Phoenix Gang: Separate Ways

Featured Character: Coral Pearl

Beach City

GENERAL CHAPTER

The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a warm glow over Beach City as Coral Pearl stood on the sandy shore, watching her volleyball team practice. Her team, a mix of gems and humans, hustled across the court, spikes and serves flying through the air with precision.

"Alright, team, let's focus!" Coral called out, her voice carrying across the beach. "We've got a big match in three days, and I know we're going to crush it!"

The team cheered in response, their determination palpable in the air. Coral couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in her chest. Coaching this team had become her passion, her purpose since joining the Crystal Gems, and even during her time in the Phoenix Gang as a team aide, suggesting a multitasking quality Coral gives that could be beneficial to many in today's world.

As the practice wound down, Coral gathered her team for a pep talk. They huddled together, listening intently as she outlined their strategy for the upcoming match.

"Remember, teamwork is key," Coral said, her eyes meeting each of her players' gazes. "We may come from different backgrounds, but when we step onto that court on the day of the game, we're a unified force. Now let's go out there and keep practicing so we can show them what we're made of!"

With a final cheer, the team dispersed, heading off to practice and prepare for the days ahead. Coral lingered on the beach, watching the waves roll in, lost in thought.

"Hey, Coral!" A familiar, feminine voice called.

Coral turned to see Pink Pearl, currently known as Volleyball as nicknamed by Steven Universe, approaching her with a smile. The two Pearls shared a close bond, forged through countless moments and shared experiences.

"Hey, Volleyball," Coral greeted her, returning the smile. "What brings you here?"

"Just wanted to check in," Volleyball replied, falling into step beside Coral as they strolled along the shoreline. "You seemed a bit preoccupied during practice."

Coral sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, I guess I've just been thinking a lot lately. About the match, about everything."

"Is everything alright?" Volleyball asked, concern etched into her features.

Coral nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. It's just...I miss the old days, you know? Back when I was with the Phoenix Gang, just causing mischief and having fun, while at the same time helping others I need, community or worldwide... I may be a team aide, but I eventually found myself useful for many things. I wonder what they're up to these days."

"Volleyball nodded in understanding. "I get it. Those were good times. But you've found something special here with the Crystal Gems, too."

Coral glanced out at the sea, a wistful look in her eyes. "You're right. Working with Steven and the others has been amazing. They've become like family to me, just like the Phoenix Gang."

"And don't forget about your team here," Volleyball added, gesturing to the volleyball court where their team continued to practice. "They look up to you, Coral. You're making a difference in their lives."

Coral smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, Volleyball. I needed to hear that."

The two Pearls continued their walk along the beach, the sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of pink and orange, Coral felt a sense of peace settle over her.

"Hey, Coral," Volleyball said, breaking the comfortable silence. "I know this transition hasn't been easy for you, but I truly believe it's an opportunity for you to explore new interests, to grow as a person, well, a gem in this case."

Coral nodded, gratitude swelling in her chest. "You're right, Volleyball. I'm grateful for everything the Crystal Gems have given me thus far, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me."

As the evening settled in, Coral and Volleyball found themselves seated at a cozy table outside a quaint seaside café, enjoying a meal together. The salty breeze mingled with the tantalizing aroma of seafood, creating a serene atmosphere.

"I'm really glad we could spend some time together like this," Coral said, taking a sip of her drink. "It feels like it's been forever since we've had a chance to just relax and chat."

Volleyball nodded, a soft smile gracing her features. "Me too, Coral. It's nice to catch up and unwind."

They talked late into the night, sharing stories and reminiscing about Coral's random adventures with the Phoenix Gang. Coral found herself opening up to Volleyball in a way she hadn't in a long time, relishing the familiar comfort of her presence.

As they finished their meal, Coral's gaze drifted upwards, drawn to the twinkling stars overhead. A shooting star streaked across the sky, leaving a trail of light in its wake.

"Make a wish," Volleyball said, her voice filled with excitement.

Coral closed her eyes, her mind racing with hopes and dreams. She made a silent wish, her heart full of determination.

"I hope we win the game," she whispered, opening her eyes to meet Volleyball's gaze.

Volleyball smiled, her eyes sparkling with confidence. "I know you guys will, Coral. I believe in you and your team."

