by there to see what he has left." Pearl nodded, heading towards the door. "Is there anything else that's needed?"

"...A bassinet." Garnet stated plainly after a pause.

"And some donuts!" Amethyst pumps her fists into the air.

Pearl grunted at amethyst's response and nodded. "Got it."

Garnet spares a glance down at you, who was teething lightly on your tail fin. "...we should give them a name."

Steven gasped in realization. "Oh yeah! What do we call you?"

He looked down at you for a moment, your eyes locking with his, as the others started to come up with suitable names for you.

"How bout'... Sea Star?" Connie suggested.

"Eh, a bit generic." Amethyst shrugged. "What about Sea-birb?"

"Ugh, no. That's ridiculous." Pearl crossed her arms. "We should name them something more befitting like... Aquaprase or Chalcedony."

"Or Cutie pie." Garnet added.

"What do you think Steven?" Pearl turned to the boy in question. "Any ideas?"

Steven contemplated the question, as he looked you in your deep (color) eyes.

"...(Name)." He suddenly said out loud.

"(Name)?" Connie tilted her head.

"Yeah. Little (Name)." He smiled proudly. "What do you you think?"

Everyone exchanges pleased smiles between each other. Garnet nods. "I like it."

"(Name) the crystal siren."