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;)) Well, based on everyone's votes, it looks like everyone is attached to the original design of the Truncanasors. Alright, original design stays:) Thanks for your guys' input on the matter:)

But I am in need of your guys help once again. For those who have a Wattpad account, because I don't have a Wattpad account, could you please contact Psych0_Gaming on Wattpad and tell them to take down "The Heart of a Pearl" from their account. They did not have my permission to post it on Wattpad. They didn't acknowledge as the original author, which is me, and it is assumed under their account that they are the original author even though it is not explicitly stating that they are the original author. Psych0_Gaming, if you are reading this, which I know you are, please take down "The Heart of a Pearl" from your account. It does not belong to you, it belongs to me. Thank you.

Chapter 9: Staying By Your Side

(Pearl's POV)

I followed Jasora and the soldiers carrying Greggor down the vast hallway, leading away from the throne room. This hallway felt like it could go on forever. Every part of me ached because I felt like Greggor couldn't last much longer in this state. I walked along with the soldiers, near the area and space of Greggor's head. Despite their protective yet stern stares, I didn't shy away from Greggor. I didn't see the soldiers, I didn't see Jasora. I only saw him, and he was the only thing that I wanted to see. More than anything.

I kept my clenched hands close to my chest and placed over my gem; I was silently thanking the mysterious soldier who was gently holding Greggor's neck and head up during this journey. He, or she, was able to keep the blood bursting out of cracks in Greggor's neck and handle him with such care. It didn't seem like Greggor was any pain, and for that, I was grateful. Despite my gratitude, I wasn't able to look up to the soldier who was holding up Greggor's neck and head.

Then, the soldiers and Jasora slightly slowed down as they were cautiously turned a corner of some sorts. It was then I noticed that there was a tall, vertical, entryway in the stone palace walls with no door. Just a clear passage way. I stopped and took a step back in order to allow all the Truncanasors to take in Greggor first. I didn't want to be in the way. Once they were in the room, I quickly followed after. Once inside this room that I considered to be too small for one Truncanasor to be in, let alone over six of them. I saw Jasora directing the soldiers to a Truncansor sized structure embedded into the floor in the middle of the room. It was a large, rounded, horizontally oval piece with a carved out and hollowed out center. The main material that made up this thing was hardened mud, but its outer surface and spine was covered in what appeared to be hardened, giant, green leaves.

Basically, it looked like a tub. A very, very modest and dirty looking tub. The tub was filled with water, but the water looked familiar to me. As strange as it sounds, but it was true. I have seen this kind of water before. No, not from Homeworld, but...from here. Here on Truncanatis. Is that...is that from the pond within Jasora's underground home? Yes, it was. It still, somehow against all scientific reason, held the same glow and purity and radiance of the crystals that surrounded the walls around the water in that underground cave. But..how could that be?

Jasora then proceeded to instruct the Truncanasors to gently place Greggor into the water of this tub. They were so careful and quiet about the matter that I could barely hear the water splash in the tub. Once Greggor was in the water, without a word, the soldiers left the room. But, what I didn't know at the time, due to my attention being focused on Greggor, was that one of the soldiers took one more look at Greggor before he left the room, and it was the soldier who held Greggor's neck and head. It was Boar.

When the soldiers left the room, the room became a bit more spacious. But, nothing significantly bigger than before. Jasora went over to a wooden table not too far from the tub and picked up some dainty light purple flowers. I observed carefully as Jasora walked back to Greggor and lightly sprinkled the flowers into the water. It was then I noticed the amazing aroma that the flowers gave out. The aroma was so strong that the all of water in the tub was consumed by its scent. Even the whole room was filled with its scent. It was incredible, yet still light and soft and dainty like the flower itself. I was then amazed when the color of the flower began to drain and leak into the water, turning the color of water into a light purple-ish blue hue. The flowers were now white and slightly wrinkled looking, but still very beautiful.

