Diana stood under the afternoon sun, her enchanted bow drawn taut, the soft glow of pink energy illuminating the arrow. She aimed at a makeshift target set up on the far end of the beach. Her focus was sharp, her expression determined, but her movements betrayed a lingering tension. With a deep exhale, she released the arrow, which struck the target's center with a satisfying thud.

Nearby, her pink dual swords glinted in the sand, waiting for her next round of training.

Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst observed quietly from the beach house's porch.

Amethyst tilts her head. "She's been at it all week. First, the bow, now the swords. Don't get me wrong, she looks awesome out there, but... what's happening with her?"

Pearl nodded. "I've noticed it too. She seems... distracted. Troubled, even. Garnet, do you know what's wrong?"

Garnet's stoic expression didn't waver, but the slight tilt of her head suggested deep thought.

"She's going through something. Mentally." She calmly replied.

Amethyst's eyes widened, her usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine concern. "What? Like... bad Gem stuff? Or... people stuff?"

Pearl frowned. "Either way, we need to help her. She's part of this family. We can't just stand by while she works herself to the bone."

Garnet turned to face them, her voice firm but understanding. "I know you want to help, but this isn't something we can solve for her. She's dealing with it in her own way. If we interfere too soon, it might make things worse."

Pearl crossed her arms, her worry evident. "But what if she needs us and doesn't realize it? Shouldn't we at least ask her what's wrong?"

Garnet shook her head. "She'll come to us when she's ready. Right now, the best thing we can do is give her space and let her sort through her thoughts. We step in only if she reaches out or it becomes too much for her to handle."

Amethyst slouched, her concern still lingering. "I don't like seeing her like this. She's so cool, but it's like she's carrying this huge weight or something."

Pearl sighed but nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But if she shows any sign of needing help, we step in. Agreed?"

Garnet and Amethyst nodded. "Agreed."

The three watched as Diana switched from her bow to her swords, gracefully slicing through the air with each practiced swing. Garnet's visor glinted in the sunlight, masking the quiet worry shared between Ruby and Sapphire within her.

Ruby (internally): "She's strong, but no one should have to handle something like this alone."

Sapphire (internally): "Trust her, Ruby. She'll find her way, and we'll be here when she needs us."

For now, they stayed back, supporting Diana in the only way they could—by giving her the room to confront her inner battles on her own terms.

The dim light of the training room flickered as Jasper's fists collided with the practice dummy, each punch resounding like thunder. Her movements were precise, aggressive, and relentless, and her breathing was heavy as she pushed her body to its limits. Though durable, the dummy bore deep dents and scorch marks from the repeated use of her weapons—the Crash Helmet and the Gem Destabilizer.

Peridot stood in the doorway, her arms crossed and her fingers tapping her metallic limb nervously. For the past week, she'd observed Jasper's behavior. The once unwavering and confident warrior now seemed haunted, her mind elsewhere.

Peridot muttered. "This isn't normal... even for her."

Jasper's fist slammed into the dummy one last time, shattering it into pieces. Breathing heavily, she lowered her fists and stared at the broken remnants, her expression unreadable but her eyes burning with frustration.

Peridot enters the room cautiously. "Jasper, are you planning to destroy every training dummy on this ship? Because if you are, I'll need to file a requisition form to—"

Jasper cuts her off. "What do you want, Peridot?"

Her tone was sharp, but it lacked its usual bite. Peridot hesitated, then spoke carefully.

"I couldn't help but notice... you've been a bit... distracted. More than usual."

Jasper's eyes flicked toward her, narrowing. "I'm fine. Just... preparing for the mission."

Peridot raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

"Preparing? By beating dummies into oblivion? Or is this about something else... like, I don't know, a certain human-looking figure you've been mumbling about in your sleep? I have camera recordings, remember."

Jasper stiffened, her hands clenching into fists.

"You're overstepping, Peridot." She growls.

