Chapter 27

Later…

A melody…

A heavenly melody…

"Wow!" I got into the groove. "What song is this?!"

"It's a Squid Sisters song." Octavio told me, looking not happy at all.

"What happened?" I asked. "I remember listening to this great music, and I couldn't think straight…I don't remember much…"

"Let's just say you listened to somethin' ya...shouldn't've yet..." He said. "It'll be fine now…"

He looked upset.

"Um…how about we play some music?" I suggested.

"A'ight!" He instantly cheered up. "Let's teach ya how to knock their socks off!"

He did a pose where he crossed his arms.

"R-right!" I imitated said pose.

The Next Day…

Phew!

10:30. I slept in a bit.

Well, time to learn more about how to make music as well as the finer details on working with flying saucers!

Not…quite sure what that last bit has to do with music, but he always says he's teaching me about more than just music, so…

Oh…Crusty Sean replied to my text.

CoolStation: Sorry to hear you're leaving, but I understand. I wish you luck on your future careers!

CoolStation: I also sent you some free meal tickets in the mail. Consider it a bonus!

Sean's a nice guy. I'll be sure to visit him sometime.

Oh, Mom texted me.

Mom: Hi son! How's work?

MusicLovR: Hey! Got a new job.

Mom: Oh? Where?

MusicLovR: Grizzco

Mom: What do you do there?

MusicLovR: Take a boat ride and collect fish eggs.

Mom: A boat ride? Nothing dangerous, right?

MusicLovR: Only if I'm not careful. Which I always am. I got a bonus last time!

Mom: Oh, that's wonderful! Glad you like it!

MusicLovR: Thanks! :)

Mom: Oh, you've hung out with Sarah and Otis, right?

MusicLovR: Actually, just Sarah. I need to meet Otis though.

Mom: Oh, well when you do, can you tell them both that we're coming to visit soon?

MusicLovR: You are?

Mom: Couldn't stay away from my boy for too long! Especially when your B-Day is coming up! :)

MusicLovR: Cool! Well, I'll tell them when I get the chance. See you soon!

Mom: Love you!

MusicLovR: Love you too mom.

Mom: XOXOXO

MusicLovR: Mooooooooom!

Mom: LOL

I put my phone away. I need to add her number to the goggles too.

I then got another text. It was from Guyver.

9: Hey Tim! Can you to the subway next to the Square? Got a surprise for you.

MusicLovR: K

A surprise? Well, guess I'll check it out…

Inkopolis Square…

Alright, the square…wonder what the surprise is…

Down to the subway…

Okay, what's the surprise?

"Put it to the test, my rappin's the best!" A familiar voice started rapping. "All Y'all can bet I don't even break a sweat! Doubt my charm and I'll deal you harm! Write it in the book that I'm Off the Hook!"

It was Pearl in what looked like casual clothes. Oversized hoodie and everything. Well, as casual as it could be with all the unnecessary jewelry and crown.

"Hey Pearl!" I got excited. "Remember me? You signed my shirt once."

"Yeah, I do!" She nodded her head.

"I still have it!" I lifted my hoodie slightly to show I was actually wearing it right now.

"Well, how about I finish the autograph?" A voice behind me asked.

I turned to see it was Marina wearing jeans, a crop top, and headband.

"Uh…uh…y-yeah…" I stuck my shirt out.

She pulled out a marker and signed it right next to Pearl's name.

"Now it's worth double!" Pearl shouted. "But this time, you won't need me to die in a drive-by splatting to get a DJ!"

"Why would he…?" Marina didn't understand the comment. "Never mind…"

"So…w-why are you two here?" I asked, nervously.

"Guyver told me you got inspired to be a musician after seeing us perform," Marina told me. "Thought I'd give you a few pointers."

"You mean he wasn't bluffing?!" I was surprised to hear.

"Nope!" Pearl said. "He knows us and we know him!"

"How?" I wondered.

"That…" Pearl put a finger to her lips. "It a secret to everyone."

"Makes sense…" I shrugged. "We all have secrets."

"Well, since I heard you were so passionate about music," Marina put her hand on my shoulder. "We figured we'd take you to my place to see the process, get some pointers, you know, the works."

"O-okay…" I agreed.

