"Ayah!" Pearl yelled as she used her blade to deflect a few daggers that were thrown at her. She then ducked under the spear of a well armoured opponent and shoved her blade right through the enemies exposed skull. A brief look of shock passed through the enemy's face before her body was poofed back into her Gem. Pearl didn't hesitate for a second to slice it in half, effectively removing the Gem from battle.

Even though she was swarmed from all sides by Rubies she skilfully avoided all their attacks while landing some well-timed counter blows of her own. She knew that the most efficient way to put them down was to aim for their Gems, though Rose didn't approve of that tactic. She'd normally have listened to her words, really under any other circumstances she'd follow those instructions to the letter. But when the object of her affection was at risk of being potentially injured or worst. Well Pearl would willingly disregard any order to protect her. Even against Rose's own wishes.

Speaking of whom, she could see her fearless leader Rose Quarts standing on the other end of the battlefield sword and shield drawn, ready to fight with the same care free unworried demeanour she always had. She was fighting against three Jaspers at once and didn't even seem to be breaking a sweat. Her blade traded blows with their huge horns drawing sparks from the heat of their weapons. Her shield easily blocked all their attacks and judging by the self-assured smirk on her lips she clearly wasn't worried.
In that moment she felt the temptation to just stop and just gawk at Rose as she fended the Jaspers off, but it would make for an embarrassing death if she left herself open for such a reason. Instead she kept her guard up and scanned her surrounding for any attackers.

It was hard to tell if the other crystal gems were winning the battle or not but from the looks of things they were just barely holding the enemy back. It was then that Pearl spotted a pair of blue Tigers break away from their respective opponents and make a bee line straight for Rose. There was no way she'd be able to see them coming with those Japers in her way. So Pearl ran over to approaching duo while avoiding rocket fire and thrown projectiles. She wouldn't just stand by and allow it, no. All that mattered was Rose and no one else to her.
Leaping into the air she raised her long rapier above her head and performed an aerial flip to build her momentum before bringing her sword down on one the beasts' neck. The Tiger growled both in surprise and agony as it fell over on its side. The other one roared at her defiantly and charged. Twirling her blade between her dexterous fingers she side flipped out of the way of its attack.

Using both hands she made a horizontal slash at the beasts back and was pleased when she saw blood leak from her blade. The Tiger let out a pained growl before turning around and glaring at her intensely. The first stood at its side having recovered from its shock and had its fangs bared and ready. Their crimson red eyes showed nothing but blood lust.
Smirking confidently she held her blade in a backhand grip. Predatory instinct kicking in the two beasts began circling her from each side in an obvious attempt to make it harder for her to defend her blind spot. She cleared her mind and remained planted in her position with her grip on the blade tightening ever so slightly.

With blinding speed one of the tigers growled and lunged at her. Fortunately, all her reflex training had paid off and she performed a split in the span of a second. It felt as though time slowed down as the Tiger leaped right over her body and leaving its belly completely exposed for her blade to pierce right through it.
Tumbling to the ground the tiger writhed in agony as a crimson liquid leaked from its belly which was still being impaled by her sword. There was no time for a victory cry since she knew the second Tiger was now in her blind spot and was no doubt about pounce, she also knew that for all her training there was no way she could stand up from such a position and defend herself before it could reach her.

No. Only instincts could save her from being mauled. Reaching into her Gem she pulled out a short Dirk blade, she then forced her lids closed and concentrated on her sense of hearing to guide her arms. It only took the faint sound of a twig snapping to guide her dirk straight into the beast head. She was rewarded by the sound of a pained growl from the beast it as it pulled back. Pearl easily twisted her body back to her feet with a level of skill one could only associate with an expert Contortionist.
Glaring daggers at the Tiger she was about land a killing blow when the beast scurried off into the bushes. Clearly it knew it had been beaten. She allowed herself a moment of pride for having fended off the Beast with injuries considering it was her first time fighting Tigers. But it wasn't long before she remembered why she charged in the first place what she was doing and turned around to see Rose standing right in front of her.

"Rose, are you alright?" she asked almost instinctively as her leader/mistress smiled down at her.

"I'm fine. You've been getting faster, I'm impressed Pearl. But are you hurt anywhere?" she asked in that angelic voice of hers. Blushing lightly in embarrassment Pearl looked away with her Dirk lowered.

"My wellbeing is of less concern than yours…But I do appreciate it my lady" Pearl replied as she rubbed her shoulder.

"Not True Pearl. Your well-being is of the greatest importance to me. All of you" she said as she patted Pearls Ginger hair. She couldn't deny she felt her heart sink when Rose made the statement much more general. She briefly contemplated what her reply would be but Rose spoke again.

"The others aren't fairing too well" she said in a much more serious like demeanour. "We need to retreat into the forest before Yellow diamonds forces arrive" she said.

"And the Novanoil?" Pearl asked.

"Don't worry I handed it to Lapis for safe keeping"

"The Hydromancer? Can we even trust her?" Pearl questioned sceptically. After all, the rebellions whole future was riding on it and magic sensitives weren't exactly known for their trust worthiness. She had no reason to believe this so-called defector would actually be of any help. Well other than Roses faith.

"I trust her" she said simply as she pulled a shocked Pearl into her chest and lifted shield up to deflect a stray projectile. Gasping in surprise Pearl pulled away and drew a spare sword from her Gem.
Suddenly the sound of trumpets invaded their ears and all eyes were drawn to the image of a small platoon of soldiers charging at full speed towards them. There was no mistaking that flash of Gold anywhere. Queen Yellow diamond.

"It seems her Majesty is anxious to meet us" Rose said with an amused smile. Eyes widening in surprise Pear turned back to her leader.

"Shouldn't we retreat? We're not going to last with these reinforcements" she said to which Rose nodded in agreement before raising her sword into the air. There was a brief flash of pink light coming from its edges before the whole blade started to glow. The light continued to grow in intensity until it let a burst energy that completely enveloped the battle field.
Yet for some reason she didn't sense any discomfort from looking straight into its bright rays, her eyes didn't water and the heat didn't rise. However, she could hear countless pained groans from all around her. Yet when she turned around she could see all the Crystal gems standing by downed opponents completely unbothered by the light, but just as shocked by their opponent's sudden defeat.

"Retreat into the forest! Now!" she heard Rose yell with enough Volume for all to hear. The others didn't waste a second and began running over to the forest behind her and Rose. "You too Pearl" she instructed.

"What. Rose no! But what about you?"

"Don't worry. I just need to hold out until everyone's escaped. I'll be alright" she said. But Pearl wasn't convinced.

"Then I'll stay behind and help out"

"No. I need you to lead everyone else back to the caves. I'll meet you there"

"But I-" she began protest when she was cut off.

"Pearl. The others need you more than I do right now. If they don't have a leader their morale is sure to drop. We can't afford that" Rose said as she ruffled her ginger hair reassuringly. "Don't' worry I'll be right behind you"
Tightening her fist around her blade Pearl gave an obedient nod before taking a few hesitant steps away from Rose. She took one last glance at her before running off into the bushes.