PearlescentMoon

[ Gem groaned as she slowly came awake, though the moment she opened her eyes she hissed in displeasure at the blinding light. ]

[ With a pounding headache she made the executive decision to go back to sleep, rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head before burrowing into her strangely warm bed. ]

[ But when it started to move she jumped, falling onto the floor and hitting her head with a loud thud. ]

Gem! Are you ok?

[ She extended a hand to help Gem up, barely holding in a laugh as Gem pouted at the teasing. ]

[ Every part of her ached and she felt like someone had thrown her in a washing machine. The world was too bright and her headache was too strong for her to think, but as much as she wanted to just go back to sleep she had to present a strong front. ]

Wha’re you doin’ here?

[ She winced as that plan got thrown out the window by her mouth refusing to cooperate. She shook her head (and ouch that hurt) and forced each word out slowly and carefully with the same precision she had when trying to gain a Cliffs accent. ]

Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so tired. What happened?

There was an... incident, but that doesn’t matter now. [ She hated how obvious her lie sounded. The state Gem’s office was in definitely would not help. ] How are you feeling? Did you hit your head? 

[ Gem winced again as she nodded, leaning back against the couch. Her eyes were squeezed shut and despite her effort to remain expressionless, her face contorted with pain. ]

[ Her office was a trash heap, to put it lightly. Furniture was overturned, books and papers upon the floor. As much as she wanted to ignore Pearl’s advice and slip back into sleep she knew she had work to do. ]

[ Standing, she walked over to where her staff was leaning against a wall and picked it up, chanting under her breath to right everything and ignoring the way even the smallest spells made her headache worse. ]

[ Gem’s eyes darted to hers and Pearl levelled her a stare, enough to make Gem put down her staff and stumble back where she was supposed to be. Pearl gave her the ice pack, which she clumsily pressed to her head. ]

[ Satisfied, Pearl continued cleaning up the office, occasionally throwing glares at Gem as she tried to stand up to help. By the fourth time, she had enough. Setting the books in her hand on the desk, Pearl joined Gem on the couch. ]

Gem, you know you’re allowed to have bad days, right? [ She started, trying not to think about how Gem scooted away instead of curling up into her side. Gem gave a small nod, and she continued. ] 

[ She moved to get up, not meeting Pearl’s eyes, but a gentle hand pushed her back down. She fought down the urge to lean into the touch, to seek out more of the comforting contact, something that didn’t go unnoticed. ]

I’m the Grand Wizard Pearl, this is my job. I have to be a source of knowledge and wisdom, not only to my students and residents but to you and the others as well.

Something less strenuous, like more work you mean? I agree, you are the Grand Wizard, but that doesn’t mean you are without your own needs. We appreciate how much you’re looking out for us all, but we wish you would look after yourself more.

[ She went on, absentmindedly rubbing circles on the back of Gem’s hand. ]

[ She hated how weak she sounded but she was just so tired. And Pearl was always so genuine, and she sounded so earnest, Gem couldn’t help but believe her. ]

[ Before she could talk herself out of it she scooted over and curled into Pearl’s side, visibly relaxing when her arm pulled her in close. ]

I… I’ll try.

[ Standing up, she gently tugged Gem out of the couch, but the gremlin only grinned at her. Another tug, and she still wouldn’t budge. ]

[ Her eyes held specks of doubt but when Pearl just rolled her eyes and sighed fondly her grin widened. ]

Oh no, what a shame, we’re stuck on this couch. Guess we should just give up and- hey!

[ Barely exerting effort, Pearl scooped her up, ignoring her yelp. She half heartedly struggled but soon gave up, adjusting herself so she was more comfortable in her sisters arms. ]

You know, this really isn’t the best way to get me to stay awake. [ She pointed out, and while it was mostly said as a joke the warmth and safety was certainly doing a good job of pulling her away from consciousness. ]

[ Still giggling at Gem's shenanigans, Pearl headed for the door. She puts on her most cartoonish voice. ]

[ Gem groaned as she slowly came awake, though the moment she opened her eyes she hissed in displeasure at the blinding light. ]

[ With a pounding headache she made the executive decision to go back to sleep, rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head before burrowing into her strangely warm bed. ]

[ But when it started to move she jumped, falling onto the floor and hitting her head with a loud thud. ]

Gem! Are you ok?

[ She extended a hand to help Gem up, barely holding in a laugh as Gem pouted at the teasing. ]

[ Every part of her ached and she felt like someone had thrown her in a washing machine. The world was too bright and her headache was too strong for her to think, but as much as she wanted to just go back to sleep she had to present a strong front. ]

Wha’re you doin’ here?

