AU INFO & TIMELINE

[fragmentedfusion]

As Masumi is an AU mixed with another canon, there are a number of unique world points that transfer over to both the game, and to things that those from the Steven Universe canon itself would be aware of.

The first point is her tolerance of the 'weird'. Since such locations as the 'Strawberry Battlefields' in Steven Universe were documented long before her time, things such as floating portions of earth and giant structures of stone aren't weird-just beautiful or perhaps 'odd looking', making a lot of 'natural' gem-influenced locations something she can blink and move on from.

Likewise however, Gembeasts are also something that she's known about beforehand-in this case, as more-dangerous-than-typical creatures that are really best left to their own devices. While she's never encountered one in person, they're still animals in her eyes...and that makes hunting them down something she'll take some time to accept, since it might as well be poaching at this point.

Gems themselves are another story. Growing up, Masumi's father warned her heavily to be wary of those with gems on their body-specifically he noted that their complexion would match the rock, but as far as Masumi was aware, she was the only 'human' with one herself! While fellow humans/other beings with newly placed gems will be easier to warm up to for that reason, it'll take her longer to open up with Actual Gems-especially Crystal Gems, as she was additionally warned about the star symbol they typically wear.

Because of her history, Masumi is thus also more cautious, and hesitant to draw on her gem powers-this will change over time, but it is something to keep in mind. Other information, naturally, can be drawn from her Application here, or from the Timeline below.



Extended History

6,000 Years Ago ( 3985 B.C.)

Vesuvianite, along with many other gems, arrive on Earth to begin colonizing the planet. As a research gem, she is tasked with analyzing the systems of the planet in order to determine new and economic ways to go through with the colony. She is to perform these tasks in cooperation with others of her caste (Peridots, etc).

Vesuvianite begins her research, in conjunction with the establishment of the first Earth Kindergarten. Early stage reports note that the organic life itself could potentially be harvested for minerals in some way, if such a method were determined. Given the enormous amount of organic life on the planet, the research project is approved to continue.

5,750 Years Ago ( 3735 B.C.)

The Rebellion Begins, and a recall is sent out for the majority of the research team. Vesuvianite, as well as a few others, remain behind in order to potentially make use of the gem shards in their individual projects. She herself works to potentially 'recycle' the shards, while others are divided between the rapid construction of Kindergarten Beta, as well as the experimentation of Shard Fusion.

Pink Diamond is Shattered, and Vesuvianite is force to flee with her research (almost complete, but riddled with unsolved problems), soon after creating a cave-in and cracking herself in the process. At this time, had any of her notes been continued on by other Gems, it would be determined unrealistic and even wasteful, as the amount of time, energy, and materials required to 'recycle' exceed the amount required to simply gestate a new gem.

5,500 ( 3485 B.C.) - 20th Century (Year >1995)

Events of Gem History occur, accurate to the SU Canon timeline formed here.

The Corrupting Light of the Diamonds is emitted, with Vesuvianite avoiding its effects due to her gem stasis. Over time, the tunnels her gem exists within are excavated and made into a tourist attraction.

In 1992, Ishin Kotsu-then a young High School graduate finishing an exchange trip-discovers within a series of caves the gem that would be Vesuvianite. He brings it back with him to Japan, keeping it carefully boxed. The mystery of the stone inspires him to pursue geology, and later jewelry making, as a field.

In 1994 the card game Duel Monsters is created in Japan, and it quickly spreads in popularity among the expected trading card crowd. Many others dismiss it for being 'simple'

Recent History

Note: For ease of Reference, Year 1 and Year 2 in SU canon from their timeline are referred to here as '2014' and '2015'.

1997

A breakthrough in gaming technology, known as Solid Vision, is developed by Leo Corporation as an extension to the Duel Monster Card Game released in 1994. A costly effort, it is Solid only in name, and all matter can pass through the holograms. At this time, it is considered a niche trend in the gaming community.

1999

With considerable effort, Leo Corporation makes yet another unprecedented breakthrough by making holograms solid enough to carry mass, while simultaneously making efforts to render standard solid vision more affordable; the technology is immediately quarantined by the Japanese Government.

