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Chapter Text

The penthouse was silent, save for the soft hum of the city far below. It was the dead of night, and the only light that flickered through the windows came from the dim streetlights beneath. Pearl and Marina’s suite, usually filled with laughter and the soft sounds of their companionship, felt empty. Tonight, though, that emptiness had taken on a darker weight.

Acht lingered in the shadows, watching the glow of the moon shift on the floor like a mocking reminder of how unseen they had become. All those years, years of standing in the background, a forgotten silhouette in the corners of Marina’s world. Marina, who adored Pearl, who laughed with her, who held her with tenderness that Acht could never touch. Tonight, Acht would make them all see.

The door to the penthouse slid open with a soft whoosh. Pearl and Marina were fast asleep, the rhythmic breathing of the room mingling with the quiet flicker of light from the bedside lamp. Pearl, curled into the sheets, a peaceful smile on her face, unaware of the dark eyes that watched her every move. Marina, beside her, had her teal curls spread across the pillow in a halo of soft warmth.

Acht felt the ache inside them, the ache of being overlooked, forgotten, overshadowed by the brilliance that was Pearl. It wasn’t fair. All of Marina’s love, all her attention, had gone to her. No one ever noticed Acht.

Acht’s fingers curled into a tight fist. The rustle of the bedsheets as they moved closer to Pearl’s side went unnoticed. They bent over Pearl’s bed, their hand trembling for just a moment. The kitchen knife they held gleamed in the moonlight. The silence of the night was broken only by the soft exhale of breath.

Pearl never woke up.

With a swift motion, Acht’s rage and jealousy spilled out in a spray of red. It was done. There was no more Pearl to take Marina’s love. No more competition. No more quiet rage. Just the silence of finality.

---

Marina awoke to a dream she couldn’t remember, one she wished she hadn’t. Her eyes fluttered open, the usual morning light filtering through the blinds, but this time something felt wrong. The air was cold. Heavier than it should have been. Her gaze shifted, and her breath caught in her throat.

Acht stood there, bathed in moonlight, blood dripping from their hands and streaking down their face. There was no emotion in their eyes, only coldness. The soft rustle of the sheets as Marina pushed herself up was drowned out by the thudding of her heart. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words died in her throat.

"Marina..." Acht’s voice was low, void of any feeling, an eerie calmness that froze the blood in Marina’s veins. "This is the last time you’ll forget about me."

The words didn’t make sense, not at first. Then Marina’s gaze shifted, and she saw the still form of Pearl, her small body twisted unnaturally in the sheets, her face pale and cold. The blood pooled around her, crimson staining the pure white of the sheets, a stark contrast to the sweetness of the night that had once been.

Acht stepped closer, their eyes fixed on Marina. There was no pleading, no remorse in their gaze. Only an emptiness, a hollow void that screamed of years spent in the background.

Marina reached out a trembling hand, but it was too late. Pearl was gone. The one person Acht thought they had to eliminate in order to make Marina notice them was gone.

The blood on Acht’s hands was all that remained of their act. A symbol of the emptiness they now felt, the hollowness that would never be filled. No one would love them now. No one ever would.

Marina was still too frozen to speak, too overwhelmed by the horror to move. Tears welled in her eyes, but they didn’t fall. Her hands trembled, and the guilt that suddenly washed over her was unbearable. "A-Acht... wh-why?"

Acht didn’t respond. They simply stood there, staring, their hands still trembling from the act. The quiet was deafening, louder than the screams that would never leave their throat. Acht didn’t feel relief. They didn’t feel satisfaction. They felt… nothing. Not even anger anymore. Just the weight of a cruel truth they had lived with too long.

"This is the last time you’ll forget about me," Acht repeated, their voice distant, as if the words were just a cold reminder of the truth that had led them here.

And in that moment, Marina realized with a cold, sinking feeling that there was no turning back. There was no undoing what had been done. Pearl was gone, and Acht had made sure of it.

And Marina; now finally the sole focus of Acht's attention, was left with nothing but the weight of her own regret.

The night fell quiet again.

Chapter Text

Inkopolis News: Tragic Loss of Pearl Houzuki

Date: January 10, 2025

Inkopolis is reeling from the tragic news of the untimely death of Pearl Houzuki, the beloved half of the world-famous idol duo, Off the Hook. Pearl, aged 29, was found dead in her penthouse suite late last night. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of her death, which are believed to involve foul play.

The Inkopolis Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the crime: Acht Mizuta, also known by their alias "dedf1sh," a former aspiring artist and one-time lover of Pearl’s partner, Marina. Mizuta, aged 28, was taken into custody early this morning after being found covered in blood near the scene of the crime.

At this time, the motive is thought to be rooted in feelings of jealousy and resentment. Sources close to the investigation suggest that Mizuta, who had been publicly struggling with their own career, harbored negative feelings towards Pearl’s success in the music industry. Pearl, alongside Marina, had dominated the music scene for years, amassing legions of fans and influencing the culture in ways few others have. Sources also speculate that Mizuta’s past romantic relationship with Marina may have further fueled the suspect’s animosity toward Pearl.

In a chilling statement, a police spokesperson revealed that Mizuta allegedly confessed to the crime, citing their belief that Pearl’s popularity and success overshadowed their own talents. "The suspect's motive appears to stem from a long-standing jealousy," said Detective Keiko Oka, who is overseeing the case. "Mizuta expressed frustration with being constantly overlooked and, tragically, decided to act on these feelings."