[ She winced as that plan got thrown out the window by her mouth refusing to cooperate. She shook her head (and ouch that hurt) and forced each word out slowly and carefully with the same precision she had when trying to gain a Cliffs accent. ]

Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so tired. What happened?

There was an... incident, but that doesn’t matter now. [ She hated how obvious her lie sounded. The state Gem’s office was in definitely would not help. ] How are you feeling? Did you hit your head? 

[ Gem winced again as she nodded, leaning back against the couch. Her eyes were squeezed shut and despite her effort to remain expressionless, her face contorted with pain. ]

[ Her office was a trash heap, to put it lightly. Furniture was overturned, books and papers upon the floor. As much as she wanted to ignore Pearl’s advice and slip back into sleep she knew she had work to do. ]

[ Standing, she walked over to where her staff was leaning against a wall and picked it up, chanting under her breath to right everything and ignoring the way even the smallest spells made her headache worse. ]

[ Gem’s eyes darted to hers and Pearl levelled her a stare, enough to make Gem put down her staff and stumble back where she was supposed to be. Pearl gave her the ice pack, which she clumsily pressed to her head. ]

[ Satisfied, Pearl continued cleaning up the office, occasionally throwing glares at Gem as she tried to stand up to help. By the fourth time, she had enough. Setting the books in her hand on the desk, Pearl joined Gem on the couch. ]

Gem, you know you’re allowed to have bad days, right? [ She started, trying not to think about how Gem scooted away instead of curling up into her side. Gem gave a small nod, and she continued. ] 

[ She moved to get up, not meeting Pearl’s eyes, but a gentle hand pushed her back down. She fought down the urge to lean into the touch, to seek out more of the comforting contact, something that didn’t go unnoticed. ]

I’m the Grand Wizard Pearl, this is my job. I have to be a source of knowledge and wisdom, not only to my students and residents but to you and the others as well.

Something less strenuous, like more work you mean? I agree, you are the Grand Wizard, but that doesn’t mean you are without your own needs. We appreciate how much you’re looking out for us all, but we wish you would look after yourself more.

[ She went on, absentmindedly rubbing circles on the back of Gem’s hand. ]

[ She hated how weak she sounded but she was just so tired. And Pearl was always so genuine, and she sounded so earnest, Gem couldn’t help but believe her. ]

[ Before she could talk herself out of it she scooted over and curled into Pearl’s side, visibly relaxing when her arm pulled her in close. ]

I… I’ll try.

[ Standing up, she gently tugged Gem out of the couch, but the gremlin only grinned at her. Another tug, and she still wouldn’t budge. ]

[ Gem groaned as she slowly came awake, though the moment she opened her eyes she hissed in displeasure at the blinding light. ]

[ With a pounding headache she made the executive decision to go back to sleep, rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head before burrowing into her strangely warm bed. ]

[ But when it started to move she jumped, falling onto the floor and hitting her head with a loud thud. ]

Gem! Are you ok?

[ She extended a hand to help Gem up, barely holding in a laugh as Gem pouted at the teasing. ]

[ Every part of her ached and she felt like someone had thrown her in a washing machine. The world was too bright and her headache was too strong for her to think, but as much as she wanted to just go back to sleep she had to present a strong front. ]

Wha’re you doin’ here?

[ She winced as that plan got thrown out the window by her mouth refusing to cooperate. She shook her head (and ouch that hurt) and forced each word out slowly and carefully with the same precision she had when trying to gain a Cliffs accent. ]

Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so tired. What happened?

There was an... incident, but that doesn’t matter now. [ She hated how obvious her lie sounded. The state Gem’s office was in definitely would not help. ] How are you feeling? Did you hit your head? 

[ Gem winced again as she nodded, leaning back against the couch. Her eyes were squeezed shut and despite her effort to remain expressionless, her face contorted with pain. ]

[ Her office was a trash heap, to put it lightly. Furniture was overturned, books and papers upon the floor. As much as she wanted to ignore Pearl’s advice and slip back into sleep she knew she had work to do. ]

[ Standing, she walked over to where her staff was leaning against a wall and picked it up, chanting under her breath to right everything and ignoring the way even the smallest spells made her headache worse. ]

[ Gem’s eyes darted to hers and Pearl levelled her a stare, enough to make Gem put down her staff and stumble back where she was supposed to be. Pearl gave her the ice pack, which she clumsily pressed to her head. ]

[ Satisfied, Pearl continued cleaning up the office, occasionally throwing glares at Gem as she tried to stand up to help. By the fourth time, she had enough. Setting the books in her hand on the desk, Pearl joined Gem on the couch. ]

Gem, you know you’re allowed to have bad days, right? [ She started, trying not to think about how Gem scooted away instead of curling up into her side. Gem gave a small nod, and she continued. ] 

[ She moved to get up, not meeting Pearl’s eyes, but a gentle hand pushed her back down. She fought down the urge to lean into the touch, to seek out more of the comforting contact, something that didn’t go unnoticed. ]

I’m the Grand Wizard Pearl, this is my job. I have to be a source of knowledge and wisdom, not only to my students and residents but to you and the others as well.

