Steven Universe Of The Creek Chapter 36 The Ocean Dream

Craig slowly opened his eyes, getting to his feet, preparing for his second dream, which he suspects will be more complex than his last dream. When he looked around, he couldn’t believe what he saw. He was surrounded by a huge waterfall. As he looked up, a towering structure caught his attention as he picked up that new Crystal Gems could be waiting up there. He wasted little time as he walked on the pathway, leading to the top of the tower.

He walked on the staircase as he saw the waterfall closer along with the moon in the sky with the stars. “This is way more beautiful than the fountain.” He looked around. “Those places from my last dream don’t even compare to this…aside from the five star apartment from the hotel in Empire City.”

When he looked up, he saw a flashing light blue arrow, being shot from the top of the tower. Not only that, he saw two flying gems from above, heading to the direction while the arrow went. Then, he heard a roar in the distance on top of the tower, much more menacing but he refused to walk back down, knowing he could be needed if possible. Upon heading to the top, he witnessed a tall Crystal Gem, standing on the edge shooting another arrow to the monster far in the distance. Craig immediately ran up to see the monster a little more closely, as it was a cyan colored monster with four arms. It slowly went away in the ocean while the two flying gems followed it.

Then, the tall gem turned around, taking Craig by surprise as he backed away. “Sorry, did I distract you when you were shooting arrows?” He responded. “I’m just concerned about…it as you are.” The tall gem looked straight down at Craig, not responding to which Craig stood back. “Garnet said I would meet more Crystal Gems so…you must be one.”

As Craig looked around on top of the tower, the ocean’s distance was far away compared to the ocean in Beach City from his last dream. “What is this place?”

“The Lunar Sea Spire.” She responded, getting Craig’s attention. “I’m Opal. I’ve been shooting my arrows from my Energy Bow at Malachite.”

“That monster is Malachite?” Craig pointed.

“Yes. She’s a fusion of Jasper…and Lapis.”

This caused Craig to blink. “Lapis Lazuli? I saw a ton of them when I was in the Sewers.”

“And the Queen was the main Lapis Lazuli?” She asked as Craig nodded. She got on her knees, leaning down to Craig to get his full attention. “Pearl, Amethyst and Garnet separated Lapis and Jasper on their own in their fusion, but without them nothing’s stopping Malachite.”

Craig ed that Steven didn’t tell him about Jasper, especially never seeing her in his pink visions. “There’s got to be some way to stop her.”

“There is only one way, however it’s not completely possible.”

“I’ll do it, no matter what happens, I’ll take that risk.”

Opal smiled from Craig’s courage, as she leaned back up, she’s willing to take Craig to the next location. “I want you to know…I’m Pearl and Amethyst in a fusion.”

Just when Craig was about to react, he gets teleported out from the tower, thus appearing in a dark room. “Pearl and Amethyst are Opal!?” He responded with Opal no longer in his sight. “Opal?” He looked around with no gem in sight. He then noticed a couch with a desk by it, he made his way to the couch, sitting down as he’s more confused of the location itself.

“This doesn't feel like I’m nowhere near where Malachite's going.”

“That’s because, my darling.” A voice got Craig’s attention. “The show is what you need before going to face Malachite.” Then lights appeared out of the blue, causing Craig to stay seated. “Live, from a metaphysical room deep in the temple. It’s Sardonyx Tonight!”

Then the neon sign of Sardonyx Tonight turned on from above, taking Craig by notice as he witnessed Sardonyx sitting at her desk, smiling at him with a microphone in her hand. “Goooood Evening, Everybody!” She cheered as the audience cheered back. “We have our guest in our show who’s not only a kid, but Steven’s new best friend, Craig Williams!”

As the audience cheered at Craig, Craig felt like he was part of a talk show that his parents would watch from time to time. He did enjoy some, but never expected himself to be a guest. “I would love to be part of this, but I’m actually-”

“Needing to stop Malachite?” Sardonyx smiled. “You won’t be able to handle a monster like her on your own. You need help.”

“Like…the same fusion height as her?”

“Sadly, it’s not possible.” The audience responded in “aw”, disappointed by Sardonyx’s answer. “But you have been in a fusion once, have you?”

“Yes, with Steven himself.” The audience cheered with the mention of Steven’s name.

“Yes, Straig Williverse! That’s a fusion the audience had been talking about!” A monitor appears from above, showing Straig defeating Bluebird, causing the audience to applaud. “Compared to the first attempt of fusion, it’s always the third attempt that makes us live it. But you Craig was the one who made it possible.”

“If it wasn’t for Garnet giving me future vision.”

“She really does have an eye to the future, am I right?”

Craig would laugh at Sardonyx’s sense of humor, but with her having four eyes, he wonders if Garnet is part of Sardonyx. “Yeah, unlike me who has pink visions all the time.”

