Author's Note: Miss Koi doesn't own Steven Universe, which includes all it's characters and it's episodes, for it respectfully belongs to Rebecca Sugar, Cartoon Network, and it's other creators & owners. The only thing that I own is the world of Truncanatis, and all the OCs that embody this new world that Blue Pearl (or just Pearl, or Sky Pearl, depending on whatever you want to call her;)) Again, as always (though this probably means more versus the other times I've said this), but….I'm soooooooooooo sorry for making you guys wait sooooooooo long (too long) for this chapter. But I do have good reasons as to why this is: 1) This chapter is very, very, very long (but you will see why once you start reading;)), 2) this chapter requires a lot especially when expanded into the length that its at if that makes any sense, 3) I really wanted to get this chapter right because to me, this is an important chapter in the context of the story because to me, this is the climax of this mini arc I established for the journey of meeting the King (the reason as to why I named this chapter "The King"). Because of this, let me know if I was able to give the topics of this chapter justice or not because I really wanted to nail it in when it comes to this chapter. It may not seem like it even after reading this chapter, but believe me when I say, "this is only the beginning…" Duh, duh, da! Haha lol;) Anyway, I truly hope this chapter was worth wait and that you guys love this chapter overall. If you didn't like the chapter or have some well deserved critiques about it, let me know and I would be happy to read them: ) I truly put my all into this chapter and this is the most that I have done for "The Heart of a Pearl".
Haha lol, so a lot of you in the reviews have been asking when our Pearl in this story will meet the Crystal Gems back on the Earth: ) I'm curious as to why this is. Please do tell me in the reviews, I'm curious: ) Is it because I've mentioned Garnet (or rather Ruby and Sapphire) a lot in this story? Is it because I started this story back on Earth and in the technically canon universe of this show? Is it both? Or is it because you guys aren't big fans of this Truncanatis world that I've created? If you're not big fans of this world that I've created, well, there's not much that I can do about that without redoing good parts and starting overX D So in other words ladies and germs, this world is near to stay for a long whileX D And I mean, a LONG whileX D So get used to it! Haha lol; ) Sorry, I could re-do the story but I don't really want to cause I have a specific vision, message, and theme for this story, especially in the context of Blue Pearl's development, and this has to been done with the Truncanatis world. And not really with the Crystal Gems and Earth. So I hope you guys can understand this, trust me, and enjoy this wacky ride that I've hooked you guys inX D Lol!
Thank you all so much for your ever growing support and love and reads and favorites and follows and whatnot! Truly, I am very thankful and appreciative for your endless patience and eagerness as to what will happen next in this story. I truly didn't imagine my story and writing getting this kind of recognition, so thank you all for that kind of honor. On that note, enjoy the chapter! Stay tune for the author's note at the end if you like to know some of the behind the scenes that went into this chapter.
Chapter 8: The King
And so, the mission to meet with the King had begun. The first task that we had to undertake was the matter of my disguise. Or as Gregor called it: "the art of camouflage and masking." As usual, my scent was the main issue that needed to be addressed. However, I was surprised on how much Jasora and Gregor emphasized scent above my physical appearance. Surely the appearance of my Gem alone would immediately trigger the King's hostile resentment. Thus, concluding my existence right there and then.
I know that the Truncanasors in this world mainly perceived their surroundings through scent, but did it truly dominate over all other senses? I asked them why that is, while they rubbed heavy layers of wet Truncanatis terrain all over my legs, feet, arms, hands, and even all over my face. They even covered the tips of my hair in this mud. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable during this unusual process. The almost grainy, thick ooze like texture felt unpleasant against my skin. Looking back at it, I was simply not use to the experience of it all and I laugh to this day about it.
Anyway, Gregor answered my inquiries with a slight chuckle, "There's an old saying on Truncanatis that goes 'if you can smell the flower, you can eat the flower.'"
"What does that mean?" I asked, "Why does the scent of the flower matter before consuming it?"
"Well it matters because one's scent is like giving others the first impression of you before they even meet you. Heck, before they even see you. Scent is a very important concept in our world because there are many plants and animals here that can basically kill you. Even though they don't look like they would. Appearances can be very deceiving here because there are organisms that use 'appealing' characteristics to lure in creatures, like Truncanasors, to kill and eat."
"Oh dear..." I mumbled breathlessly and nervously.
"I know, it sounds pretty rough when you think about it. But, we Truncansors have our advantages too. And one of those advantages are our ability to smell beyond what is seen. We use our, pardon the blunt term, snouts to smell whether something is dangerous or not. Plus, it helps us determine what we can eat as well as what we can't eat. Thus, if one can smell the flower and all it's properties first, then they can decide whether to eat it or not."
"So," I replied softly, "is that...how you were able to trust me? Through my scent?"
"Well...kinda." Gregor tried to explained, "I mean I knew that you were different right away. In all honesty, I was trying to decide first, based on your scent, what species you were and whether you were a refugee or not."
"Refugee?" I questioned.
Jasora then intervened with, "We Truncanasors travel to the stars to rescue survivors, escaping from...perishing worlds."
"Perishing?" I asked, "Why are they..? Oh..."
Jasora looked up from where she was rubbing mud on my shoulders in order to look me in the eye. Immediately, my body began to tense up and I moved my face away from her faces. I could feel the sudden halt in Greggor's movements, along with his attention centered on me and Jasora.
Then, she began to explain solemnly yet gently, "Their planets were being drained and...d-destroyed...in order to create Gems. More Gems. More of your people."
I was silent, and taken back by Jasora's statement. I could feel the weight of her words sink into me through my shoulders. Strangely though, I had another feeling that she didn't want to tell me so plainly of this...situation. She was hoping that I would just figure it out on my own, as if I knew. But I didn't. I didn't know that Truncanasors went into Homeworld territory and colonies to rescue other life forms. Is this why they attack us? To protect the survival of other beings from other worlds? Why didn't they say so? Why didn't...Blue Diamond ever mention this? Did she knew? Did any Gem of Blue Diamond's Court knew? Did any Gem on Homeworld knew?
Just imagine...if Blue Diamond knew...how many shattered Gems would be spared...how many wars that could have been avoided...how many peace negotiations that could have risen...how the Truncanasors and Homeworld could have possibly found...alliance...with each other.
Imagine such a world...
"But, do not despair my child," said Jasora in a slightly hopeful tone and with a smile on her faces, "they now have wonderful new lives here on Truncanatis. Their people, their species, they can live here now. They are part of our family now."
"Fam-il-y?" I tried to pronounced quietly, trying to decipher this new word's meaning and whether I have heard of it.
"Alright, that should do the trick." said Greggor, almost sounding like he was proud of himself. Greggor got back onto his feet and wiped off the mud from his claws. Jasora followed in his lead.
Greggor then continued to say with a small cocky laugh, "With this on ya, the King, his men, heck all of Truncanatis, will be none the wiser."
"Do not underestimate His Majesty my child," Jasora scolded, "Even with the mud and the clothes, we need to play our part. In order to do that, our Pearl needs a story. A good story."
As Greggor carefully placed his poncho over my body, making sure to not wipe away the mud that was on me, he responded to Jasora with, "Hmm, good point."
As we all pondered on made up backstory for myself, my eyes were distracted by the glimmer of the crystals growing on the walls. I walked towards them, and lightly touched them. A idea came into fruition. A simple one, but effective one. For the time being.
I turned towards the Truncanasors and suggested, "How about...the name...Crystal?"
Greggor went to Jasora's gaze, to see if she approves of this idea. With a small nod from both of her heads, Jasora approved. With, strangely enough, two smiles.
Greggor returned his attention back to me and smiled, "Sure, I think we can make that work."
Greggor walked over to join me with the crystals, and touched the one that my hand was on. I could feel some of the warmth forming in my cheeks, as I begin to embarrassingly long to touch his claws once more. And their comforting heat. Greggor interrupted my thoughts with, "We can say that you're from a small, icy moon like planet specialized in hardened minerals and salts. We can call it...ugh...well..."
"Falca," Jasora added, "We'll call it Falca. It'll be a name that no Truncanasor has ever heard before. Even by a well traveled soul like the King."
Jasora walked towards me and explained, "We'll tell the King that you're from the Guins Galaxy. A galaxy at least millions of light years from the Gem Homeworld."
"Does such a galaxy even exist?" Greggor asked.
"Of course it does young one. I should know, I've been there," she replied in a wink in both of her right eyes, "The King is not the only one who has sailed the great galaxies. There are been places that he has never seen, but I have." She ended with a chuckle.
"That's perfect then," Greggor remarked with a positive smile. He brought this smile towards me and commented, "We'll tell the King that you're from the Guins Galaxy. While the Gems were finishing harvesting a planet that Falca was orbiting around, we can say that the Gems decided to harvest Falca for extra resources. You were able to escape in a ship you stole from the Gems, and crash landed this morning. We can even add that you're the only known survivor left of the small moon."
