I was sitting calmly in one part of the house. It had already been two years since I arrived in this world. My name is Naoya Quartz, and for some reason, I even have official documents—I can pay taxes now. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but whatever.
I looked at my mother… I guess she is, at least she tries. I watched as Rose carefully sewed a small shirt, letting out soft complaints every now and then, which made me laugh. She just smiled in response.
Another thing—there's a gem here who definitely shouldn't be.
Spinel.
I mean, yeah, I remember her, but how the hell is she here? That's weird.
Then there's Pearl. She looks at me like I killed her dog and ate it in front of her. Sometimes she takes care of me properly, and other times she says things like:
"You're Rose's son. Act like it."
I mean, if I were a normal kid, I probably would've cried. But since I'm built different, I just stared at her with the most expressionless face possible. One time we stayed like that for about twenty minutes until Rose showed up and told Pearl she needed her for something—and Pearl, in all her infinite wisdom, followed her like a puppy.
That relationship is still weird.
One thing I figured out is that my father isn't Greg. Also, it's 1987—way too early for the main storyline. Though with how many changes there are, I doubt things will go the same way.
I sat in a chair and looked around. It wasn't that different from what I remembered—or from what little I remember of my past life. Phones don't exist yet, though it's not like I have anyone to call anyway.
Shaking my head, I stood up and walked over to the nearest gem—Spinel. She always looked at me with curiosity. She was the one who played with me the most and had a real talent for making me laugh… though sometimes she seemed completely dissociated.
Like now.
Spinel was staring at the wall.
She'd been like that for minutes.
I stood in front of her so she'd notice me. I learned that the hard way—once my mother tried to sneak up behind her to play, and Spinel nearly grabbed her with a terrifying expression.
So yeah. Better not risk it.
When I stepped in front of her, her eyes slowly returned to normal. She looked at me, confused, then smiled.
"Hey, little Naoya. Something wrong?" she asked, gently patting my head.
I just shook my head. She nodded and sat on the floor.
"Want me to cuddle you?" she said softly.
I walked closer. There was something about her hands that made you relax instantly.
She started rocking me, similar to how Rose did—but slower, calmer.
I followed her gaze for a moment.
She was looking toward Rose.
But she said nothing.
Until—
"If she abandons you like she did me… at least you'll have me," she said quietly.
…
…
…
I stayed silent, eyes closed.
But I wasn't relaxed anymore.
I was in shock.
I mean, yeah, she was abandoned…
But then how is she here?
Is that why she's attached to me?
Does she think my mother will abandon me?
I opened my eyes slightly and looked at her.
She was still smiling.
Like nothing.
Like what she said was completely normal.
…
Yeah.
Something is seriously wrong here.
Do gems have therapists? I thought. Because if she ever had a breakdown, I really didn't want to be caught in the middle of it… unless she could handle herself.
I closed my eyes again.
Just thinking.
Another day closer to independence.
7 years old
I was walking along the beach where the Gem base was. Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl stayed there—though Pearl spent more time with my mother. And when she couldn't find her, she'd look at me like pure hatred, like I was the reason.
I don't think my mom ever says anything about it.
But now I could move around more.
And I remembered something about Pearl.
Something useful.
A memory—
I was sitting while Pearl stood in front of me like a teacher. Spinel was lying beside me.
"So, Naoya," Pearl said, like she was looking at something beneath her.
"You need to awaken your power. Gems do it by instinct. But you?"
She gestured up and down.
"You're something that… well… how should I put it?"
She was clearly avoiding something.
Spinel stopped moving.
"Defective?"
Spinel stood up slowly.
"What do you mean, Pearl?" she said seriously.
"Oh, come on," Pearl replied, making the same gesture.
"He's not a gem. He's half human—that weakens him. You didn't know?"
They started arguing.
I don't remember everything.
But that…
That stuck with me.
…
I have a different power.
A red gem.
Quartz…
Though I doubt it's just that.
