Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[Click]

[Pearl]

Test, test.

[click]

[click]

[Pearl]

Okay, great, looks like it's still working.

Hey there folks! Welcome back to Pearl’s Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse. My name is Pearl Solidarity, and I’ll be your host this evening.

(chuckle)

Voids, I can’t believe I’m still doing this [pause] maybe I am going insane.

Well, uh, anyway, today is day 122 of the apocalypse, marking four months since the world went to shit, or at least I think so. Y’know, it’s kinda hard to keep track of the days sometimes, so I might have missed a few along the way. (Laugh)

I'm currently no closer to finding out the cause of the infection that has ravaged the country, though that hasn’t stopped me from trying.

[Pause]

My days haven't changed much, though it is easier to get around now that I understand how to avoid the infected, so that has made it a lot easier to gather supplies like food and medicine.

There’s still no sign of any help from the authorities, though I heard some rumours from a few survivors I crossed paths with, that there are bunkers up in the high country, close to the army bases. That fact seems to be what's keeping a lot of other people sane.

(Sigh)

I really hope that there’s bunkers, since that would explain why I haven't been able to get in contact with anyone I know. I hope they're all safe, far away from this shit show. 

(Softer) I really hope Tim and Grian are okay.

[Footsteps]

Other than that, I have no further information to supply to you guys, so this episode will have to be a short one.

Hope you all had as amazing a time listening as I had talking to you, and I hope to see you next time!

Good luck out there survivors. This is goodbye for now!

[Click]

***

Pearl sat cross-legged on a stormy grey sofa, a pile of plain white pillows creating a throne around her.

A large husky dog was settled between her thigh and the pillows, her large wet nose snuffling against her shorts, ears flickering from the subtle breeze that flowed through the slightly ajar window on the far side of the living room they currently resided in.

Pearl's long brown and blonde streaked hair was splayed back over her shoulders, laying like a river along the top of the sofa and spilling over the edge like a waterfall.

She had a pair of wired earphones in, one in her left ear, the other hanging over her shoulder. The earphones connected to the Walkman that poked out of her pocket, music blaring through the wires.

Pearl’s hands fiddled with a compact, grubby tape recorder, its surface littered with random doodles of stars and plants.

Her fingers ran along the sides of the recorder, picking at the chipped paint until they reached the black, metallic button on its lip, clicking it to release a blank tape into the centre of her palm.

Picking it up, she reached to the small oak side table that sat next to the sofa, grabbing a black marker between her fingers and pulling off the cap with her teeth, spitting it away to a forgotten crevice.

She quickly jotted something down on the front of the tape, then swiftly stood up, sending a couple of pillows and a very disgruntled dog to the floor.

Tilly looked up at her with a dissatisfied expression, a pathetic little whine bubbling up from her chest.

Pearl chuckled, her eyes sparking with a mischievous joy, then reached down, ruffling the long, shaggy fur along the husky’s neck.

Tilly gave a soft bark before happily following her owner, her large feet padding along behind her.

As she walked, Pearl grabbed a large, walnut brown satchel covered in various patches and keychains that hung from a hook by the doorway, tossing it over her shoulder haphazardly before pushing open the door.

The white painted wood door groaned in protest, the hinges barely hanging on as it was flung open, banging loudly as it hit the wall.

Tilly bounded ahead, moving down the long carpeted hallway before Pearl even had a chance to stop her, tail swishing behind her.

Pearl followed close behind, muffled footsteps echoing from where her bulky combat boots met the moulding beige carpet that lined most of the hallways.

The sun glinted off the stained glass windows that lined the large foyer area on the ground floor, hitting the floor with sparks of rainbow colors, red, green, and blue beams shooting out in all different directions.

They both made her way across the black and white tiled floor, Pearl sliding across the plain white secretary desk that stood proudly in the centre of the room as Tilly took one bounding leap over it, narrowly avoiding knocking off a shattered picture frame, she hurried across the large empty space between the desk and the double glass doors that were swinging slowly in the small breeze that whistled through the space.

She slipped easily between the two doors, Tilly following close behind, her nose up and her ears swivelling from side to side.

