REA
Anemy guided Erray back to her room and set his backpack next to the door. He kept looking away when she tried to see his face, but she could hear him sniffling. The captain gently patted his shoulder.
"It's okay…" she muttered, as she opened the door and pulled him inside. He kept wiping his eyes. "Let's get you to bed."
"I'm sorry…" Erray muttered, as he was sat down on the right side of the bed. He kicked off his shoes. "I know I've been such a handful to you…" This time he didn't even bother to turn away when Anemy looked at him.
Anemy sighed. He was right, but she couldn't bring herself to be hard on him. Especially, not now.
"Well, it'll just mean more whenever you can make it up to me. So, don't worry, okay?"
Erray sniffled, but didn't say another word. With his sweater off, the Inkling let out a soft sigh as Anemy pushed him against the pillows and pulled the blanket over him.
"We still have a few hours before our shift starts, so just go to sleep, alright?" she said. The Inkling walked to the other side of the bed before sitting down and turning on her phone, browsing the web and a few of her aps, and getting updated on some news.
Squid Sister Callie Still Missing - What will become of Marie?
Week Two of the Great Zapfish Disappearance - More Power Cutbacks Inkcoming
Arowana Mall Marred, by Angry Octarians
"Whoa…" Anemy said, seeing images of vandalized shops. Some of them were ones she heard had refused to serve Octarians.
Anemy glanced back at Erray for a second. He'd stopped crying and his breathing had changed. The captain looked over to see Erray's eyes closed, and his body was relaxing. He was fast asleep. Normally, she loved to snoop, but out of respect, she left Erray's bag alone and just set it next to him on the floor.
The map she got from Mr. Grizz last night laid across the room on her desk. Instead, though, the Inkling walked up and picked up the photo of her and her brother, that sat next to it, and just looked at it for a bit, before glancing back at the map.
Quickly, the girl set the frame back down and stared at the map some more. It was still pretty early and she had been jolted awake by Erray earlier.
Eh, I could use a nap, as well, she thought. She started counting how many times she had to be told to rest, even before Erray started working at Grizzco. So, Anemy walked back over to her bed and kicked off her boots, before climbing into bed. As she pulled the covers over herself, she glanced at the frame one more time, before staring at the ceiling.
"I hope you know… I'm trying my best…" she said, softly. Her eyes slid shut, and within minutes she was asleep.
This was her fault. She let this all get too out of hand.
"This was why 3 left, isn't it?"
Hearing those words was the final nail in the head. Marie knew it all from the start, but she didn't want to listen. It was just like before… only very less explosive.
"3, what are you doing?!"
"Remembering who I am!"
The orange light in ex-agent's eyes was something to behold. It was incredible, but also… terrifying. It was just like how her grandfather described it as he retold his old Great Turf War tales to her and Callie.
"Oh, yeah! And one more thing: I QUIT!"
Marie woke up with a start after a few hours later in her apartment… alone. Again. Callie had been gone for so long, she was almost used to it, which saddened her.
The popstar wasn't sure where Erray was, but after what happened early in the morning, Marie had to come back to her apartment and lie down. What he did left her exhausted. She didn't even change back when she came home. The second agent was still in uniform as she stumbled out of bed. She went to the kitchen to make a quick breakfast. With the Zapfish missing from its location back in Octarian territory, Marie had to find out why it wasn't there, and where it was now.
Without Erray, things were going to get a lot trickier. She had checked with Sheldon, but unfortunately, Erray had all but switched off his phone, so they couldn't find him. Although, the cap'n doubted he would go far. He wanted to come to Inkopolis, after all.
Marie couldn't help but drag her feet as she made her way into the kitchen. She had been so busy, more so now that they had to stop Octavio again. The dishes hadn't been washed in ages, the counters were gathering dust, even the TV had a thick layer of dust over the surface in the living room. Even the couch was pretty stiff from lack of use. At least it still looked brand new.
After grabbing a quick bite of toast, Marie got her charger and headed to the door when she heard a knock. To her surprise, it was the cap'n. He was wearing a green sweater with matching sweatpants, with a strange white hat. Of course, he still had his medals pinned on his outfit.
"Gramps?" Marie said, after opening the door. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at your home? What if it gets robbed?"
