Hey, guys. This is the last chapter of Sphene: The Orange Strings for now. Don't be sad, I'll be back. Soon and not that 1 year later crap. Enjoy the last chapter and the surprise at the end.

[Chapter 23]

Steven's House

Our favorite half-gem sat on his bed along Lion, who slept on the floor. Outside on the beach, Sphene's statue was still in its spot.

The citizens of Beach City had learned about what Sphene did and decorated the statue for him. Steven smiled at the memories of the gem.

Sadly, the more depressing thoughts pushed their way inside. It had been only a month since Sphene's sacrifice and things were already bad.

The Gems had gone to search for the necklaces and find Peridot. While searching for the green gem, it was discovered she had repaired the Hub with some weird goo.

But without Lemon, Garnet and Pearl had to fuse. They formed Sardonyx but it turned out to be a lie.

It was revealed that after the first time destroying the tower with the new fusion, Pearl had repaired it again. Garnet found out and the two weren't on good terms until they were trapped by Peridot.

It let them get past the problems and get free. After some more chasing, they had captured Peridot before Steven ended up releasing her due to information she had.

Right now, the homeworld gem was probably still trying to flush herself down the toilet. Steven just hoped tomorrow would be easier.

The hunt for the necklaces made zero progress as they had not found even a clue to where they were. Steven sighed as he stopped thinking and laid to go to sleep.

"Steven. Wake up."

Steven's eyes snapped open in surprise at the familiar voice and turned to find Sphene looking at him. In front of him, a person he and the Gems missed with all their hearts.

It was Sphene! He cheered and hugged the gem with tears rolling down his face.

"Sphene! I'm so happy you're alive." Steven yelled in pure joy, "I thought I'd never see you again."

"Why? I'm just inside my gem, right?" Sphene asked confused and worried.

"You're trapped in a statue and we have to find your necklaces to get you out," Steven told Sphene whose eyebrows wrinkled in confusion.

"That makes no sense. My necklaces are right here. I'm literally inside my gem. I just can't seem to get out." Sphene said and closed her eyes in concentration.

Now, it was Steven's turn to frown. He tried to remember if anything stood out on Sphene's statue.

It was difficult to remember every detail with flowers and streamers everywhere. Add that to the tear stained eyes that blurred his vision.

Then it hit him. Steven shot up fast and began concentrating. Sphene watched him with a smile.

"Thank you, Steven. Get me out." Sphene whispered as Steven faded from view.

"Sphene... Are you ready?" Hinata asked the gem who toke her hand with a nod.

"Hey, what happened to your necklace?" Sphene asked as he walked down a path between trees.

Hinata smiled and lowered her collar, showing the jewelry, "I'm never taking this off. Not even death can remove it."

Sphene looked down causing the Hyuuga to raise her head, "I'm sorry. I wasn't there to save you. Any of you."

Hinata giggled and placed a kiss on Sphene's forehead. The gem looked up surprised to find all her old friends standing together.

"Sphene. It's not your fault. We still love you." Tsunade said and placed her hand on Sphene's face.

Kiba grinned, "Yeah, Fox Girl! Stop the crying you wuss!"

Ino smacked the Inuzuka on the back of the head as Shikamaru mumbled troublesome under his breath.

Tears rolled down Sphene's face and she held onto Tsunade's hand. Feeling hands on her back, she looked to see Kakashi, Gaara, and Sakura smiling at her.

"You're such an idiot sometimes! Look what's in front of you!" Sakura berated the gem who smiled and hugged her.

Sakura giggled and hugged Sphene back before she disappeared into light. They could finally move onto the afterlife.

"Keep fighting Sphene. Your family needs you." Kakashi told his student as some of the friends began fading into light.

Sphene grabbed onto Kakashi's arm with pleading eyes, "Please don't go."

"There's someone who wants to speak to you." Kakashi pointed behind her before fading out of view.

Sphene's eyes widened and swung around to find two adults crying. One had long red hair while the other looked like an older version of Naruto.

"Who are you?" Sphene asked as she was helped up by the man and woman.

The woman covered her mouth with her hand as the man brushed hair out of Sphene's face. They hugged her suddenly but Sphene hugged back as if natural.

"My beautiful baby..." The woman said causing blue eyes to widen, "You're so beautiful."

"I could've sworn you were a boy but I guess you're as unpredictable as your mother." the man chuckled but yelped when the woman grabbed his ear.

"Minato Namikaze! You apologize right now!" The woman demanded as he hair moved similarly to Kurama's tails.

Minato bowed his head and started begging for forgiveness, "Kushina-chan! She knows I'm just playing around."

Sphene giggled at their antics before it turned into full grown laughter. Her parents began laughing as well before getting the gem's attention.

"Listen closely. No matter what happens, we want you to remember three things." Minato said in complete seriousness.

Kushina nodded in agreement and continued where her husband left off, "One: Remember and learn from your past. Don't worry about the future too much. The present is a gift so use it right."

"Two: Don't let anyone tell you anything you don't believe. We love you and are behind you no matter your decision." Minato and Kushina said in unison as they held their child closer.

Sphene nodded frantically and tried to stop the tears that wanted to come. They grabbed her hands as they began to fade and whispered something to her.

"Three and the most important: We're so proud of you."

That's right! Minato and Kushina have finally spoken to their daughter! Just wait till the next book comes out! Hold off until then! Please don't hate me! I'm sorry!