"So…" Marie said, wandering back and forth. Spyke let her and the rest of the Splatoon use an empty storage room for their own purposes that he had no business knowing. Since they basically saved the inn and everyone in it, he and Murch turned a blind eye. "You gonna tell us where Callie and Cici are?"

Alex just rolled his eyes. He was tied to a chair with wires, soaked in low tide ink. His hands and arms were going numb, and so were his legs.

"No… Why should I?" His voice was slightly slurred, mind foggy from the ink. "If you're gonna splat me, then do it already!"

"We don't do that, here," said Marie.

"Of course not…" said Alex. "Agent 3 is the only one with the guts to do it."

"3 hasn't killed anyone."

"Not yet. No wonder your soldier went rogue. You couldn't give the splastard what they needed."

Marie huffed. She crossed her arms. "You do realize 3 is after your boss?"

"I don't care! I serve Jade Lumin, and no one else! I won't abandon her like everyone else, brainwashed into this filthy world!"

Marie sighed. "You've been in the surface world, but have you ever actually taken the time to see it?"

Alex just spat on the floor, making Marie take a step back.

"Bring that Agent 4 kid back in here…" said Alex.

"How about no?" said Marie. She stepped over the spit on the ground and stormed towards him.

"Why? You scared someone will hurt the little Inkling?"

Marie firmly grasped his chin, forcing him to look up.

"Because you were about to say a phrase back there, weren't you?" She yanked him forward by his shirt. "What have you done with Erray?!"

Alex just shrugged. He wasn't talking. "I know you ain't gonna kill me, soooo…" And he blew a raspberry.

Marie rolled her eyes. She walked out of the room into the quiet hallway of the basement floor.

"Anything?" he asked while Marie shut the door.

"No," said Marie. "His lips are sealed. If we hurt him, we'll be no better than 3… but I think 4 is in danger."

"Agent 2…" the two looked towards the stairs that led out of the basement floor, and they saw none other than Oliver himself. He was wearing his gear from his group of the Agent of Three.

"Oliver…" Marie said. She and the cap''n were picking up their weapons. Oliver raised his hands in the air slowly.

"Relax," he then said. "If I was here to cause harm, I would have already done it. I need to speak to Agent 4."

"Why should we?" said Marie. "Tell us where Agent 3 is, and we'll consider it."

"I can't do that, but it looks like you have a situation in there. Maybe I can do something?"

"Why?"

"Marie, that Octo Jerk ain't gonna talk to us," said the cap'n. "Maybe a charming Octoling, who happens to be the DJ Octavio's grandson can help?"

Marie sighed. "But why should we let him see Agent 4?"

"Because I have a message." He slowly reached into his pocket, and pulled out an envelope. It was black, but the thing keeping it shut was a yellow sticker with the number 3. "It's for Agent 4 and I was instructed to hand it directly to him." He squinted at Marie's unmoving stare. "I will not go against my boss's wishes."

"Make him talk!" Marie said, stepping aside. "I think Agent 4 may be in danger."

Oliver nodded. He tucked the envelope away in his pocket and went into the room. He saw Alex in the chair.

"I already said, I ain't talking…" said Alex. He used all his might to lift his head. "Get lost, Agen-"

"Alex…" Oliver took off his beanie. He was just stunned at the sight of him.

"O… Your… Why are you here…?" his voice suddenly went shaky. "Did those… squids send you in here?"

"No. I volunteered." Oliver grabbed a chair and sat down across from him.

"Why?" said Alex. "You're the son of the great DJ Octavio! How could you do this to him?! Your own people?!"

"I'm trying to save them. You are all going to just destroy everything the people outside of your military have strived for! The only reason we're allowed on the surface once more is because the Inklings let us!"

"This shouldn't have happened in the first place…" Alex muttered. "We're the ones who should rule the surface, not them! Everyone in the domes, pray for the downfall of Inkling kind!"

Oliver shook his head. "Not everyone! Some forgive. We have to let what happened go."

"But it's okay for Agent 3?"

Oliver grimaced.

"That's different, Alex. Somebody died!"

"Plenty of Octolings died in our war!" Alex yelled. "Inklings, too!"

"But this wouldn't have happened if the general wasn't so hellbent on revenge!" Oliver said, standing. "He doesn't care who he makes suffer to get what he wants. Oscar was kidnapped, beaten, and witnessed his friend killed right in front of him! What kind of thing is that for a child?! We're forced to train for the army when we are children! I didn't realize how messed up everything was, until I came here and opened my eyes."

