Chapter 6

In the vast expanse of space, in a realm beyond mortal comprehension, a summons echoed across the cosmos. It was not a sound, not a message, but a fundamental shift in the fabric of reality itself. White Diamond, newly ascended to the status of a Cosmic Entity, felt the call in the very core of her being.

For a moment, she hesitated. The immensity of her new power thrummed through her form, making her feel invincible. Yet, the summons carried with it an authority that even she, in all her newfound cosmic glory, could not ignore.

'Looks like I haven't quite reached the level that I thought. However, with the minor change I created, that other force from the Multiverse next door should increase my power to the point that I may be able to deny even the Living Tribunal for a while. Either way, let's see what the Tribunal actually wants.' White thought to herself.

With a thought, White Diamond traversed the boundaries of space and time, leaving behind the familiar confines of her home Dimension. She found herself in a space that defied description - a cosmic court that existed simultaneously everywhere and nowhere.

As her senses adjusted to this new realm, White Diamond became aware of the presences around her. Beings of unimaginable power, each a fundamental aspect of reality itself. The air (though 'air' was a woefully inadequate term for the medium in which they existed) crackled with potential, each movement threatening to unmake and remake entire universes.

A voice, or perhaps a thought that transcended such mundane concepts as vocalization, reverberated through the cosmic court:

"White Diamond of Universe-TF7291, you have been summoned to account for your actions."

The source of the voice materialized before her, and White Diamond found herself in the presence of the Living Tribunal. Even with her new cosmic awareness, she struggled to comprehend the being before her. The Tribunal existed as three faces, each representing a different aspect of cosmic judgment - Equity, Necessity, and Vengeance. Golden light emanated from its form, a reminder of its role as the ultimate arbiter of the multiverse.

The sheer amount of power she could detect from the entity surpassed her wildest imagination, as in neither of her lives had she sensed such an overwhelming feeling of oppression.

'Looks like taking the comics as a source doesn't do his power Justice. His power feels nearly endless. I'm not surprised he can turn off the Infinity Gauntlet with a wave of his hand.' White thought.

White Diamond straightened herself, projecting an aura of confidence despite the awe-inspiring presence before her. "I stand ready to account for my actions, Living Tribunal."

The face of Equity spoke, its voice resonating with perfect balance. "You have ascended to the status of a Cosmic Entity within your universe, altering the fundamental forces of reality in the process. You single-handedly introduced two new and unique forces into our existing Multiverse. Such actions do not go unnoticed."

The face of Necessity continued, its tone implacable. "The introduction of new cosmic forces has far-reaching implications, not just for your universe, but potentially for the multiverse at large if your force were to begin to permeate into other worlds."

Finally, the face of Vengeance added, its voice carrying an edge of warning. "Should your actions threaten the cosmic balance, justice will be swift and absolute."

White Diamond nodded, her gem glowing softly as she responded. "I understand the gravity of my actions, Living Tribunal. I assure you, my intentions are not to disrupt, but to elevate. To bring a new era of order and progress to my kind while protecting my children from the burdens of our current reality. As for the Multivese permeating with my energy, I will prevent it as long as I can, though it will one day go on to become a fixture or reality, similar to Life and Death."

As she spoke, White Diamond became aware of other presences materializing around the cosmic court. The Living Tribunal had not come alone. One by one, cosmic entities of her home universe revealed themselves, each an embodiment of fundamental aspects of existence.

The first to fully manifest was a figure shrouded in starry darkness. Eternity, the embodiment of all time and reality within the universe, regarded White Diamond with eyes that contained entire galaxies. His voice was the whisper of eons passing:

"You presume much, young one, to place yourself among our ranks. I did not expect for you to join the Cosmic Council as an Entity yourself. I wonder what your intentions will be now?"

Before White Diamond could respond, another entity took form. This one was Eternity's counterpart and sister, Infinity. Her form was that of the endless void, dotted with the potential of all things. When she spoke, it was with the voice of limitless possibility:

"Yet, she has indeed ascended. We cannot deny what has already come to pass."

A third presence made itself known, this one familiar to White Diamond from the interactions the two had while she was inhabiting her first Human Host. The Phoenix Force, a primal force of Life and Rebirth manifested as a great fiery bird. White could feel that this version of it seemed far more powerful than the one she met a millennium prior, with it having a larger amount of Psionic Energy coming from it. Its burning gaze fixed upon White Diamond as it addressed the gathering.