"Oh, please," said the cap'n. "At this point, it's been broken into about two times. It's safe to say that our enemies know where we are."
Marie leaned against the doorway. That much was true, the only question was why they hadn't come and finished them off yet?
"Get back inside, bucko!" the cap'n demanded. "What if someone sees you dressed in your attire?!"
The Squid Sister found herself being shoved back into the apartment.
"You still haven't told me why you're here," Marie said, irritably.
"Marie, Erray is still missing," said the cap'n. "What's going on?"
"It's nothing, I've got it handled." She tried to leave, only to be halted by her grandfather's cane.
"No, you clearly don't," the cap'n added. "Or else, he would've been back two days ago. You didn't even tell me what happened when he stormed out last night."
"He stormed out because of me, it doesn't involve you, gramps."
"Then where is he?"
"I DON'T KNOW!" Marie shouted, pushing the cap'n back forcibly. She shook, trying to hold back tears. "I… I don't know."
The cap'n lowered his cane, hesitantly, but approached his granddaughter. "Marie-"
"He's gone, gramps!" Marie yelled. "Gone, like Callie…" She almost trembled at the next thought. "And gone like 3!"
"This isn't about Erray, is it?" the cap'n stated. "Is this why you've been so distant to us?"
"I knew he'd leave eventually," Marie said, as she wandered over to the window. Below, she could see the city. "Just like everyone else."
"Callie didn't leave you," said the cap'n. "She was kidnapped."
"She might as well have! We were at each other's throats almost every time we went on missions, and ever since we quit Inkopolis News, we almost never saw each and we still live in the same apartment!" Slowly, her voice was growing more and more shaky with every tear that fell.
The elderly Inkling walked forward, towards his suffering granddaughter. She was hugging herself, looking over at her parasol that was leaning against the wall next to the window.
"Why did I do it?" she whispered. "Why did I-" She stopped when the cap'n placed a hand on her shoulder. The second agent turned to him, no longer hiding the light green shade of transparent tears running down from her eyes.
"Marie-"
"Why didn't you just let 3 kill him?"
"Because if he dies, we could start another war," said the cap'n.
"Oh, splat off with that carp!" Marie hissed, swatting his hand away. "You just can't accept that the sweet Octarian you once knew all those years ago has become a monster! Inklings and Octarians died on both sides during the war. Gramps, did having Erray bleeding on our living room carpet when we met him mean nothing to you?! We've turned Agent 3 into a monster like him! He's taken your own granddaughter! He… He's…"
Marie finally fell silent when the cap'n hugged her, his cane dropping to the floor.
"I'm still here, Marie," he said, gently. "I promise, everything's gonna be fine. I know Octavio has done terrible things. I know he hates me with every fiber of his being, and what he did to Erray is unforgivable. But, do you think it'd be right? Do you think we should stoop down to his level?"
Marie sniffed. She hugged him back and started to cry.
"I never should've shot Agent 3… We should've apologized and been honest with 4! Oh, Callie…"
"Aw, Marie…" the cap'n said, softly. She rubbed her back gently letting her cry until she was calm enough to speak. "You've been holding this in the whole time, haven't you?"
"I had to…" Marie whimpered. "I'm a popstar. An agent. I'm-"
"No, you don't. Not anymore. You're not alone, Marie. And you never will be. We'll find Erray, and we'll get Callie back. I promise."
"Mr. Trow? Mr. Trow, it's time to wake up."
Erray's eyes slid open. He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes, and mumbling to himself. "Anemy?" He was a little surprised to find that his captain was no longer around.
"Hello," Oscar chimed in, peeking his head over the bedside.
Erray flinched. "Oh, it's just you… Where's the captain?"
"She's talking to the recruits. She tried to wake you up earlier, but you were out like a log, and she was in a hurry, so she sent me. If you get ready quick enough, she won't mark you tardy. Here." He set a plate of toast on the bed before standing up. "Okay, bye." The little Octoling raced out the door.
The Inkling settled down and took the plate into his lap. The toast was decent, and he wondered if Oscar made it himself.
He's really trying… Erray thought. He almost felt sorry for him.
