One morning at the television studio in Splatsville, a new edition of the news program Anarchy Splatcast was being broadcast across the city, with the members of the musical group Deep Cut hosting it.
"Listen up, it's going down", Shiver said, "repping the Splatlands, we are Deep Cut!"
"Anarchy Splatcast", Frye said, "we're live!"
"Ay (Here we go)", Big Man said.
"You lip-sync, we drip ink", Shiver said.
"Ay, ay, ay (Shiver, Frye, and Big Man)", Big Man said.
"Let's see the current battle stages", Shiver said.
"Drumroll", Frye said, "budda-dudda-budda-dudda bam!"
The TV the group was next to showed that the current battle stages were Sturgeon Shipyard and Um'ami Ruins for regular battles, Hammerhead Bridge and Mahi-Mahi Resort for Rainmaker Anarchy Battles (series), and Wahoo World and Scorch Gorge for Splat Zone Anarchy Battles (open).
"So that's that, or whatever", Frye said, "until next time on the Anarchy Splatcast..."
"Ay (You know we're not done, right)", Big Man asked.
The TV then showed that the current stage for Salmon Run at Grizzco was Marooner's Bay, and also that the current showcased gear reward was the See-an-Enemy HUD.
"Teamwork is harder than it looks", Shiver said, "especially if your teammate is prone to dancing spells."
"Ay (Who could you be talking about)", Big Man asked, "aaay (and why wasn't I invited)?!"
After that, it was the end of the show.
"And that's it, for now", Shiver said.
"Ooo, spicy", Frye said.
"From Splatsville, that's a wrap", Shiver said.
She tapped her fan on the table she was sitting in front of and stood up with Frye as they both said Deep Cut's signature line:
"Catch ya later!"
"And, cut", the jellyfish director said.
The jellyfish who was operating the camera stopped filming on the director's command, and the other jellyfish who were part of the filming crew stopped what they were doing.
"That's a wrap", the director said, "good show, you three."
"Thank you", Shiver said.
"Now it's time to break for lunch", the director said, "everyone be back here in two hours so we can film the next Splatcast."
"You got it", Frye said.
The jellyfish crew all went to take their lunch breaks, and Shiver, Frye, and Big Man walked together towards the studio exit.
"There's this new food truck that showed up near the amiibo stand", Shiver said, "I hear they've got some delicious curry."
"I'm down for some curry", Frye said.
"Ay (Me too)", Big Man said.
"Alright, then", Shiver said, "let's go."
The three musicians made their way to the food truck, and a little while later, Shiver and Frye were walking over to a table to sit at while carrying their orders of curry.
"You were right about this curry, Shiver", Frye said, "it's delicious."
"I know", Shiver said, "I just can't get enough of it."
She then took a bite of her curry and reacted in surprise to discover that it was very spicy.
"Are you okay", Frye asked.
"Yes, I'm fine", Shiver said, "my curry's just a little spicier than I expected it to be."
"Well, there's a surprise", Frye said, "Shiver, the leader of Team Spicy in the Spicy vs. Sweet vs. Sour Splatfest, gets caught off guard by a little curry."
"Oh, eat your food", Shiver said.
Shiver and Frye sat down at the table to eat both their food, and as Frye began eating her curry, she noticed something.
"Hey, where's Big Man", Frye asked.
"He's still in line", Shiver said, "he was having trouble deciding what to order."
At the front of the line at the food truck, Big Man was looking at the menu trying to decide what to get.
"Ay (Let's see)", Big Man said, "ay (what should I get)?"
The goldfish who was at the window of the food truck had a bored expression on her face as Big Man pondered what to order, and after a minute he spoke to her.
"Ay, ay (Ooh, how about the pineapple curry)", Big Man said, "ay (can I get that)?"
"Yes, you can", the goldfish said, "you absolutely can!"
"Ay (Thank you)", Big Man said.
The goldfish gleefully went to prepare Big Man's meal, and as Big Man walked away to wait for his food, he bumped into someone.
"Ay (Oh, sorry)", Big Man said.
"Yo", a voice said.