Something less strenuous, like more work you mean? I agree, you are the Grand Wizard, but that doesn’t mean you are without your own needs. We appreciate how much you’re looking out for us all, but we wish you would look after yourself more.

[ She went on, absentmindedly rubbing circles on the back of Gem’s hand. ]

[ Gem groaned as she slowly came awake, though the moment she opened her eyes she hissed in displeasure at the blinding light. ]

[ With a pounding headache she made the executive decision to go back to sleep, rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head before burrowing into her strangely warm bed. ]

[ But when it started to move she jumped, falling onto the floor and hitting her head with a loud thud. ]

Gem! Are you ok?

[ She extended a hand to help Gem up, barely holding in a laugh as Gem pouted at the teasing. ]

[ Every part of her ached and she felt like someone had thrown her in a washing machine. The world was too bright and her headache was too strong for her to think, but as much as she wanted to just go back to sleep she had to present a strong front. ]

Wha’re you doin’ here?

[ She winced as that plan got thrown out the window by her mouth refusing to cooperate. She shook her head (and ouch that hurt) and forced each word out slowly and carefully with the same precision she had when trying to gain a Cliffs accent. ]

Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so tired. What happened?

There was an... incident, but that doesn’t matter now. [ She hated how obvious her lie sounded. The state Gem’s office was in definitely would not help. ] How are you feeling? Did you hit your head? 

[ Gem winced again as she nodded, leaning back against the couch. Her eyes were squeezed shut and despite her effort to remain expressionless, her face contorted with pain. ]

[ Her office was a trash heap, to put it lightly. Furniture was overturned, books and papers upon the floor. As much as she wanted to ignore Pearl’s advice and slip back into sleep she knew she had work to do. ]

[ Standing, she walked over to where her staff was leaning against a wall and picked it up, chanting under her breath to right everything and ignoring the way even the smallest spells made her headache worse. ]

[ Gem’s eyes darted to hers and Pearl levelled her a stare, enough to make Gem put down her staff and stumble back where she was supposed to be. Pearl gave her the ice pack, which she clumsily pressed to her head. ]

[ Satisfied, Pearl continued cleaning up the office, occasionally throwing glares at Gem as she tried to stand up to help. By the fourth time, she had enough. Setting the books in her hand on the desk, Pearl joined Gem on the couch. ]

Gem, you know you’re allowed to have bad days, right? [ She started, trying not to think about how Gem scooted away instead of curling up into her side. Gem gave a small nod, and she continued. ] 

[ Gem groaned as she slowly came awake, though the moment she opened her eyes she hissed in displeasure at the blinding light. ]

[ With a pounding headache she made the executive decision to go back to sleep, rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head before burrowing into her strangely warm bed. ]

[ But when it started to move she jumped, falling onto the floor and hitting her head with a loud thud. ]

Gem! Are you ok?

[ She extended a hand to help Gem up, barely holding in a laugh as Gem pouted at the teasing. ]

[ Every part of her ached and she felt like someone had thrown her in a washing machine. The world was too bright and her headache was too strong for her to think, but as much as she wanted to just go back to sleep she had to present a strong front. ]

Wha’re you doin’ here?

[ She winced as that plan got thrown out the window by her mouth refusing to cooperate. She shook her head (and ouch that hurt) and forced each word out slowly and carefully with the same precision she had when trying to gain a Cliffs accent. ]

Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so tired. What happened?

There was an... incident, but that doesn’t matter now. [ She hated how obvious her lie sounded. The state Gem’s office was in definitely would not help. ] How are you feeling? Did you hit your head? 

[ Gem winced again as she nodded, leaning back against the couch. Her eyes were squeezed shut and despite her effort to remain expressionless, her face contorted with pain. ]

[ Gem groaned as she slowly came awake, though the moment she opened her eyes she hissed in displeasure at the blinding light. ]

[ With a pounding headache she made the executive decision to go back to sleep, rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head before burrowing into her strangely warm bed. ]

[ But when it started to move she jumped, falling onto the floor and hitting her head with a loud thud. ]

Gem! Are you ok?