The Inkling yawned and stretched, climbing out of bed, plate in his hands. His squid patterned socks touched the wooden plank flooring as he walked over towards Anemy's desk. It looked like she had been marking that map she got from Mr. Grizz, but wasn't able to fully tell what it all meant. The newly revamped Lost Outpost that was now overrun by the Salmonids. From the looks of it, Anemy was charting predictions of what their next plan would be. Arrows inked in white were pointing towards the other locations with questions marks.
To top it off, the photo of the captain and her brother was now lying face down on the table. Erray finished his toast and got dressed for the work day, wondering what the shell was going through the mind of Anemy Arowana.
Despite the Great Zapfish being missing and the Lost Outpost being overrun, Mr. Grizz still wanted Golden Eggs and for the employees to meet their quotas. So, off Erray and others went to gather some from the Spawning Grounds.
Anemy was more determined than the others today. She Super Jumped off their ship first, like most captains do and by the time everyone else had showed up, geared up and ready for action, Anemy was already in the middle of it.
"Captain, wait up!" Coral called.
By the time everyone made onto dry land, Anemy Arowana landed on a common Chum shooting it until it was splatted, with her Splattershot. Several Scrappers started racing towards them.
Anemy pointed at the inkcoming enemies and Erray and Oscar jumped ahead, charging in with shots, while Anemy and Coral jumped over and took them out from behind.
"Behind you!" Erray yelled.
The team scattered as a giant bomb landed in the middle where they once stood. Once the captain was far away enough, she rose out of the orange ink pulling out her charger, only step back when a big Steel Eel barely missed her.
"Squid rings!" Anemy saw it going towards Erray who was distracted by some Cohocks and Chum. She aimed at the Salmonid controlling it on the end, but it suddenly just got splatted. Erray looked just in time to see it fall apart.
"Thank me later!" Oscar chimed in, before dashing in Octo form by to take out an inkcoming horde of Chum. Anemy glanced over at the Steelhead just in time to shoot the giant bomb on its head. Soon it was sprinkling ink on the enemies.
When the ink eventually settled from the fighting that came after, many eggs, golden and regular, were lying around on the floor. Erray ran over to go gather them.
"Shoot! Where's Coral?" Anemy said, as she used a dry towel to wipe her face. She then saw Coral's life preserver floating out towards them.
"Over there!" Oscar said, pointing near the shore.
"Got it." Anemy pulled out her Splattershot. "Wait here, and guard the basket."
"Yes, ma'am." The Octoling sat down by the basket swinging his boots back and forth and occasionally looking at the basket of golden eggs.
Then the boy heard something that vaguely sounded like squeaking. Following the sounds he went down to the lower level and caught in a tiny corner, whimpering was a tiny Small Fry Salmonid. It was hugging himself with it's tiny fins, it's spoon it had used for a weapon was broken in half and it looked really pale. It was crying little green tears.
Oscar couldn't help but feel bad. It was probably separated from the rest of the squad they just splatted. He walked over slowly, trying not to startle to the poor thing.
"H-Hey, there…" he spoke softly. With his gloved hands he reached out very steadily. The Small Fry looked up just then as Oscar slowly picked up the little guy. "It's okay, little guy." Oscar stood up very slowly. "I won't hurt you." Still, the creature whimpered. "Shh… Shh… It's okay. You're safe now."
It was a strangely unique Salmonid to him. It's red mohawk had a streak of purple in it's hair. Once the little thing was calm it slowly fixed it's eyes on Oscar.
"All alone, huh?" the Octoling said.
The tiny fry nodded.
"Whoa! You understood!" Oscar exclaimed.
"Oscar, where'd you go?"
Oscar immediately ran back up to where the basket was, just as Erray was dumping a whole load of golden eggs into the basket.
"Captain! Captain, look!" The freckled boy ran up to Anemy with tiny Salmonid in his hands. "This one was scared and I calmed it down, and now it's happy!"
"Aw, carp!" Anemy pushed past Coral, who was on her feet again and immediately caught up with Oscar. The sudden movement almost made Erray fall of his perch on top of the basket. She took the Salmonid from him. "It didn't bite you, did it?"
"N-No!" Oscar said. He gently reached for it back, but the captain held it away. "It was being friendly."
