Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As the digital world faded Marina lifted up the helmet. She took a few blinks to let her eyes adjust to the lighting of the real world again. Quickly after she had readjusted she looked over to the other two Octolings wanting to make sure they left with no issues.

First one out after Marina was Eight. The octoling had a history with both Pearl and Marina. The two of them helped her escape from the Deepsea metro after she awoke there with Ex-Captain Cuttlefish. The two idols provided as much morale support as they could before the octoling made it to the surface after an unfortunate set of events including a big blender forced her to make a grand escape from the underground facility. It all went relatively smoothly until the mastermind of the whole mess, a phone calling itself Commander Tartar, prepared to end life as everyone knows it. Luckily Eight was able to stop its weapon from charging then Pearl finished it off with one hell of a killer wail. It was all over. Until-

Before Marina could finish that thought the other octoling began to remove their headset. Seeing that Marina let out a sigh after all they were the person Marina was the most worried about when it came to exiting. It was Acht, an old friend of Marina’s when she was down in the domes. They preferred to keep to themselves a lot to the point where Marina was pretty sure she was their only friend. She hadn’t seen them in years after she left the army. So when she found Acht in the Deepsea Metro it was a surprise but not an unwelcome one. While Acht wasn’t completely lucid in the moment they were there enough for Marina to convince them to leave and live with her and Pearl for a bit. Normally she would have asked Pearl but. Pearl wasn’t exactly lucid herself.

Now it was just playing in her head. Like a nightmare that she was fully awake for and it’s just as bad as the day it happened. It was right after Pearl pushed back the Commander’s beam. Tartar was glitching out but no one noticed. They were all too busy celebrating their victory. They saved the world after all! Though right as they let their guard down. That damn phone attacked with its dying breath. It aimed it at Eight who was taking a moment to rest after running around a whole statue but Pearl wouldn’t let it get in a cheap shot. No, she was too good to let that happen. Seeing what was about to happen Pearl pushed Eight aside and took the hit for her. And unfortunately it got into her body. At first it wasn’t noticeable but. Slowly watching Pearl’s shut down. Watching her slowly die and forced to see her body walk around while knowing the Pearl she loved was gone. Marina tensed up.

“Hey.” The voice quickly made Marina shake her head and look up. It was Acht who snapped her back to reality. “You ok? You just zoned out on us.” They said as they placed a hand to their hip.

Marina just shook her head waving her hand a bit. “Sorry sorry I just- was thinking about something.” Marina then backed up a bit trying to ignore the clearly worried look from Eight. She just shook her head and quickly spoke to change the subject. “Enough about me though. How do you feel?” Her smile was slightly forced and that was clear to the other two octolings but Acht soon responded.

“I feel. A lot actually. A lot more than I did before at least.” They nodded causing Marina to light up.

“Really? Oh I’m so glad!” Marina’s tentacles flipped and flicked about in glee. Eight smiled as she watched Marina get clearly excited about it. “Oh thank you for agreeing to this Acht! I can’t thank you enough for this! The fact it worked means it will work for Pearl too!”

Acht just shook their head with a smile. “So that’s what this was about.”

Marina quickly shook her head and her arms back and forth. “No no! It’s not JUST for Pearl! Of course not!”

“I know” Acht smirked to themselves as they walked over and sat down on the nearby chair flipping up their headphones to listen to some music.

Marina rolled her eyes at Acht’s quip before she sat down to look over the data collected during Acht’s runs. Everything was in working order. It all worked! Marina’s tentacles went into a frenzy as she kicked her feet a bit. It would actually work! It’s going to work! She looked over to Eight who was simallarily smiling. Marina pushed herself up and walked away from the computer set up.

“Can you make sure nothing happens with Acht? If something does please get me right away.” To which Eight nodded. Marina nodded back as she walked out of the room. There was only one thing left to do. Get Pearl and bring her into the simulation.

Marina walked a bit through the empty house trying to ignore the ever growing smell of soap as she got closer to their room. Opening it up she found Pearl sitting on the bed. Her green skin and blue tentacles made Marina’s stomach churn. She walked over and sat down next to Pearl which just got her a blank stare. Marina fidgeted a bit before she spoke up.

