Anemy lowered Erray onto the floor gently. It was the most careful Marie had ever seen Agent 3 being after everything she had done.

"Now, step aside, or I'll make sure you're both nothing but splats on the ground." Her glowing eyes locked with Marie's golden ones. She just launched herself at Anemy, desperate to defeat her, beat her, make her pay for what she had done! At that moment, she blamed Anemy for all of this. But Anemy did the same, and shot her into the nearby wall once more, her Anti-Hero shot powered up by her ability.

Then came Jade, who, knowing she wouldn't stand a chance alone with Anemy was going to buy enough time for her general to escape from this Inkling who sought to end his life. She shot at her, and Anemy was quick to block the shot with her Sardinum bands.

"All the same!" She got close enough to kick Jade back. "Hiding your secrets, thinking everyone will be better for it. But it just makes those you hurt in your way angrier, saying it's for the greater good." Just then, the girl turned her head only slightly for a straight shot of low tide ink to just barely miss her. She turned towards the direction it came from. "And I refuse to stay a martyr…"

Marie came barreling at Anemy, shooting and throwing Splat Bombs. The opposing girl shot them and jumped away from the blast as Squid. Agent 3 jumped over another shot and landed on top of Marie, pinning her down. Jade was up and ran at her, shooting. Anemy jumped out of the way, with Marie shooting still when Jade stopped for a moment to dodge. The Octolings rushed towards Anemy again, but she jumped away.

The rogue's eyes fell on her enemies, standing side by side, weapons at the ready. Anemy let out a shriek, her hair glowed and her eyes flared. She summoned an Inkjet and flew at them, particles of orange ink following her, she grabbed her enemies and took them into the skies.

Struggling and shooting, Anemy dodged her victims' attacks and Jade managed to slip away, free falling as they floated over open waters. Agent 3 threw Marie a distance.

Just as Marie managed to summon her own Inkjet, she managed to catch a glowing orange Splat Bomb, but it exploded. Agent 2 screamed, spiraling downward, just as her Inkjet thrusters activated. She took to the air, trying to match her former friend's level.

Anemy panted. She looked over at Marie, still willing to fight.

"I have come too far to be stopped by you!" Anemy turned just in time to block a blast of ink from Jade, who was flying back up with her own Inkjet. She was shooting and Anemy was shooting back, flying towards her. Marie flew towards Anemy and she dodged and struggled to hold them back from the air. She didn't have time for this!

Agent 3 threw another bomb to distract Marie and then used all the ink that was bending to her will and just threw it all directly towards Jade. The Octoling gasped. She turned around, using her back to shield herself, but it hit her and the Inkjet exploded. The soldier let out a scream and began plummeting down towards the water.

Marie gasped, seeing the Octoling falling to what was basically her death. Anemy was flying away and she growled. This was part of her plan. Agent 2 flew down as fast as she could and caught the Octoling in her arms, before flying back up.

Agent 3 was the first back into the empty weapons testing grounds, just as Oliver, Oscar, Pearl and Marina busted the giant door open. Their boss landed on the ground, just as the Inkjet exploded and landed on her feet. She stood, her form shaking as her comrades ran to her side just in time for Pearl and Marina to catch her before she fell flat on the ground from exhaustion.

"Are you alright?" said Oliver. "Where's Octavio?"

Anemy shook her head. "Escaped." She let out a sigh. "But I think we have something else to worry about first." The Inkling tilted her head, and everyone's eyes fell on the Inkling boy still on the ground out cold.

"Erraaaay!"

Vichay ran in, holding Cici up. She had lost track of Oliver and Bass and Angel lost track of Pearl and Marina. They came into an empty room just in time to see Marie descend from the air, with tears in her eyes and an unconscious Jade in her arms.

Erray was having that dream again.

He knew this time he had failed. Whatever was happening around him, he didn't care. He didn't care about Jade looming near him, whatever was keeping him bound, the obnoxious music, who was going to die because of him… He just wanted this over with… He was scared, sad, but mostly tired…

Just then, just as the boy was ready to just give up, he heard a song. A heavenly melody that he had heard over and over as a child. It called to him, like a light at the end of the tunnel… and there he saw it.