"Oh shut shell up with all that philosophy carp! You left because you didn't want to marry Jade!"

"It doesn't matter what I felt!"

"Oh, that much is clear! And what Jade felt didn't matter to you, either!"

"What?"

"You abandoned her!" Alex hissed. "You left me… You left your friends… and you left Jade!"

Oliver just sat there. Jade seemed so dedicated to what she was doing, there was no way she would join him. Plus…

She's the main reason Erray was so messed up…

Oliver stood from his seat. "I know I hurt her. I wasn't thinking when I left, and perhaps the others, as well, but Jade isn't either. She willingly kidnapped Inklings and experimented on them! How are we better, making others suffer for our own gain? They're a generation of Inklings who had nothing to do with what their grandparents did. Now explain why Agent 4 is in danger!"

"Agent 4 is the danger, Oliver," said Alex. "You, of all people, should know this. You've seen it yourself. Erray has a rare power existing in very few Cephalopods from our evolution. He's one our ultimate weapons, and I won't tell you how to stop it!"

"That's a shame…" said Oliver. "I don't need you to tell me. I already heard enough." And with that, he walked towards the door and slammed it shut.

Marie and the cap'n were waiting for him.

"So?" said Marie.

Oliver crossed his arms. "Keep Agent 4 away from Alex! I need to talk to the boss."

"What's going on?" said the cap'n.

The Octoling looked towards the cap'n and then at Marie. He took a breath and then spoke.

"I have reason to believe that Agent 4 may be a sleeper agent."

Everyone had spent the day at Shellover Inn. The sunset was as peaceful, as the sunrise was. Bass had done everything to make sure everyone was happy and having a good time. Then, he went upstairs to the balcony, where Angel was gazing down.

"What are you doing?" said Bass.

"Nothing…" said Angel. "Like I always did, before now…"

Bass sighed as he walked up beside her. "But, you've gotten at least a little at that, so come on! Stop throwing a pity party for yourself."

Angel nodded. "I know, just… today… I mean, you heard her, right?"

Bass leaned forward onto the railing. "Anemy… She was there."

"What does that mean for us?"

The pink-haired Inkling shrugged. "I don't know. And what about you?"

"Honestly, I don't know…" said Bass. "If that wasn't the real Spyke and Murch back there, and the real ones were locked up by the Octarians, maybe we don't have to be so aggressive about things here. Char… I told Char that, maybe we could… use our skills to do other things." Angel turned him slowly. "Good things. I… He agreed."

"You love him, don't you?" said Angel.

Bass smiled and nodded. "Yeah. I guess I do."

The Inkling girl smiled and nudged his arm. "Then don't waste your opportunity. Tell him."

Bass nodded. "I will."

On the same floor, the others were staying in Bass and Char's room. They were going home at night, deciding to spend the day gathering their bearings. Coel was starving and went downstairs to grab something and when he came back, he excitedly swung the door open.

"Alright!" he said. "Who's-"

"Shhh!" Vichay hissed. She was sitting on the bed, leaning against the pillows. At first, her grandfather was shocked from her tone, but then she saw the sight of Erray fast asleep in her arms. He smiled and lowered his voice.

"Oh, how is he?"

"Out like a light," said Vichay. "He was really tired, but scared to sleep, so I said I'd stay with him." She grinned at the sight of her grandfather setting down some crabby cakes on the nightstand near them and he eagerly took one and gobbled it down. Does it really take that long to make crabby cakes?"

"Hey, making crabby cakes is an art form, young lady!"

Vichay chuckled, keeping herself quiet to not wake her sleeping brother. "I'm sorry. I didn't believe you all that time that you were friends with the great Cap'n Cuttlefish."

"Oh, hush. I've heard 'em all," said Coel. "I don't mind. I know what people think when I talk about those days: That I'm just a crazy old coot, spouting nonsense."

Vichay rolled her eyes. Then, she was interrupted when Erray began to twitch and mumble in his sleep.

"No… Noooo…" he mumbled. "Please…"

Vichay frowned. His brother was having another nightmare. His body shook like he was trying to move, but wouldn't. It wasn't any better when he started to cry.

"Please… Please…"

"Erray, it's okay," Vichay said. "It's okay. Relax…"

Erray stopped shaking but continued to cry. Coel was there to place a comforting hand on his back. "It's alright, squiddo. Relax."