“Hey Pearlie. Are you. Feeling any better?” There wasn’t a response. There never was. It hurt so much to see Pearl like this. Marina simply sighed. “Ever since I stepped down from the news I’ve had a lot of time. I’m sure you already knew that since I’ve been home more often. I just. Couldn’t do it without you. I froze up at the mere thought of performing for Splatfest without you. Luckily the Squid Sisters took our place for that stuff.” Marina sat in silence for a moment. “I've finally finished it. I’m. Calling it the Memverse. You- you’ll be able to be yourself again in there. And I’ll be able to help you. You can come back. For real.” Marina fought off her own tears as she looked down slowly wrapping her fingers around Pearl’s cold hand. “I miss your smile. I hope you’ll smile again once we get you in there. I just. I just miss you so much Pearl.” Marina watched Pearl’s green hand closely. It barely twitched. It broke all three of Marina’s hearts. What she would give for even just a moment where pearl came back and took her hand. She just sighed as she got up. “Come on Pearl. Let’s go.” She slightly tugged on Pearl’s arm making her stand up. With that Marina walked Pearl to the room.

Eight and Acht watched as Marina sat Pearl down. She quickly looked into Pearl’s eyes as she asked. “Are you ready?” There wasn't a response so Marina just sighed. She squeezed Pearl’s hand for encouragement and put on the headset powering it on. Marina soon looked to Eight. “Come on. Let’s get back in. Pearl is probably going to be confused when she spawns in.” She spoke as she soon sat down putting on her own helmet turning it on. With Eight doing the same.

The world began to load in as Marina’s thoughts only were in one place.

Would Pearl be ok when she spawned in? Was she too far gone?

Marina could only hope.

Chapter Text

The slightly muted colors of the digital Square loaded in before her very eyes. In hindsight she should have made it more colorful, maybe it would help Pearl feel more at home. Unfortunately it didn’t come to mind during her time creating the Memverse. The Memverse. She told herself it was just a work in progress name but it stuck around. It was good enough after all. A virtual reality made to help Pearl remember she’s herself in the real world. It wasn't perfect but she was trying.

Marina just shook herself as she looked around. There was Eight. Acht was loading in but where was Pearl? Looking around she walked onwards before she finally saw a glimpse of the green Pearl was now. She hoped she could somehow reverse that. Now wasn't the time. She quickly ran over to Pearl with a smile.

“Pearl are you ok?” Marina called out as she ran over. When she reached Pearl she placed a hand on her shoulder.

Only for Pearl to let out a hiss like sound throwing her hand off her shoulder as she looked back. Her black and green eyes glaring right into Marina’s soul as she snarled out. “WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!”

Marina flinched back as she slightly shuffled away from Pearl. “I- Pearl?”

Pearl backed up with a scowl and a huff. “WELL? YOU GONNA ANSWER MY FUCKING QUESTION!”

Marina just looked back to Eight who was looking just as worried as her. She let out a sigh. “I’m. Marina. That’s Eight. And over there is Acht.”

Pearl just huffed as she glared up at Marina. “Ok then. How the hell do you know my name?”

Marina just sighed slightly as she fidgeted with herself, her tentacles squirming about. “I. Used to be a friend of yours.”

“Sure don’t remember you. Or either of those two. Anyways the hell am I? Can I leave? I don’t wanna be around losers for longer than I gotta.”

Marina looked down slightly, holding her hands close to her chest. “I-“

“You can’t leave.” Marina was cut off as Acht responded walking over leaning on the nearby wall as they crossed their arms. “We’ve tried. Only way out is at the top of that tower.” They gestured over to the Deca tower which Marina had dubbed The Spire. “But we completely failed our latest try. We aren’t getting very far.”

Eight quickly nodded as she walked over. “We could really use some help getting up the whole thing.”

With that Pearl just snickered and soon it grew into a full grown laugh as she grabbed Eight who quickly pushed her back. Pearl huffed as she spoke out. “Let me get this straight. YOU want ME to help YOU get out? Why should I? Huh? I don’t know any of you! You can rot away in here for all I care!”

Eight and Acht then looked to Marina. She looked down before she gained the courage to speak. “If you don’t help us you could very well end up alone here. You wouldn’t want that right?”

Pearl just scowled as she stood on her tiptoes to try and glare at Marina at eye level. “You wouldn’t fuckin dare!”

“Well. I-if you don’t want to come help we would.” Marina’s back tentacles squirmed all the meanwhile as she spoke. Twisting and tying themselves up unable to fully hide her distress and discomfort.

