The new cycle hadn't even begun when White Diamond had begun to put into effect orders for the day, laying out expectations and, while their youngest still rested, communicated with the other three her desires for the day. She had planned too meticulously to allow even a single thing to go wrong.

Today, their youngest would join them in name, rank, and title as one of the Great Diamond Authority. A day White Diamond felt her patience and perseverance with the young gem had finally paid off.

"Pearl," White called, her voice carrying across the room, flitting downward to her awaiting servant.

"My Diamond?" The tiny gem responded immediately.

"I believe it's time we begin preparations. Go and retrieve Orange's gift." She ordered, her voice taking on an almost giddy note as she added, "Oh, it'll be such a surprise for her!"

Pearl hesitated, if only for a moment before she bowed, "Yes, my Diamond. Shall I bring it back here, or-"

"The square will do nicely. Wouldn't want her to see it ahead of time and ruin the surprise."

Pearl bowed her head once more, using her pursed lips as she an attempt to reign in her emotions before finally forcing her expression to become neutral, "Of course, my Diamond. I will leave at once."

-----------------------------------

Pink stared at the screen, her eyes were brimming with tears that she refused to allow to fall, though her lip quivered and her hands clenched so tightly, if she could bleed like the Humans, she knew her nails biting into her palms would have caused it.

Her chest hurt, and she hated that it did. She was not very surprised, though still angry that it happened anyway, that she was only now being fully informed of the trial against one of her former gems. She wasn't familiar with who it was, and even though there were vague annotations that she worked as one of the many scientist that had been helping create the not-so-little-anymore being that was her daughter, had, in fact, been the one trying to end her life.

But even worse, no one had deemed it necessary to tell her to her face (vid call or otherwise) that not only had she been sentenced to be harvested, a sentence that had been executed that very morning, but ordered by the youngest diamond herself.

A part of Pink, a part she vehemently wished didn't exist, was glad that the gem was dealt with. She knew, knew, she was a horrid gem, not only for how she had tried to slowly and painfully kill another, but even worse because that was her daughter that had been the one being tortured.

And then the other part of her, the one who had come to genuinely love her subjects, and their special and uniqueness that got paved over by their empire and their rules and expectations, hated that that was what was chosen to happen to her. She knew she deserved it, and yet harvesting of all things was so horrible, so despicable, and it had been the option her Zirconia had chosen.

Her daughter was correct, and yet absolutely wrong, when she had claimed she wasn't a fool. She knew her daughter had absorbed her fellow Diamond's teaching, so eager to please and to learn, so ready and willing to be whatever she could be, because it was better than being nothing, and didn't she just know that all too well? She also knew, perhaps even before she had returned to Homeworld to be with her daughter in what she had considered her greatest time of need, that Zirconia loved her home.

No, perhaps that wasn't quite right either. Orange Diamond loved Homeworld, it's rules and her soon to be claimed title. But Zirconia loved its gem, her friends that she gushed about and Pearl, her former Pearl, who her daughter had grown so attached too, it almost felt right that after what had happened it would be her own daughter that mended the hurt and heartbreak she had left with her former friend all those millennia ago.

She had very little doubt that if, by some miracle, she could convince Pearl to leave for Earth, Zirconia would follow her to the end. But Pearl would never give her the time of day, let alone believe or trust a word she said that didn't involve degrading herself for a past she would never be able to correct. And she didn't begrudge Pearl that. She had hurt her, and she belonged to White now, severing every little tie they had that connected them together. All but one.

Zirconia.

It would be too much to suddenly confront her with the truth of it all, let alone try to convince either of them what was more than likely to come. How could she ask someone she had hurt to trust her, let alone trust her word about something like her rebellion and the truth behind everything, and not turn on her afterwards. Or worse, turn Zirconia on her.

It was one of her greatest fears, telling her the truth about what she had been doing, what she had become, far beyond fantasy and the hopeful wishing of a much younger diamond just starting out her colony, only to find a much different world and different way than she had been handed and demanded to follow. How could she ask her to give up everything she knew, had been submerged and raised in until it colored her every belief in the same deep, twisted hue that had been thrust upon her when she had been first created. Her daughter, as every bit as stubborn as she could be, would be so hard to convince on her own. Faced with what she had done, what she planned, she feared she wouldn't understand, see her as a traitor, the pain she would cause carved deeper as she realized, as Pink herself had realized, had been the very reason she had not been as active in her life as she had once been, as she had promised she would be.

Fear, it was such a motivator, and yet such a powerful deterrent too. And she was a coward, because here she stood, the day her daughter would be irreversibly joining what she considered to be the worst thing that could ever have been demanded of her to become, crying in the private of her room, feeling sorry for herself and her lack of conviction in the face of losing everything she held most dear this side of the universe.

Eyes closing as she forced the screen she had been staring at closed, disappearing into a quick pop of light, she attempted to find control of her feelings, reign in her emotions as she allowed herself her few moments of self hate and doubt, to feel sorry for everything that kept happening out of her control, to now move forward as she wiped the tears from her face. There was more than just her effected by this, she knew. She may have only just gotten the news, but she had known beforehand from experience what was most likely to occur and she couldn't claim ignorance as an excuse. Not this time. She had been given several days to come to terms with the eventual news, and yet she still sat there in her room, fidgeting and feeling horrible about herself, while her daughter was a mere walk away across the square and she had yet to say anything to her, about the trial or otherwise. Nor had she attempted to reach out to her, and Pink could not find it in her to be incredibly upset about it. She could only imagine how her little gem was feeling, what all stress she was under in that moment that she thought she had to keep locked away inside herself. Her first trial, a real sentencing, not to mention her own coronation happening mere days afterwards, it must have all been too much. She would question what White was thinking if she didn't already have a good understanding that she wasn't, at least, not about Zirconia. She had said it herself, hadn't she? Appearances. They could not look anything but like a unified ruling, nothing was wrong, as if they were all untouchable. Divine beings come down to show the insignificant, little gems the correct, perfect way of life.

But they weren't, and they all refused to allow themselves to be seen as individuals too, people who felt and hurt just as those little people did. Or maybe they didn't, and Pink and, subsequently, her own daughter, were the odd rocks out in this quarry, and White would hear none of it.

With everything going on, she could only guess at how she was holding up. She was so much younger than she had been, facing things she hadn't had to deal with for millennium after she was made. How her darling must be feeling. What if she thought this was all a mistake and she was making it about her own feelings? What must she feel? Did she suffer? Did she blame herself for everything? Had the others mocked her feelings, as they did hers, for caring? And oh, she knew her daughter cared. You didn't love the way she had seen in her eyes without having some sort of consciousness for her actions.

However she was feeling, Pink planned to be there for her, be her support in such a trying time. She was her mother. She would be there for her, today of all days, and she would not mess this up again.

-----------------------------------

Orange was focused on her screen, still scrunched up under her too small table, having abandoned her desk and chair for, at first, sitting on her bed, only to find that hours of pouring over screens meant that the moment she sat too long on her bed did she find herself falling back into it, wishing to reclaim the early morning hours she had devoted to going over everything the diamonds had given her in the past week, as well as anything she had been putting off from when she had been having her own mini vacation in her gem. So there she sat, neck strained, eyes losing their focus every few minutes, and her back and legs all but pleading for a respite as she finished the details of a report from Yellow.

She had sent over what Orange deemed trial-run errands, in which Yellow had made good on her word and had sent her what was honestly menial work that she would have pushed off to her pearl, but Orange found that alright. It was a start, after all, and accepted Yellow wouldn't give her anything that actually hedged on important to her or her work, certainly not without knowing if she was more than book-smart. It also meant Orange was happy it was something she could complete pretty quickly, as it was nearing time for Pearl to bring her more tablets and she wanted her full time devoted to her and not split between busy work.

It was because of her focused attention that she nearly missed the initial pinging at her door, alerting her that someone was there. It made Orange's hand lower from her screen, eyes turning to the door as her lips parted, her pulse picking up in what she had found to be normal when she anticipated Pearl being with her. Before she could call for her to come in, the doors opened and Orange couldn't help the large, toothy smile that spread across her face that subsequently fell as a mop of dark maroon hair pushed past the doorway, along with half of the rest of gem under it, the slightly panicked face of Five coming into sight. Her eyes moved from behind her to Orange, the unnerved expression on her face making her pulse rise for a completely different reason.

"Uh, my Diamond?" Five called out without so much as an apologetic look for entering, her eyes not leaving the door until it closed behind her.

"Five, what is-?"

Her eyes shot to her, wide and trying to convey something she couldn't quite understand, "There's a guest here to see you."

"Who?" Orange questioned, confused. She was only expecting Pearl to see her, at least until the big party in her honor.

Five's eyes shifted to the door, and before she could say, the door slid open again, the slight pat pat pat of their feet on the floor as they entered the only noise as both turned to stare at the intruder.

