Board Thread:Introductions/@comment-26998935-20150919180333/@comment-26998935-20151002041306

It could definitely be what you're saying, or at least something along those lines. They could have had a one-sided show of affection on Pearl's part, but our knowledge of what Rose's response to this is limited, to say the least. I'd go so far as to say that our knowledge of Rose herself and her exploits couldn't fill a teaspoon. During the war, they would most likely have trained - rigorously. This would have continued until or when Pearl developed some kind of inferiority complex, rendering herself useless against the Homeworld Gems' psychological warfare that they would have used instead of brute-forcing their way onto Earth for the invasion, if they couldn't do that first. Lapis Lazuli has given the information that Homeworld is even stronger, smarter, and faster than before. If this is true, then they must have been formidable opponents in terms of their armada's overall performance, even if that was literally centuries before the present. However, they would have gone up against Rose Quartz, who was a battle strategist and had more than just an assortment of revolutionary Gems at her disposal. The war would have taken a lot of time and effort from all of the Crystal Gems, not just Rose. Pearl would have been extremely worried about Rose's well-being, giving life and limb just to keep her safe. Even if she didn't succeed at protecting Rose, Pearl would definitely try. She'd be at Rose's side every possible moment, knowing Pearl. If Rose was the only reason that Pearl joined the war, then what would happen if Rose actually faltered during a tough encounter with Jasper, Yellow Diamond, whoever else? Pearl would be completely adamant over sending other Gems to fight. If I know Pearl, I know she's willing to give up any and all possible lives to keep Rose's. However, Rose wouldn't be open to this idea, having a personality even close to Steven's. If they argued during or after aformentioned tough encounter, then how much more explosive would Pearl's ultimatum be? This would have seriously hurt the war effort, with both of them struggling to get the army back on track and Homeworld off the Earth. Once they were trapped, Pearl would have cracked (mentally). If Rose had the tenacity and patience to lose more of her comrades just to protect the life forms on Earth that weren't of any worth to the Homeworld Gems, that's probably how they would have won the war in the end. Pearl would then have been convinced that Rose could take care of herself under the normal heroine/overprotective sidekick storyline. But we all know this isn't the case. Pearl would have beat. Herself. Up.