Erray opened his watery eyes. He sat up and looked at his two family members. "V-Vichay? Gramps? I-I'm sorry… Wh-What did I do?"

"You're okay, kid," said Coel. "You had a dream. That's all."

Erray sniffled, still shaking like a leaf. Vichay grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around him.

"Come on. Eat something," said Vichay. She handed him a crabby cake and Erray held it in his hands. He took small bites. "Finish it up and you can go back to sleep. You need it. I know you didn't have much last night. And besides, you used your powers a lot today."

Erray took another bite and suddenly shook more. Coel and Vichay were holding him, trying to keep him steady.

"B-But… it comes back… You die… or Cici does… or you f-fight each other… I try to stop it, but I can't…" Erray found that he couldn't eat anymore, and just covered his eyes, weeping to himself. Coel got up, holding his back from the movement and sat beside him. He exchanged looks with Vichay. What were they going to do?

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"E-Enter…" Erray barely made out with his shaky voice.

The door opened slowly and Oliver walked in and closed the door behind him. "Agent 4?" he said. He looked eyes with the distraught Inkling and made his way over slowly, despite seeing Vichay slowly place a hand on her Octo Brush. "Are you alright?"

"M-My n-nightmares…" Erray only mumbled.

Oliver frowned. "I see…" Seeing how alert Vichay was, he reached into his pocket slowly. "I was instructed by my boss to deliver this message." He handed him the envelope. Erray felt the paper, and his fingers traced over the number 3 sticker that was sealing the envelope shut. "I think I may know what's causing your nightmares, and now that I do, I may be able to find a solution. Until then, just try to take it easy. I need to talk to the boss. Marie will tell you what I know." He locked eyes with the tired and scared Inkling and offered a smile. "I won't give up. I promise." He then looked at Coel. "Sir."

"Oliver," Coel said back. Oliver just nodded and then left the room.

"It's from 3…" Erray said, tearing the envelope open.

"What does it say?" said Vichay.

To Agent 4:

If you're reading this, then you probably have other people reading this with you. Right? Of course I'm right.

Considering how today went, and the fact that I have one Zapfish that's blocking you from pressing forward in Octo Canyon, I want to negotiate how we can fix that. Alone.

In order to do so, I have arranged for us to talk privately at Grizzco Industries. My associates will be there to set up a direct call between us, that way, I know I will not have any unwanted people listening. Remember: If you show up at Grizzco with anyone, our deal is off.

-3

"So Anemy is still working with them?" said Vichay.

"That's the only way she can communicate with her brother," said Erray. "But from what I've seen she hasn't seen him in two years, either. Oliver, Oscar, Pearl and Marina have all kept her from seeing him… but for what?"

Vichay huffed. "I still don't see that as an excuse. If her brother left her, then she should move on. He's not worth her time."

Erray frowned. "Is that… what happened when I left?"

"Vichay!" Coel snapped.

Vichay looked over at her brother, wiping away more tears. The girl couldn't make an answer.

"I'm sorry…" he said, softly.

"Hey now…" said Coel. He pulled his grandson close to him. "Easy, it's alright." Erray was immediately clinging to him like a child. He could understand at that moment. He was tired and scared. Emotions were probably working overtime. He adjusted Erray's blanket and put his arm around him. "I told you, I was never mad. I was more worried that we lost you forever. But you risked yourself to save me and you've done the same for your sister, and we're going to save your other sister together."

Erray still sniffled, occasionally trying to hold back sobs. Coel sighed, just happy to have his grandson safe and back at his side.

"You saved everyone," said Coel. "I have never been more proud of you." He rubbed his grandson's shoulder, feeling him calm down. Then he looked over at Vichay. "Say something, you fool!"

"What?" said Vichay. She grew quiet. "I was mad at him… When we moved in with you, I swore I wouldn't let anything hurt him, and when he left it felt like he didn't appreciate everything I did to keep him safe."

Coel nodded. "Yes, and Cici was quite upset with you when you didn't want to help, at first. You came to Inkopolis, begrudgingly."

Vichay chuckled. "I prepared to drag him back kicking and screaming, if I had to, but then you told us why you didn't want us to come to Inkopolis. We didn't believe you when you said you know Cap'n Cuttlefish, and I was convinced that Erray wanted nothing to do with us anymore, but after he saved me, and Angel told me what happened, I saw that I had failed what I set out to do." She crossed her arms as her eyes began to water. "I said I protect him! I had one job, and I couldn't even do that right! I'm so sorry..."