Beside Five, who leaned away rather rudely from her, stood someone Orange though she'd never see again.

"Pearl?" Orange gasped out in surprise before she could stop herself.

Beside Five was the same gray pearl that had been the thorn in her side when she returned to Homeworld months ago. She still appeared the same as well, same short hair, and flowing dress. And that smile. That same unnerving smile that Orange despised seeing on the pearl's otherwise cute round face.

"You." Orange sneered, unbothered to hide her distaste for the gem.

"Hello again, my Diamond." She bowed to her, unperturbed by the ire in her voice.

"What are you doing here?"

Pearl rose, her smile growing as she announced, "I am to be your escort for the day, my Diamond!"

"Absolutely not." Orange shot down immediately.

"It's White Diamond's orders, your imminence." Pearl retorted, her voice taking on an oddly amused tone that Orange couldn't remember hearing before, "We can't disobey her, my Diamond."

Orange did not miss the 'we' in her sentence, and it only made her scowl more. "And it just so happens to be you?"

"Would you have preferred another, my Diamond?" Pearl questioned with a tilt of her head, and Orange got the feeling the question was more condescending than an earnest inquiry.

"Anyone but you." Orange retorted, finally standing up from her spot on the floor and completely abandoning the rest of her work. "I would have thought that message was clear from the last time."

"I apologize, your clarity." Pearl said, bowing her head once more, "But I am only doing what is ordered of me."

Orange bit her tongue, her eyebrows scrunched up as she held back from verbally abusing her. She was right, of course. If it was an order, she could hardly say no, and Orange couldn't exactly send her packing without potentially upsetting White. She couldn't do that, especially not today of all days. Glancing at Five, and then to Seven who clung to the doorway, just as put off as Five was to have her around, or maybe it was her sudden mood that was making them both weary. Either way, Orange took a deep breath, clenching and unclenching her fists several times before nodding at her. "Then find a place to remain out of my way. I have things to do before tonight, including going across the square to see Pink." She glanced at the Pearl before turning to return to her seated position at her table, body tense and much more awake than she had been five minutes previously. On the floor, her eyes returned to the pearl who hadn't moved at all from beside Five, which Orange noted looked highly uncomfortable. She wondered what exactly it was about the pearl that seemed to set them all on edge so perfectly.

Taking pity on them, Orange nodded her head at them, "Five, Seven, return to your post. She's not going to be a bother."

Both gems saluted, Five turning to join her counterpart at the door before stopping for a moment, her voice raised as she spoke across the room to the young diamond, "We'll be just outside if you need anything, my Diamond." She announced, eyes sliding to the pearl before she turned and disappeared behind the closing doors.

Turning away, Orange purposely kept her eyes on her screen, attempting to ignore her unexpected, and very unwanted, guest, especially when she eventually moved away from the doors to stand just behind her. Orange had to shake off the feeling of her very presence distracting her, slowing down her progress.

"You seem to be quite diligent, my clarity."

"Uh-Huh."

"Is there anything I can aid you with?"

"No."

"Are you certain?" She pressed, "perhaps you would like to move to-"

"No," Orange ground out, "what I want is for quiet so I can finish this. That is what I'd like."

"Of course, my clarity. If there's anything you need, I'll be right here."

Orange attempted to continue paying attention to her screen, but the persistent feeling of the pearl standing just beside her, more than likely watching everything she typed out only made her both uncomfortable and irrationally annoyed to just have her standing so close.

Grunting, the taller gem slammed her hands on the table as she stood up, teeth bared in order to contain the words that desperately wanted to slip out. Turning she glare as she looked at the pearl, "You know what? I've changed my mind, let's go see Pink now. I can't do this anymore."

"Oh!" Pearl's face lit up, "Of course, my clarity."

Orange moved pasted her, uncaring of proper etiquette as she opened the door herself and stepped out into the hall. Both Carnelians turned to look at her, faces a mix of surprise and suspicion until they registered it was her. Motioning to them, Orange made an indication for them to join her, "We're going to see Pink Diamond, so you'll be my acting guards." She paused, head cocking to the side to glance at the short gray pearl that finally joined the small group, a smile still on her face that made Orange frown.

Scowling, Orange turned, jerking her head to the side, "Let's go."

Nothing more was said as the two gems joined her at either side, as if ensuring the pearl wouldn't be able to walk beside her as they began to move, forcing her to walk behind them as they made to leave White's palace.

-----------------------------------

Orange's lips pursed into a crooked frown, the carnelians not holding up much better as Pearl moved next to her, somehow managing to worm her way into their formation, forcing the carnelian's to take a wider berth to keep their charge between them. Orange bit her tongue, the displeasure on her face enough to make the other guards of Pink's own palace shift uncomfortably as the group moved through the building toward's Pink personal room.

The tense feeling was almost palpable between them, though the pearl seemed completely immune to it as she held her head high, an overly pleasant smile on her face as she made quick little steps to keep up with the trio. Coming upon Pink's door, Orange mentally relaxed, eyes straying from the door to the pearl as she moved to release the lock on the door, both Five and Seven moving to stand behind Orange as she moved next to the pearl, her eyes being drawn to Pink Diamond the moment the doors swooshed open, her back to them and her own pearl at her side, head tilted back as she listened to Pink speaking only for the diamond to fall silent at the sound of the door opening. Turning around, her eyes widened at the sight of them.

"Oh! Zir-" Pink paused, a quietly gasped inhale as her eyes settled on the gray pearl that matched Orange's pace as she stepped inside. She quickly attempted to mask the look on her face with a smile as she turned her attention back to Orange, keeping her focus on her as best she could. "Orange! So good to see you."

Orange's eyebrows furrowed, the name immediately sticking out to her as wrong. "Mo-?"

"Look at you!" Pink cut her off, eyes widening a bit too much as she forced a laugh, stepping forward to place her hands on her shoulder, her eyes looking down at her with a tinge of panic as she smiled, "You look so much better and well rested. I'm so glad you're doing well."

"I- yes, of course." Orange responded, her eyes widening in surprise, "I'm fine, but what is-?"

"Why don't we sit down?" Pink questioned, head nodding behind her to a large spread of pillows, a few pebbles scurrying out of sight behind them, "It's going to be a long day. After all, after today, we'll be equals. That's a very important day."

Orange's eyes only furrowed in confusion and concern, her eyes flicking over Pink's face at the visible strain, refusing to move even as she felt her hand begin to pull her insistently towards the far side of the room. "Are you alright?"

"Huh?" Pink stopped, eyebrows popping upward as her eyes widened, her response taking a second too long to be believable, "Oh, yes! Don't you worry. As master of ceremonies, days like this are my specialty." Pink smiled widely, lips pressed together and eyes crinkling slightly at the sides as she looked down at her, "Nothing to be concern about."

Orange waited a long moment, studying Pink's face, the longer of which she did, the more she could see her mother tensing under her scrutiny. it wasn't hard for her to see the minutiae flickers of her eyes towards the pearls behind her, considering the Carnelians had stayed out in the hallway and would, in no way, be a distraction to her. Turning away from Pink to look behind her, frowning heavily at the small pearl that had kept to her side for far too long, "stay over there. I would like time with Pink Diamond without your meddlesome busybodying."

"Of course my Diamond." The gray pearl bowed her head before turning to slowly make her way over to join Pink's own pearl.

Turning back around, Orange allowed Pink to slowly guide her across the room, her hand on her shoulder, keeping her close to her side as they walked.

"Is she...your temporary pearl?" Pink questioned, her eyes flicking over her shoulder for but a moment, which only earned her a scathing look from the younger gem.

"Not in a million years." Orange ground out, her tone pulling Pink's attention to her.

Offering a small smile, she decided to change the topic. "I heard about the trial."

Immediately, Orange's shoulders sagged, the frustrated glare that had scrunched her face falling away as her eyebrows turned up, worry and anxiousness hitting her as she cocked her head to look up at her, "Mo-"

"Pink." The older diamond cut her off, stopping to turn and look at her, "Please call me Pink." Her eyes cut to the left, and Orange felt her heart sink. She couldn't even stand to look at her. Yet, a small smile formed on her lips, a slight shrug of her shoulder as she added a little more enthusiastically as she looked down at her, "I mean, after today, we'll be of the same standing! How exciting that must be for you. I know everyone has been looking forward to this."

"Oh...uh, I guess?" Orange floundered for a moment, lost in her sudden change in both emotion and her confusion about where they stood with one another, her eyes turning away from her to hide whatever expression she knew had formed on her face, at least until she could mask it, knowing now wasn't the time for figuring out how she felt about this. Clearing her throat, she nodded, "But...if that's what you want."

"It's for the best." Pink agreed.

After a long, tense moment in which Pink begun to move toward the spread of pillows, Orange stood still, debating if she should or not, before finally looking up at her and asking, "Can we talk about the trial?"