"Empressum flowers," Jasora answered my question aloud, "their scent can soothe even the most wildest of beasts. They bloom for those in need of rest and healing. They help the mind to relax during treatment, while their color provides nutrients into the water. These nutrients are needed to help the skin to relax, soothe the trauma it has been through, and revinate it."

"Remarkable," I whispered to myself, turning my gaze away from Jasora and back to the water in the tub. A part of me urged me to bring one of my fingers towards the water to touch it, but then I saw how dirty my fingers were. In fact, my hands were just completely covered in dirt and blood. I was afraid of contaminating the water, so, I pulled my hand back.

"That's not all that I've got, my child," Jasora chuckled softly.

I brought my attention back to her and saw that she was bringing something else from the table. It was two incredibly large leaves, however, these leaves were very different from the leaves I've seen on this planet so far. On one side, they looked like regular, pointed edge leaves. But, on the other side of it, are rows of almost fuzzy little orange bumps. I felt a bit more unsure and untrusting of this plant when Jasora presented it to me.

I was a little surprised to see Jasora to place the bumpy sides of the leaves over the wide opened cracks on Greggor's neck. I began to worry that this plant's bumps could hurt or cause pain to Greggor due to its rough texture. At first, Greggor slightly hissed through his teeth once the plants made contract with his skin. I gasped when he made this sound because a part of me was happy to see that he was awake after all, while the other part of me was bewildered at Jasora. She was causing Greggor pain for some unknown reason with this strange plant. However, Greggor's hiss of pain didn't last long. It was only for a brief moment before he let out a soft sigh and let himself relax at the plant's touch, which deeply confused me. And Jasora could sense my confusion.

"Prensporas," Jasora explained aloud calmly, "remember this plant's name and its appearance well, child, for it is a gift from the Great Spirits."

"A gift?"

"This plant has the most flexible amount of uses for any plant grown on this planet. It can be eaten, crushed, cooked, and it can even fight off poisons and bites. It also provide nutrients to your lungs, your teeth, your bones, your immune system, your nose, and your eyes. But, above all, this plant help with the wounds caused by other Trucanasors and Gem weaponry. You see Pearl, the skin of the Truncanasor is one of the toughest skins you'll ever find on a mortal alien species. No species, no matter how strong they are, can create a scratch on it. That is, except for other Truncanasors of course. However, your kind came along and...changed that. It is not the strength of Gem hands that causes the wound, but the strength of your kind's weaponry that can crack the armored skin of the mightiest of Truncanasor warrior. However, in return, our teeth are the only thing in the realm of Gems that can shatter the physical stone embedded in the Gem itself."

So, that was it. That's truly what made the Truncanasors our enemies. Well, besides The Guardian of course. Their main wall of defense may be The Guardian, however the Truncanasors were able to keep up this centuries upon centuries long war with Homeworld because of their one true strength. Their teeth. Yet they also have a weakness matching of their strength: their skin. With this in mind, the Truncanaors were truly our equals in battle after all these years. After all this time, the Truncanasors were not inferior but terrifying monsters. They were warriors, they have an army, they were a force to never mess with. But why didn't anyone tell me this. But then again, why even ask? I had a feeling that I knew the answer. The Diamonds and the Gems didn't want to admit that the Truncanasors were our equals in some way because it was easier that way. It was easier for the sake of this war and for the sake of our own pride. I never realized how prideful Gems can be.

"Anyway, the bumps of these leaves provide the necessary remedy to heal and mend the tough skin of a Truncanasor efficiently, quickly, and more importantly, safely for the body."

"That's amazing," I uttered in soft awe, "to think,...one, small, unnoticeable plant…"

"It is good that you appreciate it my child, not many do nowadays." She replied with a smile.

Then, she cracked her knuckles loudly and shook out her claws before bringing them to the center of her chest, "And now, for the final touch," she whispered in a revered tone.