"New blood among the cosmic ranks is rare. Rarer still is one who rises by their own will rather than cosmic decree or natural birth. I, for one, am curious to see how she fares."

'Does she not have the memories of her other shard? Perhaps that is why she is not as antagonistic towards me as she was in the past, though that could have also been due to her host.' White thought.

As the Phoenix spoke, White Diamond noticed a subtle shift in the cosmic court. A chill permeated throughout the entire space, heralding the arrival of another fundamental force. White's body tensed almost as if to remind her of her prior mortality. Death manifested, her form both beautiful and terrifying in its finality. Her voice was soft, yet it carried the weight of every life that had ever ended:

"All things must come to an end, even Multiverses. Even when all of creation ends, I'll be there alongside The One Who Will Not Be Named to close the door on everything. Yet you, White Diamond, continue to exist even when death seems to have claimed you twice. And strangely, I do not know why. This... intrigues me."

'Who is The One Who Will Not Be Named?' White questioned herself, unbothered by the rest of Death's statement.

White Diamond felt a moment of unease under Death's gaze, as would any being that wasn't amortal or already dead, but she held her ground. "With respect, Death, I seek not to cheat you, but to fulfill the potential of my people. Surely even endings can be... negotiated?"

A soft chuckle emanated from Death, neither approving nor condemning. The cosmic court fell silent, awaiting the next to speak.

From the shadows of the court, a new figure emerged. Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, towered over the assembly. His presence alone was enough to make lesser beings tremble, but White Diamond simply stared at the being that made even the Three Great Civilizations in the Universe wary. The entity that many view as evil, yet consumes Planets for the benefit of their reality. Galactus's voice then boomed across the cosmic expanse.

"The balance of power shifts with your ascension, Diamond. Power demands sacrifice. What price are you willing to pay for your newfound status?"

Before White Diamond could formulate a response, another voice cut through the cosmic court. This one was melodious, yet carried an undercurrent of chaos that set White Diamond on edge. Delirium, the embodiment of chaos and disorder, swirled into existence, its form constantly shifting and changing.

"Oh, let her play!" Delirium's voice was filled with mirth. "It's been eons since we've had some fresh meat in the cosmic pool. The last one was Entropy, and that bastard is always brooding!! I, for one, welcome the chaos she'll inevitably bring."

The Living Tribunal's faces shifted, silencing Delirium with a mere glance. The cosmic court grew still once more, the assembled entities awaiting the Tribunal's judgment.

White Diamond, sensing the pivotal nature of this moment, spoke again. "Esteemed cosmic beings, Living Tribunal, I stand before you not as a usurper, but as a new custodian of brand new universal forces. My ascension and the introduction of new cosmic elements serve a greater purpose - the evolution and preservation of life and order in my universe. I have acted in the best interests of my people and my universe. The forces I have introduced - the Speed Force and its counterpart, the Still Force - will drive evolution and progress in ways previously unimaginable."

At the mention of these new forces, a ripple of reaction passed through the assembled entities. Dream of the Endless, his voice carrying the echo of countless worlds' whispers, addressed White Diamond directly.

"Be wary, Diamond of White. Forces such as these have a way of taking on lives of their own. They may not remain under your control for long. And some beings outside of the Cosmic scope may view you as a great pawn for that reason."

"I appreciate the concern, Dream. But I do have faith in my abilities." White gave a nod for his input, as he seemed to be closer to an ally to her.

The Living Tribunal considered her words, its three faces conferring in silent communion. After what felt like both an instant and an eternity, it addressed the gathered entities and White Diamond:

"We have heard the words of White Diamond and the concerns of the cosmic court. Our judgment is thus:"

The face of Equity spoke first: "White Diamond's ascension to cosmic status within her universe is acknowledged and accepted. Her actions, while unprecedented, do not inherently disrupt the cosmic balance."

Necessity continued: "However, with great power comes great responsibility. White Diamond, you are now bound by the same cosmic laws that govern all entities of your stature. Any action that threatens the stability of your universe or the multiverse will be met with swift correction."

Finally, Vengeance added: "Be warned, should you abuse your newfound power or allow the forces you've introduced to run unchecked, the consequences will be severe and final."

White Diamond bowed her head in acknowledgment, with her words finally being carried with the same Cosmic Weight that the others spoke with. "I understand and accept your judgment, Living Tribunal."

