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Lithe fingers unfurled the parchment with ease before a small tut led to various hands scrambling to gain purchase against curling corners. In haste, various stones, pens, two books, and a potted plant were messily arranged onto the immaculately penned map of the land. Sphene opened their mouth to speak, but was suddenly cut off when Topaz turned on their heel and plopped a bowl on the last untouched corner. Sphene smiled and thanked both their partner and the jellyfish within, earning a joyful splash from the jellyfish for having not been forgotten by the others.
Sphene clapped hands together and cast that same smile to the gathered throng in the planning room, earning their undivided attention. “All right, since it appears everyone’s here, let’s begin the strategy debriefing.” They reached toward the map and traced a finger along the perimeter where the grasslands gave way to the beach. “Team A will begin here…”
Seated in the back, Euclase leaned their weight onto their hand, letting out a concealed sigh as their eyes fluttered in a vain attempt to remain open. Training was a daily expectation of the gems. While Sensei encouraged breaks and rewarded them graciously for their hard work, dawdling wasn’t if they wanted to maintain their peaceful way of life. The dangers of their existence was a hollow fissure in all of them, filled by the inclusions–the many memories–of the shattered faces of their precious friends spirited to the Moon.
Euclase knew training was of the utmost importance. If they fell behind even once, they could lose any one of the gems in that room attentively listening to Sphene. But after centuries upon centuries of rote tactical breakdowns to the point Euclase could recite them upon request, the only thing they desired was occupying a seat in the library and finishing Chrysoberyl’s recent book. It wasn’t as great as the last three they penned, but after dedicating a decade to the trilogy, Euclase was keen on seeing it through to the end. Especially when the previous book frustratingly was left on a cliffhanger.
Just as Euclase allowed their mind to drift to what that ending might entail, a sudden clatter broke them of their reverie. Bicolored eyes glanced to the table as Sphene upended a handful of flag markers onto the map and arranged four into a trapezoidal shape. A yawn threatened to escape Euclase, but they quelled the urge with a purse of their lips.
Already halfway through debriefing , they thought to themself. Just a little bit more and I’ll finally be free.
Euclase watched, halfway distracted by a stray curl that looped out from one of Sphene’s many braids, as the orange gem moved the four flag markers one by one away from the school. “Team B will bait Lunarians after Team A escapes toward the Hollow Cape and engage once they receive the signal. They will serve as a distraction, stalling them for as long as possible until Sensei arrives.”
Euclase’s attention almost dipped away again. They’d been over this routine a myriad of times and it served to be the best defense to Lunarians that appeared during autumn. Whether it was in response to the cooler weather or cloudier skies, whatever supposed intelligence their main threat had lapsed considerably. They became easier to strike down the closer the season approached winter.
It’s obvious what comes next, Euclase thought. Team C will round the school and–
“–go their separate ways once they reach the courtyard.”
This unexpected correction was enough to jerk Euclase’s attention completely back to the present. They gave a clueless blink, befuddled beyond words as Sphene explained the rest of the plan: two gems would gather with Team B to hold off Lunarians should any of their fellow gems be incapacitated, while another would head to the Hollow Cape to confirm Team A wasn’t in need of assistance. The last remaining gem would be left to man the bell and ring it to warn any remaining gems not in charge of patrols to return to the safety of the school. Within that time frame, hopefully, Sensei would’ve dispatched the Lunarians and all would be well until their next attack.
Anger brightened Euclase’s inclusions. Never before had they heard such a ludicrous plan! There was always safety and power in numbers; this was the first rule of any waging of war. Leaving a lone gem to ring the bell for heavens knew how long was dangerous–to the point of being voluntarily sacrificial. Panic alone from the forethought already had them bouncing a leg. To put any one of them in that kind of position was downright cruel!
Yet what frightened Euclase most is that no one argued against the plan. Their head swiveled left to right as they took in others simply bobbing their head in acceptance, allowing Sphene to go on none the wiser. Euclase willed anyone– anyone –to speak up, but their silent pleas fell on deaf ears as the debriefing continued.
“ Keh! ” The click of Blue Zoisite’s tongue against the roof of their mouth seemed to punctuate the end of the meeting. They kicked up a foot onto the edge of the table before them and leaned back, running a hand through their hair. “This plan ain’t any different than the previous one! Why’d we have to meet to discuss this in the first place?”
Pink Topaz wagged a finger at them. “Typical Bluzo,” they teased. “All words for you seem to go in one ear and out the other, hm?”