Soon after, Jasora began to hum softly to herself in a slightly deep tone. Her humming, almost sounding like music. But it was the kind of music that I was unfamiliar with. On Homeworld, especially in Blue Diamond's Court, the art of music was calculated to a precise pattern and tone that could soothe and please specifically for Blue Diamond's ears only. The instruments were tuned for Blue Diamond's preference, and even my own singing was fashioned in the same matter. Music is supposed to be predictable, but light and easy. Yet, it also had complexity and art in its craft.

The humming and music created by Jasora was unpredictable, or least at first it was. The way she hummed it was like she pounding a drum. Her voice went up and down like the pounding the drum. Despite the contrast of her wide ranging notes, it was surprisingly quiet peaceful and relaxing. Even though, it was not light and lyrical in its tone. Her humming felt empowering, personal, and...lingering. But,...I didn't know why at the time.

Once Jasora started humming, she then pulled out a bundle of almost dry, pale, steams and leaves of an unknown plant wrapped around and tied by what seemed to be a brown string. Then, I saw a light stream of soft grey smoke coming from the tips of this plant bundle, and noticed a light charing tips of this bouquet. There was no flame, only smoke and...it had a distinct scent to it. A light earthy scent. A scent that I've slowly becoming accustomed to. It also smelt like smoke, obviously, but not like a fire surprisingly enough. It was like this burning plant captured the brief and last scents of an ember before it disappears into ash. I never knew that something like that could ever exist. The scent was also very fresh. Not clean by any means, but just fresh and clear and very particular. It was such a lingering scent. It lingered like Jasora's humming. As I breathed it in, it was strangely sweet but not in an obvious way. It was softly sweet. But above all else, it reminded me of something that I never thought that I could smell again: Blue Diamond's meditation candles. The way this scent just pierced through my mind reminded me the way her candles did so long ago in her private chambers. The way this scent cleared my mind and prepared it for mediation reminded me of her candles. However, this burning plant was a lot more soothing than Blue Diamond's candles. It was like this plant radiated the purest form of tranquility itself in its scent. The scent from Blue Diamond's candles paled in comparison. How could that be so?

Jasora slowly motioned around this burning bundle over her head, then over her heart, and then towards the ground with her eyes closed. She continued this as she walked around the tub. Once she made her way around the tub, Jasora then slowly motioned the burning bundle over Greggor. She swirled this bouquet and its smoke gracefully and with great care over Greggor, starting from the area above his feet. Then, up his legs,...then up to his stomach,...then up to his chest, and finally...up to the area over his head. Particularly, above the area around his neck. Luckily, none of the burnt pieces or ember or ash fell on Greggor. Instead, the smoke just floated over him and just lingered over head, as if the smoke knew that it had to stay fairly close with Greggor. I could see Greggor subtly but weakly breathe in the scent of this smoke, and when he breathed out, Greggor allowed his injured body to relax more into the water.

Jasora then pulled out a small rainbow hued crystal, a crystal I believe that came from her home. While still humming to herself and with her eyes closed, she delicately lowered the tip of the crystal into the surface level of the water. I gasped quietly when the water began to glow and shine softly. My mind began to turn with some many questions, questions concerning the chemical composition of the crystal and how it could possibly create such a biological reaction in a simple compound as water. Did the Empressum flowers had something to do with it? Or that burning bundle of leaves and stems? Or both?

Once Jasora pulled the crystal out of the water, she began to put her claws into the tub and scooped up small cups of water to pour over Greggor's body lightly. After that, she placed the tips of her claws lightly on the points on Greggor's body where the shoulders and the neck met. She gently massaged his skin from that point back to the tips of his shoulders. The massage was a long, drawn-out, but soft motion; almost as if she was pulling something down and out from Greggor's body. She continued this massage over the shoulders a couple of times, before proceeding to his arms. She started from the top of the shoulders to all the way to the tips of his claws. Again, it was a long, gentle, drawn-out motion with the focus being on pulling something out of Greggor's body. Every now and then, Greggor let out little sounds that indicated both pain and relief. And I lingered on every sound he made.