“You wouldn’t be our guest if you didn’t have them.”

“Fair point.”

“Anyway, what we’re gonna do next is invite our second guest to the show.” Sardonyx presented the second guest by lifting her arm to her, catching Craig’s attention. “Please everyone welcome…BISMUTH!”

Another spotlight turned on, revealing Bismuth with the audience cheering for her as she waved at them. She walked up by Craig, placing her hand on the sofa behind him. “I’ve always wanted to be a guest on your show.”

“It’s always a pleasure.” Sardonyx smiled.

“She’s gonna help me?” Craig responded.

“Yes, while she won’t be able to stop Malachite with her powers, we found a way to stop her.” The monitor revealed a picture of the bottom of the ocean with a huge border stuffed into a big hole, along with a gem drill on top of it. “Peridot tracked down this location because it’s the only way to stop Malachite.”

“We’re gonna drain the whole ocean?” Craig reacted in fear.

“No, it won’t happen.” Bismuth laughed. “Peridot learned that someone is trapped in the hole.”

“She can’t get out due to the border being stuck in the hole.” Sardonyx replied.

“So we need to dive into the bottom of the sea and destroy that border.” Bismuth then put her drill on her arm. “Peridot reached the surface after her gem drill went out of power because she can’t swim underwater. She spent the last hour breaking that border but it wasn’t enough.”

Sardonyx leaned down to Craig with all four of her eyes staring at him. “I would volunteer to help but…despite being a very good swimmer myself ha ha.” Her laughter turned to disappointment. “My war hammer is incapable of breaking the laws of physics.”

Craig knew there’s no other way around it with someone underneath the border, capable of stopping Malachite, while freeing Lapis from the fusion. But he cannot believe he’s gonna be in the middle of the ocean in order to accomplish his mission. “What about Jasper?” He asked.

“Well she was an enemy who lived on her own, but now…after…the incident…she’s now part of Little Homeworld.” Bismuth commented.

“Let’s not turn my show into a depressing dark turn, shall we not?” Sardonyx padded her hand on Craig’s head, causing him to fall off his couch.

“I just think we shouldn’t leave her in the ocean once she’s unfuses from Lapis.” Craig getting on his feet.

“We don’t leave one gem behind, you meatball.” Bismuth wrapped her arm around Craig.

“And with that being said, I’m teleporting you two near the location the border’s at.” Sardonyx got up from her desk while looking at her audience. “We will be watching the whole time through the monitor. Good luck, darlings.”

Then Craig and Bismuth teleported out of Sardonyx’s show and on the boat in the middle of the ocean. It was getting close to sunrise with the sun shining on the clouds from above. “Okay so…should we find Peridot first?” Craig replied as Bismuth took the wheel.

“Hopefully. We would be lucky if she’s out of Malachite’s way.” Bismuth turned on the boat and it began to move. Soon the boat was running very quickly. Craig held on to the bar, preventing himself from falling off. As much as he’s happy to ride a boat in the ocean, it’s not for a vacation with the mission being similar to Steven’s missions in the real world.

“Hey Craig.” Bismuth called as Craig turned to her. “So Steven gave you pink visions.”

“Yes.” Craig responded. “Even though it wasn't intentional.”

“You don’t have to explain it, I know what really happened.”

“Do you know how to get rid of them…if I meet you in the real world?”

Bismuth then turned to him while still holding onto the wheel. “No, but I know who could.”

“Are they in this dream?”

“I don’t know. Seems this dream is a lot more different then your last.”

Craig thought he would be having the same dream as the last by meeting each gem in a short amount of time. But since he’s sleeping for hours instead of less than before, he’s not in a hurry, despite freeing Lapis and Jasper. “Do any of you ever have dreams?”

“That is if we ever sleep every night like Steven.”

“Gems never sleep?”

“No, unless they're too unconscious like Lapis when she was stuck into Malachite for far too long.”

“Jasper really took too much control in that fusion.”

“You catch on quick.” Bismuth smiled. “Seems your first time in a fusion gave you the feeling Pearl has yet to give me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been getting along with her two years after the universe was saved. We haven’t fused yet but I’m impressed you fused with Steven much quicker when he fused into Connie.”

“Huh…” Craig blinked. “Steven never told me I was quicker than his girlfriend.”

“Seems more like he’s growing close to you on a personal level.”

Craig looked at the ground, to the point that Bismuth caught on his expression. “Do you know we’ve been called brothers, in some way?”

“Yes.” She looked back to what’s in front of her, still keeping control. “I bet if you ever come to Little Homeworld when some gem sees you and Steven hanging out, they believe they would call you brothers.”

Craig couldn’t disagree, despite feeling awkward about the idea. “My real brother Bernard could be really jealous or really convinced.”

“It’ll mostly be the latter.”

