♦

     Life would be a lot easier if she just took what she was told without thinking about it. If Pearl could have completely and entirely followed Rose Quartz blind, then she could accept all of her decisions. 

     But what was the point of rebelling against a system that considered her thoughtless and simple if she fulfilled that stereotype? Rose had emphasized that Pearl had the right to feel for herself and to make her own decisions, even whenever Pearl clinged to Rose so quickly and diligently that she might as well have been Rose’s own Pearl.

      It wasn’t ridiculous, Pearl decided, to listen. Even if it made her feel sick and anxious, Pearl had wanted to talk to Jasper for a long time now about the situation. Jasper knew Pink closely; Pearl needed to know more. Pink Diamond had been on the backburner for thousands of years until Steven came into the world and the questions were brought up all over again.

     “Well… there may have been scenarios where I did see Pink Diamond. At the same time, I wouldn’t call it a ‘close-knit’ relationship; it’d only been several occasions, since my… previous… ‘owner’ wasn’t the type to enjoy visiting other gems in general.” Pearl’s throat closed up even putting it that way- owner. Being an accessory or a servant was everything Pearl didn’t want to be, and everything everyone else expected. “It’s also worthwhile to say that, while I’m sure you know this, the kindest individuals can come off malicious to other people. You might see Pink’s interactions with everyone as harmless and compassionate, but some of the other gems affected by her reign likely lived in fear of the same gem. There’s no such thing as anyone who’s perfect- the stars know myself included. 

     “Negotiations weren’t an option. We were low on forces over time, and everyone here was terrified. We were all horrified by the idea of not being able to live in peace on this planet, not being able to survive and thrive here. All we had wanted was the ability to have our own place to live- if Homeworld didn’t want us, we had to do something about it. Since Pink didn’t do much to solve the persecution of off colored, talentless, or… otherwise defective gems, we had to take it into our own hands. It was either that or being shattered ourselves. At least… that’s how I took Rose’s decision.” 

     She didn’t want to consider it, but it could easily not be the truth. It could have all been a ploy to convince them to follow through with such a traitorous plan rather than one actually fit to help them. Over the years and through separation, Pearl found herself questioning things about Rose more and more, as much as she hated it.

     “Rose… did what she wanted, more times than not. Nobody could stop her from doing what she needed to do. She’d been Pink’s too, as you already know- and I highly doubt Rose would shatter any gem that is as wonderful as you describe her. I’m not sure of the full story- I’m really not. Rose kept more secrets than anything else- even from me.”

     Jasper was right, though- they really weren’t so different, and Pearl didn’t know how to feel about it.

         The other’s words cycled through her mind, like a storm about to form. Emotions were relentlessly battered by the wind, but they refused to loose their footing. She would not get angry. No, she wouldn’t allow her temper to get in the way this time. Funneling the fumes into her curiosity, her desire to understand, the warrior swallowed her anger. 

        “Rose Quartz was just that, a Quartz. A warrior fueled by their emotions, driven by their passion. While Pink had poured more compassion into the Rose variety, that doesn’t change the fact that she is, and was a warrior that made leaps and bounds on the battlefield. However, you know this already-- don’t you? You fought by her side, after all. To fight valiantly for our goals is what we’re made fore. I fought for Pink, and still do. She fought for her freedom, no matter what the cost.” Her eyes were glaring for a moment, but soon lost that dark light. With a sigh, she took a seat upon the floor as she spoke. Something told her they were going to be here for a while... 

        “Your right regarding what you said about kind gems coming off as terrifying. Many troops were scared shitless of Rose. She was a rogue gem, who’d taken many of their comrades- and was even starting to become a worry to the Diamonds.” Jasper remembered it as clear as day. The panic, the smell of fear, an worst of all those that gave up altogether. Those that resigned to being shattered by their higher-ups, so they wouldn’t fall to the enemy. It was... horrifying. However, it was also awe striking. “I wasn’t lying when I said I admire her tactics and strength. She was a natural leader among my caste, and that is rarely seen. Only is anything remotely like that found in Jaspers, but even then we aren’t suited to be generals. We loose ourselves to easily in our passion. This is the reason we don’t stop or wane until its all over.” 

