Chapter 5: Return
Rose and Pearl left Jaspers room and headed down the stairs. They went slowly, thinking of the day's events, and of what had just transpired.
"Well Rose, that certainly was… interesting. I didn't expect it to go that well, and that terribly." Pearl said.
"I feel the same way. I didn't expect her to agree to our request so easily, but I am worried about what the favor she's going to ask me will be. I can't imagine it will be anything good."
"Well whatever she asks, you don't actually have to do. If you don't agree with it that is."
"No, I have to do it. If I can't trust myself, who can I trust?"
They pondered these words as they slowly descended the stairs, one step at a time, over and over again, until they finally reached the bottom. They exited the tower and turned to face each other.
"Well Rose, I guess this is goodbye for now. I'll see you again at the meeting, I've got a battalion to get back to."
"Yep I'll see you then, and I have a patrol to get back to."
They quickly embraced, then turned toward their destinations and headed off. Rose made quick progress through the plains towards The Kindergarten. She arrived when the sun was starting to lower in the sky, and she made her way toward where she was patrolling earlier. "I hope Ruby and Sapphire are okay." She thought to herself. as she walked over to her favorite area to patrol in, she heard the sound of… Singing? She was sure that's what it was, but she was just surprised to hear it. Not many Gems had the ability to sing well, most could only dance well. She quickly walked over to a crevice, and peeked inside. In there she saw Ruby and Sapphire, with Sapphire singing and Ruby lying down, staring up at her.
"You two having fun in here?" Rose said.
They both quickly jumped up and looked at each other embarrassed.
"We we're just-" Ruby stammered.
"I was just showing her-" Sapphire said haltingly.
"Settle down you to," Rose said. "I was just checking on both of you. A general has to make sure her battalion is happy after all. Do you need me to take back over Sapphire?"
"NO!" Sapphire said quickly. "Uh, I mean, that won't be necessary. I've got it under control. You go get some rest."
"Don't mind if I do." Rose said. "it's been a really long day, and I have a lot to think about. Stay safe you two, I'll see you tomorrow." Rose said as she walked off.
"Don't worry, we will!" Both Ruby and Sapphire called out, as they headed back.