Far in the distance of the ocean, Peridot remained in her boat after failing to destroy the border at the bottom of the ocean. “A rescue team better be here before Malachite does, otherwise I’m stuck in this ocean forever!” She reacted as she witnessed two flying gems in the air. “Hey! Down here!”

The two flew down, listening to her emergency call as they landed on their boat. “We’re here to rescue you!” Nice Lapis said.

“Really!? Nice and Mean Lapis were available in this dream?”

“Hey, I didn’t ask to be part of a rescue team, but since we can fly and have hydrokinesis, this is the best you’re getting.” Mean Lapis retorted.

“You know, I do wish Jasper were fused into one of you instead of the Lapis I know and love.” Peridot crossed her arms while Mean Lapis leaned down to her.

“You’re just as pitiful as Lapis herself. Just lift your arms up!”

Peridot sighed as she lifted her arms up, allowing Nice Lapis to pick her up from the ground. Mean Lapis followed her as they flew their way over the ocean. However despite the rescue being taken care of, they heard a roar not far away than they thought. Peridot looked down in the ocean, she’s aware Malachite can swim underwater, but she may come out at any time.

Meanwhile, Craig and Bismuth are getting close to their destination with Craig looking at the radar. “We’re just over a mile away.” He responded.

“Okay, once we stop the boat, I dive in and I’ll destroy the border.” Bismuth replied.

As Craig followed Bismuth’s plan, he also kept his eyes in the ocean in case Malachite appeared. Despite the help he’s getting from another Crystal Gem, he hoped Steven would appear in his dream, but so far it’s beyond the case at that point. When he looked at the other side, he took out a telescope, looking through it as he was shocked to see Malachite, but also flying above the ocean. “Oh no!” He rushed to Bismuth while pointing at Malachite. “She’s over there!”

“I knew it!” Bismuth groaned. “She’s gonna come near us and destroy our boat!”

“I didn’t think she would fly.”

“Gems who have wings like Lapis can fly, no matter how huge the fusion is.”

“HEY!” Peridot called from above, catching Craig and Bismuth’s attention.

“Peridot!?”

“Get out of here!”

“No, we have to release her from the border.”

“There’s no time! She’ll dive underwater and stop us!”

When Craig turns back to Malachite, she flows towards them in a massive dash while wearing a helmet. “ABANDON SHIP!” He shouted as he got off the boat. Unfortunately it was too late for Bismuth as Malachite destroyed the boat with a massive blast.

“Bismuth!”

Craig opened his eyes while holding his breath, witnessing Bismuth sinking down, faulting from the blast. He swam towards her, attempting to pull her up, but with her bulky weight, it’s nearly impossible. They sank deeper and deeper and were almost to the bottom of the sea and then, Mean Lapis pulled Craig up, getting his attention as he let go of Bismuth. Mean Lapis and Craig reached back to the surface as they got out of the water.

“Oh man!” Craig reacted with his whole body and clothes wet.

Mean Lapis flew up to Nice Lapis as Peridot met Craig face to face. “Is Bismuth still down there?”

“Yes, I tried pulling her up, but she’s too heavy!”

“Even if you had strength, It won’t change the fact I don’t have bulky muscles.” Mean Lapis retorted.

“You can do more than just carry us!” Peridot lashed out at her.

“Where’s your boat then!?”

“AHH!!!”

“Guys!” Craig reacted. “This isn’t the time for fights, what about the border?”

“I don’t know, I doubt there’s anything to destroy it.”

“What are we going to do?” Nice Lapis replied. “If we don’t leave to form another plan, we might-”

Then Malachite appeared out from the ocean, causing a massive splash, getting their attention as Malachite looked straight at the group, but more specifically Craig himself. “You…” She spoke with intimidation with a sinister smile. “I’ve been beyond corrupted to meet you…”

Craig was frightened while still holding onto Mean Lapis. He didn’t want to say anything, but with how his dream functions, he won’t be able to get any new information compared to his last dream. “Why do you want to meet me?” He responded.

“Because I’ve heard you fused for the first time. Your ability to fuse is more impressive than what meets the eye.” She blinked with all four eyes. “You may not control your eyes, but I can help.”

“What do you want from me?”

“Fuse with me…”

Craig clenched his teeth, not liking what he’s getting himself into. “No, you must be Jasper in total control.”

“You figured that out?” Peridot replied.

“I doubt Lapis would act this way.”

“You don’t even know her, nor meet her to see who she really is.” Mean Lapis rolled her eyes.

“Like you set an example of being part of her gem kind.” Peridot commented.

Malachite groaned in anger, getting Craig’s attention as she backed away, closing all four of her eyes. “So you want to play it the hard way?” Thus summons her hydrokinesis with water shaped into a massive hand. “You won’t even wake up when you drown in the ocean I control!”

