Chapter Text
Jaspersand had never ridden on a warp pad before, it had never been necessary. She felt embarrassed explaining this to Pinkie, but she didn't mind and activated the warp pad, stating that Jaspersand would learn this and much more at Little Homeschool.
_ Oh my, how rude of me, I didn't even ask your name! What's your name? _ Pinkie asked.
_ Jasper.. sand.
_ You gave yourself a nickname?! _ Pinkie exclaimed, but before the quartz could come up with an excuse for that inappropriate behavior, they arrived at their destination.
They were in a huge city, filled with gems and some... Humans? They shouldn't be here at the end of colonization... The warp pad light beam caught the attention of the gems around them, and one of them approached.
_ Spinel! What a surprise to see you here! _ A Pearl, definitely.
_ Don't get too excited. I just came to pay a little visit and bring this newly restored jasper. _ Spinel said.
_ Sure, let me take care of her. I'll introduce her to Little Homeworld and.. if you want to extend your 'little visit' and talk to Amethyst... She's playing baseball with the gems at the new court.
_ Well, now that you've given me her exact location, I can't resist stopping by there for a tiny bit. Thanks, Pearl! And good luck, Jaspersand! _ Spinel said before leave jumping away. Was she making fun of her for giving herself that name?
_ Jaspersand? Did Spinel give you that nickname? _ The pearl got closer, looking the new gem up and down.
_ No, I did. I can stop using it if it's not allowed...
_ What? _ She laughed, but it didn't seem disdainful, what was unusual for the quartz. _ You don't need permission for that. You can call yourself whatever you want! I only asked because I rarely see gems self-name like that... I can tell you'll adapt quickly to Era 3, besides that, you can call me Pearl.
_ So... Pearl, where do I start before entering Little Homeschool?
_ That's a great question! Let's walk as I explain, okay? We don't want any accidents with you staying on the warp pad for much longer.
Looking at her feet, Jaspersand realized she hadn't moved since she arrived. She apologized for her distraction and followed Pearl as she walked through the city, introducing some important places like the "hotel" where gems lived until they "graduated" from Little School. In the middle of the explanation, she got distracted again, this time by Pearl herself. She was tall, thin, and pale, the standard for pearls, but her clothes were different. Did her owner ask her to help with the arrival of new gems? Did she even have an owner? As they walked, she saw so many gems out of their original roles. Little Homeworld must be a place of temporary freedom, that would explain it.
_ Did you understand? _ Her line of reasoning was interrupted by the question. Seeing Jaspersand's confused expression, Pearl spoke more slowly. _ Sorry, I'm talking too much and too fast, aren't I? What I meant is, we're going to talk to that peridot to choose where you'll stay and what your first classes at Littl Homeschool will be, ok?
_ Yes, of course. What are "classes"?
_ In short, they're places where you'll have lessons on various topics, with different teachers. I teach several of them myself.
_ Will I see you in them? _ Pearl took a moment to answer. Maybe she was being too bold with questions like that...
_ Not at first, but you'll be able to join one of my classes soon if you're interested. _ They both went to a small establishment where a peridot, shorter than the standard, was making several notes on some strange equipment behind a counter. _ Hi, Dote, how's it going with the computer?
_ I'm doing very well, thanks to your lessons on human technology. Brought a newbie?
_ Hm-hum. Her name is Jaspersand. See if there's a room available on the quartz floor, please. And also, create a schedule for her with the Freedom class.
For such a small gem, peridot was quite agile, and in no time, she had a card in her hands, handing it to Jaspersand. Pearl walked towards the tall tower in the center of the city, explaining what the card was for, how to enter her room, and that the tower had floors with different functions, without going into detail. Maybe she knew Jaspersand would forget everything soon...
_ Well, here we are. Before I go, I want to make sure you haven't forgotten what we talked about. Can you recap, please?
_ "Room 5, just touch the panel, and the door opens automatically", and... "Your Freedom class is tomorrow, 11 a.m., near the forge. If you have trouble with Earth hours, ask for help at the reception."
_ You're entirely correct. Now, you're on your own. Have a good night, Jaspersand. _ Pearl smiled, waved, and left.
Pearl wasn't there anymore, but even though she'd been told to go to her room, it wouldn't hurt to chat with her new current colleagues. Unable to resist, she knocked on door number 6, from which a white-striped jasper appeared.
_ Hi. Can I help you with something?
_ I'm Jaspersand, and... I just arrived. I just wanted to know if you'd like some company. _ She spoke in a shy way and the other jasper responded happily.
_ Of course! _ Eagerly, the striped gem grabbed Jaspersand's hand, pulling her into her room. _ Look, everyone, another new quartz!
Inside the room were two more jaspers and an Agate, all welcoming the newcomer warmly. The white-striped one was named Zebra Jasper and introduced each of her differently-appearing friends. When Jaspersand began talking about that, they all expected insults, as had happened many times before, but they sighed in relief when the newcomer showered them with compliments. For a first day, she was doing very well, having met four very friendly quartzes with whom she could spend the night with.