"Do you think you can remember all that my child?" Jasora asked me politely yet gently.
"I can," I answered with great determination and seriousness in my tone, "without a doubt. With my life dependent on it."
"Good," she replied with a nod from both of her heads and a small smile, "Then let us get going. Before the King or any of the our people discover your ship."
And so, we traveled down the steep, mountainous, hillside to the Capitol together. Jasora was in the front, leading our group. I was in the back, my right hand holding Greggor's right claw. His claw...serving as my only sense of connection and sanity during this nerve destroying experience. Even with a clear, well thought out plan, I couldn't help but imagine the worse. I can see The King seeing through our lies, shattering me on the spot, and doing who knows what to Greggor and Jasora. Would he kill them if they did such a crime? Could he kill two of his own people? I tried to urge these thoughts out of my subconscious, and focused my attention on the path ahead. Having my feet follow in trail left by other Truncanasors before me. Focusing on this pattern somehow, and just imagining Greggor's soothing gentle smile in front of me brought me such ease. Even though I could only see his back and the heavy load of his kill. But especially, his tensed, tight back. I had a feeling that he was just as nervous as I was. Even though, his claw tried to hold my hand so lightly and carefully. As if I could break in his grasp. Even his grasp was just as considerate and kind as he was. Truly, I have been fortunate enough to find a creature, such as Greggor, to be loyal to. And for him to do the same for me...it almost feels too good to be true... I softly gasped and my eyes grew big as soon as we came closer to the view of the Capitol and its Guardian through the lush trees in front of us. My gaze was especially on the Guardian. He was far more massive up close than he was when I was seeing him from above. It was like he was his own wall, his own mountain, his own planet. To think, I was just merely scared of him before. At this point, I was utterly terrified. So terrified that I almost planted myself in one spot. If it weren't for Greggor gently pulling me along, I would have remained frozen at the bottom of the hillside. Just like the view from above, he was resting. But, his restful slumber looked far more peaceful earlier than it did now. His breathing sounded like soft earthquakes rumbling down below in the earth. The way his back rise up and down slowly eclipsed the two suns like an engulfing black hole. He could consume this planet's two suns and the two moons. The details of his skin were rougher, harder, and sharper in person. It was as if he was made of granite stone, or even onyx. Like he wasn't an organic being at all, but rather a guard for the Diamonds to control. An inorganic being. But the fact that he was a living, breathing creature with flawless qualities to him made him a terror in the daylight. Suddenly, my neck felt so strained and twisted after looking up to The Guardian for so long. At that moment, I don't think I even saw all of him. I couldn't even saw the colorful feathers that were decorated on him. To relax my neck, I turned my gaze to the entrance of the Capitol and the hardened mud wall that circled around the city. Why would the Truncanasors have a wall if their capitol was safely guarded by a beast like The Guardian? Despite this, a new fear rushed over me. How were we supposed to get past the guards? I told myself that I needed to calm down, and go over the plan again in my head. Just stick to the story, then we'll see the King. One step at a time. One step at a time. The entrance was just as tall as the expansive and shadowing wall that surrounded the Capitol. It was made of a dark, stone hardwood. As dark as the giant creature guarding the Truncanasor race. It had a round arc to it, and it was surprisingly smooth in its craftsmanship. There were no handles or knobs on these doors, but only the swirled carved designs on it. Strangely similar to the swirled designs on Jasora's skin. What did these designs mean? The entrance was guarded by two male Truncanasors. They were tall and wide like Greggor, but yet they could tower over him slightly. They were both in a shade of green similar to Jasora's skin, but much darker because of the brown undertone to it. One had a long fin run that traveled to the middle of his back, while the other had a fin with the same length as Greggor's. Their arms and legs were just covered in thousands of little scars. I had a feeling that these guards have seen battle, especially when guarding this entrance. The one on the left even had a scars over both of their eyes, making his eyes cloudy and white. Their stoic expressions lightened when the guards saw Jasora. Bright smiles grew instantly at her arrival.
"Jasora!" said the one on the left, waving his claw to her.
I tightened my grip on Greggor's claw, and shifted my body to hide in his shadow. I slowly walked with Greggor, my body just nearly an inch away from his back. Hoping that the scent of the kill would mask my scent, just like before with Boar. I couldn't see what was going, and in that moment, that's what I wanted. I was too afraid to see what was ahead of me. I could only hear the sounds of the Truncanasors' conversation.
I didn't pay much attention to it. I should have, but my fear was just too overwhelming. Especially now in front of these guards. I only started listening when one of them said, "Oi Greggor, whatcha got hiding behind your back?"
"Oh, you mean this?" said Greggor, gesturing to the dead Weer buck in the netted bag.
"No no," the guard chuckled, "I mean that little thing back there."
My eyes widened, both of my hands clinged onto Greggor's claw, my shaking body pressed itself against Greggor's load.
"Hehe that's right," the guard chuckled once more, "I see ya back there."
I began to panic silently as I felt Greggor's body stepping to the side, allowing the guards to see me. I kept my still head down, letting the poncho hood be my only means of protection from their eyes.
"This is Crystal," explained Greggor, in the gentlest voice he could muster, "she's a refugee from the Falca planet. I found her and her ship this morning. From what I could gather, the Gems took over her world and destroyed it."
"Aw, that's awful," said one of the guards in a surprisingly sympathetic and kind tone. "You must be the last one, aren't cha little one?"
I didn't responded to this remark. I remained silent, still, and terrified.
"Aw poor thing," said the guard from before, in a tone close to a whisper.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed over me and I almost jumped when I felt something on top of my head. I couldn't help but look up slightly to see who it was. Despite my better judgement. However, I didn't get the sense that this new presence was there to harm me.
I nervously looked up and saw that it was the guard with the cloudy white eyes. I couldn't believe it. I almost gasp when I met with his eyes, which were almost on the same level as mine. I saw that it was his claw on top of my head, and upon realizing this, heat flushed into my cheeks. He was smiling at me,but in the same gentle manner share in Greggor's smile. Upon closer inspection, I could see creases gathered in the corners, as well as, under his eyes.
"Well don't you worry there Crystal," said the scarred warrior before me, "those Gems won't get you here. They aren't here now. You're safe. You're safe with your tribe."
He was the same guard speaking to me before. Another coincidence that I didn't expect. But not only that, I didn't expect a warrior Truncanasor like him to treat me, his enemy, with such kindness at the start. In a fashion much like Greggor did when he first met me. But, just like my first encounter with Greggor, Greggor didn't know that I was a Gem. And this Truncanasor doesn't know that I'm a Gem.
I shook this thought away and focused on the last thing that this guard said: tribe. What did he mean by "your tribe"? What is a tribe and why is it mine?
"Uh no, watch out there Crystal," said the other guard in a mockup but playful tone, "looks like ole ladies man Tuoa is at it again."
"Oi, what did you say hatchling?" Said the guard in front of me with a snarky yet determined smirk.
Soon, the guard in front of me left me to rough house with the other guard. Sure, the tone of this rough house was strangely playful and light hearted. But, it still looked like a real fight. And the guard Tuoa was winning. Within sixty seconds of the fight, he had his fellow guard in a headlock.
Jasora intervened by gently getting in the middle of the guards and pulling them apart with an all knowing smile on both of her faces. She rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Alright alright, enough you two. Or should I say, hatchlings?"
The two guards laughed and replied, "Sorry momma Jasora."
"Don't you be calling me momma, hatchlings," Jasora responded in a teasing yet unexpected sassy tone.
The two guards joyously laughed when she playfully punch both of them in the shoulder. They returned the gesture back by patting Jasora's back as she walked past them to enter into the Capitol. Greggor and I followed after her as the grand doors opened wide for us. I still cling close to Greggor as we walked past the guards. My gaze fell upon the scarred eye warrior guard. He gave me that same Greggor-like smile and whispered, "Welcome again to the tribe, little one."
He was the last thing I saw when the doors closed behind us.
I was first taken back by two things when we entered into the Capitol: the bright sunlight, and the life that flourished within these walls. My eyes squinted at the sudden appearances of the planet's two suns shining upon the city. Though, at the time, it was hard to described it as a city. It was far too small to be a city. It was more like a camp for warriors and armies based on its size. Not to mention that it wasn't busy like a city. Even with a market filled with booths to sell and purchase various items, this Capitol was no busier than a Gem temple in the dawn of morning.
As much as this leisure concerned me, this leisure actually it brought me a kind of peace that was hard to describe back then. But now, as I'm much much older, this hard to describe peace was the peace of being in the presence of life. The peace of being in a community, a truly connected community. A community united by families, mothers, fathers, children, elders, siblings, cousins, and generations upon generations together. Hunters, trappers, warriors, weavers, healers, blacksmith, sells men, loggers, builders, creators, tanners, musicians, and cooks all coming together to make this kingdom better. No tension. No force. No sadness as far as I can see. Each creature was happy play the duties before them. United in hope, despite in the face of a war with Homeworld.
