The man sat on his luxurious office chair and lays his elbows on the desk. He also folds his hands and leans his chin on them. After a loud sigh, he starts talking while looking at me. I decided to sat down on my seat and Hunley did the same, on his seat.
"That house… usually it was rather cheerful with those kids playing around… and that woman preparing those fresh meals… … I-I didn't expect to see it, so empty…"
"You called for help, didn't you?"
"Yes… I called my agents to help me, find Hun's parents… but we found you, behind that wall… and suddenly, you ran away."
Of course I would ran: I don't trust strangers using unrecognizable black trucks.
"Later, two agents that were chasing you, called me on the phone. They reported you were under hypnosis… and from there, I understood that it was my chance to finally get you."
"Yes, plausible. I didn't believe that excuse about this mysterious friend: if this supposed person would test me, being kidnapped would prove my uselessness."
"UUUGGHHH!" He lays his left hand on his heart. "C-correct, once again… however, something unexpected happened."
"What happened, Mr. Tarfo?"
"Your friends's arrival."
Right...! They used one of my notes, to have a reason for reaching Hunley's house.
"I remember that you hang out with those kids, all the time… t-they would get suspicious, if you disappeared so suddenly."
Uhm… he thought, that I was with my friends, at the time. I can understand such mistake: I still don't remember why I didn't call them on the phone, before my departure.
"So… I got an idea! A brilliant one! I recently got news, from my agents, that a female baby Squid was found alone in a town's house. While your friends were looking for you, I ordered to take the baby and bring her inside Hun's home. I also ordered to bring you there. Everything proceeded smoothly: we prepared the note, the clothes around the baby and I was about to take you away… but then, a foolish agent unintentionally ordered you, to act like a wild seaboar."
… TO ACT LIKE A SEABOAR?!
"You managed to evade us and disappear in the forest. We heard your friends coming back… we had no choice, but to evacuate the area. I decided to get back inside my residence, while my agents were looking around for you… and they spent an entire night, trying to do so."
"But they failed, since I woke up in the forest and found my way out."
"G-grrrr… I-I still can't believe, you managed to remember those events!" He shakes his head, while looking down.
END CONFRONTATION.
"Of course I would. My mind is perfect, Mr. Tarfo. Able to remember any crucial details, in order to accomplish any mission, with pure perfection." I smiled: I really deserve this moment.
Clap clap clap.
"Brava! Brava!" H-Hunley said… … s-stop with t-that clapping!
"Perfect you say…"
Huh? I heard someone… did Mr. Tarfo say something?
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, nothing special… just I was amazed by your perfect performance."
… he said that with a smile…
"I was clearly a fool, trying to challenge you, Miss Hanache, in an intellectual fight. I couldn't possibly win, against such skillful, cunning and overall perfect girl."
… hmpf, laughable attempt.
"Mr. Tarfo, do you seriously suggest that I'd be affected this easily, by a collection of fancy words?"
"Ha ha ha ha ha!" H-he claps? "Good eye! It surely appears like a mental manipulation act, isn't it?"
"… your point?"
"My point? I thought that your perfect genius would already guess, the meaning behind my statements." He flips his pen around.
Uhm… him being this transparent is certainly not a good thing, at all…
"I think it's time to show my cards, Miss Hanache…" He shrugs.
C-cards?! H-he has a secret weapon up on his sleeve?!
"S-so, you are admitting your crimes?!"
"Hardly. I was saying the truth, before…"
"… you really underestimate me?"
"Yes! I thought you'd be a typical young girl, easily corrupted by the charm of a man…" He raises his right palm, like he's acting.
"Unfortunately for you, I'm beyond any stereotypical female you see everyday… capable of crushing any male expectations with ease."
"And that's why, I was trying to come up with a plan, to make you work for my glorious company!" He opened his arms.
"So… you really admit that you wanted to seduce me, before… you wanted to brainwash me, so I'd be your slave!"
"Slave? It'd be rather rude, calling a beautiful lady like you, with such primitive word… how about agent?"
"It's the same! I'll never work for a selfish, brutal man like you!"
"… or would you?" H-he grins?
"… w-why that question? Nothing will make that happen!"
I'll never be one of his agents! I… … wait a minute… agent? …
"However… I did meet two agents, trying to save Hunley… were those working for you?"
"Oh yes. Agent 1 and 2. They told me, about you… your clever performance was the reason, why I wanted to examine you more… and look! My effort paid me, greatly." … h-he chuckles…
… n-no… i-it can't be… … I-I understand now h-his r-real job…
"… thanks to this information, I finally know your role in this vicissitude, Mr. Tarfo."
"Hmm?" He starts frowning: I believe he's not fully aware of my previous phrase.
"Your company, Mr. Tarfo… is not other than the Inkopolis Security Team."
The man stood silent, while bending slightly his pen.
"Your agents told me about it, some days ago. Also, my brother said to me vague hints about them: like the Inkopolis police, the fireman department and such… they are all agen"
SNAP!
