Chapter Text
“I’m back!” Gem shouted down the narrow hallway as she closed the door behind her. She fumbled with the faulty lock, struggling to get it to work right. Once her attempts succeeded she shrugged off her dark cloak, hanging it up on a nail in the wall by the door. “Martyn?” She called once again, peering down the hall to try to catch a glimpse of where Martyn usually sat.
Gem turned back to face the wall that had her cloak hung on it, realizing now that Martyn’s usual jacket was not there. He must have gone out unexpectedly, not a wildly uncommon act when it came to him. She reached to her belt, taking out a knife to set on the makeshift weaponry that was their entryway table. As she set the first knife down, she caught movement down the hall out of the corner of her eye. Another knife was in her now outstretched hand in less than a second. It pointed straight at the man before her.
“Woah! Woah—“ he said, lifting his hands to show they were empty. Trying to tell her he was not a threat without using as many words. Gem, of course, did not trust that one bit. This man may not actively have a weapon in his hands, but that said nothing of possible powers he possessed, and it did not account for weapons he could still have on him.
Her eyes studied him, scanning over his face and clothing to not only try to discern who he was, but if he had any weapons or any indication of ill intent. He wore a loose white button up, unbuttoned more than necessary. The type Martyn might bring around, she thought sourly to herself. Pushed up on his forehead were dark sunglasses. They kept loose dark curls sort of out of his face. He had dog-like ears that were at full attention. His eyes were locked on her, wide and nearly fearful. He had some small scars scattered around his face, and seemingly his arms and hands as well. His stature was strong, that of someone who actively trained, and a blue and gold colored fabric was tied around his waist. Not just a colored fabric, a flag , Gem realized. She quickly recognized who he was after that.
“Oh,” she sneered, annoyed now that she had had to have made such a fuss. “Where’s Martyn? You better not have said something dumb and made him run off,” she scolded in preparation for the worst. Gem did not want to have to console Martyn over another stupid man tonight.
“No,” he cleared his throat. “No, I would never,” Ren responded. “Mumbo sent for him. Said it was something urgent and important. Martyn told me that he would not be too long and that I should stay. Wait for him here.”
“I see,” Gem fastened the knife she held back into her belt, keeping it still easily accessible. Just in case. “Usually he tells me before he has one of his…” she looked at Ren deadpan. “Friends, over.”
She pushed past Ren and calmly walked into the living room.
“Oh,” he responded, seeming rather surprised by such a simple statement. After Gem turned to look at him he hesitantly followed her out of the hallway. “I really had not been planning on staying too long—“
“That’s what they all say,” Gem mumbled, shaking her head and sighing. Sitting down on one of the couches she raised her eyebrows at Ren, motioning for him to sit across from her.
He complied. Sitting down on the couch and crossing his arms uncomfortably. He looked… vaguely out of place. It was not that he was extremely proper, but more that even at his casual Gem could tell he was palace folk. And sure, Gem used to be the same way, but now she was used to the way the people around her now acted. Maybe she herself fell into old habits at times, but she hoped she never looked as uptight as the man in front of her.
“If you would like me to leave I can—“ he started to say.
“No,” Gem cut him off, bringing her hand up to silence him. “It’s fine,” she paused. She took a moment to make eye contact with him, staring and furrowing her eyebrows. “You do know who I am, yeah?”
Ren looked to be startled for a moment. He tripped over his words, struggling to put them together. His eyes were wide.
“Gem,” he got out, almost seeming out of breath from how much he was stumbling with his words. “Gem, right?”
“So she has mentioned me by name?” Gem sat up more, leaning forward. She was mostly joking with the comment, but she could not lie and say she was not a little curious. Though, either way he would likely know her by name. Given… everything.
“I— what?” Ren looked a little caught off guard, tilting his head.
She gave him a knowing look. He was not fooling anyone, let alone Gem. “I know who you are, Ren. Don’t play dumb.”
He fell quiet at that, looking away and to the window to avoid Gem’s watching eyes. She was a bit surprised by him being out at this time of day. Sure, leaving the palace at night was not that odd, but mid afternoon? Not typical. Strange, even. A thought danced in her mind about whether he was here for the reasons he stated.