        “Rose isn’t free from this principle just because she was different. She was a talented tactician, as well as leader. However, that doesn’t mean all she did was right. Like you said, she did what she wanted-- and what she had to in order to achieve her goal. I’m certain she knew Pink, or at least knew moderately that she was different than the rest of the Diamonds. However, the fact does not change that Pink was a Diamond. A head figure...” Again, Jasper knew the logic behind it. Knew why Rose didn’t even try. However, something within her could never accept it... Could never accept that she really... had the heart to destroy her... “... If you want to send a message, as well as stall and disorganize an enemy-- you take down their head. Someone they hold close, or had a loyalty to. For when their gone... you lose what you were fighting for. Like I said, I know why she did it. It was the most definitive means for your victory, but...” A hand was brought to her neck, as she averted her eyes. “... I can’t fathom how she was able to bring down her sword knowing who she was. I understand the logical reason, I do-- but I can’t accept it no matter how hard I try and swallow.” 

        “The fact that she kept secrets, only validates that she knew who Pink really was. She used your fear against you, to keep you in the dark as she took away someone who could have helped you. She used Pink as a message to the Diamonds. Honestly, I could even see Pink leaving her palankeen if Rose came to her asking for peace...” Rage once again bubbled up inside of her, but she shoved it away best she could. An open hand became a fist, pressed firmly against the floor. “...Pink didn’t like how things were, but was just a small spec in terms of authority at the time. She only controlled one planet, and one moon-- and she had not been around for very long. Given time, she probably would have tried to find a place for those kinds of gems. She already had a defective Sapphire in her court. Stating that her ability to recall the past could become useful, if they needed to recount events that had already transpired.” 

     Pearl would never admit it out loud, but now that she’d started to talk to the orange gem, she didn’t want to stop.

     Conflicting beliefs- no matter how passionate Pearl was on her own- were important. Pearl would fight until her last breath to protect Earth- to fulfill Rose’s wishes for the planet- just like Jasper fought as long as she could. While she loathed what Jasper had done, she knew she was no hero in Jasper’s book either. She almost felt guilty for talking to Jasper in the first place. Was it betrayal to actually understand previous enemies more? 

     “Jasper…” What could Pearl say? Usually chatty enough, Pearl could feel her throat swell at the thought. Part of the lanky gem loathed herself for actually feeling sympathy- real SYMPATHY- with Jasper. Jasper had tarnished what little self-esteem Amethyst had and scarred Steven. Steven, who desperately wanted to understand everyone, regardless of what they did- Rose, who took in rebels from Homeworld forces consistently. Both of them had rubbed off on Pearl, whether she liked it or not.

     She’d never talked to someone close to Pink Diamond and relied very heavily on what others had told her before- and the few instances she’d met the Diamond for… various reasons. Her history with Pink Diamond herself was incredibly vague and none too close. What she did know came from either Rose or from Steven, or her memories of war itself. 

    “I… as much as I hate to say it, I didn’t get to know her on a personal level. I wasn’t under Pink Diamond’s court, and I can’t say all of us had a great relationship with our Diamond. I can’t say I can understand that kind of bond, but I can say I’ve still lost someone that dear to me. I think Pink Diamond was… well, not the best gem in the world, in the same sense you see Rose. But Rose wasn’t this monster Homeworld made her out to be. While other gems are- ‘perfect’, like you, everyone else suffered. Thousands and thousands of gems, Jasper. Now they’re all either… corrupted or in hiding, and we’ve yet to find them.

     “I didn’t get to know Pink Diamond. I followed Rose Quartz because she gave me hope. She gave me purpose. It’s… ridiculous. I shouldn’t even talk to you about this. You don’t want to hear it, just like I don’t want to hear the idea that Pink Diamond was an all-loving, compassionate leader.”

         Disappointment entered the gem’s gaze, however it was not harsh like their first meeting, or the looks she’d given Steven. It was more sorrowful, remorseful. While Jasper was never the closest gem to Pink, she had been close enough to understand her. To even speak with her on a few occasions. Most of this transpired during reports. Being a ‘perfect’ Quartz-- more work was put upon her shoulders. Higher, more important tasks were expected of her. Often, afterwords Jasper would be expected to speak and state her findings directly to her Diamond. It was in this way, that she got to know her. 

