Chapter 17: Unsettling News
Saero's view
Me, Nira, and Dorea were sitting outside of a hospital room when a nurse came out. "We can't identify her just yet.", the nurse said, "Her DNA didn't have any complete matches to anyone registered into the system, and I don't think she'll be waking up anytime soon." "I see.", I said. "Is it really possible to turn an Inkling into an Octoling?", Dorea asked. "It might.", the nurse said, "But her DNA was about an even mix between both species, almost like a hybrid." "That's interesting...", Nira said. "I think we should tell the others about this.", I said. "Right.", Dorea said, "Let's go."
When we arrived at Octo Valley, the captain was the only one there. "Where are Callie and Marie?", I asked. "Probably doing something for their idol job.", Cuttlefish said, "But I can call them if you think it's important." "No need for that.", Callie said as she appeared behind us, followed by Marie, "What's going on?"
"Wait, what?!", Callie asked, surprised, "Is that even possible?!" "Looks like it.", I said back to her, "And I have a strong feeling that she was one of the missing Inklings." "Something tells me that you're right.", Marie said, "Even if it were possible for a natural hybrid to be formed, it hasn't even been that long since Octolings were allowed on the surface world."
"But if that really is Anni, then what does that mean for the other missing Inklings?", Nira asked. "They could be doing the same thing to them.", Dorea said, "But why?" "Who knows.", Callie said, "But we need to figure out how to get to that lab, and fast!" "That's easier said than done.", I said, "Without any actual weapons, we have no way to defend ourselves from those creatures. And the only other path is locked." "Is there even anything we can do?", Nira asked.
*To be continued*