Pearl’s scowl worsened as she shoved Marina back.”Fine.” The venom in her voice stung more than anything to Marina who just looked downcast. “But after I never wanna see any of your ugly mugs again.”

“That works for me,” Acht shrugged. Eight nodded in agreement before slightly nudding Marina who quickly nodded.

“Great come on then the sooner we get in the sooner we leave.” The inking grumbled as she stormed her way towards the tower.

As soon as Pearl entered Marina just let out a defeated sigh. “I was afraid of this. Oh Pearl.” She whimpered slightly as she looked down.

“Hey, you helped Acht. I’m sure Pearl can be helped too” Eight patted Marina’s back trying to comfort her.

“Yeah, Eight’s right. You didn’t let anything like this stop you before Marina.” Acht nodded from behind pushing themselves off the wall standing back up straight. “You got this.”

Marina just shook her head letting her tentacles relax as she took a breath “Right. The fact she can feel at all is a good thing. I’m sure my Pearlie will come back soon.”

“Your. Pearlie?”

Marina shook her head in a slight panic as Acht spoke. “Sorry sorry! Just. Something I call her.”

“Ah. Uhm. Ok? I’ll be waiting for you two in the tower” Acht shrugged as they walked to the tower themselves.

“Well. I guess I should look more appropriate for the job.” Marina said as she stretched a bit.

“You know you don’t have to do it again. You seemed pretty stressed every time Acht was surrounded or knocked back.”

“I’m sure Eight. Don’t worry. Even like this I know Pearl is a fighter.” She smiled as she hopped up allowing herself to transform into a teal drone that somewhat resembled her. “Come on. Before Pearl does something she will regret” with that Marina flew herself into the tower.

“Right” the younger octoling nodded as she followed along the doors closing behind her.

Chapter Text

With Marina following close behind Eight entered the Foyer walking past the various bits and bobs that lit up and moved in time with the backing track of the room heading straight for the elevator. Acht looked to the two as they quickly gestured for them to come in with the other two octolings quickly obliged. Pearl just glanced at the drone confused.

“Oh right sorry I’m still marina but-“

Pearl just snarled “Don’t care that much.”

Marina just looked down as Pearl glared at her. Letting out a saddened sight. “Ri-right. Acht can you select the next floor for us?”

Acht nodded as they clicked the button to go up to the next floor. Meanwhile Pearl just groaned leaning on the side of the elevator. “This as fast as this thing can go? Come on! I wanna get out of here now!”

“I know Pearl I just- you know.” Marina said as she flew around a little her two tentacle-like wings flapped a bit.

Pearl just huffed. Eight looked to Acht clearly worried. Judging by how Acht looked back they shared the same concerns.

Eventually the elevator stopped and Pearl walked out Marina following behind shortly after. “So our goal for this floor is simple! We just need to destroy that portal!” Marina flew over a bit and pointed at the sphere.

“Oh yeah ‘we’ sure” Pearl huffed as she walked onto the platforms. Marina happily spun around Pearl allowing the set of dualies to manifest in Pearl’s hands

Pearl looked at the dualies and spun them with a smirk. “Ah ok yeah now we’re talking. Alright alright. I can work with these.”

Marina slightly lit up. It wasn’t much but seeing Pearl at least a little excited was good. Better than seeing her all angry. She quickly projected the palette out as the color chip floated nearby. “One more thing before we go. You can power up yourself in all sorts of ways with these! They’re called color chips. This one will give you an extra dodge roll.”

Pearl smiled and quickly snagged the chip out of the air. She flipped in with her fingers a few times before she stuffed into the pallette to which Marina quickly adjusted it so it was in the slot properly. “Good I love dodge rolling. Reason why dualies are the best weapon.”

Marina nodded along hoping to not upset Pearl as she flew to the lift. “This is how you’ll get down there! I’ll be helping you however I can. I can’t do much right now but if you get some drone chips I can do all sorts of things to help you Pearli- Pearl.”

“Sure sure good to know.” The inkling waved it off as she stepped onto the platform and flinched as the cage snapped up. “HEY WHAT THE HELL!”

Marina flew back a little before she quickly explained. “It's just to make sure you can’t fall out until you're ready.”

Pearl just grumbled. “How about you WARN ME next time.” She said with a hiss as she glared at the drone.