She throws her fist of the ocean towards them but the Lapises pull them away. They flew up in the air, while Malachite summoned another massive hand, doing the same technique with the two Lapises away from each other. She only focused on Mean Lapis but Craig let go of her as Malachite hit her with her hydrokinesis. Nice Lapis managed to fly towards Craig as he grabbed Peridot’s legs.

“You really pushed over her corrupted limits!” Nice Lapis said, flying away from Malachite.

“I wasn’t going to fuse her when I got here!” Craig responded.

“We’re out of luck anyway!” Peridot reacted. “I can’t swim, Bismuth can’t swim and there’s no where we’re ever going to set free that person underneath that border!”

In the bottom of the ocean, Bismuth opened her eyes as she got on her feet. Upon looking above the surface, Malachite used all manipulation of the ocean to attack Craig, Peridot and Nice Lapis. She tried to jump in order to float back up but no matter what, she always sank down. Upon looking in her surroundings, she saw the border itself not far in the distance. With the drill in her arm, she headed to the border, despite the weight of the water slowing her down, she’s not giving up, especially with her new friend in danger, along with Peridot and Nice Lapis.

“Get back here Craig!” Malachite shouted in anger as she changed water into ice, launching them towards Craig as Nice Lapis dodge them. More were launched to where it almost hit Peridot and Craig.

“It’s just a dream, it’s just a dream, it’s not real! It’s not real!” Craig repeated himself.

“Come on Craig, you're not Steven, but you're better than this!” Peridot retorted.

“I don’t control my dreams, what do you expect me to do?”

“I expect you to earn my trust!” With her confession out while avoiding danger, it stopped Craig’s thought of his situation as he looked up at Peridot. “This isn’t how I pictured us meeting like this, but I want to trust you like I do with Steven!”

A thought came to Craig as he ed from his last dream. “You want the real you in the real world to meet me?”

“Yes! It’s not because it’ll remove your pink visions forever, it’s because I really wanted a friend as another human who’s almost like Steven with or without his powers.” She then looked back at Malachite, not long until looking down at Craig. “Lapis would want to be your friend if you come to Beach City. Steven would appreciate that.”

Craig slowly smiled that his presents in Beach City would be more promising despite his dreams, not reflecting the real personalities of the gems. But he’s not backing down from what happens in this dream being more intense. He looked up at Nice Lapis with a confident smile on his face. “Let go of us!” He shouted, getting the attention from her.

“Wait, WHAT!?” Peridot reacted as Nice Lapis let go of her. “AHHH!!!”

Craig and Peridot fell into the ocean while Malachite hit Nice Lapis with her hydrokinesis. Craig held onto Peridot after reaching the surface, knowing she can’t swim. “Don’t worry, I got you.”

“Okay, not what I have in mind to earn your trust.”

“Just hold onto my hand.”

Peridot grabbed onto Craig’s hand as Craig held onto his breath, diving into the ocean. Meanwhile, Bismuth arrived at the border as she activated her drill, drilling through the border. The time is ticking to whenever Malachite eventually spots her, but little did she know, her teammate isn’t giving up after he abandoned ship.

“Where are you Craig!?” Malachite groaned. “You can’t sleep forever and when you go back to sleep, I’ll still be waiting for you!” She turned her attention to the ocean, thinking he might be under the sea after eliminating his and Peridot’s transportation. She dived into the ocean, hunting down Craig while she swam way faster than Craig and Peridot. Upon looking in every direction, she saw them, swimming towards the border as she wasted little time by performing the spin dash but then, she stopped when a chain took her arm. “What!?” Then another chain took her other arm as it latched on the sand.

“You're never going to destroy my friends, including my new friend, Craig!”

Malachite resisted while the chains got stronger by the minute, allowing Craig and Peridot more time swimming towards the border. Peridot looked at Malachite, concerned now that they’re spotted but it still didn’t stop Craig no matter what. He and Peridot landed on the border as Peridot pointed at Malachite raging in her predicament, but this only gave Craig the advantage. He looked at the gem drill as he swam towards it. A deck gun was attached to the top, higher enough to where it’ll shoot whatever comes out over the border.

Craig then noticed an emergency rope displayed by the seat, small enough it’ll fit inside the deck gun. He got out, handing Peridot the rope as he pointed at the deck gun while lifting his finger out of his hand, indicating to pull the end of the rope out of the gun while the other ties what’s inside. Peridot gave him the thumbs up as she swam towards the gem drill. Then Bismuth jumped on the border, preparing to drill the center but then she witnessed Craig and Peridot at the gem drill. She lifted her drill up in the air, activating it as it caught the attention of them.