Due to the resin used by Ishin to attempt to 'repair' Vesuvianite's gem, her energy is briefly able to stabilize enough to project her form. Unable to access any of her abilities without risking this stability, she remains in Ishin's home to learn from him the state of the world, taking the name 'Idocrase' and in time coming to understand more of humanity as a result. Due to the growing increase of Hologram technology in the region however, and the blow up in the news concerning the matter, she grossly over-estimates how far they have come technologically.

2000

Vesuvianite realizes how long she has before the crack gives out again, and confesses her impending death to Ishin; she requests he complete her project in her stead, leaving him with a series of warnings and using her power for the first and last time since reforming in order to draw out the materials she stored away from her research.

Vesuvianite's warnings are vague-she does not explain to Ishin that the Crystal Gems sought to protect the earth, nor does she tell Ishin that 'Her Diamond' and others intended to drain the planet of resources entirely, as she deems the matter 'irrelevant' to him; as all gems could potentially threaten her 'project' and 'gift' to Ishin however, she does warn him that All gems are dangerous (with Crystal Gems merely acting as a more probable threat due to the organic state of the planet).

Vesuvianite offers her stone as fuel & core for the 'project', and Ishin combines it alongside samples of his flesh and bone (an umbilical cord, a tooth, and a few samples of hair) in the device, before adding the first 'collection' of nutrients that Vesuvianite leaves in her final instruction log. The injector-like creation then expels this formula into a bubble, and Ishin spends the next few years carrying out the steps left behind for him.

2001

After considerable time and effort it is announced that Solid Vision will be released to the public for use with the Duel Monster card game. Leo Corporation holds the details under lock and key, and most aspects of the system remain with the Japanese Government. Dueling with Solid Vision under the new upgrade now requires a Duel Disk and a licensed arena, a combination of which will create holograms capable of supporting weight, but not causing harm.

Due to the increase of noise and interference caused by dueling, a startling drop in Creature Activity occurs. Film-makers invested in such smash hits as Gemzilla and similar are forced to re-locate as the tagged 'cryptids' migrate. (Ishin counts his lucky stars, as one of Vesuvianite's warnings had been that such activity could attract any Gems remaining on the earth)

Following Vesuvianite's instructions, Ishin gradually becomes more aware of the severity of her warnings, keeping his eyes on rumor blogs and tabloid magazines when he begins to note similarities in such 'crazy' stories of Diamond Authorities and Vesuvianite's own mentioned Diamond. Between this and the likelihood of something alive existing within the bubble, he begins to frantically gather funds and supplies for what could come, officially moving his career from Geology into Jewelry Sales.

2002

★ Across the seas, Steven Universe is born

Leo Corp. locations begin creating Action Field Stadiums, bringing in Yusho Sakaki to assist in their creation. Action Dueling becomes an expensive, but otherwise profitable sport as various humans from world wide begin to work toward either attaining the licensing for an arena, or on creating their own technique in dueling. One such location is Empire City.

2004

Masumi Kotsu is 'born' at age 2. Soon after this, Ishin successfully forges documents required to officially claim Masumi as his daughter. Due to his rush for funding over the previous years, business is relatively slow to start, but he is safely able to re-locate and organize his affairs in time for Masumi to turn 4.

Maiami City establishes LDS, or Leo Duel School (A cram school for after class teaching in duel focus) with the interest of professionally training the first generation of Action Duelists. The city gradually becomes a hot spot for the sport as various nearby locations achieve an arena license in order to train their own students to reach the top of a now growing field.

2007

Leo Corp establishes LDS in their international locations, causing a brief stir with the government. While classes begin on schedule, political conflict causes a shorter turn over of students in these locations, and popularity for the sport as more than a trading card game begins to decline outside of East Asia, becoming reflected in sponsor funding from other companies.

You Show Duel School is established.

Masumi, now 5, rapidly gains skill in speaking and movement, prompting Ishin to enroll her in kindergarten after being carefully warned to hide her gem. As she begins to gain a curiosity in her Father's work as well as her surroundings in general, he attempts to draw her attention elsewhere, fearing that such a path would uncover her history or worse, draw attention to her. He attempts to use trips to parks and fairgrounds to get her more interested in general play.