“I should not be here,” Ren hung his head in shame, still not meeting Gem’s eyes.
“Nope! You shouldn’t!” Gem replied in a mocking cheeriness. “But void knows that doesn’t stop you and the others from the palace.”
He finally looked at her, slightly confused.
“Oh, don’t tell me you’re clueless enough to not know,” she raised her eyebrows. If he did not know how many people from the palace hung out with not only Martyn but others in town, then Ren must be truly helpless.
“No— no, I know, I just did not think you were the type they hung out around,” Ren pushed some of his falling hair out of his face, adjusting his sunglasses to better keep his hair contained.
“Okay, ouch. But, I’m not. They hang out with Martyn and others, I’m just here,” she shrugged, looking out the window and to the street below.
“You have never been here before when I’ve visited,” something in his tone had changed slightly. It was almost accusatory, or interrogating. It was an odd thing to fuss over, whether or not Gem had been there when he visited.
“Yeah, because every time before Martyn gave me a heads up,” Gem responded simply. Though, the sentence did make her wonder. Why had Martyn not given her a warning? “He does talk about you quite a lot,” she continued, grinning slightly at Ren.
Ren’s face went slightly pink, but he shook his head trying to act unfazed, “Oh? How so?”
“Well, you know. He’s always going on and on about how caring you are, how loyal you are, and how dedicated you are. I’m always hearing your name days before and days after you two even just have one conversation,” Gem rolled her eyes. “It’s quite annoying. To be honest, I thought I’d never get to meet you.”
Except maybe under poor circumstances, she thought to herself.
He cleared his throat, adjusting himself to sit more upright, “Why?”
Gem nearly snorted, “Well, Martyn always tells me to leave prior to you coming over. By my request, may I add. So seeing you here should’ve been out of the picture. And then I haven’t been allowed near the Queen since—“ she cut herself off sharply. She was starting to get snappy and act dumb, and she knew she needed to stop herself. It was not something she needed to dig up and get into. Especially not with Ren.
The silence between them extended longer than Gem found comfortable. When she looked over to Ren he was looking at her intently. Intensely, more so. She shifted uncomfortably. His expression was strange. It only made Gem further question his motives for being there.
“Pearl misses you,” the three words came abruptly.
Gem felt the way the words cut her deeper than she thought they would if ever spoken. The use of her name caught her off guard the most. She would not expect someone as high ranking as him to not call her Queen outside of palace walls. Someone like Scott who was friends first with Pearl, sure. But the personal Knight of the Queen? It nearly shocked Gem.
“I don’t think it’s very professional for you to be telling me that information about the Queen,” she tried to smile at Ren, attempting a false mocking innocence. The sentence was true, however. He should not be telling her that information.
“You don’t miss her, then?” He asked, assuming the worst as his voice dropped any previous mask of different intention.
Gem paused. It was clear to her now that whatever this was was Ren’s actual reason for being in her and Martyn’s flat. She needed to now tread carefully. This man was a top ranking guard. People listened to him, and if she messed up he could make her life hell. She locked eyes with Ren.
“I did not say that,” Gem said clearly, but harshly. “You and I both know I cannot step a foot near that palace without being killed on sight. Even here, you would be fully within your right to kill me now, as well. So, even if I do miss her, why does it matter to you?”
Ren stared her down for a long moment. His eyes were fierce with what looked to be anger, maybe resentment. He was clenching his hands in fists hard, and his expression made him look tougher than Gem knew he was. Intimidation had always been what Ren excelled in, according to Scott and the others. Gem knew some of his faults. Inside knowledge and a half decent memory comes in handy, at times. But Gem was not certain if Ren knew much about her. It was now clear to her that to some extent, Pearl had talked of her. Not knowing that extent was what caused her to feel on edge.
“I could get you in there,” Ren leaned forward, his voice quiet.
Gem scoffed. Still, his reason for being there had not fully taken shape in her mind. She could not fathom that this man who was sending clear signs of hatred her way, would want to actually help her.
“Sounds like you want me dead,” she responded, matching his tone.