Jasora proceeded to lightly but precisely massage the rest of Greggor's body. The massaging motions she made didn't have as much force and drawn out strength as to when she was massaging his shoulders and arms. However, her massage still hold the purpose of drawing something out. All long, calculated, but still gentle and kind motions. I began to worry when she softly flipped him over in the tub. Before I could say a word and reach out to him, Jasora kindly stopped me with her eyes closed and with a smile. I drew back a little and allowed her to continue with her process. Despite my hesitation, my concern, and confusion on the matter. Then fairly quickly, but still softly and carefully, she began to massage his back and the back of his legs. Though, most of the focus was drawn to his back and the back of his neck.

She cupped one of her claws into the water and lightly drizzled the water over the upper half of his back. Then, she used the rest of the water and the other hand to massage the skin on the back of Greggor's neck. Slowly but surely, she massaged and pushed the skin, the muscle, and tension down the back and spine. She stopped at the bottom of his waist, signaling that she was finished and that she was ready to flip him back over. Gently, just like before. I'm thankful to see him still breathing. It seemed like flipping him over to face water didn't do any damage to him. In fact, it made him look peaceful and regained some of the green color in his face. I had forgotten how much I've missed the warm radiance of his healthy green skin.

I soon felt Jasora placing her claw on my shoulder, which turned my eyes to hers. "How does he look?" said Jasora with two soft smiles.

"He looks so much better, thank you Jasora."

With a soft chuckle, she replied, "Tis easy, my child. I've healed much worse 'cracks' than this."

"Are you sure that...his cracks will heal? That...he'll be okay? That he'll heal,...just like you promised?" I asked, almost in a soft, begging tone. As if I was asking for my own life to continue.

With a soft expression on her faces, she placed her left claw gently on top of my head and tried to search for my eyes. She petted my head, truly emphasizing the height difference between her and I. At the time, I was befuddled on why Truncanasors loved petting on top of people's heads for in order to show good will and trust. I mean, I didn't mind it when Greggor did it. But when the other Truncanasors did it, like Jasora and the the guard, I couldn't help but feel belittled. However, I did not dare show this to Jasora. After all she has done to protect me and help Greggor, I owed her nothing but my thanks.

"His cracks will heal, my child," she said to me, "His skin and his body will heal because, not only what I've done, but because of his spirit. His brother may be the Chief in the family, but Greggor has the heart of a warrior. He will be fine as long as he gets some rest. And it looks like you need some as well. Come, we'll return to my cave and-"

"No!" I quickly bursted out, backing away from Jasora and her touch. Heading back towards Greggor in the tub.

When I saw the soft, hurt look in Jasora's eyes, I let my body ease itself again and I let out softly yet careful stutter, "I-I mean, I don't need...I don't need any rest. I'm fine. I would like to stay with Greggor, if that is permitted. I just...I just can't rest until he wakes up."

"Are you sure that you don't want to wash up before you wait for him? He won't be up till tomorrow."

"If he could face the pain of cracking, then I can wait till the next day for him." I told her firmly, to the best of my ability that is. There was still some fear and concern in my voice. To me, at the time, his fate still felt uncertain.

Then, in a calmer tone, I turned away from her and faced Greggor. "It's...it's the least that I can do for him. After I have done nothing for him."

In a warm tone, she comforted me with, "My child, you've done more for him than you'll ever know."

"Huh? What do you mean by-?"

And when I turned around, she was gone. She disappeared without a sound, dissipating like smoke itself. At time, I didn't know how she did that. Well, actually, if I'm being honest with myself now, I still don't fully understand how she does that.

"That…?" I finished my statement awkwardly in that recovery room all by myself. Well, I shouldn't say all by myself. After all, Greggor in the room too.

