Cephalon HQ was on high alert.

This was the current stronghold of the Octarian Army. The staging grounds for DJ Octavio's grand new show. The place was always dark, the reflection of the giant, dark violet colored pool beneath the series of metal platforms. All Octarians were on deck, hard at work. The giant weapon Octavio and Callie rode together was going under one last round of maintenance.

Callie had been quiet, her motions precise, and no longer as bubbly as usual. She got some odd stares, but no Octarian dared to speak a word. They already knew what was going on.

Once the machine was ready, Callie Super Jumped to her place on the stage, and the DJ got on his. The machine whirred to life, and the troops cheered as they descended down into a vast chasm below. When the hatch closed, a group of Octarians were then sent out to look for Jade.

They were all so distracted at the moment, that they did not see the orange Inkling standing on the horizon of the octopus limbs of mountains and rock formations. Her hair was glowing, eyes glowing the color. The Anti-Hero-Shot was in her hand with the old Hero-Charger on her back. Looping over her shoulder and around her waist was a bandolier of not ammo. They were small amounts of rations, provided by Mr. Grizz. Just one bite would give the user the energy to use a special.

The ex-agent locked eyes at the sight below. The sun was setting. By the next morning, everything would be different…

"Forgive me, everyone…" the Inkling said to herself. Or, maybe she was hoping that somehow, someway, they would hear it. "I shouldn't have just left… not without saying good-bye…"

The wind blew through her hair, the silence was enough to let it all just sink in. This was it. This was how it had to be. This was how it was meant for her to be. But she was fine, she had long come to terms with it.

"I've been thinking these past few days… wondering why I was born like I am… with these powers… If only none of this had happened… maybe we could all be living as oblivious as everyone else in Inkopolis, couldn't we…" She squinted. "But, no… That is one way… but I have found another. This is how I know I can give my life with these powers meaning."

Anemy held up her weapon.

"I can use my power… I will kill Octavio. This is a burden I must carry, and carry alone."

So with that, Anemy tightly gripped her weapon and just walked forward. She Super Jumped ahead, and once she landed some of the troops were catching on and started opening fire. Anemy shielded herself and then flung them back with the force of a wave.

"I am Agent 3." She gazed up as a giant UFO rose from the below. It was the type she had to take down before. An Octarian was always perched up there, launching Ink Strikes.

And then they came down, bombarding fuschia ink down in inkplosions left and right. With every shot and wave of her hand, Anemy used it to navigate through the chaos, wasting any Octarian who got in her way.

She saw it before she started attacking. They were all linked to Spawn Points.

But she would make sure he wasn't.

Just as she got through the chaos, she held up the Hero Charger, hair, eyes, and ink floating around her, shining bright like an orange sun.

"I NEVER WANTED THIS!"

And with that scream she fired a powerful shot up at the UFO piercing through it and sending it falling down to the pit of violet ooze at the bottom.

Anemy stumbled a little, already feeling dizzy, but she was prepared. She had been prepared for the last two years of her life.

"I am a monster…" she muttered. Her eyes fell on the carnage around her, seeing the injured Octarians, the destroyed property, and the orange ink everywhere. "Not an Inkling." She tore some rations from her belt, just as she heard the UFO crashing below. "No. That life has ended." Her eyes were already glowing again, and in just one bite she gulped down the food, feeling the energy pulsing her again like someone had just zapped full of it. Immediately the light was back in her hair, as well. She glared at the reinforcements coming in. Nothing in her path would stop her. Her determination led her this far, and her rage had kept her going.

So, only a single tear ran down from her eye at what she said next… right before she slammed her fist down on the button and activated the HQ's emergency forcefield.

"Anemy Arowana is dead."

Everyone had split up.

Angel and Bass had gone to check Inkopolis Plaza. Oscar and Oliver had gone to check on things at Octo Canyon, while Marie stayed with the old folks who were looking after Vichay. Marina and Pearl were on guard for any intruders or any attempts by Marie or the others to stab them in the back.