Then Malachite broke one chain as she attempted to break the other chain. Bismuth instructed them to get out of here before it’s too late, but Craig’s still sticking to his plan. He waved to his direction, waiting for Bismuth to be safe just like him and Peridot. Without any other option other than escaping, Bismuth made her way to the gem drill as fast as she could. After Peridot finished tying inside the deck gun, Craig paid attention to the fire button that sets a ten second timer upon pressing it. As he looked at Peridot, Bismuth got next to her as Peridot handed her the rope, holding onto it tightly as he turned his attention back to Malachite.

Her rage reached her limit as she broke the other chain. Craig pressed the button as he swam towards Peridot and Bismuth, grabbing hold of the rope as Malachite’s target was in full view. Peridot shook in fear while Craig prepared for the monster’s attack.

“You’re dead meat now!” Malachite finally performed her spin dash yet again but just before she launched, the ten second timer ran out, shooting the small but fast torpedo out of the deck gun as Craig, Peridot and Bismuth were pulled by it. Malachite missed them as she destroyed the border itself. Craig and the others let go of the rope as Bismuth held onto them, slowing down upon landing on the sea sand. The torpedo explodes while Craig and his friends are safe from it and the disaster.

When they turned around, Tons of rocks were floating all over the place while Malachite stopped her spin dash. With the hole fully opened, the whole ocean shook like an earthquake but with someone inside the hole, it wasn’t an earthquake. What came out of the hole was a giant blue woman as it took Craig by notice. She was only looking at Malachite as she grabbed her, pulling her up to the surface.

“Ahh!” Malachite reacted as she stared at the giant woman.

“Your reign of this fusion is over…” She spoke as her diamond from her chest glows, causing Malachite to leak tears from all four of her eyes. “It’s time for Lapis to have fun with Craig.” She threw her in the air as she performed energy projection, waving her hand as her powers glowed from the air, launching towards Malachite as it caused her to unfuse. Both Lapis and Jasper fell back into the water while the woman placed her hand at the bottom of the ocean, allowing Craig, Peridot and Bismuth to stand on it.

In no time, the woman lifted them out of the water, finally allowing Craig to breathe the fresh air. With the sun rising from the distance, it caught his eyes but the moment he stared at the giant blue woman, he nearly lost his balance until Peridot grabbed his arm. “You…” She spoked.

“Hi.” Craig waved.

“I’m the person who was trapped in that hole.” She smiled. “I’m Blue Diamond.”

Craig’s memory came back when Steven showed him the Diamonds the night he showed him his gem. “Blue Diamond…” He stunted in disbelief. “...In my imagination, I didn’t expect you to be this huge.”

“You have no idea.” Bismuth commented while smiling.

“Seems your memory isn’t the best, but I wouldn’t expect that from a human who’s also a child.” Blue Diamond then placed her other hand in the ocean, picking up Jasper while she fainted from her energy projection. “What you did down there was intelligent, using Malachite as the sole solution to set me free.”

“I was concerned at first, but thank the stars my deck gun was put into great use.” Peridot cheered.

“We’re still working out on our ocean research.” Bismuth replied.

“I thought small torpedoes were enough.”

“Not enough to destroy huge borders.”

When Craig looked at Jasper himself, he never expected her to go to the extremes against him. In fact, it made him more alive the moment he dodge her fusion’s attack. “Is she alright in the real world?” He wondered.

“Yes, but if it wasn’t for Steven shattering her and bringing her back to life, she would still be on her own.”

“I still don’t know if I want to meet her in the real world.”

“She’s not dangerous like she was just now. She is aggressive for another fight…but just for Steven.”

“I’m probably not gonna look forward to that.”

“Hey.” Peridot looked around. “Where’s Lapis?”

Craig also ed after the de-fusion of Malachite. “Yeah, where is she?” Craig looked down in the ocean. “Is she in the ocean?”

“Yes.” Blue Diamond answered. “But with her way of water of any kind, she’s more capable of controlling water her way.”

When Craig turned around, still on the edge of Blue Diamond's hand. “I thought we freed her from the fusion…I guess we're too late.” As he lowered his head, Blue Diamond grew a smile, while someone flew out of the ocean, grabbing both of Craig’s arms. Craig reacted in an instant as he’s higher up in the air. When he looked up, he witnessed Lapis Lazuli herself as she lifted him up, landing on her back while grabbing his legs.

“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna drop you.” She looked back. “And I’m more free than ever.”

Lapis flew down the ocean with Craig’s legs close to the water. Lapis and Craig saw their reflection as Lapis placed her fingers through the water. “This may not be like how Steven saved me from the mirror, but this is a lot bigger than getting out of an unhealthy fusion.”

“Well…It wasn’t like you were trapped physically compared to before.”

“In this dream, I’m not emotionless. And not pitiful, like in the real world.” She continued leaving her fingers in the water as she made a turn, causing Craig to hold onto her more. “Come on, put your hand in the water.” Upon taking her offer, Craig lifted his hand out, placing it in the water above Lapis’s. Even after everything he went through, his dream, like the Crystal Gems, made the ocean real. It’s cleaner to where it’s the perfect blue color compared to the water from the beach close to him.