"Vichay…" Coel then said. His granddaughter sniffled and wiped her eyes. She looked over at him, and saw that her little brother had fallen fast asleep once again. Vichay smiled through the tears and settled down next to them, using another blanket to tuck him in.

"We'll have to leave in the middle of the night, since we have a prisoner. So, let's make sure we rest up."

Vichay nodded and patted the blankets Erray was tucked under, and the three fell asleep together.

A few hours passed and then Marie showed up to wake up the trio.

"Hey. She said. We gotta get going."

Vichay was the first to wake up. She looked at Erray, who was asleep, but was twitching slightly, breath coming in rapid pants, like he was panicking. She reached over and shook him a bit.

"Erray, wake up. It's okay. We're here."

Erray sat up immediately, shaking something fierce. Vichay was at his side, rubbing his back, as he wiped his eyes. Feeling the sudden movement, Coel awoke, as well. He sighed, putting his arms around his grandson.

"You're okay, kid," he said. "It was just a nightmare." He lowered his voice and muttered to himself. "Coddamn Octarians..."

"More nightmares?" said Marie.

Erray could only nod in response, as he hugged his grandfather. Marie sighed. This was just what he needed right now...

"So, what did the letter say?" said Marie.

"It said that Agent 3 wanted to speak to him," said Vichay. "But, it also said that he has to go to Grizzco Industries to do it. Alone. They want to have a secure call, where no unwanted people would be listening."

Marie sighed. "Of course… Let's get back. The cap'n ain't too comfortable around here."

"What about Bass?" said Vichay.

"He and Angel are gonna stay here, and help people settle back down and figure out what they're gonna do next. They also said to call them if we need anything."

After Erray calmed down enough, the three got their shoes on, and their weapons and headed back to the Cap'n Cuttlefish's house. Marie saw to it to up the security around his house, putting in new doors and even an alarm system. Of course, that would mean she would probably have to hang around more, considering her grandfather's lack of skill with technology. They had brought Alex along with him. They made him turn to his Octopus form and locked him a small box until they got there. Then, she just shot him in the face with lowtide ink, which would knock him out for the rest of the night.

Erray looked around awkwardly, then Coel was there to lead towards Agent 3's old room.

"Let's go, kiddo. You need rest."

Erray sighed, and only let out a small whimper. He couldn't sleep, knowing the nightmares would return if he did. If they could only see what he saw in his sleep, they wouldn't want to sleep either.

Since they hadn't been home in a while, Vichay, the cap'n and Marie straightened up the place a little. A thin layer of dust had settled on the coffee table, the TV, and other surfaces.

Coel had managed to convince Erray to try and rest some more. He was in the bed, tucked in, but was shaking in fear. His grandfather sat by his side, watching him.

"It's okay, Erray," he said. "Calm down and sleep. I'm right here." Erray held out his hand, and his grandfather took it and held it tightly. "Shhh… It's okay."

Vichay was peeking in, seeing Erray mumbling his fears to their grandfather, and he, in return, was rubbing circles on the back of the young Inkling's hand. The girl closed the door and wandered back to the living room, where Marie explained the situation.

"A sleeper agent?!" said the cap'n.

"That could be why he's having all those nightmares…" said Vichay.

"He said that it could be a remembrance from how they hypnotized him," said Marie. "Or, fear what he may do. Erray probably doesn't remember what they did exactly. He said that they've done this to other soldiers who still live as civilians in the domes, so if they need them, they can activate them at any time."

The cap'n huffed. "Typical. Forcing people to serve his cause… How do they activate them?"

"Oliver said that usually they utter a secret phrase near them. What it is changes from time to time, so Oliver may not be sure, even though he's only been away for two years. But, I heard Alex say something about Octavio, before Bass kicked him."

"So, Alex might know the phrase?" said Vichay.

Marie nodded in response.

"Will Erray always be like this?"

"Oliver said that there could be a way to reverse it. He said in his experience they use a certain type of music along with certain lights. Probably something Octavio related."

Vichay nodded. She couldn't help, but worry. "Erray's having trouble… sleeping." Then a thought popped into her head. "Music! We can use soothing music to calm Erray into sleep. I'll go tell gramps!" And with that, she got up and ran down the hallway.

"So, what do you think, Agent 2?" said the cap'n.