Erray and Vichay had gone down to Inkopolis Square. He had never seen the square so dim and empty.

Even before Erray had found out the truth of Anemy, he had known that Anemy was very reclusive. The only other place he could think of was Grizzco Industries.

He hadn't been back since he was fired. It had only been about two days since then, but it already felt like ages ago. To the shock of him and his sister, there wasn't a soul in sight, but it was open. The lights weren't on, the screens in the back of the lobby were just displaying static.

"Guess she's not here…" Vichay said, as they walked in.

"Anemy?" Erray called out. He didn't think she'd respond if she was here, but he still felt the need to. His voice bounced off the empty hallways and walls. One could hear the sound of the air conditioner whirring. "Then, where is everyone?"

"I sent them all home."

The two turned to the bear-shaped radio behind them.

"What are you doing here, Erray?"

"I…" Erray paused for a second. "I was gonna ask you the same thing…" He then realized that Grizz wasn't actually in the building. "Sort of…"

"Tomorrow, Inkopolis will be different," said Mr. Grizz. "We have to prepare for that. But, this company will exist even after what may happen next."

Vichay stared up briefly as the lights flickered.

"There's not gonna be anything that will happen next if Anemy kills Octavio."

"She handed over her resignation this morning. Her friends and I knew about this from the beginning."

"You knew?" said Erray.

"Of course I did," said Mr. Grizz. "I found her when she had nothing. She would've died in that rainstorm if it weren't for me, but they didn't care. All I care about is golden eggs, but at least I'm honest about it. Anemy's business is her business."

Erray crossed her arms. "If that's the case, why did you go to such lengths to keep her safe and happy? Why did you act as her spy?"

Grizz stayed silent for a moment. Then he just chuckled. "So, you figured it out, huh?"

"I mean, now that we know Anemy's actually Agent 3, it was kind of obvious," said Vichay.

"I guess so. But this is what she wanted. How could I stand in the way of what she wants? I've known this since the first day we started working together."

"But…" Despite sounding sincere, Erray could hear the slight disappointment in his voice. "Is that what you want?"

"That doesn't matter," Grizz responded immediately. "She's been working at this for two whole years of her life. Do you want her to just throw it all away?"

"She wouldn't be throwing it away!" said Erray. "She already did so much for Inkopolis. She's saved it twice. This whole town would've been under the influence of Salmonids and Octarians if she didn't show up at the inn! She's saved other people, and I keep hearing that she and Off the Hook saved Saltwater City. She and I went alone to save our fellow employees and we came back with each and every one of us alive. She couldn't save Finn, but she's saved so many others. So… please Mr. Grizz… If you know anything about where she went… please tell me… because…" Erray stopped for a moment, feeling a blush creeping on, but the tears that gathered spurred him forward, "I can't let someone I love give up their future!"

Vichay's jaw dropped slowly. She placed a hand on her brother's back to calm him.

Mr. Grizz didn't respond for what seemed like forever. Erray just stood there, with tears still rising and wiped them away.

"Uh, sorry."

"No." There was Mr. Grizz's reply. "The day Anemy fired you, she told me what would happen after the deed was done. Seeing as it wasn't done, I still assume they met up at this rendezvous, anyway. So, I'd say, check the cliff by Starfish Stop, or check Octo Canyon. After they met up there, they were going to lead an assault there to take out the reinforcements that would have shown after she killed Octo, but I guess you didn't let that happen."

"Starfish Stop…?" said Vichay. "Isn't that a local stop by…"

"Camp Triggerfish!" said Erray. "There has to be a way to get there."

Vichay nodded. "Sure. I'll call Oliver and see how they're doing at the canyon."

The two nodded and ran out after saying their thank-yous to Mr. Grizz. He had been with Anemy for over the past two years, but if by some miracle they could pull Anemy out from the darkness and have her back in one piece, a part of him actually felt like his heart would fly out of his chest.

