Hey Steven Universe fans! Ever wondered about that tiny but terrifying gem, Aquamarine? She's small, but packs a serious punch, and her appearances always leave us with questions. Let's dive deep into understanding Aquamarine's purpose in Steven Universe, her powers, and what makes her such a compelling character.

Who is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a Homeworld Gem who first appears in the episode "Super Watermelon Island." Right away, she establishes herself as a formidable opponent, despite her diminutive size. She's calm, collected, and utterly ruthless, a combination that makes her a particularly effective antagonist. Unlike some other Homeworld Gems who might have internal conflicts or moments of doubt, Aquamarine seems perfectly content with her role and her orders.

Appearance and Personality

Aquamarine is tiny, even compared to other smaller Gems like Peridot. She has light blue skin, large, wide eyes, and small wings that allow her to fly. Her gem is located on her upper arm, shaped like a teardrop. Her usual attire consists of a blue dress, adorned with a white bow on the back. Personality-wise, Aquamarine is cold, calculating, and incredibly arrogant. She possesses a dry wit and isn't afraid to use sarcasm to belittle her opponents. What makes her particularly dangerous is her unwavering obedience to Homeworld and her complete lack of empathy.

First Appearance and Mission

Aquamarine's initial mission on Earth is to retrieve the "Humans" requested by the Diamonds. She's sent with Topaz to capture specific individuals with connections to Steven and the Crystal Gems. This mission highlights her efficiency and resourcefulness. She manages to capture her targets with minimal fuss, showcasing her ability to assess situations and exploit weaknesses.

Aquamarine's Purpose

So, what exactly is Aquamarine's purpose within the grand scheme of Homeworld? Her primary function seems to be that of an enforcer and retriever. She's sent on missions that require precision, efficiency, and a lack of sentimentality. Think of her as Homeworld's clean-up crew, handling tasks that other Gems might find too tedious or morally compromising.

Enforcer of Homeworld's Will

Aquamarine's unwavering loyalty to the Diamonds and her willingness to carry out their orders without question make her an ideal enforcer. She doesn't debate the morality of her actions; she simply executes them. This makes her a valuable asset to Homeworld, where obedience and conformity are highly valued.

Retriever of Key Assets

Her mission to retrieve the humans is a prime example of her role as a retriever. The Diamonds needed specific individuals for reasons we later discover, and Aquamarine was entrusted with the task of acquiring them. Her success in this mission demonstrates her capability to locate and secure valuable assets for Homeworld.

Comparison to Other Gems

Unlike Gems like Peridot or Lapis Lazuli, who undergo significant character development and question their allegiances, Aquamarine remains steadfast in her loyalty to Homeworld. This contrast highlights the diversity within Gem society and the different roles Gems play. While some Gems are meant for creation and innovation, others, like Aquamarine, are designed for enforcement and control.

Powers and Abilities

Don't let her size fool you; Aquamarine possesses some seriously impressive powers. These abilities make her a formidable opponent, capable of taking on even the Crystal Gems.

Water Manipulation

As her name suggests, Aquamarine has the power to control water. She can create constructs made of water, such as watery blasts, and use them to attack or defend. While we don't see her using this ability extensively, its existence underscores her connection to the element of water.

Magic Wand

Aquamarine's most notable weapon is her magic wand. This wand allows her to control objects and restrain individuals with beams of energy. She can use it to lift heavy objects, immobilize enemies, and even manipulate their movements. The wand is an extension of her will, making her an incredibly versatile fighter.

Flight

Thanks to her small wings, Aquamarine can fly. This gives her a significant advantage in battle, allowing her to maneuver quickly and evade attacks. Her flight ability, combined with her other powers, makes her a difficult target to hit.

Tactical Intellect

Beyond her physical abilities, Aquamarine possesses a sharp tactical intellect. She's able to assess situations quickly, identify weaknesses, and exploit them to her advantage. This cunning makes her a dangerous strategist, capable of outsmarting her opponents.

Aquamarine's Interactions with Other Characters

Aquamarine's interactions with other characters in Steven Universe reveal a lot about her personality and her role within the series. Her relationships are often defined by power dynamics and a lack of empathy.

Aquamarine and Topaz

Aquamarine is often paired with Topaz, a fusion of two Topaz gems. While Topaz is physically imposing, she defers to Aquamarine's authority. Aquamarine treats Topaz with a mixture of disdain and indifference, highlighting the hierarchical structure of Homeworld society. This relationship underscores Aquamarine's arrogance and her belief in her own superiority.

Aquamarine and the Crystal Gems

Her interactions with the Crystal Gems are marked by hostility and condescension. She sees them as rebels and traitors to Homeworld, viewing them with contempt. Aquamarine's calm and collected demeanor often clashes with the Crystal Gems' more emotional responses, creating a dynamic that is both tense and compelling.

Aquamarine and Steven

Aquamarine's interactions with Steven are particularly interesting. She doesn't seem to understand his empathy or his willingness to forgive. She views him as an anomaly, someone who defies her understanding of Gem society. This clash of ideologies highlights the central themes of Steven Universe, such as the importance of compassion and understanding.

Significance in the Series

Aquamarine's presence in Steven Universe serves several important purposes. She represents the cold, calculating nature of Homeworld and the dangers of unquestioning obedience. Her actions and motivations provide a stark contrast to the Crystal Gems' values, highlighting the importance of individuality and empathy.

Representing Homeworld's Ideology

Aquamarine embodies the rigid social hierarchy and the emphasis on conformity that characterize Homeworld society. Her unwavering loyalty to the Diamonds and her willingness to carry out their orders without question demonstrate the dangers of blind obedience. She serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of critical thinking and independent thought.

Highlighting the Crystal Gems' Values

By contrasting Aquamarine with the Crystal Gems, the series emphasizes the importance of individuality, empathy, and compassion. The Crystal Gems' willingness to question authority and fight for what they believe in stands in stark contrast to Aquamarine's unquestioning obedience. This contrast reinforces the central themes of the show and underscores the importance of standing up for what is right.

Driving the Plot Forward

Aquamarine's actions often serve as a catalyst for significant plot developments. Her mission to retrieve the humans, for example, sets in motion a series of events that have far-reaching consequences. Her presence in the series keeps the stakes high and reminds us of the ongoing conflict between the Crystal Gems and Homeworld.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aquamarine is a complex and compelling character in Steven Universe. Her purpose as an enforcer and retriever for Homeworld, combined with her unique powers and unwavering loyalty, make her a formidable opponent. While she may not be the most sympathetic character, her presence in the series serves an important purpose, highlighting the dangers of blind obedience and the importance of individuality. So, the next time you see Aquamarine on screen, remember that there's more to this tiny terror than meets the eye! She's a key piece in the grand tapestry of Steven Universe, and understanding her role helps us appreciate the depth and complexity of the series.