~Steven Universe~ Return From Corruption

Chapter 1 "The Strange Dream"

~Steven whistled a cheerful tune as he performed his usual before bed-time routine, he brushed his teeth and quickly pulled on his pajamas before hopping up the stairs. Peridot had decided to reside on his couch for the night, Steven gave her some earphones so she could listen to her music without disturbing Steven's much needed sleep. Steven jumped into bed and pulled the covers over him, he called out "G'night, Peridot!" At first, Peridot didn't respond but he soon heard her voice call back "O-Oh, good night, Steven!" Steven smiled, Peridot was still a mess after Lapis flew off into space with the barn, but Amethyst and himself had managed to make her feel a little better. He closed his eyes and not to long after, he drifted off into sleep.

Steven found himself in a very playful dream, it was raining but he was having fun splashing around in the dream. Steven was to busy slipping and sliding to notice an all too familiar red, dusty entrance. Steven slipped on the wet ground and tumbled into the suddenly dry environment, he looked up in confusion and recognized where he was after a few moments. Steven stood up and looked up at the tall, red and orange walls. He heard something from farther in and out of curiosity, decided to stalk towards the sounds. After about a moment of practically crawling, he peeked around a corner and saw a bundle of beige fluff in the middle of the Beta. Steven gulped and began to fidget nervously, the bundle suddenly rose to it's feet, it was Jasper! Steven stumbled back and attempted to run but only tripped over his feet, causing him to fall face first into the sandy ground. Steven heard a very upset sounding sneer and looked up to see Jasper, well, what was left of her after corruption, it growled and snapped it's teeth at Steven.

Steven awoke, managing to kick the blanket right of the bed and off the ledge, right off onto the couch, where Peridot was hanging out on. Peridot let out a confused yelp and shuffling could be heard. Steven stood up and looked down to see Peridot tangled in the blanket "Er... Sorry, Peridot. I had a nightmare." Peridot looked up and spoke with an annoyed and confused tone "What's a nightmare?" Steven wiped his forehead clean of any sweat and began explaining "Well, you see, sometimes when you fall asleep, you have them, they're very scary but they don't hurt you.." Peridot untangled herself and dragged the blanket up the stairs, she handed it to Steven "Thanks.. Um.. Peridot.." Peridot looked up "Yeah, Steven?" Steven thought for a moment "Never mind, you're already upset enough, I shouldn't throw my problems onto you." Peridot didn't seem to care "Um.. Okay..." Steven watched as Peridot shuffled down the stairs, nearly tripping and falling once or twice. Steven crawled back into his bed and tried to fall back asleep.

Steven hadn't been able to fall asleep, he was too busy thinking, thinking of Jasper. He sat up and looked out the window, noting that the sun was now rising and lighting up the scenery outside. He huffed tiredly and slowly trudged down the stairs. He went into the bathroom and performed his usual morning routine. After that, he walked into the kitchen and fixed up some oatmeal, he decided to sprinkle some berries on top to try and lighten his mood. Steven sat on one of the chairs and ate. Steven heard some shuffling and looked up to see Peridot sitting on the couch, Steven waved at her and she looked at him. He finished his small meal and sat by Peridot "Feeling any better?" Peridot remarked "I'm feeling as great as I can be when my friend has basically stolen all my belongings..." Steven placed his hand on her shoulder comfortingly "That's... Good... I think?" Peridot shrugged and leaned on the couch.

Steven stood back up and just as he did, the temple door opened and Amethyst and Pumpkin tumbled down, Amethyst yelled playfully "Get back here! That's mine!" Pumpkin jumped into Peridot's lap with a small plastic ball in her jaws. Amethyst snickered and jumped onto the couch besides Peridot, she then tried to snatch Pumpkin from Peridot's lap, Peridot let out a small shriek and fell on her side, Pumpkin fell off the couch and groaned before getting back up and running away, Amethyst helped Peridot up "You okay, P-dot?" Peridot smiled awkwardly while trying to hide her embarrassment "Um, yeah, I'm fine.." Pumpkin hid behind the kitchen counter, peeking from behind it playfully. Amethyst looked over and grinned "I'll get you later, ya little dork."