[ She extended a hand to help Gem up, barely holding in a laugh as Gem pouted at the teasing. ]

[ Pearl's peaceful slumber was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. The clock across the room read an hour after they fell asleep, and Pearl scowled. She gently peeled Gem off of her to go answer the door. Seemingly as annoyed, sleeping Gem made a few noises of disapproval before burrowing back into the blanket. ]

[ Quickly shifting her fact to a neutral expression, Pearl answered the door, making sure to block as much of the room from view as possible. On the other side stood a young student, who gave her a mildly concerned smile. ]

Oh! Good afternoon, Farmer Queen - I was expecting Headmaster Gem. Can I see her, please? Just wanted to ask what happened in the hallway out here. Looks like a hurricane swept through it.

[ Said "hurricane" let out a barely audible whine, something about "love" and "magic", and Pearl mentally facepalmed. Her half-awake brain told her someone seeing Gem like this would ruin her reputation. She agreed. ]

Gem is... resting! Yes, taking a nap! You know how she is, always overworking herself. The hallway was my bad. We had a, uh... fight! I won so she had to sleep. I apologise, I will clean up later.

[ Any sane person would look at Viktor and tell Pearl he bought none of that. But they still nodded, deciding not to mess with whatever the queen and their Headmaster were up to out of self-preservation. ]

Ok, if you say so. Would you like-

[ Whatever he was about to offer was rudely interrupted by a loud thud from inside. Pearl nervously coughed. ]

What was that?

[ They rose to the tip of their toes, craning forward to get a better view. Pearl immediately moved in the way, a strained smile appearing on her face. ]

It must have been the wind. You should go back now, shouldn't you? Don't you have of studying to do?

I...

[ Just as she was about to tell it off she heard voices coming from the doorway and looked over to see Pearl talking with someone. ]

[ She stumbled up to her feet and made it all of five steps before she hit the corner of her desk, sending any books that had somehow stayed on it falling to the ground with a loud crash. ]

[ She stood blinking at it for a few seconds before moving on, walking over to Pearl and wrapping her in a hug from behind while trying to peak out and see who she was talking to. ]

Gem you should still be asleep! Viktor was just checking on you. [ She frantically turned to face the student. ] She is quite sleepy as you can tell, not the best time for conversations but don't worry I will remind her to talk to you later thanks again and bye!

[ Another knock sounded out and before Pearl could stop her Gem was throwing the blanket over her head and scrambling off the couch to open it. ]

Viktor! What’re you doin’ here?

“Hello Headmaster, I was wondering what happened outside but that’s pretty clear now. Lost concentration during casting?”

[ Amusement was clear on his face and Gem let out a cheer at his answer. ]

You got it right, well done! 'M proud of you, y'know that? You and your brothers are doin' so well and tryin' so hard and I wan' you ta know that 'm so proud.

[ Viktor would forever deny that he teared up slightly at her words, slurred as they were. ]

“Aww, thank you headmaster. Now go back to sleep, it'll wear off once you’ve gotten some proper rest.”

You said... this, [ she gestured at Gem, still very much in her koala form, ignoring her offended "hey" ] will wear off after some sleep?

[ He nodded, smirking at Pearl with mischief shining in his eyes. ] Yep! Maybe "fight" her to sleep again, she should be ok after a good night's rest.

[ Pearl playfully glared at them, but her small smile ruined most, if not all the effects. ] Certainly will. Thank you, Viktor, and apologies for slamming the door on you earlier.

No worries at all. I'll see you later, goodbye!

[ This time, Pearl softly closed the door after waving him goodbye, Gem eagerly giggling at her side. She scooped Gem up, going back to the couch. Despite Gem's ocassional wiggling, Pearl managed to wrap herself a Gem burrito with the blanket. ]

[ She looked up at Pearl with pleading eyes, but when that didn’t work she glared instead. ]

If you don’ let me go ‘m gonna do magic on you.

Oh, what are you going to do? Throw more sparkles in my face?

Shhh, stop bein’ mean to me! Not ‘lowed, my school my rules.

[ She quickly got over her upset though and started listing of students she was proud of. Which is to say, all of them. ]

There’s Aries an’ Loon an’ Jade an’ Flint-

[ Even while sleeping, filterless Gem was subconsciously trying to be as close to her as possible. Whenever Pearl stopped playing with her hand or tried to stand up, she would frown, nudging her head back into Pearl's hand, and Pearl's heart would melt before she started doing it again. ]

[ Pearl's peaceful slumber was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. The clock across the room read an hour after they fell asleep, and Pearl scowled. She gently peeled Gem off of her to go answer the door. Seemingly as annoyed, sleeping Gem made a few noises of disapproval before burrowing back into the blanket. ]

[ Quickly shifting her fact to a neutral expression, Pearl answered the door, making sure to block as much of the room from view as possible. On the other side stood a young student, who gave her a mildly concerned smile. ]

Oh! Good afternoon, Farmer Queen - I was expecting Headmaster Gem. Can I see her, please? Just wanted to ask what happened in the hallway out here. Looks like a hurricane swept through it.