Big Man recognized the voice, and saw there, standing in front of him, was a manta ray who looked similar to him, but was larger in size and wore a white collar with a red tie.
"Yo (Mafred)", the manta ray asked.
"Ayy (Oh)", Big Man said, "ay (hi, Dad)."
"Yo (What a surprise)", Big Man's father said, "yo (what are you doing here)?"
"Ay (Just getting some lunch)", Big Man said, "ay (what are you doing in Splatsville)?"
"Yo, yo (An old friend of mine who lives here is sick, so I'm paying him a visit)", Big Man's father said.
"Ay (Oh, okay)", Big Man said.
Over at the table Shiver and Frye were sitting at, the two girls were eating their lunch when the former noticed Big Man talking to his father.
"Hey, Frye", Shiver said.
"What's up, Shiv", Frye asked.
"That manta ray Big Man's talking to over there", Shiver said, "isn't that his father?"
"You mean Big Dad", Frye asked, "yes, I think that's him."
"Nice", Shiver said, "I haven't seen him in ages."
"Me neither", Frye said, "maybe Big Man will bring him over to say hello to us."
"I hope so", Shiver said, "it'd be nice to talk to him again after so long."
Back with Big Man and Big Dad, the latter decided to ask the former about his life.
"Yo (So, son)", Big Dad said, "yo (how's life treating you here in the Splatlands)?"
"Ay (It's treating me well)", Big Man said, "ay, ay (I've got lots of friends and a job that helps me earn a living)."
"Yo (That's great news)", Big Dad said, "yo (what kind of job do you have)?"
A nervous expression suddenly appeared on Big Man's face.
"Ay (What)", Big Man asked.
"Yo (Your job)", Big Dad said, "yo (what's it like)?"
"Ay (Oh)", Big Man said, "ay, ay (well, it's something I do every day)."
"Yo (I know that)", Big Dad said, "yo (but what kind of job do you have)?"
"Ay (Well)", Big Man said, "ay (it's)..."
Big Man thought hard to come up with something to say to Big Dad, when suddenly, the goldfish in the food truck spoke up.
"One pineapple curry", the goldfish said.
"Ay (That's my order)", Big Man said.
Big Man hurried over to the truck, handed the goldfish some money, and grabbed his curry.
"Ay, ay (Well, I better eat my lunch while it's hot)", Big Man said, "ay (see you later, Dad)."
"Yo (Oh, okay)", Big Dad said, "yo, yo (I'm actually leaving tomorrow, so that might be a while)."
"Ay (That's okay)", Big Man said, "ay (it was nice seeing you again)."
"Yo (You too)", Big Dad said.
Big Man went over to Shiver and Frye's table and sat down with them, and the two of them decided to inquire him about Big Dad.
"So, Big Man", Shiver said, "was that your dad over there?"
"Ay (It sure was)", Big Man said.
"Where did he go just now", Frye asked, "we were actually hoping we could say hello to him."
"Ay (Oh)", Big May said, "ay, ay (he had somewhere else he needed to be, so he was in a hurry)."
"Oh", Frye said, "okay, then."
"Well, maybe you could bring him over to us to him some other time", Shiver asked.
"Ay (Yeah)", Big Man said, "ay (sure)."
But secretly, Big Man wasn't so sure he should do that.
"I can't let Dad know that I'm in a band of musicians", Big Man thought, "who knows what might happen if he found out?"
Later, after the group's lunch break was over, Shiver and Frye were back in the studio for the taping of another installment of Anarchy Splatcast.
"Listen up, it's going down", Shiver said, "repping the Splatlands, we are Deep Cut!"
"Anarchy Splatcast", Frye said, "we're live!"
The two of them waited for Big Man to say his line, but there was no response, much to their confusion.
"I said Anarchy Splatcast", Frye said, "we're live!"
She and Shiver looked at the spot where Big Man stood and were very surprised to see him missing, as was the director.
"Where's Big Man", the director asked.
"I don't know", Shiver said, "I could have sworn he was here when you started filming."
"Where could he be", Frye asked.
Unbeknownst to Shiver, Frye, and the filming crew, Big Man had slipped away and was hiding backstage.