Suddenly, the strength returned to his limbs and Erray willed them to move. He stood, finding himself walking faster and faster towards it. He saw hands trying to stop him and Jade, but he pushed them out of the way like it was nothing. The boy stretched out his hand, feeling the warmth of the light on his hand as that one and only melody only grew louder and louder and the light grew brighter and brighter, until it was so bright he saw nothing.

He felt free.

Sensations began to creep up on him. He felt warm, with a slight weight to it. Then he felt something soft on his face, rubbing over his forehead and bit on his right eye, despite that the right side of it was numb. His limbs felt heavy, and his whole body ached, but his head was moving from whoever was wiping his face. He heard moaning, and then realized it was coming from his own mouth.

It took all his strength to move his left hand. It was freed from the blanket, and was met with a cold chill, but he grabbed the wrist controlling whatever they were doing to his face.

"Erray?" The voice was quiet and gentle.

The Inkling cracked his free eye open, just in time to see a blurry figure standing over him. It took a minute for his vision to focus, but he eventually saw that it was Oliver. Gently, he took the small towel he was using to wipe the low tide ink off his face away, so that Erray could open his other eye. Most of it was gone, but there was an apparent stain of it on his skin where the shot had hit him. Erray's hand fell limply back on his chest and he tried to take in where he was, but it was kind of dark. The only light that was on was a small lamp across from the bed he was laying in on top of some drawers. The jacket on his hero suit had been taken off and his boots were on the floor of his bedside.

"Easy," said Oliver. "The residue on your face should fade in a few days." Erray flinched when he saw a red light. It took him a second to see that it was just Oliver's phone. "Erray, 'DJ Octavio has invited you to Octo Valley.'"

"Huh?" The Inkling could barely respond. He just stared at the Octoling awkwardly, but he was smiling. The red light didn't hurt his head this time. Oliver turned the light off and smiled.

"It worked!" Oliver said, excitedly. He ran over. Erray didn't realize he was wearing headphones until the Octoling took them off and set them on the nightstand. Oliver embraced him. The Inkling jumped, but then sighed in relief and slowly hugged him back.

"Wh… What's happening?" Erray said. He looked around, trying to sit up, but only managed to barely raise himself a little. Slowly, the last thing he remembered was coming back to him. "J… Jade! Wh-Where-"

Oliver rushed over and lowered him back to the pillows beneath him, being met with little to no resistance.

"Easy, it's okay…" said Oliver. "You're safe."

Erray shivered from the cold, relieved when the blanket was back on him. "I… I don't feel so good."

"Yeah, you've got a fever…" He frowned as Erray flinched from the hand checking his face. He was still a bit hot, but he could assume that this was only because he was exhausted.

"D-Did… Did I…" Erray breath suddenly hitched. Tears were welling up in his eyes. "I didn't mean to…"

The Octoling shushed him and rubbed the top of his head. "It's okay. You didn't hurt anyone… The boss was right. She let me play the Inkantation, and surely enough it was what you needed to kick the hypnosis."

Erray made a small, weak smile. He only remembered bits and pieces of what exactly happened, but he remembered seeing her eyes.

"Anemy…" the Inkling mumbled. His head lolled to the side, his eyes feeling heavy and his body demanding sleep. The Octoling tucked the sheets over the tired agent.

"You should rest, Erray," Oliver said, gently. He ran his hands over the top of Inkling's head and his eyes slid shut. "I wouldn't worry about those nightmares anymore."

"Don't leave me…" the Inkling barely slurred from his mouth. Oliver nodded and sat in a chair he pulled up by Erray's bedside. He reached under the blanket and held his hand, giving it squeeze.

"Of course. I'm not going anywhere."

By the time morning came around, the room was a bit more visible. They were in some sort of log cabin, using one of the guest rooms. It was still early in the morning, but the sky was turning brighter a bit.

Oliver awoke, leaning back in the chair. He rubbed his sore back and stood. About eight hours had passed since Erray had fallen asleep, and he was still deep in it. His breath was steady, and despite still looking tired, he at least was relaxed, cozy with the pillows under his head, and the blankets around him.

