"Pearl! I'm here!" Y/n called as they came in their workout clothes
"Oh... Y/n," Pearl greeted awkwardly
"Ready for our training today?" Y/n asked
"About that," Pearl said, "Why don't we take a walk to your attic?"
"Alright," Y/n shrugged, "What's up?"
"Well, as you know about the Gems coming to Earth," Pearl began as she walked with Y/n out of the temple and down to the beach, "Garnet, Amethyst, and I have been discussing what the best course of action would be for you when the time finally comes,"
"What do you have for me?" Y/n asked as they strolled with Pearl
"We've considered all your training and the information you gave us about the Gems coming to Earth," Pearl told, "As you know this will be a very tough battle,"
"I know," Y/n nodded, "Rose has been telling me that for months,"
"Yes... she seems to know," Pearl said, "What has she been saying?"
"She's been telling me to keep training and take care of myself," Y/n told, "She's confident we'll be able to make it in the end,"
"Yes, that sounds like Rose," Pearl sighed as she opened the door to the fry shop, "After you,"
"Thank you," Y/n nodded as they walked in, "Why did you wanna come back here?"
"I figured it would be more comfortable when I gave you some information," Pearl said, "Please, sit down," Pearl told as Y/n and her walked up the stairs
"Sure," Y/n sat down on their bed.
"Garnet, Amethyst, and I have reached a conclusion," Pearl told, "And that conclusion is that you won't be helping us when Jasper and Peridot arrive,"
"What do you mean I can't help?!" Y/n shot up from their seat
"Y/n, it's too dangerous," Pearl told, "We don't know what we're up against,"
"YOU, don't know what YOU'RE up against!" Y/n told, "I've seen the ship! I've seen the crew, you need me!"
"No, we can't risk you getting hurt," Pearl shook her head, "You told us they want you for a trial. If they capture you again, there is no way you'll be able to escape again,"
"This is bull," Y/n said, "I've been training for months for this "big moment" and when it finally comes you're telling me I'm not good enough?!"
"Please calm down," Pearl said, "This is bigger than any of us imagined. We can't risk you getting hurt,"
"I won't get hurt," Y/n told, "If Rose trusts me with this why can't you?"
"...Please don't make this harder than it has to be," Pearl sighed
"Fine," Y/n huffed, "What about Steven? What're you doing with him?"
"He will be leaving with Greg," Pearl told
"Do you know how frustrating this is?" Y/n gritted
"I can imagine it is frustrating," Pearl said, "It's frustrating for us as well... But like you told us, we're facing a Jasper... I'm not confident we can take her on ourselves,"
"Then let me help!" Y/n said, "Strength in numbers!"
"Don't take this the wrong way, but you're not nearly strong enough... I don't think even Garnet is," Pearl told, "You never fought Jasper, you only hid,"
"...You're right," Y/n sighed as they sat on their bed, "I'd just get myself killed,"
"Thank you for understanding," Pearl said, "Please, don't take this as we don't want your help. We do, we just can't risk losing you..."
"I understand," Y/n nodded, "Do you mind if... If I just spend time with you guys before... before they come?"
"We would love that," Pearl assured, "Please, come with me,"
"Thank you," Y/n smiled as they walked with Pearl
"But... Please don't tell Steven he won't be fighting with us, he won't be as understanding as you," Pearl said
"...I won't say anything," Y/n said, "But if he asks, I'm not gonna lie to him,"
"I can agree to that," Pearl sighed as the two walked towards the beach. It was late at night as Y/n strolled into the house to see Amethyst and Steven watching a movie
"Y/n!" Steven cheered as he saw Y/n walk in, "We're watching the Fangs!"
"It's not that great," Amethyst told
"Nah, it's good!" Steven assured, "Come watch it!"