The day of the game dawned bright and clear, the air buzzing with anticipation as Coral and her team prepared to face off against their opponents, the Homeworld gems. The volleyball court crackled with energy as the players warmed up, their muscles tense with anticipation.

The match started off well, with Coral's team, the Crystal Gems, dominating the court with their skill and teamwork. But as the game progressed, the Homeworld gems fought back fiercely, turning the tide in their favor.

During a break in the game, Coral gathered her team together, her heart heavy with the weight of the impending defeat. The pressure weighed heavily on her shoulders, threatening to crush her spirit.

"I don't know if we can do this," Coral admitted, her voice tinged with doubt. "They're too strong, too coordinated. We might not win this game."

Volleyball stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Coral's shoulder. "Hey, look at me," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "We may be down right now, but that doesn't mean we're out. We've come too far to give up now."

Coral looked into Volleyball's eyes, finding strength and determination reflected back at her. With a deep breath, she squared her shoulders, a fire igniting in her chest.

"You're right, Volleyball," she said, her voice steady. "We may not win this game, but that doesn't mean we can't give it our all. Let's show them what we're made of."

As the match resumed, Coral's team, the Crystal Gems, squared off against the Homeworld Gems with renewed determination. They fought tooth and nail, each member giving their all despite the mounting challenges.

But the game took a dangerous turn as injuries began to mount on both sides. Coral's heart sank as she watched her teammates fall, their cries of pain echoing across the court. Amidst the chaos, it became apparent that members of the Homeworld team were resorting to cheating tactics to gain the upper hand.

Coral's brow furrowed in frustration as the referee hesitated to disqualify the cheater, allowing them to continue wreaking havoc on the court. In a fit of rage, the cheater unleashed their powers, unleashing a torrent of destruction that threatened to tear the field apart.

"If we cannot win this game, neither will they!" The cheater, who is a Citrine gem, shouted as she activated a machine in order to battle Coral's team.

"We will not let this occur, Citrine!" Coral shouted as she gathered the Crystal Gems to combat Citrine's machine.

With a resolute determination, Coral and the Crystal Gems sprang into action, summoning their own powers and weapons to combat the chaos. They fought valiantly, their strength and unity shining through as they worked together to subdue the cheater and restore order to the court.

"It can't be! No!" Citrine cried in desperation.

"Your cheating games are over, Citrine! Give up now!" Shouted Garnet furiously, in which Citrine replied with a small growl.

But the battle was far from over. As the dust settled, Coral and her team stood victorious, having vanquished their foe and saved the day. The Homeworld Gems, recognizing the error of their teammate's ways, stepped forward to teach the cheater a lesson, ensuring that she would not escape without consequence.

"I've done this to win the game, guys! You can't be serious!" Citrine cried.

"We win this game fair and square," one Homeworld Gem said. "Not by dirty tactics."

And with that, they kicked her out of their team and away from the gymnasium. In the end, despite their best efforts, Coral's team fell just short of victory, losing to the Homeworld Gems by a single point. As the final buzzer sounded, Coral sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. After congratulating her team for giving all of their skill and might into the game, she went outside to take some fresh air. As soon as she went outside, Volleyball spotted her and approached her, ready to comfort her as she would always do whenever she sees her dearest friend down.

"Hey, Coral," Volleyball said, stepping forward to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You did your best out there. That's all anyone could ask for."

Coral forced a smile, her heart heavy with disappointment. "Thanks, Volleyball. I just wish we could have won for the team."

Volleyball nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "I know, Coral. But sometimes, winning isn't just about the score. It's about the bonds we forge and the lessons we learn along the way."

Coral's eyes met Volleyball's, gratitude welling up within her. "You're right, Volleyball. Thank you for always being there for me."

Before she could say another word, Volleyball leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Coral's cheek. Coral's heart skipped a beat as she felt a rush of warmth flood through her, her cheeks flushing with color.

"You may not have won the game, Coral," Volleyball whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you've won my heart."

Coral's breath caught in her throat as she processed Volleyball's words, a surge of emotion swelling within her. She reached out, taking Volleyball's hand in hers, their fingers intertwining as they stood together beneath the stars.

In that moment, surrounded by the love and support of her teammates, Coral knew that she had already achieved the greatest victory of all: the bond of friendship and love that would carry her through any challenge life threw her way. And as she looked up at the night sky, she couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and excitement for the adventures that lay ahead as a new relationship arose between Coral and Volleyball.