Despite my questions about Jasora, and my guilt for not properly thanking her for all the sacrifices she has made on my behalf, I turned back to Greggor. I walked back to his side slowly. Being careful with each step I took. I was still confused by the whole concept of healing and the idea of being able to mend one's cracks so fluidly and easily like this. When a Gem is cracked, there is no hope for them. When a Gem is poofed, they can resume their form once more with a good amount of time and reflection. But a crack,...it means death and non-existence. At the time,...to come back from non-existence seemed so unimaginable to me.

I kneeled by the left side of the tub, and rested on my knees. I placed my hands on the left side of tub and looked directly to Greggor. My eyes focused and softened on his closed eyes, my ears perked up and listened for his soft yet consistent breaths.

Just then, I noticed that Greggor's left claw was on top of the left side of the tub. I gently cupped both of my hands on top of his left claw, and then rested my chin on top of my hands. I was reminded of just how much I missed the warm feeling of his claw cupping my cheek. In that moment, his claw was slightly wet and luke warm.

My head perked up and my eyes gazed away from Greggor when I heard subtle yet hard thudding footsteps entering into the room.

My eyes widened when I saw that it was the Truncanasor who attacked Greggor. The Trucanasor who I attacked earlier.

I almost lost my breath when I first saw him approaching the tub. He had a stern, threatening, yet unreadable expression on his face. His shoulders were hunched over, yet despite this, he still looked massive and huge. His eyes were narrowed onto mine, and it made me wonder if he could actually see my eyes despite my bangs. It was the first time that I actually got a good look on him. When we were in battle together, my mind only remembered him as a blur. And now, up close and in person, he almost looked like a shadow. The way he loomed over me felt a lot like...like the way...Blue Diamond loomed over me when she found out...

His eyes were truly piercing, and all of his teenth glistened like freshly polished spears. Each sharp claw on his hand; they looked untouchable and stained with dirt. The fin on top of his hand was flared up, standing tall and intimidating. It made him look taller than he actually was. I also saw the hardened blood wound that completely covered his bottom jaw, a brutal reminder of our battle from earlier. Did I truly left such a mark on him? Me? A pearl?

However, despite being a warrior, despite what happened between us before, he had no weapon on him. It made me wonder why. Why didn't he bring a weapon? Especially when confronting his enemy.

"What are you doing here, Kana?" He growled.

My mind was too afraid to make up the right words to say. My throat and chest felt tight, yet I couldn't take my hands away from Greggor's claw. In fact, in reply to his question, I tightened my grip on Greggor's hand.

His eyes widened when he saw me grip onto Greggor's hand with so much tension. He snarled and revealed more of his cruel fangs to me. He began to hiss loudly and charge fiercely towards me. "What do you think you're doing?!"

I immediately took my hands off of Greggor's claw, and held them up for this Truncanasor to see. But this didn't help. Before I could say a word and act, he already took me by the throat, held me high in the air as if I weighed nothing, and pinned me up against the wall.

My hands went to his claws, trying to pry them open. But it was useless. At least, it felt useless. I was so concerned and worried over Greggor's condition, and over what happened today overall, that I had almost drained all my energy. Jasora was right. I needed to rest and recover in her underground pool of water.

But, I had no strength to fight back.

"I asked you a question Kana!" He growled, banging me up against the wall again. Only with more emphasis. He was careful with his volume. It was like he didn't want anyone to hear him. Why was that?

"Now answer it!"

I didn't know how to answer it, so, I went with the only thing I know. The only thing that I wanted to say to Greggor when he wakes up. I wanted to confess my guilt, and all the weight that came with it.

I cried out softly, with his claws tight on my already clogged up throat, "My fault. This is...this all my fault. All my fault."

His claws loosened its grip on my throat, but I didn't notice. I just kept repeating that it was my fault over and over again with my eyes closed. He let out a soft sigh to himself before putting me back on the ground gently.