“Listen— Gem, did you stop for a moment to think maybe Martyn did not tell you I was coming by because I wanted to talk to you?” Ren dropped his voice lower, leaning forward once again.
Gem froze. He was on to her suspicions, and her suspicions were correct. Ren did have an ulterior motive for being there. But still, what did he want? What was his real reason? Did he want her dead? Or was he genuinely trying to get her to see Pearl? Even worse, was it some stupid secret third thing?
“Ren. I can’t do whatever you are asking of me right now. Do I need to remind you of what happened? How I was very nearly exiled? How— legally— this place I am in right now is technically too close to the palace?” She wished she had not mentioned the last bit, but did hope it got her point across. Her hands were digging into the fabric of the couch under her.
“I remember what happened, Gem!” Ren growled, closing his eyes tightly for a moment before opening them again. “I was assigned to be her personal Knight right after! I remember her panic attacks at the sight of fire and the smell of gunpowder! Even the smell of simple burnt food could send her down a spiral! Her flashbacks! Gem, I dealt with the aftermath that you never saw. Do you know that? And I can’t possibly understand how she can still miss you after everything. I am only here under her request.”
Gem stared at him coldly. She only knew vaguely of the aftermath. It would have been too much for her to ask Scott or the others about what happened. But she had heard whispers. She was not clueless.
His intentions were now clear, however. If he was telling the truth. Which Gem let herself trust unless anything went on to disprove her trust.
“It was a mistake, Ren. I got fully blamed for it, Ren . Scott was there. Impulse was there. Void— even Bdubs and Cleo were there! Yet I got the blame. I didn’t understand then. I don’t understand, not fully. But I took it. I took it to make sure no one else had to deal with it once I found out all the risks at play. I could handle all of that. Better me than them. I—“ she shook her head, stopping herself before she said that it was better for Pearl. Better than… who she suspected the true blame was to be revealed.
She still vividly remembered the day. The smell of burning flesh. The panic that had overwhelmed her entire being. The guilt . Every single second of it. She remembered well. All of the lasting pains and emotions. Pearl was not the only one who had been scared of fire— or even loud sounds after.
“If you feel your trial had unfair circumstances you can request a retry,” Ren articulated every word, a flat rehearsal of how things at the palace worked.
Gem scoffed at him, rolling her eyes. “If your Queen really asked you to try to get me to go with you, or whatever, you’re really not making a good case for it.” She crossed her arms, gritting her teeth.
Ren sighed, opening and closing his mouth without saying any words. He looked away from Gem, clearly struggling with phrasing what he wanted to say next. Or figuring out what he wanted to say in the first place.
“She cannot officially order you to her because of the trial’s outcome. But she wants to see you, Gem,” he had dropped his voice quiet again, looking back at her. He at the very least sounded genuine saying those words, but Gem was not going to immediately forget that he sounded plenty convincing at the beginning of their conversation despite the fact he was lying.
“If Pearl wants to see me she can tell me herself—“ Gem started, absentmindedly saying Pearl’s name.
“ Don’t you even dare speak her name now,” Ren looked at her sharply, nearly growling the words. He looked like he would pick a fight with her if she showed resistance to what he said. Gem put her hand on the hilt of a knife in her belt, showing that she would defend herself. It made her feel safer, as well. When he noticed her hand he backed off with his defensive demeanor.
“ You did. You spoke your venerated Queen’s name,” Gem mocked. She scowled at him, crossing her arms once again. Her mind was spinning with insults and arguments she could get into with this man, but she knew it was more responsible to hold her tongue.
“I— that—“ he stuttered. His eyes went wide as he realized that he had in fact used Pearl’s name earlier in the conversation. He shut his mouth and seemed to grit his teeth, staring at Gem with no defense at hand. Maybe he had become too accustomed to relying on looking intimidating and now when he was faced with someone as stubborn as Gem, he was blanking on what to do.
“I am not going with you, Ren,” she stated in a matter of fact tone. If he was not going to make a case for her to go with, she would not go.
“She will ask me to come back,” he insisted, still standing up to leave anyway.