Somehow, he felt like Erray was the one who actually stood a chance.

There was no need to go to the cliff at Starfish Stop, because Angel and Bass were already there.

It was on the outskirts of Inkopolis and not a long trip from Camp Triggerfish. It was around the same place where Cici was kidnapped. It was the same place where she met Agent 3.

The ink fence, which had mysteriously been set up the last time the two Inklings visited, was no longer generating ink to guard it from the lack of power.

"This it?" said Bass.

"I hope so," said Angel. "If it's truly off it won't shoot us if we try to jump over it."

She was right. They were able to Super Jump over the fence without any opposition. They kept walking, past the trees and grass until they came upon a clearing, surrounded by many beds of flowers, seeming as if they were hand picked, planted and tended to. The path was clear for them as they approached the cliff. Angel laid a hand on her necklace. They stood on the cliff, seeing the Starfish Stop below, saw the ocean and smelled the water in the air.

Still, no sign of Anemy.

Bass sighed, and although he was a little annoyed he just shrugged it off after a deep breath.

"I'm sorry…" Angel then said.

"No, it's okay," said Bass. "This isn't the last pla…"

The Inkling turned to the girl and saw that she wasn't looking at him. She was staring at the stone tablet placed by the edge of the cliff.

"I'm sorry I haven't been the better person you were trying to make me…" Angel continued.

Bass joined her side, but remained silent. His eyes read the markings on it.

Finn Arowana

Brave soul, kind friend, and best brother

"I didn't know what I was thinking back then. I was selfish, and I still am…" said Angel. "I pushed your sister away, when she needed us the most. I… I'm the reason she turned into what she did." And then she brought up her head and looked at Bass. "And, I pushed you away. I'm sorry."

The Inkling boy sighed. He folded his arms behind his head. "Better you realize that late than never, I guess." Then he lowered them. "But, I guess I'm not better. You told me to leave, and I did. I listened and did whatever I was told. So, when he was gone… I didn't know what to do… or say… So, I didn't say anything."

"Well, what do you think, now?" said Angel.

"I think…" He could barely bear to look at the grave. Despite their lack of being able to visit, it looked like Anemy had taken good care to upkeep it. She wouldn't be able to do that once Octavio was dead. "I think he'd want Anemy to be happy. Us, too."

"Maybe… we could help her do that…" said Angel. "For him?"

"Maybe…" said Bass. "If… she'll let us."

Then Bass' phone went off. How the shell did Oliver have his phone number?

"Yeah?" Bass asked upon answering it. "What?! Octo Canyon?!"

As soon as they received the call they started to head back. Little did they know, they were being watched.

Oliver shot down a sniper with a charger of his. That's when Oscar leapt forward, and swung ink on some bombers. He jumped as some of the Splat Bombs went off as they continued their fight in the rocky formations around Cephalon HQ.

"You two okay?"

The brothers saw Erray, wearing his Splatoon gear with Vichay, who was wearing the one Marie gave her, behind him.

"Be careful!" said Oliver. "He gestured ahead to the giant barrier guarding Cephalon HQ. It was pink and sparkling, but there was no way anyone was getting in or out. The drones that were flying to keep the barrier up were on the inside, which obviously, was smart.

"What is this?" said Vichay.

"The HQ had an emergency defense in case things got too dire," said Oliver. "It doesn't hold long, but it looks like since the general still has the Great Zapfish, it's able to stay up longer."

While the group was standing on a rock in the shape of a giant tentacle, Erray was close enough to the barrier. Upon laying a hand on it he felt a smooth mass holding him back from going through.

"Oliver! Oscar!"

The Octolings could hear the voice of their leader through their headsets. Erray heard her, too, but for the moment, kept his mouth shut. Vichay had the same idea, because she covered his mouth.

"Boss?" said Oscar.

"Anemy where are you?" said Oliver.