[ Said "hurricane" let out a barely audible whine, something about "love" and "magic", and Pearl mentally facepalmed. Her half-awake brain told her someone seeing Gem like this would ruin her reputation. She agreed. ]

Gem is... resting! Yes, taking a nap! You know how she is, always overworking herself. The hallway was my bad. We had a, uh... fight! I won so she had to sleep. I apologise, I will clean up later.

[ Any sane person would look at Viktor and tell Pearl he bought none of that. But they still nodded, deciding not to mess with whatever the queen and their Headmaster were up to out of self-preservation. ]

Ok, if you say so. Would you like-

[ Whatever he was about to offer was rudely interrupted by a loud thud from inside. Pearl nervously coughed. ]

What was that?

[ They rose to the tip of their toes, craning forward to get a better view. Pearl immediately moved in the way, a strained smile appearing on her face. ]

It must have been the wind. You should go back now, shouldn't you? Don't you have of studying to do?

I...

[ Just as she was about to tell it off she heard voices coming from the doorway and looked over to see Pearl talking with someone. ]

[ She stumbled up to her feet and made it all of five steps before she hit the corner of her desk, sending any books that had somehow stayed on it falling to the ground with a loud crash. ]

[ She stood blinking at it for a few seconds before moving on, walking over to Pearl and wrapping her in a hug from behind while trying to peak out and see who she was talking to. ]

Gem you should still be asleep! Viktor was just checking on you. [ She frantically turned to face the student. ] She is quite sleepy as you can tell, not the best time for conversations but don't worry I will remind her to talk to you later thanks again and bye!

[ Another knock sounded out and before Pearl could stop her Gem was throwing the blanket over her head and scrambling off the couch to open it. ]

Viktor! What’re you doin’ here?

“Hello Headmaster, I was wondering what happened outside but that’s pretty clear now. Lost concentration during casting?”

[ Amusement was clear on his face and Gem let out a cheer at his answer. ]

You got it right, well done! 'M proud of you, y'know that? You and your brothers are doin' so well and tryin' so hard and I wan' you ta know that 'm so proud.

[ Viktor would forever deny that he teared up slightly at her words, slurred as they were. ]

“Aww, thank you headmaster. Now go back to sleep, it'll wear off once you’ve gotten some proper rest.”

You said... this, [ she gestured at Gem, still very much in her koala form, ignoring her offended "hey" ] will wear off after some sleep?

[ He nodded, smirking at Pearl with mischief shining in his eyes. ] Yep! Maybe "fight" her to sleep again, she should be ok after a good night's rest.

[ Pearl playfully glared at them, but her small smile ruined most, if not all the effects. ] Certainly will. Thank you, Viktor, and apologies for slamming the door on you earlier.

No worries at all. I'll see you later, goodbye!

[ This time, Pearl softly closed the door after waving him goodbye, Gem eagerly giggling at her side. She scooped Gem up, going back to the couch. Despite Gem's ocassional wiggling, Pearl managed to wrap herself a Gem burrito with the blanket. ]

[ She looked up at Pearl with pleading eyes, but when that didn’t work she glared instead. ]

If you don’ let me go ‘m gonna do magic on you.

Oh, what are you going to do? Throw more sparkles in my face?

[ Pearl's peaceful slumber was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. The clock across the room read an hour after they fell asleep, and Pearl scowled. She gently peeled Gem off of her to go answer the door. Seemingly as annoyed, sleeping Gem made a few noises of disapproval before burrowing back into the blanket. ]

[ Quickly shifting her fact to a neutral expression, Pearl answered the door, making sure to block as much of the room from view as possible. On the other side stood a young student, who gave her a mildly concerned smile. ]

Oh! Good afternoon, Farmer Queen - I was expecting Headmaster Gem. Can I see her, please? Just wanted to ask what happened in the hallway out here. Looks like a hurricane swept through it.

[ Said "hurricane" let out a barely audible whine, something about "love" and "magic", and Pearl mentally facepalmed. Her half-awake brain told her someone seeing Gem like this would ruin her reputation. She agreed. ]

Gem is... resting! Yes, taking a nap! You know how she is, always overworking herself. The hallway was my bad. We had a, uh... fight! I won so she had to sleep. I apologise, I will clean up later.

[ Any sane person would look at Viktor and tell Pearl he bought none of that. But they still nodded, deciding not to mess with whatever the queen and their Headmaster were up to out of self-preservation. ]

Ok, if you say so. Would you like-

[ Whatever he was about to offer was rudely interrupted by a loud thud from inside. Pearl nervously coughed. ]

What was that?