"Oscar you know why we wear this protective gear. Salmonids aren't just dirty, they're infectious!"
"Really?" Erray said, from above.
"Yeah, I got bit by a Chum once," Anemy held the Small Fry in one hand like a ball. "Nasty mark, and it hurt like something I've never imagined. That wasn't even the worst of it." Slowly, everyone started listening closely. Even Coral sat down on the ramp to the top of the basket. Anemy stared daggers at the small creature. "A few days later, I broke out in a fever, was sniffling, and spewing up whatever I ate. My ink color had changed to a darkish green color. Took five doctors to hold me down, while they stuck three needles into my arm."
Oscar looked up briefly, seeing that Erray had turned pale, covering one of his arms and shivering.
"But, I was just-"
"Oscar, you stay away from doing stuff like this, okay?"
"But-"
Anemy tossed the Small Fry towards the ocean, just as the little Octoling cried out for him. He landed in the into the green tinted water. Oscar shivered, trying to hold back tears, but the pearls of sadness were already in his eyes. The captain looked at him. "I'm… sorry, Oscar. Rifa! Trow! Get those baskets to the ship!"
Erray saw Oscar wiping away tears from his eyes, while Anemy was the first to Super Jump back to the ship. He looked down at his basket briefly, and started walking towards the shore.
"But I wanna go to the festival!"
A tiny Erray pouted to his grandfather. "I can stay up late! I promise I won't fall asleep!"
"Erray, you're only six-years-old," Coel said. "You're still very little, and growing Inklings need their rest."
Erray stomped his foot. "I hate you!"
"Then hate me!" Coel yelled. "I'm doing what's best for you! Now go to your room!"
The little Inkling stomped down the hall and slammed the door shut. Coel sighed, rubbing his brow. "Cod, I hate to raise my voice at the little lad."
"Well, he was being a little too much of a brat," Vichay said, glancing to the side.
"Vichay…"
"Sorry…"
"It's okay, Grandpa," said Cici. "You could bring him something back from the festival. That could cheer him up tomorrow."
Coel adjusted his hat. "I suppose. Thanks for looking after him this year, by the way, Cici. We'll be back before it's too late. Just make sure Erray gets to bed at his usual time."
"Of course, grandpa!"
"Okay." The old Inkling reach out and gave his granddaughter a hug. "You be good to Erray."
Cici waved as Coel and Vichay went out the door. Once it was shut, Cici made sure it was locked from the inside, as she always does and then stopped by her room, only briefly to grab her bag, before going towards Erray's room.
"Erray?" Cici said, softly knocking on his door.
"Go away…" was the response.
Cici opened the door anyway and found Erray sniffling, wiping tears away from his face, while he sat on his bed.
"Erray, come on…" Cici said. Her voice was almost down to a whisper. "If you don't get your shoes on, we can't go to the festival."
Erray took his hands away from his eyes. "But, grandpa said-"
"Don't worry about him," the eldest sister said, waving his sentence off. "It'll be our little secret."
Now that their grandfather and Vichay had left with the truck, Cici, holding Erray's hand, snuck out of the house and made their way to the festival on foot. Erray was starstruck to see it. It was bustling with people, drinks were being served and delicious food was being handed out. Everyone was happy to play and listen to music.
"This way…" Cici said, pulling towards some bleachers. She crouched down and crawled into the shady place. Then, she turned to Erray, who was standing near the edge. "Come on. Do you want grandpa to see us?"
Erray got down and crawled over to Cici. She kept gesturing for her little brother to catch and once he did, he clung to her.
"It's okay," said Cici. "There's no reason to be afraid of the dark. Look."
Erray looked through the opening in the seats just in time to see the fireworks go off. Cici giggled at his astonished face.
"Whooooooa…"
The two sat down, seeing the fireworks go off, and listening to music. The two tried to catch any food that fell through before it hit the ground. Concerts were going and Erray clapped to the beat before Cici made him stop to not draw attention.
After the last performance came to an end, Cici looked over and saw Erray rubbing his eyes.
"Are you tired?"
"No…" That sentence was followed by a yawn.
"Okay, I think we should go now, though," Cici said, shaking her head. She took his hand and guided him out, towards home. The child was leaning on her by the time they got back to the house. She guided a half asleep Erray down the hall and into his room.
