Alright, so I thought this one shot request would be nice to expand on Chany's inner demon. And maybe expand some of my own lore and theories as well through this story. So I think this may be good.
Not to worry. I'm gonna get back to real chapter-written stories soon. But for now, I'm going to get this one done before moving on.
But with that being said, I hope you enjoy. :)
The weekend is the one day of the week that everyone enjoys the most. While some have a lot of free time, there are some others that are more busy than usual. But on this very warm day, some time off would be just what they need.
Redd was currently hanging out with Sonic. It was only the middle of the day, so they took this time to hang out and have fun. And during the hangout, Redd's phone vibrated as a notification noise was heard.
The red Inkling picks up his phone, and saw he got a text from Mia. He sighed once he got the message, and opens the app so he can text her back.
Sonic raises an eyebrow as he stares at his friend.
"Who texted you, Redd?" The former asked. Redd puts his phone back on the desk and looks back at Sonic.
"My sister," Redd replied, "She offered me to come with the rest of the Agents. She said that Cuttlefish announced a vacation by the beach. Kinda like what we did recently. Well, that was before I met you, anyway."
"Ooh, that sounds like fun! You should definitely join in, Redd!" Sonic agreed, showing a big smile.
"I mean, I'd love to, but thing is, the Squid Bits have a concert later this evening, and I have to attend it," Redd said, "See, Joel and David can't do this whole thing without me, and pretty sure my manager will be very upset if I was found slacking off, or not attending."
"Oh." Sonic realized, now showing a small frown.
"Yeah. As much as I would love to go with them, and I can't miss the concert." Redd stated. Sonic got into a thinking position. He believes Redd deserves something like a vacation, especially on a warm day like this.
"Hmm... well, how about I take over for you?" Sonic suggested, "That way, I could help lead the Squid Bits for the concert, and you could go to the beach with the others to have a day off."
Redd gasped, shocked at Sonic's suggestion.
"Erm... can you sing? I mean, you definitely need to sing." Redd questioned.
"I'm a huge music lover. And as long as I look over the lyrics, I think I'll be fine. Besides, music gets my heart moving to the beat." Sonic giggled.
"I see," Redd uttered, "Well... I mean, I just don't want to make anyone disappointed by me not appearing for the concert session. Not sure how everyone's gonna react."
"I know, Redd, but you have been busy a lot, and I think you deserve a break," Sonic pointed out, "Trust me, I can help take over for you. I wouldn't mind singing with Joel and David to provide musical entertainment for the wonderful audience of Inkopolis."
Redd averts his eyes over to the side for one second before he looks back at his blue-haired friend. Then, the former nods once as he smiles, having a good feeling on how things will turn out.
"Y'know what... sure! I'll take the day off for today," He finalized, "I'll go ahead and talk about it to my manager and tell him that you'll be taking over for me today. I'm sure Joel and David would love to have you on board."
"That's good to hear, Redd! Don't worry, I'll do the best I can." Sonic replies as he smiles.
"Yes, and I know you'll do good. Any Inkling is great at getting used to music and singing along, so I think it'd be fun for you." Redd complimented.
"I agree on that." Sonic said as he nods.
"Well, we should get going. I'll pack my equipment as soon as I get back, but I just want you to come along with me so my manager knows who'll be taking over." Redd suggested as he heads over to the door.
"Oh, sure thing, Redd." Sonic spoke as he immediately follows Redd. Redd opens the door and steps aside, smiling as he gestures for Sonic to walk outside first.
"After you, buddy." The red Inkling assured. Sonic gives Redd a quick thank you, then walks out of the apartment. Then Redd locks the door, and meets up with Sonic so then Redd can lead the way to his manager's office for the heads up.
While Redd felt bad that Sonic wouldn't come because of the substitution as the lead singer of the Squid Bits, he knew Sonic would be a good replacement for the whole day. And Sonic always has fun, so there was no worrying at this time.
Next stop for Redd, the beach!
*scene: Seaside Inkopolis District*
Redd finally arrives at the district, holding a yellow bag strapped by his right shoulder. He looked around and saw the beautiful scenery. The roads and town houses lined up just perfectly, with plants and bushes as a border to the town, and the beach.