“Don’t disobey your Queen, then,” Gem smiled mockingly. Ren looked at her as if she was crazy. She supposed her reasoning for not going may be crazy. But if Ren did not want to bring her, why should she go with? Yes, she wanted to see Pearl. She also wanted to figure out what Ren’s deal was.
Ren put back on his sunglasses, allowing his hair to fall down and partially into his face. He did not seem to care or notice, as he left it that way. As Gem watched him, she noted how much he did fit the stereotypical knight look. She could understand why so many fell for his intimidation over his genuine battle skill. If she was honest, she was curious to have a controlled fight with him. Test who is the better fighter. Sure, she believed that she was, but she could not be certain.
He turned away from her, falling into a certain pondering silence. Gem felt she was picking up on the way he acted quickly, and yes, it was partly because of previous information she had received about him. But… It seemed most of the time he wore his heart on his sleeve. That was dangerous in a position like that. If she could pick up on it, she was sure others had as well. He would not be too difficult to manipulate, as much as it concerned her to think that.
“If you keep her waiting too long she will seek you out herself,” he said, taking a single step towards the door. He seemed to be testing if Gem was actually going to not leave with him. She guessed it would not be an amazing look if he came back without her, but she did not care.
“I’ll be waiting, then,” she replied. For a moment there was a pause that almost made Gem think he would respond. But he did not. Instead, he shook his head and exited the flat swiftly, leaving Gem in that pause of uncomfortable silence.
She stood up quickly once the door was closed, pacing back and forth in the small living space immediately. According to Ren, Pearl wanted to see her. Pearl wanted to see her. She did not hate her. She did not prevent Gem’s exile out of pity. She was not content with never seeing Gem again. Gem was not quite shocked, but it was still difficult for her to genuinely believe that Pearl wanted to see her. Sure, maybe Ren was lying, but Martyn would not have let him ask her if he did not trust that Ren was telling the truth. Unless Ren had lied to Martyn about his reasonings for being there. But, Gem liked to believe Martyn would be able to see through something like that. Either way, she gritted her teeth at the thought of talking to Martyn. The man was idiotic at best for allowing a clearly resentful or just disrespectful knight into their flat to try to convince Gem of something he clearly did not want to happen himself. Her thoughts were spinning with insults she could hurl at him, though she would try to go for something calmer. Maybe.
She heard the flat door open again and Martyn called out. Gem rolled her eyes. Her feet carried her to the entryway before she could stop herself. Martyn looked casual, as if it was any other normal day.
“So, Martyn, what was that all about?” She placed her hands on her hips and glared at the man in front of her.
Martyn put his hands up in a clear attempt at false ignorance. Not only did he let Ren talk to Gem, but now he was playing dumb? Gem nearly scoffed.
“What?” His voice pitched up in a clear lying tone.
“Ren being over here. Don’t you even try to fake not knowing, I will punch you,” Gem raised her eyebrows, staring Martyn down to try to get across she was serious. Martyn seemed to squirm, probably trying to figure out whether lying was worth it.
“Gem, I don’t know what you’re—“
She hit him in the gut and he gripped his stomach, dropping to his knees as he lost his balance. Gem just stared down coldly at him. He knew where lying to her when she specifically told him not to would get him, yet he attempted it anyway. This was far from the first time she had made a similar promise when he lied. She supposed he did not lie often because of that, which she was grateful for. Gem did not lie often to him either, she was vague at times sure, but not often an outright lie. They had been living and occasionally working together for years, they did have to have some level of trust.
“Fine! Fine—“ Martyn said through gritted teeth. His voice was strained from the temporary pain and he glanced up at Gem in annoyance.
“Come on. Living room, now,” she calmly walked over and sat down. She gave Martyn all the time he needed to get up and over to the room. Gem was patient, at times.
It took a long moment, but Martyn did find his way over to the couch opposite Gem. He was still staring at her with a look of annoyance, though she knew he would get over it or they could talk it out.
“He asked me for a favor and I said yes. That was all,” he said, as if the simple statement was enough to dismiss him of Gem’s scolding.
“How much did you know of what he was going to ask of me,” she crossed her arms. Her eyes scanned Martyn’s face for any signs that he was about to lie. She did not see any, but she kept close attention on him.
