Chapter 21

Inkopolis Square…

Sylvia and I were walking to the Crust Bucket.

"So when did your other friends see your eyes?" Sylvia asked.

"R-remember the first night of the tournament when Guyver and I almost….you know…?" I reminded her. "And I…you know…?"

"Oh…" She remembered. "That's when?"

"Yeah, George's sisters insisted on wiping my face off." I told her. "I-I didn't want them to at first, but they were persistent and I eventually gave in. They didn't seem to care though. They were clearly more concerned with my well-being than my eyes."

"Well, yeah!" Sylvia responded. "I mean, I would be! I mean, who was the guy who tried killing you, anyway?"

"I…I never found out who that guy was…" I answered. "...Honestly…I don't want to think about him anymore…"

"Well, hopefully things will get better for you now." She hoped.

"Well, I don't have to feel so scared now." I admitted. "I think at last I can finally relax and enjoy life here."

"Good to hear, private!" Her army girl attitude was back. "Now let's move out to the Crust Bucket!"

"Yeah!" I agreed.

We decided to spend a few minutes on our phones, waiting for Sarah and Guyver. We then got a text from Sarah saying that she'll be a little late.

"Splatoon stuff?" I asked Sylvia.

"Oh, for sure." She nodded.

We let Sarah know it was okay.

"Hopefully I have enough food tickets in my wallet." Sylvia was rummaging through it.

"I can probably help you get food for free just this once." I told her. "I am an employee."

"Oh yeah…" She remembered I mentioned that at some point last week. "And Sean's just fine with you going to the tournament?"

"Yeah, he was pretty self-sustained before I joined, so he should be fine." I told her. "I actually have until the tournament's over off."

"Neat!" She remarked. "Well, more free time now since we lost. Man, those squids were tough."

"Yeah..." I agreed. "But...we'll beat them next year, right?"

"Is that...?" She looked at me. "Are you setting a goal for yourself? Being determined?"

"Well...I guess so." I replied. "Yeah! We'll beat them next year!"

"That's the spirit, soldier!" She cheered. "And I have the perfect exercises planned! By the time we're done, we won't even need ability slots!"

We both laughed at that bluff.

At that point, we were just messing with our phones. We were waiting for a little longer when-

"Hey, little man!" George walked over.

"Hi, George!" I waved.

"Oh, so this is George?" Sylvia asked. "He seems fresh."

"Thanks!" George shook her hand. "I heard what happened. Sorry, man."

"Eh, it's fine." I told him. "We were just against some really tough squids."

"Yeah, you were…" He remarked.

"We'll totally beat them next year though." I boasted.

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow. "I'd really like to see that."

"Oh, we'll give you a show!" I told him. "Those creeps won't know what hit 'em!"

"You better train hard, then." He told me. "Oh, by the way, I think I have some good news…"

"What?" I was curious.

He leaned closer and urged me to as well.

"Oh, I wanna hear too!" Sylvia leaned in.

"Kay." He didn't seem to care. "…Tim, I think I found you a DJ. One who seems skilled and experienced."

"Really?!" I was amazed to hear.

"Why was that lean-in-close worthy?" Sylvia asked.

"Because he's in an area that seems off limits." George stated. "I followed Guyver, wondering where you went, and he dove down this manhole next to the Ammo Knights. I dove in after him and was in a completely different place. I found him and Sarah next to this DJ in a snowglobe."

"That's interesting." Sylvia remarked.

"Let's go now!" I said.

"Hold on," George stopped me. "I told you that's a place that's off limits. I suggest going early in the morning."

"Uh...wait…couldn't I get arrested?" I was hesitant.

"Sarah and Guyver are allowed there, so I see no reason why you can't be." He said. "I mean, you're already bending the rules by being in the tournament, so I don't see why you can't try it out."

"Y-you sure?" I asked.

"You may only get this chance to talk to him." He said.

Yeah…I should…

"I-I will!" I replied.

"Yeah, follow your dreams, little man." He clapped.

"Hey, can I come too?" Sylvia said. "I wanna see this moment for myself!"

"Okay." I agreed.

"Hey Tim, we're back!" Sarah was running over to them with Guyver in tow.

"Hey, guys!" Sylvia waved.

"Well, I just wanted to say good job on the Tournament!" George patted Tim on the back. "Even if you didn't win, I congratulate you for getting as far as you did."

"Thanks, George!" I grinned.

"Well, I'd love to stay, but I've got things to get to." George turned to leave. "See ya later!"

"Bye!" I waved.

Huh…he walked back into Deca Tower…He must be watching the Tournament or something.

"So he's your friend?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah, I'm staying with him and his sisters now." I explained. "My old roommates were…kind of much."

"Well, at least he seems friendly." Sarah said.

"Yeah, Tim's in good hands." Guyver remarked.

"Well, what are we waiting for, recruits?" Sylvia asked. "Tell me what you're looking to eat!"

"Yeah!" We cheered in unison.

After a short while, Sylvia and I decided to head out while Sarah and Guyver went back to watch the tournament.

"So, tomorrow at 10:00?" Sylvia asked.

"Hmmm…that may be a little late…" I said. "I say 8:00."

"8:00?!" She sounded shocked. "…Well…okay. I can get up outrageously early for a day. I'll just go to bed early. See ya!"

"See ya!" I waved her goodbye.

…

8:00 is early, but not outrageously so…well, mom did say squids were lazy…

I superjumped away, landing on a building.

I couldn't believe it. I knew where to find a DJ to teach me, I don't have to live in fear in this city anymore, and I have friends to hang out with. Things are looking up for me.

"Can't you leave us alone?" I heard a voice in an alleyway below me shout.

I looked down to find some squids cornering some Octolings…did they know what they were?

I leaned in closer.

"We just want to ask a few questions." One squid said. "For one, why are Octolings in Inkopolis?"

"Y-you know we're Octolings?" One Octoling was surprised.

"Answer the question!" The squid said. "Are you here to steal from us? To invade us? Why?!"

"We aren't here to cause any trouble!" Another Octoling shouted.

"Sure you aren't." The squid rolled his eyes. "Careful guys, Octolings can be good liars. Trust me, I know...Maybe we should beat the truth out of you."

I've had enough of this…

I wish I could…wait…do I still have…Yes!

I pulled out one of the special cans Ivan gave me.

I looked down, then at the can, then back down.

I found myself smiling and chuckling a bit. I believe this was called a 'devious smile.'

I jumped off and opened the can. I found myself transformed into a giant octopus.

I landed behind the Octolings.

I made an intimidating stance.

The Inklings looked at me in pure shock, then started running.

"R-retreat!" One squid yelled out.

"Greg, what is that thing?" Another yelled.

"Don't wanna know! Just run!" The one I guess was Greg shouted.

Who were whose guys?

The Octolings then turned around to see what scared them off. I looked down at them, expecting thanks, but instead their jaws dropped and they ran away.

What was that about?

I looked at a window.

Oh…

My goggles usually stay on when I transform, but that didn't seem to be the case with this form…

I then transformed back.

I…guess I'll keep the goggles on for a while after all…

Well…back to George's apartment for now.

I've got a DJ to meet…