And the entrance to the beach was seen right from the distance. Redd squints his eyes to look farther ahead. And he could've sworn as he saw every possible Agent already there. Including Flint and Aaliyah, being the two supporters of the team.
Redd walks over to the open path by the grassy bushes, ready to walk onto the sandy beach. Once he has gotten closer, he felt the nice beach breeze, and the sound of seagulls chirping from the sky.
There, he saw Mia right by, holding a cyan bag over her right shoulder.
"Oh, hey Redd. Glad you came along." She greeted as she stares at her brother
"Oh yeah, couldn't miss an opportunity for this." Redd chuckled. Before Mia could respond back, footsteps could be heard from behind. The twins stare at where the source was coming from, and saw that Cap'n Cuttlefish waddled over to them.
"Ahoy, Agents! Welcome to the Seaside District!" He cheered, "This town is very popular at this time of day, and I wouldn't want any of you to miss this time of day. I thought since we went to the beach last time, I was thinking we do it again. But this time, for longer, and maybe have some more activities to do! Everyone has been working well today, and we all deserve a break once in a while."
"I'm with you on that, sir." Mia agreed.
"Just so you know, Cap'n Cuttlefish, Joel, David and Sonic won't arrive to the town here," Redd explained, "The Squid Bits have a concert later on, and Sonic opted to substitute for me as the lead singer. I asked my manager about it, and he said since my singing talent has been exponentially reliable, he gave me the day off for today. That's pretty nifty, if I do say so myself."
"Oh ho, it sure is!" Cuttlefish laughed, "Now, the others are at the beach already, if you two wanna join in. We already have a good spot picked out. You two have everything you need, right?"
"It's all in here, Cap'n." Mia replied, shaking her bag. Redd reaches into his, and pulls out what seems like sunscreen spray.
"Yep! And I even brought this!" Redd said, "It's like a mixture of sunscreen, but it's also filled with these chemicals that will allow Inklings and Octolings to touch water without dissolving! Y'know, just in case anyone would like to go swimming. I thought it'd be nice to pack. I even have a spare just in case this one runs out."
(Quick note: I know people may not agree with this logic, but I wanna break this whole thing and help find a way for Inklings and Octolings to pass by this "water is bad" logic. So, I just thought up of this sunscreen spray thing with special perks to help with the water. It only helps out in deep water. Shallow, is fine for them even without the spray. That's my theory for it, and could potentially help out for future summer and/or water fics. Anyways, back to the story.)
"Huh. Well, this oughta be fun. Definitely gonna make a splash later on, if you know what I mean." Mia said with a smirk. Redd smiles and winks, pointing out the pun that his twin sister made.
"Now, let's go. The others are waiting for us." Redd suggested. Mia nods in agreement, and the twins stand by each other as they walk out of the seaside town, and into the beach.
About five minutes have passed, and all the Agents and idols huddled together for a quick greeting. Then, they proceeded to change into their bathing suits, and begin their fun beach day. Cuttlefish was already laying down on his beach chair, making sure to watch over the others every now and then.
Redd helped out with the sunscreen, using the one he has so then if anyone wants to go for a swim, they could do it without worrying about dissolving. And once that was done, they went their separate ways on whatever they decided to do.
Tom and Charlotte were sitting down on a black and white striped beach towel. Tom had black swim shorts, while Charlotte had on a black bikini. The two looked up to the sky and stared at the thin, but noticeable clouds.
Charlotte would place her left hand on Tom's right. Tom immediately noticed the contact, and stares back at his girlfriend. They would stare at each other with a smile and a blush covering their cheeks.
"It's so beautiful at this beach. I'm glad we have this time to spend the day together, Tom." Charlotte complimented.
"I'm glad to be here with you too, Charlotte." Tom responded, rubbing one of Charlotte's shoulders. The blue-haired Octoling smiles cutely as Tom gave her the slight affection. Tom smiles back, loving that Charlotte feels safe and happy around him.
The two would continue to stare at the sky, looking at the clouds and enjoying the view to see what else would pass by.
Redd was currently with the Squid Sisters at the very shallow end of the ocean. This time, Redd was shirtless, only wearing black swim trunks with red stripe pattern. Meanwhile, the Squid Sisters were wearing bikinis of their respective ink color, like the last short beach vacation.