"Sure," Y/n smiled as they climbed the stairs and sat right in between the two, "Fill me in,"
"Alright! So there's this girl who gets saved by this vampire," Steven began to ramble on
"Mhm," Y/n nodded as they shoved their hand into Amethyst's bowl of popcorn
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"Steven, your gem!" Pearl gasped as she noticed Steven's gem shining brightly
"Whoa," Steven said as he lifted his shirt, "Y/n, check it out! Y/n?" Steven turned to their side and found Y/n had fallen asleep during the movie
"Dude, Rose's room!" Amethyst told as she ran over to the door opening, "... Guess who's in there...."
"Y/n?" Pearl asked as she walked over with Garnet and Steven
"Y/n," Amethyst nodded, "Think we're gonna have to fight their fears again or something?"
"Let's find out," Garnet said as she walked into the room
"I suppose," Pearl sighed as she went in
"Yo, Y/n! We're here too!" Amethyst called out, but Y/n didn't respond
"Huh?" Steven frowned, "Y/n! Over here!" But Y/n still didn't respond
"They can't hear us," Garnet told, "I think we're just meant to watch now,"
"Watch what, though?" Pearl asked
"...Maybe Rose will tell us," Amethyst said as she watched Rose Quartz approached Y/n
"You heard what Pearl said," Y/n sighed as they talked with Rose Quartz, "It's too dangerous,"
"It is dangerous," Rose Quartz nodded, "But I know it is something you can handle,"
"I couldn't handle it the first time," Y/n told, "I won't be able to handle it the second time,"
"Don't be silly, My little Y/n," Rose Quartz pleaded with a smile, "This is what you've been training for,"
"The training wasn't enough," Y/n told
"Y/n... Oh my Little Y/n... Forgive me for this," Rose Quartz sighed
"For wha-?" Y/n looked to Rose Quartz, but was cut short as she raised her hand and smacked Y/n across the face.
"Mom!" Steven gasped as he watched
"The time is now," Rose Quartz told as she summoned her sword and shield, "The powers bestowed upon you don't work in this world. It is time to end this,"
Y/n looked on in shock as they grabbed a sword that floated towards them. Rose Quartz struck forward, but Y/n countered quickly, pushing Rose Quartz back. Y/n swung forward and came in contact with Rose Quartz's shield. Rose Quartz pushed Y/n's sword away and stabbed forward. Y/n sidestepped the blade and swatted it away with their sword.
"Come on, Y/n! You can do it!" Lars's voice rang the room, echoing against the sound of Y/n's blade clashing with Rose Quartz's
"Lars? Is he here?" Steven frowned as he looked around
"Why can I hear Lars?!" Y/n asked as they blocked Rose Quartz's blade
"Don't give up now!" Sadie's voice sounded, "You didn't with me!"
"Sadie..." Y/n murmured as they struck forward
"You got this, man," Buck Dewey's calm voice spoke
"You still gotta a lot of raves left in you! Keep on it!" Sour Cream's voice called
"We both know you fight good! Come on!" Jenny's voice rang
Y/n slid backwards as Rose Quartz shoved Y/n back using her shield. Y/n stood their ground and wiped their mouth, waiting for Rose Quartz to strike again, "It's your fault I don't know when to quit either! Keep going!" Mr. Smiley's voice enthused
"You'll be okay, Y/n!" Steven called, his voice seeming to make it to them
"Steven!" Y/n called out
"Y/n, you can do it! I know you can!" Steven cheered on
"Huh..." Y/n smiled as a rose gently fell in front of their face. Y/n quickly grabbed it, stuck it in their hair, and returned to battle
"I was supposed to take care of you," Mr. Fryman's voice spoke, "But you took care of me... Maybe in the ends that's how you managed to pull it off... How we were able to become a family,"
"You've got this, Y/n!" Amethyst yelled, "Come on, the entire Earth is rooting for ya!"