2008

An incident on the playground involving another child results in Masumi accidentally breaking someone's leg in a fight. Recalling Vesuvianite's warnings and notes on Gem Physiology, Ishin decides it is time to begin explaining some of those same warnings-primarily those regarding restraint, as well as how to identify 'Gems' that may harm her-to Masumi lest the incidents repeat. Strength Tests at arcades begin to find use as a way to teach Masumi to curb her strength.

2010

★ Steven at this time has moved in with the Crystal Gems

Conflict between Leo Corp. and the Government continues, as serious strain in relations makes itself known behind the scenes of the Dueling World. International locations hang by a thread, threatening to close, as sponsors are hesitant to remain involved in the political struggle.

Masumi's interests in physical sports-primarily climbing, as well as other outdoor 'adventure' related sports-begin to worry Ishin, as she starts to consider world-wide events and other such activities that would involve leaving the region (including an upcoming grade 3 trip outside the country that he claims to be unable to afford, out of the fear she will want to vacation out of the area more often). In an attempt to console her over the field trip, as well as give her reason to stay in a place where 'their sport' seems to be growing more local, Ishin introduces Masumi to Duel Monsters (while gently holding his head when she chooses Gem Knights).


2011

Ownership of LDS and Leo Corporation passes over to Himika and Reiji Akaba, with Leo seemingly dropping from the face of the earth.

Yusho Sakaki vanishes before a title match in the LDS stadium, creating scandal.

Almost overnight, discussions and conflict with the Japanese Government come to an end, with Solid Vision devices updating but otherwise retaining their easy to destroy, soft-hit balloon state. International LDS locations remain open. At this time, obtaining a Duel Disk now requires either attending a licensed school, or passing a series of tests. Schooling adds a discount to the otherwise costly device, which still relies on existing arena zones to project solid monsters rather than pass-through holograms.

Around this time, a P/E teacher of Masumi's suggests she try 'Action Dueling', having noticed her frustrations in being unable to participate during out-of-city events. As LDS is now recovering, Ishin immediately finds himself revisited by his fears for Masumi's secrecy, and thus forces her into a compromise. If she is able to pass the physical exam with an exact average, he will allow her to continue into enrollment with an Action Dueling cram school.

2012

Masumi passes her father's test perfectly, and enrolls in LDS after perfecting the dueling exam. She soon after obtains her first Duel Disk. She quickly gains a passion for fusion summoning, and moves into the Fusion Course.

Efforts to replenish enrollment counts at international LDS buildings begin to pay off, and Duel Arenas begin to see more attendees. It is nonetheless decided that Duel Schools are too costly to spread without care, and as international locations are required to work with LDS in order to successfully gain legal status, only a handful become established outside LDS locations-even in the USA, despite strong sponsor support.

2013

With recent successes in revitalizing the sport of Action Dueling, the Maiami Duel Championship tournament is established, acting as an international test of skill between all established schools with duelists to offer. To further encourage participation, the tournament is opened to adults, teens, and children under certain circumstances.

2014

★ The events of Year One occur for Steven Universe

Masumi begins taking joint classes as part of the Tag Duel Program included in LDS lesson plans, meeting Hokuto and Yaiba from the XYZ and Synchro courses. As her time in proper school tends to be spent focusing on classes and avoiding too much attention, the sudden forced 'buddy system' soon results in her making her first friends.

Due to the success of the Maiami Duel Championship, it is continued on an annual basis; international LDS locations are, due to an agreement with the Japanese Government, determined unfit locations for the event, and LDS Maiami becomes the permanent venue.

2015

★ The events of Year Two occur for Steven Universe

Events of Masumi's canon, including the astonishing creation of Pendulum Summoning by Yuuya Sakaki, as well as the attacks on LDS Maiami's staff, occur. Masumi is poofed as the immediate side effect of a match against the perpetrator, who appears to use a more weaponized form of Solid Vision. (Details of this point in particular are described in Canon History, so best to refer to the app for those details)