Callie kneels down as she finds a pale pink seashell dug into the sand. She picks it up, dusts some leftover sand off, and walks back to the other two.
"Hey, guys! I found a good one right here! I love how light this one looks!" The magenta Squid Sister complimented. Redd stares at the seashell and smiles. It had a basic shape, but the color to him looked perfect for a seashell.
"I like the color of it!" Redd pointed out.
"The shape is okay, but I can agree with Redd on that," Marie remarked, "But that one is going to be perfect for a seashell collection. Put it in the bag here, Callie."
Callie nods, and places the seashell in a small transparent bag that Marie held in her right hand. Once the shell was inside the bag, Marie closes it. The three look at the bag to see they have already found three so far. Including the pink one Callie just found.
"Okay, let's continue our scavenge for more seashells! The more, the merrier!" Callie giggled. They then went their separate ways again to find more seashells. Redd was more or less by himself, while Callie and Marie were together for this time.
Redd's eyes glimpse over to something that shined to him almost immediately. He saw something poking out of the ground. It was barely seen, but Redd found it once that glimmer set the spark within him.
He grabs onto whatever was there, and picks it up. It was another seashell, but it was bigger than the previous ones. It was white, and had these golden stripes as it swirls onto the other side of the shell.
"Whoa-ho-ho! Now, THIS is a great one right here!" Redd chuckled at his discovery, still amazed by what he found. He ran back up to the Squid Sisters, and they turned back, happy to see his presence again.
"Look at this one, girls! This one might be the best one yet!" The red Inkling said excitedly. Callie was amazed, while Marie was staring at it, smiling as she appreciated the look of it.
"Ooh! I like the pattern! And it's so big, too!" Callie giggled.
"Go on, and place it in the bag, Redd." Marie offered. Redd does what his girlfriend told him, and puts the big shell inside the bag. Marie closes it, and they all decide to stick together for their next shell hunt.
"Hopefully the next ones will be just as big!" Callie cheered.
"Well, as long as they have enough room to fit in this bag. We can't even put fossils or stuff in here, y'know." Marie pointed out.
"Sure, but that guarantees good luck for the next set of seashells we find," Redd giggled, "Now, let's get a move on. I'm really enjoying this so far!"
"Let's look in the water! There might be some good ones there." Callie said as she pointed to the ocean. Marie and Redd nod in agreement, and they head further into the water as the waves splash against their bare feet. They stopped there and continue to look for more seashells the could be hidden under the sand, even in the ocean.
Back at the sandy beach, Flint was with the Off the Hook girls, building a sandcastle together. Like the Squid Sisters, Pearl and Marina were wearing bikinis of their respective ink color. Flint was wearing orange shorts with a red fire pattern, but also had on a white baggy t-shirt. His Samurai Helmet was even off, with it one of the rare times his hair was physically showing.
Flint places some sand in a blue bucket, pats it with a shovel, then flips it over and places it on the ground. Once he grabs the bucket and removes it, another small sand castle has been made.
"This one is looking good so far." Flint compliments.
"Yes, it does, Flint," Marina agreed, "Now, to make some small holes as some windows for this prototype sandcastle..."
The DJ Octoling grabs a small stick, and gently pokes two holes in the castle to make it look better for their view.
"Wow, even at the beach, you decide to say 'prototype' like this ain't any different, huh?" Pearl teased as she smirks, looking at her Octoling partner.
"Hee hee, sand castles take some time to make them as masterpieces." Marina giggled.
"I suppose you're right," Pearl responded, "'Ey, and Flint, never would've expected you to wear a shirt to the beach. Usually, some people don't."
"Well, thing is, I used to get sunburn on my chest area as a kid," Flint reminded, "Even with the help of sunscreen, it didn't help. So I started wearing baggy shirts like this, and it has helped out since then.
"Ah, I see. But dang, that sucks, dude. Sunburn's always a pain." Pearl winced.
"It is. But we don't have to worry about it. What matters is that we're here together, hanging out at the beach, and enjoying our time together," Flint explained, "And besides, we're going to make this tiny sandcastle... into the biggest and best one Inkopolis has ever seen!"
"Ha ha! I like your enthusiasm! Those smallfries are gonna bow once we make this sandcastle bigger!" Pearl laughed along.
