Chapter 2: Hidden Feelings
Nora had woken up to the beautiful warm colors of a brand new day. Her new home held many things she wished to explore, but doing so on her lonesome was hardly any fun at all.
Nora constantly had Pearl with her, but she didn't mind it one bit. On the rare occasion she found herself alone, the girl would read, researching whatever place they lived in. She wouldn't usually ask Pearl about her research, but today, she came across something in a book from the library.
"Um, Sky?" She softly asked, feeling rather anxious about her particular query. As she strengthened her nerves, she hoped Pearl wouldn't be offended.
Pearl turned to Nora, confused by her shyness. She internally fretted as to what was causing the young girl to be so nervous. "Yes, my Nora?" she replied, wanting nothing more than to ease the girl's nerves.
"Um, I hope you don't mind me asking, but… how are Pearls made back on Homeworld?" She was rather embarrassed by the question, piquing Pearl's interest. Being sympathetic to the young girl's feelings, she smiled at Nora.
"Why do you wish to know, my Nora?" The the blue gem asked. Curiosity only continued to build for Pearl. It was difficult for her to understand why Nora would ask that question considering Blue Diamond already knew how pearls were made. However… this was Nora and not her Diamond, so she wouldn't know anything about how gems were made...
Nora pulled the book out from behind her bag. "I was reading on how pearls were made on Earth, so I was curious if it's the same on Homeworld." She explained, hoping she hadn't offended Pearl in any way. It was incredibly difficult to read her.
Pearl had prior knowledge on the subject, so she shook her head. "It's a bit more complicated than what is explained in your book, my Nora."
Nora took this as a sign for something that was to be explained when she was older, but she had to ask, even if that answer would be regurgitated to her. "Can there be two pearls connected like the Peanut Pearls in my book?"
Pearl took the book to read it. As she traveled down the page, her surprise grew. She'd no inkling that this was a common occurrence on Earth. To boot, they were highly valued for their rarity on Earth. Whereas on Homeworld, gems like that were viewed as disgusting or useless. "It can happen, but Homeworld doesn't treasure them as humans do."
Nora frowned. After all, she thought that they had some appeal. "I think they're wonderful. I wish I could meet a pearl like that from Homeworld." Pearl was horrified by her statement, hiding it well. Any loyal gem wouldn't have shared Nora's opinions. But, then again this was Blue Diamond's daughter. Her Diamond would have taken in gems that were tossed aside just like Pink before her, had she not been pressured by society..
"Your mother took care of those Pink would have." Pearl blurted, covering her mouth. Her mind raced, attempting to find an out, some sort of solution to her misstep. However, pearls weren't made for thinking...
"Who's Pink, Sky?" Nora asked curiously. She could feel a small pulsation from her gem, emanating sorrow. Was this pertaining to the person Pearl had talked about? She wanted to know as many things as she could for not only Pearl's sake, but so that somewhere inside, her mother would be relieved knowing someone had figured what had plagued her.
Pearl sighed, realizing that she had to come clean. "M-My apologies for speaking out, my diamond." Nora didn't care if she spoke out. "Pink Diamond, was close to your mother. From what I remember, they always did things together. She was the one that was taken from your mother."
Nora felt grief for her mother, that it was someone she had loved so dearly. "Sky, I promise whatever I can do I will find out who took Pink away from mom. I don't want mom coming back someday if I die and not having any answers at all. I want her to be happy. A- and to be able to know that it's finally over, and that… I did something good for once to find out who really did it," she spilled exasperatedly, her voice wavering.
Pearl saw tears in the girl's eyes. "My Nora, I have no doubt in my mind you will do this, but why? Why do you feel driven to do this? You have never met or known of Pink Diamond." She comforted the child, trying to wipe her tears away.
Nora looked at her with a soft expression. "Because I want my mother to be happy, and not feel so sad anymore. I'd like her to finally feel like she got justice." She was very determined on this, wanting more then anything to give her mother some peace. Even if they never saw each other.
Pearl could see this determination and smiled, cupping Nora's childish face. Things like this she would have never done with Blue Diamond, unless asked of her. It was an excellent personal reminder of how much she changed during her time here on Earth. "I think your mother, my diamond, would be very proud of you. Doing something for her her memory is the greatest thing you could ever do, my dear Nora."
This made Nora smile, her mind immediately traveling a mile a minute. Instantly she thought that they should try to start somewhere. However, only Pearl knew where, most likely.
Pearl could read her expressing and intentions like an open book. "Er- My Nora, we should wait before we start. We only just arrived. I suggest we get acquainted with this town, and see what it has to offer besides food."
Nora giggled at that and agreed with Pearl.
