Silver's Sims: Crystal Legacy - Generation 6 (Part 30)

What should have been a simple life in the desert sand and stars becomes anything but. Haunted by dreams of a life of violence, and seeking answers as to why, Peridot and her friends find themselves caught in an ancient battle between Light and Dark...and find that the cost of being a soldier is higher than they might have ever thought.

Citrine: Was it good? Did you like Foxberry?

Peridot: Enough to go for it again, absolutely. You can take me to the dorms this time, too.

Citrine: This time? Oooh...now I wish I'd gotten my other self's memories...

Peridot: Hah, not much is different at this point. There was a lot more sneaking out of the house involved, though.

Citrine: ...well, maybe not so big a wish.

Citrine: But that's over now, right? No more fancy ladies in fancy places needing you?

Peridot: No, that's over. If Lady Lucera needs Guardians again, it won't be us. Now it's just college and marriage and kids and--

Citrine: And don't rush it!

Citrine: You all have plenty of time to live a good life this go around, so there's no need to speedrun it. *sigh* You kids...you've been through so much. Take it slow, enjoy yourselves! There's plenty of time left.

Peridot: Oh, sure. But if we don't leave soon, we're gonna be late for the ceremony!

Citrine: Ack--move move move!

Some time later...

Crimson: Thank you for joining us, everyone. It's been no secret that these past years have been full of hardships for our graduating class, but it's also no secret that you have all done wonderfully. I, and your fellow teachers, could not be more proud of you as you take your first steps into the world of adults today.

Crimson: Your time in high school has been more than classes and exams. It's been an experience, one that has shaped you into the individuals you are today. I look forward to seeing the people you become in the future.

Crimson: But, for now, your Valedictorian has some words she would like to say as well. Edelweiss?

Edelweiss; Thank you, Principal Heart.

Edelweiss: As Principal Heart said, these past four years have been full of challenges and obstacles, but also learning experiences. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned during my years at the Academy is the power of working together to overcome the obstacles we face.

Edelweiss: Our strength lies in unity. The friendships we've made, the bonds we created, and the support we've given one another have all been integral to our success. We've proven, time and again, that when we work together there is nothing we can't achieve.

Edelweiss: It is our collective spirit, and our refusal to let anyone stand against obstacles alone, that defines us here and now. The challenges we'll face out there, alone and together, will undoubtedly be demanding, but let us remember that our greatest accomplishments arose when we stood united.

Edelweiss: As we take our separate journeys, let us continue to support one another, and extend that support to those we meet out there, as well. Together, we can create the change we want to see in the world, overcome obstacles, and build a brighter future for us and those who will come after us.

Edelweiss: In closing, I want to express my deepest thanks to all of you. Thank you for being here with us, for being as unstoppable and amazing as you all are, and for never giving up. I've learned so much from your strength, and I hope you learned a little from mine.

Edelweiss: Congratulations, Class of Springs Academy!

*applause and cheering*

Later...

Candle: Three cheers for Edie!

Edelweiss: No, no cheering! I spent a week on that speech and I want to put it behind me!

Dawn: As if we'd ever let you forget such a rousing speech! So inspiring!

Edelweiss: Shut up, Dawn.

Cinnamon: Cannot believe it is over. No more high school!

Candle: Nah, only higher education now!

Cinnamon: That is not so bad. That is actually a challenge!

Royal Cola: Three courses of accelerated study? Love, that is much challenge.

Peridot: *laugh* I'm sure you can do it, Cin.

Celestial: Send us a message if you need a break--we're happy to stage a rescue.

Scarlet: Hey, we may need one of those, too! Business school and the plasma clinic and then the Hunters--

Dawn: You do nothing by halves, do you?

Raven: Who's got time for halves?

Scarlet: Pff, no. We're gonna conquer the world, just you wait.

Candle: I look forward to seeing you try! It'll be nice to knock those old geezers down a peg, and you two'll live long enough to do it, too!

Peridot: Hey, don't encourage them! Poor Cousin Pep's tearing their hair out over that idea already!

Celestial: Eh, they'll get used to it. They raised a daughter to take over the world, and that's what they got!

Edelweiss: *laugh* ...you know, I still can't believe it sometimes. We made it! We actually survived.

Dawn: What, high school? That wasn't so bad.

Candle: Speak for yourself, man! I had to keep As in five classes just to get this scholarship!

Candle: Absolutely worth it, though.

Celestial: I don't think that's what she meant, man.

Peridot: Nah, Candle's lucky to have survived that, too.

Celestial: *laugh* Peri!

Scarlet: We're all lucky to have survived high school, let's leave it there.

Raven: And that other thing. ...Watcher, we've spent so much time together it's going to feel so weird being apart like this!

Royal Cola: Not forever. And we will always be with each other, yes? Promise made over stones.