Marina just looked on sadly. She then flew up next to the cage as it began to go across the line. “I’m sorry Pearl. I’ll be sure to tell you next time.” She then looked down for a moment as she looked. “Y-you can speed up the lift by pressing here.” Marina gestured to a button on the cage to which Pearl instantly held down. Marina quickly sped up. “Wait! If you go to the end you’ll-“

Before Marina could finish however Pearl reached the end and without warning the bottom of the cage opened and dropped Pearl down to which the inkling screamed. Marina after a moment of panic quickly teleported and appeared above Pearl allowing her to grab onto her handle.

Pearl suddenly shouted at Marina. “WHEN WERE YOU GONNA TELL ME IT DROPPED ME!”

“I’m sorry I was about to really!”

“Speak a little quicker then!” Pearl huffed as she landed and clutched her dualies she looked up to Marina. “So what do I have to do again”

“Well you have to destroy that portal over there.” Marina gestured to the orb like thing. “It will spawn enemies but. They don’t really hurt you, at least they shouldn’t, they’ll just knock you around a bit until you splat them.”

Pearl just rolled her eyes as she looked to the portal which started to spit out colorful and friendly looking toy-like fish. Their tail fins spun like they were windup keys. A good few looked over to Pearl and began to approach. The few that didn’t were just wandering about spreading their ink.

She stretched out a bit as she rolled forwards allowing her Dualies to enter turret mode starting to chip away at the incoming enemies. If you could call them that. One by one they popped into a burst of glitter ink.

Marina nodded slightly. She followed the inkling as quickly as she could as she tossed out a curling bomb and swam towards the portal.

Soon Pearl popped up and looked at the portal. The quickest way she knew how to destroy something was to shoot at it! She once more dodge rolled and began to shoot the portal which began to rise up and swell.

The portal began to glow slightly before it spat up more fish enemies. One of which knocked into Pearl sending her backwards as she let out a grunt. “Fishy freaks don’t know their manners do they…” she grumbled. Her tentacles then flared as she smirked and said “guess I’ll bump 'em right back!”

Pearl then jumped up a little as she activated her special a reefslider. She held on as tightly as she could before it shot forwards before stopping and exploding, sending the fish away and leaving the portal nearly exploded.

Marina spun in delight as she swooned a little “oh Pearlie you’re so cool!”

“Hehe. I know. No need to tell me the obvious.” Pearl chuckled a little as she shot the portal a bit more causing it to finally burst. Shortly after Pearl and Marina were teleported back into the elevator platform.

Pearl stretched a bit as she nodded. “I guess it’s not gonna be that bad if I get to blow stuff up and shoot things down. Even if it means tolerating you guys.” She said as she walked into the elevator leaning back a bit.

Marina watched as she did. It wasn’t much yes but. It was a start at least. Very faintly she could see her Pearl coming back. This was gonna work! She quickly flew in and looked to Eight who smiled a little clearly seeing the same thing she was. Acht was a little confused but they clearly saw how happy they were even if it didn’t seem like much to them.

“You two did good out there.” The sanitized octoling nodded.

“You mean I did good out there. She didn’t do much.” Pearl shook her head and pointed her thumb into her chest.

Marina flew closer to Pearl as Acht spoke. “Well I think the next floor might help a little bit with that.”

Pearl nodded looking at Marina. “Well then I guess you better get ready to pull your weight.”

Chapter Text

The elevator kept going upwards as Marina stood there looking at Pearl. Acht tapped her shoulder causing her to shift her attention over.

“You holding up Marina?”

Marina looked away a little and shrugged. “I’m doing fine I suppose.”

Acht shook their head. “Don’t give me that. We haven’t seen each other in years but I know when you’re lying to me. You can tell me what’s wrong.”

Marina let out a small sad sigh. She let her thoughts organize themselves for a moment before she spoke. “It’s just. This. Doesn’t feel like Pearl. I know she wouldn’t act the same as she did right away but- you-“

Acht nodded and placed a hand on Marina’s shoulder. “I get it. You’re worried she won’t come back to normal aren’t you?”

Marina nodded sadly. “I know it worked for you… but what if-“

“Take a breath Marina.” Acht instructed as they looked at Marina. “Getting stuck in your own head isn’t going to help right now. We just started. It took awhile for me to come back.”

Marina stood there weakly nodding. “Y-you’re right I just- it’s. It’s still hard to believe that’s the Pearlie I love… She’s rude. Pearl was little mean when I met her but-“ Marina looked up to look at Pearl who was glaring daggers at Eight who just shuffled away from her.