TIKTOK TIME

TikTok Title: We're Crystal Gems, Of Course...

[Scene: Coral and Volleyball sit side by side, facing the camera with bright smiles. Coral holds up her hand, displaying her gemstone proudly.]

Coral: Hey, TikTok! I'm Coral, and this is my girlfriend, Volleyball. And today, we're sharing 10 reasons why we're proud to be Crystal Gems! In other words, the "Of Course..." challenge!!!

[Reason 1: Coral gestures to her gemstone.]

Coral: We're Crystal Gems, of course we've got these awesome gemstones that give us all sorts of cool powers! Like, who wouldn't want to shoot lasers from their fingertips?!

[Reason 2: Volleyball holds up her volleyball, glowing with energy.]

Volleyball: We're Crystal Gems, of course we've got some serious teamwork skills! Whether it's on the volleyball court or battling Homeworld gems, we've always got each other's backs!

[Reason 3: Coral and Volleyball fist bump.]

Coral: We're Crystal Gems, of course we've been through some tough times, but we always come out stronger on the other side! Nothing can break our bond as Crystal Gems!

[Reason 4: Coral summons her shield.]

Coral: We're Crystal Gems, of course we've got some seriously cool weapons! Check out my shield—perfect for deflecting enemy attacks!

[Reason 5: Volleyball twirls her volleyball with finesse.]

Volleyball: We're Crystal Gems, of course we've got style for days! I mean, who else can rock a volleyball like this on the battlefield?!

[Reason 6: Coral and Volleyball high five.]

Coral: We're Crystal Gems, of course we're not afraid to stand up for what's right, even if it means going against the odds! Being a Crystal Gem means fighting for justice!

[Reason 7: Volleyball gives Coral a supportive hug.]

Volleyball: We're Crystal Gems, of course we've got each other! Through thick and thin, we'll always be there to lift each other up and keep each other going!

[Reason 8: Coral flashes a confident grin.]

Coral: We're Crystal Gems, of course we've got some serious determination! No matter how tough things get, we never give up until the job is done!

[Reason 9: Coral and Volleyball strike a heroic pose.]

Volleyball: We're Crystal Gems, of course we've got the best squad in the universe! Shoutout to Steven, Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl—our Crystal Gem family!

[Reason 10: Coral and Volleyball hold hands.]

Coral: And finally, we're proud to be Crystal Gems because it means we're part of something bigger than ourselves. We're part of a legacy of love, bravery, and unity that spans across time and space!

Volleyball: Thanks for joining us on this TikTok adventure, everyone! Remember, no matter where life takes you, always embrace your inner Crystal Gem! Catch you next time!"

[End scene: Coral and Volleyball wave goodbye to the camera, their smiles radiant with pride and joy.]

Made by @/coralpearlsu

SONG COVER REMIX

Sour Cream - Stay The Night by Zedd & Hayley Williams (Song Cover Remix) ft. Coral Pearl

[CORAL PEARL]

I know that we are upside down

So hold your tongue and hear me out

I know that we were made to break

So what? I don't mind

You kill the lights, I'll draw the blinds

Don't dull the sparkle in your eyes

I know that we were made to break

So what? I don't mind

Are you gonna stay the night?

Are you gonna stay the night?

Ho, oh, oh, oh, are you gonna stay the night?

Are you gonna stay the night?

Doesn't mean we're bound for life

So, oh, oh, oh, are you gonna stay the night?

Are you gonna stay the night?

Doesn't mean we're bound for life

So, oh, oh, oh, are you gonna stay the night?

I am a fire, you're gasoline

Come pour yourself all over me

We'll let this place go down in flames

Only one more time

You kill the lights, I'll draw the blinds

Don't dull the sparkle in your eyes

I know that we were made to break

So what? I don't mind

Are you gonna stay the night?

Are you gonna stay the night?

Ho, oh, oh, oh, are you gonna stay the night?

Are you gonna stay the night? (When we get burned)

Doesn't mean we're bound for life (we never learn)

So, oh, oh, oh, are you gonna stay the night?

Are you gonna stay the night?

Are you gonna stay the night?

Doesn't mean we're bound for life

So, oh, oh, oh, are you gonna stay the night?

Are you gonna stay the night?

Are you gonna stay the night?

Oh, oh, oh, oh, are you gonna stay the night?

END OF CHAPTER