"I was really mean to grandpa today…" Erray mumbled rubbing his eyes some more. Cici lifted him onto the bed, and he kicked off his shoes.
"Well, you can apologize to him in the morning, okay?"
Erray nodded. "I don't really hate him, Cici."
"He knows, Erray." She wiped away a tear in one of his eyes when she heard him sniffle. "Don't cry. It's gonna be okay. Just go to sleep and he won't know what we did." She laid him down and pulled the blanket over him.
"Thank-you, Cici…" Erray said, softly. Cici pulled up a chair next to him.
"Your welcome. I know you've been wanting to go to the festival since grandpa took us in."
Erray snuggled against his pillows, a blanket securely around him. His sister lightly rubbed the top of his head.
"Where's Mom, Cici?"
"She's… far away, Erray. But, don't worry, she's still watching us. Now just go to sleep, okay?"
"O… kay…" Slowly, his eyes started closing. Cici sighed, smiling to herself and started to sing.
"See the sunset, the day is ending, let that yawn out, there's no pretending…"
Erray was always asleep before she made it halfway through her song.
Erray looked over at Oscar as the ship sailed away from the Spawning Grounds and started walking towards him. He sighed, leaning forwards just a bit.
"Oscar…"
Oscar flinched, but looked in the Inkling's direction. Erray looked in all directions, making sure no one was around. The Inkling pulled something out from his pocket and Oscar caught it in his hands. To his surprise, it was that tiny Small Fry from earlier. He looked happy to see the Octoling, and the child's eyes lit up.
"Until we get to shore, okay?" said Erray. He began to walk towards the stairs that led below deck, when Oscar almost knocked him to the ground by hugging him.
"Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you, Mr. Trow!" Oscar cheered. Erray didn't move, not hugging back, but let Oscar stay until he pulled away, holding the happy Salmonid.
"Don't let it bite you, okay? It'll be our little secret."
"Yes, sir."
The boat soon made back to the docks by sunset. An Inkling was there to see them get off, and made sure everyone was accounted for before they started unloading today's haul. Once no one was looking, Oscar ran over to the edge of the dock and set the little Small Fry down.
"Okay, little guy," he said, gently. "I had fun, but it looks like you have to go home now, okay?" The child waved good-bye, but was surprised to see it still follow him as he started walking. "Come on, you have to go, before someone sees you!" Oscar pushed him a bit towards the water with his foot, but his heart sank when the tiny Salmonid hugged it. He knelt down and picked him back up in his hands.
"All alone, huh?" The creature looked up at Oscar with it's beady eyes. "Me too. Well, Pearl, Marina, and the boss are my friends, but they're more like family to me, like Oliver. They never have time to play with me." He gasped, eyes shining, and a smile appearing on his face.
"If you want, you can stay with me. Then we'll both have someone to always play with!"
The Salmonid nodded, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Oscar, let's go! It's getting dark!" Anemy yelled.
"I'm coming!" Oscar yelled back. "No biting, okay?" He put the Small Fry on his head and then put his work hat back on to hide him.
Once they were back at Grizzco, Erray took notice how happy Oscar was acting, as soon as he got out of changing from the locker room. Now that the day was almost over, he wasn't really sure what to do. Now that he had so much free time, he thought to look into any new video games that came out. It was almost exciting to think about the things he could buy now. He was free, now. As he checked his phone, he saw that his best chances of finding a gaming console, at a good price, was at the Arowana Mall.
Even so, he couldn't forget the burden in the back of his head. Octavio was still out there, and if no one stopped him, he could attack Inkopolis, or worse. Even if Agent 3 promised to bring out justice, it would mean his death. Something about the past few weeks was making Erray doubt what he said a while ago. He wanted Octavio dead, but he wondered… How much does 3 want him dead?
Erray was still confused. This was what he wanted, right? Why was he hesitating? Can Inklings really coexist equally with Octolings? Could he? As he glanced at the Octolings walking around in the break room where he stood, as they were all leaving for the night, and remembered all those Octolings huddled outside, trying to take cover from the rain the other night, he wondered if he even had a choice at this point.