“I— everything, I guess. I don’t know. He said he was going to ask you to go to the palace to see the Queen. And, I mean, he was under Queen’s orders you know—“ Martyn attempted to play off the words casually.
“Nope,” Gem quickly corrected. “Not officially. He quite literally cannot be officially under Queen’s orders to get me unless like— my life is in danger or I am being brought for crimes or trial.”
She watched the way he rolled his eyes dismissively. It made her clench her fists, digging crescent moon nail marks into her palms.
“Fine, then. Still, he just wanted to follow what the Queen asked of him,” Martyn shrugged, his face still twisted in annoyance.
“I cannot believe you are sitting here acting like you know nothing about any of this,” Gem stared at him, open mouthed and baffled.
“What?! I told you about the Ren stuff—“ he started to throw his hands up in an attempt to motion that he did not know what Gem wanted from him.
“No, Martyn,” she scoffed. “You are sitting here acting like he is reasonable! Have you suddenly gotten amnesia about what happened, Martyn? Do you not remember why I live here? Why I am not currently in the palace as a knight? As her Knight?”
“I remember, Gem. Really—“ he tried to cut in.
“Martyn, shut up!” Gem yelled. “If it makes you happy then let him come back and try all he wants, okay? I don’t care. I just need you to confirm that you still understand why I am here. That you understand why I am so offended that you fully knew his intentions and probably the fact he seems to not like me but still let him here. I need you to say that you remember all that really happened.”
Martyn was wide eyed, the annoyance on his face gone. He looked to be processing what Gem said. Possibly realizing Gem’s point. He opened his mouth to speak and then shut it.
“I remember. I remember, Gem. I understand,” he looked to mean it. A slightly apologetic expression on his face. “And I’m sorry.”
Gem stared at him coldly. Letting him sit in his own apology. Yes, she would forgive him. Yes, she knew he remembered. But he needed a reminder of right and wrong here. He needed to not be mixed up in what priorities he had. Mixed up with who Ren was and what danger he could put Gem in. Martyn needed to be forced to think about his actions. And yes, Gem would allow Ren back because she did trust Martyn’s judgment of if he was sent by the Queen. But if anything happened, if Ren ended up harming Gem in any way, she wanted Martyn to remember it was because of his own mistakes. Harsh, but needed to Gem.
“Good,” she finally responded, nodding simply.
~
Pearl was pacing her room waiting for Ren— and hopefully Gem— to enter. Her mind had been racing since the second Ren had set off. At first, Pearl had tried to distract herself. Doing duties and checking in with people. Though, after a certain point she had resorted to going back to her room and walking back and forth. Mindlessly, she had taken to tracing the lines of the burn scars on her hands while she paced. It was a common nervous habit she had gotten into. As she walked she took note of every noise in the hall, and hoped each one to be Gem and Ren. At that point there was nothing she could do or think of that would distract her.
She had never wanted Gem to go away. She prevented her exile, but was not able to talk to her before or after the trial. Especially given she had pretty much disappeared. Pearl did not blame her for the accident. Even if she did do it and was fully guilty, Pearl could not let herself blame Gem. There was an explanation that she would get at some point. She would understand eventually. And she guessed she would not blame Gem once the truth came to light, either. Not when she was the first to rush to her side, giving her mimicking scars on her palms if Pearl remembered correctly.
A knock on the door startled her, and she quickly walked towards it.
“Come in,” she spoke the words before she could think to ask who it was.
Ren opened the door.
Alone.
Pearl froze in her steps. She stared at him like a deer in headlights. Subconsciously she supposed she was waiting for Ren to answer, but consciously all she felt was a sinking pit in her stomach.
“She refused to join me,” Ren put simply, an unreadable expression on his face.
“You will ask again,” she resumed her pacing, now gnawing on her lip in nervous thought. “How did it go?”
“She said that if you want to see her you should tell her yourself,” Ren relayed, swaying slightly on his feet as he watched Pearl pace.
“I will go, then. As soon as I can—“ Pearl started to say, plans already filling her mind.