Pearl’s untimely death has left fans in shock. From her witty personality to her iconic performances with Marina, she was not only a superstar but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for many in Inkopolis. Her contributions to the music industry and her dedication to her fans will be sorely missed. Pearl and Marina, who had been a couple for years, were inseparable both on and off the stage, and their relationship had become an iconic part of the city's cultural landscape.

Marina has yet to publicly comment on the incident, but sources close to her say she is devastated by the loss. The couple’s fans have also expressed their grief, with tributes pouring in from across the city and beyond.

While the police continue to investigate the details surrounding the murder, Inkopolis is left grappling with the loss of one of its brightest stars. As authorities move forward with the case, residents are urged to come forward with any additional information that may aid in the investigation.

Our thoughts are with Pearl’s family, friends, and fans during this incredibly difficult time.

---

Inkopolis Chronicle: Advertisements Following the Tragic Loss of Pearl Houzuki

---

[Ad 1: Memorial for Pearl Houzuki]
In Loving Memory of Pearl Houzuki
Join us for a public memorial to honor the life of Pearl Houzuki, the shining star of Off the Hook. Celebrate her incredible legacy with live performances, fan tributes, and a moment of silence.
Date: January 15, 2025
Location: Inkopolis Plaza, Stage 2
Let's come together as a community and celebrate her music, her laughter, and the joy she brought to all of us.
Presented by Inkopolis Music Council

---

[Ad 2: Help the Police]
Inkopolis Police Department Needs Your Help!
If you have any information about the events surrounding the tragic death of Pearl Houzuki, please contact the Inkopolis Police Department immediately.
Anonymous tips can be submitted via the official Inkopolis Police app.
Your information may be crucial in bringing closure to this case and ensuring justice for Pearl.

---

[Ad 3: Off the Hook Merchandise Sale]
Off the Hook Limited Edition Memorial Gear!
In honor of Pearl Houzuki and her enduring legacy, Off the Hook limited edition merchandise is now available.
T-shirts, posters, vinyl records, and special edition accessories - only available for a limited time.
All proceeds go to a charity in Pearl’s name supporting young artists in Inkopolis.
Get yours now, while supplies last!

---

[Ad 4: Marina’s Statement]
Marina’s Public Statement
Marina, Pearl’s partner both on stage and in life, is preparing a heartfelt tribute to Pearl.
Join us for a live broadcast from Marina’s personal studio as she reflects on their time together, their shared dreams, and the legacy Pearl leaves behind.
Date: January 12, 2025, 7:00 PM
Tune in via the Inkopolis Stream Network.

---

[Ad 5: New Idol Contest - “For Pearl”]
Are you the next star of Inkopolis?
The Pearl Houzuki Memorial Idol Contest is now open for auditions! This competition honours Pearl’s extraordinary talent and gives new performers a chance to shine.
Grand Prize: A chance to record your first album with Marina and other leading producers in the industry.
Apply now via the Inkopolis Idol Network - deadline: January 20, 2025.
Show the world your talents, just as Pearl did.

---

[Ad 6: Mental Health Resources]
Inkopolis Mental Health Support
The tragic loss of Pearl Houzuki has affected many of us deeply. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, sadness, or trauma, please remember you are not alone.
Free counseling services are available through Inkopolis Care.
Visit us online or at any Sturgeon General Health Centre for support.
Let’s take care of each other during this difficult time.

---

[Ad 7: Investigative Journalism Special: The Life of Pearl Houzuki]
An In-Depth Investigation into Pearl’s Life
In the wake of Pearl’s death, join us for a special feature on the life and legacy of this icon. From her rise to fame with Marina to her tragic end, we’ll explore the events that shaped her career and the vendetta behind her death.
Published in next week’s Inkopolis Chronicle.
Subscribe now for exclusive access.

---

[Ad 8: Local Bars - Pearl’s Favorite Drink Specials]
Pearl’s Favorite Cocktails - Drink Specials in Honor of Pearl
Local bars around Inkopolis are offering drink specials to honor the late Pearl Houzuki. Enjoy her signature cocktails:
- The Marine Mix (A sweet, citrus blend with a splash of Bluefin Bay rum)
- Pearl’s Pucker (A sour, fruity concoction that packs a punch!)
Visit participating bars and raise a glass to Pearl, whose legacy will never be forgotten.
Drink responsibly, Inkopolis.

---

[Ad 9: Off the Hook Fan Club Support Group]
Join the Off the Hook Support Group
In the wake of Pearl’s death, the Off the Hook Fan Club is holding virtual meetings for fans to share memories, express grief, and support one another.
Next meeting: January 13, 2025, 6:00 PM.
Sign up online at www.offthehookfanclub.ink
We’re all in this together, Inkopolis. Let’s honor Pearl’s memory as a community.

---

[Ad 10: Inkopolis Police Charity Fundraiser]
Support the Inkopolis Police Charity Fundraiser
As part of the ongoing investigation into Pearl Houzuki’s death, the Inkopolis Police Department is holding a charity event to support the families of victims of violent crimes.
Date: January 14, 2025
Location: Inkopolis Civic Centre
Join us for an evening of food, music, and community support.

---

[Ad 11: Music Festival - Off the Hook Tribute Show]
Off the Hook Tribute Show - A Night of Music for Pearl
Celebrate Pearl’s unforgettable music with a tribute show featuring live performances from some of Inkopolis’ top musicians.
Date: January 18, 2025
Location: Starfish Mainstage
Tickets available now at www.starfishmainstage.ink
All proceeds go to the Pearl Houzuki Memorial Fund.