"Just a few more details, and this would definitely be perfect." Marina said, smiling as the other two laughed about making the sandcastle so big. Flint then kept his watchful eye on it, while the Off the Hook idols began to continue working on the castle, waiting for the perfect opportunity for Flint to join in and help out.
By the shore, Caleb and Aaliyah were taking a nice walk together. Caleb was also shirtless, wearing black sim shorts with a pink number 8 on the side to match his Agent identity. Aaliyah was wearing her pink one-piece swimsuit that she wore the last beach vacay.
"So, Aaliyah... you okay? You still seem shy." Caleb pointed out. Aaliyah sighed once, then looks at her crush as her cyan eyes perk up at him.
"I'm still not used to wearing a swimsuit, Caleb..." She admitted. Caleb nods once, understanding why Aaliyah seems embarrassed to talk about it.
"I see. Well, just so you know, I wanna help you feel less shy. So we can have a great time at the beach. What do you say, Aaliyah?" Caleb offered. Aaliyah innocently smiles at Caleb and nods.
Suddenly, a colorful beach ball bounces near the two. The Octolings stare at the ball, not knowing what they wanna do with it.
And then, someone approaches the ball and picks it up. This person was revealed to be a dark tan Inkling girl wearing a magenta bikini. Her long black tentacles waved around through the wind as soon as she picked up the ball.
"Oh, hey there!" She greeted as her tangerine-colored eyes were set on the two, "So, you two Octolings are hanging out at the beach, too? It is such a beautiful day, after all!"
"Yes, we are, actually." Caleb responded.
"We weren't sure what to do just yet..." Aaliyah said quietly. However, the Inkling just smiles, not minding Aaliyah's silence at all.
"My name's Kelsey. I'm hanging out with my friends as an agreement to spend this warm day to the fullest," She explained, "We were just planning on going for a swim, and maybe dive for some rare artifacts. Oh, but where are my manners! What are your names?"
"I'm Caleb." Caleb said.
"And... my name's Aaliyah." Aaliyah added. Kelsey continues smiling. She places one of her hands on her hips as she twirls the ball on her right finger, showing off.
"I'm quite sporty, so you could say I know my stuff when it comes to playing with a beach ball," The Inkling teased, "But now that I mention it, you two seem like perfect partners! Would you two like to go swimming with me and my friends? I could tell them you'll be joining us."
"We did put on a spray that... makes us immune to dissolving, but... I can't swim..." Aaliyah confessed.
"Yeah, and, uh... neither can I..." Caleb chimed in. He shudders as he thought back to the Metro escape, during that one phase where there was water everywhere, and he had to traverse by jumping on top of lowering containers.
"Heh, you two have no need to worry. I can teach you," Kelsey instructed, "Like I said, I am a sporty Inkling, and I am experienced with a lot of things. Turf Wars, volleyball... even swimming. You two have no need to worry."
"Hm... I guess we can give it a try." Caleb said, smiling after he took the few seconds to think about it.
"I... I just don't wanna drown..." Aaliyah murmured.
"You don't need to worry, Aaliyah. I'll be there to help you." Caleb comforted as he places a hand on Aaliyah's bare shoulder.
"Yeah, I'll help keep you two safe from the waves. Now, let's go! My friends ain't gonna wait any longer!" Kelsey chuckled. She quickly grabs one hand from each of the two Octolings, slightly startling them. She then ran over to her friends as Caleb and Ali tried to keep up when Kelsey grabbed each of their individual hands in excitement.
While the two Octolings would meet up with Kelsey's friends over at the ocean, cutting back to the sandy beach, Chany could be seen. She had on a pink bikini, and her Legendary Cap was still on.
She just set up her own personal spot, fit with a large towel matching her ink color, and also an umbrella to keep it shady and cooled down from the bright, hot sun beaming down.
However, it seemed Chany wasn't much in a good mood. Rather, she seemed a little upset as she was... looking down.
And suddenly, her inner demon appeared again. It maliciously smiled as it crawled near the physical Inkling.
"Why would you decide to come along? Hm? Oh, that's right. Because you'll be dealing with ME again." The demon mocked.
"*sigh* Not now, Shadow Chany. I just want to enjoy this day with my friends," Chany growled, "I don't need you to come in and make my life worse for me."
