Change is inevitable, but are the gems ready for it?

With traditionalist coming-of-age tales, whimsical trumpets boom in tandem alongside triumphant segues; protagonist reigning victorious, smiles all round leaving rival scowling and comrade cheering. Inner peace is at last achieved following a transitionary period fuelled by adversities, narrative gifts bestowed in exchange for trauma incurred during a reckless training arc – resulting in this plucky upstart mastering a new skill. Glory is within arm’s reach, no longer a distant dream. Land of the Lustrous similarly sets the stage for Phosphophyllite as the next performer reading from such a well-worn playbook, casting a mentor figure alongside new teammates.

The compulsory power-up takes the form of agate legs, 3D animation generously portraying contrasting textures and reflective properties whereas with 2D they would no doubt be black and white for simplicity’s sake. Such a boost gives Phosphophyllite that final push to step out under the stage’s harsh lighting, squinting all the while as mentor puts them through their paces; stock phrases such as “don’t you dare go underestimating your elders, now!” spilling from Yellow Diamond’s chiselled lips another box to be ticked. Teammates Amethyst 33 and 84 prove to be pleasant additions with their twin shtick and detached register, facilitating comedic sequences that leave the audience feeling mostly bemused.

And yet a note of discord persists. Ominous comparisons echo throughout the chamber’s spacious expanse as Yellow Diamond pauses for that extra beat, letting the gravity of their situation sink in. Elements rise to the challenge of amplifying such a foreboding gesture – years, partners, and purpose all swept away in the annals of time as rain falls heavier, seconds slip by, gulf grows wider. And the space where memories ought to be remains elusive. Zircon’s face suggestively covered likewise alludes to such a depressingly repetitive process, Yellow Diamond’s practiced motions indicating that they have attended to partners in this fashion countless times before.

It could be anygem lying before them, in need of service, having taken a hit – Green Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Topaz, or even Zircon. The oldest gem at 3,597 years to Phosphophyllite’s 300, despite centuries lying between them comparisons prove to be inevitable, morbid plumes of metaphysical dread stifling. Once Amethyst 33 and 84 are seemingly whisked away to the distant reaches of the universe, violet shards sprinkling the earth, the thunder in response to Yellow Diamond’s musing about younger gems looking up to them rumbles ferociously so across the narrative’s confines. What is Yellow Diamond fighting for? What about Phosphophyllite, now that their memories have similarly faded? As the environment begins to shift, ice on the horizon, the gems are at its mercy.

That it would be Yellow Diamond discovering a changed Phosphophyllite in a changed landscape is by no means a coincidence, intentionally cast as a cautionary foil. That the youngest gem would remind the oldest of what they are truly fighting for – gems loved and lost – is likewise suggestive, Phosphophyllite’s youthful bravado facilitating this openness which leads to proclaiming their profound admiration and respect for Kongou.

Quietly reflecting each other, a fragile existence grows increasingly resilient through forged connections; warm smiles and words shared. Just as there is still hope for Yellow Diamond, it seems that not all is lost for Phosphophyllite. Even if twilight falls, ushered in through menacing tones and shrill notes. Even if all they can offer is a distant “the sea was wide, and big”. Even if there is nothing left.

If eyes are indeed the window to the soul, Phosphophyllite’s agate legs mirrored as they swim through the sea of recollections in search of an answer proves to be quite stark; a black and white tabula rasa, rendering them adrift in perpetuity. A slow pan down their legs accompanies drawn-out syllables, murky shadows dulling glistening properties.

Unlike Yellow Diamond’s earlier reflections, eventually remembering their purpose, will the same happen for Phosphophyllite? Most damning of all perhaps is the lack of emphasis on Cinnabar’s face during a restless sleep, features absent – as was the case with Zircon earlier. The seasons may turn, but will Phosphophyllite make it through winter unscathed…?

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