Peridot stepped back but pressed on, her concern outweighing her usual cowardice.

"Look, I'm not trying to pry... but you'll lose focus if you don't talk to someone. And if that happens when we're on Earth, Yellow Diamond won't tolerate failure. You know that."

Jasper's jaw tightened, her fiery gaze softening slightly as she looked away. "It's nothing. Just... memories."

Peridot frowned. "Memories? Of Pink Diamond?"

The room fell silent, save for the faint hum of the ship's engines. Jasper didn't answer, but her silence spoke volumes.

Peridot softly spoke. "You were her soldier. I get it. But she's gone, Jasper. Earth is just a colony we're supposed to check on. It's not... her anymore."

Jasper's shoulders tensed, and for a moment, Peridot thought she might explode in anger. But instead, Jasper's voice was low, almost contemplative. "It's not just Pink Diamond. There's... someone else."

Peridot blinked, surprised by the admission. "Someone else? Who?"

Jasper didn't respond directly, her gaze hardening as she turned back to the shattered dummy.

"Forget it. Just stay out of my business, Peridot."

Frustrated but unwilling to push further, Peridot sighed and left the room. She mutters as she walks away. "This mission better not fall apart because of whatever's happening in your head, Jasper. Yellow Diamond's wrath isn't something I want to deal with."

Inside the training room, Jasper stared at her fists, her mind drifting to the mysterious figure from her dreams—Diana. That image of her, with her flowing pink hair and piercing red eyes, refused to leave her thoughts.

Jasper whispered. "Who are you... and why can't I get you out of my head?"

The sun blazed overhead as Diana squinted at the shimmering horizon, confused by the vast sandstone columns rising and crumbling at seemingly random intervals. The air was dry and hot, a stark contrast to the cool ocean breeze of Beach City. Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst walked ahead, their movements purposeful and unbothered by the chaotic landscape.

"Why are we even here? What are we looking for?" Diana asked.

Earlier, Garnet stopped Diana's training, informing her that she would be going on a mission with her, Pearl, and Amethyst. Diana asked if Steven was accompanying them, but Garnet said no, stating that he was hanging out with his friend, Connie.

Diana picked up her pace, catching up with the group just as Garnet began to explain.

"This area used to house an ancient Gem structure. Its power has turned aimless over time, causing these columns to rise and fall sporadically. It's unstable, and we need to investigate the source."

Diana furrowed her brows, glancing at the columns as they appeared and disappeared like ghosts in the sand.

Before she could ask another question, a deafening roar echoed through the desert, shaking the ground beneath their feet.

Pearl alarmed. "That's not part of the instability!"

Amethyst grinned excitedly. "Finally, some action!"

Without hesitation, the three Gems darted toward the source of the sound, their weapons ready.

"Wait!" Diana shouted.

But they were gone before she could protest. She sighed, her mind still weighed down by her thoughts of Jasper and their strange connection. Her fingers brushed against the hilt of her dual swords as she debated whether to follow them.

Before she could decide, a soft rustling sound behind her caught her attention. She turned sharply, her weapons instinctively appearing in her hands, only to freeze in shock.

A majestic lion with pale pink fur and glowing eyes stood before her. Its massive form radiates mystical energy that sends a shiver down her spine. The lion's fur shimmers in the sunlight, the same ethereal pink as her hair, and its deep, glowing eyes mirror her own.

Diana whispered. "What... what are you?"

The Lion tilted its head, its expression calm and curious. Diana took a hesitant step back, her heart pounding in her chest. The Lion didn't move, its gaze steady and unthreatening.

Realizing it meant no harm, she slowly lowered her swords, which disappeared back into her Gem. Taking a cautious step forward, she extended a trembling hand.

"You're not here to hurt me, are you?" She asked.

The Lion huffed softly, its breath warm against her hand. Encouraged, Diana placed her hand on its mane, the fur soft and cool to the touch.

Diana smiled softly. "You're beautiful... and familiar somehow."