        “Thats... a shame. Know you said you don’t wanna hear it, but stating otherwise would be a shame upon her legacy. In the same way that Rose Quartz gave you hope and purpose, so did Pink for me. The only reason I asked, is because I can’t fathom someone thinking ill of her if they got to know her... Your a pearl, and I don’t know who you belonged to prior to the rebellion- so I thought there may be a chance you at least observed a conversation involving her...” Her gaze was still elsewhere. As if looking at something far, far away. Memories long laid buried. “I know most gems never got the chance to meet her. Never got to talk with her like I did, even if it was just reports. I’m not oblivious to this. I just... wish she wasn’t caught up in all of this. She didn’t deserve it.” 

        It was then, that the warriors eyes finally looked at the other. Envy arose in the soldier. Thinking that if she was a pearl like her, maybe she’d be able to show her. Although, Quartz’s had no such abilities. They were soldiers. Nothing more, nothing less.

       “It’s not that I don’t want to hear it. For thousands of years, I’ve been trying to wrap my head around why you rebels did what you did. Why you had to take her away from us. While I knew the logical answer, I still couldn’t accept it because of who she was. She was more than a typical Diamond. Just as your Rose Quartz wasn’t a ‘Monster’-- neither was this Diamond a ‘Tyrant’. She did was she could, but at the end of the day she was still a Diamond. A Diamond that had to uphold her role, just as everyone else...” A bit of frustration entered her being, as hands clenched into fists. No. She would not get angry. Part of her... wanted this. Even if it wasn’t the closure she wanted initially-- she still felt as though that maybe it would help. That maybe... if she actually spoke up this time about her thoughts, maybe things would change for the better. After all, no longer did she have to abide by the Homeworld Script. Such thoughts of rebellion were accepted if anything here... 

       “... There are times I wonder what would have happened, if Rose Quartzs tried to negotiate with her. She hated that gems were dying for her sake, but didn’t know what to do. She was a young Diamond, and to have a war on her plate on her first planet was something she was ill prepared for. I suppose one of the reasons I despise your Rose Quartz, is because I know there was a possibility for another way. If that had happened, you and I might have fought on the same side during that war... for I would have followed her. Just as you followed your Rose.” 

didn’t know this was a vore blog.

because they’re STOOPID

      “It may not be to you, but Earth, to me.. is my home.  Your home isn’t just some place that has home in the name, it’s a place you’re connected to.  It’s where you’re currently living.  I’ve been on Earth all my life, so no, Homeworld is not my home, Earth is.”  The monochrome colored gem repeated, her lips still remained in a frown.

       Black Star was having a difficult time listening to Jasper’s view on Rose and what she had done to Pink Diamond.  The Quartz had been her leader during the Rebellion, but at the same time.. she had been made for Pink Diamond, to serve her.  But she ran away from Prime because she didn’t want to fight.. but would end up having to fight in the war regardless.  It left the defective gem conflicted, since she cared greatly for both gems.

        Tears pooled in the runt’s eyes once more.  An emotionally fragile thing, she was.  She was used to being insulted by Homewold gems by now.  It was something she had endured ever she had emerged.  “M-Maybe.. things could’ve been different.. but it’s not how it is.”  Black Star stuttered, a pudgy hand gripping the front of her shirt tightly, just in the center of her star logo.  “Nothing had to be destroyed.  The Earth’s not just some random planet that anyone can take and claim it as their’s,” Black Star sniffled, eyes cast to the ground.  “Nobody.. has to destroy anything.. nobody has to fight!”

        “Honestly, I don’t give a damn as to what your current home is. Just as you do not care about Homeworld and its needs, I won’t care about your world and it’s needs.” A glare was cast at the smaller gem, leaning forward just slightly. “You didn’t seem to get it, so I’ll repeat it again. Homeworld needs more resources, so that it can protect itself. To get resources, you must take from another place. Sure, earth was spared-- but we’ve had to pull from other planets as a result.” 

       “Wake up. This universe is not kind, nor will it ever be. In order to protect what you have, you must act. However as you said, those acts don’t have to be harsh ones. However, you Crystal gems thought otherwise. You shattered Pink, and not only that-- betrayed the home that tried so hard to protect you. You act as if you are a haven without scattered shards, but in reality your actions have killed more gems than you can count. Even now, you spout of your own selfishness. You acted uncivilized, and chose to fight instead of approach things peacefully. You were mislead. You were told it was the only way. It wasn’t.” 

        “Rose wanted independence, and sought it in the most barbaric way. You criticize us of taking this planet, but you took it yourself didn’t you? You say there was no need to fight, then why is it that your forces fought till their last breath?” 

