Chapter 2: Growing

Summary:

In which time passes and a young diamond hybrid grows up in homeworld..

The wailing of an infant echoed through the room, tears involuntarily falling from the gems present.

"Pearl, quiet this thing down," Yellow commanded, wiping her eyes for what felt like the millionth time.

It seemed the child hadn't just inherited Blue Diamond's gem but her powers too. Blue Pearl gently rocked the baby, while an Amethyst next to her made exaggerated funny faces to cheer the infant. The crying subsided slightly, but the child reached up toward Yellow, still whimpering.

"It would seem she wishes to be held by you, my Diamond," Yellow Pearl observed, eyeing the blue bundle with curiosity.

Yellow scowled. Couldn't they simply place this… thing in the human zoo? It would be properly cared for there. But then again, the infant bore a Diamond's gem on her chest, and her powers were already evident. The zoo likely wouldn't suffice. Besides, how long would it even take? How long did organics live again?

"You're joking," Yellow growled.

She soon realized the pearl wasn't, as the child's crying intensified, forcing tears from everyone once more.

"Fine," Yellow relented, holding out her hand. The human hybrid was carefully placed onto her palm, and the room fell into a blessed silence almost immediately.

Yellow stared down at the infant, who smiled up at her, cooing softly. It was a strange yet fascinating sight—white hair shimmering pale blue under the light, and eyes the exact shade of her mother's. The smile was contagious enough to make even Yellow crack a reluctant grin.

Carefully, she lifted a massive finger and placed it against the infant's side. The child laughed—a sweet, delicate sound. Yellow thought, Maybe this child won't be so bad after all..

Six Years Later

Six-year-old Bluebell crept down the hallways, Pearl close behind her. The child stopped abruptly, peering around a corner to observe Yellow Diamond at her station, tapping away at the controls. It was mesmerizing, the lights and sounds drawing her curiosity.

"Um, Yellow," Bluebell called softly, stepping into the room shyly.

Yellow glanced down at the small figure.

"When can I have my own colony?" the child asked tentatively.

"You're too young," Yellow replied curtly, a sense of déjà vu washing over her.

Bluebell nodded solemnly. "I understand. Um, I currently have free time, and if permitted, may I observe you working? I promise not to be a disturbance."

She fidgeted with the hem of her navy gown, her eyes filled with earnest curiosity. Yellow hesitated but ultimately relented with a sigh.

"Fine," she muttered, silently praying this wouldn't turn into the same chaos as before.

True to her word, Bluebell quietly floated to the armrest of Yellow's throne, observing with rapt attention. She didn't demand or whine; she merely asked thoughtful questions now and then, her soft voice soothing rather than grating. Yellow found the child's company unexpectedly pleasant.

When mealtime came—a concept Yellow still found baffling—Bluebell left without complaint. Yellow watched her go, silently wondering if the child would return..

Age Nine

The brush glided across the canvas.

"What a lovely painting, my Diamond," Pearl praised as Bluebell smiled at her work.

"It's for you," the young hybrid replied, adding the finishing touches. The painting depicted a flower she had seen at the human zoo.

When she presented it, Pearl's smile deepened. "Thank you."

A chime interrupted them, and Yellow Pearl entered, saluting.

"Blue Diamond, my Diamond requests your presence once playtime is over."

Bluebell beamed. Though rare, being summoned by Yellow always felt special. She followed Yellow Pearl eagerly to her elder's chamber.

"Ah, good, you're here," Yellow greeted.

Bluebell climbed onto her outstretched hand, her excitement bubbling as she was lifted to a screen displaying colorful orbs.

"You will be 3,650 human days old tomorrow," Yellow began, a small smile tugging at her lips. "My Peridots have informed me this marks a sort of…rite of passage for humans."

Joy welled within Bluebell. Could this be what she thought it was?

"I will permit you to have your own colony," Yellow declared.

Bluebell squealed in delight, but Yellow's raised hand quieted her.

"However, I want you to have this," Yellow added. "We can't afford to have your subjects step out of line."

With a wave, a Topaz approached, holding a blue weapon shaped like a scythe. Yellow took it and handed it to Bluebell.

"A rejuvenator," Yellow explained. "Its purpose is to neutralize any gem who dares defy you. We don't need a repeat of what happened with Pink Diamond."

Bluebell hesitated, understanding the weight of the weapon in her hands.

"I understand," she said quietly, shrinking the scythe and tucking it into her gown. She prayed she would never have to use it—she wasn't like her mother, after all.

Yellow, sensing the child's discomfort, moved on swiftly. "Now, here is a list of potential planets," she said, displaying them on the screen.

Bluebell studied the orbs, dismissing several before settling on one.

"Area 145?" she asked after careful deliberation.

Yellow examined the choice and smiled approvingly. "Not bad. Very well, I'll assist you with the drop ship."

The process of colonization began, and though it wasn't without its challenges, Bluebell managed it without ever having to use the rejuvenator. Over time, she earned the admiration of her subjects and proved to be a leader her mother would have been proud of.