"I'm not going anywhere. Not until you suffer once and for all! Not until your 'friends' forget all about you!" Shadow Chany yelled. Four larger tentacles began to appear beside her.
And soon, those tentacles began to swirl and form into something. After a few seconds, they formed into exact copies of Redd, Mia, Flint, and Tom. Although, these copies were all black, had pure white eyes, and looked... emotionless.
"You may care about them one second, but soon, they'll stab you in the back and forget you ever existed." Shadow Chany remarked. The real Chany would sigh, keeping her eyes away from her inner demon.
"That's not true. Mia helped me out when I was sick. All thanks to you." She exclaimed.
"As I mentioned numerous times before, they're doing that to wait for the right moment to strike," Shadow Chany snapped, "And there will be nothing for you to lean on, and no one to care for you."
"You'll be lifeless. Everything will leave you. There will be nothing. And nobody." The demon, along with all the shadow clones of her friends, would continue to chant this. And it was driving poor Chany nuts.
Chany did her best to ignore the demonic chants, and also closing her eyes and looking away from the creatures that have bestowed upon her. She continued to shrug the demons off, despite how louder and corrupted the chants were getting.
But poor Chany was feeling more useless. She felt like she needed to cry. To shout the demons away, and call for help. But she knew no one would come to her aid. Maybe this beach day for her would be a total bust. And not enjoyable at all.
Hopefully, fate has no need to keep her worried for long.
Mia was currently on her own beach chair that was all white. She was lying down on it while wearing her new swimsuit. Not a bikini, it looked more like a one-piece, but exposed a tiny portion of her belly. And to top it all off, the bright tropical colors really fit in for her.
The third Agent also had sunglasses on during her sunbathing. She was at a complete relaxed position. She didn't know exactly if she would get a tan after this or not, but with the sunscreen she put on thanks to Redd's purchased product, that seemed unlikely.
However, Mia averts her eyes to the side, and saw Chany looking uncomfortable. She leans up and turns her head over to her pink friend, raising her sunglasses as she looks closer at the situation. It didn't look like anything was bothering her in Mia's view. But in reality, it was nothing but torment from Shadow Chany.
Mia became concerned as she continued to stare at the pink Inkling. Mia then sat up, her bare feet coming in contact with the hot sand. She walks over to Chany and sits down on the towel, right next to her friend.
In Chany's head, she notice the demon looking at Mia, and growling in anger once it noticed the yellow Inkling's presence.
"DRATS!" It screeched. Then it disappeared into a puff of black smoke, along with the friend clones that the demon made. Chany was confused, but ignores it shortly after, and notices Mia right by her.
"Hey, Chany, are you alright?" The third Agent asked.
"I... I'm fine..." Chany murmured.
"You don't sound fine to me," Mia pointed out, "I was keeping an eye on you during my sunbathing when I caught my glimpse on you so recently. I could tell something is bothering you."
Chany stares down back at her towel, not wanting to make direct eye contact with her best friend. She has been constantly irked by that demon that keeps haunting her thoughts, and she always felt defeated whenever it came, even at times like this at the beach.
The pink Inkling closes her eyes as she slightly lowers her cap, trying her absolute hardest not to have a breakdown.
"I'm sorry, Mia," She apologized, "It's just some inside thoughts that keep getting me on edge, no matter what it may be. I'm sorry if this has been worrying you..."
"Hey, Chany. Look at me." Mia insisted. Chany listens to Mia's offer, and opens her eyes as she looks at her best friend. Rather than seeing a distressed or angry look, what Chany saw instead from Mia was a comforting smile.
A genuine, comforting smile. This actually helped Chany feel more calm now that Mia was by her side. Especially knowing she isn't mad at all.
"You don't have to be sorry. I know you're dealing with some bad thoughts, but that's why I'm here to help you," The yellow-haired Inkling said softly, "I know whatever is bothering you, I will do my best to help you."
"Oh... M-Mia..." Chany uttered. Mia giggles and gently pats Chany's left shoulder.
"You can tell me whatever is making you uncomfortable. I'll listen." The third Agent offered. Chany took a few minutes to think about this. It seemed personal, and she felt that demon will attack her if it notices any sign of disobediance.