“Pearl. No,” Ren shut the door to Pearl’s room, turning back to walk further in. His brows were furrowed and he looked almost annoyed. “I will go back and ask again. If it really comes to it— maybe you can go. But not now. You have a kingdom to rule, my Queen.”
“Ren,” she responded, nearly begging. She was looking at him desperately, hoping he would understand where she was coming from.
“I believe I can convince her Pearl, truly. Let me try before you put yourself at risk,” he advised.
At risk?
A twinge of doubt struck Pearl, but she shook it off. She stared at him, observing the way his expression was.
“Alright,” Pearl agreed hesitantly, looking to the floor. “But allow me to write her a letter.”
“Of course,” Ren nodded, a comforting smile appearing on his face.
Pearl walked over and flopped face down on her bed, sighing loudly and annoyedly. She buried her face in the covers below her, only turning her head to the side once she needed some air and wanted to speak.
“I wish I could reverse the fact she is banned from being near here— near me,” she mumbled, closing her eyes tightly.
She often imagined what everything would be like if the accident had not occurred.
“Pearl…” Ren replied. She knew that voice he was using. The slightly scolding but closer to pitying type of tone. Not quite warning her or feeling bad for her. Just telling her that she knew better, she supposed. “She tried to kill you.”
Pearl’s eyes flickered open and she rolled them. “Ugh— No, she did not—! I cannot believe that. I cannot comprehend that! I just— No, that is not what happened, Ren,” she shook her head the best she could, closing her eyes again.
“What else was that then?” Ren’s voice started to lean into a stricter tone. “Do people just blow others up for fun?”
He had always been defensive on her behalf about the accident. It was sort of understandable given he saw first hand how badly she had it after. But still. If she wanted to be defensive about the accident, she would. She did not need Ren treating her like she did not know anything about her own experience.
“She— she did not know I was going to be there!” Pearl reasoned back, a genuine point in favor of Gem.
This was a common argument the two got into, never really resolved by either of them. Pearl did not think Ren wanted to prevent her from seeing Gem. She hoped, at least. More so she was fairly certain Ren just was wanting to keep her safe. As was his duty.
“Sure,” he said, fully unconvinced of her words.
Pearl opened her eyes and rolled herself over to be sitting on the bed. Her wings flared out before adjusting to the sitting position. She made herself dizzy from sitting up and took a moment to breathe and stop the room from spinning.
“We were friends for years before it happened, Ren. You never saw that, but we were. If that had not happened I am sure she would have become my Knight instead of you,” Pearl looked at Ren, her voice almost threatening. She loved Ren as her personal Knight. But she would always have wished it had been Gem. They would have protected each other. Not just this feeling of a knight protecting a Queen, but a mutual same level of respect. A caring that had been crafted for years upon years.
“What if she has changed? What if now she does want to kill you? Then what?” Ren sternly asked, walking to look out the window. His jaw was set. She knew she could not change his opinions, like always.
“Did she seem like that when you talked to her?” She asked simply, raising her eyebrows.
“ No— But she had a lot of knives and weapons. And you know she’s a mercenary now, she does whatever pays her well enough,” Ren turned back to her. Pearl nearly laughed at the fact that Ren just sounded like he was gossiping. Similar to how Cleo, Scott, Impulse, and Bdubs would. It was… Almost funny.
“Ren, that is hypocritical. You are quite literally in love with Martyn, you know, a mercenary. If you are saying all mercenaries are dangerous, then stop seeing Martyn,” Pearl stared at him with a flat expression on her face.
Ren huffed and turned away once again. Sometimes Pearl felt like she was babysitting the man when they got into fights. She knew he had his reasons, but moon above, he was stubborn.
“Whenever she and I do get to see each other again, which we will if it is the last thing I do, I promise you can be there. If she attacks me, then fine. You were right. But I know her, Ren. A lot better than you do. A lot better than how you think you know her,” Pearl motioned for him to walk over and he complied. She took his hand in hers. “Trust me. Trust me as I trust you.”
His shoulders relaxed slightly and he sighed, closing his eyes. He took a deep breath and squeezed Pearl’s hand
“I trust you, Pearl.”
“Thank you.”