The Tribunal wasn't finished, however. Its voices merged into one as it addressed her directly:

"We are aware of the other force you have introduced to your universe, White Diamond. The Speed Force and its counterpart, the Still Force, are powerful and potentially volatile elements. It falls to you to monitor and maintain the balance of these forces. Failure to do so could result in catastrophic consequences. And that is not without considering the shard of emotions you placed in the heart of your Universe."

At this, the Phoenix Force stirred, its fiery form flickering with curiosity. "I intended to ask later, but what is this force you and the Tribunal speak of, White Diamond? What new power have you unleashed upon your realm?"

White Diamond allowed herself a small, enigmatic smile. "They are fundamental forces that govern motion and stillness on a cosmic scale. Their full potential is yet to be realized."1

The Phoenix's eyes narrowed, clearly unsatisfied with the vague answer, but before it could press further, the Living Tribunal spoke again:

The Living Tribunal's voices resonated once more: "This gathering is concluded. White Diamond, you may return to your universe. Remember our words and govern yourself accordingly. We would rather not remove a Fundamental Force from a reality."

With that, the cosmic court began to dissolve. One by one, the cosmic entities faded away, returning to their duties across the vast expanse of reality. White Diamond remained for a moment, absorbing the gravity of what had transpired.

As she prepared to return to her home universe, White Diamond felt a new sense of purpose and responsibility settling upon her. She was no longer just the leader of the Gem Empire, but a fundamental force of her universe, acknowledged by the cosmic hierarchy itself.

'The Cosmic Entities seem different than what was depicted in the Comics. Perhaps the Multivers itself is far more unique than I thought. Now, let me meet and discuss with my Children.' White thought to herself as she arrived back on Mars.

~

The grand council chamber of New Homeworld Prime hummed with an energy unlike anything it had experienced before. The air itself seemed charged, crackling with potential and power that radiated from the being who had just entered - White Diamond, now transformed into something far beyond her original form.

As White Diamond took her place at the head of the diamond-shaped table, the other Diamonds couldn't help but stare in awe. Her form shimmered with an otherworldly light, and reality itself seemed to bend slightly around her, as if struggling to contain the cosmic force she had become.

Yellow Diamond was the first to break the reverent silence. "White... what has happened to you?" Her voice, usually so confident and authoritative, held a note of wonder and perhaps a touch of apprehension.

White Diamond's smile was both warm and impossibly vast, as if it contained entire universes. When she spoke, her voice resonated with harmonics that hadn't existed in this universe mere hours ago.

"My dear Diamonds." White began, her gaze sweeping across Yellow, Blue, Brown, Grey, and Black. "I have taken a step that will forever change the course of our civilization - of reality itself."

She waved her hand, and the chamber transformed. The walls dissolved, replaced by a breathtaking view of the alternate dimension she had claimed. Swirling energies of impossible colors danced across a canvas of pure potential. The other Diamonds gasped, their gems glowing in response to the raw power on display.

"The empty dimension we discovered years ago is now under our control. But it's so much more than just new territory." White stated.

Blue Diamond leaned forward, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What do you mean, White? How is this different from our colonization efforts?"

White's eyes gleamed with excitement. "This dimension is now an extension of myself, bound to my very essence. By claiming it, I have transcended the boundaries of conventional existence. I have become a cosmic entity, my dears, with power that rivals the fundamental forces of the universe."

The other Diamonds exchanged glances, a mix of awe and confusion on their faces. It was Brown Diamond who spoke next, his scientific mind already racing with possibilities. "Does this mean we can begin terraforming immediately? The applications for expansion are... staggering."

White nodded, pleased by Brown's quick understanding. "Indeed, Brown. The entire dimension is now our canvas, unbound by the physical laws that constrain us in normal space."

Yellow Diamond, ever the pragmatist, was the first to speak. "Mother." she said, her voice filled with reverence, "This is... incredible. But how do we harness it? How do we expand into this realm?"

White smiled, a gesture that seemed to ripple across multiple planes of existence. "An excellent question, my dear Yellow. The terraforming of this dimension can begin immediately. Unlike Mars, where we had to hide our true progress, here we can build openly, grandly."

She turned to Brown Diamond, whose eyes were alight with scientific curiosity. "Brown, I want you to assemble your finest minds. Begin designs for a new palace, one befitting our ascended status. It should stand at the very center of this dimension, a beacon of our power and a nexus for our expansion."