"I really hate having to leave my friends like this", Big Man thought, "but I can't risk getting seen on live TV by my Dad."
Later, at the end of the day, Shiver and Frye had finished up their work for the day and were leaving to go home, both of them still confused, and also a little annoyed, about Big Man's sudden absence.
"I don't get it", Frye said, why would someone as loyal and trustworthy as Big Man just up and leave us like that?"
"I don't know", Shiver said, "but when I see him next, I'm gonna..."
Then, she and Frye both bumped into Big Man, who had been trying to leave the building unnoticed.
"Oh, Big Man", Frye said, "funny running into you right about now."
"Ayy (Hey, guys)", Big Man said.
"Don't you 'hey guys' us", Shiver said, "you've got some explaining to do."
"Yeah", Frye said, "like why you never showed up when we filmed a new Anarchy Splatcast."
"Ay (Because no one told me it was time to film)", Big Man said.
"A likely story", Shiver said.
"What's going on", Frye asked.
"Ay (I'm sorry)", Big Man said, "ay (I didn't want to bee seen on TV)."
"Why not", Frye asked, "you've never been afraid of being on TV in the past."
"Ay (But this is different)", Big Man said, "ay (I was afraid my Dad would see me on TV)."
"Why are you so afraid of that", Shiver asked.
"Ay (Because he doesn't know that I'm a musician)", Big Man said.
Shiver and Frye were both surprised by Big Man's revelation.
"Ay, ay (You see, Dad doesn't like the idea of me being a musician)", Big Man said, "ay (he wants me to have a real job, like a doctor or lawyer)."
"I see", Shiver said.
"Ay (I never told Dad about me becoming a musician)", Big Man said, "ay (I've been keeping it a secret from him ever since I joined Deep Cut)."
"That's a pretty long time", Shiver said.
"Ay (I know)", Big Man said.
"Do you ever plan on telling him the truth", Frye asked.
"Ay (No)", Big Man said, "ay (I can't let him find out about this)."
"Well, you can't hide it from him forever", Shiver said, "you're gonna have to tell him that you're a musician sooner or later."
"Ay, ay (I'm sorry, but I don't think I can do it)", Big Man said, "ay, ay (he'd be really disappointed in me if I told him, and I don't want something like that to happen)."
And with that, Big Man left the studio, leaving Shiver and Frye feeling worried for him.
"Poor Big Man", Frye said, "this is quite the dilemma for him."
"It sure is", Shiver said, "if only he were more brave about this."
The next morning at the house Deep Cut lived in, Shiver and Frye were both awake and getting ready to go to the studio for another day of work.
"How are we doing on time, Shiver", Frye asked.
Shiver pulled out her Sea Cucumber phone and checked the time on it.
"6:30", Shiver said.
"Good, we've still got half an hour before we need to be at the studio", Frye said.
The two went back to getting ready, and as they did so, they noticed that Big Man was nowhere to be seen.
"Looks like Big Man isn't up yet", Frye said, "he must still be worried about Big Dad finding out about what he does."
"I sure hope not", Shiver said, "if we show up to work without him, the director will give us an earful for sure."
"We better go talk to him", Frye said, "come on."
Shiver and Frye went upstairs to Big Man's bedroom and knocked on his door.
"Big Man", Frye said, "are you in there?"
"Ay (Leave me alone)", Big Man said.
"But we have to be at the studio in 30 minutes so they can record the first Anarchy Splatcast of the day", Shiver said.
"Ay (Do it without me)", Big Man said.
"We can't do it without you", Frye said, "otherwise, Deep Cut wouldn't be complete."
"Ay, ay (As long as Dad doesn't know what's missing, that's fine by me)", Big Man said.
Shiver and Frye proceeded to enter Big Man's room and walk over to his bed, which he was lying down on.
"Come on, Big Man", Shiver said, "are you really going to let your fear of your father control you like this?"
"Ay (Yes)", Big Man said, "ay (yes I am)."
"Look, I get that you're afraid of what your old man will say when he finds out what you've been doing", Frye said, "but I think you might be making a bigger deal out of this than you should be."
"Ayy (I'm sorry, girls)", Big Man said, "ay (I just want my career to stay a secret)."