Oliver touched his face and smiled. Erray was warm, but no longer hot. It was progress. He knew if he had a few more nights of decent sleep it would do him a world of good. Besides, it was still early in the morning, and he noted how Inklings hated getting up so early, remembering how hard it can be to wake up his boss, and especially Pearl.

Unlike this morning however, when the door opened, and he was met with Anemy's trembling form. She had taken off her cape, her shoes, and even her vest. Oliver recalled her restlessness, and already she was up again.

"Boss, what are you doing up?"

"I'm still in charge, Oliver," Anemy mumbled.

Oliver let out a small chuckle, making sure to keep himself quiet to prevent from waking Erray. "Of course, Miss Arowana."

"How is he?"

"Much better than last night," said Oliver. "It's been eight hours and he's still really sleeping. He hasn't had any nightmares that I know of."

Anemy sighed in relief. Oliver signaled her to come in, but she shook her.

"No," she then said. "I don't think he'd-"

"Nem…"

The two turned to the bed and saw Erray slowly opening his eyes. "That… you?"

Anemy opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Oliver looked over to her and for her to continue.

"Yes…" she said.

"Hey, there…" Oliver said, gently. "You don't feel as warm than earlier."

The Inkling turned his head to him. His eyes were half-lidded with sleepiness, with his right one a little more drooped shut than the other. "Face feels numb…" Erray mumbled. "Low tide…?"

"Yeah, it does that…" said Anemy. "Don't worry, it'll go away after a while."

"It's still early," said Oliver. "Both of you should rest some more."

Anemy nodded. "Fine."

"Tell you what, why don't you lay down with him, so you know he's there… and you can't stop worrying about him."

Anemy shook her head. "I don't think he'd want…"

"Nemy…" Erray reached out his hand, like it would reach her, but it just laid flat on the bed, resting on the comfy sheets. "Don't leave…" he pleaded. "Please…"

The Inkling dipped her head, but didn't argue any further. She carefully walked over to his side, wobbling, and Erray moved to the left a little, his movements sluggish. The bed was big enough for the both of them, so hopefully, there wouldn't be much of a problem.

Anemy slowly got into the bed next to Erray, who just stared as she settled in. It looked like she really needed it, because she sunk into the pillows and sheets immediately, her eyes already drooping shut. Oliver smiled.

"Good. I'll go check on the others, and then cook up breakfast. You two relax." And with that, he left the two alone.

Anemy felt warmth on her hand and knew it was Erray's. She sighed and turned onto her side, opening her arms for him. The agent was still shocked when the Inkling practically leapt into her embrace. The girl adjusted the blankets so that they were both tucked in securely. Then, she slowly placed her hands on Erray's back and rubbed it gently. The small sigh she heard brought warmth to her heart.

After a long time of peaceful silence, Anemy pressed her forehead on the top of Erray's and tried to sleep herself, but Erray spoke up.

"Why did you lie to me?"

Anemy looked down at the top of the sleeping Inkling's head.

"Because… I thought if you knew, you would tell the Splatoon… and then I'd have all of you at Mr. Grizz's doorstep. I thought… They would have explained it to you."

Erray shook his head. "They don't like to talk about Agent 3, or… you."

Anemy closed her eyes. "I'm not surprised. They blame me for everything."

"So… my dream about you?"

"It's because of our powers…"

Erray sniffled. "Were you really going to leave my sister and Callie… f-for Octavio?"

The girl sighed. "Of course not… Well, I considered it for Callie. She doesn't look like she wants to be rescued anymore." She shushed him when he started shaking. "It's okay. I… I'm sorry I made you feel that way…"

"Anemy, where's your brother, then?"

The girl's eyes watered. They fell from her eyes and onto the pillow beneath her.

"Dead."

Erray's ink ran cold… well, colder than usual for a cold-blooded creature. He moved his head, turning it to look up at the sad Inkling, who was staring straight ahead. Anemy looked back when Erray used his hand to wipe away the tears.