I was dumbfounded to discover that there were more alien races here than there were Truncanasors. It was such a strange and surreal to see. I saw aliens of all shapes, sizes, colors, textures and yet barely of the Truncanasor race. Where were the Truncanasors? Did Truncanatis belong to the refugees now? These aliens were interacting with each other, and with the Truncanasors, as if they were locals of this planet.
I was so busy trying to observe all the creatures in my peripheral vision that I accidentally knocked into someone. Although, it felt more like something. It was hard to tell because I suddenly got stuck in something. I was stuck in something sticky, trapping, gooey, slimy, and green. I tried pulling myself out, but I couldn't. I just kept sinking further and further into, well, whatever this was.
Luckily, Greggor grabbed me by the shoulder and pulled me out. "Are you alright?" He whispered to me.
"Yeah yeah," I replied breathlessly, "I'm fine. What on Truncanatis was...that...?"
I turned around to see what I bumped into and it was an alien. A, well, as I stated before, a big slimy gooey green alien. Specifically, a Magi Ooze Inkling. From the Ink planet. I've seen pictures of them on the reports, but never up close. He was so...well...the best word for it would be...unique. I guess I say unique because although this creature was seemingly harmless; however, his eyes...they're so unsettling to look at. They looked very inorganic. His eyes were white with tiny black pupils. It made him look like he wasn't alive. He didn't look like someone with a brain for that matter.
Greggor drew me in close and chuckled nervously to the Inkling, "Hehe sorry about that."
"Oh, it's okay," the Inkling mumbled, his voice almost sounding like he was underwater. However despite this, he still sounded polite and courteous.
The Inkling brought his gaze to mine and chirped, "Welcome to the tribe friend." Then, he slithered back to his day, leaving me confused as to why everyone is welcoming to the tribe? Is the Capitol the tribe? Are the Truncanasors and their King the tribe?
As I pondered on this, I suddenly became aware of the amount of goo on my face. I began to panic, worrying that his slimed skin wiped off my disguise.
"Don't worry," said Greggor with his claw still on my shoulder, "your disguise is still on."
I let out a quiet sigh of relief, placing my hand on my chest. Over the spot where my gem is hidden.
Greggor took my hand once more, and lead me over to the right, "C'mon, there's a place I need to stop by real quick."
"Where are we going?"
"To Niaga's. She's basically the one that handles all the kills that the hunters and trappers gather up. Don't worry, it won't take long. I promise."
Despite my fear of meeting this Niaga, I couldn't help but gain from sense of relief from this little detour. The more time that I could delay the meeting with King the better. Just because I had to meet him...doesn't mean I have to meet him right away.
The marketplace's booths and stands that surrounded and even intertwined with the areas for the Truncanasors mud mold homes and buildings, were as basic, simple, and organic in their structure. This perplexed my mind at the time because the Truncanasors, enemies to the Gem race, was able to matched in our skill and might with such basic technology. After all this time. I couldn't understand how that was even possible at the time.
Soon, Greggor and I came up to a mud molded building with a front entrance incorporated into a wooden marketplace booth.
Greggor leaned forward into booth, calling out into the dark stand with a dim light inside resembling a fire, "Hey Nia, you still here?"
Greggor's question was responded with some accidental yet unknown jumbling sound of tools and other items falling to the ground, along female voice cursing, "Ah shit! C'mon Duoa, get it together! You're stumbling around as if you were presented to the King himself."
I instantly stiffened when I heard the faint mention of the King. I went back into Greggor's shadow as the female voice started to get closer to us, but I still peaked through the space below Greggor's elbow to look at the creature before us.
This Niaga was a Truncanasor, a dark navy blue one with a skin as dark yet vibrant as the night galaxy sky. Her skin made the yellow fin on the back of her head just pop with vibrancy. Like Tuoa, she had a scar over her left eye; except, her left eye wasn't cloudy and white. She was wearing a simple light brown strapless dress. She was slightly shorter than Jasora, but just as lean and toned as her and with shoulders just as broad as Greggor's.
Her eyes squinted and adjusted to the light before exclaiming to Greggor with a smile, "Greggor! I thought I recognized that voice. How's it going you lazy bum?"
Greggor rubbed the back of his neck nervously and replied, "Well, this lazy bum wants to apologize for bringing in his quota late today. I actually do have a good reason."
"Nah, save it." She responded casually, as if it wasn't a big deal, "Boar already told me why you were late today."
"He did?" Asked Greggor. He pulled his kill over his shoulder and placed it on the table before Niaga.
Niaga hovered her nose over the furry netted bag and took a good whiff of it all around. Then, she proclaimed while pushing the scent that now surrounded the air around her beak with her claw, "Woah! Oh yeah, that's the Aqua-Saw River alright! Nothing but water and sand. Geez Greggor, did you dunk this entire buck in?"
Greggor chuckled nervously, but still maintaining his friendly tone, "You know me Nia, anything to get the job done."
"Yeah well next time, how about spending less time showing off and more on the actual hunt?" She teased as she picked the bag with great ease. Then, she brought it into the shadows of her booth.
"Ha ha deal." Greggor laughed genuinely, his laugh leaving me almost breathless and distracted by it's sweet yet deep tone. I almost smiled at the sound of his kind laugh.
I was drawn out of my thoughts when I heard a sudden greeting by Niaga, and it was addressed to me! "Why hi there!"
I jumped at the sound of her voice and I hid as much as I could behind Greggor.
"Oh I'm sorry!" Niaga quickly apologized, trying to comfort me in my sudden shock, "I didn't mean to scare you."
"It's alright Nia," Greggor explained sympathetically to Niaga, "it's not you, it's just ... well...things haven't been the same for her since...the Gems came to her planet."
"Aww, you poor thing," she cooed softly to me, "those Gem scum really traumatized ya, huh? Well, don't you worry. You're in good claws here on Truncanatis. You got good ole Greggor to protect ya, along with the rest of us here in the tribe! You'll be adjusted in no time."
"That's why we must unfortunately have to leave ya Nia," Greggor replied, "We're on our way to meet the King and..."
"Ah, say no more." She interrupted politely, "Say no more."
Niaga turned to me with a smile and said, "Tell the King that I said hi, okay?" Finishing her statement with a wink.
"She will," said Greggor as he pushed me gently more into his shadow and guided my steps towards the Temple.
As we walked away from Niaga's booth, my eyes began to wonder and came upon the huge circular hole in the center of the Capitol. It looked smaller from my view from earlier. I swear, this hole was bigger than the Capitol itself. And the strangest part about it was that...it looked like it was intentionally made. But why? Why would the Truncanasors intentionally placed such a minor nuisance to walk around? It didn't seem to make any sense because it didn't seem to have a purpose. As we got closer to the hole, I was able to look over and see that the hole was pitch black on the inside. Like it was a cave. I thought that I saw something piled in the center at the bottom of this hole, but I couldn't exactly tell what it was.
After we went around the hole, we reached to the bottom steps of the temple. The King's temple. His palace. His home.
It was far grander than I expected it to be when observing it from the cliff side earlier. Not to mention that it's steps were far steeper. Truly, this temple towered above the rest of the structures here at the Capitol. It definitely was built for a King. But yet, it could never compete with the size of the towers back on Homeworld. It looked like it was made from a brownish red, dusty, but hard stone. This thing would probably be the last building standing if the Capitol was were attacked by invading forces.
In the corner of my eye, I was bewildered by the sight of ships! Actually spaceships! The first sign of technology I've seen on this planet. There was an actual spaceship station next to the King's temple. But of course, no close to the size of the massive stations we have on Homeworld. The shipshere on Truncanatics were quite large in order to accommodate the massive size of the Truncanasors who operate them. The ships were brownish red like the temple, but covered in a white swirled design that resembled the one on Jasora's skin. Was this design a significant symbol for Truncanatis culture? If so, what does it mean? The shape and design of the ships almost befuddled me at first. They looked like long, slender, four footed lizards with feathery wings.
But then, I realized...they were suppose to look like The Guardian.
All the air that was inside me almost escaped when I realized this.
But then, I felt the gentle pull of Greggor's claw and followed him up the stairs. My previous anxiety from before had returned to me, but in full stride. It felt like I was walking towards my death, like I was striding towards my demise and accepting my fate as a treacherous Pearl. I wanted to pull away from Greggor's grip so bad, but then, I had to remind myself that Greggor was holding my hand for reason. He was here now for a reason. He was walking with me. Me and me alone. He was walking towards death too, towards a horrifying demise, with me.
I wasn't alone...
As long as I wasn't alone...I can face the certainty of death ahead...
We soon reached to the top, meeting up with Jasora again. She gave us a smile, which to me at the time, seemed unsettling because I didn't know what her true motivations were. Was she truly with us or with the King or with someone else entirely?