Pearl turned towards her, a hand reaching down to give her a quick head pat. 

“Come on girl, time to get going”.

***

[Click] 

[Click]

[Pearl]

Hey there folks, sorry for the abrupt change in pace, thought I might record again today since I have nothing better to do.

I haven’t had anything to do today, besides my usual tasks. Life’s been pretty monotonous for the past few weeks though, so no shock there.

Everything seems to have calmed down, less infected wandering around but also a lot less people. I haven’t seen anyone for days.

Most people keep to their areas of the city, so it’s rare for them to wander over this way.

[Pause]

Though, it is odd that I haven’t seen some of the regulars for a few weeks now, they must be caught up in some commotion up west. I’ve been hearing talk about some trouble in the outskirts over the past few weeks.

I do hope they’re ok, it can get quite dangerous up that way.

[footsteps] 

It’s getting pretty late. I should probably start heading back home, don’t want to get caught out in the dark… I wonder where Tilly got to?

(louder) Tilly! Where are you girl!

[dog bark]

[Pearl]

Hey! Where are you? Come on, don’t do this now Tilly. It’s late, and I’m tired.

[strong wind]

[dog bark, louder]

Fuck, there you are, don’t run off on me like that! I could’ve lost you.

[whine]

What’s wrong girl, did something spook you, did you find something?

[Unintelligible noise]

[Pearl]

Huh? What was that?

[footsteps]

(groan)

Is someone there? Hello?

[dog bark]

Tilly, where are you going?

[fast footsteps]

Fuck, you’re fast, come on, don’t run away!

[Skidding]

[quiet bark]

Hey girl, it’s okay, what have you found?

[footsteps]

[rocks sliding]

[Pearl]

(grunt) That was a bad idea, voids, why did I think this was a good idea?

[pause]

Wait, is that…

Holy shit, no way!

[thud]

[Static]

(distant voices)

[Pearl]

Wow, uh…hey there? Shit, you’re bleeding a lot. Are you okay? Never mind, that's a stupid question, of course you're not, what am I talking about? (huff) Yeah…um… we need to get you out of here.

[???]

(groan) …Pearl? [pause] Is that you?

[Pearl]

(light chuckle) Yeah, it's me.

[???]

(whisper) Oh, that’s good, okay, I’m okay, I’m going to be okay.

[Thud]

[Pearl]

Gem, wait Gem, Gem what’s wrong? Please answer. No, don't do this to me. (softer) Please, no… Gem…

[Silence]

Fuck!

[static]

[Click]

End of recording.

Chapter Text

- 10 months before -

Pearl sat in a barren white room, the foldable metal chair she perched on whining as she shifted. The only furnishings were the plastic trestle table in front of her and the large, one-way window to her right.

She clasped a slightly crinkled styrofoam cup, half filled with stale coffee. Her heeled feet tapped against the ceramic floor tiles, reverberating against the blank walls.

She shifted slightly, the chair meeting the skin of her legs that wasn't currently covered by a red knee length skirt, sending a sharp shock down her spine.

A short knock echoed through the space, and she looked up.

The door opened quickly, revealing a short woman with curly red hair, tied back into a bun.

Her expression was calm but slightly irritated, like she was already sick of a conversation that hadn't even started yet. Pearl observed that her slightly lidded eyes were nearly the exact colour of eucalyptus leaves.

The woman looked over at Pearl.

“Miss Solidarity, I assume?”

“I…yep! That’s me.” 

Pearl glanced down at the woman’s cobalt blue nurses scrubs, searching for some kind of identification. There was a lanyard strung through one of her belt loops, but Pearl couldn’t make out what the ID badge said.

“I'm sorry, who are you?” she said carefully.

“My name is Doctor Tay, I'm one of the heads of medicine on this base,” Dr. Tay answered, her tone somewhat stern, but bright.

“Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Doctor.” Pearl greeted, smiling warmly.

The doctor gave a small nod. “Likewise, Miss Solidarity”

Pearl chuckled. “Voids, please call me Pearl, titles always make me feel so stiff.”

Dr. Tay gives her a small smile, light tan skin pulling at the corner of her mouth. She then gestures towards the door she first walked through, and indicates for Pearl to follow.