"Please don't cry…" he said.

Anemy sniffled. She moved one of her hands, placing on the side of Erray's face, where the low tide ink still stained his face. The boy leaned into the touch.

"This was why I wanted so desperately for you to leave them…" said Anemy. "At first, I was just trying to stop another Inkling from ending up like me. I was willing to treat you as my enemy… and technically, you still are… but… Something changed. I had to save you. I…"

Erray interrupted her with a kiss. Anemy smiled for only a moment and their foreheads just touched each other.

"I don't want you to end up like me…" Anemy whispered. "Or Finn…"

"How did you end up with Octavio's grandkids? And with Off the Hook?"

"Them? They're four long stories."

"What happened?" Erray whispered. His voice was growing quieter. He was struggling to keep his eyes open.

The Inkling girl sighed and rubbed his back. "I'll tell you. But right now, just rest."

Erray nodded, his eyes drooping shut and head lowering downward. He mumbled something, but was too sleepy for the girl to understand it. Anemy kissed the top of his head and just held him, making him feel safe as he drifted off. She would do at least that for him…

Just one more time…

By the time the late morning came around, Erray's fever had finally broken. Oliver decided to let Erray have breakfast in the living room. He got to sit next Anemy and he began to take in more about where exactly he was. Seeing out the windows he saw he was in Triggerfish Forest, a mostly wilderness area that was about an hour drive from the city of Inkopolis. He could see the giant lake and the camp across from where they were. It was known as Camp Triggerfish. It was only open during the summer, but was also used as a stage to have Ink Battles whether it was closed or not.

Erray was lounging on the couch, leaning on a pillow and wrapped in a cozy blanket. Anemy sat on the other end of the couch and they ate breakfast in silence, just enjoying each other's company. Every so often, Anemy would glance over, seeing the stain of low tide ink on Erray's face. It was fading, and she wished that the low tide ink was out of the testing phase when she got hit with it all that time ago.

"Welcome to Triggerfish Cabin," Marina said, warmly as she walked in. Oscar followed her and quickly rushed to give Erray a hug.

"Yay!" he cheered. "I'm glad you're okay."

Erray nodded shyly. "Yeah, me too."

"Hey!" Pearl said, waltzing in and sliding past Marina. "You're not dead!" And she copped a seat on the other couch.

"Uh, I guess not. It's nice to meet you when you're not trying to fight us."

"I guess so…" said Marina. And she sat down next to Pearl.

Oliver came in and saw everyone getting along. Seeing no other available seats, he just pulled up the beanbag chair.

Once everyone was assembled Anemy set her empty bowl of food on the coffee table.

"So." Erray looked over, seeing Anemy finally speak for the first time in what felt like an hour. "You wanna know what happened…"

"Stay back, Agent 3! It's a trap!"

"Figures…"

"But we don't have a choice…"

Anemy knew Agents 1 and 2 were right. The Great Zapfish was all that was left, and the cap'n was in danger. It was right in front of her.

Of course, she knew it wouldn't be easy. The giant creature was being used to power up, not only the mechanical Octarian tentacles that were lighting up the stage the DJ had set up, but it was also powering the machine he was controlling. It was like the one he had in the present, but without the gold and the extra stage for Callie. The mechanical fists were silver and had different weapons that the newer one he had built.

"So you're the slimy little hipster who keeps interfering with my machines…" said Octavio.

"Well, you are the one who stole the Zapfish," said Anemy.

"GYAH HA HA! I'd like to see you try to stop me! I'ma remix your face!"

Anemy held up her Hero-shot. "Then, try it!"

Ever since she had followed Cap'n Cuttlefish down into the sewer to Octo Valley, she had been training with him and Agents 1 and 2 to fight Octavio. She tore through the Octarian troops, Octo Balls and Bombers. She shot back at the giant metal fist and hit them right back at the machine and evaded the lazers of the Killer Wail.

DJ Octavio was tough. He wasn't giving up, easily, but neither was Agent 3. She and her brother had worked so hard to get to the city of Inkopolis, and she wasn't going to suddenly lose it all to a century-year old general.