"Why are you here?" said Anemy. "Leave! I'm finishing the mission. Only I can do it! I am one life! Once it's over the world can go think that I'm dead for all I care, but you two and the others deserve to live your lives. The same goes for you, 4."

Erray gasped. So she knew he was there, but still, he said nothing.

"But Ane… Boss," Oscar then pleaded. "We'll miss you."

"We both knew where this was going from the beginning."

"But you said we'd do this together!" The Octoling's small hands formed fists. "I don't care if the world hates us as long as we're with you!"

"Oscar…" Oliver put his arms on his brother.

"Oliver, it seems you must help Oscar carry out what he may not be able to. I, as Agent 3, give you and Off the Hook one final order: Disregard my safety. And leave me be. Live your lives, and I will live mine. This is goodbye."

"No, wait!" said Oscar. "Anemy, please! Please!" But when he got no answer, the boy began to shake. He covered his eyes and began to cry. "Please… come back."

Erray glared and slammed his fists on the barrier, despite knowing it would have no effect.

"We gotta do something!" he grumbled.

Oliver walked over to his brother holding him gently while he cried. "There's nothing to do."

"What?"

"If we leave the barrier up, Anemy will complete the mission." Hearing those words just made Oscar cry harder. "We will get what we came for."

"You can't be serious!" said Vichay. "I don't know how you can respect someone who just made a child cry."

"I don't want her to go…" Oscar then whimpered.

Oliver sighed. He tried to blink away tears, but Vichay could see them on the corner of his eyes. "I know. But this isn't our choice."

Erray was just thinking. They were so close, but there was literally something blocking their way. If Oliver wasn't going to try, then neither was Marina.

"We have to turn this off!" Vichay yelled.

"And I told you she made her choice!" said Oliver. "Will you not respect that?!"

But he couldn't just quit. They had come this far, and he wasn't going to let her go! She never gave up on him, so he won't either.

"Jade…" Erray then whispered under his breath. He listened as his sister and Oliver argued amongst one another. Oscar's sobs were constant noises among their shouts. "Oliver, we have to get through!"

"Erray…"

"You don't want her to go either!" the Inkling boy said.

"And you want me, one of her most loyal friends, to shatter the one desire she's wanted for the past two years?!"

"That's your grandfather!"

"And he's a murderer!"

"I won't let her risk her life!"

"And she wouldn't want you to risk yours!"

"I WON'T LET HER THROW AWAY HER ENTIRE FUTURE!"

Erray was shaking. His hair almost turned blue and glowed. The tears escaped his eyes, but he just managed to hold his powers back. He didn't want to hurt Oliver or Oscar, let alone his own sister.

"Erray…" Vichay only said.

"I… Anemy is free to do the things she's wants, but listen! So, am I! That's what you said when you left your home, isn't it!"

"This is different!"

"How is this different?!" He pointed at the Octarian with an accusatory finger. "This is exactly what you'd do if you were still in the Octarian Army!"

Oliver's eyes glanced at the floor, briefly. The tears fell, and held his sobbing brother tighter.

"I don't care if Anemy wants revenge! I don't want her to do this! I don't care who hates her! If Bass and Angel, or even the entire world says it's a mistake to love her, I'll fight the whole world! It doesn't matter! A world without Anemy… without my family…"

"Erray…"

"Is one that I just can't bear!"

Oliver blinked slowly. If he heard correctly, Erray considered Anemy family.

"So, help me get through this barrier, or stay here and follow orders like you did back then." Erray sniffled and wiped his eyes. "And I'll find someone who will."

Oliver shook. He held his brother by his shoulders, and thumbed away the tears. Oscar still shook from the sobs. Then, Oliver looked at Erray.

"Where's Jade?"

Angel and Bass never made it to the Canyon.

A phone was lying on the grass. On it, the voice of Marie could be heard, but then it was stepped on by an Octoling, who was marching through the forest with other Octarians.

Meanwhile, Angel was hiding behind a tree, with Bass clutching his injured arm next to her...