"Hi, Mr. Trow."
Erray was pulled from his thoughts as he saw Oscar standing in front of him. The Inkling lowered his phone. He took a single step back.
"I thought you were on your way home," He tried not to sound as rude as possible.
"I was, but-"
"Hey, Erray?" Anemy came out from the hallway with Oliver following her. For some reason, he was using a single crutch to walk. "This guy said he wants to talk to you or something?"
"Ah, there you are," Oliver said. "Thank-you very much, Ms. Arowana. Um, Oscar, why don't you with her and maybe she'll give you one her many beverages, she seems to enjoy so much?"
Anemy sighed when Oscar turned to her with beady eyes. "Fine. Come on, kid. I also have some peppermint you can have."
"Okay," Oscar said, following Anemy down the hall to her quarters. Erray was about to say something, but couldn't think of any excuses to get away. Suddenly, he heard a strange whirring noise and saw the cameras in the empty break room, just shut down on their own.
"Agent 4, we need to talk."
Erray turned to him slowly. It was unpredictable what he'd do. He almost reached for a weapon, only to remember that it was still in his bag in the locker room.
"Have no fear, if I were here for a fight, I would've already defeated you."
Erray's back was already against the door to the locker room. Even as Oliver spoke to him, told him he meant no harm, he trembled. Oliver raised a brow.
"Do you… find me intimidating?"
"I, uh…" Erray only stuttered, not finding a way to make words. He hadn't been alone with an Octoling, unarmed since Callie and Marie rescued him.
"Pardon me, but do you mind if I sit down?" Erray stared as Oliver walked over to one of the nearby tables and sat down, placing the crutch next to him. He didn't take his eyes off him for a second.
"A-Are you okay?" said Erray.
"Yeah, just got a scrap a while ago," Oliver said, rubbing his leg. "I'll be fine. Anyway, I was sent to check up on you."
"Check… up?"
"Have you had enough time to think about the boss's offer? Yes, we could have just called you, but you never know who's monitoring those lines, given the fact that your phone was given to you by that Squid Sister."
Erray just remembered that, and quickly reached to turn off his phone.
"Here." Oliver extended his hand, which made Erray flinch and almost drop his phone. He fumbled with it for it a bit before catching it. "Give it here."
"O… Okay…?" Erray held it towards him slowly and as soon as Oliver had it in grip, the Inkling pulled his hands away. The Octarian pulled out a tiny screwdriver, and opened it from the back before taking out what looked like a tiny chip with New Squidbeak Splatoon's logo on it..
"Tracker. Knew it." He tossed it onto the floor, and stood up, making Erray back up a bit. Oliver pulled out his charger and shot the tracking device until it was in pieces. The Octoling closed up the phone and handed it back. "Here."
He froze when he saw Erray had thrown his hands up, while pale and shivering with fear.
"S-Sorry. I didn't mean…" When the Octoling stepped forward, Erray flinched again, almost shrieking in terror. Oliver reached out his hands, almost making him yell. "Easy…" he said, gently. "It's okay. Put your hands down." The Inkling lowered them slowly. "That's it. Everything is fine. Here you go." He handed back Erray's phone. "There. Now, the New Squidbeak Splatoon can't track you." Erray held his phone close, but was still shaking a bit. "I… I forgot. The boss told me that you were… Well, have you taken some time to think about it?"
"Well, I…" Erray took some deep breaths. "I'm not sure. A-A-And, I-I don't know why. Octavio… Well, the Octarian Army they did horrible things to me. I…" One of his hands briefly his shoulder and the other was on his thigh. The wounds had fully healed a long time ago, but the memory was still fresh.
Oliver only clapped once and the lights went out. Erray yelped, remembering he could see in the dark, and he saw Oliver holding a phone of his own for a light.
"It's okay, I have a light." The Octarian looked into Erray's glittering purple eyes. "But you need no such thing, Trow. Erray, I don't need to ask, do I? The Octarian Army did this to you, did they?"
Erray, heart pounding, shivering intensifying, nodded. He suddenly felt his hand on his shoulder.