Anemy was low on ink. She dove into the orange that was now everywhere, along with purplish- pink color that covered the battlefield, but one of the giant Octo Missiles were flying at her. The girl stood and shot at with all she could, barely managing to hold it back. She shook, remembering what she was doing this for.

"I must… protect… everyone!"

Just as she fell back from the force another streak of orange hit the missile and shot it back at Octavio, hitting the machine at full force. Octavio struggled to straighten himself out.

"How dare you!" he hissed.

The song that had been playing for what felt like hours had stopped. Gentle lasers were shining down like it was some kind of party and that familiar melody began to play.

A hand fell on Anemy's shoulder and she turned around and stood onto her feet.

"Finn?!"

It was her brother. He had come for her, along with Bass and Angel.

"You think we'd let you go alone?" said Finn.

"I… I didn't want to put you all in…"

"Hush. We're going to win this together!"

"For the band!" Bass exclaimed, holding up his blaster.

Angel shook her head. "This is for the city!"

"To us…" Anemy whispered.

"What's this?" said Octavio. "Where mah beats?!"

On a stage, the two could see Agents 1 and 2 singing. Suddenly, they began to recognize their voices.

"Agent 3! Can you hear our song?" said Callie.

"Radio override activated!" said Marie.

Suddenly, Cap'n Cuttlefish had the strength to break free from his bands and he started grooving to the music.

"That heavenly melody… It's the one and only SQUID SISTERS!"

"Don't you ever worry your granddaughters like that again!" said Callie.

"Take care of Gramps for us, 'kay?" said Marie.

Anemy nodded. She looked to her brother for guidance, but he just nodded at her. This time, Anemy was the one holding the reins.

"Let's go!" she yelled, as Octavio moved away from them on his machine.

"Final push!" yelled Callie. "Chaaarge!"

"I'MA DUBSTOMP YOU INTO OBLIVION!" Octavio yelled.

Angel and Finn fought off the mechanical fists, while Bass took care of the torpedoes and enemies. It was Anemy however, who had to deal with the giant missiles. She pulled out an Inkzooka and started launching back the missiles. The impact sent the Octobot King flying off his machine and towards them.

"Now!" the cap'n called. "Finish him!"

Anemy jumped and fired one last blast of ink at the DJ and he was sent flying back into his machine with the sound glass breaking. The machine began to shake, glowing orange with all the damage the team had done together.

"Oh no… So sad…" Octavio said. "Cross fade… to black…"

Anemy stepped back as the machine expanded and shook more and more. Angel and Bass scrambled for cover, but there was none around.

Just as it blew up Finn threw himself over his sister, using his body as a shield as they fell to ground.

The ink had fallen everywhere. There was no place one could look without seeing orange. But that's not where Anemy's eyes had landed on. She was staring… dumbfound at her brother.

The parts of DJ Octavio's machine had fallen everywhere from the explosion. They broke many things, pierced through objects.

And that's what she saw, but not on an object.

It was on her brother.

Anemy stared, mouth agape, body shaking in horror, eyes unable to lock onto anything else. It had pierced through the ink tank, breaking it, shutting off the light that linked him to a Spawn Point. She heard his quiet gasps, remembered how he locked eyes with her. It was all he could do… but he smiled, before he just collapsed onto the ground.

The girl just stood there, as everything went quiet around her she could hear the voices around her. She didn't care about the DJ Octavio who was lying in the orange ink nearby.

All she cared about in that moment, was the sight of her brother. He wasn't moving. She knew what had just happened. There wasn't even a moment, to stare, to talk, to do anything.

He was dead. Her beacon of hope, her guiding light, her guardian… was gone.

Anemy hadn't even realized that her breathing had gotten faster and faster. Tears were streaming down her eyes. She shook and shook more and more and the only noises that came out of her mouth were soft whimpers, until they got loud. And then…

She put her hands on her head, and screamed. Her voice echoing through the stage they set up. It was so loud, it shook the very souls of all those who heard, and suddenly, everyone around her felt the absolute tornado of emotions.