Wandering the city with Pearl, she found that there were many places they could visit in their new home, with surely more than a few out of sight. She was most eager to explore the forest and meet the animals that lived there.
Spending time with agreeable animals was one of her favorite pastimes. Also, out of the way locations were always ideal to practice her skills without hurting anyone. Pearl often helped her summon her weapon, which was a scythe. Pearl had a thin rapier, so they would practice as best they could to fight off corrupted gems.
Very few times would they come across one, and Nora was pretty good at helping out. She always was aware of her surroundings, and was only her sweet self after the gem was defeated. Luckily none of them had been too dangerous.
Lately Nora had been having tugging feelings that something was off about Pearl. She didn't push her to ask why, but that was okay. She figured Pearl would tell her whenever she was ready to spill.
Nora was not the kind of person to push people beyond their limits. If it was necessary, she would try to get them to talk about it. She simply wanted no one to suffer. The girl figured those around her had suffered enough, which was why she was so bright and cheerful. For their sake.
As the days went by, she explored her home's nooks and crannies, but she favored the beach. This provided a place of peace for her and gave her time to relax from the excitement she got from the day. Another thing she adored was ballet. She admired beauty of it, the sheer grace, and would try to dance as often as she could. Especially when her favorite cartoon came on. Well, one of her favorites.
It was an anime, but not a lot of people knew the difference. She danced along the shoreline, feeling the ocean air. This was also one of the few times she wanted Sky to leave her alone. Just so she could be herself.
Nora stopped suddenly, her eyes tracking movement near the fence. She saw someone with lavender hair and purple skin. She initially panicked, figuring this was a gem. However, upon close inspection, this was an uncorrupted one… This was new to her. She was curious, but her better judgement told her not to closely investigate. Instead she waved at the figure who waved back. No words were exchanged, but the girl felt elated at the prospect of a new friend.
Elsewhere, Pearl was alone. Nora had requ aged alone time, but was more than eager to oblige. Pearl was hesitant at first, but allowed because she didn't think anything bad could happen to her in this quiet town. Besides, she had a good eye on her from afar. Nora was currently dancing. Pearl thought she was beautiful when she did this, even if she couldn't tell her.
This spurred on a particularly strong bout of Blue Diamond dependency. She didn't know what to do when she was alone, because she rarely was. It was a Pearl's duty to be there for their owners and keep records. Serving Blue Diamond was the best part of her life. Her Diamond allowed her to do things other Pearls could not. To be close and comfort her and be her friend.
Did she blame Greg and Nora for taking Blue Diamond away from her? Oh yes, for a short time. She couldn't bring herself to tell them that. It wasn't her place, and she didn't want to hurt them. Besides, it caused her great suffering to feel that way about them. Such thoughts were not very appropriate. Pearl was confident in her abilities to conceal her feelings, but she didn't know how wrong she was.
Nora came home around sunset after her exploring and told Pearl about her day. "The amusement park was fun, but the beach is always my favorite," she told her. Pearl happily listened to her. "Um, Sky…"
Pearl leaned forward, paying close attention to her. "Yes, my Nora?"
Nora sighed, wanting nothing more than to help. She took a deep breath and said. "Are you hiding something from me?"
Pearl was shocked. How had she picked up on that? She'd concealed herself so well! "N-no, my Nora. I'm fine."
Nora shook her head. "I know you're lying. Just tell me what's bothering you?"
Pearl gulped, very fearful. "I just don't want to hurt you, my Nora."
Nora started to tear up, embracing Pearl. "Sky, no matter what you say, I'll understand. Just tell me, I can't bear to see you suffer."
Pearl sighed, biting her lip. "I was… angry, for a while after you were born. It wasn't that I hated you or Greg. I just couldn't understand why She had to leave me. I blamed both of you at first for taking her away, but then realized it wasn't a fault on either of your parts. Having you was my Diamond's choice. I'm sorry, my Nora, for my actions against you." She initially feared she would be shattered for such feelings, but this was Nora.
Nora looked at her and smiled softly. "I guess we have similar feelings then, Sky." Pearl looked at her very confused. "I don't blame you for feeling that way. Even I've felt… that way at times. Y'know, that it was my fault that my mom was gone and I took her away from you both. I understand that it was her choice, and I wouldn't want it any other way. You've been a great gem, and even though you are not my mother, you've done a good job at raising me so far. It's okay to feel angry and confused when you don't understand why. Besides, she was your friend and companion. It's hard to live without her because you used to. So it's okay."
Pearl hugged her back as they sat there and cried. For Pearl, this was the first time she felt relief and that Nora was accepting of her feelings. "Thank you, my Nora." Nora smiled. She'd always be there for her Pearl as long as she could be.