Blue Zoisite frowned, jerking in Pink Topaz’s direction. “The hell you say to me?” they barked.
“They’re right,” Sapphire amended beside them. “Had your attention not lapsed, you’d be aware the entire second half of the plan was redone. Were you even listening?”
Blue Zoisite roared with such volume, they appeared ready to vault over the table and straddle Sapphire. Sphene snapped up just in time to rush over and bodily insert themself between the two gems. With a few words, they managed to quell or distract, Euclase wasn’t sure, Blue Zoisite long enough to pull Sapphire from their perimeter. Sapphire stared on blankly, unsure what’d they’d done to incite Blue Zoisite in the first place. Pink Topaz slapped a hand over their mouth and giggled quietly, gleeful from the mischief that almost instigated more.
Realizing they should dismiss everyone before more trouble brewed, Sphene clapped their hands again, drawing the throng’s attention back to them. “A-all right, that should be the end of things. Does anyone have any questions?” they asked.
Euclase jumped a little in their seat. This was the only chance they had to air their grievances. If they didn’t say anything now, any of them could be put in danger when an encounter with the Lunarians undoubtedly happened. They leaned forward, lips parting to interrupt Sphene and the others, but a sudden flash of blue in their periphery made them acquiesce.
Tucked into a corner of the room behind Topaz sat the only gem closest in age to Euclase: Lapis Lazuli. They were so quiet during the debriefing that Euclase wasn’t even aware they were there. While unexpected, it wasn’t unusual for them; Lapis Lazuli was keen to keep engagement reserved to those they trusted most like their partner, Ghost Quartz. Save moments in the main hall where they partook in recreational cards or board games, they only roamed between the library and their room. Other areas in the school were never blessed by their presence.
Though odd, the most unusual thing of all was here, in this moment, Lapis Lazuli had placed their undivided attention on Euclase. Their expression was blank, but curious, as their chin remained precariously balanced on the interconnected bridge of their fingers. In the brief moment Euclase glanced at them, they could almost discern an urging there; a silent challenge as if daring them to speak up. Euclase met this with confusion, ruining the one chance they had to make their thoughts known.
“All right, it seems no one has any concerns. Let’s call this meeting a wrap, yes? Everyone’s free to go, but remember to meet in the courtyard first thing in the morning so we can run drills! See everyone tomorrow!”
Despite that brief obstacle, Euclase wasn’t going to back down that easily. As the other gems receded like a tide from the room, Euclase moved against the current and rushed to Sphene, catching their forearm. The orange gem started in surprise, but offered Euclase a smile once they saw who it was.
“Euc,” they greeted pleasantly. “To what do I owe the pleasure? Are you here to ask something?”
“A-ah, yes,” Euclase began in earnest. “It’s about that plan you relayed to us just now…”
“Isn’t it just genius?” Sphene’s smile brightened. “I know the revision was unexpected, but it really was needed to balance out the strategy. Lapis did an amazing job, didn’t they?”
“Yes, it did sound promising, but…Wait, what?”
“Hm?”
“Can you repeat that?”
“You mean the plan? Ah, well, it’s a tad lengthy, Euc, but if you can wait until tomorrow–”
“No, no. I don’t mean that. You mentioned Lapis… What do they have to do with the revision?”
“Lapis? Oh, they’re the one who wrote the revision themself! Actually, they revised eight of our battle strategies over the last three days. Impressive, isn’t it? It takes us about that long to do even one! They’re a genius–prodigious, even. We wouldn’t have made such strides without them.”
Suddenly, Euclase’s motivation deflated. They never contended they would have to challenge more than one revised strategy. A single one was doable, but the others? Euclase was positive it’d spark an internal divide between those that agreed with the revisions and those that didn’t. The last thing the gems needed was conflict between them. And, considering how enthusiastically Sphene responded to Lapis Lazuli’s efforts, Euclase knew it wouldn’t be a winning battle.
Euclase mustered up their most winning smile, feigning the same level of pleasantness Sphene showed. “Yes, you’re absolutely right,” they said. “Lapis is quite generous to have gone the extra mile. Please give them my regards should you see them later.”
“Oh, of course! I’ll be sure to pass along your word, Euc.”
With that, Euclase bid Sphene goodbye with a nod of their head. Turning on their heel, they marched out of the planning room, straight down the corridor, and toward the library. Now, more than ever, they needed to occupy their mind before they gave in to the mounting desire to turn to the nearest wall and bash their head in. Only time would tell if they could.