"I heard you did great." Pink said, turning to look at her over her shoulder before she sat down, fully turning her attention her with a large smile, "I mean, Yellow praised you. You chose exactly as they wanted, so I imagine you've made White very happy."

"And you?" Orange hedged.

Pink's smile fell away before she could stop it, her eyebrows scrunching up as she attempted to hide her distressed expression, "Orange-"

"Enough. Stop acting like this is all alright!" Orange finally broke, tears forming in the corners of her eyes as she glared at her, "I know you, and you...you surely have issues with what I did, don't you?" she questioned, her hand balling up at her side before she made a motion between her and Pink, "I mean- all this? You don't have to spell it out for me." She paused, gritting her teeth as she attempted to reel in her emotions, "I'm smart, I get it, I can read between the lines."

Pink's own eyes glistened, her head shaking ever so slightly before she took a breath, giving Orange a look as she said, "We really shouldn't discuss this, especially with..." her eyes once again flicked towards the pearls, her lips twisting up in an uneasy line, nodding her head in their direction, "an audience. It's very inappropriate, Orange."

"You two!" Orange shouted, her voice booming in the room as she whipped around, her hand shooting out to point at the door as she glared at the two smaller gems, "Go wait outside!"

"I-I" Pink's pearl looked from Orange to Pink, unsure if she should listen, which only made Orange angrier.

"I said go!" Orange yelled, hands glowing in her anger.

Immediately the two pearls scurried from the room, finally leaving them alone. Orange turned, eyebrows still furrowed as she glared, not quite at Pink, but still furious.

The moment the doors closer, Orange turned back around, hands clenched at her sides as she turned her angry glare onto the much older diamond. "What is going on!?"

"Orange, please-" Pink began, hands held up only to be cut off before she could really get anything out.

"No!" Orange shook her head furiously, "I'm tired of no one telling me anything! I'm tired of it! It's my life, I should be told, so I can make my own decisions! And you-!" She concentrated her fury to her elder, Pink faltering as she got up from the ground. "What's wrong with you?!" Orange questioned, hand motioning at Pink as she stood there, face scrunched up but listening as the younger gem screamed, "One minute you're happy to see me and you're my mother, and then suddenly I'm just your fellow diamond? You're proud of me?" Orange scoffed, shrugging her shoulders as she shook her head, a mix of disbelief and disgust coloring her voice, "I sentenced someone of yours to death! Worse than that! How could you be proud of me? I know you, you'd never be proud of that!"

"Orange, dear-"

"Don't try to calm me down!" Orange yelled over her, pointing a finger at her, Pink's mouth shutting into a thin line, "I don't want to hear it! You're a liar if you say you're proud! I know you're just saying what I want to hear!" Orange snarled, "You're just like everyone else, always lying to me, always doing what you assume is best!"

"That's enough." Pink finally cut in, her voice firm and raised, but hardly yelling as Orange was, and yet it seemed to be enough to silence the younger gem, if only for the moment.

Orange paused, tears still streaming down her face as she met Pink's, tears of her own falling from her eyes.

"I know you're angry." Pink said, her voice thick with emotion as she stepped closer, moving slowly until she was in front of the younger gem. Lip quivering and tears streaming down her face, Orange launched herself at the older Diamond, Pink's arms wrapping around her and holding her close, one hand wrapping around her shoulder and the other combing into her hair, holding her head against her, making quiet shushing sounds as she let her cry, "I know, I know. It's okay."

"How is what I did okay?" Orange questioned, tilting her head down to allow room for her mouth to move, pressing her eyes harder into Pink as her hands gripped tightly at her sides, "Don't you hate me? Don't you..." she paused, sucking in deep breaths and hiccuping, tilting her head back to look up at her to ask, "Aren't you afraid of me, like before?"

Pink couldn't stop the tears that fell at that, her bottom lip trembling, fingers carding through her hair as she shook her head, "Oh, my sweet dear. No. No, no. You did what you had to. I'll never blame you for that."

"I'm happy with what I did!" Orange countered, shaking her head as she clenched her eyes shut, "She deserved it! Aren't you disgusted by me?"

Pink was silent for a long moment before she pulled Orange tighter to her, tears falling on top of her head as she held her close. "She hurt you." Pink finally spoke, "You did what you had to do for you. But you're safe now. Your safe, and I'm here."

Orange felt something snap inside her. "But you weren't before." She pulled away, roughly wiping at the tears still streaming down her cheeks, her head still bowed as she took a step away from Pink. "You weren't here when I needed you."

"Orange..." Pink whispered, eyes wide, the hurt evident on her face.

"No one would listen." Orange whispered, eyebrows pulled together so tightly it created thick lines on her brow, accentuating the terror on her face and the far away look in her eyes, "No one was there."

"Orange-" Pink stopped, moving forward before dropping to her knees before her, hands moving up to hold her face, thumbs gently rubbing at her red cheeks and endless tears, "Zirconia. I'm sorry. If I could have been, I would have been with you, through everything. But the others, they never said anything, not until it was too late. I-"

"Why is it always them?" Orange questioned, voice monotone as she look at her, eyes flicking over her face, "Why is it always the others that are at fault and not you?"

Pink's lips twisted, swallowing as her throat constricted and chest tightened as she looked at her daughter. How could she possibly explain everything to her? How could she even make it a valid excuse? Her silence seemed to be wrong as well as Orange began to pull away from her touch once more, her expression hardening as she slipped from her grip. Pink, however, managed to grab onto her hands, stopping her before she could completely escape her, her own tears never really stopping even as her expression became more serious, meeting Orange's eyes as she took a deep breath.

"Orange. Zirconia. My heart. I know i've failed in my promise to you, so many promises I've failed to keep, and I know I've been far from what you needed. No reason I could come up with would ever excuse my actions, and I don't want to lie to you. I'm so tired of lying." Pink's hands shook as she held onto Orange's smaller ones, her voice becoming thick with emotion as she pushed on, "But know I'm telling you the absolute truth when I tell you you have always made me proud. Always. And I love you so, so much. You're my world, my heart, and I'll always love you, no matter what happens. Please don't ever forget that. I'm so glad I am who I am to you, and that I have gotten the wonderful chance to know you."

Orange shook, tears running down her cheeks as she stared wide-eyed at the older gem, teeth sunk into her lower lip to keep the sob choking her throat from escaping. Pink, smiling, tugged on her hands and pulled her into a hug, holding her close before turning her head to whisper, "Please be careful, especially with who you trust. You haven't been told everything."

Orange pulled back, eyebrows pulled together as she looked at Pink in confusion. What was that supposed to mean? Was that supposed to explain her behavior? Was she trying to tell her something? What was she even supposed to do with that?

Sniffing, Orange turned away, "I have to go."

Pink's hands lowered to her lap, watching as Orange took quick steps to the door, remaining where she was as she allowed her to go, keeping herself together until she finally passed through her doors before she allowed herself to break down.

Outside, Orange stopped outside the doors, ignoring the sets of eyes that turned to her as she appeared.

"My Diamond," the Pearl bowed to her as she passed the threshold of the doors. Orange turned, tears still falling from her eyes as she looked at her, eyes wide and owllike as she met the two sets of eyes of the pearls. Pink's pearl's eyes were wide, mouth partially open to show her teeth, her discomfort at having been the one to have caught her crying mirrored Orange's own embarrassed expression. Beside her, her escort still smiled, a contrast to them.

Orange turned, ignoring the carnelian's concerned expressions as she scrubbed her eyes against her forearm, willing her tears away, which never really worked, but it was enough that she felt comfortable to allow the carnelians to see her taking in large, deep breaths as she forced herself to calm down. Sniffing, she cleared her throat before turning back to the two pearls, tilting her head as she looked to Pink's pearl, motioning her to rejoin her mother inside. Her cheeks flushed a soft blue, Pearl bowed and made haste, moving past Orange into the room to leave the two alone in the hall.

Clearing her throat again, Orange felt little energy to keep up her annoyed behavior to her escort, plainly questioning her address, "What?"

"It is almost time," She informed, "and my Diamond would like to see you before the festivities tonight."

Orange's eyes went wide again, "White?"

"Yes, your clarity."

"But she must be busy." Orange shook her head, confusion on her still reddened face, mouth more forming the word "Me?" than making an actual sound as she tilted her head.

The pearl giggled, and despite her tiredness, Orange still felt the twinge of annoyance at the sound. It always felt like the pearl knew more than her, and everything she said was just an amusement to her. And not to mention her mother's words. Trust? Orange didn't trust this pearl any more than she trusted a ruby to be a real ship captain. It was just asking for trouble.

"It is My diamond's desire to speak with you before the ceremony." The pearl pressed when she didn't immediately respond, "Shall we?"

Orange's eyes narrowed, "And just how long have you known that she wants to see me?"

"I was just informed, my clarity."