As Diana stroked its mane gently, the Lion let out a low rumble, almost like a purr.

Diana hummed. "Do you know me? Are you connected to my mother somehow? Or are you connected to her.."

The Lion's glowing eyes seemed to flicker as it nudged her hand with its massive head. Diana felt a strange sense of peace wash over her, as if the Lion understood her in ways no one else could.

"You're not just a lion, are you? You're... something more." Diana murmured.

The Lion let out a low growl, not of aggression but of acknowledgment, before gazing toward the direction Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst had run off. It let out a roar, the sound reverberating through the desert as if calling the others back.

Diana's eyes blinked. "Wait... are you trying to help me?"

The Lion turned back to her, lowering its massive head to meet her eyes. For a moment, Diana felt an overwhelming connection, as if the Lion was trying to communicate something important.

Before she could say anything else, the ground beneath them trembled slightly, and a distant explosion echoed across the desert. Diana instinctively looked toward the source of the commotion, but when she turned back, the Lion was gone, leaving only faint paw prints in the sand.

"What are you trying to tell me?" Diana whispered.

Clutching her chest, she stared at the horizon, feeling renewed purpose as she prepared to catch up with the Gems.

Diana sprinted across the shifting sands, her thoughts racing from her encounter with the mysterious pink Lion. As she reached the others, she found Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst standing triumphantly over a large, shimmering structure. The monster they had defeated had dissipated into glowing fragments, leaving behind an ornate red velvet pillow encrusted with a large green Gem at its center.

Amethyst grinned. "Well, that was easy! And since I landed the final blow, this baby's mine!"

She grabbed the pillow with both hands, holding it up proudly.

Pearl, alarmed, shouted. "Amethyst, be careful! If you drop that on the sand, it could rebuild everything we just stopped!"

Amethyst rolled her eyes. "Relax, P. I've got this."

As the Gems argued over the artifact, Diana slowed her approach, noticing the familiar presence of the Lion behind her. She turned her head sharply, her heart skipping a beat.

"You followed me?" Diana whispered.

The Lion's glowing eyes locked onto her, and it stepped closer, its massive paws silent on the sand.

The Crystal Gems immediately went on high alert when they spotted the Lion with Diana.

Pearl pulled Diana protectively behind her. "What is that?!"

Amethyst summoned her whip. "It's huge! Is it dangerous?"

Garnet calmly but firmly. "Stay back, Diana."

The Lion stopped a few paces away, sitting down and watching the group calmly. Diana wriggled free of Pearl's grasp, stepping closer to the Lion despite the Gems' protests.

"It's okay! It's not dangerous. I met it earlier—it's been watching me." Diana explained.

Pearl looked skeptical. "Watching you? Diana, this isn't something you should just brush off!"

Amethyst looked concerned. "Yeah, for all we know, it could eat you!"

Garnet adjusted her visor. "Or worse... it could be here to lead us into another trap."

Diana held up her hands, trying to calm them down.

"No, I swear! It's not here to hurt anyone. It even helped me earlier. I think... I think it's watching over me."

The Lion gave a soft huff as if agreeing with her and laid down on the sand, its massive form exuding an air of serenity.

Garnet lowered her gauntlets slightly, her expression unreadable. "It doesn't seem hostile."

Pearl hesitantly looked at everyone. "That doesn't mean we can trust it."

Amethyst shrugged. "It is pretty cool-looking, though."

Diana knelt beside the Lion, placing a gentle hand on its mane. "See? It's peaceful. I think it wants to help us."

The Lion let out a low growl, not threatening but more of an acknowledgment. Garnet took a step closer, observing it intently.

"It's... connected to you somehow."

Pearl raised an eyebrow. "Connected? How? Diana, do you have any idea what this creature is?"

Diana still petted the Lion's mane.

"It's a Lion. I read about it in my biology class. But this must be a new breed. I mean, this Lion has the same pink color as my hair and the same eye color as me." She explained.

