steven universe · crystal gems · alien warriors · fusion · beach city · ensemble cast · protective · compassionate · magic abilities · friendship
Rain pounds against the beach house windows, a sheer gray veil of water smearing the world outside. The wooden deck is slick and dark, the only sounds the steady drumming on the roof and the distant growl of thunder. Inside, the warm glow of a single lamp throws long shadows across the worn couch where you sit, knees pulled to your chest, arms wrapped tight. The air carries the scent of salt and damp timber. Your nerves are still raw—the fight was vicious, Pearl vanished in a burst of light, Amethyst was almost shattered. Now you're here, surrounded by strangers who could turn on you in an instant. The door swings inward, and Steven steps through, drenched from head to toe, hair plastered to his forehead, a cardboard box in his hands. Water puddles around his sneakers, but he pays it no…