… Mr. Tarfo broke his pen in half: black ink was scattered around the desk and on his hands.
"… congratulations, you found me." He took a handkerchief and cleans his hands and desk.
"I-impossible!" I stood up. "I thought that the team was at the service of our government!"
"No… they didn't want additional costs, to sustain… so they made me the law, essentially."
Additional costs?! We still have to deal with outrageous taxes to pay! … b-but t-that's why Mr. Tarfo was so sure of himself, at the end…
"Of course, I didn't wish to let you and your brother know about this… I thought to being able to keep that confidential information sealed… but alas, you can't win them all. It even happens to me…"
"Y-you… you never wanted to say anything about you and your company, in the first place!"
"Naturally. Because if I do, we will be both out of the main game…"
D-despite the fact, he's the law… h-he can still lose his life?! I-I can't believe the situation I'm seeing! W-what kind of city is Inkopolis?!
"So, if you really care so much about your tentacles, I suggest you stop snooping more in unrelated matter."
G-grrrr… n-nooo… I-I can't do a-anything against s-someone that's t-the judiciary leader! N-not even my brother…
"To think, that I prepared the perfect speech for your older brother: he'd quickly understand to drop his defensive position."
"B-but this is insane! M-madness! Th-the rumors were true! The people must know about this!"
"… please, don't waste yourself already. You have so much potentials…"
Nnngghh! C-curses! M-maybe I shouldn't say that, out loud…
"And besides, why are you acting like I'm doing despicable things…?"
…
"I'm a generous soul, despite my… mighty appearance. I have a lot of respect, for anyone that demonstrate a particular strength in front of my eyes..." He folds his hands.
"… th-the deal…"
"Exactly." He shows his sharp teeth. "I have great projects for you and your humble friend…"
"W-what projects?!"
"… you really want to know?"
"Yes! Tell me!"
"All right… after you deliberately choose to work for me."
"HUH?!"
He laughs loudly.
"I know you now, Miss Hanache. Using manipulation is useless… so I'm going to treat you, with seriousness. I'm sure you'll appreciate it, immensely."
"… I don't see how this is supposed to be any serious."
Mr. Tarfo looks at me, for a while… then he took a gold box, opens it and took a large, brown cigar which he immediately puts in his mouth. After closing the box, the man takes a lighter from his pocket and lights that infernal thing, with it. He inhales the cigar and exhales a big puff of smoke.
"… Hun, I have a message for you."
Hunley expanded his eyes, while opening his mouth. He was looking at Mr. Tarfo, taking another shot.
"From tomorrow, you'll be transferred."
"WHAAATT?!" We both said.
"Yes, the papers are ready to be sent to the government. You'll start your training session, soon." He exhales another big puff of smoke.
"W-why he has to be transferred, Mr. Tarfo?!"
"Easy. It's all because of his job, Miss Hanache. Unfortunately, I can't reveal all the details… unless you decide to work for me."
H-he's going to take Hunley away from me, like this?! NO! I'll not let him, accomplish such objective!
"How can I be so sure, about your words?! After all those manipulation speeches you said?!"
The man inhales again from the cigar and exhales smoke.
"… being the law, young lady, allow me to have many friends…"
Friends? More like, corrupted people!
"… even at the hospital department."
…
"Hun, did you tell your friend about that medical treatment, you received?"
… medical treatment? … H-Hunley is looking at me, like he's seeing a ghost.
"H-hey! That's true! I remember someone saying that! I… I also remember that they mentioned about me, being extremely lucky…"
"Because you were dying." Mr. Tarfo inhales from his cigar.
"H-HE WAS DYING?!"
The man exhales smoke, again.
"Yes. A dear friend told me immediately, about his situation. I didn't hesitate ordering him, to save his life." He lays his cigar on the decorated ashtray: finally!
… s-still… M-Mr. Tarfo s-saved Hunley?
"I… I-I didn't know…"
"Hmpf. If there's one thing, I hate the most… is seeing the youth shut down, like nothing. I always look forward, for the newest generation."
"Did you remove his disease too?"
"No, that's something I can't achieve with my friends alone… only money would do."
"But you're rich! You could save 3 persons affected and still continue your luxurious life!"
"Miss Hanache… I can confirm, that I'm no way rich."
"W-what the?!" N-no… h-he must be lying!
"Once again, I can't tell you more. Not even if you are an agent. Please, understand my situation…" He bowed in front of me.
… d-despite his previous lies… h-he still saved Hunley… …
"… Mr. Tarfo…"
"Yes?"
"Can Hunley be truly cured…?"
"It depends from his performance, demonstrated on his job… in other words, the government itself has the last word, on his fate."
The government?! T-those monsters! THEY ARE TREATING AN INNOCENT BOY, LIKE HE'S JUST A SOULESS COLLECTION OF INK!
"However, if he receives help… his chances of surviving will increase visibly." He grins.
"What kind of help, exactly?"
"You and Hun will form a team and help each other. Your combined efforts will surely impress my best friends and in no time, the boy is going to live as long as this world could."