“I really need to be more emotional.” Craig said, feeling the ocean.

“You don’t have to try too hard…but never be so blue.”

Lapis flowed up as she headed back to Blue Diamond who she and the others enjoyed seeing her safe and sound. Craig got the hang of riding Lapis, as he lifted both of his arms out, cheering like Steven did when he rode Lapis for the first time. Once Lapis placed Craig on Blue Diamond’s hand and landed on her, they all get teleported back to Sardonyx’s talk show except Blue Diamond and Jasper. But then another gem appeared on Blue Diamond’s hand with a camera in her hand from four arms.

“And we’re rolling!” She called as Blue Diamond was shown through the monitor.

“What a juicy adventure!” Sardonyx cheered as did the audience. Craig sat back down on his couch while Bismuth, Peridot and Lapis were around him. “I would expect a fight like the Alexandrite vs Malachite by Mask Island, but what you did Craig, was so intelligent.”

“It was mostly Peridot’s gem drill.” Craig responded. “Without it, we wouldn’t be here actually…and I would probably wake up in the middle of the night.”

“At least you showcased an elegant moment with Lapis Lazuli.”

“Hey what can I say, I wanted to give him an introduction since I’m no longer part of a fusion.” Lapis smiled.

“Easy for you to say, I didn’t get my own introduction unlike you two.” Peridot said, turning to Lapis and Bismuth.

“I still had the lamest introduction from the last dream!” Amethyst called while sitting on her chair, in front of the talk show.

“You still had one, unlike me…” Peridot groaned.

“I was a horse!”

“Alright, quiet down Amethyst!” Sardonyx looked at Amethyst as she crossed her arms. “Now let’s have a word with our newest guest, Blue Diamond.” As Blue Diamond was still in front of the camera, she kept her smile as Sardonyx stood next to the monitor. “We all know you found Craig’s plan genius so tell me…what do you think Craig should earn as a reward?”

“Simple.” She responded. “While I’m allowing him to enjoy the rest of his dream, in the next dream…I'm taking him to Homeworld.”

Craig was shocked to hear the word Homeworld as Sardonyx laughed. “Seems fair for a vacation reward.”

“It’s mostly a visit reward for him to meet Spinal, along with Yellow and White Diamond.”

“Now that’ll be another juicy dream next time.”

“I’ll take him on my ship, when he falls back to sleep. I’ll be looking forward to giving him another important dream. That will be all.”

As the gem turned off the camera, Blue Diamond headed to a nearby island to drop off the gem, afterwards heading to her ship where the first location of the next dream takes place. She wanted to meet Craig again, but knew this was about his new friends he made. No matter how long Craig’s day will be once he wakes up, she’s ready for him.

“My stars! I can’t think of a better way of going to outer space to a planet we all used to be feared, but all in peace.” Sardonyx sat back down. “Craig, whaddya think of your prize?”

Craig stood still, as if Steven's life as a human was enough for his dreams to handle. “I wouldn’t be any happier if…Homeworld was actually forbidden.”

Sardonyx, her audience, including the Crystal Gems all laughed from Craig’s choice of words. “Bet your shy meeting the Diamonds. They’re not what they were back then, just because we can only afford one epilogue episode involving them.”

“Hey, at least Blue Diamond sang a song we can hear at Homeworld’s gift shop.” Bismuth smiled.

Sardonyx then leaned towards Craig with a smile on her face. “You’re definitely gonna enjoy Spinal, especially from her stunning movie performance.”

“She starred in Homeworld’s first ever film?” Craig responded.

Sardonyx laughed yet again. “No, but she had wonderful musical numbers, with Steven no less.”

“We would show you but…we also had a song that shouldn't be overlooked.” Peridot said.

“Anyway.” Sardonyx leaned back. “We would love to sing our famous songs, but we’re running out of time.” As she faced the audience, she stood up from her desk. “I want you to give Craig and his friends a round of applause as we wrap up Sardonyx Tonight! And let Craig know, Pearl and Garnet were always here for the show, literally.”

The audience clapped for Craig and his friends, including Amethyst as all the spotlights turned off with Craig and his friends teleporting out of the talk show and onto an island with Craig into his swimsuit. “Wow.” Craig looked at himself and the island itself. “Pearl and Garnet were Sardonyx the whole time.”

“Seems they mean it when they say unfinished business.” Bismuth padded on Craig’s back. “They just wanted to surprise you like Sardonyx would do.”

“They’ve been thinking about it for this dream.” Lapis added.

“What about Opal?” Craig ed.

“It was the only way Amethyst would do something in this dream.”

“Okay, she seriously needs something to do in my next dream.”