“… whatever memories she lost. They helped her change. Without them she isn’t the same. People change over time.”

Marina let out a sigh and nodded once more. “You’re. You’re right. I’m just so worried for her. I miss her Acht…”

Acht stood there for a moment and nodded. “You’re smart Marina. You helped me. I know you can help her.”

As the elevator stopped Acht gestured for Marina to go out with Pearl. With that Pearl and Marina went out as they did before. Marina quickly flew ahead of Pearl as she spoke. “Alright Pearlie! This one should be easy. And I can help this time-“

“What did you just say?” Pearl said with a sort of glare at Marina.

Marina flew away from Pearl a little hearing the venom in her voice. “I- I just-“

Pearl walked over to Marina and huffed. “I’m gonna tell you this once. Don’t you EVER call me that shit again!” She pushed the drone away with a hand as she got onto the cage platform.

Marina floated there in silence for a moment or two. She didn’t know what to say. She let out a small sound and flew over to Pearl once more. “I- I’ll be able to dispense bombs from time to time… so I’ll be able to help you out Pearl.”

Pearl just scoffed as the cage went forwards with Marina following. As the cage dropped down Pearl grabbed onto Marina’s handle and the two flew down.

A strangely colored fish quickly looked over at Pearl and quickly sped off with its wheel. Pearl grumbled a little. “Why the hell did that thing speed off?”

“That’s the goal you need to take out. It will speed around the map running from you.”

“Oh of course. Like this couldn’t be any more annoying.” Pearl grumbled as she gripped her Dualies and started to follow it as fast as she could with Marina following behind. Other fish began to pop out of the nearby geysers which quickly took Pearl’s focus away from the target. Marina did her best to help as well, launching bombs at the horde as they tried to knock Pearl about.

Pearl’s attention was all over the place as she both tried to chase down the fleeing fish but also try to splat the horde of fish following her.

Marina stopped a bit and looked at the target fish quickly having an idea. Quickly she flew back over to Pearl and spoke. “You keep following it!”

Pearl just grumbled as she swam forwards after throwing a curling bomb.

As Pearl approached the fish it quickly sped away however about half way it suddenly skid to a stop. Before it was Marina who just dropped down a splat bomb and caused it to fly back towards Pearl a little. The inkling quickly rolled forwards and shot up at it before finally it was splatted.

The two were suddenly brought back up to the platform as Marina looked at Pearl. Pearl looked back and then mumbled out. “I. Guess you did fine back there. Thanks.”

It wasn’t much. But it was something. At least it was something. Marina would take it at this point. “You’re welcome.”

Pearl just grumbled as she walked back into the elevator. “Come on. Let’s go.”

Marina flew in as the elevator doors closed watching Pearl lean against the wall of the elevator.

Pearl leaned her head back. “Jeez how big is this thing!”

“About 15 floors tall.” Marina responded to which Pearl only responded with a groan.

“So we gotta do this 15 whole times! That’s boring as all hell! I just wanna go home!”

Eight spoke with a sort of whimper. “I’m sure if we-“

“Me. I’ll give it to Marina over there. She's at least trying to help but you guys are just sitting here doing nothing.”

“That’s not true.” Acht shook their head. “We need to stay here. The elevator would go down without us in here.”

Pearl just huffed. “Sounds like a big fat excuse but sure. I guess arguing isn’t gonna make it go any faster.” She rolled her eyes. “Anyways you guys know if this stupid place gives out breaks?“

Marina nodded as she flew over. “It does actually. Every 5 floors there will be a break floor with a vending machine. You-“

“A vending machine? Is that really all that’s there? Bah whatever I guess a break is a break. Better get going.” *Pearl said as she pushed herself up.

Marina nodded a little after Pearl said that.

The next few floors were sort of a struggle for Pearl. Mainly because she struggled with waiting around for the tower or the zone to finish counting down but eventually they did reach the 5th floor. As Pearl walked out Marina did as well noticeably not changing to her drone form.

It was a small floor with railing around the edge. Nothing in it other than the vending machine. Pearl walked over to the vending machine looking into it. “Is that it?”

“What’s the matter Pearl?”

“There’s nothing good in here! Not even a single bag of chips!”