Try as they might, Euclase couldn’t concentrate on the book in hand. Every time their eyes skimmed over the words, the translation of text to comprehensiveness failed them. It was like they were reading the same sentence twice. It was like they were reading the same sentence twice.
Euclase sighed and dropped the book back onto the table, dragging a hand across their temple. Much to their chagrin, the one thing they were looking forward to had lapsed to being nothing more than a chore. How could they read when there were more pressing matters to attend to? Reading paled in comparison to the survivability of their fellow gems!
Lapis is entirely to blame for this , they thought. If they hadn’t penned instructions that would certainly lead to disaster, I wouldn’t be dealing with such a harrowing dilemma. If they were here now, I certainly–!
“Well, hello there, Euc.”
Such a pleasant tone was sharp enough to cut away all thoughts in Euclase’s mind. They stiffened like a pillar, but didn’t give Lapis Lazuli the honor of their whole attention. Instead, Euclase glanced at them from their periphery, feigning busywork despite being anything but.
A spire of dappled blue light split the library in two. Euclase traced their eye to the source: Lapis Lazuli peeking in from the corridor; their long, long locks cascading off their shoulder and catching the fading sunlight from the window that wrapped around the school. A gentle, welcoming smile curved upon their face, but Euclase knew more dangerously intriguing thoughts lurked beyond that paper-thin facade.
Euclase pretended to have Lapis Lazuli’s greeting go unheard, but their feignment was a pitiful attempt in comparison to the blue gem’s uncharacteristic friendliness. They were the only one in the library at that hour, after all. Nevertheless, Euclase still hoped it got across that they weren’t to be disturbed.
Which Euclase was quick to learn Lapis Lazuli cared nothing about. They invaded Euclase’s personal space without so much as an invitation, striding in from the entrance and leaning against the tablespace beside them. Euclase was uncomfortable beyond reason, but they daren’t say anything to provoke Lapis Lazuli. Earnestly, Euclase believed if they remained quiet, Lapis Lazuli might take this more obvious hint and leave them in peace.
However, because the forces of the world were against them, Lapis Lazuli prompted them first. They brushed a hand through their locks, absently studying the ends for splits that obviously didn’t exist. Then, with a swivel of their body, they said, “You noticed, didn’t you?”
Euclase thinned their lips. In one last ditch effort to save face, they said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The responding smile that lit up Lapis Lazuli’s face was smug, all-knowing. “Come now, Euc, you can be honest with me,” they said. “You remained unaware, but I watched you throughout the entire debriefing. I saw how you responded to the revision. I already know how displeased with the changes you are.”
“If you know, then why are you here?” Unconsciously, Euclase fully turned their face to them so that they might feel the full brunt of their glare. “Is your ego that feeble?”
“Oh? You think my ego is feeble?” Instead of appearing upset, Lapis Lazuli seemed delighted by the insinuation.
Euclase’s hand balled into a fist beside their book. “It has to be if you’re willing to submit a revision that revolting! ” they spat. “Your so-called plan is worse than that was proposed before!”
Realizing Euclase wasn’t finished with them, Lapis Lazuli pulled aside the seat next to them and settled in to listen intently.
“I truly question your sensibilities if you’re willing to submit a tactic like that and think it would be beneficial for all! Putting a gem at risk by sending them alone to ring the bell? Are you daft? You must be!
In the time it would take Sensei to reach from the school to your flimsy distraction, any Lunarian can turn and rain arrows down upon that poor gem! Then there’s the lack of protections around the school! You're weighing everything on Sensei again by sending another gem off to check on those at the Hollow Cape! How is that a wise choice when there’s no threat there to begin with? Just what were you thinking? I dearly wish to know!”
Lapis Lazuli cocked their head when Euclase’s voice lapsed to a sudden silence. “Are you through?” they asked.
“Hardly!” Euclase shouted, voice loud enough to shake the shelves. “Now I want to know what underhanded tactics you used to convince Sphene and the others that that plan is all right! That’s what disgusts me most–the shamelessness! You're a foul manipulator if you convinced them that plan was safe!”
“I did no such thing,” Lapis Lazuli interjected, responding to that lone accusation with a measured beat of what Euclase could only discern as annoyance. “They accepted what I gave them without question. No review. That simply proves my point.”
“And that point is?”
“None of them think for themselves. They default to others, never contributing, only following.” Lapis Lazuli averted their gaze to the shelves. “That’s what disgusts me the most.”
