Devil's advocate

You remember Yu's helpful encouragement all through tonight, pushing you to experiment, to learn more, to reach for more. With her help claimed, she's driven to help you even well past the point where she shouldn't.

So, if Yutong is a metaphorical brick on the gas pedal, why not just strap one to the brake pedal next to it?

"Pearl, I've got an idea," you say.

Pearl becomes concerned. "Uh oh. Explain your idea first, Chase."

If you explained it, you're afraid Pearl would reject it. She wants you to get rid of your powers. But if your idea works, you shouldn't need to.

"Pearl, I claim your guidance. And before you say anything, you're going to use your guidance - part of it, anyway - to make sure I don't get myself into too much trouble with my powers," you say.

Pearl deflates. "One move checkmate? Fuck you, that's no fair."

"Let me finish," you say, gaining momentum. "If you see a potential problem that might come up from a claim I've made, you'll tell me. And if you think of a better way for me to accomplish I'm trying to accomplish, I want you to let me know what it is."

"Then... fuck... I have to stop you right there," grates out Pearl, grimacing and gripping the railing tight. "Because if I were you, the first thing I'd do is... grrr..." Pearl struggles to keep her mouth shut, but loses the fight with herself. "Fist thing I'd do is claim my loyalty before I think of a way out of the bullshit loophole-ridden, Swiss Cheese guidance claim you just made."

Pearl suddenly pushes away from the rail, whether to fight or flee, you're unsure at first, till Pearl lunges at you . She throws her arms at you, attempting clamp her hands over your mouth.

Panicked, you dodge backward, catching Pearl's wrists inches from your face and blurting out, "Uh, uh, I claim your loyalty!"

Pearl's eyes widen, and she freezes in place, her arms still caught in your hands.

Your adrenaline remains up, your heart beating in your ears. Hell. What would've happened if you hadn't followed Pearl's own advice against her?

"Dammit!" Pearl jerks out of your grip - you're not expecting her to pull away, so she escapes.

You step back on the defensive, hands raised to fend of another attack, but Pearl just stands there, rubbing her wrists.

After a moment, she flashes you an anxious, very worried smile. "H-Had to try, right, buddy?"