[ They rose to the tip of their toes, craning forward to get a better view. Pearl immediately moved in the way, a strained smile appearing on her face. ]

It must have been the wind. You should go back now, shouldn't you? Don't you have of studying to do?

I...

[ Just as she was about to tell it off she heard voices coming from the doorway and looked over to see Pearl talking with someone. ]

[ She stumbled up to her feet and made it all of five steps before she hit the corner of her desk, sending any books that had somehow stayed on it falling to the ground with a loud crash. ]

[ She stood blinking at it for a few seconds before moving on, walking over to Pearl and wrapping her in a hug from behind while trying to peak out and see who she was talking to. ]

Gem you should still be asleep! Viktor was just checking on you. [ She frantically turned to face the student. ] She is quite sleepy as you can tell, not the best time for conversations but don't worry I will remind her to talk to you later thanks again and bye!

[ Another knock sounded out and before Pearl could stop her Gem was throwing the blanket over her head and scrambling off the couch to open it. ]

Viktor! What’re you doin’ here?

“Hello Headmaster, I was wondering what happened outside but that’s pretty clear now. Lost concentration during casting?”

[ Amusement was clear on his face and Gem let out a cheer at his answer. ]

You got it right, well done! 'M proud of you, y'know that? You and your brothers are doin' so well and tryin' so hard and I wan' you ta know that 'm so proud.

[ Viktor would forever deny that he teared up slightly at her words, slurred as they were. ]

“Aww, thank you headmaster. Now go back to sleep, it'll wear off once you’ve gotten some proper rest.”

You said... this, [ she gestured at Gem, still very much in her koala form, ignoring her offended "hey" ] will wear off after some sleep?

[ He nodded, smirking at Pearl with mischief shining in his eyes. ] Yep! Maybe "fight" her to sleep again, she should be ok after a good night's rest.

[ Pearl playfully glared at them, but her small smile ruined most, if not all the effects. ] Certainly will. Thank you, Viktor, and apologies for slamming the door on you earlier.

No worries at all. I'll see you later, goodbye!

[ This time, Pearl softly closed the door after waving him goodbye, Gem eagerly giggling at her side. She scooped Gem up, going back to the couch. Despite Gem's ocassional wiggling, Pearl managed to wrap herself a Gem burrito with the blanket. ]

[ Pearl's peaceful slumber was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. The clock across the room read an hour after they fell asleep, and Pearl scowled. She gently peeled Gem off of her to go answer the door. Seemingly as annoyed, sleeping Gem made a few noises of disapproval before burrowing back into the blanket. ]

[ Quickly shifting her fact to a neutral expression, Pearl answered the door, making sure to block as much of the room from view as possible. On the other side stood a young student, who gave her a mildly concerned smile. ]

Oh! Good afternoon, Farmer Queen - I was expecting Headmaster Gem. Can I see her, please? Just wanted to ask what happened in the hallway out here. Looks like a hurricane swept through it.

[ Said "hurricane" let out a barely audible whine, something about "love" and "magic", and Pearl mentally facepalmed. Her half-awake brain told her someone seeing Gem like this would ruin her reputation. She agreed. ]

Gem is... resting! Yes, taking a nap! You know how she is, always overworking herself. The hallway was my bad. We had a, uh... fight! I won so she had to sleep. I apologise, I will clean up later.

[ Any sane person would look at Viktor and tell Pearl he bought none of that. But they still nodded, deciding not to mess with whatever the queen and their Headmaster were up to out of self-preservation. ]

Ok, if you say so. Would you like-

[ Whatever he was about to offer was rudely interrupted by a loud thud from inside. Pearl nervously coughed. ]

What was that?

[ They rose to the tip of their toes, craning forward to get a better view. Pearl immediately moved in the way, a strained smile appearing on her face. ]

It must have been the wind. You should go back now, shouldn't you? Don't you have of studying to do?

I...

[ Just as she was about to tell it off she heard voices coming from the doorway and looked over to see Pearl talking with someone. ]

[ She stumbled up to her feet and made it all of five steps before she hit the corner of her desk, sending any books that had somehow stayed on it falling to the ground with a loud crash. ]

[ She stood blinking at it for a few seconds before moving on, walking over to Pearl and wrapping her in a hug from behind while trying to peak out and see who she was talking to. ]

Gem you should still be asleep! Viktor was just checking on you. [ She frantically turned to face the student. ] She is quite sleepy as you can tell, not the best time for conversations but don't worry I will remind her to talk to you later thanks again and bye!

[ Gem laughed as she stumbled out of her office, bumping into walls and every piece of furniture or decoration in the hallway. ]

“Gem? Gem, where did you go?”

