For those who have lost someone they love, I hear you.

Chapter Two

Five Years Later

(Inkopolis Park)

Chloe sat in front of an Inkling girl who was looking at the ground. "So how did it go?" The girl faced her. "We had a nice dinner, talked about all sorts of stuff, like how

much we both admired Craig Cuttlefish while he was alive. Then the salads got there, and he started crying." Chloe nodded. "What about you?" The girl looked at the

ground again. "I cried right at dessert..." Chloe sighed, and said, "But you're seeing him again?" She nodded. "Tonight. After dinner, we might go see a movie."Chloe

nodded. "You're moving on. Good. It'll help with the loss of your brother." The girl nodded, then looked at Chloe. "You're pretty good at this." Chloe shrugged.

"Counseling was the only job I could find that interested me. Same time next week?" The girl nodded. With that done, Chloe walked home.

(Southern Inkopolis, residential district)

Clair looked at the bill in her hand. It was the last one they had to pay off for this year, and they were very close to paying it off. Catherine had become a gym teacher

at a school, Carly and Carla both got jobs at Mako Mart, Cynthia was hired by the Squid Sisters as a stand attendant during concerts and tours, and Casey worked at a

gas station. Chloe had gone into counseling. As for Clair, her manager had resigned shortly after she and the others found Cass, so the position had been given to her.

Looking at her new home, Clair sighed. 'It feels empty without Cass...'

Chloe walked in the house, then. "How close are we?" Clair faced her. "600." Chloe whistled. "That's not bad." Clair sighed. "I just wish Cass was here..." Chloe

nodded. "I keep telling people they should move on, but we never do. She did the right thing, though." Clair shot her a look. "If you're telling me to look on the bright

side, then I'm about to hit you in the head with a sandwich." Chloe put her hands up defensively. "Sorry." She sat down. "Have you heard from Sarah lately?" Clair

nodded. "She enrolled in Inkblot Art Academy last month."

As she said that, a knock came on the door. Clair looked at her sister. "Did you invite someone?" Chloe shook her head. Sitting up, Clair walked to the door, and found

Sarah looking around. Clair opened the door. "Sarah?" She seemed excited about something. "Can I come in? I have something to show you." Clair nodded. Inside,

Sarah held up a small package. "What's that?" Sarah faced her. "Something I thought I'd never see again." She opened it, revealing the Time Stone. Clair was

shocked. "W-Where did you find it?!" Sarah looked at it. "Octo Canyon. I went there last night to think about the days of the NSS. Found it in Cuttlefish Cabin."

Clair looked at Chloe. "Did you save it?" Chloe nodded. Sarah faced her. "Save what?" The Octoling looked at her. "The Gauntlet. We kept it because it was all we had

left of Cass. If we can find out where the rest of the Stones are, we can bring her back." Sarah sighed. "I would have no problem with it, but you'll need help. And I

haven't heard from Liz and Greg since the NSS was disbanded." Clair faced her. "That may be true, but we know where Scott is. He might know where they are.

Cynthia works for the Squid Sisters, so we can arrange a meeting with her. They can get in touch with Off the Hook. It's Mei we don't know about."

Sarah faced her. "Oh, she works at a spa a couple blocks down the street. Guyver's her cousin, remember?" Clair nodded. "We'll call the rest of C Group. You get in

touch with who you can. Today, the NSS is reborn."

A/N

A chance to bring Cass back. One of the Stones has been found. The NSS has a new purpose.