---

Inkopolis News: Daily Advertisements

---

Ad 1: Fresh Sushi at The Tentacle Bar]
Satisfy your hunger with the freshest sushi in Inkopolis! The Tentacle Bar offers a wide variety of rolls, sashimi, and nigiri made with the finest local ingredients.
Special Offer: 10% off your first order when you mention this ad.
Come in today and experience sushi like never before!

---

Ad 2: The Ink Spot Tattoo Studio
Looking for your next tattoo? Visit The Ink Spot Tattoo Studio! Our talented artists specialize in custom designs, from traditional ink to modern, bold styles.
Book your consultation today and let us bring your vision to life. Walk-ins welcome!

---

Ad 3: Bubble Boosters Gym
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---

Ad 4: Deep Dive Cleaning Service
Got a messy home or office? Let Deep Dive Cleaning Service handle it! Our team of professionals is ready to clean any space to perfection, from living rooms to boardrooms.
Call today for a free quote and enjoy a spotless environment!

---

Ad 5: Slice of Life Pizzeria
Craving something delicious? Slice of Life Pizzeria serves up piping hot pies with all your favorite toppings! Choose from a wide selection of pizzas, sides, and drinks.
Order online and get 15% off your first delivery!

---

Ad 6: Inkopolis Bookstore
Step into a world of stories at Inkopolis Bookstore! Whether you’re into fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, or art books, we’ve got something for everyone.
Visit us today and find your next great read. Special discounts for members!

---

Ad 7: Drip Fashion Boutique
Stay ahead of the trends at Drip Fashion Boutique! From sleek streetwear to stylish formal outfits, we’ve got all the latest looks.
New arrivals weekly! Come check out our latest collection.

---

Ad 8: Wave Rider Surfboards
Catch the perfect wave with Wave Rider Surfboards! Our custom surfboards are built for performance and style, designed to help you conquer any wave.
Visit us and find your ideal board today. Free accessories with your first purchase!

---

Ad 9: Bright Futures Daycare
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Sign up now and give your child the head start they deserve!

---

Ad 10: Splash Cosmetics
Add a splash of color to your life with Splash Cosmetics! We offer a full range of beauty products, from bold lipsticks to flawless foundations.
Visit us in-store or shop online to find your new favorite product!

---

Ad 11: Coastal Seafood Shack
For the freshest seafood in town, look no further than Coastal Seafood Shack! We serve a wide variety of dishes, from classic fish and chips to gourmet seafood platters.
Stop by today and taste the difference!

---

Ad 12: Jellyfish Jam Music School
Want to learn to play an instrument? Jellyfish Jam Music School is here to help! We offer lessons for all ages and skill levels in guitar, drums, piano, and more.
Sign up now and get your first lesson free!

Chapter Text

The lights in the penthouse were dim, the world outside a haze of neon smudges against a rain-slicked city. Marina sat motionless on the edge of the sofa, her hands limp in her lap. She had been there for hours, eyes unfocused, staring at the carpet where faint traces of blood had seeped into the fibres. They had tried to clean it, the detectives and the crime scene crew, but Marina could still see it, could still feel it.

Her breath hitched, her chest rising in shallow, erratic gasps. She had cried before, after the detectives had left, but now it came again, relentless and raw. Her shoulders trembled as the sobs broke free, wracking her body with the force of everything she had tried to suppress.

"Why?"

It wasn’t a question anymore. It was a desperate wail, a sound that filled the empty room with the weight of her grief. Her tears dripped onto her hands, pooling in her palms like an offering to no one.

"I thought we were friends."

The words stabbed at her, looping endlessly in her mind. Acht’s face haunted her, blank and emotionless, their words still ringing in Marina’s ears: “This is the last time you’ll forget about me.”

Marina’s sobs deepened, her voice cracking into uneven gasps as she buried her face in her hands. She hadn’t forgotten Acht. She could never forget. They had been everything to each other once; best friends, confidants, comrades in the Octarian army.

She could see it now, as clear as if it were yesterday: the underground barracks dimly lit by bioluminescent algae, Acht’s steady hands fine-tuning her first synthesizer. Marina had been so nervous back then, afraid to speak up, afraid to make mistakes. But Acht had seen her potential, had pulled her aside and said, “You’re gonna change everything someday. You’ll see.”

Back then, Acht had been her rock. They had spent countless nights together, whispering dreams they never thought they’d live to see. Acht had been the one to teach her to sing, to build machines, to fight. Acht had been the first one to hear the melody of “Ebb & Flow” before Marina had even put it to words.

Then it had all fallen apart.

The army had separated them when Marina was reassigned to Octo Valley. There was no warning, no chance to say goodbye. Just a curt order, delivered by a faceless overseer, pulling her out of the barracks in the dead of night. She had screamed for Acht, begged to stay, but it was no use.

She hadn’t seen them again until the news of her defection had spread like wildfire. By then, it was too late. Marina had escaped, leaving behind the army, the war, and Acht. She had told herself there was no other choice, that she couldn’t save anyone if she stayed.

But now... now she wasn’t so sure.

"Why did it have to come to this?"

Her voice cracked into a choked sob. She had tried to reach out once, long ago. A message sent through a contact in the underground, a plea for Acht to come to her, to leave the army and start over. She never got a reply.

"Pearl..."

Her name was a whisper, a plea, a prayer. Marina’s sobs grew louder, filling the room, echoing off the walls. Pearl had been her light, her anchor, her everything. Pearl had loved her without hesitation, without condition, through every fear, every doubt. And now, Pearl was gone, ripped away in the cruelest way possible.

"Why?"