Y/n smiled a bit as they heard Amethyst cheer. Y/n quickly slid under Rose Quartz's sword as it sailed towards them, allowing Y/n to strike from the back. Rose Quartz jumped far into the air, dodging Y/n's strike and landing back down. Y/n turned around and continued slashing and blocking, "Remember your training!" Pearl called out
"We believe in you!" Garnet told
"Guys... Look," Steven pointed to a figure forming behind Y/n... A figure they had seen the last time they were all in Rose's Room
"I was afraid of future without my friends... without the Gems," Y/n's copy spoke as it stood in front of Y/n, "I was afraid of leaving... Leaving everyone behind and moving on my own... I don't want to be alone. I've been alone and I won't go back,"
"You're right, I won't go back!" Y/n yelled as they pushed their Shadow to the side and blocked a strike from Rose Quartz
"I didn't care if I lived with them or died with them," Shadow Y/n spoke, "I wanted to stay with everyone forever, even if it meant leaving Earth. Life without my new friends would be miserable... That's not the life I want. I just need them here, no matter what the cost,"
"You're right..." Y/n began to cry silently as they managed to kick Rose Quartz back, "I had no use for the Earth, did I? As long as I was with them I didn't care if I lived or died... But it doesn't matter... I know who you are and you're me," Y/n faced the Shadow version of themself as it nodded, before being torn to shred when Rose Quartz slashed at it, causing it to dissipate back into the room
"It's time... to finish this!" Rose Quartz told as she raised her sword
"I'm not alone anymore!" Y/n yelled as as they quickly charged forward as Rose Quartz prepared a heavy blow. Y/n shut their eyes and ran forward until they made contact with something. There was a sudden poof sound and Y/n opened their eyes to see Rose Quartz's gem falling to the ground, but before it did. It levitated back up and Rose Quartz regained her form, settling lightly on the ground
"Remember what I said when we first met?" Rose Quartz asked as she cupped Y/n's cheek, "even if you are to lose everything, you'll never be completely alone ever again,"
"Thank you," Y/n said as they hugged Rose Quartz tight and cried, "Thank you for everything,"
"No, I should be thanking you. Remember, you did all of that even without your powers... Imagine all you can do with them," Rose Quartz told as she embraced Y/n tight, "I look forward to assisting you in the future,"
"Me too," Y/n smiled as they looked up, "Me too, Rose,"
"Guys, the door!" Steven pointed as the door opened once again
"That's our cue," Garnet said as she exited the room
"Man, that was awesome!" Amethyst cheered, "Did you say the way Rose just jumped out of the way! Or! Or! When Y/n just slid underneath Rose's sword!"
"Yeah, I saw!" Steven smiled as the two left side by side
"You always manage to prove me wrong..." Pearl murmured as she watched Y/n and Rose Quartz hold each other, "...I look forward to your future," Pearl said as he walked out of the room
"I think it is time you return to our friends," Rose Quartz told, "Go on and make us all proud,"
"You know I will," Y/n nodded
"Y/n! Y/n! Come on, wake up!" Amethyst shook Y/n's sleeping body
"Wha- I didn't fall asleep," Y/n murmured as they shifted, "I'm just resting my eyes..."
"Y/n, we're very proud of you," Garnet told
"...Oh right," Y/n stretched as they opened their eyes, "That happened,"
"Yes... I believe we were rash in our decision before," Pearl said, "We would be honored if you fought by our side when the Homeworld Gems arrive,"
"Now you're speaking my language," Y/n smiled, "Count me in,"
"You're finally get your second shot!" Amethyst cheered, "She ain't gonna be too happy when she sees you again!"
"Damn right," Y/n chuckled, "They won't know what hit 'em,"
"Yeah! We've got this!" Steven jumped
"...I think it's time for Steven and Y/n to rest," Pearl said, "It is getting late,"
"Right," Y/n yawned, "I'll see y'all in the morning,"
"Night, Y/n," Steven smiled
"Night, Steven," Y/n said as they dropped off the ledge of Steven's loft and onto the couch below, "Dream great dreams,"
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