Marina raised an eyebrow as she walked over a spark of hope igniting in her. “Are you hungry Pearli- Pearl?”

“Yeah! What’s the point of a vending machine if there aren't any snacks? I guess I should stock up on more of those color things.” She said as she began to get as many color chips as she could afford.

Meanwhile Marina stood there almost in shock. Hungry? She was hungry? She hasn’t been hungry in so long. It was working. It was really working. She soon walked up to Pearl and tapped her shoulder. “Let me try.”

Pearl looked confused for a moment but she stepped back.

Marina messed around with the buttons for a moment before a small bag of chips dropped down in the vending machine. She made it just in case during the process Pearl got hungry. Clearly she was right about her getting a bit peckish. She then picked up the bag and turned to Pearl handing it over.

Pearl let out a small chuckle. “You really know how to get things to go your way don't you?”

Marina laughed a little and nodded. “Well you know me Pearlie.” She realized what she said and shook her head. “I’m sorry that just slipped o-“

“Nah it’s fine. I guess.” Pearl shrugged. “You’re pretty cool. Plus that nickname is kinda funny. I like it.”

Marina smiled a little at that. It felt nice to call her that again. As the two of them returned to the elevator Marina held her head a little higher. This was working. And she couldn’t be happier to see Pearl slowly but surely coming back to herself.

Chapter Text

As the elevator continued to ascend Pearl was lost in thought mumbling something to herself and shaking her head from time to time.

Noticing this Marina spoke up. “Is everything okay Pearlie?”

Pearl nodded with a huff as she looked up from the ground. “Yeah I’m fine Marina. It’s just. I got a buncha words in my head I guess? It’s a big jumbled mess.” She grumbled slightly as she crossed her arms.

Eight stood on the other side of the two thinking for a moment before they quietly spoke up. “Maybe… you could try rhyming them?”

Pearl looked over thinking for a second. “Rhyming em? … uuuh alright.” Pearl tried for a moment before she shook her head clearly frustrated. Huffing to herself and shook her head. “No this isn’t working.”

Marina stood there for a second mulling over her thoughts before she smiled slightly. “May I try something?”

“Knock yourself out.” Pearl shrugged.

Marina nodded turning into a drone once more and after a small amount of time a simple beat started to play. She looked over at Pearl with a hopeful expression.

It took a moment. Before long Pearl nodded and got a feel of the beat. Before long she was singing the best she could. Once Pearl was satisfied Pearl smiled over at Marina. “Not bad. Haha maybe we should make a song together once we get outta here.”

Marina was clearly happy about that. “I-I. I would be happy to.”

The elevator soon came to a stop leaving Acht to look at the two girls. They quickly spoke. “Something seems different about this floor. Be careful”

Pearl just waved it off. “Oh please me and Marina will be just fine! Let’s go!” Pearl called as she rushed out of the elevator,

Marina nodded and quickly flew after the inkling only to accidentally bump into her. She quickly flew back looking around.

It was pitch black. Impossible to see more than a foot in front of herself. Marina was about to say something but she was suddenly grabbed out of the air and was pressed against Pearl’s chest. “H-hey are you okay Pearlie?”

“Y-yeah I’m fine… plenty fine.” Pearl looked around clearly on edge. “U-uh you got a light or something?”

Marina just went quiet for a moment. She didn’t think Pearl would be the type to be scared of the dark. She quickly did her best to make her lights as bright as possible for her. “Is that good Pearl?”

Pearl nodded a little and let Marina go, allowing to fly again. She quickly looked back to see the elevator door was closed and sighed. “Look. You better not tell anyone alright! One word and I swear I’ll-“

Marina interrupted her with a nod. “I promise with all my hearts.”

Pearl stopped, almost suprised. “R-Really? You… won’t tell anyone?”

“Of course not” Marina responded. “ if you don’t want anyone else to know I won’t tell anyone Pearlie.”

Pearl stared for a moment before letting out a relieved sigh. “Okay… let’s just… hurry this up so we can get the lights back on.” And with that Pearl walked onto the cage platform and was carried off to the stage. Marina wasn’t too far behind doing her best to illuminate the area for Pearl.

As soon as Pearl landed she looked around almost anxious. “So. What do we gotta do again? And the fastest way we can get it done?”

Marina looked around as well before she spotted another fish quickly zipping off. “we’ll need to chase down the fish again.”

“In the dark? Seriously? This is gonna be the worst.”