But Chany had to tell someone about it. And luck bestowed, it would happen to be to her best friend, Mia. Chany took a deep breath, exhales slowly, and makes direct eye contact with her bestie to admit some issues she's been having.
"Well, you see," She explained, "I'm not sure how to explain this, but I'm constantly dealing with a battle inside my head. Every once in a while, a demonic form of my appears and mocks me without a care in the world. I don't know what its name is, or even if it has a name. But I dubbed it Shadow Chany for now."
"Shadow Chany?" Mia repeated.
"Right. Even that time during when I was sick from my stress, it kept on taunting me," Chany continued, "It would always come at the worst times, whether I'm by myself, or in a crowd where everyone can see me. No one else can see it, but I can. And it makes me scared..."
"What does it do? In terms of taunting you?" Mia asked.
"It always tells me that my friends will betray me and forget about me," Chany whimpered, "And it even has a creepy smile and long, serpentine tongue. It pins me to the floor, tries to stab me with tentacles as my head spins... and like just recently, it can create shadow clones of others and make them negative and emotionless."
"Oh geez. Sorry to hear that. I had no idea this demon kept on mentally hurting you," Mia sighed, "But you know you shouldn't listen to that demon. It's telling you things that would never be true. I am not the type of person who would betray friends and forget about them. I have some friends I made since middle school, and I still talk to them more often than you may think."
"But all these negative thoughts, and taunts it keeps on giving out... it pains me..." Chany said quietly. Mia places a hand on her chin, thinking how she can find a way to help Chany feel better.
The yellow Inkling then stood up.
"Stay right here. I'll be right back." She insisted. Chany gave a quick okay gesture, and lays down on her back as Mia walked away.
After a short walk, Mia soon encounters Charlotte and Tom. They were still spending some more times laying down in the sun, enjoying the heat and the cozy breeze. They even had sunglasses on as well, just like what Mia was doing earlier.
"Hey, uh..." Mia stammered. Tom smiles as he sits upright, taking off his sunglasses as he looks at Mia. Charlotte followed shortly after.
"Oh, hey, Mia. Charlotte and I were just basking in the sunlight. Wanna join?" Tom offered.
"It is nice to feel the sun rays beat down on you. A warm feeling." Charlotte added.
"I'd love to, but, uh... Charlotte, is it okay if you do me a favor and come with me?" Mia suggested. Charlotte stood up and stares confusingly at Mia.
"Is something wrong, Mia?" The blue Octoling questioned.
"I'll tell you during the walk." Mia simply said. Charlotte nods in understanding. She gives Tom a quick peck on the cheek, then follows Mia as the two walk back to where Chany is located.
"So... Chany's experiencing something negative again, and I think she needs some advice on how to ignore it." Mia briefly told.
"Ohh. Sure thing. I can do the best I can." Charlotte said politely. Soon, the two arrived at Chany's beach spot, and Mia sat back down next to Chany. Chany looks over at Charlotte, who sat on the other side.
"O-Oh, uh... Charlotte," Chany stammered, "I didn't realize for you to... arrive."
"Mia said you've been having problems dealing with something. I want to help you out with that." Charlotte offered. Chany looks back at Mia. The third Agent in return nods once, staring back at Charlotte.
"Go ahead. Tell her what's going on. Just keep is simple though." Mia said to her pink friend. The latter nods, and begins to explain her issues to the blue-haired Octoling.
"So, there's this demon in my head I dubbed 'Shadow Chany,' and only I can see it," Chany explained, "Whenever possible, it comes out and makes fun of me, and tells me my friends will no longer care for me, including you and Mia. It keeps going until I can't take it anymore and start crying."
Charlotte shows a sad look after Chany briefly explained her problem.
"I'm so sorry that has been happening to you, Chany," The Octoling said softly, "I know exactly how you feel. I had that exact same thing happen to me. Except... it was someone in real life. The person I used to work for. Jenny..."
Charlotte shuddered once she finished, thinking of the terrors Jenny put onto her. Chany gasped, shocked at what she just heard.
"You used to work for Jenny specifically?" She yelped.
"Yes. Jenny made the Ryuketsunoshi Army was led by Jenny as a last resort to bring the Octarians back up to its grass roots," Charlotte explained, "But during this time, as I thought I would grow stronger and braver, me and my friends/co-workers were tricked, and Jenny was only using that group to kill Inklings."