Cinnamon: Better made over blood.

Dawn: No, no! We spilled enough of that for three lifetimes, Cin!

Scarlet: Yeah, no need to spill more! A promise over these necklaces is a promise we can all keep.

Raven: We will all keep it. We may go down different roads, but they'll all always come back here. Together.

Candle: Are you quoting Edie, man?

Peridot: Hey! She's not wrong, you know.

Edelweiss: *laugh* Yeah, a friendship like ours...it'll always be here to welcome us home. So, is everyone set for tomorrow?

Dawn: Yep!

Cinnamon: Yes.

Royal Cola: All packed and ready to leave.

Peridot: Born ready.

Celestial: Absolutely.

Raven: Ready for this to be over and we haven't even started.

Scarlet: So, look out world?

Edelweiss: Look out world. So, my dear, dear siblings of my heart and soul...once more unto the breach!

Five years later...

Peridot: That took a while. Lose your trunks?

Celestial: Nah, got an email from the Academy. Our class is having its five year reunion next week.

Peridot: ...five years. Wow.

Celestial: Tell me about it. You wanna go?

Peridot: Mm...is anyone else even in town?

Celestial: Uh...Scarlet and Raven?

Peridot: Who wouldn't go if you dragged them by the fangs. El and Rose are still on tour...the guys?

Celestial: Neck deep in work. Cin and Royal are staying on Sixam until the twins are born, too, so....nah, just us.

Peridot: Then you couldn't pay me enough to go to a high school reunion!

Celestial: Ha!

Celestial: What, no desire to relive your best years?

Peridot: Oh, please. Our best years are ahead of us. Also, no desire to deal with the elephant in the room about what happened to Parsley, so.

Celestial: Oh, right, that little sordid affair. Pfft. Nevermind, then.

Celestial: So, Miss Crystal, do you mind ever so much if I ask what your plans are for today?

Peridot: Well, my good Mr. Abyss, I have a date with my lovely cousin down the country way.

*both laugh*

Celestial: You feeling up to it? Last night was rough.

Peridot: I'm fine, Cel. Really.

Celestial: ...d'you think...could it be...?

Peridot: ...I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but...it might be? At least, physically. We never did...I mean--

Celestial: I know.

Celestial: But...even if it's not her, her...if you are carrying...

Peridot: I'm just going to Scarlet's, babe. You know how protective she is. If anything happens, she's right there.

Celestial: *sigh* I know. I know.

Celestial: Sorry. I should be over this--it's over, I just.

Peridot: I know. But really--whether this is food poisoning or our baby girl come back, I really am okay. I'll call you when I get there?

Celestial: Please.

Peridot: Always. ...Watcher, I love you.

Celestial: I love you too--mm...

Peridot: You're kidding!

Scarlet: Nope! It's looking like twins already.

Peridot: Scarlet! That's amazing! Congratulations!

Peridot: Have you told your parents yet?

Scarlet: Not yet. I don't want to freak Ren out until I'm a little further along.

Peridot: Oh, come on! It'll be a good freak!

Scarlet: Uh-huh. The same good freak you'll have someday soon, I hope?

Peridot: Oh, no, missy don't you turn this on me!

Scarlet: I'm serious! You and Cel have been joined at the hip for years, you're both done with college with steady, stable jobs...now's a good time! They can be almost-sibs like we are!

Peridot: Yes, but--oh, I dunno. I don't know if we're ready yet!

Peridot: We're still working through everything that happened, a little at a time, and putting that on a baby...

Scarlet: Well if you're not ready then you'd better stop trying! I do not want to walk in on that again, thank you.

Peridot: *laugh* You didn't have to sneak in to say hello, dork!

Scarlet: You weren't answering your phone! What else was I supposed to do?

Peridot: Send a text! Or wait!

Scarlet: me, wait? Peri, please.

Peridot: Yes, wait! For a near-immortal you can be really impatient at...times...mmph.

Scarlet: Peri?

Peridot: ...hold that thought.

Peridot: I...ugh...excuse me I need to--

Scarlet: ...well. Closer than either of us expected, that's for sure.

Scarlet: Can I get you anything? Crackers, a soda?

Peridot: No, no, I'm...blegh...I'm okay...I think...

Scarlet: You don't sound it...

Peridot: ...Scar do you have any leftover pregnancy tests?

Scarlet: Sure, behind the mirror. Take however many you need. You want me to come in and wait with you?

Peridot: No, just...give me a few minutes...use this like this and...wait. ...why is the waiting always the hardest part...

Peridot: ...come on...come on already--*gasp* Watcher it's--

Scarlet: Peri?

Peridot: ...this...I can't believe it, I...oh, Watcher, thank you...

Peridot: ...it's you...you came back...

Scarlet: Peridot? You okay?

Peridot: Fine! Better than fine! I'm coming out!