Then her hair glowed and all the orange ink around her rose into the air in tiny particles. Anemy opened her eyes, also having changed color to orange, and glowing. She locked eyes with DJ Octavio, who had awakened and was taking in everything that was floating around him.

Anemy's breath was heavy, her form shaking and her eyes twitching. Finally, she was able to move her mouth to speak, and let out a shout.

"I'LL KILL YOU!"

With one wave of her hand all the ink the air began to rush towards her enemy, combining. She didn't care that he was not in a machine, didn't have an ink tank, and wasn't linked to a Spawn Point. All she wanted was for the Octarian to die.

But then she felt the cold, numbing feeling of ink on her forehead and that was where it ended...

Everyone was staring at Anemy as told her tale, but she shedded tears as if the entire event had happened yesterday. With that, she turned Erray, and slowly lifted the bang on her head. There, the Inkling boy could see the skin. It was a permanent scar, in the shape of a small smudge of ink. It looked like it had healed a long time ago.

"The low tide ink was still in the testing phases, but it did its job…" Anemy said, her voice quivering. She let her hair back down. "They locked up Octavio where I wouldn't be able to find him, and put the Zapfish back on top of Inkopolis Tower…"

"What about Bass and Angel…?" Erray wanted to touch her shoulder, hug her, do… something, but he wasn't sure what to do, or if she wanted it.

"Angel hated me," said Anemy. "I wouldn't be surprised if she still does. If it weren't for me, he'd still be alive. She gave up everything to be with him… and now he was gone. I was a monster who took her lover away." She shrugged her shoulders. "And Bass… Bass just stood there. A bystander… a follower. When she left… he did, too. I was forced to drop out of Inkblot Art Academy to cover up what happened to Finn."

"But-"

"Angel and Bass had gone… Up until that day we auditioned, I never had the confidence to perform." She looked downward. "I can't be famous, Trow… No one could know… what happened to Finn… That's what Marie told me…" She glared. "And she just wanted me to sit and obey…"

Erray looked at the others, staring Anemy with stares of anger and sadness. Clearly, they had heard this story before. More reasons for them to join her.

"I… It's… I can't believe it…" said Erray. "They… did all this…?"

"What's hard to believe?" said Anemy. "That they covered up the death of my brother, who sacrificed himself for me?! That they left a scar on my head that would never fade?! That they forced a young aspiring musician who just wanted to be like them to keep her pretty mouth shut!" Her voice raised with every single word. "Because that's what your damn New Squidbeak Splatoon did! All in the name of a so-called peace!"

"B-But his death was an accident…" Erray stuttered. "If… you killed Octavio… There would be another war… An Inkling killing a high ranking Octarian… Th-There has to be a reason-"

"A reason?!" Anemy yelled. She stood up and screamed it. "To spare the world the pain of another war? Don't give me that! Who will soothe my brother's pain? Who will soothe my brother's despair?!" The girl shook, tears flooding down from her eyes. "He murdered my older brother, Finn!" She gasped for air, holding back the sound of a sob. "And you'll stand there and tell me keeping his murderer alive is for the greater good?!"

"Boss!" Marina then raised her voice.

She stepped back, seeing Erray staring up at her. The boy knew she was telling the truth. She was in so much pain but he didn't know it until now.

"Anemy…" Oscar could only say, his voice no louder than a whisper.

"Marie…" Erray whispered. "Why?"

"This is why we joined her," said Pearl. "We're stars, too, but we wouldn't stoop to the levels they did. That wasn't fresh at all. When we're done here, people won't even remember the Squid Sisters."

"Nobody is going to remember anything of you two, if we start another war…" said Erray.

"I have given Anemy my blessing," said Oliver. "If anybody is going to kill my grandfather, it's her."

"And what about after that?"

"We will make sure Pearl and Marina are not directly involved," said Anemy. "But when it's done, Oliver, Oscar and I will go into hiding… forever."

"But… That's cowardly!" said Erray. "How could you be so selfish? You'd kill him and then leave the world to deal with chaos?"