Brown Diamond nodded eagerly, his gem pulsing with excitement. "Of course, White. The possibilities here are endless. We could create structures that defy the very laws of physics, and integrate them with the fundamental forces of this dimension. It will be our greatest achievement yet."

White nodded approvingly before turning back to Yellow. "Yellow, my dear, I believe you have some news about our recent... diplomatic engagement?"

Yellow straightened, her military bearing evident even in this awe-inspiring setting. "The Kree have fulfilled their promise, White. Their reparations arrived while you were... away. A substantial amount of galactic currency and a fleet of their most advanced ships. I've already begun studying them for any technological insights we can glean."

"Excellent," White replied. "And our own forces?"

"I'll begin preparations immediately to deploy troops for the terraforming efforts." Yellow reported. "With this new dimension at our disposal, we can increase our numbers exponentially without fear of resource constraints."

White's expression turned thoughtful. "Indeed. But remember Yellow, in this realm, traditional military might may not be as crucial."

As the Diamonds continued to discuss the implications of their new cosmic status, Blue Diamond suddenly tensed, her eyes widening. "White... there's something else about this dimension, isn't there? I can slightly feel... emotions. So many emotions, but they're... different somehow."

White's smile turned enigmatic. "Very perceptive, Blue. Yes, I've embedded the essence of emotions into the very fabric of this dimension. It's the first step in a separate grand plan of mine."

White turned to her empathic daughter, her expression softening. "Your sensitivity serves us well, Blue. This dimension is indeed alive in ways we're only beginning to understand. Which reminds me, you had something to report?"

Blue nodded, composing herself. "Yes. I've arranged a meeting with the being known as the Grandmaster. He's ancient, even by cosmic standards, and may have information about the earlier eras of this universe. I thought it might be useful to compare his knowledge with the memories you gained from your merger."

"A wise initiative." White approved. "The more we understand about this universe's history, the better positioned we'll be to shape its future. Be cautious, though. The Grandmaster is known for his... unpredictable nature."

Blue bowed slightly. "Of course, White. I'll approach the meeting with utmost diplomacy."

The other Diamonds looked at White in surprise after getting over the shock at her words. Yellow was the first to speak. "The Emotional Spectrum? Like the theoretical power source that we could use based on emotions? I thought it was nothing more than a myth!"

White nodded. "Similar, but uniquely our own. By anchoring these emotional forces to our dimension, we're creating a power source that's intrinsically linked to Gemkind. Imagine it - the ability to harness the full spectrum of emotions as cosmic power, shaped by our will and understanding."

Blue closed her eyes, reaching out with her empathic abilities to feel the swirling emotions in the dimensional representation. "It's... overwhelming. Will, rage, hope, fear... they're all there, but they feel... crystalline somehow. More focused. Yet also untapped, as if they are undeveloped."

"Precisely." White said, her voice filled with pride. "These emotional forces are distilled through the lens of Gem consciousness. They will resonate with our people in ways no other beings in the universe can truly comprehend. And it will take our people feeling great emotion to unlock them fully."

The implications of this revelation settled over the Diamonds. The potential for power, for expansion, for shaping reality itself seemed limitless.

White then turned to Grey and Black Diamond, who had been observing the proceedings with keen interest. "Grey, I want you to work with Brown on the palace designs. Your intelligence and foresight will be crucial in creating a structure that can serve as both a seat of power and a cosmic nexus."

Grey Diamond nodded, his eyes already distant as he began to process the complexities of the task. "It will be done, White. I foresee great challenges, but even greater opportunities in this endeavor."

"And Black." White continued, addressing the youngest of the Diamonds, "Your role will be crucial as we expand into this new realm. The energies here are volatile, and potentially dangerous to the unprepared. Work with Yellow to develop new training regimens for our forces, ensuring they can operate safely and effectively in this environment."

Black Diamond's dark form seemed to absorb the swirling energies around them as he nodded. "I understand, White. We'll create a force unlike any this universe has ever seen."

White Diamond smiled, pleased with her children's quick adaptation to this new reality. But there was one more gift she had to bestow. "Now, my dear Diamonds, there is something else we must discuss. The source of our new power."

She raised her hands, and the air around them began to vibrate with unseen energy. "When I claimed this dimension, I introduced new fundamental forces to our universe. The Speed Force and the Still Force, cosmic energies that will reshape reality as we know it."

The other Diamonds listened intently, their forms tensing with anticipation.