Marina clutched at her head, her fingers gripping her temples as if she could tear the questions out of her mind. The memories of Acht; their laughter, their kindness, their steady presence, clashed violently with the image of Acht standing over Pearl, their hands stained with blood.

"I thought we were friends."

Her sobs finally broke into silence, her throat raw, her body trembling with exhaustion. She stared at the carpet again, at the faint, dark stain that refused to disappear.

"Why did it have to be you?" she whispered, her voice hoarse and broken.

The city outside carried on without her. Cars honked, voices rose and fell, neon signs buzzed in the damp air. It was all so far away, distant and irrelevant.

Marina tilted her head back, staring at the ceiling as if it held answers she’d never find. The weight of the silence pressed down on her, suffocating and endless. Her tears still fell, silent now, streaking her cheeks as she sat frozen in grief.

And in the stillness, in the dim light of the penthouse that no longer felt like home, Marina could only think:

"I thought we were friends."

Chapter Text

The detention centre was as grey and sterile as Marina had imagined it would be. Harsh fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting unforgiving shadows across the cracked linoleum floor. The air smelled faintly of disinfectant and rust, and the oppressive silence was broken only by the distant hum of machinery.

Marina sat rigid on the cold, plastic chair in the visitation room, her hands gripping the edge of the metal table in front of her. Her heart pounded against her "ribs", a mixture of anger and dread boiling in her veins. She didn’t want to be here. She didn’t want to face them.

But she had to.

The door on the other side of the room creaked open, and two guards led Acht inside. Their face was pale and expressionless, their once-bright eyes dull and hollow. Their wrists were cuffed, the chains clinking softly as they moved. Acht shuffled forward, their head slightly bowed, as if the weight of everything they had done was finally sinking in.

Marina’s breath caught in her throat.

This wasn’t the Acht she remembered. This wasn’t the friend who had laughed with her in the dim barracks, who had stayed up late teaching her harmonies, who had promised her they’d always have each other’s backs.

This was someone else... a stranger who had stolen everything from her.

A guard motioned for Acht to sit. They obeyed without a word, lowering themselves into the chair opposite Marina. Their cuffed hands rested on the table, motionless, as if they didn’t trust themselves to move.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. Marina stared at Acht, her chest tight with the weight of a thousand unsaid words.

Then the dam broke.

"How could you?" Her voice was sharp, trembling with fury and heartbreak. "How could you do this to me? To her?"

Acht flinched, their eyes flickering up to meet hers for a brief second before darting away.

"You were my best friend," Marina continued, her voice rising. "I trusted you. I loved you. And you..." She choked on the words, her hands curling into fists against the table. "You killed her. You killed the person I loved most in this world. Why? Why would you do this?"

Acht didn’t respond. They sat there, silent and still, their gaze fixed on the table as if they couldn’t bear to look at her.

"Say something!" Marina shouted, slamming her fists down on the metal surface. The sound echoed through the empty room, startling even the guards. "Don’t just sit there like you’re the victim! You owe me an explanation!"

Acht finally lifted their head, their expression unreadable. Their lips parted, and for a moment, Marina thought they were about to speak. But when the words came, they were barely more than a whisper.

"I’m sorry."

Marina froze.

"Sorry?" Her voice cracked, and she let out a bitter laugh, the sound raw and filled with pain. "You think sorry is enough? You think saying those two little words is going to fix anything? You destroyed everything, Acht. Everything. And all you can say is 'I’m sorry'?"

Acht’s gaze didn’t waver. They didn’t defend themselves, didn’t try to explain. They just sat there, as if they had already accepted whatever punishment was coming to them.

Marina’s anger flared hotter. She stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"I curse you," she spat, her voice trembling with rage. "I curse you to live with this for the rest of your life. I curse you to feel the weight of what you’ve done every single day. I hope it eats you alive. I hope it haunts you until you can’t breathe."

Acht flinched again, their shoulders hunching as if her words had struck them like physical blows.

"I hope you remember," Marina continued, her voice breaking. "I hope you remember every single moment we spent together, every time I called you my friend, every time I begged you to come with me. And I hope it burns. I hope it tears you apart the way you tore me apart."

Her vision blurred with tears, but she refused to let them fall. She wouldn’t let Acht see her cry. Not here, not now.

Acht’s lips moved again, forming the same two words: "I’m sorry."

Marina turned away, unable to look at them any longer. Her heart felt like it was shattering all over again, the pieces grinding against each other with every step she took toward the door.

As she left the room, the sound of Acht’s quiet apology echoed behind her, but it meant nothing.

Nothing could undo what had been done.

Chapter Text

Inkopolis Medical Examiner's Report

---

Case Number: IME-2025-0427
Date: January 10, 2025
Deceased: Pearl Houzuki
Age: 29
Species: Inkling
Occupation: Idol, rapper in band "Off the Hook"
Date of Death: January 9, 2025
Place of Death: Enperry Luxury Living Suite #4, Inkopolis Bay

---

### Autopsy Summary

Cause of Death:
Pearl Houzuki died as a result of multiple stab wounds. The primary cause of death was exsanguination due to severe trauma inflicted by sharp-edged objects, compounded by damage to vital internal structures, including the ink sac and primary vascular systems.

Manner of Death:
Teuthicide. The injuries were intentionally inflicted with lethal intent.

---

### External Examination:

- General Appearance:
The deceased is a 29-year-old Inkling, female. The body is moderately decomposed due to the delay in examination but retains identifiable features. Skin is pale, with faint ink discoloration near the wound sites.