"To some, it's incredible, but I know to you, it's a permanent mark of their deeds. You think they haven't tried on this on other Inklings, Erray? The scars you carry, the things they did to your eyes... This will continue happening to your kind, if no one stops him! The Squidbeak Splatoon won't stop Octavio, only contain him and keep everything he's done, and everything they've done a secret. If you would like proof, you should see the scar on the side of my boss's face."
"But… if we kill Octavio… won't that start another Great Turf War?"
"Is that what the old man told you?"
"Y-Yeah…"
"Erray, the Octarians in the domes are under his thumb," Oliver stated slowly, but sharply. "Yes, there are those who, like Jade who will follow him blindly, but most citizens there are miserable. Oscar and I are among the lucky ones to escape. Even then, it wasn't easy. Killing Octavio won't cause another war between Octarians and Inklings. If anything, you'll free Inklings from having to fear him, and free the Octarians who are still under his control."
"What… helped you escape?" said Erray. He remembered how aggressive Octarian troops could be. "W-Weren't you… scared?" His voice sounded really soft.
"I was afraid, but… as much I'd hate to admit it, I heard a song when I first met the boss, fighting my… the general. For the longest time, I had so much fun, playing music down there, but I didn't know what it truly was supposed to do until I heard it. And, even though I cannot stand what the Squid Sisters have done…" He tightened his grip on the Inkling's shoulder, before letting go and stepping away from him. "That song set me free…"
Oliver hadn't even said the name, but Erray with tear filled eyes, who gazed at Oliver, knew exactly what he was talking about. The song inspired Octarian to fight for what he wanted, just like him.
"The Calimari Inkantation." And the lights came back on. Oliver still hadn't turned back to him.
"I suppose you'll need a little more time to think about this."
"I… Can I ask you something?" Erray said wiping his eyes. It took all his strength to speak up.
"Well, it depends what it is?"
"Can you tell me why 3 wants Octavio dead?"
Oliver shook his head. "No. Unfortunately, I'd feel very disrespectful if I was the one who told you. You're going to have to ask the boss, yourself. However, I have another thing to tell you."
"What is it?" Erray said, wiping his eyes.
"Go to the Albacore Hotel tonight, and you'll know. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go get my brother." He started going down the hall. "The cameras should come back on in about five minutes. And, uh… Erray?" The Octoling turned back to face him. "I, um… I'm sorry for what happened to you. But, if you help us, we can stop him together."
Erray sniffled. No Octarian had ever apologized to him for that before...
Taking Oliver's advice, Erray slipped out of Grizzco Industries, hoping that Anemy didn't notice. Technically, he could do whatever he wanted after work, but if this related to Octavio or anything Octarian, he preferred to keep Anemy out of it.
Albacore Hotel was still the same, but he had only come by to watch Angel perform. Oliver wasn't around, not even when he stepped into the elevator to get to the roof.
The stars were out. Erray could actually see them since fewer buildings were lit up. The Inkling was really starting to take notice of what losing the Great Zapfish was doing to Inkopolis. The pools were kind of quiet, but there were a few Jellyfish swimming around still. Most of the lights were on the rooftop restaurant.
Erray was almost startled when he was tapped on the shoulder. It was Oliver, but given the circumstances, he wasn't sure if this was a good thing. He was wearing a hoodie, and a puffball beanie on his head. It was just as he was when the Inkling saw him at Shellover him.
"You're here. I wasn't one hundred percent sure you would actually show up," said Oliver.
This time, Erray was armed, but he didn't want to draw attention if he didn't need to. Still, Oliver approaching him sent his heart rate up to full speed.
"Well, um… I-I wasn't one hundred percent sure, I should… c-come here," Erray stuttered.
"Hm. Well, it's this way, Mr. Trow." The Octoling gestured for Erray to follow.
The two started going towards the rooftop restaurant. As they got closer, they could hear soft music from a piano.
"Tell me, Mr. Trow…"
"U-Um, you c-can just call me Erray."
Oliver, despite not wearing formal wear, straightened out his hoodie. "Very well. I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here."
Holding one of his hands as he followed Oliver, Erray nodded.
"The boss wanted me to tell you things that the Splatoon refuses to."
Erray turned to Oliver slowly
"Why?"
"So, you're either convinced to help us, or get out while you still can. Don't end up like what they did to 3. I bet you want to know why the boss left the Squidbeak Splatoon in the first place."