“So do I.” Peridot chimed in. “But less talk, BEACH TIME!” She took Craig’s hand as they stepped into the ocean water with Lapis and Bismuth following suit. After the mission they did, he’s getting something that his last dream didn’t. Having fun with The Crystal Gems, no matter who they are. Upon splashing with each other, all the while getting tossed in the water by Bismuth thanks to her strength, and Lapis’s hydrokinesis moving him up in many ways like slides in a water park.

“I’ve been doing this a lot with the kids in Beach City.” Lapis spoked as Craig went into the water, popping his head out.

“Including the other gems their size?” He asked.

“Yes, but mostly the kids.”

“What I do during my spare time is gardening.” Peridot replied. “If we didn’t do our mission, you would’ve woken up to a garden filled with all kinds of flowers.”

As Craig got his body out, a thought came to him. “What about Little Homeworld?”

The Crystal Gems looked at each other with all the answers they had for him. “You would’ve been there more if it wasn’t for this mission getting in the way.” Bismuth answered. “Including Beach City.”

Craig never had any issues with the adventure he had but with it all in the way, preventing him from going to the places he thought about, he had to face the facts. “Seems my dreams really want me to see those places myself.”

“Is that what's best?” Lapis responded while placing her hand on his shoulder. “Because going to those two places outside of your dreams would keep the mysteries special.”

“Yeah…” Peridot added while lowering her head. “...Especially that…we’re not…”

This causes Craig to hug Peridot. “You’re all real in my own way, dreams or not.” Peridot teared up with a sweet smile on her face. She hugged Craig back with tears coming down on her face.

“I hope you meet us again even if it means you’re starting all over from scratch.”

“I’ll take that if Steven takes me to Beach City.” Lapis and Bismuth ed in on the hug with what happens in the real world, they know Craig will instantly be friends with them. As they got back to having fun on the beach, two gems were hiding behind the trees, smiling at Craig having fun with his new friends. They still have enough time until Craig wakes up from his slumber to where they know it will end his dream with a bang. But then again, one of the gems was not the only one with Blue Diamond until she dropped her off.

The sky turned orange as Craig’s completely worn out, laying on the sand after waving to Peridot, Lapis and Bismuth. Lapis used her hydrokinesis to take herself and her friends away from the island, all the while waving goodbye to Craig. Craig felt like he did everything there is for him to do in his dream as it’s a matter of time for him to wake up soon. But then he heard two people walking up from behind, standing on his left side with the other on the right side. When he turned to his right, he saw Opal kneeling down next to him, but she wasn’t the one covering the sun from him.

When he turned to his left, a fire shaped head blocked his view of the sun, keeping her grin with her dark red shades on. “Chillaxing after an adventure, my dude?” She responded.

“Yeah.” Craig getting up, also witnessing her gem on her belly button.

“What, you thought Steven was the only pal that can have a gem on his belly button?”

“Kind of. Who are you?”

“Sunstone.” She lifted him up by grabbing his hand. “I’ve seen everything you’ve done in your dream adventure. Wish I had popcorn with me.”

“I didn’t think I was being watched.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna harm you.” Sunstone wrapped her lower arm around Craig. “I never ever harm any pal I come across. I just want to meet you before you wake up.”

“I want to see you again after the mission you and the Crystal Gems did.” Opal smiled. “You showed a lot of synergy.”

“I’m always full of synergy, even if it’s not for everyone from the creek.” Craig replied. “But Steven, his synergy is way more precious.”

“You’re catching on real good.” Sunstone replied. “Those dudes in the creek would love to have their imagination come to life with that Steven pal around.”

“My best friends experienced that.”

“Especially with Schtu-ball’s girlfriend keeping Lil Knight real happy.”

“We’re all looking forward to that.”

“Don’t get your hopes up.” Craig’s smile went away when he turned around, along with Sunstone and Opal who knew she would get up eventually. Craig was taken aback with the presents of Jasper, on her feet after the defusion that occurred.

“Jasper?”

“Yeah, Sunstone wasn’t the only one to get dropped off on this island, broadcasting Blue Diamond, she also dropped me off here.” She groaned.

“Please don’t tell me you’re gonna fight me because I really don’t want to.”

“I’m not.”

Craig sighed in relief, despite still being confused about Jasper's presence. “Are you coming back in my next dream?”

Jasper walked up to him, staring down, but not threatening him, not even playing mind games with him. “No.” She responded. “Not because I don’t want to lose against you, it’s because on Homeworld, there’s four Diamonds instead of three.”

“Blue Diamond said-”

“Yes, she did say Yellow and White Diamond. But Spinel isn’t a Diamond.” She leaned down to Craig’s level, looking straight to his eyes. “Pink Diamond will be there, waiting for you.”

