Author's Note: This chapter contains discussion of intrusive thoughts.
oOo
Light Green Pearl
"Come along, pearl."
Pearl saw herself staring at Chrome Davite and saying, No.
But in reality, she followed meekly along.
"Here, hold this for me."
Pearl saw herself taking the proffered scroll, and tearing it into a million little pieces.
In reality, she took the paper and held it dutifully.
"What do you think of my new form? Tell me honestly. I need to look my best."
Pearl saw herself spitting in Chrome Davite's face.
In reality, she murmured reassurances of her Master's beauty, and politely suggested smaller eyes next time.
Pearl wondered if any other pearl was like her. If any other Gem was, at all. All broken and wrong on the inside, filled with twisting, ugly images of betrayal.
Her traitorous thoughts went beyond petty misdeeds. Those— those she could handle. Keep in check. The ones that make her clench and squirm are far, far worse.
Pearl saw herself screaming obscenities in the middle of a public forum. Pearl saw herself tripping Chrome Davite as she walked past. Pearl saw herself pushing Chrome Davite off a cliff. Pearl saw herself taking Chrome Davite's inert gemstone and crushing it underfoot. She saw herself laughing as she heard it crack.
Defective. Wrong. Broken. Pearl hated herself, hated these thoughts. One day, they were going to get someone killed.
Most likely herself.
But for now, she kept her face smooth, her voice tempered, and refused to break.