We went through a large, grand, square entrance. And the temple hallway inside was dark; that is, except for a open square doorway shining with sunlight on the right towards the end of this hallway. We went towards this doorway; and, when we walked through, I was greeted by a grand and massive throne room just filled with Truncanasors and other aliens refugees alike. But mostly, Truncanasors. The citizens of this planet mostly resided by the walls of this throne room, leaving it clear for the pathway leading towards the throne.
I looked down and saw what I thought couldn't be possible. That is...if you were in a Gem's worst nightmare.
Truly, it was the embodiment of why Gems feared the Truncanasors so much. On the floor, there was a pathway made up of entirely of...Gem shards. Millions upon millions of pieces of Gem warriors, shining horrifically but colorfully in the light of sunlight coming from the open roof of this throne room. There was no question about it when I saw it. It was like I could hear all the silent but agonizing screams of the Gems that have fallen, longing for their pieces to reunite and become whole again. Just waiting for their pain to end...
I could feel my body leaning back, as if my legs were accepting the fact that I was going to fall backwards and faint. Luckily, Greggor tightened his grip on my hand and was able to catch me before I could do so. He put his claw onto the middle on my back, came to my eye level and whispered in a soothing tone, "Woah woah, easy. Easy there. It's alright."
And with a smile, he added, "I gotcha, okay?"
I nodded my head and smiled. I squeaked out in the quietest voice I could muster, "Okay."
Despite having Greggor so close to my side,...everything was not okay.
I knew that I gave some resistance to Greggor's gentle grip when we walked upon that Gem shard path, with Jasora leading the way. In that moment, I felt like a bigger traitor to the Gem Empire. I was literally walking across my fellow Gems in their agonizing yet tragic state. What kind of Gem am I to do such a thing? Looking back at that moment, that was probably the first time that I truly had any real regard, respect, and compassion for my fellow Gem.
I looked away from the path below our feet, and allowed my eyes to gaze up to what was ahead. When they did, they widened. It was far more terrifying than the Gem share path. It was...the King himself...
He was a white Truncanasor, almost off white due to his skin being possibly tinted by dirt. But like Jasora, his skin was covered by the same swirly and smooth designs. Were these designs a sign of power? They had to be if they were on the King. But this begs the question: was Jasora in a status of power like the King? She had to be since Greggor had to seek her for help. Plus, those guards at the doors regarded her with respect. What made the King's swirled skin designs different from Jasora's was the color. The designs were red. Blood red. They boldly glowed against his off white skin.
But that wasn't the only bold feature about him. Like Jasora, he had two heads. Two massive heads with eyes sharper than Greggor's, with jaws more menacing and piercing than Greggor's, claws longer than Greggor's, and magnificent long head fins that trailed all the way to the ground on each head. Again, was having two heads a sign of power and authority? What was Jasora's place in the King's court? What was her place in this crazy society? This King looked far taller than Jasora and Greggor; but, despite this height, he looked much leaner than Greggor. His body type held more similarities with Jasora's toned yet lean body structure. However, his height gave me the feeling that his strength shouldn't be underestimated.
After all,...he was sitting on a marvelous throne made up entirely of millions of Gem shards...
So,...he was the Truncanasor behind the creation of this Gem shard path. He was the one who made this throne. He was the one who shattered all these Gems.
As if this wasn't enough, he wore heavily decorated and bold head dresses on each of his heads; made up entirely of feathers, leather, beads, and Gem shards. Some of the Gem shards even dangled on strands of leather that hanged softly on the sides of his heads. Did he wear this attire in front of Blue Diamond? Or any of the Diamonds? Is this just for his people...or for all to see? Is it just for me to see?
His head dresses were the most elaborate pieces of clothing on him. The rest of his attire was simple in comparison. Multiple strands of light brown leather bracelets and rings on his wrists and fingers, a light brown loin cloth, and strings of stripped tree bark wrapped around his feet and thighs. And I thought Jasora was extravagant in her attire here on Truncanatis. Then again, everyone here dresses so simply. It must be a way of showing their power and status. It eerily reminded me of Blue Diamond's court. Here I am...judging their attire so critically...just like those Gem aristocrats. It was then I realized that Blue Diamond's court had more of an effect on me than I realized.
Anyway, I couldn't keep my gaze away from the King's sharp and serious eyes. It was like they hypnotized my mind into their gaze, pulling me closer and closer to him. Close into his sharp grip. Close into his chilling jaws. Close to death itself. I gulped as we approached just a few feet away from the throne.
My eyes widened when I saw a group of male Truncanasors gathered around the throne on each side. What I didn't know back then was that Boar and his soldiers were in that crowd of warriors. Boar's eyes widened when he saw Greggor, wondering why his brother suddenly had a stranger holding his hand and following behind him. After all, earlier today, Greggor was all alone. Supposedly. Greggor looked back at Boar; but...he didn't indulge in his brother's shock. He continued forth stoically and focused on the King. And this left Boar in great disarray and confusion.
Suddenly, I was scared out of my wits when I saw the King's expression lightened when he saw Jasora and Greggor. Especially Jasora.
"Jasora!" He exclaimed in his extravagant, but proud and deep voice. Rising from his throne and happily strolling towards Jasora.
The chatter and noise of the crowd that consumed the throne room did not seize, especially as King left his throne. They didn't even to look towards him. As if greeting us was just a normal ritual. But still...their great King...the destroyer of Gems...if Blue Diamond did that...her court would automatically seize their chatter and direct all of their attention towards her. Without question.
When The King was just a few inches away from Jasora, I swiftly but subtlety hid behind Greggor. But my grip on Greggor's claw tightened. Oh Greggor...
The King opened his arms gladly to Jasora and she joined him into a loving but firm hug. As they parted slightly from this hug, The King rejoiced in a hardy but joyous voice. A voice that I didn't expect from this mighty enemy of Homeworld. "Sister, it has been a millennium! The Great Spirits have keep you away for far too long!"
"Or was I simply trying to stay away from my encourageable brother who always yells into my ear drums?" Jasora teased smoothly with a smirk.
The King's boisterous laugh boomed into the air. As he laughed, he took both of Jasora's heads into the space between his side and arm, and locked on tight. He messed with the position of Jasora's head fin with his opposing claw. Jasora chuckled and snorted in this playful struggle.
As their laughter died down, they released one another and Jasora explained, "Well my brother, I was not the only Truncanasor that the Great Spirits called upon."
She step to the side and gestured The King's attention towards Greggor. Greggor immediately stiffened when his gaze met with The King's. The King's expression softened slightly as he approached Greggor, giving off an unusual friendly aura around him. He offered his right claw to Greggor and announced, "Ah yes, Greggor. I've heard much of you my boy."
"You...you have?!" Greggor reacted in a bewildered tone, while shaking The King's claw.
"When Jasora and I last saw one another, she spoke very highly of you as a hatchling. Plus, your hunting contribution to the tribe holds no bounds. Any King could appreciate that. Not to mention, your brother speaks to no end of your endless wit." The King chuckled at the end.
Greggor couldn't help but nervously chuckled, "I'm sure that he has told you too many stories of my exploits."
The King laughed in a hearty manner once more at Greggor's joke. So hard in fact that he forcefully slapped Greggor's shoulder in his excitement. I could tell that this physically bruised Greggor immensely, despite his smile and laughter trying to cover up all the pain. As The King's laughter began to calm down, The King's eyes opened and they suddenly seized my gaze. I gasped quietly when he saw me.
"Oh, hello there small one." He whispered with a small smile.
I let out a squeak before retreating to Greggor's shadow and clinging to his back desperately.
"Oh no no, don't be scared." The King tried to comfort me. He turned to Greggor and remarked to him softly, "I can see what Jasora had meant. The Great Spirits were working through you my boy."
"Well I...," Greggor replied hesitantly, "I don't know about that."
I could feel Greggor shudder a little before letting his body step aside, thus exposing me to The King. Exposing all of The King's might to me. My knees locked tight to each other, but trembled furiously. My head hung so low that all that the only thing I could see was the edge of the poncho's hood. I clinged my arms and hands to my chest, squeezing my upper body so forcefully. My body felt like it was curled into a tight ball as I stood there motionlessly.
The King placed his claws on his knees, and lowered his heads to my eye level. I still couldn't raise my head to him. All that I could look at was all those Gem shards hanging from his head dress and the Gem shards in the pathway below my feet. In that moment, it was better to gaze at the pieces of my people than the sharp eyes of The King.
"Do not worry little one. I am a friend. My name is Afrasor. May I ask what your name is?" He asked me in a whispering tone, with a strangely soft smile.
What was my name?! Oh sweet celestial plans! What was my name again?!
"I...," was all that I could choked out, "I...I..."
"C-Crystal!" Greggor interrupted suddenly.
The King turned his heads away from me and directed his attention back to Greggor.