“Oh no.” Opal commented, while Sunstone let go of Craig, placing all hands on her hips, frowning straight at Jasper.

“I’m not lying, just because she’s gone in the real world doesn't mean she is in any dream, with or without pink eyes.”

Craig felt speechless, thinking that his mindset would be focusing on the three Diamonds and Spinel. But now with the presence of the infamous Diamond of them all, who is also Steven’s mother in disguise, he can’t tell if it’s awkward or really scary.

“Yeah.” Jasper leaning back. “You can’t always have happiness in every dream you get. There’s always nightmares among them.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m afraid of Pink Diamond.” Craig putting his foot down. “And also, I know how to defend myself like I did when you were fused with Lapis.”

“Malachite isn’t like Pink Diamond. Because she isn’t a member of The Great Diamond Authority, unlike her.”

“You know that’s not gonna happen when he goes to sleep again.” Opal said, stepping in.

“Steven’s powers inside him are getting stronger and stronger.” Jasper looked at Opal, pointing at Craig. “You know it won’t stop until it’s finally out of him.” Sunstone remained silent, even though she doesn’t like what she’s hearing.

“I’m not gonna be dangerous like Steven was. I don’t even have all of his powers.” Craig spoked.

Jasper then walked past him, stepping into the water until stopping, not turning around. “What he gave you, is your own powers, you won’t it now or in the future, but you won’t deny it before it’s too late.” She then went deeper into the ocean, with all that’s left where the upper half of her head. She turned around, only showing Craig her eyes, still keeping every word she said to him. Upon turning away, her whole head went under the water, disappearing into the abyss.

“Don’t believe her.” Sunstone spoked. “You'll be just fine in Homeworld, with or without Pink Diamond there.”

Craig took a deep breath while turning to Sunstone, smiling. “I wouldn’t mind meeting you in my next dream if it’s possible.”

“Just chillax pal.” She leaned down. “I might come back to be your professional bodyguard. But there’s two other gems who want to meet you just as much as I do.”

“Yeah, and I hope they’re awesomely charismatic as you are.”

Sunstone then lifted him up, placing him on her right shoulder. “I found you awesomely cool.”

“Thanks.” Craig replied. “Am I about to wake up?”

“Really soon.” Opal smiled. “I found a way to end your dream before waking up. You still have a rope?”

“Never forget it because professionals never do.” Sunstone lifted her rope up in her hand.

With confidence in both of the two gems, Sunstone tied the rope around her body while standing by Opal. Opal took out her energy bow as Sunstone swung her rope above her head. Just before Opal released her glowing arrow, Sunstone threw her rope, capturing the arrow as she and Craig were pulled by the arrow.

“Oh yeah!” Craig cheered as Sunstone skated across the ocean. The sun setting over the ocean mesmerized Craig to where the reflection from the water couldn’t get any brighter.

“Is this enough for you to see me as a professional pal?” Sunstone turned to him.

“More than enough for me.” Craig turned back to her.

“As long as you always believe in me and my two gem dudes, you'll be safe and sound in Homeworld.”

Craig slowly looked back at the sun as it was getting brighter even when setting. “I'll forever believe in you.”

As the sun brightened up Craig’s eyes, the whole dream turned into pitch brightness with Sunstone still holding on. Then, Craig woke up from his dream, with his eyes finally back to normal after the long night he had. Steven from the top bunk opened his eyes from his slumber with sunlight shining through the window. He grew a smile as he got down to the floor, looking at Craig who yawned. “Craig?” He spoked.

“Yes Steven?” Craig looked at Steven.

“How was your dream?”

“Really fun.” He slowly sat on the edge of his mattress while Steven sat next to him. “I’ve met a lot of gems, it would take forever to tell you everything.”

“No need to explain.” Steven responded. “Because I was there the whole time.”

Soon, Craig picked up the pieces the moment he saw the final gem in his dream. “You were Sunstone?”

“Yes I was.” Steven answered. “It’s not hard when we’re not far away from each other.”

“Incredible.”

“In case you're wondering, Sunstone is a fusion of me and Garnet.”

“Wait, if you were a fusion with Garnet and she’s a fusion with Pearl as Sardonyx…that would mean…”

“It was all a dream. It’s only possible in dreams.”

As Steven laughed, Craig catched on as he also laughed. “Yeah, why would I ever question that.”

The two continued to laugh in joy as they both got up. “Anyway, Connie should be here soon. We should get ready for our day in the creek.”

“Yeah.” Craig calmed down as he opened his bedroom door, heading out. As for Steven, his laughter went into despair, but not completely. He heard what Jasper said, but is certain it’s not true. Even though he didn’t protect Craig all throughout his dream, he’ll make a promise to himself that he will in the next dream. He also headed out the door to put his full focus on the day he’s having with Craig. And also, what he’s gonna do with his friend Kenneth.