~Steven Universe~ Return From Corruption

Chapter 3 "Corrupted Nightmares"

Amethyst and Steven warped back to the temple, Peridot looked up "You're back!" Pumpkin jumped out of Peridot's lap and ran over, barking excitedly. Amethyst patted Pumpkin's head and hopped off the warp "Yeah, we're back." Peridot questioned "Where exactly did you go?" Amethyst tried to think up a lie "Er-" Steven cut her off "We went to where the barn used to be to water the plants!" Peridot looked like she doubted that but she shrugged it off "Wow, thanks."

Amethyst walked over and sat on the couch. Steven yawned "I'm-I'm gonna go to bed..." Peridot spoke up "Oh! Okay, goodnight Steven!" Steven walked up the stairs and curled in bed, he sighed and closed his eyes. Sleep took over him quickly.

Amethyst chewed on some leftover pizza she found in the fridge, Peridot was browsing through photos on her tablet. Amethyst looked over to see Peridot looking at a picture of Lapis and Pumpkin curled up in a ragged blanket, probably from the barn. Amethyst frowned "P-dot? You okay?" Peridot looked up "Eh? Oh- Ye-Yeah I'm fine.." Peridot looked away and wiped her eyes. Amethyst sighed "Okay.. Well, I'm gonna go to my room, knock if ya need anything." Peridot nodded and watched as Amethyst stood up and walked to the temple door, activating it and walking inside.

Peridot sighed and looked at more pictures, Pumpkin nestled by her side and looked at the tablet's screen as well. Pumpkin whimpered sadly, Peridot patted her head "I miss her too, but she left us.. There's nothing we can do.." Peridot sighed and turned off the tablet before curling in a blanket Steven had put on the couch for her. Pumpkin curled up with her.

Steven awoke in a dark area, he yawned and noticed he was floating "Er..." Steven wiped the sleep from his eyes and looked around, he saw a bunch of mix and match objects, he even saw the barn. Steven was too busy looking to notice the big ball of fluff he was heading straight towards. "Oof!" Steven groaned and felt around.

A growl could be heard, Steven gulped in fear. The scenery then changed into the Beta- But with small pink flowers littering the place, these flowers reminded Steven of when he visited Blue Diamond in his dreams. Steven walked around for a bit "Um.. Hello? Is.. Is anyone here?" A surprised gasp responded, Steven stopped in his tracks as he heard shuffling from farther up ahead. Something peeked from behind a rock, Steven squinted his eyes, he stepped closer to get a better look but the creature hid behind the rock.

"Um.. Please don't be scared, I-I wanna help you, if.. If you need help.." Steven was shocked to hear a reply "Just.. Just go away, I.. I don't deserve help.." Steven recognized the voice, he sighed to calm himself down "Please? I-I want to help you, you.. You may think you don't deserve help, but everyone deserves some help.." Steven heard a small, sad chuckle "You're not Rose Quartz are you?" Steven replied "No, I'm not.. Rose Quartz has been dead for 14 years.." The voice replied "If that's true, why do you want to help me anyway? I've only caused you trouble." Steven stepped closer "And so did Peridot and Lapis, and I gave them a chance..."

Jasper didn't reply. Steven huffed "Will.. Will you let me help you now?" Jasper stood up "No, I'd rather be shattered.. I told ya, I don't deserve help." Steven stood back, scared "I-Yes you do!" Jasper sneered "Go away, Rose- Or whoever you are!" Steven stepped forward "Please let me help you!" Jasper growled, Steven gasped as some sort of ghost like figure appeared above her- Her corrupted form, Jasper snarled "Go away!" With that, Steven awoke, panting heavily.

Peridot climbed up the side of the ledge and spoke "Steven, are you okay? You're.. You're hyperventilating.." Steven caught his breath "Yeah- I'm fine, Just had a nightmare." Steven stepped out of bed and walked downstairs, he walked to the fridge and pulled out some orange juice, he poured it into a glass and put the juice back up. He sat by Peridot and Pumpkin and drank it. Peridot watched, Steven felt a little awkward.