"I mean, Crystal." Greggor explained in a calmer yet still nervous tone, "Her name is Crystal, Your Majesty. She's from the Falca planet. A moon in the Guins Galaxy. The, uh, Gems...the Gems took over her planet and…"
"Say no more." The King stopped Greggor, and put his claw up high. But in a polite manner. "I understand." He continued solemnly.
He turned to me once more, unfortunately for me. I kept my head down, trying to politely lift my eyes to him; thus, encouraging him to talk to me. From the moment I met the King, I knew that he would be stubborn and persistent. Just looking into the dark pupils of his eyes, I could see a fire that could never put off. He can a very certain, confident, but hard headed and willful look. I shuddered slightly when he placed his long talon hand on top of my head. His eyes were, however, surprisingly soft despite being so sharp and narrow. But like with Jasora, I could never tell which pair of eyes that I should look into. And with an almost sad looking smile, he told me, "The Gems are no longer with you, little one. The Gems are not here. They will never be here."
If only he knew...
"You are one of us now," He continued as he lowered down some more, "you...are part of our tribe. The Gems may have taken your home and your people, but, the fact that you survived their wrath proves that you are stronger than they'll ever be."
The King turned to the crowd on each side of the room. They were no longer chatty and carefree as they were before. They must have stopped when they saw their King pay so much close attention to me. He then proclaimed in a booming but happy voice, "Brothers and sisters! May I introduce you to our new sister: Crystal!"
I was startled by the sudden applause and cheer by the Truncanasors and aliens in the room. I turned my attention back to the King, who was still smiling at me and proudly if I might add. As if I had accomplished something great. Which, I haven't.
Then, my eyes widened when I saw a pair of small, triangular shaped, furry, dark brown ears popping up from behind the King's shoulder. These ears belonged to a face. A round, furry, dark brown face. With large, round, light pink eyes, a light brown triangular nose, and long thin hairs called whiskers attached to her cheeks. Could it be? It was...
It was a Galaxius Feline! Humanoid felines that resided in the planet once known as Briar Aurora in the Humanoid Animus Galaxy. I thought...I thought their kind was no more when Homeworld took over and made it into one of the colonies. Was this small Galaxius Feline the last of her kind? Did the Truncanasors tried to save the Galaxius Feline kind? How did the King save this one? I don't remember the Truncanasors involvement in the terraform conversion of Briar Aurora. Or at least...Blue Diamond didn't tell me. Then again, I don't remember Blue Diamond having peace negotiations with the Galaxius Felines. But...why was that? The Galaxius Felines, according to the reports, were smart but docile aliens who would have been the ideal candidates for peaceful council meetings with Blue Diamond.
Why didn't Blue Diamond converse with their king beforehand?
The little Galaxius Feline hanging on the King's shoulder kept staring at me with her wide, deep, light pink eyes. And this confused me cause I didn't know how to interact with her. Was she a close friend to the King? She had to be for the King to allow her to be so close to him in such a casual manner.
As she continued to lean forward and slightly climb down the King's chest, I noticed that she wore a leather string around her neck and the jewel hanging from it the center from it was a Gem Shard. A dark pink Gem Shard. Based on it's cut, color, clarity, size, and the roughness of it's surface, the Shard looks like it belongs to a Quartz warrior. Or rather, it used to belong to a Quartz warrior. I couldn't tell what kind of Quartz Warrior due to how small and harshly…"cut"...this Gem Shard was.
Did this little Galaxius Feline shatter a Gem? How could this be so? She was so small, especially compared to a Truncanasor or even to a Quartz. She didn't look strong, or powerful, or mighty. Sure, she might be quite quick or agile, but...the Galaxius Feline were known as a peaceful, non revengeful species among their respective galaxy. War was such a foreign entity to them. Even by the standards of Blue Diamond and her Court, these creatures were always civil and polite. One of the most easiest alien species to deal with.
For all that I knew, these Galaxius Felines might have fought for the life of their planet before it's concluded destruction. Did Homeworld took the planet without negotiation? Was Blue Diamond's position nothing more than a lie?
I shook this from my thoughts and focused my mind on the small creature strangely getting closer to me with her muzzle. She was trying to smell me as much as she could without leaving her hold from the King's chest. Her claws were deep in his skin, but he didn't seem bothered by it. Based on her behavior, this Galaxius Feline did not shatter a Gem in order to get her necklace. She seemed to be the curious, naive type rather than of a warrior.
But still, her attempts to get closer in deciphering my scent made me feel uneasy.
The King nervously yet softly chuckled while pulling the creature slightly back, "Hehe forgive my daughter, Crystal. My Kuki is quite young, and this is her way of getting accustomed with a new alien species."
The King pulled her off his chest and placed her on her feet to the ground.
"Daught-er?" I mumbled quietly aloud.
Suddenly, I was taken back and almost stumbled backwards when the King's daughter started circling me and sniffing me all around. After she took one lap around me, she raised her left arm and pointed a finger at me, "Papa, she smells different."
The King chuckled deeply in his throats and explained, "Of course she does sweetheart, she's from another world. All of our brothers and sisters from other worlds smell different to us."
"No, I mean she smells REALLY different. Like really really different."
Oh no, she was on to me.
The King went up to his daughter and gently placed his claw on her back, in order to turn her to face me. With a soft smile, he whispered to her, "Now Kuki, enough of that. Besides, aren't you going to say hello to our new sister?"
This Kuki turned her with in-readable face and greeted with, "Hello sister! You smell different."
The King let out a hardy laugh and remarked to me, "Forgive her Crystal, my daughter has unfortunately inherited my sense of brutal honesty."
"Or," Jasora commented with a bit of sass, "did you simply let her become brutally honest like you?"
The King cracked up at Jasora's joke, so much so that he gave her a huge pat on the back. And she did the same for him, as she snickered underneath her breath. It was so strange to hear a creature like Jasora laugh.
"Oh Jasora," The King shouted, "you've haven't changed a bit!"
I let out a nervous, insincere chuckle in order to laugh along with the King and Jasora.
But this moment didn't last when I was suddenly ambushed by the King's daughter Kuki. She rapidly jumped onto to me, and...traveled down to the end Greggor's poncho in order to enter through the bottom of it! Oh no! I can't let her see my gem! This can't be happening!
I wiggled, squirmed, and moved around to the best of my ability. Trying to divert her crawling form to the other parts of my body. However, this Kuki was too quick and she unfortunately found what she was looking for. Before I knew it, she pulled Greggor's poncho off me and exposed my Gem for the King and for the rest of the court to see.
To me, everything felt like it was falling. Slowly, gracefully, but ever so surely to the ground. Silence. I couldn't find any sound around me. In that moment, I could feel every wide eyed, lingering, stinging gaze of every creature in the room.
It was over. My world was over. My entire existence was going to be over before I knew it.
I was so distraught that I could barely hear Kuki say joyfully as she touched my Gem, "Papa, papa! I found it! I found it! I found where the strange smell was coming from! It's from her necklace! Oh Papa, look at her necklace! Look at her necklace! Isn't it pretty?!"
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped when I saw The King charge head on towards my direction, like electricity running loose from its cage. I closed my eyes and waited for the impact. But however, a sudden but loud thud caught my attention. The first thing I saw was Jasora pushing against and stopping the King with one arm, and with the other arm, using it as a wall and barrier to protect me and Kuki. With all her strength, she let out a quick shout as she pushed the King away from me and Kuki.
While the King was getting back to his feet and regaining his original stance, Jasora quickly grabbed Kuki from me and gave her to another female Truncanasor in the audience. The female Truncanasor wasn't standing far from the throne, and was ready to protect Kuki in her embrace. I could distinctly hear the small Feline meaked out as she stared at the King, "Papa?"
Suddenly, I could feel Greggor quickly grabbing me by the shoulders. He placed me behind him once more, but this time, his shoulders were hunched over. His knees were bent and steady. His left arm acted as a shield for me, while the other was ready to be used as a weapon. His right claw looked so sharp and deadly, like a sai of some sort if I know weapons correctly. But, Greggor's claw...it is certainly not the same warm claw that I've been longing to touch all day.
The King was panting, but yet his eyes were filled with the bright flame of rage and darkness. And they were straight onto me, Jasora, and Greggor.
"Jasora!" He screamed ferociously, his voice almost sounding like an animalistic roar, "what is the meaning of this?!"
"Brother," Jasora firmly but calmly asserted to the King and the audience, "let me speak...before you do something that you'll regret."
"Speak?!" The King screamed once more, agitated by Jasora's steady and calm tone, "Speak of what?! Why this Kana is still alive in MY presence?! Yes, please! Do explain yourself, sister! Before I have no choice but strike you where you stand!"
There it was. There was that word again. Kana. The word with so much meaning, yet couldn't be translated. But why? Even now, at my final moments, I begin to wonder again. Why…?