- Injuries:
- Head: Several shallow lacerations above the left eye and along the forehead. No signs of major cranial trauma.
- Torso: Six deep stab wounds distributed across the anterior abdomen and two in the dorsal region. Ink and haemolymph pooling indicate extensive internal damage.
- Limbs: Minimal external trauma, with faint abrasions on the arms and fingers. No clear defensive wounds detected.

- Other Observations:
A blood-stained knife retrieved at the scene matches the wound profiles.

---

### Internal Examination:

- Head and Neurological Systems:
No significant internal trauma to the neural lobes.

- Cardiovascular Systems:
The Inkling’s three hearts display signs of severe strain due to rapid blood loss. No intrinsic damage to the organs themselves was identified, but circulatory failure occurred due to extensive vascular disruption.

- Abdominal Systems:
- The ink sac was ruptured by one of the stab wounds, resulting in significant internal bleeding and dispersal of ink throughout the abdominal cavity.
- Additional punctures lacerated key internal structures, exacerbating blood and ink loss.

- Extremities:
Soft tissue damage consistent with minor abrasions.

---

### Toxicology:

- Blood, Urine and Ink Samples:
Tested negative for toxic substances, alcohol, or narcotics. No indications of substance use were found.

---

### Conclusion:

Pearl Houzuki succumbed to multiple stab wounds, leading to rapid blood loss, cardiac arrest, and subsequent death. The nature of the injuries suggests a deliberate and calculated act of violence.

---

### Additional Notes:

- Scene Investigation:
The penthouse suite was preserved for forensic analysis. The knife used in the attack was recovered near the body. Blood splatter patterns confirm a sudden and close-range assault.

- Suspect Information:
Acht Mizuta, aged 28, is in custody as the primary suspect. Known ties between Acht and the victim, including prior personal relationships, have been identified as a potential factor in the crime.

- Next Steps:
Psychological assessments of the suspect are underway, and additional forensic evidence is being analyzed. The Inkopolis Police Department continues its investigation to establish a full timeline of events and motive.

---

Prepared by:
Dr. Wrassie Cassiopeia
Inkopolis Medical Examiner
Inkopolis City Hall, Forensic Division

Reviewed by:
Chief Inspector Alice Itou
Inkopolis Police Department

---

For Official Use Only
Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this report is strictly prohibited.

Chapter Text

Marina sat in the dark, her back pressed against the cold wall of her bedroom. The faint glow of the city’s neon lights spilled through the blinds, painting the room in fractured streaks of pink and green. Her hands trembled as she clutched Pearl's headband; a gaudy, glittering piece of pink plastic that Pearl had worn so many times it had started to crack at the edges.

Tears rolled down Marina’s cheeks, soaking into the fabric of her oversized hoodie. She couldn’t stop crying, couldn’t stop shaking. Every time she thought the tears had run out, another wave of grief crashed over her, dragging her under.

She clutched the headband tighter, as if it could anchor her to something solid. Pearl was gone. The realisation sat in her chest like a lead weight, pressing down on her lungs until she could barely breathe.

And Acht... Acht had done this.

Marina squeezed her eyes shut, the memory of Acht’s pale, bloodstained face flashing in her mind. I’m sorry, they had said, their voice empty, as if the words were hollow shells of what they should have meant.

But sorry wasn’t enough. It would never be enough.

She had spent hours replaying the last few days, trying to make sense of the senseless. Acht’s confession echoed in her head: they had done it out of love. A love so twisted, so consuming, that it had driven them to destroy the one thing Marina cherished most in the world.

“It wasn’t love,” Marina whispered to the darkness, her voice raw and hoarse. “It couldn’t have been.”

But even as she said it, doubt crept in. Acht had loved her once, truly, deeply, in their own way. Back in the Octarian army, they had been her rock, her confidant, her only friend in a world that wanted to break her. Marina had trusted them with everything.

When she was assigned to Octo Valley, they had begged her not to go. And when she didn’t come back, Acht must have felt abandoned, betrayed.

"But I didn’t have a choice."

Her fists clenched around the headband, her ink pulsing with anger and grief. Acht had no right to take that pain and turn it into this. They had no right to destroy Pearl, to shatter the life Marina had built after so many years of fighting to escape the darkness.

But despite everything, she couldn’t bring herself to fully hate them.

The thought made her feel sick. She should hate them. She wanted to hate them, to let that hatred burn away the sadness, the guilt, the faint, flickering memories of the friend Acht had once been.

But that friend was still in there, somewhere. Buried beneath the blood and the betrayal, beneath the monstrous act they had committed, there was still a part of Acht that Marina had loved. A part of them that had been kind and loyal and brave.

And that was what hurt the most.

“I’ll never forgive you,” she said aloud, her voice shaking. “Never.”

But the words rang hollow in the stillness of the room.

Because even as she said them, she knew she would carry this pain forever. The pain of losing Pearl, the pain of Acht’s betrayal, and the pain of knowing that, in some small, broken way, she still cared.

Marina pressed the headband to her chest and curled into herself, the tears falling harder now.

Love shouldn’t hurt like this. Love shouldn’t destroy.

But Acht’s love had, and now Marina was left to pick up the pieces of a life that would never be whole again.

Chapter Text

The apartment was a mess. Marina hadn’t cleaned in days. Plates with half-eaten food sat on the counter, and Pearl’s favourite drink; an unopened can of cherry Ika-Cola, still sat on the coffee table, right where she’d left it.

When the knock came at the door, Marina didn’t answer. She sat on the couch, knees pulled to her chest, gripping one of Pearl’s hoodies. It still smelled like her - ink and some tacky floral perfume Pearl insisted made her smell "like a star."

The knock came again, louder this time. Marina scowled.