     “As much as I hate to say it, at least that’s admirable- although you should have quit fighting long ago.” Pearl clicked her tongue. Was Pearl difficult to handle? Definitely. Pearl had to draw herself back a little, realizing the other really didn’t want to bother to pick a fight- that there wasn’t even a point to being so difficult. They were, by default, playing on the same team now. Messing that up wasn’t a wise idea, even if she didn’t trust Jasper already and there was nowhere for her to go. 

     “It’s… different. Humans have a long and troubled history, but she pulled them away from their families- but Pink never did get to know them entirely, did she? I will admit- it did seem to have good intentions, but…” But what? Most humans at the zoo were delighted to be there, but Pearl immediately thought of Greg and Steven just thinking about it. Pink was a gem, and, as a gem, she couldn’t possibly hope to know the effects of it. “I’m not that heated over any of this. It might even, I don’t know- help to talk about some of it. I have to find a way to get along with you, even if I’d rather you disappear entirely. I hate to say it, but I’d rather be able to tolerate you and keep an eye on you than let you frolic free.”

        As the other spoke, a look consisting of both confusion and curiosity displayed on her features. From what Jasper knew, typically Pink tried to get to know as much of the humans as she could. However, there were times when she couldn’t get to them all. She was a single gem within a swarm of lifeforms. There was no feasible way to make that happen. Granted, Jasper knew nothing of what the Zoo was like now, but back then it seemed pretty inclusive. 

      “If a warrior quits the minute it looks like the tables are turning, what good are they? Battle can change at the drop of a hat. Jaspers never stop until it’s over. Until we’ve definitively lost. I did. Thats why I stopped. In fact, you guys kept fighting against all odds, didn’t ya? Ya can’t blame me for doing the same.” A small pause was had, before she continued on. Crossing her arms over her chest. 

      “If its any consolation, I don’t expect you to make any headway in terms of ‘getting along’ with me. I appreciate the effort, though-- since I know it’s probably a pain in the ass. I ain’t exactly the most cooperative gem out there.” Jasper knew how she was. At times, she could be the epitome of an uncaring asshole. However, she was trying her best not to be at the moment. Since it seemed the other was actually somewhat listening for once? 

       “I never really spent much time in the Zoo, especially during the war. Think I only stepped foot in there after everything... I did see little family groups in there, though. Would sometimes hear a couple humans pipe up about families as well. From what I saw, they always went back and grabbed them. Said it was good for a sustainable ecosystem, as well as emotions or something. Never worked in that place, so never understood that gibber jabber. Although... heard things changed a bit when they got rid of all the Rose Quartz caste. After what your’s did, the Diamonds couldn’t trust the rest of them...” Once again, a slight pause was had. In reality, she was hesitant to talk about Pink. She was... special to her. Her gaze gained a sense of sorrow, as she averted her eyes from the other’s. 

      “... Pink did want to get to know them all, but could only talk with the ones she found herself. She was a single gem among countless humans. Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t. Actually... that makes me a bit curious...” 

Asgore could only watch in wordless horror as the woman seemed to just hammer some sort of beast into submission and disintegration. It certainly was not one of his kind. Even with the dust that had fumed from the area. The monster was similarly different. Somehow. He could tell as soon as he saw the thing, that it was not one of his people…

Even so. He couldn’t allow her to continue. She was too dangerous, and she clearly was no human woman. That did not mean he could fight her in direct confrontation, the damage to the ecosystem would be catastrophic. As a user of fire magic, even a taste of his full power would set the place ablaze.

He had to try to goad her into backing down…

That likely wouldn’t happen.

As much as the monster could not grapple with the answer, he’d have to fight her.

“Stop right there!”

He said attempting to make himself seem far larger, not just yet… He’d only give her one chance.

        Confusion came to paint her features, as she turned to look at the stranger. An eyebrow raised, and an unintimidated expression as clear as day. What, was this guy going to interfere now? He knew nothing of the situation, yet he was going to try and intervene? ... How annoying. While the gem was more than confident that she’d be able to pummel him, she saw no reason to try and fight. They’d done nothing to her, and if anything were just confused by the quick confrontation.