"Papa!" I heard Kuki cry out, fighting through the restraining grip of her caretaker, "Stop yelling at Auntie Jasora!"
But, her father ignored her cry.
"She is not Kana brother!" Jasora proclaimed loudly, trying to be slightly louder than the King, "At least,...not anymore."
Then, Jasora turned herself away from the King and addressed the audience that surrounded us. I could feel them closing in with each breath that Greggor took in.
"My brothers! My sisters! This Gem is not Crystal. Her name is Pearl, and she has escaped from the wrath of her own people. Her own people, my brothers and sisters!"
This caused a not so subtle and loud murmur among the crowd. The King's expression did not change. It remained piercing and silent towards us and Jasora.
"For you see, my people," Jasora continued with great conviction, "this Pearl was not a warrior among her people, but a slave. And as a slave, she suffered at the supposed mercy and wisdom of her master. The true Kana that we Truncanasors should hiss at. Blue Diamond!"
The crowd gasped and hissed at Blue Diamond's name. Even I was taken back when her name was announced so suddenly. It felt so long since I've heard her name. Especially since I...since I... Not ever since she dismissed me from her side and ordered for my instant demise. I could feel a great heaviness sinking inside me.
The King's fists tightened at Blue Diamond's name, and his sharp teeth gritted against each other. I could pick up on a low but distinct growl in his voice, "All the more reason why we must shatter this Pearl where she stands, sister."
Then, he explained to his court, "Or do you seem to forget what Blue Diamond has done?! What she done to our Queen?! Our Immortal Queen?! Or has this Kana already twisted your mind into believing her lies?! This spy! This formless, heartless, Kana spy!"
The Immortal Queen? Who is this Immortal Queen? I thought Truncanatis had only one ruler, and this Afrasor was this planet's king. Are there two rulers? And more importantly,...how does Blue Diamond know of this Immortal Queen?
"Brother!" Jasora firmly reminded the male Truncanasor before her, "Do not speak so quickly and harshly of what you do not know."
"And what do you know, sister of mine?" The King growled.
"Only of what the Great Spirits told me."
Jasora turned herself to the audience and announced in a revered tone, "My brothers and sisters, after this Pearl told me of her woes, I seeked counsel from the Great Spirits. They told me that this Gem was saved for a reason. And that reason was them. My people...the Great Spirits saved Pearl."
The...The Great Spirits saved me? But...but why?
The crowd of Truncanasors and aliens caused a murmur louder than before, so loudly in fact that it seemed like they were shouting at each other rather than conversing with one another.
The King looked around and stared at Jasora with suspicion yet curiosity. The King took a step forward.
"They saved her," Jasora continued softly, but still loud enough for all to hear, "so, if this Kana has earned their mercy, should we not do the same?"
Silence quickly took over the giant throne room. I was surprised on how silent it was, and how rapidly the beings of the room just, well, shut up the way they did.
"Did they say why?" The King asked in the calmest voice he could muster. But only to gain the truth from Jasora.
"No." Jasora bowing both her heads down, her eyes closed while doing so.
The King's calm voice swiftly disappeared, soon replaced by his roar. But this time, he didn't hold back, "YOU LIE!"
"I AM NOT LYING! THE GREAT SPIRITS PROVIDE NOTHING ELSE!"
"I KNOW YOU WELL ENOUGH SISTER! WELL ENOUGH TO KNOW WHEN YOU LIE! I KNEW IT! THIS KANA HAS HYPNOTIZED YOU! JUST LIKE THE OTHERS, SHE IS NO DIFFERENT! IT IS NOT EVEN RIGHT TO CALL THAT MONSTER A 'SHE'. THE LABEL OF MOTHERHOOD MUST BE EARNED! NOT ASSUMED!"
"BROTHER! YOU ARE LETTING YOUR ANGER DECIDE YOUR FATE! DO NOT MAKE ME ROAR AGAIN! I DO NOT WISH TO LECTURE YOU NO MORE AS A HATCHLING!"
"THE ONLY FOOLISH HATCHLING AROUND HERE IS YOU, SISTER! YOU LET THIS SPIRIT-LESS BEING DECEIVE YOU, AND BECAUSE OF THIS, HER KIND WILL FLOOD OUR LAND!"
"NO GEM WOULD DARE TAKE ONE STEP ON OUR LAND! NOT WHILE THE IMMORTAL QUEEN LIVES!"
"OH REALLY?! THEN EXPLAIN THIS PEARL!"
What happened next was what I can only describe as violent, destructive, animalistic maelstrom. Trunacanasors and aliens were running around everywhere in any direction they can to escape the savage battles that were occuring. They screamed in terror, and I could faintly hear the sorrowful cries of young Kuki crying out for The King and Jasora as her caretaker took her away from the scene. The King and Jasora went quickly for each other's throat, faster than I could even blink. One moment, they would be crawling on the floor in front me, tearing each other's skins off. But then in the next moment, they were crawling on the floor on the other side of the room and continuing to claw at one other. There were brief glances where I could see them using each other's giant jaws and fangs for combat. Each of the individuals' two heads rapidly pecked and nawed at each other faster than I can say. It was like the four hears involved were fast wielding daggers swiping at their enemy with no mercy.
But, I didn't have time to process their fight because I had to stay as close to Greggor's back as arm that he was using as my shield was now wrapped around me as he possibly could, while still having me stand in his shadow. He was now using his body to shield me more than ever. His head fin was flared up high, and more spikes from that fin began to sprout out. An unsettling growl rumbled in his throat, and it sent shivers up my spine. Again, this was not the Greggor I had come to know. He looked more of the typical Truncanasors that we Gems came to fear: simply feral and cruel.
"BROTHER!" Boar fiercely roared, as he quickly stomped over to Greggor with his shoulders hunched over, his eyes narrowed in and sharp, his claw flared out, and his head fin standing straight out. "HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?!"
"Pearl, stay behind me." Greggor whispered to me in a protective tone, not taking his eyes away from Boar.
"AFTER ALL THAT THEY HAVE DONE TO OUR PEOPLE?! AFTER ALL THAT THEY HAVE DONE TO OUR FAMILY?!"
Greggor could only respond by narrowing his gaze, and subtly prepare his stance for battle.
For a brief, a hurt expression painted Boar's face. But, this expression did not last long. His eyes narrowed in on Greggor, his fangs flared out, and grumbled out a dark, dismaying growl. A growl that could even make a Nephrite commander tremble and shake, "Very well then…"
Unfortunately, dear Greggor returned this growl with a growl of his own,...and it terrified me.
I jumped when suddenly the two Truncanasors before me began to roar at each other loudly and proudly, leaving all sense of language and reason behind. But before I knew it, I was quickly kidnapped away from Greggor by a harsh and unknown. I rapidly looked behind me and saw a male Truncanasor soldier holding my arms from the back; and then, in the front, another male Truncanasor soldier was holding me up by my legs. I couldn't move! I couldn't escape! I tried to, but they kidnapped me before I could never think about escaping.
I called out with great distress in my struggle, "Greggor!"
Greggor immediately turned his leer away from Boar, and his whole face softened yet dropped when he saw the two soldiers separating us. He called out, "Pearl!"
However, before he could run after me, Boar immediately tackled him to the ground and away from my sight.
"GREGGOR!"
I screamed desperately, just hoping that Greggor could hear my voice somehow and use this knowledge as strength to fight through Boar in order to return back to my side. I kept screaming his name over and over, each call becoming more desperate than the next. I tried to fight through this tight hold that was on my arms and legs in order to get small glimpse as to what was happening between Greggor and Boar. Just when I thought the battle between Jasora and the King was savage,...the battle between Greggor and Boar was far worse. These two truly fought like animals, without mercy or conviction. Each were aimed for destruction and demise, especially Boar. I could see it in his eyes. His eyes were clouded with the smoke coming from promise of the end of his brother's existence. There were times when Boar had the upper claw, and the heaviness that dwelled in my body would sink to my stomach. But then, I would feel light and hopeful once more when I would see Greggor fighting back against Boar and gaining the upper claw. And when he did, I would scream his name louder than before. Each time I did so, my voice became more and more horse. But I didn't care because when I called out to him, there was a part of me that thought that this was helping in Greggor's battle. But nonetheless, there was still another side to me that argued that it could never be the case. It was pure, dumb, amazing luck that Greggor was winning and he needed to. Greggor knew that he needed to cause if he didn't…
RAWRRRRR!
My world fell once more when I heard Greggor's roar of pure agony. All my previous thoughts of his roar being scary were being replaced the ache I felt when hearing his piercing pain. The room became silent to me. I couldn't hear the roars, the battles, the shouts, the screams, and chaos of this room. All that I could focus on was Greggor and his cry for help. My eyes widened to their fullest capacity when I witnessed Greggor's neck being pierced through completely by Boar's jaws. His jaws were completely through his neck. Those incredibly sharp, long, and needle-like fangs and teeth into Greggor's neck. And I saw, for the first time, a substance called blood bursting from his neck.
