« Yellow, I would like... no. Yellow! I want... certainly not. »

Pink is standing in front of her sister's quarters. She hesitates to go through the door. Any time the Diamond wanted to request a colony, a setback prevented her from doing so. Why did Yellow and Blue have to enter into a competition just as she felt ready? Today she is in doubt again, but she has been delaying the inevitable for too long. However, Pink doesn't want to appear impatient. So the Diamond took the opportunity to resolve her conflict with White. It was less difficult than expected, because even she recognizes her progress.

« I learned that Yellow gave you a Pearl, as well as a Spinel. » She asked Pink one day.

« Yellow and Blue, actually. It's not... »

« Ah? Really? I had requested for you not to be given gifts. However, I imagine I was probably a little too harsh, starlight. You have proven yourself able to become a real Diamond. I'm happy. I was afraid this would never happen! » White interrupts.

« Thank you. »

This habit she has of not listening to anyone! That’s exactly why nobody ever asks her anything. Eventually, nine centuries passed before the little clash between Yellow and Blue ended. Nine centuries, damn it! Why did they have to act like rivals? How important was it to know which of the action or the mind was more effective? Pink ignores the cause of their argument, but she knows that White must have been involved. Everything she says causes problems.

Pink Diamond had no choice but submit to a boring routine. She spends most of the time with Spinel, who now lives in the garden. Now that the Diamond is obsessed with securing a colony, plants aren't as important to her anymore. Her maid has therefore taken over and is taking care of that as well as possible. She's not good at maintaining things, but the place stays clean. Pearl lives in her room. It is the territory that is attributed to her.

Yellow wants it that way: Spinel is a toy, and the garden turns out to be a playground. On the other hand, a room remains a place for living. A space where we expect the Diamond to be serious. Her Pearl must organize a tidy daily life. Despite the centuries, Pink still struggles to even look her in the eyes. It is a joy to be in her company, but above all an anguish. The memory of the shards of her last Pearl is always etched in her memory. Her guilt becomes unbearable. All those destroyed Gems that will never come back! She needs a colony. This is her only chance to solve her problem. She can finally forgive herself for her stupidity... and leave it all behind.

That's what matters: becoming a true Diamond and righting her wrongs. She is already imagining the thousands of Gems that will come out of her Kindergarten. All that life created from dead matter! Pink even cherishes the foolish hope that she could design models that « change », that evolve and draw inspiration from biological life. She doesn't know how, but it motivates her. If Pink Diamond does not have an assigned goal, then she intends to create one.

Finally, she finds the strength to go see Yellow in her room. Her sister is at her desk, inspecting the results of her colonies:

« Hello, Pink! » She begins, without looking.

« Yellow. I wanted... I would have liked... I... »

« Pink, ask me what you want, but quickly! I have to work. »

« I would like a colony. »

Yellow freezes, then resumes her task, answering:

« You're not ready. I know you've made an effort, but it's too early. »

« I would like to make a contribution! You create Gems and help our people to grow... it's my duty too, don't you think? »

« What a superb change of attitude! White would love to hear that from you. »

Yellow Diamond stops what she is doing, turns and takes a seat in front of Pink, before adding:

« Managing a colony is a demanding job. I admit, our empire has been enjoying a period of glory lately, but every invasion costs us dearly. If you fail... it may take us millennia to recover from the shock, you see? »

Pink can't understand, no. If Gems are so successful, why would an invasion be dangerous? She prefers to avoid questioning her for the moment and simply answers:

« I understand. »

« The resources that White constantly requisitions to make her colonies perfect are largely... and this tendency to invade only poor sectors, just to prove us that she knows... but it doesn’t matter. »

It's rare for Yellow to have such frustration in her voice. She goes on:

« Okay, listen, I'll discuss it with Blue. If she feels like you can do it, I'll follow her opinion. I don’t think you’re ready yet... but why not, after all? I’m sure I’m too picky. A colony is not such a bad idea. »

« Thank you, Yellow! Thank you! »

« Yes, yes! Nothing is done yet. I have to speak with Blue and, assuming that she actually agrees, we will then have to convince White! »

After that, Pink did not hear from her for a year. Work remains the priority of her sisters. You better not expect a quick answer. One day, Pink Diamond was in her room with Pearl, when she had the pleasure of receiving a visit from the Yellow Diamond's Pearl:

« Pink Diamond! » She says dryly, before continuing without delay: « My Diamond lets you know that Blue has accepted your request. They will now defend your claim with White Diamond. »

« It's fantastic! » She retorts as she jumps up, surprising her own Pearl, who falls backwards.

Yellow's servant takes a short bow and withdraws unceremoniously.