"But I feel like it knows me—or knows something about me that I don't." She stated.

The Gems exchanged uneasy glances. Garnet finally nodded, crossing her arms.

"For now, we'll keep an eye on it. If it's connected to Diana, it may have answers we need."

Pearl frowned, not liking the idea. "But what if it's dangerous?"

Amethyst playfully twirls her whip. "Then we fight it! Duh. But I don't think it's here for a fight. Look at it—big softie."

The Lion flicked its tail, seemingly unfazed by the discussion.

Diana looked at the Lion and smiled. "Thank you for following me."

The Lion blinked at her, its glowing eyes warm and gentle.

"So we can take it home?" Diana asked, looking at Garnet.

Garnet placed a hand on Diana's shoulder. "If this Lion is part of your path, we can take it home. We'll figure it out together. For now, it has to stay close to you."

Diana nodded, glancing back at the Lion as they began their trek back through the desert. The lion followed silently behind them, its presence a comforting enigma.

The group returned to the Beach House, the pink Lion padding silently behind them. Amethyst immediately broke the silence as they entered with her trademark teasing grin.

"So, Diana, you think Steven's gonna freak out when he sees this? Bet he's gonna think Cherry Blossom over there is the coolest thing ever!"

Diana glanced at the Lion, her lips curling into a soft smile as she saw its mane. The delicate pink tones reminded her of blooming cherry blossoms swaying in the spring breeze.

Diana grinned. "Cherry... I'll call you Cherry."

The Lion, seemingly unbothered by its new name, flicked its tail and settled into a seated position near the couch.

The front door swung open before Diana could respond to Amethyst's teasing. Steven bounded inside, his face lighting up when he saw the group.

"Hey, guys! Connie says hi—" His words trailed off as his gaze landed on Cherry. He gasped loudly, his eyes sparkling with wonder.

"You found a Lion?! A pink Lion?! That's so cool!" Steven shouted.

He dashed forward, but Garnet placed a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder, slowing him down.

"Steven, give Cherry some space. Diana brought the Lion here for a reason."

Steven nodded enthusiastically, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"Cherry? That's their name? That's awesome!" He grinned.

Diana chuckled softly, her nervousness fading as she saw Steven's excitement.

"Yeah, we found each other in the desert. Cherry just... showed up and decided to stick around."

Steven crouched a safe distance from Cherry, his eyes wide with curiosity.

"Can I pet them?" He asked, looking at Diana.

Cherry regarded Steven briefly, then lowered its head slightly, allowing the boy to approach. Steven hesitated, then reached out, his hand brushing Cherry's mane.

"Whoa... their mane feels like clouds!" He looked at everyone in awe.

Garnet watched the interaction intently, her visor glinting in the light. Ruby and Sapphire's voices blended in contemplation internally.

Ruby: "This Lion showing up now isn't just luck."

Sapphire: "No. It's a part of Diana's journey—and maybe Steven's, too."

Outwardly, Garnet hummed softly, her arms crossed as she observed Cherry's calm demeanor around the siblings.

"Cherry might be exactly what Diana needs right now." She whispered.

Amethyst plopped onto the couch, smirking.

"Well, it looks like we've got ourselves a therapy lion. Good call, Diana."

Pearl, still cautious, cleared her throat. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We don't know why this Lion is here. It could be connected to something bigger."

"Perhaps. But for now, it's here. And it's helping Diana feel at ease." Garnet stated.

Diana ran her fingers through Cherry's mane, feeling a strange sense of comfort.

"Thanks for staying with me, Cherry." She smiled.

Cherry let out a low, content rumble, settling down fully on the floor. Steven sat beside them, already rambling about adventures they could go on with a pink Lion.

Garnet's lips twitched into a rare smile. Whatever lay ahead, Cherry's presence felt like a beacon of calm amid the storm. For Diana—and perhaps for all of them—it was a connection they needed.