"These forces are now a part of me, and by extension, a part of all of us," White continued. "But to truly harness their power, to become the cosmic entities we are destined to be, you must be empowered directly."

One by one, White approached each Diamond. As she touched their gems, a surge of energy flowed from her into them. The chamber was filled with light of various colors - yellow, blue, brown, grey, and black - each hue pulsing with newfound power.

Yellow Diamond gasped as the energy flowed into her. She felt her control over electromagnetic forces expand exponentially. In her mind's eye, she could see the flow of electrons across the entire universe, and could feel the pulse of every electrical current on every planet.

Blue Diamond's empathic abilities exploded outward. Suddenly, she could sense the emotions of beings across vast distances of space. The emotional imprints of entire civilizations bloomed in her consciousness like a vast, intricate tapestry.

Brown Diamond's mastery over matter deepened to a fundamental level. He could perceive the quantum dance of particles, could manipulate the very building blocks of reality with a mere thought.

Grey Diamond's mental powers expanded to cosmic proportions. His consciousness could now touch minds across the universe and could perceive the collective thoughts of entire species as easily as reading a book.

Black Diamond felt his energy absorption abilities grow to encompass forces he had never dreamed of. He could now draw power from the fundamental energies of the cosmos itself, becoming a living conduit for the forces that shaped reality.

As the energy flow subsided, the Diamonds stood in stunned silence, each coming to terms with their vastly expanded powers.

As the energies settled, the Diamonds looked at each other in wonder, feeling their new powers thrumming through their beings. They were no longer just leaders of an advanced alien race; they had become pseudo-fundamental forces of the universe itself.

Yellow flexed her hand, watching as arcs of energy danced between her fingers. "The potential for our military operations is... staggering. We could deploy troops across galaxies in the blink of an eye."

Blue nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of joy. "And our diplomatic efforts... we could truly understand the hearts and minds of other species, foster connections on a level never before possible."

Brown was already scribbling complex equations in the air, the numbers and symbols hanging in space before him. "The scientific advancements we could make... we could unravel the mysteries of the cosmos itself!"

Grey's eyes were distant, seeing things far beyond the confines of the chamber. "The knowledge we could gather, the civilizations we could guide and protect..."

Black stood tall, his form seeming to absorb and reflect the light around him. "And any who would threaten our people would face almighty power, unlike anything they've ever encountered."

'Perhaps... They are developing God Complexes? I wonder where they could get that from?' White questioned to herself.

White Diamond nodded, pleased with their quick grasp of the possibilities. "Indeed. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. We must use these gifts wisely, for the betterment of Gemkind

White Diamond observed her transformed children with pride. "This is but the beginning." she said, her voice carrying the weight of cosmic destiny. "With these powers, we will reshape not just our civilization, but the very nature of reality itself."

She waved her hand once more, and the view of the alternate dimension expanded, showing countless galaxies, universes, and realities beyond. "Our empire need not be confined to a single planet, or even a single universe. We can extend our influence across the multiverse, bringing order and perfection to all of existence."2

The other Diamonds nodded, their eyes shining with the light of infinite possibilities. They could feel the truth of White's words in the very core of their beings. They were no longer just the Diamond Authority; they were becoming a cosmic force that would shape the destiny of all reality.

As the meeting drew to a close, each Diamond departed with a new sense of purpose and power. Yellow to prepare their forces for Dimensional expansion. Blue to gather cosmic intelligence. Brown and Grey to design their new multidimensional capital. Black to develop defenses against threats they had yet to imagine.

White Diamond remained in the chamber, her form shimmering with barely contained cosmic energy. She gazed out at the swirling dimension before her, seeing not just its current state, but all its potential futures. In one possible timeline, she saw the Diamond Authority bringing order to chaotic universes. In another, she witnessed the rise of heroes and villains empowered by the forces she had introduced.

All of these futures, all of these possibilities, now lay within her grasp. The merging with a human soul, the cautious building of their society on Mars, the diplomatic maneuverings with other cosmic powers - all of it had been leading to this moment.

As White Diamond prepared to step into the alternate dimension, to begin the work of reshaping reality itself, she allowed herself a moment of reflection. The path ahead was fraught with challenges and unknowns. The introduction of the Speed Force and Still Force would have far-reaching consequences, some of which even she couldn't fully predict.

But one thing was certain: the Diamond Authority was no longer just a player on the cosmic stage. They had become the stage itself, the fundamental forces upon which the grand drama of this reality would unfold.