[ Pearl called out and Gem giggled, ducking behind a tapestry as her footsteps got closer. ]

[ Gem had disappeared behind a corner, and Pearl sighed. She had to find Gem, but how could ahe possibly find her in this huge academy? Pearl did not dare to think of the consequences of this version of Gem getting lost here. If she was caught by anyone, they would never hear the end of this. ]

[ Pearl's worry immediately evaporated as she heard furniture crashing to the ground. She turned the corner, and there it was - half the decorations, very expensive-looking, were crooked, and some less fortunate found themselves a new home on the ground. Towards the end of the corridor hung a sun and moon tapestry, and underneath it a form suspiciously like Gem's shook with quiet laughter. ]

[ Stifling a giggle, Pearl called out again. ]

[ Gem called back before slapping a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughs. A few moments later the tapestry was (gently) pulled aside by Pearl. ]

Yes you are, small koala.

[ She raised a hand to pet Gem's hair, who gave a little noise of approval and somehow managed to hold onto Pearl even tighter. ]

'M sorry, didn' mean to make you mad.

[ She pulled away, eyes downcast. ]

[ She grabbed Gem's hand, surprised by the sudden change in her attitude. Her hand cradling Gem's face, gently tilting it up to look into her eyes. ]

I'm not mad at all.

[ Did she say something wrong? Gem was frowning, a flicker of hurt clear in her puppy eyes. Regret and sadness flooded Pearl's brain. ]

[ Pearl squeezed Gem's hand before pulling her into a hug. ]

I loves you lots Pearl, y'know that? You're the bestest big sister ever and ever and-

[ A small yawn cut her off and her eyes drifted closed for a few seconds before she forced them open again. ]

Wha' wazz I sayin'?

You were talking about how sleepy you were, octopus.

[ She scooped Gem up with ease and headed back to her office, softly patting her back on the way. ]

[ Pearl just laughed lightly before taking a breath and starting to quietly sing a lullaby. ]

"Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree, merry merry king of the bush is he."

[ She looked around the office, taking in the mess they had made while trying to find a spot Gem would be most comfortable sleeping in and finally decided on the couch set against one of the walls. It looked soft and comfortable enough, with decorative pillows and a neatly folded blanket at one end. Pearl guessed it was there for any student who might visit her, but right now it would be perfect for naps. ]

[ Leaning over the couch, she lightly tugged at Gem’s arms, willing her to snuggle up on it for the best nap. To her surprise, sleeping Gem was very strong and equally stubborn. Somehow she managed to cling on even tighter, and Pearl eventually gave up, deciding it would be better if she just joined Gem on the couch. ]

[ With a bit of shuffling to make sure Gem was as comfortable as she could be, Pearl settled on the couch with Gem on top of her, still nearly crushing her with a mighty octopus hug. She covered them both with the blanket and looked down at Gem with a soft smile, placing a kiss on her forehead. ]

[ It didn’t take long for her to drift off, softly humming the rest of the lullaby. ]

[ Gem laughed as she stumbled out of her office, bumping into walls and every piece of furniture or decoration in the hallway. ]

“Gem? Gem, where did you go?”

[ Pearl called out and Gem giggled, ducking behind a tapestry as her footsteps got closer. ]

[ Gem had disappeared behind a corner, and Pearl sighed. She had to find Gem, but how could ahe possibly find her in this huge academy? Pearl did not dare to think of the consequences of this version of Gem getting lost here. If she was caught by anyone, they would never hear the end of this. ]

[ Pearl's worry immediately evaporated as she heard furniture crashing to the ground. She turned the corner, and there it was - half the decorations, very expensive-looking, were crooked, and some less fortunate found themselves a new home on the ground. Towards the end of the corridor hung a sun and moon tapestry, and underneath it a form suspiciously like Gem's shook with quiet laughter. ]

[ Stifling a giggle, Pearl called out again. ]

[ Gem called back before slapping a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughs. A few moments later the tapestry was (gently) pulled aside by Pearl. ]

Yes you are, small koala.

[ She raised a hand to pet Gem's hair, who gave a little noise of approval and somehow managed to hold onto Pearl even tighter. ]

'M sorry, didn' mean to make you mad.

[ She pulled away, eyes downcast. ]

[ She grabbed Gem's hand, surprised by the sudden change in her attitude. Her hand cradling Gem's face, gently tilting it up to look into her eyes. ]

I'm not mad at all.

[ Did she say something wrong? Gem was frowning, a flicker of hurt clear in her puppy eyes. Regret and sadness flooded Pearl's brain. ]

[ Pearl squeezed Gem's hand before pulling her into a hug. ]

I loves you lots Pearl, y'know that? You're the bestest big sister ever and ever and-

[ A small yawn cut her off and her eyes drifted closed for a few seconds before she forced them open again. ]

Wha' wazz I sayin'?