"I'm worried," said Marie. "But, I'm also worried about that letter. We can't get into that Octarian base without the Zapfish Agent 3 has, but what if they try something if we send Agent 4 in there alone."

"Agent 3 hasn't hurt him before," said the cap'n. "Erray's probably the one that can gain the trust of our rogue group. Look how much progress has been made. That Oliver kid is actually trying to help us! Maybe… Erray can stop Agent 3."

Marie looked him in the eyes. "Do you really think he can do that?"

"We… or I guess in this case, you, have tried aggressively, Marie. We tried talking, but all our words fell on deaf ears. Erray may be the only one to actually get through."

"Even after everything? Would you still trust Agent 3?"

"No. But there's still time for redemption. Octavio isn't dead yet. I say, 3 still has a chance."

Marie pulled down a gulp. "We need that Zapfish to continue exploring Octo Canyon. She leaned back in her seat. "We'll have to do this. Erray will speak with Agent 3. I don't think we have much of a choice." She took off her hat and held it in her hands tightly. "I just hope Erray can get some decent sleep tonight."

Erray kept waking up every so often from a nightmare. Vichay and his grandfather had fallen asleep near him. After wiping his eyes, he just sighed, and crawled out of bed, trying not to wake them.

Erray set the coffee in the kitchen and then went to get dressed. He pulled on his hoodie, his shorts and leggings, and his sneakers. He had his Grizzco Dualies with and despite how tired his eyes felt, he downed some coffee and heated up some waffles he found in the fridge.

The sun was rising, so it would only be a matter of time until Grizzco opened. He would go there… he would talk to Agent 3, and maybe get some answers. But, more than ever…

He needed to find Jade.

Vichay told him what they had found out from Oliver… A sleeper agent?

"I came here on the behalf of my commander! None of you, especially Erray can escape her."

Even now, Jade haunted his dreams, and in the waking moment, she haunted his mind. He wiped his eyes. All of this, for what? To satisfy her pathetic hatred over something she wasn't a part of? She wasn't even born yet… He tried his best to eat his breakfast, shutting his eyes, at the onslaught of tears, and finished his waffles. Then he downed the coffee, before he set out.

The square was quiet, but he could see the quiet murmuring of people on their phones. TVs inside the shops were showing the news. There were images of what happened yesterday being shown. They were probably sent in by viers. Erray could only hope that they could still keep the New Squidbeak Splatoon in the shadows. Luckily, it seemed folks were more focused on the fact that Off the Hook helped them, over than who was exactly leading the charge.

When the Inkling approached Grizzco Industries, he found that it was once again populated with workers. Oliver and Oscar were there, and were guarding the entrance, when they saw Erray coming.

"Erray!" Oscar ran up to him and was happy to hug him first. Erray was taken back a bit, but smiled and hugged him back. Oliver was approaching from behind. His little brother looked up and frowned. "Are you okay? You look a little tired."

Erray nodded. "I'm fine…" he said. "Rough night. I ate food and drank some coffee."

"Oh… Okay."

"Erray, we're glad you could make it here," said Oliver.

"Of course. I… still work here, of course. And, I read the letter."

"I see. One moment." He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Hyperfresh. Anyone nearby? I see. Over and out." He hung up. "I need your weapons. You can have them back on your way out." Erray complied and handed over the Grizzco Dualies. "Go right inside, and head towards Miss Arowana's room."

Erray nodded and went right inside. He frowned at the realization that Anemy was still working with them. Part of him knew, and like he said last night: It wasn't easy to just forget about someone who was a part of most of your life.

To his surprise, Anemy room had been cleaned. Papers weren't lying all over her desk. Her futon was folded up, which was surprising. Usually, she wasn't awake until it was almost noon.

Erray just waited around for a bit, until Anemy showed up, carrying Mr. Grizz's radio.

"You know, I don't like my radio just being just a means of communication, Ms. Arowana," Mr. Grizz grumbled.

"Isn't that what your radio is for?" said Anemy. She winced when she heard a growl. "But this is important. Please? This is the last time. After that, I'll find some other way."

Grizz sighed. "Fine. The last time!"

Anemy set the radio down on the desk in the back, where she would usually work on her weapons, but that was also cleared off today. Then, she turned to him.

"Hey…" she said, awkwardly.

"Hey…" Erray said back. He thought he'd be happy to see her, but he was still worried. His mind was still thinking about the stuff he was told last night, and the fact that he had trouble sleeping last night wasn't helping.