Greggor's neck looked like it had cracks in it...
I focused my gaze even more as I saw Greggor stiff and pause at Boar's sudden hold on his neck. And as quickly as he striked, Boar quickly drew his jaws out and allowed Greggor to choke out and collapse miserably into the floor.
And as soon as he collapsed to the floor, I cried out, "GREGGOR!"
The chaotic and hectic noise of the room returned to my ears as I whimpered out softly to Greggor's unconscious body, "Greggor…"
As much as I wanted to look away and forget all that just happened to Greggor, I couldn't help but helpless stare at him. Feeling utterly and completely useless, meaningless, defective, traitorous, off-colored, malfunctioning, but above all else empty. But this emptiness was different than before when Blue Diamond disowned me and ordered for my shattering. True, it was devastation and sadness. But years later, after reflecting at this moment, this was when I truly embodied the full meaning of the word sadness. Sorrowful. Mournful. Weak. And above all else broken.
I had failed him. I failed Greggor. I failed in all that he sacrificed for. All that he did, all that Jasora did, all that I did was truly for nothing. Perhaps the request for my own existence to continue peacefully was too much of a request. Perhaps this was my punishment for fighting against my fate. My fate to be destroyed once and for all by having Greggor destroyed first, and letting my last minutes in this lifetime be in utter suffering.
Yes,...this is what I truly deserved…
It was all too good to be true from the start. My escape from Homeworld, meeting Greggor, and being handed his willing promise of protection and loyalty. It was all too good for a Kana like me.
Oh gem that lies on my chest, tell me what I'm suppose to do…
My eyes then beheld Greggor's brother Boar just stand over Greggor's body solemnly. I could not see his expression or hear what he was mumbling under his breath, but I didn't care because...what I witnessed next changed everything. Boar snarled, with his jaw dripping with Greggor's blood, and spat a small but spiteful spit at Greggor's face. A spit made up of Boar's saliva, his blood, and Greggor's blood. Then, he walked away coldly.
In that moment, all my sorrowful, pitiful, depressing, saddened emotions completely drained from my mind and my body; and soon got quickly replaced by something else. Something that I have never felt before: rage.
I was surprised how quickly it spread throughout me, and how quickly I succumb to it. It made me wonder what it said about me at the time. But however, I didn't really have the time and patience to process it all. I couldn't really think, just feel. Feel my gem burning like a torch against the darkest sky. I felt like if I touched it, I would actually be burnt by it. And at the time, I was unaware and ignorant of my own gem was. The light from my gem was burning bright. Brighter than it was ever before. It was like it was signaling me to take action. The Truncanasors the held me down were utterly terrified by my glowing gem, but they couldn't let go of me. They thought it was a sign of something terrible to come, like I was about to release something monstrous.
My whole body was hot and tight from this anger. This heat, this tightness, all of this needed to escape my body before it was too late. Without any regard to what may come, I shouted and screamed as I used my legs to push the Trunacansor, who was holding my legs, roughly to the ground. And thus, freeing my legs from his hold.
The Truncanasor, who was holding my arms back, snarled and roared in my face in response to his friend being pushed to the ground. But I did not flick. I did not tremble and fall at his growling face. Instead, I turned my head slightly to him, strained and placed my free hands as much as I could on his left arm, lifted him over my head and off the ground, and thrashed him to where his friend was.
This act of self-defense immediately attracted the attention of the other soldiers in the room, and they instantly ran towards me fiercely with battle cries and weapons in their claws. And their jaws and fangs bared out.
I took a quick look between the charging soldiers and the fins and space located right above their heads. The space was free for the time being, and if I didn't take the risk now, I would never be able to escape this army that was after me. I crouched close to the ground, and using all the adrenaline, anger, and strength in my legs, I leaped high into the air. When I first went airbourne, I quickly had some small doubts about whether I was high enough to accomplish my task.
But once my feet landed on top of one of the soldiers' fins, those doubtful thoughts instantly vanished and my feet took off. They took off the way they did when I had to escape from those Jaspers back at Homeworld's prison chambers. I leaped from one head to another, keeping my gaze consistent with the sight of Greggor's bleeding body. My body and my gem was growing hotter and hotter with each inch I took closer to Greggor. I didn't ask why this was. I didn't care why my gem was doing all this. I didn't even care about the chaos around me, the soldiers, The King, Jasora, or my own existence at sake...all that I cared about was reaching Greggor and that's it.
When I jump off the head of the last soldier in the back of the Truncanasor charge and landed back to the ground, I suddenly witnessed Boar running towards me, flashing his needle like teeth and roaring deeply yet loudly. Making the whole room, despite its chaos, echo in its power. But I still did not falter. This time...I prepared my stance and made myself ready for this attack. I had no choice but to face him, not only because of my anger and my adrenaline, but also because I knew this was the only way to get to Greggor. He was so close by, and in my mind, facing one more Truncanasor, even it was Greggor's brother, was worth the risk.
I reached out to Boar once his rampaging body got close enough for me to reach comfortably but quickly. I specifically aimed to the middle of his stomach and lower torso area. I spread out my arms and rapidly wrapped my arms tightly around him, and this immediately stopped him in his tracks. For a moment, I could have sworn that I heard some light breath escaping from him accidentally. He was certainly not ready for the strength and impact of my attack. Before I could lose the momentum of his still tipping and falling body, I threw over my shoulders and sent him to the ground behind me. He landed directed on his bottom jaw with a great thud.
My ears were able to pick up on Boar's movements and the sound of his moanful groans. As swiftly as he could, he lifted himself back to his knees and held his bleeding bottom jaw with his claw. With a bloody snarl-like growl, he spitted out, "Why you little…?!"
But, he suddenly stop. Boar went quiet. In fact, the whole throne room went quiet. Everything stopped. Just for a moment.
But, my mind was not on this stillness or the silence. My mind wasn't able to process this or pay attention to it at the time. I didn't even notice that my gem stopped glowing.
No, all my breath and energy was spent on Greggor.
I knelt before on Greggor's left side, particularly placing myself the space near Greggor's neck and face. The space near Greggor's neck and face,...in fact...the whole surrounding area near Greggor's body was just painted and flowing with blood. It was warm but thick. It just stick and cling to my legs, my body, my form. This sensation sent shivers up my spine, heightened by the fact that I had no idea what blood was at the time. But despite not having this knowledge, I knew based on Greggor's weakened state that he didn't need this stuff flowing out of his mortal body.
My hands hovered over his chest and the collarbone area near his neck. Out of breath, I called out loud enough for Greggor to hear me but not to startle him at the same time, "Greggor…!"
His eyes were still closed, and his face lied lifeless away from my gaze. I gasped and my body began to shake at his lack of response.
"Greggor…?" I whimpered, with tears starting to stream softly down my face and my trembling right hand hovering over the side of his face.
For the second time in my existence, I cried.
But these tears, this time, were different from before. My tears in front of Blue Diamond were cold and almost harsh and hard against my skin and my form. But my tears for Greggor, on the other hand, held the same warmth as my gem just held just a few moments ago. They felt kind to me, despite the contrasting heaviness and ache that was forming deep down inside. I wanted the heaviness and ache consume me, as punishment for all that I did to Greggor.
My trembling hand carefully and gently lifted Greggor's head off the ground by the right side of his face. Once I was able to face Greggor head on, I took both sides of his neck with both of my hands. Despite how weak my hands felt at the time. Specifically, I placed my hands over the giant cracks and holes caused by Boar's paralyzing bite.
Once I placed my hands on Greggor's neck, I began to feel his blood clinging uncomfortably to my hands, my skin, my body, my form. The warmth held in his blood was not the comforting kind. No, the fire held in Greggor's blood was something of pure malice, and truly unkind. The blood escaping Greggor was stealing the life, the light, the warmth, the kindness, and the joy out of my sweet Greggor. He looked so pale and limp. It broke me within to see him in such a state. It was like his escaping blood was taunting me, mocking me for all that I did to this Truncanasor. The blood kept telling me how selfish I was, how unkind I was, how cruel I was, and above all, how cold I was.
I felt that all those things that the blood said was true. I was everything that the King scorned me to be. I was everything that all the Truncanasors and those refugees feared. I was a tiny shadow and reflection of the Diamond they most despised. I was a being with no platform to stand on, and therefore truly had no true form. I had nothing to give to Greggor. I could only take.
I felt like what I was made for was to take. Take until there is nothing left.
"Oh Greggor," I cried quietly, "I...I did...I did this to you. You swore loyalty to me, and this...this is how I repay you?"
Suddenly, my ears immediately perked when I heard Greggor weakly but harshly choked out a sound. His voice sounded so clogged, like something was blocking the air and openness of his throat. When Greggor choked out a sound, some blood spurted out of his mouth.