       “Chill, will ya? She ain’t dead, she’s just in her gem now. If anything, did that corrupted cretan a favor.” Holding her gem between her fingers, she displayed the Quartz to the other. A purple one, with blue speckles. “Was running around wild with rage. Since she was most likely from the revolution, probably wouldn’t like hurting the humans she fought for so badly.” Afterwords, she clasped the gem in her palm. Lowering her hand. With her other, she proceeded to brush some debris off of her shoulder. “Can’t say she’d like fighting against her own side... but, can’t help it now. Ain’t gotta choice.” 

       “Wait wait, if your Diamond is Pink Diamond then.. why are you wearing-” Black Star paused, having caught herself in a silly question.  Pink Diamond was no more, the slain Diamond was her’s as well.  But neither she nor Jasper wore Pink Diamond’s symobl.  Deducting that being Pink’s gem couldn’t be determined by wearing the insignia.  Oh how silly was she to assume that prior.

        Jasper was notably angry, feeling a flurry of intense emotions.  The sight made Black Star anxious, so she took a few steps away from the Quartz.  Her body started to tremble as her earlier mistake was addressed, frightening the runt.  This was because Black Star was quite emotionally sensitive, so she didn’t deal well with others yelling at her.

          She waited for Jasper to finish before voicing her side.  Wiping her tears from her eyes, Black Star sighed as she timidly watched Jasper.  “It’s.. not obvious from looking at me, but.. Pink Diamond.. sh-she was my Diamond to.  But.. I never got to meet her,” said Black Star, one of her hands digging into the side of her shape-shifted pant legs.  “I.. I don’t agree with what Rose did but.. H-Homeworld.. wanted to destroy Earth.  It’s my home and.. I-I won’t let it happen.”

        Home. The crystal gems seemed to spout this nonsense time and time again. Stating that this is where they belonged, that they were free here. Couldn’t they see that they weren’t? Couldn’t they see why earth was targeted in the first place? Or where their vision so narrow, that they couldn’t take in the bigger picture? With clenched fists, the Quartz resigned to sitting on the ground. Maybe if she was eye-level with the other, she would appear less threatening... Why she held the desire to talk with this gem, the soldier didn’t know. Perhaps it was due to her isolation here? Perhaps it was due to their innocence in the situation? Pushing her questions regarding her own mind away, she renounced to focus on the present. 

       “... You Crystal Gems don’t get it, do you?” Another sigh parted from her lips as she spoke. “The planet your created on isn’t your home. Homeworld was your home, hence its name. Those on Homeworld want to protect what is theirs, and because of that they need to expand. The destruction of earth was necessary in order to strengthen our forces. However, thats not to say those on this planet would go without a home. Homeworld-- Pink Diamond-- was going to make a new home for them. Because she knew what needed to be done, but also knew it wasn’t right to take away another’s home without offering a replacement.” 

       “If anything, Rose resigned this planet to itself. Let the humans here succumb to disease, starvation, and potentially worse. She selfishly stole this planet in order to create her own home, and not only that-- but killed the heart of the Diamonds. The only one that showed true compassion. She took away any chance that things were going to get better for us. For gems as a whole.” 

The massive monster sighed slightly in some form of relief. He didn’t understand why he was relieved, but he was… It bothered him. “Ah, well that much is good.. Hopefully going through there.. I’ll be able to gain bearings on where I may be.” He said seeming to sound genuine despite the woman’s own more gruff manner of speaking.

“Erm, well thank you for that…” He had started to say, feeling his body turn cold, chills running down his back as he saw her face turn to a grin.

Needless to say, he was exceedingly confused as well as terrified… Even once he figured out she wasn’t grinning at him.

         “No problem, although-- you’ll have to excuse me,” Hand returning to her side, it soon once again rose as she cracked her knuckles. Strolling towards the tree line. “found what I came out here for you could say. Why don’t ya run along, before ya get a chunk taken outta ya.” 

         Almost as if on cue, a corrupted Quartz burst forth from the trees. It growled and snarled at the soldier, baring it’s engrained teeth. A chuckle came forth from Jasper herself, as she charged at it with full force. Her headpiece materializing just before making impact. Wind roared like a storm from the impact, before the beast shot back. Taking down a few tree’s on it’s way. 

         As if she was accustomed to it by now, (Which she was) Jasper continued forward through the wreckage she’d caused in a matter of seconds. At the end of the tattered tree trail-- a speckled gem lay upon the soil. Picking it up, she grinned at it wildly.