I opened my eyes, which were slightly wet with my tears, and looked up to him with a sad yet confused look. His expression was still unreadable, yet I got this strange sense that he didn't mean me harm anymore. He still looked mad, but his mad expression looked softened with guilt somehow. Which I didn't think was possible.

Suddenly, his claws were on my arms. His claws felt light yet still strong. "Where's Jasora?"

I choked out softly, trying to find my voice again, "S-She went back to her underground home."

"Shit!" He cursed to himself. I flinched suddenly when he did. I didn't know what he was going to do next.

There's was a brief yet tense moment of silence between him and I, and it was broken by one of his own questions, "And you're not going to leave, are you?"

"No…"

He let his claws drift back to his sides, and he slowly looked away from me. I watched him as he walk away from me. He pinched the bridge of his muzzle and groaned.

Then, he shocked me when he stopped walking and gestured his head slightly towards me. I could only see some of his face when he did so. "You better not leave, Kana. And if you do, I will shatter you where you stand."

I gulped softly to myself and quickly clenched my hands over my gem.

The Truncanasor let out a soft snort before continuing his way. When he went by Greggor, he whispered, "I'm only leaving her here with you just so that you can have someone looking after you while I'm out on patrol."

Then, he turned to me and affirmed viciously, "I'll be right back. You hear me Kana?"

I backed up into the wall, more than I was before. My knees were losing their strength as I tried to stand.

"Don't think you've fooled me," The Truncanasor continued, "you're still a heart-less imitator, even with your tears."

And with that, he left the room.

When I felt like the coast was clear, when I felt like he was no longer in the hallway nearby, I began to sob. I placed my hands over my mouth, and quickly walked back over to Greggor. I collapsed to my knees, kneeled by Greggor's left side, and cried into the top of Greggor's left claw. His left claw still felt wonderfully luke warm.

Morning came, but yet none of its light came through. There were no windows. Unlike the throne room, where the sunlight can shine in, the recovery room was only lit by the torches and other sources of light that lit the nearby hallway.

My eyes were still open, but not on Greggor. I kept my face buried into the top of Greggor's claw, still feeling my own tired eyes and fading strength in my body. If I didn't rest and go into a body of water soon, I'll become completely and utterly useless to myself, to Greggor, and to Jasora. Who knows who can enter into this room next? If I can't defend myself, then everything that Jasora and Greggor have done for me would have been for nothing.

It's still hard to believe that I still had some tears to shed. I thought I cried out every tear that I had when the fight broke out in the throne room. I guess after thousands upon thousands of years of not shedding a single tear meant I had plenty to spare.

Just then, I felt a sense of energy and life renewed in me when I heard the faint sounds of Greggor groaning in his restful state. I immediately lifted my head off his hand and turned my head towards his direction.

Tears soon formed in my eyes again and I whispered happily with a big smile on my face, "Greggor…?"

I eagerly waited for his piercing yellow eyes to open and brighten the room.

Greggor let out a sluggish groaning kind of sound before turning his head towards me. His gaze slowly returned to mine. In a groggy voice, my dear Truncanasor asked, "Pearl?"

"Greggor! You're healed! Your cracks mended, just like Jasora said they would!"

I enthusiastically grabbed his left hand without hesitation and let his palm cup my cheek like the way he did yesterday. Today, his claw felt so warm, soft, and soothing. At the time, I couldn't understand why his hands had such an affect on me. Yet, I couldn't care less. All that I cared about was that Greggor was awake and that it seemed like he was going to be okay. I was thankful to just have that one day to truly apologize to him for all that I've done to him and prove my loyalty to him. Just like he has proven his loyalty to me.

"Oh Greggor, thank the stars that you're alright! I thought that...I thought that I wasn't going to ever see you again. I thought that I was never going to tell you how sorry I am. Oh Greggor, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for never returning the kindness that you have given me. I'm so sorry for putting you in such a position. I promise, for now on, to truly be loyal to you. Not just with my words, but with my action. I will never let myself be astry by my own cowardice again! Not ever again! I will never astray from your sight ever again!"