"Marie told me the same thing after my brother died! That I was being selfish for wanting justice! I was done being treated as coddamn pawn! When Angel and Bass could no longer get what they wanted from me, they didn't leave a scar on my face like Marie, or force me to fall in line and shut up." She took a deep breath before speaking again. "They just left me alone. Do you still think I'm the selfish one?"

Erray's heart sank.

"I know what it's like being alone," said Erray. "I was surrounded by Inklings who just wanted to go home, like me, but I never felt more alone, but you're not. Look around you, and at me. Is this really what your brother would've wanted?"

Anemy shook her head. "You understand nothing! You still have a family, Erray. I don't. What about what I want? I'm sick of everything being about him! Even in death, he's still the shining star, and I just stand beside the spotlight… What happens to me after Octavio's dead, doesn't matter. All he wants is for Inklings to suffer, and he won't stop until he gets what he wants. He doesn't care who he uses to get what he wants!"

"Anemy…"

Then Marina's phone started going off. Rapid beeps were heard from her phone. "We've got a problem!" She showed it to everyone. "We've got intruders." Anemy walked over and counted three of them.

Anemy sighed. "It's the Splatoon. Erray is here. Let them take him back, but evacuate to the rendezvous as soon as you let them in here. I will join you shortly."

Everyone stood up. "Yes, Boss!" They all said. They still grabbed their weapons just in case and headed out.

Erray knew that the second that showed, there would either be a fight, or she would flee. His time was short.

"Anemy, you don't have to do this," Erray pleaded as her crew headed out. "You're doing the same thing!"

"What?"

"You're using these people to get what you want."

Anemy glared. "They're my friends. We all decided together that this was the best course of action."

"But look what they've become! Oscar is merciless. I saw him out there beating the shell out of Octarians. Pearl and Marina, lying to the Squid Sisters, and Oliver's loyalty to you is something that I've only ever seen on Jade."

Anemy shook her head. "That's not what I-"

"Please…" Erray said. "I know you're upset, but by killing Octavio, you'll bring out the absolute worse in yourself and all of Inkling kind. I'm not saying that what the New Squidbeak Splatoon did was right, but they just wanted to stop such madness. But all of this is exactly what Octavio would've done!"

Anemy was just staring at him. A new fresh batch of tears were flowing down from her eyes. Erray stood, using his sudden newfound strength to meet her eyes with hers.

"I know what you've been through. You lost your brother, we both have these strange powers. But Finn died thinking about you, his sister. You aren't your brother, Anemy. You're more than that."

"Huh?"

"Kind. Bright. A great leader. You value your crew over yourself. You love music and to sing. Has any of that changed?"

"Erray…" Anemy could only mumble. "It won't matter. If I stay, they'll come in, shoot at me, yell at me, treat me like the monster that I am."

"No!" Erray then yelled. "You're not a monster!" He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I won't let them do that!"

"But-"

"You mean so much to me, Anemy. I will not let you come to harm." Anemy's blue eyes sparkled from the tears and she listened intently to what the boy was saying. "I will protect you."

Erray gulped. His brain, hearts and every single cell in body wasn't prepared to let out the words, but he was going to do it anyway.

"Anemy, I love you."

"Erray?" But hearing his words, just made her tear up even more. The two heard the sound of the front door opening.

"Wait here." said Erray.

The Inkling rushed towards the entrance in the foyer. Vichay was the first to bolt in like lighting and knock Erray to the floor while hugging him.

"You jerk!" she yelled. "You had me worried sick! Cici started crying over you all over again."

"Erray," the cap'n rushed in with Angel and Bass. "Are you alright?" Angel was at his side to help him up while Bass tried to pry Vichay's protective arms from him.

Erray looked up at the cap'n and then he looked at both Bass and Angel. "Yeah," he said, flatly. "I'm sorry Vichay. I'm fine. Can I stand up now?"

Vichay finally gave in and helped him up. She touched his face, thumb running down where the low tide stained his half numb face. "Come on! Let's get you back."

"No, wait! You all need to follow me."

Erray started walking towards the living room. Everyone was confused, but followed him anyway.

When they got there, however, Anemy was long gone...