Orange frowned, lips pursed as she narrowed her eyes at the gem. She had big doubts that White was in communication with her. Then again, White's own Pearl would be in touch with said Diamond, and she knew that Pearl ran interference for her. If she had gotten orders, that meant Pearl would have sent them to her, and if that was the case, that meant if she went to see White, she might get to see her Pearl.

Pushing air through her nose, an effort to rid herself of her annoyance, she tilted her head, once again giving an indication for the pearl to go, the carnelians just as quick on the uptake as they flanked both her sides, "Then let's go. There's no reason for me to be here any longer."

-----------------------------------

Pearl walked in silence through the large storage building, head held high and hands positioned behind her back as she kept her eyes in front of her. She ignored every stray gem she passed, her eyes focused solely in front of her and on her mission.

Despite her serene appearance, Pearl's chest ached and constricted all at once. It felt like every step forward was some kind of betrayal, some sort of hurt she would be personally inflicting on the one gem she had come to care for so deeply. Didn't she hurt enough? Hadn't they both been through enough that neither of them need this?

But despite her feelings, Pearl knew Orange was a Diamond, she had known since her creation and her presentation to the Diamonds. She was destined to rule, over her, them, the empire. It was always meant to be, and it would, logically, mean Orange would need a servant of her own. A pearl. She could not be Orange's pearl, even if she wished it at times.

Her life was destined to belong to White Diamond, and never could she foresee her being given to Orange. A twice hand-me-down Pearl? It would be seen as an insult to the rest of Homeworld, and White Diamond would never hand her over. What kind of gift would she be?

No, Orange deserved a new pearl, her own this time, not a gift from one of the others. One that hadn't had a master yet, one that would be just for her. Pearl had vague memories of her during the selection process, it was always a haze when she wasn't in control. What remained afterwards never felt like her memories, and she had come to will them away, to forget as much as she could, simply because it was easier than trying to decipher what was hers and what had been her diamond's, not to mention how it always made her feel to lose control of herself. She never really was just her own Pearl anymore. It was always one moment away from being taken over, one moment between her and nothing but a puppet with vague awareness that she was even a being all her own. To White Diamond, that was all she was good for anyway. And perhaps, had she never gotten to know Orange, that would be enough. At least she would be useful, wanted even.

But lately, she hadn't been so content anymore. The closer the coronation came, the more Pearl had to push away the feelings in her about how she knew, ultimately, she'd lose Orange. She knew her young diamond wouldn't mean it, but Pearl was older, and knew how life worked, and didn't hold as much optimism for the future as her younger counterpart did. She hid it as well as she could, because Orange didn't need her pessimism, nor did she want to waste the little time they had left to argue over it. She knew, once Orange had this pearl, had her own palace and her power, her own new life, she wouldn't need her anymore. At least she could be content knowing this Diamond really hadn't meant to leave her behind.

"Halt!"

Pearl slowed to a stop as the loud voice echoed and crashed down the hall, her face blank as she stared up at the two tall, lanky guards. In their hands were destabilizing lances, held at an angle, clashing against one another to form an X and create a barrier between her and the large doubles doors, the protectors of some of White Diamond's precious items, including gems that were laying dormant, awaiting their time to serve their master.

The spindly gems, Goethites, were rather imposing between their lances and the their polygonal-shaped helmets that hung low over their eyes, narrowing one's view of their face to glaring red eyes and unfriendly snarls.

"Are you lost little pearl?" The guard to her right mockingly questioned, her lip curling at the corner in amusement, "This area is restricted, so prance on back to your owner."

Pearl's eyes narrowed at the little hand motion she made at her, shooing her away like she was a pest. Keeping her face almost painfully neutral, she replied, "I am on business for White Diamond. You will move."

"W-White Diamond?" She gasped, eyes widening and all snark leaving her voice at the mere mention of their grand leader's name, "My Diamond-!"

The two guards shared a long look, as if waiting for the other to shake their head, calling whatever bluff they thought she was pulling. They must have taken much too long for she narrowed her eyes, annoyance clear on her face as she was held up even longer. "Do you find it so hard to believe that you'd defy our grand diamond's will?"

"No!" the guard shouted, free hand up and swaying as she attempted to placate her. Pearl was hardly moved, and it must have showed as the guard stiffened, turning and placing her hand against the reader and releasing the lock on the door. Standing at attention, the guard announced, "By White Diamond's will, You may pass."

Neither Goethite looked at her as she passed between them into the dimly lit hall, the light becoming brighter the closer she moved to the storage room. Despite her interest in history, she found it hard to pay too much attention to the historical pieces she pasted by, tokens that White Diamond had kept from before the empire was what it was. Statues, bubbled gems that were no longer made, objects holding harvested gems and relics the likes of which she had never seen before. All she could really focus on were the rows upon rows of gems passed them, lined and held on unbelievably tall shelves.

In the deepest part of the second chamber of the room were the shelves that lined the walls, stacked and going so far up that Pearl couldn't even see the upper levels that climbed above her. Moving to the small display, she searched the catalogue for her objective, her eyes leaving the screen to look up in the general direction far above her where she knew she would find the other pearl. It made her chest constrict with the knowledge, and yet her feet moved, carrying her towards the lift. With her hands clenched behind her back, she focused her eyes upward, the soft buzz of humming from the lift as it rocketed upward, taking her past impossibly long rows and rows of bubbled gems, what could have made half an army by themselves. it was really spectacular to see, the mix of colored gems that lined the shelves, an assortment of gems contained within from all four of the current matriarch's courts.

As the lift slowed, Pearl's eyes leveled on a closely approaching bubble, the white iridescence of its color paling the coral colored gem inside as it became eye level until the lift stopped completely. Briefly, for a long moment, Pearl simply stared at the bubbled gem, completely helpless, bobbing up and down on the pointed pedestal it sat upon, hovering in the air until finally she reached up, grasping the bubble between her hands and lifting it from its holder and turning around. The ride down was just as quiet, her eyes glancing down at the gem every few moments until she was once again on the floor. Stepping off the platform, she was careful to pop the bubble, setting the gem down on the floor just as it began to take on a glow. the light built, blindingly filling the space between until she had to lower her head to avoid the light in her eyes, looking through her lashes as the light began to branch out, forming the first visible signs of a humanoid body. The basic outline of arms and legs took shape, a long oval head snapping back on a long neck before these things too began to fill in. The white light was finally replaced with color, the pastel oranges and corals taking place of muted whites.

In a dazzling display of light, Pearl watched the new pearl fully form, hanging in mid air for a moment before dropping down as the light faded. Falling to her knees, the pearl hunched over, thin arms shakily supporting her as her eyes clenched shut, a pitiful groan escaping her as she remained that way for a few, long moments.

She blinked, her head raising suddenly as she gasped out a quiet "Huh?"

"Wha-?" suddenly her head turned, twisting one way and then the other, as if startled by the new scenery before her. Placing a hand to the smooth gem in her chest, she paused, her brow heavy as she concentrated for another long moment, "Wait a moment. I remember, I was under inspection by..."

Another pause as she turned her head up, her face going blank as she finally noticed a set of gray legs in front of her, her head following the thin lines of leg upward until she was looking up at Pearl, her eyes still staring at her as she watched her, realization in her eyes as she gasped out a startled, "You! Your-"

"White Diamond's personal pearl." Pearl interjected, the feeling of her time limit approaching weighing on her, "And you-" she informed, "have been chosen to be Orange Diamond's."

Immediately the coral color pearl's face lit up, eyebrows rising high as she sat up, "Seriously!?"

Her hands clutched her face, her cheeks tinting a darker shade as she giggled happily to herself, "I can't believe it! Out of all the others? I'm going to be a Diamond's pearl!"

Staring at her, Pearl's eyes narrowed, a mix of frustration and sympathy coming over her before she pushed it away, moving past Orange's new pearl towards where she had entered, calling over her shoulder, "Come along, we are on an important schedule."

Pearl did not bother to wait for her as she kept walking, keeping her slightly sped up pace as her time schedule and the expectation of the younger pearl to be able to follow at the forefront of her mind. By the time she had reached the doors, her eyes ahead and ignoring the guards either side of her, she could hear the echos of a quick staccato, feet hitting the floor as the person ran.

"Wait for me!" Orange's pearl shouted, to which Pearl slowed before finally coming to a stop, turning on her heel to look expectantly at her new colleague, rather unimpressed as she caught up before hunching over, grasping her knees as she gasped in air, huffing loudly.

"How do you move so fast?" Orange's pearl mumbled to herself, just barely catching her breath as she straightened up and hand swiping at the sweat on her brow.

Pearl's eyebrows lowered, anger tinging her voice as she chastised her, "Do not ever run in a diamond's facilities!"

A deep blush crossed the younger pearl's face, her fingers curling against her palm as her lowered her eyes in embarrassment, "Oh! Sorry... I didn't kno-"

"We do not have time to spare for idle chat." Pearl cut her off, turning on her heel and resuming her march through the building.