"Thanks for coming," said Anemy. "The message was sent out as soon as the whole thing from yesterday was over. You're to speak to… Agent 3 alone." She pulled the chair out from behind her desk and put it near her work bench, where the radio."

Erray frowned. "You… sure? I thought you'd want to speak to him."

Anemy sighed. "I won't go behind people's back, like the New Squidbeak Splatoon."

"But… 3 went behind their back to go on a quest to kill Octavio," said Erray.

Anemy said nothing else. She gave him a hug and then walked out of the room.

The Inkling boy walked over and sat down in the chair. He waited around for a while, looking at the tidied up room, until he heard the whirring of the radio. Erray sat up, staring right at the radio. He wasn't sure if he should say something, or wait for 3 to say something.

"Um… hello?" Erray hoped his voice got through the static. Eventually it settled, and he heard 3's voice. It was still deep, warped by a modulator.

"Hello, Agent 4. I want to thank-you for saving the people at Shellover Inn."

"And Inkopolis," said Erray. "If they got through, they would've destroyed the city. You sent your lackeys, but you wouldn't show up yourself?!"

There was a pause of silence.

"Someone had to drive that chopper, 4," said 3.

"I'm sorry, but I don't believe you," said Erray.

"Eh, didn't expect you to."

Erray crossed his arms. "So, what do you want?"

"I guess you're right. We should get right down to business. As you know, I hold the last Zapfish you need to get into the main base of the Slimeskin Garrison. You need it to get it, I want to get in, so maybe we can make a deal."

Erray moved to the edge of his seat. "Well, what do you want?"

"The Slimeskin Garrison is notorious for making and experimenting weapons. As such, our intelligence suggests that Octavio's superweapon that's there is nearing completion, and he's overseeing it himself. Chances are, Callie will be there, as well, and Cici."

Erray balled up his fists.

"I will hand over the last Zapfish, but we will assault the Slimeskin Garrison together. We will rescue Callie and Cici, but Octavio is mine!"

"But… if you kill him, you'll just give the Octarians a justification to want to be against us."

"Is that what they told you?" said Agent 3. "I am here for revenge, what happens afterward doesn't matter."

"What kind of way is that to think?!" said Erray.

"And what do you feel when you think of Jade?"

Erray shivered. It was like 3 was reading his mind or something. She was haunting him, and it had only gotten worse.

"I… I can't let hate blind me to what's important," said Erray. "I have to save my sister and Callie." He grimaced at some thoughts that popped up. "Jade can wait until after they're safe."

"You have a good heart, Agent 4. I'll give you that. I would know, I once thought that way, too."

"Do you think vengeance is more important than saving people?"

"I saved Inkopolis once… I knew from the beginning, that I wasn't going to be thrown a parade, but the way I was treated by them afterwards… It's something I will never forget. If you want to be a hero, it's not going to be fun!"

"It doesn't matter!" Erray insisted. "I'm not doing this to be a hero. I just want Callie and Cici safe. I just want Inkopolis safe. This is about doing what I think is right, even if people don't appreciate it."

"That's my deal, 4!" said Agent 3. "Tonight, I will meet with you at Slimeskin Garrison with my crew. I will give you the Zapfish, and we will both get what we want."

"3-"

"Two lives in exchange for one," said Agent 3. "It's a fair trade, isn't it? You're getting more out of this than I will."

"But… you'll kill him."

"That's my deal," said 3. "Octavio dies, or Callie and Cici will be lost forever." And with that, it cut to static.

A minute or so passed until there was a knock on the door.

"Erray?" At the sound of the voice, he knew it was Anemy.

The boy turned to her on the swivel chair and stood. "3 wants me to meet up at the Slimeskin Garrison. Agent 3 give us the Zapfish, and help us save Callie and Cici, but in exchange… we let the Agents of Three kill Octavio."

Anemy smiled a little. "That's… good, right?"

Erray shook his head. "If 3 kills Octavio, it'll only justify the Octarians campaign against us." He looked with his tired eyes into Anemy's. "We have to find a way to-"

"There's no convincing Agent 3, Erray," said Anemy. "The whole group has been planning for this since they were just a bunch of friends. They swore a pact. You want them to throw it away?"

Erray was taken back by what she was saying. Was she in on this, as well?

"But-"

"Even if we just imprison Octavio," said Anemy. "He'll just come back. He'll keep coming back, and more people will suffer. Do you want that?"

"No, of course not," said Erray. "But, killing him can't be the only way."