I then nuzzled my face deeper into Greggor's palm. The sweet wonderful heat was returning to his claws, and I was so thankful for every moment of its soothing comfort. Who would have thought that the greatest treasure that I would sought after would be the hands of my enemy? The stars of our universes truly work in mysterious ways. Either way, I could stayed forever in the embrace of his hand.

However, the smallest part of my rational self reminded me to turn my attention back to Greggor. And when I did, I was surprised to find his green face was, well, no longer green. It was red! A deep shade of red!

"Oh my goodness! Greggor, are you alright?!"

"H-Huh?"

I brought both of my hands to cup the sides of his face, and my fear escalated from there. "Stars! Your face is hot! Oh dear, did...did I do something wrong?! Oh, what have I done?! Here, let me get Jasora! She'll be able to fix it!"

Just as I was about to bolt out of the room, Greggor suddenly grabbed my wrist. I stopped dead in my tracks and I was pulled back suddenly back to Greggor's side.

"Ah! Pearl wait!" He proclaimed, as loud as he could in his recovering and groggy voice.

I brought my eyes back to his, and I could see that some of the deep redness that tinted his face, all of the sudden, started to slowly fade from his green complexion.

When I returned back beside the tub, Greggor let out a sigh of relief and then he explained softly to me, "Pearl, you didn't do anything wrong."

"Then, how did your face get so red and hot like that?"

"Oh well I," Greggor tried to explain with a nervous smile and his eyes trying to avoid mine, "you see, um, that was just...a thing that Truncanasors do sometimes. Uh, yeah! That's it! Especially after healing! Yeah."

"Are you sure?" I asked in a concerned tone.

"I'm positive," he replied with a warm smile, "if there was something wrong with me, again, it would be more apparent about it. Believe me."

I took my hand and placed the back of it lightly on Greggor's forehead; his fever was going down, "If you say so."

"Not only do I say so," he added in a cheeky yet reassuring tone, "I know so." At the end of his statement, Greggor added a little wink towards my direction.

I couldn't help but smile a little at Greggor's little wink. But still, just in case, "How are you feeling Greggor?"

"Oh other than my voice being completely shot and that my neck is still a little sore, I'm actually doing okay. I should be alright by this afternoon. Though, I would be lying if I didn't say that I'm feeling a little impatient."

"Impatient? How so?"

"Well, usually when Truncanasors get scrapes, the wound would only takes a couple of minutes to heal."

"Really?"

"But since this wasn't an ordinary scrape, it can take longer. Especially if it's in such a sensitive area."

Then, Greggor started to chuckle a little in his throat, "It's funny though Pearl, I've never had a scrape like this before. Even on my worst trapping day, I've never went out cold like this before."

"Oh my goodness, then I should be repenting even more for what I've done Greggor! Oh Greggor, I'm so-!"

"Woah, woah, it's okay Pearl. You don't need to apologize. Really. I guess I was trying to make a bad joke about how excited I actually feel right now."

"Excited? But...but...how in the universe can you be excited right now?! You just came back from the point of shattering!"

Greggor laughed loudly at my exclamation and explained happily, "Ha ha I know! I know! It's bad! But you don't understand. This is the first time that I actually felt like a warrior. After all this time of thinking that I would never a warrior like my brother, I got to fight like one. And I got to fight like a warrior against my brother of all Truncanasors!"

I turned my gaze away from Greggor, and look down at my Gem. The mere mention of his brother brought back the recent yet terrifying memories and a feeling of guilt to go along with it. I realized in that moment that the Truncanasor I fought with in the throne room, the Truncanasor who's voice I heard in the deep jungle, was no other than Boar. Greggor's brother.

Greggor, being able to see the guilt clearly on my face, then asked, "Pearl, what is it?"