"Yes ma'am." Orange's pearl responded, this time making an effort to match her quick pace, her hands clasped in front of her as she followed obediently. As the walk continued, her eyes began to wonder, the quiet being almost suffocating as they moved along, tense and her own excitement still coursing through her.

"It's just-" she eventually broke the silence, attempting to both explain her earlier fumbles as well as express her enthusiasm over the entire situation she had found herself in, "this is all so exciting! Can you tell me what it's like? What will I be doing, exactly?"

Pearl remained facing forward, her hands clenching slightly tighter behind her back as she answered in a rather neutral tone, "You will have many tasks and expectations placed on you. Perhaps even beyond your current capabilities."

Orange's pearl's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "Like what?"

"You will do anything and everything asked of you. Your diamond's happiness and well being is your top concern, over even your own life."

"Gee." Orange's Pearl's expression soured, her lips turning down as she felt her earlier enthusiasm faltering at the older pearl's words, "You make this sound so delightful."

Cocking her head, Pearl looked at her younger counterpart over her shoulder, "You will find serving a diamond to be the greatest burden you will ever have the honor of baring."

Orange's pearl's shoulders sagged and head lowering, her excitement slowly being beaten down as she listened on, nervousness beginning to fill her chest as she slowly began to realize just what she had been chosen for.

"It is expected you will change and fit to Orange Diamond's needs. Failure is not an acceptable option, so you should pay attention and learn fast."

"What..." Orange's Pearl paused, uncertainty coming over her face before she turned her eyes up to look at the back of the older pearl's head as she asked meekly, "What will happen if I don't?"

"Then you will be replaced and shattered. A pearl who can not fulfill her duty is worthless."

Tears sprung to the younger pearl's eyes, her mouth falling open and eyebrows pulling together as she stared in horror at the pearl before her, so callous in her response, it made her chest tight. How could she care so little? How long had she been doing this that she herself could say such things and feel nothing for her? She must know what she's doing, she was White Diamond's pearl after all, and she had never been anything before this. She had been made blank, but perfect in her design, and selected right from the shell to be put on display with hundreds of her sister gems, just as perfect as her, only one to be selected to fill the roll that was needed, a roll they had not been made for, and she was feeling that now. How inadequate was she? She hadn't been made for this as the older pearl had been, how could she be prepared for this task? She couldn't, was the answer, but she refused to be shattered without trying as well. Without thinking, she shot forward, grabbing the older pearl by the arm.

What she had not really expected was for her to flinch and suddenly turn, wrenching her arm away from her touch and almost stumbling back away from her, instinctually yelling before she could stop herself, "Don't touch me!"

"Please!" Orange's pearl pleaded, her hands up in her own surprise to her reaction, but she pushed on, "I don't want to be shattered! Help me! Tell me what I need to do, I'll do anything!"

For a long moment, Pearl stood there, staring at the shaking, teary eyed pearl as she begged her for help. Pleading to make her fit to serve Orange as best she could. It tugged at something she had long thought buried, her own memories of wanting to be the best servant she could while feeling so wholly inadequate. And yet, she could remember how fondly Pink Diamond had smiled at her, had been so forgiving of her very early stumbles and just how much she didn't fit what she wanted in a pearl at first. Those were early memories, untainted by their future and the fallout that had made her White Diamond's pearl instead. It also made her chest swell to see someone wishing to be the best for her Orange, someone who, she had no doubt, would be just as acceptable to Orange as she was now. The other Diamonds, however, she knew she would be disapproved by. She had displayed little that showed she was like a Diamond's pearl should be, too loud, too easily excited, not enough control. Exactly the kind of gem she could envision Orange enjoying spending her time with.

Lowering her hands to her gem, Pearl concentrated, eyes sparkling in the light of her gem as it lit up, a small, diamond shaped object was slowly pulled from her gem, both her hands clasping around it as the light of her gem died back down. Her head remained bowed as she stared at it, another wave of uncertainty hitting her.

"What...?" Orange's pearl questioned all the while watching her, her eyes widening as she watched her gem light up and then dim again as she held onto a small object she couldn't really make out as her fingers held on to it, obscuring her view beyond being able to identify it as small and light pink in color. Finding her voice, she asked again, "What are you doing?"

Pearl hesitated a moment before holding out the pink device, fingers holding onto it tightly as she forced out a firm "Here."

"uhh, what is...?" she paused, staring down at the object dumbly, hands still at her sides even as the older pearl continued to hold out the small pink object to her. Reaching out, she tentatively grabbed onto it, taking it from her as she turned it over, her other hand coming up to run a light touch over the slightly beaten up exterior. Small little scratches and knicks, but nothing majorly odd about it that made it hard to identify what it was now that she could see it clearly. "A storage device?"

"Don't ask questions, just open it." Pearl ordered, eyes watching her as she asked a quick "Which" only to be cut off with, "The third accessible file."

Orange's pearl did as she was told, eyes wide, taking in everything while attempting to hold her curiosity to herself as she moved past two other images, one she instinctually knew being of Pink Diamond and a pearl that looked oddly similar to the one before her and another of someone she didn't know, until she found the third file, her hand pausing over the screen before it moved, clearing her vision of the image to grab onto the top, surprise coloring her voice as she asked, "Is this-?"

"Your new master, Orange Diamond."

It was not a great picture, but it was one of Pearl's favorite's. The youngest diamond sat at her desk, entirely too concentrated on her work to have noticed she had entered, not that Pearl had any intention of disturbing her in the first place, but the way she looked had struck Pearl as something she wanted keep with her. The little furrow of her brow, the unblinking way she stared at the screen that she would regret later, hair a perpetual mess curling into her eyes and bombarding the white chair in the brightest, purest orange she had ever seen. She had turned her head mere moments before she captured it, mouth agape in clear surprise at seeing her. It was one of the few pictures she had of her, kept on her old compact that only she was aware she still possessed. It made her feel as if she always had a piece of her close by, a comfort, even if she couldn't stop to look at them.

"Orange Diamond..." Orange's pearl found herself repeating in wonder. she looked nothing like she had expected, and yet she knew that meant little to her job. but somehow seeing her, it settle some of the tension that had built in her. She was no longer a face she had never seen, a person she knew zero about. It wasn't programed into her mind like the other diamonds had been, she was blank too, a looming title that she knew her very existence hinged on pleasing from the moment they met.

"As a diamond's pearl, it is important you conform to their will." Pearl explained a she allowed her new colleague to look over the image of the youngest diamond, "Do not be surprised if you must change everything about yourself, down to your own appearance to reflect them. You will know no higher privilege than serving your diamond."

"Do you serve your diamond so completely?" Orange's pearl questioned, finger's running curiously over the image of her owner, taking in the odd sight of her. She looked so unlike she had expected, she couldn't help but feel wondered by it. She hardly looked like a tyrant to her, the stern faces that were programed into her mind from creation of the others seemed such a contrast. She looked, if she dare say, almost like she could have been a regular gem with her wide eyes and surprised expression.

"I owe my continued existence to my diamond." Pearl responded, "I serve happily."

Staring at the screen a moment longer, a small smile began to curl its way on her lips. Wordlessly, Orange's pearl closed the small device, holding onto it tightly as she closed her eyes, her gem beginning to glow.

Squinting her eyes in the suddenly bright light, Pearl watched as the light of her gem spread to the rest of her form, filling and taking over her physical light form until it was nothing but the bright glow of white-orange light, her eyes widening ever so slightly as she watched the lines of her form move and shift, replacing the curved, soft lines with much sharper shapes until the light dispersed, leaving the younger pearl standing there in the afterglow of her transformation.

"Ah..." Orange's pearl mumbled, eyes slowly open as her hand began to fall away from her gem, eyes turning down only to let out a gasp as she saw herself, "oh!"

Hands moving away from her body, Orange's pearl tucked in her chin, attempting to view her body as best she could, eyes wide as she took in her new appearance. "that's more of a difference than I had planned."

"Hmm." Pearl hummed, pulling her attention away from herself, eyebrows raised as she place a hand to her chin, head partial tilting as she studied her for a long moment, "Interesting choices."

"Premature, but adequate." She continued, nodding her head in her own approval of the new look, disregarding the way the younger gem's eyebrows furrowed together as she added, "White Diamond will be pleased by your efforts at least. But ultimately it will be Orange diamond's reaction that will be the deciding factor."

This seemed to settle whatever worry her previous comment had made, her shoulders lowering and her eyes becoming bright and hopeful. With a small smile, Orange's pearl held out the small compact device to her, to which she gladly took back, whatever anxiety having it out of her possession brought disappearing as she returned it to her gem.

"Now," she cleared her throat, hands moving back behind her as she gave a single nod to the younger gem before she turned around, motioning over her shoulder for her to follow, the quiet taps of her feet telling her she had begun to walk with her, "We've wasted enough time. We must not keep our diamonds waiting. It is almost time."

