So, another one-shot for another emotional episode.

Enjoy!

Pearl and Rose walked side by side down a long stretch of beach, the bright blue ocean roaring beside them. The evening was setting in, and Pearl could see the first of the stars starting to appear. The brightest of stars. Smiling, Pearl could even see their home. So far away, soon to be even farther. Sighing, Pearl felt her joy leave her.

Rose looked down. "Pearl, I have an idea. But we need to go somewhere more….private."

Pearl nodded. "Sure Rose. Where to?"

"Come on, follow me."

The two walked to the warp pad, located on the side of a cliff. Warping, the two gems went off into the night. Only moments later, they were in a field, a barren field filled with tall wavy grass. And large floating rocks. Pearl fought back a shiver, a brisk breeze sweeping through the plain. Rose took her and held her tight. "Up there looks good. Let's go before you catch a cold."

"Rose, we're gems, we don't catch colds," Pearl stated, hunkering down in her pink hair. Rose just smiled and motioned her along. After several minutes of jumping, they were soon atop the largest of the floating boulders. Letting go of Pearl, Rose walked to the edge looking down. "Pearl, we need to talk."

"I know." Pearl whispered, getting down on one knee. Rose turned around and faced her. "Pearl?"

"Yes?"

"I'm going to stay, and fight for this planet. You don't have to do this with me."

Pearl swallowed down the lump in her throat. "But I want to!"

"I know you do. But please understand….if we lose, we will be killed. And if we win, we can never go home."

She fought back tears. "Why would I ever want to leave….if you're here?"

"My Pearl." Rose smiled, reaching out her hand. Pearl looked at it, then grasped it, locking their hands together. The taller gem pulled her up, then hugged her. Pearl began crying, not letting anything back. Rose slowly stroke her hair. "I didn't want it to be this way."

"I know. None of us did."

"All the death and destruction they've caused….and the more I'm about to add."

"We'll be beside you Rose. All the way to the end."

"Pearl, why must you have so much courage?"

Pearl let out a sob, pulled away, then looked up at Rose. "Because Rose, I have no choice."