Anemy sighed. "Then how come it is?"

"Anemy… please…" Erray pleaded. "You and me. We can go and confront-"

"No!" The captain shook her head. "Don't do this, Erray! It's too dangerous! You're not gonna like what you'll see if you go."

Erray placed a hand on his chest, feeling his hearts dropping. "I have to. My sister is in danger."

"I can convince them to save her! And Callie, if you really want to. Just give them the Zapfish, and they can take care of everything!" She walked up to him, and placed her hands on his shoulders. "They'll listen to me."

"They're in trouble… because of me," Erray said, slowly. "Cici was kidnapped, coming to Inkopolis to meet with me. I have to save her… and I have to stop Agent 3 from starting another war… but if you go… maybe-"

Anemy shook her head. "Please, don't go!" She began to shiver, tears began to run down from her eyes.

Erray reached out his arms, placing them on the wrists that were helping Anemy's hands hold him. "Why?"

"If you go… I can't go with you," said Anemy.

"Anem-"

"No, this time I mean it! I won't go! I can't!" She shook even more, leaning forward. Erray let her fall into his arms and they hugged. "Please…" she whispered, softly. "Don't go down there. Just stay here, at Grizzco, with the others." She pulled back, the two stared at each other, and without realizing it, their foreheads were touching. "With me…"

Erray lip trembled. Tears filled his eyes. He loved her. He had to do what he thought was right, even if people didn't appreciate it… even if he was hated forever for it.

"I can't…" he spoke softly.

For a moment, they just stood there. Anemy was the first to pull away. Orange, transparent tears continued to stream down from her eyes. She pulled the swivel chair away and towards the workbench again.

"I'll need your locker cleaned out by the end of the day, Mr. Trow," she said. Her voice was broken. She sat down in the chair, facing the desk, and away from Erray.

"Anemy!"

"You're fired."

Erray stepped back. She really didn't want him to do this, but he had to stop Agent 3. He couldn't stop now… even if he wanted to cry right now. For a minute he stood there, waiting for something to happen. Maybe she would get up and apologize and change her mind. Something had to… but nothing did. She was just that stubborn of a girl. No, she was just a girl who loved her brother too much. Erray walked towards the door.

"I'll save them…" he said, softly. He turned the knob and opened it. "And, I'll get your brother back. I promise."

Anemy said not a word until she heard the door close. More tears fell from her face and landed in her hands that were folded neatly in her lap.

"You won't…"

The sun had finally set. After an entire day of travelling by the train, a young Inkling girl laid her eyes on the tall buildings of the big city ahead of them. Her ocean blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

"There it is!" she exclaimed. "Inkopolis." From behind her brother approached her.

"Oh my cod! It is!" he said. "This is it. We'll go to Inkblot Academy, where we'll learn to be the best musicians the city has seen!"

"I hope so!" the Inkling said, jumping up and down from her tiptoes excitedly.

"Hey, if the Squid Sisters can do it, we can, too." And with that he placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. "And we're going to do it together." She looked at him, a smile of reassurance grew on her face. He knew he had her complete and total trust. "Are you ready?"

"Boss?"

Agent 3 looked towards Marina. They, along with the others were in Off the Hooks helicopter. They didn't have an army of them which were playing music this time. It was just the one. The former agent of the New Squidbeak Splatoon was looking at a night sky that felt so familiar.

Down below, the gang could see the rocks resembling Octarian tentacles. Octo Canyon. The Slimeskin Garrison wasn't too far now.

Agent 3 just nodded. "I'm ready." Oliver, Oscar, and Pearl were all ready, as well. They were wearing their gear, and were armed. Marina sat down with others and their leader stood before them.

"Tonight is the night," said Agent 3. "We rise up, or we stand down. I don't expect the New Squidbeak Splatoon to make this deal with us without trying to do anything sneaky, so I need you all at your best tonight. I hope you all know, that I'm proud of how far we've come, and the things we've done to get this far. Octavio will die. If any of you have any second thoughts, say them now." With a hand put behind, Agent 3 removed the goggles that covered the eyes underneath, looking at everyone briefly. "I will not fault you if you leave."

"Ay, we've gotten this far!" said Pearl. "We ain't turning back now."

"That's right!" said Marina. "We're with you until the end."

"As am I," said Oliver.

"Me too," Oscar said, clutching his Slosher, tightly.

Agent 3 nodded. "Thank-you."