I sat on the sand, thinking.
Two options:
Copy my mother.
Or follow my name.
Would I have something like projection from JJK?
I doubted it… but who knows.
If I did, I could be incredibly fast.
Not the strongest, though.
I want something better.
I looked at my small but strong feet. I hadn't neglected training—I didn't want to be useless. My pink hair moved with the ocean breeze.
As I thought, I felt something.
Like I could run faster.
Like my body knew something I didn't.
I stood up.
Got into position.
"…maybe."
I dashed forward.
As I ran, I felt something strange. My gem began to glow, and I started seeing things—
Versions of myself.
In different positions.
I didn't think.
I copied them.
One.
Two.
Three—
At the fourth, I messed up.
My gem stopped glowing.
My body froze completely.
Two seconds.
Then I dropped to the ground, exhausted, breathing heavily, face buried in the sand.
But still…
I was smiling.
"…it worked."
I looked at my gem.
It had glowed.
That wasn't normal.
Is that my power?
I didn't know.
But one thing was clear.
I had something.
Was it good?
A little.
Enough for this world?
No.
This world isn't normal.
If things keep changing…
If a Diamond shows up tomorrow…
…
I'd be frozen.
Literally.
At my level, I'd be helpless.
I sighed.
Maybe I should ask my mother to train me.
Because honestly…
I don't think I'm normal.
If what I've been thinking all these years is true…
This isn't just quartz.
It's a Diamond.
The next day
I woke up to the smell of food.
Yeah, I didn't mention it?
My mom is an amazing cook.
She used to cook for injured humans she found during the war. Now she puts even more effort into it—used to be simple soups, now it's full meals to keep me healthy.
After getting ready, I walked into the kitchen.
She looked relaxed, wearing a loose shirt and shorts, listening to the radio.
She smiled when she saw me.
Served me breakfast.
We ate together.
"Yes, she eats too," just to keep me company—and because she likes it now.
"Mom," I said.
"What is it, Naoya?" she replied, pretending to read the newspaper.
"What happens when I awaken powers like yours?"
She lowered the paper.
"Powers?" she repeated.
"I understand what you mean… but I doubt you'll awaken something like mine."
First time we talked about this.
She knew I was aware.
I didn't need to hide it.
"I think I already awakened something."
Silence.
Then—
Her eyes lit up.
Literally.
She grabbed me like a sack of potatoes and started spinning.
"YES! I knew it! I knew you'd awaken something! I'm so proud—who's my favorite? Who's my son?"
She hugged me, kissed my cheeks—there were even tears.
I just stood there like…
what is happening?
But I didn't mind.
That's just how she is.
When something matters to her…
she shows it a lot.
After that, my mother took me to the Gem training grounds—though not before packing a ridiculous amount of medical supplies, just in case I got hurt. She didn't even ask me to explain my power yet. She was too excited, so I let it slide.
Spinel walked over and peeked through the doorway, watching my mom pack the bag. She raised an eyebrow at me, and I just gave her a look that said everything was fine. She hesitated for a moment, then went back to the TV, her head stretching back into place like it was nothing.
Honestly, that ability of hers is way too useful.
Then my mom grabbed my hand and led me—proud as ever—toward the temple.
When we arrived, Pearl and Amethyst were arguing about something. As usual.
Both of them looked at me. Amethyst raised an eyebrow before walking over.
"Hey, little Naoya, what are you doing here? Wasn't it dangerous for you to come until you awakened your power?"
I tried to answer, but my mom beat me to it.
"Oh, it is—but he already awakened something," she said proudly, looking at me like I'd just done something incredible.
Pearl, who had been approaching, froze for a second.
Clearly surprised.
According to her, I wasn't supposed to awaken anything.
"Can we go? I assume you're going to train him, right?" Amethyst said, casually climbing onto my mom's shoulders.
My mom nodded, carrying her like it was nothing while still holding my hand.