"I'll get to meet my Diamond?"

"Yes, Orange Diamond will be there. Now, listen closely so you know what is expected of you to serve her well."

"Yes ma'am."

-----------------------------------

"Orange!" White cheered the moment she stepped through the doors, the joyous note in her voice lifting Orange's heavy heart, if only for the moment.

"Hello, White." Orange smiled in greeting.

"Come in, my little gemling. Don't just stand there."

"Oh, right." Orange mumbled, cheeks warming in embarrassment as she moved forward. For a moment, her eyes flitted around the room, attempt to find the one she yearned most to see today, only to try and ignore the ache in her chest when she realized she wasn't there. But her distraction was short lived as her eyes landed on the other pearl that had been the ruin of her day. Orange's eyebrows furrowed as she noticed the pearl leaning heavily against the wall, supporting herself with one hand as she attempted to keep herself upright. However, her concern was quickly forgotten as her attention was immediately turned back to White, leaving the pearl forgotten as White moved down off of her platform and towards her, the much larger diamond demanding her attention once more.

She bent down, offering her hand to the younger diamond as she beamed, "There is something you must see."

Orange perched on the edge of White's hand, intrigued as she walked with her, until she realized what it was as she moved over to the eyes of her ship, White tall enough to offer her a real view without having to climb into the deep holes that created the pupil of the ship and that acted as the physical windows for it's owner to see from. Her eyes lit up, widening as she took in the sight of the square below them, White's ship offering such a grand view of everything. She was absolutely captivated by the lights beginning to shine brighter in the dimming light of the sky, the spotlights at the corners of the square shining and moving, beacons of welcome for the upperclass that would be attending the ceremony.

"I can hardly believe the time has finally come for you to join us." White spoke, her face forward, taking in the same sights as Orange, her eyes moving to look at the small gem in her hand, "You've grown so much."

Orange smiled widely, happy but embarrassed as she rubbed the back of her neck, "Yeah, it's been an adventure."

White gave a small chuckle at her words, the corners of her eyes crinkling, "I imagine there are a few who would say that is an understatement, wouldn't you?"

Orange blushed, "Yeah, I guess they would."

"From such a tiny thing, with little to inspire confidence or allegiance to. And yet, here you stand, poised to be apart of the Great Diamond Authority." White said, a fondness softening her sharp features as she studied the smaller diamond, "Are you ready for it?"

Orange got the impression she was asking much more than if she was ready to stand in front of a huge crowd for a party in her name. It was such a loaded question, but ultimately responded with a simple, "Yes." She nodded, lips thinning into a serious line, her voice firm with conviction as she added, "I was made for this."

"Wonderful." White said, placing the tip of her nail under her chin, tilting her head back as she looked down at her, "You're going to make us all so proud."

"I will." Orange confirmed, "I won't let you down."

White's finger rose from her chin, the tip of her nail touching her nose, making it twitch and her face scrunch up for a moment as she chuckled quietly, "I know you won't."

A soft smile settled on Orange's face, head turning from White to look back out at the square, bright and welcoming, banishing all her earlier fears and negative feelings. Soon, everything would be the way it was meant to be, and she would finally be who she was supposed to be. And her entire family would be there to witness it. "When will we be meeting with the others?"

"You'll see them at the ceremony. We'll be the last to arrive."

"I'm going with you?" Orange questioned, head turning away from the dazzling light to look up at White in question, honestly surprised she wouldn't be getting another escort.

"But of course." White answered, "I have been so looking forward to this moment. My little gemling all grown up."

She didn't think it was possible, but her smile widened, possibly to give White's own a run for it's money. She attempted to hide her excitement as she asked, "When do we leave?"

"Very soon. It does not look good to be late."

Nodding, Orange looked back out of the ship's eyes, at first once again taken in by the dazzling lights. Her eyes moving in there sockets, taking in everything as much as she could, her eyes following all the moving lights that reflected off Homeworld's buildings, clashing with the lights that already lined the build and the sky above. her gaze moved, following one of the spot lights as it traveled up until she found herself looking at the pink palace across from them, and she tried her best not to think about earlier, but it was hard.

Pink, her mother. Pink, who she loved, but always left her. Pink who loved her, but never enough to stay. Pink, who had changed over the years, like her.

Off to the sides, on either sides of her peripheral vision, she could see the blue and yellow towers, just as bright and eye-catching in the light as Pink's.

Blue and Yellow. The two that had always been in her life, no matter what. Blue and Yellow who loved her too. Blue and Yellow, who never changed. Blue who had instilled in her a belief that this was always for her, that her doubts were other gem's thoughts, and not the truth. Yellow, who had taught her so much, who had already made plans to continue even after she became one of them. The two she considered that made up the strongest pillars of her family, rock-solid and so constant.

And White. She had never not been in her life. Always there, always taking care of her, loving her, ensuring she was the best she could be. A constant to Homeworld and to her, another pillar she could always count on to be there too.

If she turned her head just a little more, she could make out the corner of her own palace, bright and orange, nestled in-between White's own palace and Blue's, pristine and waiting just for her.

Her voice was low, soft as she spoke up, "White?"

"Hmmm?" White hummed in response, her eyes falling down to look at her.

"After this I'll be moving to my own palace, right?"

"Of course." White responded, "You must take steps to branch out on your own."

Orange nodded, turning her head to look up at her and to smile softly, "I just want to say, I'll miss you."

"Oh, how sweet." White cooed, "But don't you worry," she accentuated each word with a tap of her nail on her head, "I'll always be here, watching over you. Now," her smile widened into a toothy grin, "shall we go?"

-----------------------------------

Standing in the covered hall, Blue and Yellow Diamond peered down at the two lone Pearls as they waited, their own pearls not far behind them, attempting to not openly gawk at the new Pearl that would soon join their exclusive circle of personal pearls of the Diamonds.

Arms crossed, Yellow eyed the small gem, the slight downturn of her lips making the young pearl bow her head to avoid both making eye contact with the matriarch as well as seeing the judgement in her eyes as she scrutinized her. Beside her, Blue was doing very much the same, head tilted as she looked down her nose at the small gem.

"Hmm." Blue hummed, eyes cutting from Orange's pearl to Yellow, "She comes from your pearl production, doesn't she, Yellow?"

"Yes, it would seem so." Yellow nodded.

"I suppose Im not surprised." Blue sighed, eyes turning back to the small gem who was trying her hardest not to shrink behind White's pearl, who stood perfectly straight and seemingly unaffected by the two diamond's presence at all. "it is time Orange had a pearl that was her own."

"The color is close enough," Yellow shrugged, the corner of her lip flicking downward as she added, "I believe it could be better."

"Hmm." Blue hummed again, this time in agreement, "Her gem is perfect, though. Good."

"Pearl," Yellow addressed, all four pearls turning their attention to her, but her eyes remained on the youngest, her large eyes wide as she felt herself tremble slightly under her stare, "Have you been instructed how to care for Orange Diamond's...unique needs?"

Swallowing, Pearl nodded, before remembering herself and speaking up, "Yes, my diamond."

"Then you are aware what will happen if you mess up?" Yellow pressed, eyebrow raising in question.

"Yes, my diamond." She responded a little more confidently, "I will be shattered."

"Correct. Now listen up," Yellow ordered, Orange's pearl's eyes moving to her as she straightened up, "I'm giving you an order. You will not speak with anyone outside this current group who is not qualified to speak about Orange Diamond's unique needs, am I clear? No one."

"Yes, my diamond."

"I take Orange Diamond's life and happiness seriously, Pearl." Blue said, her eyes narrowed as she looked down at the small gem, her voice holding a warning as she met her eyes, "Do not fail us."

"Yes, my diamond." Pearl bowed again, her clasped hands clenching a bit tighter. "I won't fail."

"Good." Yellow huffed, "At least this one might last a while."

"Yellow." Blue chastised lightly.

"What?" Yellow rolled her eyes, giving Blue a look as she shrugged, "You and I both know how Orange is." She glanced down at the small, delicate gem, "Hopefully it lasts long enough until we can get her a proper one, is all I'm asking."

Shaking her head lightly, Blue looked down at her, "If we didn't know, no one would even be able to tell it wasn't hers. Are you certain we should push the subject? At least for now?"

Pearl remained silent, her eyes lowering to the floor in an attempt to hide just how tense the diamond's words made her. Beside her, White's pearl shifted on her feet ever so subtly, catching her attention as she lifted her chin a fraction. Following her, Pearl looked up again only to see both Diamonds staring down at her. Gasping, she straightened back up, hands clenching almost painfully tight to one another as she held her head back, remaining still as she attempted to ignore the snicker of one of the other pearls behind them at her obliviousness.

"We'll see." Yellow eventually responded, "It may be a moot point if White insists anyway." Yellow reminded, to which Blue nodded, almost sadly.