"We understand", Frye said, "but you can't keep this up forever."
"Ay (I know)", Big Man said.
"How long is Big Dad even in town for, anyway", Shiver asked.
"Ay (I think he said he was leaving today)", Big Man said.
"There you go", Frye said, "if he's gone, then you won't have to worry about him discovering your secret."
"Frye's right", Shiver said, "he won't see you on TV if he's not in Splatsville anymore."
"Ay (Oh, yeah)", Big Man said, "ay (I didn't think about that)."
"So, what's say we head on down to studio for another day of Splatcasting", Frye asked.
"Ay (I'm in)", Big Man said.
"That's the spirit", Frye said.
"We better hurry, though", Shiver said, "because now we're running late."
"Ay (You got it)", Big Man said.
Big Man hurried to get himself ready and joined Shiver and Frye in going to the studio, and meanwhile in Splatsville, Big Dad was walking around with an annoyed expression on his face.
"Yo (I can't believe I missed my train home)", Big Dad said, "yo (now I'm stuck here until the next one)."
He then noticed a bunch of Inklings and Octolings lined up at a music store and became curious.
"Yo (Hello)", Big Dad said, "yo (what's all that about)?"
Big Dad went into the store to investigate and walked up to the counter, where an inkling had just bought an album from the jellyfish who was working at it.
"Excuse me, sir", the jellyfish said, "but if you're here to buy the latest album from Deep Cut, then you'll have to wait at the back of the line."
"Yo (Deep Cut)", Big Dad asked.
"Only the hottest band in the Splatlands", the jellyfish said, "haven't you heard of them?"
"Yo (No)", Big Dad said.
"Well then, you have no idea what you've been missing", the jellyfish said.
Big Dad looked at the cover of an album the jellyfish gave to an octoling and noticed Big Man on it, to his surprise.
"Is that Manfred", Big Dad thought.
Big Dad exited the store, and as he walked along, he pondered what he had seen.
"Yo, yo (That couldn't have been Manfred, could it)", Big Dad asked, "yoo (nah, I doubt it)."
Then, he heard the audio of a video nearby and followed the sound of it, and found Moose sitting at a table watching Anarchy Splatcast on his sea cucumber phone, which Big Man was hosting with Shiver and Frye.
"You lip-sync, we drip ink", Shiver said.
"Ay, ay, ay (Shiver, Frye, and Big Man)", Big Man said.
The Splatcast continued playing, and Big Dad, furious by what he had just seen, marched away to find Big Man.
"Just wait until I get my pectoral fins on that son of mine", Big Dad thought.
Meanwhile, at the studio, Shiver, Frye, and Big Man had just finished recording the Splatcast and were conversing with each other.
"So, guys", Frye said, "did you hear about what happened over in Inkopolis last night?"
"No, we haven't", Shiver said.
"Ay (What happened)", Big Man asked.
"Well, it's like this", Frye said, "last night, this inkling was waiting for her boyfriend to meet up with her for one of those romantic rendezvous things, and she looked and saw him walking towards her, when suddenly..."
Frye was interrupted by the sound of the studio door being slammed open.
"Yoooo (Manfred)", Big Dad's voice shouted.
Big Man suddenly became very scared upon hearing his father's voice.
"Ayyy (Uh-oh)", Big Man said.
Big Dad angrily stormed over to Big Man and gave him a stern look.
"Yo (So)", Big Dad said, "yo (this is what you've been doing in this city)."
"Ay, ay (Dad, I can explain)", Big Man said.
"Yo (What is there for you to explain)", Big Dad asked, "yo, yo (I thought you had a real job, not something where you goof off all day)."
"Ay (I'm not goofing off)", Big Man said, "ay ay (I'm helping make great music and entertaining people)."
"Yo (A waste of time)", Big Dad said, "yo (doing that won't get you anywhere in life)."
"Ayy (But Dad)", Big Man said.
"Yo (No buts)", Big Dad said, "yo (I'm very disappointed in you, Manfred)."
Big Man hung his head down in sadness.
"Yo (I'm catching the next train home tonight)", Big Dad said, "yo, yo (unless you want to be disinherited, you'd best have quit this little act before then)."