"Great!" Pearl gave me a hard pat on the back. "Trust me, kid. Reena's the best at what she does!"

I nodded my head.

Later…

We soon got to Marina's place. It was definitely much smaller than Pearl's place if what those interview pics I've seen were accurate. I still can't believe I'm hanging out with Off the Hook…this is the best day ever!

"Sorry if the place is a mess, Tim." Marina said as we entered. I've been working a lot lately."

"Geez, how many song sheets were you writing?" Pearl asked. "Take a break before you splat yourself."

"I don't mind." I shrugged. "You can-um…learn a lot about an Octopus from the mess she makes."

"What does that mean?" Marina tilted her head.

"I…I don't know…" I shyly admitted. "I just thought it'd sound cool."

"Get some experience before you make cool quotes." Pearl advised me. "Then they'll sound better."

"So what do I learn first?" I asked.

"Well, if you want to be a proper Turntablist, you need to learn how to use the equipment." She told me as she led us into a room with said equipment.

"Woah…" I looked around. "It looks like the stuff I bought, but…better…"

"That's whatcha get when ya got money." Pearl shrugged. "I mean, I bought half of this stuff for her, but she'd modify it a ton usin' her own budget."

I just looked around at all the stuff. Good thing I've been practicing with Octavio because I actually recognized most of these parts.

"Now…" Marina took a seat. "Let's get to it!"

Even Later…

"You're catching on quick, Octim." Marina complimented.

"Yeah, watch your back, Reena," Pearl warned. "He might be gunnin' for your job in the future."

"Ha, you wouldn't replace me!" Marina chuckled. "Um…right?"

"Well kid, now that you've had your lesson," Pearl got up. "Let's get some grub! I'm starving!"

"Me too!" I agreed.

"Okay then," Marina agreed. "My treat!"

Ten Minutes Later…

We ended up going to a nearby burger joint.

"Thanks for the meal, Marina." I said. "A-and the lessons."

"You're welcome!" She smiled. "It's great to see we inspired someone to get into music! Must mean we're really going places, huh Pearl?"

"Mf…mwasha shay?" Pearl had food in her mouth.

"Pearlie…don't talk with your mouth full…" Marina sighed.

"Ur nodda bosha me!" Pearl then swallowed. "Hey, you think I can rap with my mouth full?"

"Please don't…" Marina begged.

"Yeah, I'd rather you not…" I agreed.

"Fiiiiine." Pearl groaned.

After a while, we waved each other goodbye for the day. Marina said she'd call when she could give me another lesson.

Wow. I got to hang out with Off the Hook. Wait, I already geeked out about that...

Still, best day ever…

Inkopolis Plaza…

I soon returned to the Plaza after noticing I got several texts from Octavio.

I entered the training room and he wasn't happy.

"Where've ya been, boy?!" He asked. "I've been callin' ya all day!"

"S-sorry…" I walked over to him. "Got a chance to hang out with stars and I took it."

"…Understandable." He shrugged. "Which ones?"

"Marina and Pearl from Off the Hook!" I told him.

"Marina Ida?!" His expression changed. "That ingrate?!"

"Ingrate?" I was confused. "You knew her?"

"Knew her?" He looked at me. "She was on my Wasabi Supply Unit! She denies it, but I know she got the DJ career idea from me!"

Was that true?

"Huh…she didn't mention you…" I noted. "When I talked to her about being a star, she said she was inspired by the Squid Sisters."

"They never mention me!" He turned away and groaned. "It's always 'Squid Sisters this' and 'Squid Sisters that'! I'm the biggest star in Octarian society and none of those ingrates ever credits me…"

Really? Why not?

Hmm…

"…I'll credit you…" I said.

"Hm?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I said I'll credit you." I told him. "I-if I ever become a big star or something…I'll credit you. You've been teaching me after all, so it's the least I can do…"

He looked at me with a surprised expression before going to a nonchalant one. He then put a tentacle on my head.

"I like you, kid." He said. "How 'bout we try puttin' some sounds together and makin' a song?

"R-really?" I got wide-eyed.

"Yeah!" He nodded is head. "I'll guide ya all throughout the process!"

"Alright!" I nodded my head.

"Great!" He got amped up. "Now let's play some beats!"