Then she looked at Pearl and signaled her to follow.
Pearl hesitated…
…but eventually agreed.
I didn't really care either way.
So we headed to the warp pad.
It was my first time using one.
The moment I stepped on it, I felt something strange—like a connection, something inside me reacting. But I didn't have time to focus on it before the light engulfed us.
A brief dizziness.
I endured it.
Stabilized quickly.
I glanced at Pearl.
She was doing the same.
…yeah, she was definitely checking if I'd struggle.
She's intense.
When the light faded, I looked around.
Sand.
The arena.
My mom didn't waste time.
She grabbed all of us and, in one jump, landed at the center.
No elegance.
Just impact.
I got up and looked around.
Slightly damaged terrain.
Cracks.
Scattered rocks.
Nothing unusual.
Pearl and Amethyst stayed on the stands, with Amethyst joking around while Pearl ignored her completely.
I seriously need to fix that dynamic…
And by "dynamic," I mean Pearl.
I turned back to my mom.
She had set the medical supplies aside and was now standing in front of me, smiling.
"Alright, son. Explain."
I thought for a moment.
"It's not something direct," I said, choosing my words carefully.
"When I run… I feel something. Like my body knows what to do before I do."
I paused.
"My gem starts glowing, and I see… versions of myself. Like projections. They're in different positions."
I lifted my hand slightly.
"If I copy them correctly, my body moves better. Faster. Like I'm following a path that's already been made."
I looked down briefly.
"But if I mess up…"
I frowned.
"My body stops. Completely. For a couple of seconds."
I looked back at her.
"I don't really know what it is, but… it's like I'm copying perfect movements. I just can't make mistakes."
She stayed silent for a moment.
Thinking.
I shrugged.
"That's all I know so far."
Rose's thoughts—
This is strange. Something Diamond-related manifested first? Not impossible… but not what I expected. I couldn't pass down my abilities directly, but his gem was meant to benefit him, not limit him.
But…
Why something speed-related?
I have control. Presence. Stability.
His is…
Unusual.
Maybe because he's half human.
Maybe not.
…
I should tell him about his gem.
But not yet.
Rose shook her head slightly and returned to reality, smiling at me.
"That makes sense," she said, stretching.
"I've seen humans do this—it helps prepare the body."
I nodded.
"Copy me as best as you can."
We began.
"First, your neck. Slow… don't force it."
She tilted her head gently from side to side.
"Prevents injuries."
Then her shoulders.
"Now rotate your shoulders."
Slow circles.
"Start slow, then loosen up."
She stretched her arms forward.
"Clasp your hands and stretch… feel the tension."
Pause.
"That's good."
Then legs.
She lifted one.
"Balance. Important if you want speed."
Switch.
"No rushing."
Then slight squats.
"Bend your knees. Not too much."
Repeated.
"Helps prevent injuries when running."
Finally, small jumps.
"And now… light jumps."
Several times.
"To activate your body."
She looked at me.
"Humans are fragile… but they know how to take care of themselves."
Then she stepped back into position.
"When you're ready, try your ability again."
I followed everything carefully.
Then—
I remembered the feeling.
My gem began glowing red.
Amethyst and Pearl stopped arguing instantly.
Both stared at me.
I focused.
This time, better.
I remembered the structure.
Frames.
Like a video.
Twenty-four frames.
Inside them, I could move.
Adjust.
That part was advanced.
For now—
I just tried.
The glow stabilized.
I looked at my mom.
Focused.
Then—
They appeared.
Paths.
Movements.
Routes.
I could follow them.
I breathed in.
Glanced at her.
Expectation.
And moved.
Frame 1.
Frame 2.
Frame 3—
Total focus.
No mistakes.
Not with Pearl watching like I'd fail.
Not with Amethyst believing I could do it.
23—
Last frame—
I appeared in front of her.
And touched her.
Instinct.
Reflex.
But it worked.
At the moment of contact—
Rose froze.