"Why." Erray had a lot of questions, but finally getting some was hopefully worth the wait. Even though he felt like he shouldn't be here, he wasn't sure if going back was the right choice… even if the Calimari Inkantation set Octarians like Oliver free. The piano music started getting louder as they got closer to the source.
"Agent 3 joined the New Squidbeak Splatoon, but it wasn't what they promised. At least, that's not what it turned out to be. The boss wanted to be a hero, but was around some terrible people." Once they got to the rooftop restaurant, Oliver gestured to the performer on the stage. "Like her."
Erray looked in Oliver's direction and saw Angel on the stage, singing.
Once like a dream
You looked at me
And everything felt new
Some people fall in love for life
Others never get it right
Love's fickle when it falls
One thing that I know for sure
Longer than our lives will know
You're my forever fall
Erray stood as everyone in the place applauded. His jaw dropped, and he couldn't move. The melody, the beat, everything sounded like that song he played for her in her apartment. Angel changed the words around.
She stole his song.
"That's… That's my…" Erray stuttered.
Oliver looked over. "Pardon?"
Angel took a bow and walked off the stage, into some curtains in the back. Erray's breath was shaky.
"She stole my song!" the Inkling hissed. He stormed towards the stage. Oliver followed behind him, but stopped when he slipped behind the curtains.
Angel wearing a long white gown was fixing her hair pins, when Erray stomped forward.
"You stole my song!"
Angel turned around backing into some sound equipment behind her. Her mood necklace turning yellow.
"What… What are you doing here?!" said Angel. Her eyes shifted a little, and Erray stumbled a bit, seeing that she could see his eyes in the dark.
"Answer me!" Erray said. "You stole my song!"
Angel crossed her arms. "I don't see any proof, 'Agent 4'!"
Erray's shoulders puffed up. "So, because I'm an agent, it give you the right to steal my music?"
"You in the Squidbeak Splatoon aren't people!" Angel spat, fists gathered like she was ready to punch somebody. "You're monsters! You have no idea what you've gotten into! You don't know what I've sacrificed to be in this city! And frankly…" She crossed her arms and closed her eyes with a pout. "I deserve better."
"Princess, you don't know what I've been through!"
Angel gasped. "Excuse me?!"
"Oh, here we go…" said Erray. "I wanted to believe you were a nice person! I was willing to block out what Char and Murch said about you, but then you pull off this!"
"What?"
"You're justifying stealing my song!"
Angel pointed towards the entrance. "Welcome to the music business, Mr. Trow. Now leave before I call security, and I would leave the New Squidbeak Splatoon if I were you."
Erray stormed towards the entrance. "Char was right about you. It's always about you, isn't it?" He said nothing more and left her. Angel sniffled, her necklace turning blue as a pink pearl of sadness fell from her face.
"3 said the same thing to me…"
Oliver was checking his phone when Erray finally caught up. He was taking deep breaths, trying to calm down.
"Is everything alright?"
Erray ran his hand through his hair. "Oliver, I… I think I've seen enough… I'm gonna go back to Anemy now…" he said, his voice soft.
"If that's what you wish. Come along. I'll escort you back to Grizzco Industries."
"Y-Yeah. Th-Thank-you," said Erray. Being nice… It was the least he could do for Oliver, even if he was an Octoling.
Oscar entered his bedroom, making sure the door was closed and locked securely. He went over to his desk and pulled out the Small Fry from his pocket.
"Okay, little guy," Oscar said, setting onto the desk's surface. "You're now safe in my room. Now, if you're going to stay here, we need to set some ground rules. There's these other people living here so you have to be nice and not bother them. If they see you they might make me get rid of you, okay?"
The Salmonid nodded, making Oscar's face light up with glee. "Okay. And try not to make a mess in here." He pulled out a small plastic spoon. "Here. It's for you. A gift!" The Small Fry took it and was waving it around excitedly. The little Octoling reached into his pocket and pulled out some snacks. The Salmonid was eager to take the potato chips, and Oscar noticed how the creature's one tooth slightly chipped. Poor thing. After putting on a glove, he let the little creature onto his hand once again.
"I'll call you Chip."