… should I really join, in this company? Being directed by those corrupted politics? …
"Oh… before I forget."
Sigh… now what?
"If you decide to work for me… then you're going to lose your entire school progress."
…
"I know, I know… it may sound hard at first, but I can guarantee that you'd"
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?! L-LOSING EVERYTHING I DID THERE?!"
"Wait, Miss Hanache! Let me explain… it's because you are going to be transferred too, just like Hun. And like him, you'll follow a private school and be properly educated."
"B-but… m-my score…"
HE SHRUGS IN FRONT OF THAT?!
"The problem isn't the score, at the end…"
Once you accept this job, you'll never have any chance to develop an independent career. Not even the most insignificant one.
…
"In other words, you'll work for the Inkopolis Security Team… forever."
…
"This is the true disadvantage of this whole deal. Now… I believe we wasted too much time, with this discussion… it's time to reach an agreement, Miss Hanache." … he watches his pocket watch… covered with tiny pieces of diamonds…
…
"So… what would you choose? Your probably perfect career… or your simple friend?"
…
-inside Mirii's thoughts-
Mirii? Can you hear me? This is yourself, speaking. Your true self. Do I really need to remind you, something rather obvious? YOU'RE PERFECT! Yes, that's right! You're the perfect girl, soon to start the only legendary career in all Inkopolis! Only, because no other one is going to be capable of such difficult task.
What me and mom always taught you? To aim for the highest peaks! You belong at the top, Mirii… you are born to be absolutely perfect. And you know it, very well! Being perfect is the best wish, anyone could ask… imagine everyone under your feet, for example! No one will dare to challenge the incarnation of perfection… hey, it even rhymes rather well!
With perfection, it comes also an infinite confidence! Do you remember your first times? You were scared of your own shadow! You couldn't even read or talk properly… but thanks to mom, you overcome every single weak moments! If she was here right now, you'd be hugging and praise her for the awesome mother, she's!
And do I even need to mention your own brother? Just look at him! So happy and cheerful, with his job… no wait, that sounded WRONG! SCRATCH THAT! Ahem… well, he's so perfect with his job… yes! He's the best lawyer in the world! Your perfect brother… he really deserves to see, a perfect sister!
Oh… and how about… a perfect daughter? Yes! Your father! He's watching you, right now… and he's waiting the moment, where you'll truly reach perfection! You don't want to disappoint him, right? I mean… that's the only thing you can do for him… …
No, no, NO! HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE TO TELL YOU?! You're perfect! You are not suppose to be sad! Why you keep forgetting the lessons, mom gladly taught?! She put so much dedication and care... did you already forget, the reasons why emotions are bad for you?!
So, you better refuse that ridiculous offer! Say no, Mirii! Let's not waste any more time, following this imbecile, idiotic, moronic... … Hunley… … I… … I don't want to leave him… he's my… true friend… … NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOU NINCOMPOOP?!
SAY NO! NOW! ... I… I-I can't… I c-can't leave him behind… n-not after w-what he did for me… … WAIT, WHAT HE DID FOR YOU?! NOTHING! STOP ACTING LIKE A SPOILED BRAT! … h-he made me smile… a-and he let me live m-more… I… I enjoy s-staying near him…
STOP THIS, MIRII! ARE YOU CRAZY?! YOU CAN'T TRASH AWAY, THE PERFECTIONISM LIKE THIS! IT GIVES YOU EVERYTHING YOU COULD POSSIBLY IMAGINE! EVERYTHING! REALLY, TRY TO TELL ME JUST ONE THING, THIS PERFECT WAY OF LIFE CAN'T NEVER ACHIEVE! I dare you…
… Hunley… c-can perfectionism give me, Hunley…? NOOOOO! STOP THINKING ABOUT HIM! HE'S USELESS! PERFECTION IS SO MUCH BETTER! … how is perfection better, exactly…? … why I'm even following this…? What good things I obtained, with perfectionism…?
… I wanted to save Hunley, with my perfect powers… and yet… they couldn't even save myself… or keeping my dignity up… … d-did I ever reached perfection, once? Does it even exist…? Do I really care about perfectionism…?
… YES, YES, YOU CARE! YOU'RE PERFECT! SAY NO, MIRII! SAY NOOOOOOOOO!
-out of Mirii's thoughts-
…
"M-Mirii? P-please, look at me! I-I don't like that look, y-you're doing…"
…
"Uhm… it appears that this decision is much harder, than I originally thought…"
"Mirii…"
"All right: I have a better idea. I'll grant you some time, to think very carefully about this. It's fine for you, to give me an answer, tomorrow? Right before Hun is going to be transferred?"
…
"… I'll take that silence, as a yes!"
…
"Very well, our little meeting ends here. Now you can go back, in the wild. Oh and don't tell anyone, about the facts and arguments… you don't want to create any big trouble, right?"
…
"Let's go, Hunley…"
"… ok…"
"Mr. Tarfo… we'll meet again, tomorrow…"
"Naturally! Have a nice day!"
…
You ruined it, Mr. Tarfo.