"Oh my gosh, that is so cruel!" Chany complained.
"It is. And for me specifically, Jenny kept on mocking me and telling me I can't live up to my true potential," Charlotte continued, "She would make fun of me for my refusal to kill, and would humiliate me whenever I didn't listen to her. And she didn't show me respect when I gave it to her. As a former member of the Octarian Army, and for Jenny's manipulation, I knew it would be rude for me to kill her when I got the advantage against her in proof battles. But in my head, I wanted to squash her like the cockroach that she is."
Charlotte growls quietly as she clenches her fist, thoughts of Jenny's torment swarming throughout her.
"Wow... Jenny really does hate everyone, doesn't she?" Chany pointed out.
"Yes. But my point, Chany, is to not let any negative thoughts hold you back," Charlotte told the pink Inkling, "I know you have an inner demon teasing you, but I've been through teasing for most of my whole life. Ignore the thoughts, and try not to get upset. Rather, do your best to mentally fight back if need be. Think of positive thoughts yourself."
Chany looks down for a few seconds once again. When she turned her head back up, show shows a thankful smile.
"Thanks, Charlotte. And you too, Mia," She said, "You're right. I need to be stronger and counter against my demon. The advice really helped me out for the future the next time. I... I really appreciate it, you two..."
"I'm always happy to help you, Chany." Charlotte replied.
"Yeah. That's what friends are for, after all. Gotta help against rough moments like this." Mia chimed in. Chany holds Mia's hand, and the third Agent gladly accepted. Charlotte felt happy to see that Chany was feeling better about this.
"I'm going to meet back up with Tom. If you two need anything else, I'll be there." Charlotte reminded. Mia and Chany nod, and Charlotte gives one last wave before she stood up and walks away, back to the same spot she was at with Tom earlier.
Mia knew Chany would need to feel more safe, so she decided to spend the rest of the beach day with her pink friend.
*some time later*
Everyone was still enjoying the time to the fullest at the beach. The bag Marie had with seashells was almost filled, but they kept on scavenging for more. The sand castle Flint and the Off the Hook idols worked on was looking more professional. Cuttlefish was napping on his chair, completely dozed off.
Tom and Charlotte were trying different things around at once. They even met up with Kelsey and her friends, and they all went for a little swim, but not too deep. Caleb and Aaliyah were slowly getting better at swimming, thanks to help from Kelsey.
Meanwhile, Chany and Mia were still at the same spot, but with some ice cream in their hands. Chany began licking a colorful popsicle, while Mia munched on an ice cream sandwich.
"Mm. I gotta say, I do love ice cream on a hot day at the beach." Mia complimented. Chany looks at her yellow friend and nods.
"I agree on that! Glad you decided to pay for both of us, Mia. But I could've used my own coins." Chany reminded.
"Meh, it was on me. I wanted this treat to be special." Mia teased lightly. Chany easily giggled at that, understanding where Mia was coming from. Then the two kept on digging into their ice cream.
Shortly during their small frozen treat, Aaliyah walks on over to the two girls. She kept her distance, and sits down at least a few inches away to give them room.
"Oh, you two got ice cream, too..? I did.." Aaliyah said cutely. Chany waves and giggles, while Mia smiles, glad to see Aaliyah's presence.
However, Mia kept an eye on Aaliyah when she saw she was all wet. The front tips of her hair drooped down.
"So, you went for a nice swim, huh?" Mia chuckled.
"Mm hmm. Caleb and I made a new friend made Kelsey," Aaliyah replied with a nod, "I was a little shy at first, but she was pretty nice. She taught Caleb and I how to swim. It was actually... kinda fun.
She reaches behind her, and then pulls it out. It was revealed to be a swim mask. Similar to ones that some Inklings wear in Turf Wars.
"Kelsey even gave me this mask so I can go underwater without me struggling to open my eyes and have water go up my nose." The innocent Octoling said, showing the mask with a cute smile.
"Aww, that was nice of her! I'm proud of you, Ali! You're slowly getting more comfortable by learning how to swim." Chany complimented. Aaliyah's smile grows bigger as her cheeks turn a slight pink.