"Your...your brother...he was here earlier."

With narrow eyes, he growled, "What did he do?"

"He only acted upon my treachery from earlier."

In a softer but still assertive tone, Greggor reminded me, "Pearl, quite doing that."

"Doing what?"

"Blaming yourself. You didn't start the fight. The King did. You weren't the one who hurt me. My brother did."

"But," his tone changed into a more reflective yet guilty tone, "He only did so because I wasn't being honest with him. So really, I was the one who started it with him. I stirred the pot, like I always do."

"Stirring the pot? What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, he he," he chuckled nervously, "stirring the pot means causing drama on purpose."

"Why would you cause drama on purpose?"

"Weellll, I have a bit of a tendency of making it a sport of annoying my brother. Aannnd enjoying every moment of it."

"Why do you like annoying your brother?"

"Well, it's my way of showing him that I love him. It's what brothers do. Especially younger brothers with their older brothers."

"Love?"

"Well yeah, of course I love him. Even now."

"And...does he...still love you?" I asked, not knowing fully of what the word "love" meant.

"Of course he does. He wouldn't have felt betrayed and attacked me if he didn't."

"But if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have to betray your own brother...or your own kind."

"Pearl, I didn't betray my own kind. I did what was right. There's a difference. Protecting you was the right thing to do."

"How?! How was protecting me the right thing to do?!"

"Because…"

Greggor placed his claw over mine.

"You're my friend."

"Fri-end?"

"Yes friend, silly. Wait,...have you never had a friend before?"

"I've never heard of such a term before."

"Oh sweet Spirits, are those Gems back on Homeworld really that heartless? Even towards each other? Geez, it's a miracle that you turned out so sweet and kind in the first place."

I didn't know how to respond. How could I? I didn't know at the time what it truly mean to have a heart. I thought to myself at that time 'how does having a physical heart have anything to do with this?'

Greggor proceeded to explain to me in his kind and warm voice, "A friend is a companion who's loyal to you. Through their actions and through their words, they are there for you no matter. They have your back essentially."

"My back?"

"Uhhhh, just ignore that last part. The point is, friendship is what you and I have now. Remember what you promised me? From the moment that I woke up? That was your promise to be my friend essentially. And naturally, I Greggor, accept your offer of friendship."

With a soft smile, I replied softly, almost in disbelief, "You do?"

"Of course I do. Though, to be fair, I considered us as friends from the moment I meet ya."

"Y-You did?"

"What can I say?" He replied with a cheerful yet cheeky grin, "I have a bad habit of latching on to others whether they want me around or not."

With a widened smile, I put my hand to his cheek and proclaimed gently, "Oh Greggor, you don't have to worry about me not wanting you around. I'll always want you right by my side."

"Good to hear," He responded gently, his voice becoming more distant. His eyes were becoming half lid and they looked like they wanted to close.

"It looks like your body is telling you that you need some more rest."

"Sweet immortal queen, are you becoming like Jasora now?" Greggor yawned.

I chuckled softly in my throat, "No no, far from it. I only know from what I observe. Please rest Greggor. You need to heal."

"What about you?" Greggor uttered before drifting back to sleep.

"Don't worry my friend, I'll be right here when you wake up."

Author's Note: All that I can say is...Oh Greggor and Pearl, you two are such dorksXD Especially you GreggorXD Yet still so adorable:) You could say that they're a-dorkable;) Haha sorry I couldn't resistXD Anyway, more fun facts about this story, specifically on how I write Blue Pearl in this series, her journey is very much inspired by the personal character driven journeys in stories like Moana (from the Disney movie Moana) and Chise Hatori (from the anime/manga The Ancient Magus Bride) took in their respective narratives:) While Chise has more in common with Blue Pearl than Moana does, both Chise and Moana have journeys that rely on them, their characterization, and how they feel about themselves and their own strength. And these are the kind of elements needs for my version of Blue Pearl's journey:)