Steven Universe: A Real Rebellion

The gentle crash of waves against the shore set a peaceful backdrop as Ethan, Steven, and Connie sat on the sand, watching the sun slowly descend toward the horizon. The day had been uneventful, but in a world like this, I knew that peace never lasted long.

Earlier that day, I had spent time exploring Beach City on my own, trying to get a better grasp of my environment rather than sight see. Walking along the boardwalk, I was observing the locals and their simple lives.

Children were running around some I wasn't familiar with from the original, others were side characters like Loch, Barbara, and even Lars walking by. Despite the warm atmosphere, I did feel a slight sense of isolation being an outsider. Even after being here for 4 weeks now and running through here occasionally. My thoughts were interrupted when I got back "home" spotting Connie reading under the shade of a gazebo.

She had noticed waved me over, and I gladly took a seat beside her, grateful for the company.

"Hey, Ethan," Connie had greeted with a smile, adjusting her glasses. "How's your day been?"

Ethan sighed. "Weird, honestly. Still trying to wrap my head around everything."

"I get that," she said sympathetically. "It must be hard adjusting to something so different. But you seem to be handling it pretty well."

Before I could open my mouth, Steven had appeared, running up excitedly with a grin. "Hey, guys! What are you talking about?"

"Just how Ethan's been settling in," Connie replied. "He's still getting used to things."

Steven's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Oh! Well, if you're looking for a place to belong, you should totally meet the Crystal Gems! They help protect Beach City and the Earth! And they're, like, super cool."

I hesitated for a second, was it best to meet them this early? It could be, I could try to prepare all of the secretly for what was to come but also backfire, what if I left a bad impression or garnet saw through a lie that I'd undoubtably have to tell eventually?

I sighed, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. "That actually sounds pretty interesting. You think they'd be okay meeting someone new?"

"Of course!" Steven jumped to his feet. "Come on, let's go see them now!"

Ethan and Connie exchanged glances before standing up and following Steven toward the Crystal Temple. As they approached the massive stone structure embedded into the cliffside, Ethan felt a mix of excitement and unease. He had to get on their good side while remaining cautious.

The door opened as Steven led them inside. The interior was just as he remembered from the show—mystical yet cozy, a fusion of ancient power and homely warmth. Before he could take in more, a beam of light came from another section of the house.

Garnet was the first to descend from the crystal like platform, her imposing yet composed presence immediately commanding the room. Amethyst followed next, her carefree energy radiating as she stretched and yawned. Lastly, Pearl stepped forward, her gaze critical yet not unkind.

"Hey guys!" Steven waved enthusiastically. "This is Ethan and Connie! He's new in town, and I thought he should meet you all!"

I took a brief moment to scan the group, making brief but meaningful eye contact with each person a subtle nod to acknowledge their presence. I then offered a warm, genuine smile, signaling friendliness.

my tone calm but confident, striking a balance between humility and self-assurance I began my introduction. "Hi everyone, I'm Ethan. Steven's been kind enough to introduce me to all of you, and I'm really glad to be here. I just moved to town, and I've already heard so much about how amazing this group is. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you.

"Steven's spoken highly of you two already," Garnet finally said. "It's nice to meet you."

Amethyst grinned and nudged Ethan's arm. "Yeah, anyone Steven thinks is cool is cool with me! You got any cool tricks?"

"Hmm" I said thinking, my newfound strength and stamina were still mysteries, and I didn't want to reveal too much too soon. "Uh, nothing crazy. But I can hold my own."

Pearl examined me more carefully. "It's always good to have someone who can defend themselves," she said pausing "Tell me, Ethan, were'd you two meet"

Ethan had been waiting for this. He straightened up slightly and responded, "Right, we met right outside of your lovely home and were almost hit by falling debris and thanks to steven here we where thankfully unharmed, that's were we all officially met."

Garnet nodded approvingly, while Pearl seemed pleasantly surprised by his mature response. Even Amethyst gave a little "not bad" smirk.

Connie, who had been quietly observing, added, "How thoughtful, and yes we couldn't be more grateful towards our friend steven."

Garnet's expression didn't change, but there was a feeling of approval in the air. "Then maybe you should spend more time with us. See what we do."

Ethan nodded. This was exactly what he needed—to stay close, learn, and prepare. Because if this world was anything like the one he remembered, danger was never too far away.

"Sounds good to me."

Later that night, Ethan sat outside the temple, staring up at the stars. The vastness of the universe stretched endlessly above him, and for the first time since arriving, he truly felt the weight of it all. The knowledge he had about this world, the threats looming on the horizon, and the responsibility he was beginning to feel—it all settled on his shoulders like an unseen burden.

Connie stepped outside of her house were Ethan had been lying , holding two cups of tea. "Hey, couldn't sleep?"

Ethan exhaled. "Yeah. Just thinking."

She handed him a cup before sitting beside him. "About what?"

"Everything. The gems, this world, my place in it all." I answered honestly taking a sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through my chest. "It's crazy. I feel like I'm in the middle of something huge, and I don't know if I'm ready."

Connie nodded. "I get that. When I first came here to beach city with my mother, I felt so small compared to everything else. Distant in a way I can't explain, but the more I learned, the more I realized that I wanted to be part of something important. And you? I think you're already part of it, whether you realize it or not."

Ethan smiled faintly. "Yeah, maybe. I just hope I can keep up."

She nudged him playfully. "You already are."

As they sat in comfortable silence, I felt a little lighter. I didn't have all the answers yet, but for the first time in a long time, I felt like he wasn't facing it alone.

"Oh yeah you might wanna head back inside before your mom gets back from her shift" I said smirking. 

Lookiing down at her mini watched her eyes went wide "OH SHOOT THE TIME!" she said almost screaming.

I laughed to my hearts content not feeling a drop of tiredness. As Connie left from my view I wandered.

"Now, what next."