“There’s a room just through here we can use for your interview.”

Pearl nods and trails after her through the corridor, until Dr. Tay pauses outside a metal door. She sifts through the keyring attached to her lanyard, before finding the one she needs and unlocking the door.

Pearl is led into a small room with a desk, two chairs (marginally better than the ones in the waiting room), and not much else besides a filing cabinet and some stationary.

Dr. Tay takes a seat behind the desk, with Pearl sat on the remaining chair.

“Are you all ready to start?”

“Yes, of course, let’s see…” Pearl reaches over to the satchel bag that hangs off the back of her chair, and pulls out a note pad and ballpoint pen, as well as a small recording device.

She gives a quick grin.

“Let’s begin.”

***

- 8 months before -

Pearl sat in her friend’s hallway, pulling on her steel toe combat boots, tying the laces quickly.

Tango leaned against the doorway, his tousled strawberry blonde hair hanging messily over the side of his face. He chatted absentmindedly with his roommate, Zed, who was smiling and nodding along with something he was saying.

Pearl stands up and grabs her satchel bag, before spinning back towards the two men behind her. 

“I’m heading off now!”

Tango glances up at her, smiling impishly. “Aw, see ya then, say hi to Jim for me!”

Pearl grins.“Yeah, will do.”

Zed smiles at her, “Get home safe.” 

He gives a small wave as Pearl opens the door, stepping out into the hallways of the apartment building.

She hums to herself, vaguely following along to the tune she’s blasting from her headphones.

Her mind wanders as she ambles toward the elevator, her feet plodding against the colourful patterned carpet that lined the flooring.

Suddenly, something collided with her chest, sending her and her belongings tumbling to the floor below, her head bumping against the wall.

“Fuck. Are you ok?” A voice said from above her, worry evident in their tone.

Pearl blinked slowly, then looked up to see a tanned hand reached down, offering her help. She took it, and was carefully hoisted up.

Once she was upright, she finally looked at the stranger, who happened not to be a complete stranger after all.

“...Dr. Tay?” Pearl’s brow furrowed slightly, trying to make sure she was remembering the right name.

It definitely is Dr. Tay, though she looks a little less put together. Her formerly neat fiery red curls are in a tangled braid that hangs over her shoulder. She’s wearing a moss green shirt with dark denim overalls pulled over the top, the edges embroidered with fern fronds. 

“Oh! Uhm, Pearl, was it?” Dr. Tay says, her tone hesitant. “What are you doing here?”

“Right, I was just visiting some friends.” She was still a little stunned, having only previously seen the doctor in her work attire. “What about you? I’ve never seen you around here before.”

Dr. Tay blinked a few times, seemingly confused by the question. “I live here”.

“You do?” Pearl stuffed the last of her escaped belongings back into her bag. ”How come I haven’t seen you then?”

“It’s probably because I work weird hours at the base, plus I have to drive a long way back to get here, so sometimes I just stay the night.” 

“Oh that makes sense.” Pearl, now standing, began to walk towards the elevator, and Dr. Tay follows suit.

“G’s always complaining about the fucked work hours there.” Pearl mutters.

Dr. Tay looks at her quizzically. “G?” 

“Grian. It's a nickname me and Tim call him a lot.” Pearl smiles wistfully, and her eyes almost seem to glaze over.

“Grian…He’s your brother right? He’s mentioned a sibling a few times, but I don’t think he ever really mentioned you by name.”

“Yeah, he is.” Pearl answers. Her expression is relaxed, save for a hint of something indecipherable. “Honestly, I’m surprised he even talks about me at all. He normally tries to keep his personal and work life separate.”

Pearl looks over at Dr. Tay, who seems to be listening intently.

Dr. Tay nods. “You said you were visiting friends?”

“Oh yeah! Tango and Zed, they’re friends from Uni.” They reached the elevator at the end of the hallway, and Pearl pressed the button as she spoke.

Dr. Tay recalled Impulse and Skizz mentioning their names before, although she’d never interacted with them herself besides a friendly hello.

The elevator dinged before she got to speak again and the chunky metal doors slid open.