"Go away!" she shouted, her voice hoarse from crying.

There was a pause, then a familiar voice. "Marina, it’s us. Callie and Marie."

Marina hesitated. She wanted to scream at them to leave, but something inside her cracked. She let out a shuddering breath. “It’s open.”

The door creaked open, and Callie and Marie stepped in. Callie carried a bouquet of flowers, while Marie held a thermos of tea. The sight of them, so put-together, so composed, made Marina’s blood boil.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she snapped, not even looking at them.

Callie flinched but recovered quickly. "We wanted to check on you. We brought flowers." She set them on the coffee table, her smile tentative. "They’re, um, supposed to mean hope. Or something."

"Hope?" Marina laughed bitterly, her voice dripping with venom. "What the fuck do I need hope for? Pearl’s dead. Flowers aren’t gonna change that."

Callie recoiled, hurt flashing across her face. Marie stepped forward, her expression calm but firm. "We know that, Marina. We’re just trying to help."

"Help?" Marina’s voice cracked, and tears welled up in her eyes. "You can’t help. No one can. She’s gone. And I..." Her voice broke, and she buried her face in Pearl’s hoodie.

Marie sat beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Marina, I know it feels like this will never get better, but-"

"Don’t," Marina growled, shrugging off her touch. "Don’t you dare tell me it’ll get better. You don’t know what this feels like. You don’t know what it’s like to have someone ripped away from you like this."

Marie’s jaw tightened. "Actually, I do."

Marina looked up, her glare sharp enough to cut. "Oh, really? Did someone you love get stabbed to death because of some sick, twisted obsession with you? No? Then shut up."

Marie took a deep breath, her calm façade cracking. "Callie joined the Octarian Army, Marina. I thought she was dead. I thought I’d never see her again. And when I did, she tried to kill Agent 4." Her voice wavered, but she pressed on. "I thought I’d lost her completely. But I didn’t. And things got better."

"Better?" Marina spat. "The difference is that Callie didn’t fucking die. Pearl’s not coming back. Ever."

Callie, who had been silent, stepped forward and knelt in front of Marina. Her usually cheerful expression was gone, replaced by something quiet and sad. "You’re right," she said softly. "It’s not the same. But that doesn’t mean you’re alone in this."

Marina’s shoulders shook, and she let out a strangled sob. "I hate her," she whispered, clutching the hoodie tighter. "I hate Acht for doing this. And I hate myself for not stopping it. But I can’t- I can’t hate them completely, and I fucking hate that, too."

Callie reached out and gently took Marina’s hands. "You’re allowed to feel all of that. Anger, grief, confusion... it’s all okay. And we’re here for you, no matter what."

Marina shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "She’s gone, Callie. She’s gone, and I don’t know how to live without her."

Marie leaned in, wrapping her arms around Marina and pulling her close. "You don’t have to figure it out alone," she murmured. "We’ll be here every step of the way."

For a moment, Marina resisted, her body rigid with anger and grief. But then the warmth of their embrace broke through her defences, and she collapsed into their arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

The flowers sat forgotten on the table, their bright colours a jarring contrast to the suffocating grief in the room.

As Marina cried, Callie and Marie held her tighter, their own tears falling silently. It wasn’t enough to fix what was broken, but it was enough to remind Marina that she wasn’t alone.

Chapter Text

The knock at the door startled Marina out of her daze. She’d been sitting on the floor, clutching one of Pearl’s hoodies, her mind looping through the same suffocating grief. The knock came again, louder this time.

She forced herself up, dragging her body to the door with a groan. When she opened it, she found Eight standing there, holding something large and awkward in their arms.

“What do you want?” Marina asked, her voice hoarse from days of crying.

“I... I brought you something,” Eight said, hesitantly pulling back the cloth covering their burden.

Marina froze. It was a doll. Life-sized, and unmistakably Pearl.

Her stomach twisted, bile rising in her throat. The freckles, the bright pink eyes, the little crown, it was Pearl. It was Pearl’s face staring back at her, except it wasn’t.

“What... what the fuck is this?” Marina whispered, her voice low and trembling.

Eight shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. “I thought it might help,” they said softly.

Marina’s chest tightened, her hands curling into fists. “You thought this would help?” Her voice rose, sharp and raw. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

Eight flinched but didn’t lower the doll. “I... I just thought maybe having something to hold-”

“To hold?” Marina interrupted, her voice cracking. “You think some creepy-ass doll can replace her? You think I want to look at this and pretend it’s her? She’s gone, Eight! Gone!”

Eight recoiled, their lip trembling. “I just wanted to do something for you,” they said, their voice shaking.

“Well, congratulations,” Marina spat, her tears spilling over. “You’ve managed to make it worse. This is... this is fucked up, Eight. Completely fucked up.”

Eight’s face crumpled, tears streaming down their cheeks. “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” they whispered, their voice barely audible. “I thought... I thought it might help you feel less alone.”

Marina glared at them, her anger still boiling, but it was laced now with guilt. She watched as Eight carefully placed the doll on the floor, their shoulders shaking.

“I’m sorry,” they said again, before turning and walking away, their sobs echoing faintly down the hall.

Marina stood there, her fists still clenched, staring at the doll. It sat in the doorway, its lifeless eyes fixed on nothing. Her heart pounded, and for a moment, she considered slamming the door and leaving it out there.

But she didn’t. Slowly, reluctantly, she stepped closer.

The doll was unnervingly detailed, down to the folds of Pearl’s favourite hoodie. Marina knelt beside it, her breath hitching as she touched its hand. The fabric was soft, eerily similar to skin, but cold, so cold.