"Speaking of which," Yellow stood straight, arms falling from her chest as she looked back at Orange's pearl, "Remain here. You'll be given to your new owner when the time comes. Now, Blue?" Yellow said, turning to her and offering her arm.

Blue smiled, taking her arm with a soft, "Yellow."

"Let's go." Yellow ordered lightly, turning with Blue, "Its time we joined the party."

"But White isn't here yet."

"She'll want the grand entrance herself, so let's be seated." Yellow instructed, her brow creasing for a moment as her eyes looked around them, turning to her counterpart as she questioned, "Where's Pink?"

-----------------------------------

If she thought the glamour of the dazzling view of the square from White's headship was amazing, up close and personal was almost overwhelming. So much light and life, neon strings that danced through homeworld's structures like veins, stark and beautiful against the marble obelisks and crystalline towers. Everywhere light bounced from the Diamond's Square created a cascade of sparkles against the adjacent buildings, as if the very stars had been pulled down to join them that night in celebration.

The walk over had been pleasant, any guards that followed White around she hadn't seen, but they must have been there considering she had never seen Yellow and Blue without at least a few of their own, more for appearances and protocols sake than actual threat, she imagined. But whether they were there or not, it gave Orange the illusion it was just them, White and her, traveling for what felt like the first time amongst the city, a far cry of just her palace walls that had occurred when she was so much tinier. Due to White's size, the walk over was much quicker than anything she could have managed short of running, but it had been nice all the same. A moment she enjoyed before she knew she would be thrust into her new life, and into a situation she still wasn't quite sure how she would navigate, but knew she would eventually get it.

Inside, it was as she had expected, and yet not. It was grand, oozing opulence and such fine craftsmanship, Orange was amazed there was anything more lavish than White's own palace. So many statues and the most intricate designed carvings, all wrapped up in the pale yellow-white stone that made up the walls, catching the light and shadows of the rooms and turning them into different shades and hues, all pulled together by the ornate red rug that seemed to run through every bit of the building. It wasn't hard to understand why this was not only the epicenter of the capital city, but housed the throne room of the Diamond Authority, and where only the most prestigious were permitted to enter, with very few exceptions.

With her attention diverting every which way, Orange was surprised when she realized she had stopped moving, glancing up at White in question as to why she had stopped in the grand hall.

Without a word, White bent over, her hand lowering to the floor and Orange caught on quickly enough it was time for her to get off. Slipping from her palm, Orange landed on the red rug, the sound of her feet hitting the floor only slightly muffled by it's padding. Straightening up, she absentmindedly fixed the bottom of her tunic, making sure she was presentable as she looked backup at White.

"Wait here," White instructed, eyes alight with something Orange couldn't decipher, "I have a surprise for you for your very special day."

Orange nodded, eyes following White as she moved down the hall and into a room out of sight. She took a breath, her eyes moving around the hall in interest. a few guards lined the wall, though none of them looked at her, completely at-attention, and her only company out in the open hall. just farther down, she could make out a room, the grand entrance decorated with cravings and soft fabrics, the sound of voices and music filtered out, and she knew it was the throne room. She could only imagine just how filled the ballroom was based on the noise level alone.

Looking the other direction, eyes bouncing from one thing to the next, she briefly wondered what White had waiting for her, in here of all things. It would be odd to give her an object to carry around just before the ceremony, or whatever she had planned. It would be out of place to have a trinket with her in introduction, so why give it to her now? And then, like a little nudge from the back of her mind, she remembered Pearl's own warning for her. The memory alone made her chest constrict and her breathing to become shallow.

A Pearl. Her special gift was a pearl. What else could she have to give her the day she was to become one of the authority? What had she expected? How could she have forgotten?

"My Diamond."

Her head whipped around at the familiar soft voice, the sound like a welcome balm as she stared wide-eyed at Pearl as she stood next to the open entryway that White had disappeared into. She looked as professional as ever, but her eyes held an apology to her even as she dipped her head, arms crossing into a salute as she greeted her.

Orange was star stuck, seeing Pearl in the bright light of the hall, little kaleidoscopes of sparkles dancing across her, enhanced as they moved across her sheer skirt, creating a small galaxy around her hips. She resisted every urge in her pushing her to go over to her and sweep her off her feet and kiss her silly. Instead, she licked her lips, vaguely realizing her mouth had been open as she cleared her throat and nodded at her, her voice slightly raised to be heard over the music still floating down the hall, "Pearl."

She didn't have much longer to stare as just behind her White stepped out from the room, the long train of her skirts just barely obscuring another smaller being as she stepped behind her own pearl, her eyes crinkling at the sides as she looked down at her. Orange didn't maintain eye contact for long, her gaze moving down at the thing she had been obscuring before stepping into view, taking a spot next to Pearl, mirroring her stance, hands clasped in front of her with her head remaining bowed, though she could see her eyes flicking up to look at her.

"Orange," White crooked a finger, motioning towards the younger Diamond, "Come. I have something for you."

Orange obediently stepped forward, her chest tight, eyes subtly flicking from her to Pearl to the new gem beside her, standing at a slightly taller height than her, though that could have been her spiked hair creating an illusion of difference between them. As she stepped closer, Orange got a better view of her, her skintight suit that covered her upper body up to her neck, but left her arms bare, stopping at her mid thigh. Around her waist was a sheer skirt, much shorter than Pearl's, stopping at the thigh high stockings that covered the rest of her legs. Unlike her previous pearl, this one was of a muted coral color, not quite her color, but much too orange in tint to belong to Pink. As she neared, the pearl looked up fully, staring back at her rather openly. She was wide eyed, reminding Orange of a startled creature, ready to bolt the moment she moved too fast. She was tense in comparison to Pearl, her hands clasped together in front of her, grip so tight that she could make out the color change where she was strangling her own fingers.

"Is this...?" Orange's question trailed as she continued to stare at the pearl, who, even though it hadn't been said, knew was hers. The pearl that she had been warned about, and the pearl she hadn't prepared herself to meet.

"You're new pearl." White responded with a nod, obviously pleased with her correct assumption, and yet completely oblivious to how her words effected her. "And much more suited for you than your last was. I believe it has been enough time for you to know how to take care of your things properly?"

Orange had to stop herself from flinching at the insinuation of the pearls being mere toys for her. Instead, Orange nodded, looking up at her as she responded, "Yes White."

"Good." White clapped her hands together, "Your Pearl has been instructed on what she will be required to do for your ceremony. She will be with you from now on for your transition into your new role."

Orange's eyes flicked to Pearl, her own eyes slightly wider as she met hers, she obviously had not known this. That meant that their secret meetings would be much harder to pull off if she was always contesting with a new Pearl.

"Pearl," Orange looked up even though it had been White to call her name, watching as she turned away from them, "Come. it's time to begin this ceremony."

"Yes, my diamond." Pearl responded, casting one last look at Orange before turning to join her owner.

Orange stood still, her eyes traveling from the two gem's backs to her new pearl of their own volition, only to find she had been staring at her as well. The moment their eyes met, the smaller gem let out a little squeak, head snapping down as she looked at the floor so hard, Orange felt sorry for her. She knew the look, wishing the ground would swallow her up. She was nervous, not that Orange was doing much better.

Vaguely, in the background, she could hear Pearl's voice, the music having died down as she spoke and then the ear splitting cheer as she introduced White Diamond into the party. glancing up at the noise, Pearl seemed to realize something as she jumped, startling Orange at the quick action as she whipped around to look at the now fluttering curtain as it fell closed now that White had disappeared into the ballroom, before turning back to look at her with a wide, startled look.

"I'm supposed to get you in position!" she paused, eyes somehow becoming even more round as she took in Orange's own surprised expression at her outburst, a hand slapping over her mouth a moment later. "I-I I mean-" she stuttered, floundering for a very long moment where Orange wasn't sure what she was supposed to do to calm her, before she cleared her throat, "I mean, if my Diamond would please follow me."

Standing up a little taller, she reclasped her hands in front of her, though the wide eyed look never really left her face.

Lips pursing, sympathy and embarrassment for the smaller gem making her nod in compliance, "Why, uh, why don't you lead the way."

"Of course, my diamond." She bowed her head before snapping back up and doing a complete about-face. Moving before Orange expected her too, she had to take longer steps to keep up with her new pearl as she partially hurried over to the entrance, eyes ahead and failing to realize just how much distance she had put between them in her haste to do her job.

Just out of sight of the curtain, Pearl paused, suddenly looking unsure of what to do. Turning around, she grimaced at the much taller gem, "We, uh, we must wait now, my diamond!"

Nodding, Orange moved to stand against the wall, eyes turning to the curtain and the thin shadows that passed over it, her attention only being pulled away as the pearl came to stand beside her, her hands once again clasped together and with her head bowed, eyes flicking from the floor to her and back. Orange crossed her arms, lips thinning as she avoided meeting her new pearl's gaze.