"Greg-Greggor?" I yelped with hope in my voice, tears still in my eyes.
Greggor moaned and groaned his immense pain, and as he did so, he weakly opened his beautiful yellow and red eyes half way. Oh how I've missed those eyes. Though dim and pale like his skin right now, still I could tell there was some sparkle and shine to them. Showing me that Greggor was trying to fight this. Not only that, I was thankful that he was looking my way, showing me that he can see despite how weak his sight may be at the moment.
"Earl…" Greggor gargled softly and quietly, his throat choked up with blood.
I leaned forward, letting my chest and upper body rest on his chest gently, and thus allowing my hands to caress the sides of his face more tenderly and for my face to be closer to his. "I'm here Greggor, I'm here."
Then, the rush of my tears soon returned to me with full force, "Oh Greggor, I'm sorry! I'msory, I'msorry, I'msorry, I'msorry, I'msorry! This is all my fault."
Greggor tried to soothe me and shush me calmly by clicking his tongue to the roof of his mouth and hiss out, "Tssshhsst…"
"No Greggor," I protested through my tears, "it's true. This is all my fault. If I had just took your advice about hiding at Jasora's place, if I had just let Boar shattered me, if...if I had just let those Jaspers shatter me back on Homeworld then...I would be shattered instead of you. I...I can live with the end of my own existence, but not yours."
My tears then began to drip off my face and onto Greggor's chest, neck and his bottom jaw. I was almost losing my light grip on Greggor's neck, not only due to my tears, but also how much blood seemed to flow through the tiny space between my fingers with such force and tension.
But, all of the sudden, I felt something sticky, gooey, warm, large, and weak cup my cheek. I opened my eyes and turned my head slightly to see Greggor's claw, dripping and soaked in his own blood, cupping my cheek and looking up at me with the best smile he could muster in his pain. His smile made my chest warm, full, and tight at first, but then weigh it down with great heaviness that could sink to the very bottom of my stomach.
Despite these contradicting feelings, I couldn't help but deeply admire, and be even awestruck, by Greggor's gesture. This Truncanasor always continues to surprise me, and in that hope, I hoped he continued to do so. I hoped he continued to smile at me for as long as I could exist in this universe. I wanted this beautiful, horrible moment to last forever. I wanted this touch to last for eternity. It was better than his claw simply holding than my hand. As much as I didn't like his blood staining my cheek, it was still his tender claw touching me in a manner that I have never experienced before. Before this moment, I have only experience contact from another person through the touch of our hands together. Having Greggor touch my cheek with his weak yet still warm hand felt so intimate, personal, and close. This touch felt reserved to me and me alone. But at the same time, this touch also felt reserved for just me and Greggor. It was like this touch was binding us together, connecting us like binding wires and electricity.
Suddenly, I felt his claw slowly slip from my cheek and I quickly removed one of my hands off his neck in order to hold his claw against my cheek. No, I couldn't let this moment go. Not yet anyway.
Then, Greggor uttered as strongly and clearly as he could, with that weak smile on his face, "Earl...I...gunna bee-tah...o-tah."
After he uttered the words he wanted to say, Greggor's eyes began to drift away from mine and he was starting to close his eyes. I panicked, feeling that he closed his eyes again, I might never see that life in his eyes again. He could leave me.
"Greggor? Greggor! Greggor, stay with me."
"He is right, young one."
I jumped a little when I felt something landed on my shoulder softly. I turned my head and was surprised to see Jasora smiling on me and with one of her claws on my shoulder. She looked so calm, the expression on both of her faces were so warm. But...but why? At time like this when Greggor was clinging to his life?
"He's going to be okay."
It was then that I just noticed all the scraps, cuts, scratches, and wounds that decorated all over Jasora's body. As a result of her fight with the King. Truly, she had to sacrifice a part of herself for my sake as well. However, despite her kind efforts on my half that day, in that moment, all that I could worry about was Greggor. Because of this, I protested softly in a whimper, "But...but he's cracked."
Jasora's eyes widened slightly at my statement, but this moment didn't last long. Her smile returned to her face as she explained, "That may be a case for a Gem, but for Truncanasor, because we are of flesh, blood, and bone, we can heal. We have the ability return from a brutal battle, if in the right circumstances. And luckily for Greggor, the circumstances are in his favor."
"So, he won't…"
"No my child," Jasora comforted me, "he won't shatter. Not today. Not if I have anything to say about it as this planet's shaman and healer."
Before I knew it, I witnessed Greggor's body slowly and carefully being picked up by the Truncanasor soldiers. Some I recognized as the one I had to get through earlier. They lifted him with great care from the back of his head, his shoulders, the middle part of his back, his bottom, his legs, his arms, and his feet. They made sure to take great effort in supporting Greggor from all parts of his body, so that way, Greggor wouldn't feel any unnecessary pain from this transportation.
Jasora started to follow after this group carrying Greggor, and this immediately urged my body to wobble forth. The adrenaline in my system was beginning to wear off and the feeling of utter weariness coming from my gem and the light that created my form was beginning to settle. Especially in my legs for some reason. But nonetheless, I followed after Jasora and the Truncanasors lifting Greggor's body to the door of the throne room. And thus, exiting the throne room.
It was then I just realized how truly quiet the room was, and how still it was. My eyes drew away from Jasora and Greggor, and began to scan all the eyes that were suddenly on me. I could everything in their eyes: fear, confusion, suspicion, but mostly...awe and curiosity. I blushed, and hunched over my back slightly and hide my face behind the shadow of my shoulders, in order to avoid their gaze.
But the last thing that I saw before exiting the throne room, and letting the giant doors just close behind me, was the sight of The King's gaze upon mine. I felt his stare just piercing through me from behind, thus urging me to turn my head slightly. My eyes widened when I saw The King standing, proudly yet with great strength, just covered in the same kind of scratches and bruises and cuts that covered Jasora's body as well. I even saw the little Galaxius Feline cling tightly, emotionally, yet with a slight shy demeanor, to his leg. Even her eyes were on me, and they were big, wide, scared, yet strangely curious.
But the King's eyes...I couldn't read his eyes...or at least at time, I couldn't read his eyes.
Author's Note: Fun fact you guys, this chapter is based on Dreamwork's animated classic "The Prince of Egypt". Or rather, one scene from the movie. Have any of you seen this movie? I love this movie, it is just soooo dang good : ) Anyway, the scene that this chapter is based on is after Moses talks the Burning Bush AKA God, and after his Moses's wife convinces him to let her join him, the scene focuses on the slow but beautiful animated sequence of Moses and his wife traveling through the desert and then into Egypt. The music and the imagery just slowly build and play out this soft tension that Moses and his wife are probably feel as they anticipate their arrival into Egypt. Once they arrive in Egypt, the music just booms and the imagery matches in that dramatic climax as they witness the cruelty that the Egypt place on the Hebrew slaves. Then, we have a slow and almost faded focus on Moses's face while seeing the Egyptian cruelty of his people. Soon the scene just ends with just Moses's face. Then we get the cool quick transition into the inside of Rameses' throne room, which inspired the design of the Truncantis throne room: ) In fact, the character of the movie Rameses inspired the basic core principles, personality, and character of King Afrasor. Anyway, then the scene kinda has a nice slow mellow but tension build up of Moses walking in this throne room up to Rameses. Once Moses is in clear view of Rameses, the music stops and Rameses takes a moment to look at Moses. They walk up to each other and Rameses hugs Moses and exclaims his name despite Moses's surprise. And Moses returns his brotherly gesture and things are light hearted. That is, until Moses says "Rameses, in my heart, you are my brother. But things cannot be as they were." Then he asks for the freedom of his people, and well things really went down from there and the light hearted brotherly relationship is gone. In this chapter, I wanted to capture this sense of building tension before meeting the King, and once we meet the King, things gets surprisingly light hearted...that is...until Pearl's gem is revealed and things really went down from there X D By the way, so sorry for this cliffhanger X D It is definitely worse than Chapter 7's cliffhanger, huh? Another fun fact: The Blue Pearl in my story, especially when it comes to how her story is told and partially how she is characterized and how I see her, is inspired by and based on Dreamwork's Moses. I wanted Blue Pearl to have the same kind of strength, that I felt, Moses displayed in his story/movie: this gentle, calm, soft spoken, but strong sense of strength. I know it is odd to have such inspiration for Blue Pearl, but inspiration comes in mysterious ways.
And yes ladies and gents, you were not mistaken, Steven's Cookie Cat is in this story. Kuki's species is basically Cookie Cat. There is an alien Cookie Cat species. Haha lol if there can be Sneople in this story, then you can beat your bottom dollar that I can put Cookie Cat aliens in this storyX D Lol! And yes, Kuki's name is pronounced exactly as one would think when looking at the name: "Cook-ie." Literally, it's Kuk-i. Haha lol aren't I clever?; )