Completely.
Like crystal.
Immobile.
Pearl and Amethyst were stunned.
It had only taken seconds.
Two seconds.
Then—
The effect broke.
Rose moved again.
We blinked at the same time.
Looked at each other.
I was exhausted.
But smiling.
She smiled too.
"Alright, Naoya," she said, ruffling my hair.
"Time to start your training."
I nodded.
Because honestly…
Who better to train a Diamond…
than another Diamond?
Far away, on the stands—
"…well, he is Rose's kid," Amethyst said, lying back in surprise.
Pearl stayed silent.
Her expression…
Not great.
"…I just… don't see how that's possible," she said, frustrated.
Amethyst raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, what's your problem?"
Pearl shook her head.
"I'm leaving."
And she did.
Amethyst watched her go.
Didn't stop her.
Then looked back at us.
Rose was guiding me, explaining control, energy, pacing.
Amethyst smiled slightly.
Memories.
Moments like this mattered.
She knew that now.
Then she stood up.
Walked toward the warp.
Those moments…
Between family…
Were important.
She didn't feel ready to call it that.
So for now—
She'd just be a friend.
Two months later
I walked into the arena with Spinel.
The others were on a mission.
I stayed behind to train.
Honestly?
Good call.
I'm not ready.
Since awakening my power, everyone congratulated me.
Garnet gave me socks.
Amethyst gave me… a car engine.
Pearl gave me an advanced math book.
Yeah.
I study at home.
Not unusual for this era.
Still, I have a teacher.
And honestly, I appreciate it.
It's training too.
After warming up, I focused.
No running.
Just positions.
The "forms."
Repeat.
Understand.
Perfect.
If I fail that—
Nothing else matters.
Time slowed.
My power…
Strange.
Fascinating.
I still don't even have a weapon.
Don't know how to summon it.
But whatever.
This comes first.
I ran.
Again.
And again.
Thirty minutes.
Then I stopped.
Sat down.
Breathing heavily.
Closed my eyes.
Sweat.
Calm breathing.
Focus.
Not movement.
Energy.
My body couldn't keep up with my gem.
Obviously.
"…I need to sync them."
Not force it.
Not rush it.
Just…
Feel it.
Step by step.
Even if slow.
Progress.
Until I can stand equal—
Even to her.
After an hour, I heard footsteps.
Garnet.
With food.
"Hey."
"Hey, Garnet."
I started eating.
She looked at Spinel.
They nodded.
I didn't ask.
Then she looked at me.
"…Something wrong, Naoya?"
She felt like a second mother.
"Everything's fine. Just training."
She nodded.
"Want to train with me?"
I froze.
"…Really?"
"Don't worry. I'll hold back."
I got serious.
Excited.
Nervous.
I activated my power.
Moved.
Fast.
Straight toward her.
She stepped aside.
Miss.
"Too direct."
Again.
She deflected me.
"You're following movements—but not thinking about the goal."
Again.
Closer—
She tapped my shoulder.
I froze.
Fell.
"Your technique doesn't let you adapt."
I stood.
"…again."
We kept going.
Over and over.
Until exhaustion.
At the end of the day, I trained alone.
Muscles burning.
Near the limit.
But I didn't want shortcuts.
I wanted my body to adapt.
Naturally.
Later, I returned home.
Showered.
Relaxed.
Studied.
Routine.
Then—
I sat.
Doing nothing.
Just staring.
"…heh."
I grabbed a blank sheet.
Started drawing.
A face.
Sharp eyes.
Confident.
Almost arrogant.
Hair slicked back.
Strong posture.
Pride.
Control.
I stopped.
Looked at it.
…him.
The original Naoya.
I touched the paper.
"…you're not me. But you're still a source of inspiration. Not for your personality… but for your power."
And still…
I kept staring.
Like the answers might come from it.
I felt like I was missing something.
Something important.
But I ignored it.
For now.
End of Chapter 2.