The two were merely waiting for their time to enter the ballroom, or rather, for Pearl's cue to introduce her diamond for the gathered crowd, and yet it felt much more like she was waiting to have a dreaded talking to and she could only wait for it to happen so it would be over sooner.

Pearl put on a smile, half forced, and half backed by her own happiness in her new role, "While we wait, is there anything I can do for you my Diamond?"

"Uh," Orange's eyes flicked down to look at her, mind taking a moment to catch up and form a response to her, "No. I'm fine."

"Oh! Of course..." Pearl nodded, head tucking down again, for a short moment before she was looking back up at her, this time a light hue of orange coloring her cheeks while she continued to smile, "I mean, if you can think of anything, please don't hesitate."

Orange's lips immediately turned down into a grimace as she side eyed the smaller gem, "I won't. I know how pearls work."

Stars, not even just a pearl, but her pearl. She had been told weeks in advanced and yet she still felt so wholly unprepared for this. She felt like she was betraying her last pearl by even allowing White to give her a new one, not to mention the worry that it was only a matter of time before she ended up just like her.

"Am I...do you not find me satisfactory, my Diamond?" The pearl questioned.

Orange turned, eyes wide as her eyebrows scrunched together in a mix of confusion and horror. "What?"

"I can change, my Diamond!" She gasped, "Please, I'll do anything you ask. It is my purpose to please you. If you find anything you dislike, I will change it immediately. I am your most loyal servant, I swear it."

Her servant. The very though left her feeling almost ironically amused by the whole situation. She was about to be coronated in mere moments and here she was, disturbed that her new pearl was fretting over if she though she looked good and was satisfactory enough for her, as it was her entire purpose. She was going to become a matriarch for an entire empire and she couldn't handle the thought of a gem who's sole reason for being was to do everything she wished.

"You're perfectly fine." Orange forced herself to answer, a small portion of her worry dissolving as she watched this small gem's face light up at her words, her little shoulders lowering as she clasped her hands, the widest of grins forming on her face as she looked up at her like she had hung the stars themselves.

"Thank you, my Diamond! If there is anything you need, I will always be there for you. I swear it."

Orange wasn't given a moment more to think on that as the music died once more in the ballroom, and Pearl perked up, turning to look at her with the excitement she knew she should have felt as she announced, "It's time, my diamond!"

Following Pearl toward the curtain, she suddenly stopped, turning to her as she spoke, "As I have been instructed, I will go in and introduce you, and then you will come in once the curtains have parted."

"I remember this bit," Orange mused absentmindedly, the memory of watching in fascination as the four diamond made their own grand entrances coming to mind, her small smile at the thought only made Pearl smile wider, obviously encouraged by her reaction.

"Are you ready, my diamond?"

Taking a deep breath, Orange looked down at her new pearl, the tightness in her chest lightened a tiny bit as she looked up at her, awaiting her response before she nodded.

Bowing her head, Pearl moved to the curtain, waiting until the lower section parted, to which she stepped through, and the curtain closed behind her.

Taking another deep breath, Orange moved to take her place, waiting to do as she had both been instructed and had seen the others do before. She clenched her hands as she felt her nerves beginning to make them shake in her anticipation.

Now was the time. Her time.

"Everyone in attendance to todays grand event," Pearl called, her voice naturally light and airy, still managed to bring everyones eyes to her, "Be witness for the brilliant, glorious and lustrous, Orange Diamond!"

A hushed gasp echoed around the grand hall, all eyes turning from the young pearl as the curtains were pulled back by the small crew of aquamarines. Turning around, Pearl looked up at the taller gem, a small smile on her face as she watched her walk into view of the entire hall, head held high as she entered. She waited until she neared to begin walking with her towards the thrones at the other end of the ballroom, head subtly turning to watch as the aristocrats around them attempted to glimpse a peak as they move past, straining to look over one another's shoulders, vying for a chance to see her Diamond for the first time.

Orange was in absolute awe at the crowd. So many gems, all with their arms folded into a Diamond's salute as she passed, her eyes catching quite a few as she entered, though when she met Pearl in the middle of the walkway, did her eyes travel upward and she had to remind herself to keep walking when she saw all four Diamond's watching her. Never before did she feel so much pressure to do well at once.

Her eyes met first with White's, her smile wide, the soft crinkles beside her eyes giving away just how pleased she was with the evening, and with her as she moved down the aisle with poise she had no idea she possessed until that moment. To her left, Blue smiled down at her, the tiniest tear pricks in her eyes as she watched her. Opposite her, Yellow held her head high, a small curve of her lips as their eyes met, offered a nod to her. Finally, she looked in the middle, and she had almost faltered in her careful steps at the look on Pink's face. A large smile, with the kindest eyes, encouraging her with a nod of her own. An offer of support.

She had to resist the urge to cry like Blue, feeling so full of love and confidence having all four of them together, and so happy with her, so pleased.

Finally, she and her pearl reached the end of the rug, coming to a stop as she looked up at the four of them, beside her Pearl bowed her head in respect.

"Orange," White greeted, her hand lifting from the armrest of her throne to motion to her right, "take your rightful place."

Orange's eyes followed her motion, her eyes wide as she realized she had somehow missed the throne that had been placed between Yellow's and Pink's, sharp and angular in its design, and such a striking shade of orange. And it was hers. It was practically a beacon, a physical sign that showed to everyone there that she was, indeed, the newest member of the Diamond Authority, all that was left were the official words.

Glancing back up, Orange made eye contact with White's Pearl, stood up on the platform below her diamond, and not too far from her throne, though she would never be able to actually look at her without being obvious, it somehow made it all the better knowing that she would be near.

Smiling, even though she wouldn't be able to return it, Orange's eyes moved to look back up at her throne as her pearl moved ahead of her, taking the spot that would be to the right of her and bowing as she ascended the short steps upward, once again thankful for her growth as she was much more easily able to climb them than she would have been before. At the top, she paused once more, appreciating the throne, and everything it meant for her before she turned around, eyes taking in the sight of the crowd from her raised position, nearly blown away by the crowd size, before she took her seat. Sitting all the way back, her feet didn't quite touch the floor completely unless she tilted her feet downward, the toes of her boots making contact with the tile beneath, but she didn't much mind. Everything else was perfect.

Taking advantage of the moment, Orange looked out on the crowd, all turning to face the thrones now that all the seats had been filled. She had only ever seen the crowds like this from far up above, the view was always partially obscured by the towering pillars and the dancing lights that made it hard to see everything as it was. But here, at ground level, Orange could make out the sections of the crowds, before the mingling began, still split by their courts. So many jades and garnets filled the room, a large group of sapphires and padparadscha filled in a square formation to the right of the room, flanked by ruby and quartz guards alike. Orange's mouth broke open in a large, toothy grin as behind them, mixed in with a group of hessonites and other higher ranking soldier class gems, she spotted the towering bodies of G and J, heads cocked towards one another as they spoke, but it excited her to know that someone had thought to include her own gems in the ceremony. Briefly scanning the crowd again, Orange attempted to find Iris, but found it difficult with so many different gems in the room, all of varying heights and with different shaped heads, finding the short gem may have been impossible, but there wasn't a doubt in her mind that she was there too.

"Now, now," White said, her voice not raising any more than it was normally, and yet the crowd fell into a hush, the noise traveling from the front and dying down in quick waves, all giving rapt attention as the eldest matriarch spoke. "Quiet down everyone."

When the room was nearly silent, White began to speak, "It is with great pleasure that we are all here today, joined as one single great empire, subjects gathered to witness such a marvelous event. Today, we four great leaders have returned from the far reaches of space, where we continue to expand and populate our glorious empire, have gathered to welcome another into our great Authority." With a sweep of her hand, White motioned towards Orange, "It is with great expectations and honor, that I introduce and appoint Orange Diamond as your newest leader."

Orange was floored by the cheer of the crowd, her chest tight and pulse beating rapidly from both panic and joy as she watch the crowds, so bright and happy, welcoming her as not only one of their own, but their newest matriarch. She had expected the feeling of joy for finally achieving what she had been made for, but the rush of relief and the pride she felt at everyone around her, she could feel her chest near to bursting.

They loved her. Blue was right, they absolutely loved her. They had no idea who she really was, or how she acted, but they gave it all just for her.

It was everything and more. A grand welcome.

"I would like to announce," White said, cutting into the cheer of the crowd with her booming voice, her wide smile showing just how pleased she was with the day, waved her hand over the crowd as she announced, "With the addition of our newest diamond, our authority grows, and so does the future of our great empire."

"Welcome to Era 2!"

[Updated and corrected 6/11/21]

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And with that, concludes season 3. I'll be taking a short break, in which I pretty much take a break about thinking of this story beyond answering questions on Orange's blog, and then i'll will be back with the start of season 4!

And since I haven't asked you guys anything in a while, I got this one for you all: Who's your favorite side character(s)?