Pearl turned to face Dr. Tay, flashing her a smile.

“Well, it was nice running into you!” 

“Yeah, you too.” Dr. Tay answers as she watches Pearl step into the elevator, and the doors close.

Dr. Tay stands there for a second, not really sure what she’s doing.

After a moment she sighs to herself, then turns to walk back towards her apartment.

***

- 7 months before - 

Gem sat on a rustic wooden chair that was tucked into a small circular cafe table, resting at the front of the small building on main street.

The sun was slightly dimmed behind the clouds, but still glinted off the large window panes outside the café.

Birds chirped from the evenly spaced trees that lined the sidewalk and Gem listened intently to the magpie song, letting the noise wash over her as she sat idly, her hands resting next to a now empty speckled ceramic teacup sitting on a small dish that matched its off white colouring.

The city was calm that day, the subdued sunlight making everything seem brighter and more cheerful.

This was one of the first days off she had gotten in a while, so she intended to make it worth it.

It had been a busy week for her, the labs had been in mayhem for the last week after the success of a recent experiment, so there had been lots to do for everyone in the medical or labs team, especially her and Jay.

She’d tried to convince him to come out with her, he deserved a break as much as she did, probably even more, but he had been adamant about not wanting to leave their patients alone with only a few scientists around.

She understood of course, she also didn’t feel quite right about leaving her patients alone for their checkups , and didn’t fully trust Dr. Varela to take adequate care of them, despite his assurances.

She sighed to herself. She was on break. She shouldn’t be thinking about work during one of her only opportunities to actually rest.

A movement in front of her startled her out of her thoughts. Looking up, she spots someone who she recognizes from a few weeks earlier.

“Pearl?” 

“Oh, hey Dr. Tay, I didn’t realise you came here too!” Pearl gives her a warm smile. She was currently holding a takeaway coffee cup and small cardboard box that held a couple pastries. 

Gem smiles back, “It’s convenient, especially when I’m too tired to go further afield.” She paused. “By the way, Pearl, now that I’m not on the clock, you should call me Gem.”

“Oh! Okay. Hello Gem.” Pearl’s face lit up, eyes sparkling. She glanced around at the busy tables, then looked back at Gem.

“Do you mind if I sit down? I was picking up these” she gestures to her box of pastries, “for lunch later, but don’t actually have anywhere to get to right now.”

Gem nods. She doesn’t have that much time to actually talk to people beyond break room conversations during her shifts. This is a nice change of pace.

“Cool, thanks.” Pearl sits down across from her, setting her cup down next to Gem’s.

Gem exhales, and wonders when she’ll be able to take a day off without worrying about the labs.

***

- Present - 

Pearl stood in the silence, feeling it roil against her, discomfort crawling over her skin in pinpricks.

What’s happening? Her mind spun in circles as she watched the doctor rest in front of her, Anxiety filling every part of her being, overflowing onto the floor like a puddle of blood pooling at her feet.

She was terrified she wouldn’t make it, she had been so hurt when she had found her, and she wasn’t looking any better now.

Gem was currently situated on the apartment's only bed, all the pillows and blankets Pearl could find piled on top of her like a weird nest of sorts.

Her skin was marred with cuts and bruises, many still bleeding slightly, staining bandages that she had wrapped her with crimson.

Voids, she looked so weak.

Pearl sighed to herself, plodding herself down in the chair she had positioned at the foot of the bed.

She leaned back, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and continuing to fight off the feeling of exhaustion with her third cup of coffee that stood on the small table beside her.

It was dark outside, but moonlight was filtering through a small window in the bedroom.

She’d been awake for nearly a full day at this point, fear keeping her on her feet despite the fatigue pulling on every limb.

I know I’ll be no help to Gem if I can barely stay upright, but what if she wakes up and I’m not there to help? She could panic, and make her injuries worse…

She mumbles something unintelligible to herself, and snags a blanket off of the pile heaped on top of Gem.

She could deal with everything tomorrow. Right now, she was going to sleep.

Leaning further back into the chair, she closed her eyes slowly, allowing the claws of sleep to pull her under into inky darkness.