"Anyways... I got an ice cream, too. Can I sit by you two as we eat together...?" Aaliyah asked, holding something in her other hand.
"Of course, Aaliyah. We'd be glad to have you eat ice cream with us," Mia replied, "Heck, I actually wanna hear about how you're doing with swimming. And also with Caleb and that Kelsey girl that you mentioned."
Aaliyah sits by the two girls, quickly thanking them. She then opens the packet of the ice cream that she bought, which was like an ice cream sandwich, but has the shape and look of a chocolate chip cookie, and has a bunch of mini chocolate chips scattered across the ice cream part.
Overall, the girls talked together about their experiences as they eat their ice cream. Chany kept her demon problems to herself, as she knew it wouldn't be a good idea for Aaliyah to know about that.
Once the ice cream was done, Mia offered for Chany to go along and do some more beach activities. Chany, while hesitant at first, agreed to come along and have some fun, while Aaliyah met back up with Caleb as soon as she was done with her ice cream treat.
Long, long minutes have passed by. The sun began to set, and it was time for everyone to go. As much as they didn't want to, vacations come to an end at some point. Everyone dries up and changes back to their normal clothes. Then they pack everything up and walked back.
They stopped by the boardwalk as they took the time to watch the sun set. It looked so beautiful as the sky turned a bright orange, with the sun slowly, but surely lowering down. Kelsey and her friend group parted ways, giving their goodbyes to Ali and Caleb before leaving.
The sight made everyone smile in glee. It was such a sight to see at this view, especially after the beach day. Tom and Charlotte looked at each other with smiles and blushes, and then they proceeded to kiss on the lips.
Chany was completely in awe as she stared at the beautiful sunset. Mia taps her right shoulder gently.
"Hm?" Chany hummed as she turns her head to Mia.
"So, did you enjoy today? All the beach activities after your whole... situation?" Mia asked.
"Yes. Yes, I did." Chany replied.
"Me too. But anyways, before we head home... I got a little gift for you. Charlotte had an extra spare set." Mia offered. She reaches behind her as Chany looks in confusion.
Mia then pulls out what seems like a small, colorful bracelet between her fingertips. Chany gasped quietly as she stares at the small bracelet in Mia's fingers.
"It's a Friendship Bracelet," Mia told her friend, "So, I thought this would be a good time to give it to you. This one is for you, while I have another one for me. That way, whenever I'm busy, you can look back at the bracelet and remember that I'll always be there for you. And it'll remind me that you're my friend and I'll remember you."
Chany shows a big smile as some tears began to form in her eyes. She quickly hugs her yellow friend, being careful to not startle Mia and make her drop the bracelet.
"Thank you, Mia! I love it so much! I-It really means a lot!" Chany exclaimed happily as she wipes the tears away from her own eyes. Mia smiles as she hugs back.
"Anything to help you feel happy, Chany." She responded. They pull away from the hug, and Mia took the first initiative to help place the bracelet around Chany's ankle.
Meanwhile, Redd and Marie are holding hands as they look at each other. The bag was filled to the brim with all sorts of seashells ranging from different sizes and colors. The couple smile as the sun lightens them up. Literally.
"All's well that ends well, right, Redd? This day off was worth it." Marie said.
"More like all's SHELL that ends SHELL, eh?" Redd teased, winking as he smiles. Marie chuckles at Redd's awful pun.
"You know your ways, Redd. You really do. And that's why I love you." The lime green Inkling responded.
"I love you too, Marie." Redd said as well. He and Marie would wraps their arms around each other and give a nice, passionate kiss on the lips. They would stay like that for a little bit until the sun was no longer displaying such beautiful scenery.
All in all, the Agents enjoyed their seaside beach vacation a lot. Maybe more than the last one for most of the group. While it's gonna be rough going back to Agent missions, concerts, and Octarian scouts, they'll remember the time they had off to hang out and have such a good time on a warm day.
Who knows what other fun times will await them in the future?
Author's Note: Well, that was it. Hope you enjoyed this one shot where I expanded a little bit on Shadow Chany's lore. Also, Kelsey isn't going to be a major character in my stories, so don't really expect her to appear in the future.
But that's all I got in store! Chapter stories will be coming soon. Stay Fresh, everyone, and I'll see ya next time! :D