“We’ll figure it out. We-“ she had to stop herself. She didn’t want to confuse Pearl too much. “have so far.”

“I hope you’re right. I guess we. Better get going.” Pearl said, trying to hide her fear but not exactly succeeding. Noticeably walking instead of running or swimming ahead.

Marina began to fly ahead of Pearl doing her best to illuminate the area around them. Constantly looking back at Pearl more than a little worried.

As the duo wandered hearing the fish constantly scurrying away any time they got close Pearl soon spoke. “I hate this… I feel like something’s just waiting to jump out at me at any seco-“ before Pearl could even finish a large fish had quickly rushed her and knocked her away causing her to shout.

That quickly made Marina panic. She called out “Pearlie!” As she quickly flew over.

As Marina’s light quickly approached Pearl she quickly reached her hand out in a panic to grab onto the handle. It sort of hurt to go from falling to instantly not but she would take that over falling into what looked like an endless void.

Marina quickly flew Pearl back to the floor and the inkling flopped onto the ground. “Oh thank god! I thought that was it for me…”

“I would never let anything like that happen to you Pearlie! I promise!” Marina said as she flew closer to Pearl. “You’re not too hurt right?”

“No. I’m good. My arm kinda hurts but I’ll be fine. Thanks to you that is.” She smiled and felt a strange feeling bubble up inside her. She felt kind of warm, especially in the face. She tried to ignore it as she got up. She looked around a little anxiously before she spoke again. “Think you can. Keep a lookout for me so that it doesn't happen again?”

Marina nodded as she flew up a little to give Pearl a better view of her surroundings as the two started to try and find the target fish.

After a while of wandering another large fish lunged at her again but thanks to Marina, Pearl was able to dodge the surprise attack and counter.

Once the fish was splatted Pearl smirked. “Ha! That’s what happens when you go two on one! You can knock me down but I’ll just come back stronger!”

Marina couldn’t help but let out a swoon. “That’s my Pearlie!”

Pearl looked up in surprise, that strange feeling bubbling up again. “Y-your Pearlie?”

“Oh! I’m sorry it won’t happen again!”

“Y-yeah…” Pearl said as she looked away a little. Embarrassed? Why would she be embarrassed? Why did she feel so. Connected to Marina? She shook her head trying to stay on task. “Let’s. Let’s go.”

Marina, clearly embarrassed, followed behind Pearl as they continued to hunt down the fish.

Before long Marina’s light finally spotted the fish which quickly tried to run away with its wheel. Pearl smirked as she threw a curling bomb down and looked up at Marina. “Make sure to keep up!” She said before she began to swim after it with Marina nodding and quickly flying behind her.

The fish too focused on running away and lost in the dark itself soon got itself stuck in the ink and without a moment to spare Pearl grabbed Marina and activated the reefslider rushing up to the fish and exploding causing it to be splatted.

With the fish taken care off both Pearl and Marina were teleported back onto the elevator platform. Marina was about to go in but Pearl gently spoke up. “U-uh. Before we go in can I just. Say something?”

“Oh. Yes, what is it?” Marina said a little worried.

Pearl fidgeted a little. “Thanks. Y'know for. Helping out. I would have been a goner without you.”

Marina floated there for a second before let out a small sound. “Oh! Y-yes of course! Like I said I wouldn’t let anything happen to you if I can help it!”

Pearl smiled again as she walked into the elevator with Marina following behind after returning to her octoling form and looking at Pearl. She noticed her cheeks were a little blue and she seemed lost in thought. Though she noticed something as Pearl glanced over at her. Her eyes. They looked more like how they used to. Still not fully normal. But her eyes were sort of brown instead of dark green and the black of her eye was starting to be gray. She was coming back. She was really coming back. Sure she knew that already but. Seeing the same change in Pearl’s eyes as she saw with Acht. It was really working. She looked away to try and hold herself back from crying. She must have looked silly. It was such a small thing. But it felt like it was the most important thing right now.

Meanwhile Pearl was lost in thought. She was confused and embarrassed. Why did she feel like this? What was this feeling that made her feel so. Warm? And why did she feel it with Marina? Why couldn’t she stop looking over at her even when she tried not to? She didn’t get it. But at the same time she didn’t mind. It was nice. It felt really nice. Maybe when they’re out of here they could hang out somewhere? Spend time together? As friends of course! Yeah… friends.