« Did you hear that, Pearl? That's wonderful! »

« What is wonderful, my Diamond? » she asks, getting up. The poor little gem did not understand anything.

« I may have my own colony! »

« It's wonderful, my Diamond. »

Pink approaches Pearl and takes her in her hands, dancing with her as one would dance with a doll. The little one lets it happen. Her face remains impassive. In her heart, Pearl feels like she could cry with joy: her Diamond holding her in her hands! Of course, she mostly feels like a rag being shaken out, but what does it matter? For the past few centuries, Pink didn't even dare speak to her. Physical contact is like a revolution! It is often said that her Diamond does not like Pearls, however nothing in her attitude confirms it. Maybe Spinel deluded herself into believing it after all. In Pearl’s eyes, Pink is someone warm, gentle and committed to the health of all Gems. Her maid has never seen her angry. Never. She was told that she could be difficult, but it is not true! She turns out to be, by far, the sweetest of all Diamonds.

How dare the others spread such vile rumors about someone so good? The little one tries to stay calm. A Pearl who dares to be combative can only be defective, even with such a rightful reason. Defective Pearls are shattered, that's all they deserve. Yet, would someone like Pink let a Pearl, however imperfect, be destroyed without reacting? At the end of the afternoon, the Diamond leaves her room and goes to her garden. It's a routine. Despite spending her days there, Pink is no longer interested in Spinel’s games. All that matters is what she was told.

« Is something wrong? »

« Everything is fine, Spinel. I'm thinking. »

« What are you thinking about? » She asks, twisting her face.

« I will soon have my own planet. Maybe. »

« Fantastic! You’ve been wanting one for so long! »

« Nothing is confirmed, Spinel. Yellow and Blue agree, but White must agree too. »

« You want me to go say a word to her? I'm sure she won't resist my... elastic charm. » She responds, waving her extendable arms.

Pink remains speechless. Was that supposed to be a joke?

« I don't think that's a good idea. »

« Too bad, that would be fun! »

« Spinel... »

The communicator starts ringing. Pink, who was not expecting that, rushes towards it to see what it is. Her maid follows discreetly. The screen lights up, revealing Blue and Yellow:

« What’s going on? » Pink asks.

« We spoke with White, sweetheart. For the first time, in all the time that I've known her, she decided to let us do what we wanted! » Begins Blue.

« A surprising decision. » Yellow adds with a sarcastic smile.

« Am I going to have my own colony? » Pink asks, in shock.

« Yes, sweetheart! Isn't that wonderful? We already have a planet for you! An ideal place, full of resources, Ear… » The Diamond hesitates.

« Earth.” Yellow specifies. Her face is shining with satisfaction. Chances are high that she was the one who picked the location.

« Yes, there it is, Earth! » Blue adds.

Spinel begins to jump for joy, screaming:

« Earth! »

Pink Diamond is ashamed to be with Spinel, precisely the Gem that makes her feel the most like just an irresponsible kid. The little one jumps a second time, causing further discomfort, then climbs onto her back. Damn it, that's enough! Now is not the time! she thinks, without daring to say it, for fear that Yellow and Blue will change their mind.

« There are still things to be settled, of course. You are going to have gigantic responsibilities! It would be appreciated if you could come back. We need to start discussing the invasion. » Yellow concludes.

« Very well, I'll be right there! »

The communicator turns off and Pink walks towards the teleporter. Her maid follows, but the Diamond waves for her to stay back as she walks on. The little one refuses. Suddenly, Spinel grabs her mistress’s hand to get her attention. It's a happy day! We should have a party to mark the occasion, she said to herself. But a different idea crosses Pink’s mind. All the attachment she felt for this gem has just been replaced by one thing: hatred for all that she stands for. No, Pink Diamond will never be a real Diamond if she continues to play with a Spinel. This era is over. Now comes the age of responsibility. Her childishness and self-centeredness must stay behind, for good. Otherwise, what's the point of having a second chance?

« Here in the garden, let's play a game. I'll show you how it's done. » Pink sings, smiling, before kneeling down and putting her finger on her maid's nose.

Spinel radiates joy. A game! What a fantastic opportunity!

« Here in the garden, stand very still. »

« This'll be so much fun! » She sings in response.

Pink Diamond starts to smile. The little one feels a powerful euphoria. Her Diamond is happy! Pink gets up and walks with a decided step towards the teleporter, while Spinel remains motionless. The Diamond puts her foot on the machine, but hesitates. Shouldn't she... no, never mind! Her maid will eventually get bored and leave. Pink is tired of constantly feeling guilty. She activates the teleporter and leaves the place, probably forever. Goodbye, guilt! Goodbye, looks of terror! Farewell to the old Pink Diamond!

Farewell, Spinel.