You were talking about how sleepy you were, octopus.

[ She scooped Gem up with ease and headed back to her office, softly patting her back on the way. ]

[ Gem laughed as she stumbled out of her office, bumping into walls and every piece of furniture or decoration in the hallway. ]

“Gem? Gem, where did you go?”

[ Pearl called out and Gem giggled, ducking behind a tapestry as her footsteps got closer. ]

[ Gem had disappeared behind a corner, and Pearl sighed. She had to find Gem, but how could ahe possibly find her in this huge academy? Pearl did not dare to think of the consequences of this version of Gem getting lost here. If she was caught by anyone, they would never hear the end of this. ]

[ Pearl's worry immediately evaporated as she heard furniture crashing to the ground. She turned the corner, and there it was - half the decorations, very expensive-looking, were crooked, and some less fortunate found themselves a new home on the ground. Towards the end of the corridor hung a sun and moon tapestry, and underneath it a form suspiciously like Gem's shook with quiet laughter. ]

[ Stifling a giggle, Pearl called out again. ]

[ Gem called back before slapping a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughs. A few moments later the tapestry was (gently) pulled aside by Pearl. ]

Yes you are, small koala.

[ She raised a hand to pet Gem's hair, who gave a little noise of approval and somehow managed to hold onto Pearl even tighter. ]

'M sorry, didn' mean to make you mad.

[ She pulled away, eyes downcast. ]

[ She grabbed Gem's hand, surprised by the sudden change in her attitude. Her hand cradling Gem's face, gently tilting it up to look into her eyes. ]

I'm not mad at all.

[ Did she say something wrong? Gem was frowning, a flicker of hurt clear in her puppy eyes. Regret and sadness flooded Pearl's brain. ]

[ Pearl squeezed Gem's hand before pulling her into a hug. ]

[ Gem laughed as she stumbled out of her office, bumping into walls and every piece of furniture or decoration in the hallway. ]

“Gem? Gem, where did you go?”

[ Pearl called out and Gem giggled, ducking behind a tapestry as her footsteps got closer. ]

[ Gem had disappeared behind a corner, and Pearl sighed. She had to find Gem, but how could ahe possibly find her in this huge academy? Pearl did not dare to think of the consequences of this version of Gem getting lost here. If she was caught by anyone, they would never hear the end of this. ]

[ Pearl's worry immediately evaporated as she heard furniture crashing to the ground. She turned the corner, and there it was - half the decorations, very expensive-looking, were crooked, and some less fortunate found themselves a new home on the ground. Towards the end of the corridor hung a sun and moon tapestry, and underneath it a form suspiciously like Gem's shook with quiet laughter. ]

[ Stifling a giggle, Pearl called out again. ]

[ Gem called back before slapping a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughs. A few moments later the tapestry was (gently) pulled aside by Pearl. ]

Yes you are, small koala.

[ She raised a hand to pet Gem's hair, who gave a little noise of approval and somehow managed to hold onto Pearl even tighter. ]

'M sorry, didn' mean to make you mad.

[ She pulled away, eyes downcast. ]

[ She grabbed Gem's hand, surprised by the sudden change in her attitude. Her hand cradling Gem's face, gently tilting it up to look into her eyes. ]

I'm not mad at all.

[ Did she say something wrong? Gem was frowning, a flicker of hurt clear in her puppy eyes. Regret and sadness flooded Pearl's brain. ]

[ Gem laughed as she stumbled out of her office, bumping into walls and every piece of furniture or decoration in the hallway. ]

“Gem? Gem, where did you go?”

[ Pearl called out and Gem giggled, ducking behind a tapestry as her footsteps got closer. ]

[ Gem had disappeared behind a corner, and Pearl sighed. She had to find Gem, but how could ahe possibly find her in this huge academy? Pearl did not dare to think of the consequences of this version of Gem getting lost here. If she was caught by anyone, they would never hear the end of this. ]

[ Pearl's worry immediately evaporated as she heard furniture crashing to the ground. She turned the corner, and there it was - half the decorations, very expensive-looking, were crooked, and some less fortunate found themselves a new home on the ground. Towards the end of the corridor hung a sun and moon tapestry, and underneath it a form suspiciously like Gem's shook with quiet laughter. ]

[ Stifling a giggle, Pearl called out again. ]

[ Gem called back before slapping a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughs. A few moments later the tapestry was (gently) pulled aside by Pearl. ]

Yes you are, small koala.

[ She raised a hand to pet Gem's hair, who gave a little noise of approval and somehow managed to hold onto Pearl even tighter. ]