Her vision blurred as tears spilled over again. “Why would you do this, Eight?” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Why would you think I need this?”

She pulled the doll into her lap, her body trembling. As much as it horrified her, she couldn’t bring herself to push it away. Her arms wrapped around it, desperate for something, anything, to hold.

“I’ll never forgive them,” she murmured, her voice low and broken. “I’ll never forgive Acht for taking you from me. But I can’t hate them either. Isn’t that messed up? I can’t even hate the person who ruined my life.”

Her tears soaked into the doll’s synthetic hair as she clung to it. “And you’re not here to tell me it’s okay. You’re not here to laugh at me or call me dramatic or... or anything.”

She hugged the doll tighter, her chest heaving with sobs. After what felt like hours, she dragged herself to her bedroom, the doll still in her arms. She collapsed onto the bed, curling around it like it was a lifeline.

It wasn’t Pearl. It could never be Pearl. But in the unbearable silence of her grief, it was all she had.

“I miss you so much,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I don’t know how to do this without you, Pearlie.”

Chapter Text

The cell was small and cold, its walls as bare as Acht’s soul had felt for years. They sat on the narrow cot, the cheap paper trembling in their hands. The pen felt alien between their fingers, like it belonged to someone who still had purpose.

But they wrote.

They didn’t know if Marina would ever read it, if she’d even want to, but Acht wrote anyway.

---

Marina,

I don’t expect forgiveness. I don’t deserve it. If you never read this, if you burn it the second you see my handwriting, I wouldn’t blame you.

But I need you to know why.

I killed her. I killed Pearl. That’s something I’ll carry with me until my last breath. Her blood is on my hands, and I can’t wash it away. I see her face every time I close my eyes.

She didn’t deserve it.

But I didn’t do it because of her.

I did it because of you.

Do you know what it felt like when you left? Do you know what it was like to wake up and realise the only person who had ever mattered to me was gone? You were everything to me, Marina. You were my world, my reason for existing. And then you were gone, sent to Octo Valley, leaving me behind. You didn’t look back. You didn’t even say goodbye.

You were my light, and when you left, everything went dark.

I tried to move on. I tried to keep going, but every day felt like drowning. Every breath was a reminder that you weren’t there, that you were never coming back. The pain was unbearable.

So I stopped feeling. I became sanitized.

I thought it would make things better, to strip away the emotions, the memories, the "me". But it didn’t. The emptiness was worse. It was like dying without the release of death.

And then I heard about you. About the bright, brilliant Marina who escaped to the surface, who found freedom, who found "her".

Pearl.

She gave you everything I couldn’t. She made you laugh, made you smile. She loved you in a way I never had the chance to.

I hated her for it.

But more than that, I hated you. I hated you for being happy while I was hollow. I hated you for forgetting me, for replacing me.

I wanted you to understand.

I wanted you to feel what I felt when you left. The crushing weight of losing the one thing that made your life worth living. The way it tears you apart, leaving nothing behind but a shell.

That’s why I did it.

I thought if I could take her from you, if I could make you feel the emptiness I’ve carried for so long, maybe, just maybe, you’d finally understand.

But I was wrong.

I see it now. I see the pain in your eyes, the hatred, the grief. I see what I’ve done to you, and I know it’ll never bring me peace. All I’ve done is destroy the person I loved most in this world, the one person I thought could ever understand me.

I don’t want you to ever forgive me, Marina. I don’t even want you to pity me.

I just want you to know that I’m sorry.

I’m sorry for everything.

And I hope that someday, somehow, you can find a way to live again. Even if it means hating me for the rest of your life.

- Acht

---

Acht put down the pen, their hands trembling. They stared at the letter, the ink smudged where their tears had fallen.

It wouldn’t change anything.

But for the first time in quite a few years, Acht felt like themselves again. Not the hollow, sanitized shell, but the broken, desperate Octoling who had once loved Marina with everything they had.

They folded the letter carefully, setting it aside for the guards to deliver. Then they leaned back against the cold wall of their cell, staring at the ceiling.

Marina would hate them. Acht knew that.

But at least she’d understand.

Chapter Text

The letter had arrived in the mail a week ago. Marina had shoved it into the drawer, unopened, telling herself she wouldn’t, couldn’t, read it. Acht’s name scrawled across the envelope had been enough to make her slam it shut.

But here she was, sitting on her bed with the crumpled envelope in her hands, unable to stop herself. She tore it open, fingers trembling, and pulled out the neatly folded paper.

Her breath caught as her eyes fell on the words. Acht’s handwriting was surprisingly neat, though the paper was smudged, the ink blurred in places where tears had clearly fallen. Marina didn’t want to read it, didn’t want to let them worm their way into her head again.

But she did.

Each word was a knife. Each sentence carved deeper into her chest, hollowing her out. Acht’s pain, their grief, their love, all of it bled through the page. By the time she reached the end, Marina couldn’t hold back the sobs wracking her body.

She dropped the letter onto the bed, clutching her chest as if she could physically hold herself together. But the memories poured in, relentless and unforgiving.

She saw Acht as they had been in the underground domes; sharper, angrier, louder than anyone else in their unit. They’d had a reputation for sneaking out, for stealing food rations, for taking risks no one else dared to. Acht had always been chaos, the opposite of Marina’s own calculated brilliance as an engineer.

But Acht had also been kind in their own way. Marina remembered how Acht would bring her salvaged scrap metal when they noticed her struggling to find enough for her inventions. They’d sit silently beside her while she worked, handing her tools without being asked.