Euclase hummed. This was unexpected, and while still quite annoyed, this shift in Lapis Lazuli’s demeanor piqued their interest. “If that’s the case, why make conversation with me?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m also part of that group you haphazardly insulted.”
Lapis Lazuli smiled, tucking a lock of hair behind their ear. “That’s where you’re wrong, Euc.”
“I am?”
“Mm, you’re nothing like the others.”
“You’re not being clear…”
“As I said before, you noticed.”
Euclase huffed. “That doesn’t explain–” Their eyes widened as realization dawned on them like afternoon sun. “The revision… You did that on purpose, didn’t you? You wanted it to anger someone.”
Lapis Lazuli dipped their head in affirmation.
Euclase was stunned to the point their thoughts stymied. They couldn’t believe it. Euclase knew Lapis Lazuli was full of themself, but this was so out there even they couldn’t believe it to be true. What were they trying to achieve with such mediocre work? Was it done out of pettiness? Truly to insult the masses and prove they were the most intelligent gem? For as long as Euclase had known Lapis Lazuli, it seemed completely out of character, but they also didn’t doubt the veracity of such a claim. Lapis Lazuli likely had their own agenda Euclase remained unaware of.
Still, Euclase chanced asking. “Why’d you do something like that? There has to be a reason.”
Lapis Lazuli’s brow twitched. It was as if, out of all questions they were to be asked, that was the last one they expected from Euclase. For a moment, Euclase was insulted by that premise. If Lapis Lazuli knew so much, why hadn’t they considered Euclase might ask something so obvious? Of course, they’d want to know Lapis Lazuli’s motivations.
It took a beat for Euclase to realize they had misinterpreted Lapis Lazuli. Their reaction to Euclase’s inquiry wasn’t due to annoyance. Lapis Lazuli seemed to fold in on themself; turning away to switch their gaze to the large window of the library. Euclase studied them as they seemed to collect their thoughts; their features were limned in gold by the light of the setting sun, adding color to a typical gem’s wanness. It was a fetching look that matched the flecks of gold about their hair, washed away the stain of blue on Lapis Lazuli’s cheeks.
Euclase blinked. Wait, are they blushing? Are they… embarrassed?
“Lapis…?”
“I-I was curious, all right,” Lapis Lazuli suddenly said in a small voice. “I wanted to know if you truly were… different.”
Euclase drummed fingers on the table. “I’m anything but, Lapis.”
Lapis Lazuli shook their head. “No, that’s where you’re wrong.”
“You think I don't know myself?”
“Not at all. You just haven’t seen what I’ve seen.”
Euclase was so taken by such a line, they forgot their voice for a moment.
“You’ve a keen mind, Euc,” Lapis Lazuli continued. “Your wit is quick, and your comprehension is above average. Momentarily, I did think you were like the others, but I stood wrong once I uncovered the truth: Your social prowess is amazing. It’s something I completely lack. For a time, I felt… inferior… when I compared us, but I decided to turn this flaw into a strength.”
Euclase quirked a brow. “And how did you decide to go about that?”
“Well, for starters, I’d like to make you my friend.”
For all intents and purposes, Euclase wanted to turn them down. Didn’t they have every right to? Instead of being forthright, Lapis Lazuli manipulated important documentation to test Euclase’s resolve. Such a roundabout way only spoke of cowardice.
Or is it really? Euclase thought. Knowing Lapis, this is likely the only way they know how to make friends. A questionable tactic on its own, but a genius one nonetheless.
“All right then,” Euclase returned, amazed to see Lapis Lazuli blink in surprise. Did they expect them to say no? “I think I’d like that–being your friend.”
The smile they granted Euclase was stunning: A genuine one that met their eyes, conveying amounts of gratitude they didn’t think the blue gem capable of. Reaching forth, Lapis Lazuli curved a hand about Euclase’s wrist and gave it a squeeze.
“Thank you, Euc. I’d… really like that.”
Euclase tried to settle into the warmth that overcame them, but it was soundly punted aside when panic overtook their wake. “W-wait!” they cried just as Lapis Lazuli pulled away. Their hand caught theirs like a vice. “W-what of the other revisions? Certainly you tampered with those, too! They have to be righted immediately!”
Lapis Lazuli blinked before they suddenly threw their head back and barked out a laugh. “Oh, you needn’t worry yourself, Euc!” they replied. “It was only the one. The rest of the revisions are proper corrections that will ensure the safety of the school. I’m not that callous.”
Euclase blinked. “So you messed up that only one to test me?”
“Precisely! How else was I supposed to get your attention?”