Scarlet: So good news?

Peridot: The best news. I'm pregnant.

Scarlet: I knew it. I knew it I knew it I knew it! See, what did cousin-sister tell you?

Peridot: Oh, stuff it.

Scarlet: Never.

*both laugh*

Peridot: Oh...how am I gonna tell everyone else?

Scarlet: Take it from me: Come right out and say it. No beating around the bush, no metaphor, just...come out and say it. It'll go over a lot easier.

Peridot: Yeah, I bet.

Scarlet: ...we're the same distance along, too. Ooh, I hope our kids become great friends.

Peridot: Why wouldn't they? Mari'll be the best sister-cousin they could ask for.

Scarlet: Mari, huh? Little early to tell which sex they're gonna be, cousin.

Peridot: ...no, I...

Scarlet: Peri?

Peridot: ....I need to tell you something. Something I haven't told anyone but Cel.

Scarlet: Okay?

Peridot: Before, in that other life? I was pregnant when things went wrong. This is that baby come back, I'm sure of it.

Scarlet: Oh...and she was a she...what name did you pick?

Peridot: Aquamarine. Mari.

Peridot: She's come back!

Scarlet: *fond laugh* Who wouldn't, with you two set to be their parents? Congrats. It's a second chance for everyone.

Peridot: Cel's gonna lose it.

Scarlet: *laugh* Get me a picture of his face and I'll help you plan the baby shower.

Peridot: We can do a trio shower. *laugh* Oh, I can't believe this! Everything's...it's all working out, finally!

Scarlet: We were due for peace and good times, cousin.

Peridot: We were, but this--Scar, this is everything I ever wanted!

Scarlet: I wouldn't count all the eggs yet. You do still have to tell your partner. And your Moms.

Peridot: --!! Oh crud.

Peridot: I have to tell Ma!

Scarlet: *laughter* Your partner's funeral, cousin!

Peridot: Scarlet!

*both laugh*

A bit later...

Peridot: Hello? Ma? Cel?

Celestial: Main room!

Celestial: How'd it go with Scar? Everything good?

Peridot: Perfectly. Is Ma around?

Celestial: Stepped out to get us lunch. You wanna join us?

Peridot: Maybe later. There's something I need to tell you first, but you should probably sit down.

Celestial: I...think I'll stand, babe.

Peridot: OKay, well...

Celestial: Uh-oh. Is everything okay?

Peridot: Better than okay. Scar's expecting.

Celestial: Oh! Good for her, and for Raven. They'll make great parents.

Peridot; They will. But that's not all I need to tell you.

Celestial: Okay, I'm listening....your pulse is racing are you sure you're okay?

Peridot: *breathy laugh* Better than okay, Cel. So much better than okay.

Peridot: I'm pregnant, and I think--I'm pretty sure it's Mari, Cel. She came back to us.

Celestial: Wha...oh...

Peridot: Cel!

Peridot: Whoa--easy, I got you, you're okay. Hey, you still with me?

Celestial: I...mm...

Peridot: oookaaay we are definitely gonna sit down now! Come on, I got you.

Celestial: Sorry, I...I'm good.

Peridot: You don't look it. You're kinda pale...

Celestial: Just...caught me off guard.

Celestial: You're sure? Absolutely sure?

Peridot: I used three at home tests...yeah, I'm sure. I can tell.

Celestial: And...you can tell it's her?

Peridot: Well, not for sure, sure, but...I'm pretty sure, yeah. We got a second chance, why shouldn't she?

Celestial: ...she'd deserve it the most. Watcher, Peri...

Celestial: I don't know how to do this.

Peridot: What, wait for a kid to be born? I'm the one carrying her!

Celestial: Not that...how to raise one!

Celestial: Mom was buried in work, and still is, and Dad...he's the last person I want to be like.

Peridot: Cel...you're not going to turn out like your father. You won't.

Celestial: You don't know that.

Peridot: Yes I do. I know you. You'd never be like that, least of all to your own kid.

Celestial: ...still. s'not like he left me any guidebooks on raising children...

Peridot: He didn't have to. We have my Moms, and my Grampas. They'll help, and teach us. We're gonna be okay.

Peridot: Us and Mari. We're all gonna be okay, Cel, I promise.

Celestial: ...

Peridot: ...you can put down your sword, Cel.

Celestial: ...can I? Are we safe? Really?

Peridot: Yes. We are. The war's over. We won. We survived.

Celestial: ...I asked you before...but, are you sure you want this? I can't give you everything you wanted...not like this.

Peridot: I have everything I want that you can give. The only other thing I'd want is for you to be able to see her. Everything else...I already have everything else, Cel. I don't need a fancy life, or the perfect wedding, or...anything like that. Just you, my family, and now this baby.

Celestial: You deserve so much more.