And then there were the darker memories. Acht piercing their ears with sewing needles, their fingers stained with blood. Acht’s cutting habit, small, precise lines etched into their arms when they thought no one was looking. Acht’s refusal to eat during communal meals, the gauntness in their face that Marina had pretended not to notice.

She’d been so focused on herself back then, on building machines and proving her worth to the Octarian Army. She’d thought Acht was just another rebellious soldier, another lost cause. She’d been wrong.

Marina curled into herself, clutching her knees as tears poured down her face. Acht had been drowning, and she hadn’t seen it. She’d left them behind without a second thought, chasing her own freedom while Acht was left to rot in the darkness.

And now Pearl was dead.

Marina’s body shook with sobs, her voice raw as she whispered, “It’s my fault.”

She’d left Acht. She’d abandoned them when they needed her most. If she’d stayed, if she’d been a better friend, maybe Acht wouldn’t have gone down this dark path. Maybe they wouldn’t have...

Marina buried her face in her hands, choking on her own breath. Pearl’s blood felt like it was on her hands now, as if she’d handed Acht the knife herself.

“I should’ve stayed,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I should’ve... I shouldn’t have left.”

She thought of the underground domes; the cold, suffocating air, the relentless propaganda, the flickering lights. She’d hated that place with every fibre of her being, but maybe she’d belonged there. Maybe that was where she should’ve stayed.

The thought made her sick, but it wouldn’t leave her. Pearl was dead. Acht was in jail. And Marina was here, free on the surface, but drowning in a sea of guilt.

“I’m sorry, Pearlie,” she whispered, clutching the letter to her chest. “I’m so sorry.”

Her tears soaked the paper, blurring Acht’s words. She wanted to hate them. She wanted to burn the letter and curse their name for what they’d done.

But she couldn’t.

Instead, Marina sat there, shaking and crying, the weight of the past crushing her. She couldn’t forgive Acht, not for this, but she couldn’t fully hate them either. All she could do was mourn; for Pearl, for Acht, and for the person she used to be.

And in the silence of her room, Marina whispered the one question that would haunt her forever.

“Why couldn’t I save anyone?”

Chapter Text

The grave was small, almost humble. A simple stone marker sat beneath the shadow of a sakura tree, the branches bare in the chill of early spring. Pearl Houzuki’s name was etched into the stone, along with the dates that marked the beginning and the abrupt, violent end of her life.

PEARL HOUZUKI
1996-2025 M.E.
"Our shining star. She burned bright, and faded out too soon."

Acht stood there in silence, hands shoved deep into the pockets of their worn jacket. Twenty years had passed since the night that had defined the rest of their life. They had served their sentence. They were “free” now. But freedom didn’t feel like it belonged to them anymore.

“I did this,” Acht thought, staring down at the grave.

It was a truth that had haunted them every day since the act. No matter how many hours they spent trying to atone, no matter how many people told them to move on, the weight of what they’d done never lifted.

They crouched down, fingers brushing over the cold stone. The memories flooded back; the blood, Marina’s screams, the terror in her eyes. Pearl’s face in her final moments. Acht squeezed their eyes shut, but the images wouldn’t go away.

Footsteps crunched in the gravel behind them. Acht didn’t look up. They didn’t need to.

“You’re still coming here,” Paul said, his voice carrying a mixture of annoyance and concern.

Paul, their younger brother, had grown into someone far more successful than Acht had ever been. A DJ in the band SashiMori, Paul had the kind of life Acht might have envied in another world. But Paul had always been kind, maybe too kind, and never seemed to carry that resentment.

“Why?” Paul asked, stepping closer.

Acht didn’t answer at first. They couldn’t tear their eyes away from the stone. “Because I need to. I have to.”

“No, you don’t,” Paul said, crouching down beside them. His voice softened. “You think this helps her? Or anyone?”

“It doesn’t matter if it helps,” Acht said bitterly. “I did this to her. The least I can do is acknowledge it.”

Paul sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair. “You can’t keep living like this. It’s been twenty years, Acht. You’re still stuck in that night. You’ll never move forward if you don’t let go.”

“I don’t deserve to move forward,” Acht muttered.

Paul’s hand landed on their shoulder, firm but not harsh. “That’s not your choice to make. You killed Pearl, and nothing you do will bring her back. But you’re still here. You can’t change the past, but you can stop letting it define the rest of your life.”

Acht turned to look at him, their eyes heavy with guilt and pain. “I can’t forget her.”

Paul met their gaze, his expression unreadable. “I’m not saying you should forget her. I’m saying you have to forget about her.”

The words hit like a punch to the chest, and for a moment, Acht didn’t understand. Did Paul mean Pearl, the victim whose death they could never atone for? Or did he mean Marina, the girl Acht had once loved so deeply it had destroyed them both?

The ambiguity hung in the air, unspoken but deafening.

Paul stood, brushing off his jeans. “You’ve got a chance to be better, Acht. To actually live. But not if you keep dragging this with you everywhere you go.” He looked down at them, his voice softer now. “You’ll never be "good". None of us are. But you can be more than this.”

Acht stayed kneeling by the grave, staring at the name etched into the stone. Paul’s words lingered in their mind, cutting through the fog of their thoughts.

Could they let go?

They didn’t know.

As Paul turned and walked away, Acht stayed behind, alone with their guilt and their choices. For the first time in years, they allowed themselves to wonder if maybe there was still a life waiting for them beyond the shadow of their atrocity.

But as the wind rustled through the sakura branches above, Acht whispered to the grave, “I’m sorry.”

The words were carried away on the breeze, lost to the world.