And with that, Big Dad left the studio, leaving Big Man feeling completely devastated, and Shiver and Frye feeling sorry for him.
"Big Man", Shiver said, "we..."
"Ay (Don't)", Big Man said.
"But", Frye said.
"Ay (I just want to be alone right now)", Big Man said, "ay (please)."
He then proceeded to walk out of the studio.
"Poor Big Man", Shiver said, "this is awful."
"What are we gonna do, Shiver", Frye asked.
"I don't know", Shiver said, "but if we don't come up with something soon, I'm afraid Deep Cut may never be the same again."
Later that day, Shiver and Frye left the studio and went back to their house in hopes that they'd find Big Man there.
"It sure was nice of the director to give us the rest of the day off", Frye said.
"Don't get your hopes up", Shiver said, "he probably only did it so we can convince Big Man to not quit Deep Cut."
"Oh yeah, good point", Frye said.
"Speaking of, we'd better hurry up and find him so we can talk to him", Shiver said.
Shiver and Frye went inside the house to look for Big Man and found him sitting at the kitchen table looking at a newspaper.
"Big Man, there you are", Shiver said.
"Ay, ay ay (Oh, hey girls)", Big Man said.
"What are you doing", Frye asked.
"Ay (Checking the want ads)", Big Man said, "ay (thought maybe I'd start looking for a new job)."
Big Man turned the page in his newspaper and found a want ad in it that caught his attention.
"Ay (Do you think I'd make a good video game developer)", Big Man asked.
Shiver and Frye both had just about all they could take with Big Man's fears.
"Okay, that's it", Shiver said, "this needs to stop."
"Why are you letting Big Dad control every aspect of your life", Frye asked, "it's not like you're a kid anymore."
"Ayy (Well, no)", Big Man said, "ay (but he's still my Dad)."
"So", Frye asked, "that doesn't mean you have to do every little thing he says."
"That's right", Shiver said, "what does your dad even have against you being a musician anyway?"
"Ay (He doesn't think it's a serious career path)", Big Man said, "ay (he wants me to have a job that's more productive)."
"What's he talking about", Shiver said, "being a musician is plenty productive."
"Shiver's right", Frye said, "we make great music for people to enjoy and we make more than enough money to make a living."
"Ay (Dad doesn't think so)", Big Man said, "ay, ay (as far as he's concerned, it's just a waste of time)."
"Well, he's wrong", Frye said, "and if he could realize that, then maybe he'd change his opinion about you being a musician."
"Ay (Maybe so)", Big Man said, "ay (but how could we make him do that)?"
"Simple", Shiver said, "someone needs to have a word with him."
"Someone like you", Frye said.
"Ay (Me)", Big Man asked, "ay (why me)?"
"Because you need to take a stand and speak up for yourself", Shiver said, "if you don't, then you'll never be able to do what you truly want."
"Let's say you did what Big Dad wanted you to and got a different job", Frye said, "do you think you'd be happy?"
"Ayyy (No, I guess not)", Big Man said.
"That's exactly our point", Frye said, "you're worrying so much about what your dad says that you're letting it get in the way of what you love to do."
"We understand that you're trying to obey your dad's wishes", Shiver said, "but if you worry so much about every little thing he tells you, you'll never get to do the stuff you want to do."
"Ayy (I guess not)", Big Man said.
"This is your life, Big Man", Shiver said, "you're in control, not him."
"Ay (You're right)", Big Man said, "ay ay (I'm not gonna let my Dad interfere with my passion for making music)."
"There you go", Shiver said.
"Ay (I'm gonna talk to him before he leaves tonight)", Big Man said, "ay (and I'm gonna tell him exactly how I feel about this)."
"Glad to hear it", Shiver said.
"And we'll be right here with you every step of the way", Frye said.
"Ay (Thanks, girls)", Big Man said, "ay (you're the best)."
"And don't you forget it", Shiver said.
Big Man stood up from the table and left to get ready for his upcoming talk with his father.
"Big Man's a lot more confident in himself now", Frye said, "we must be quite the motivational speakers."
"Looks like it", Shiver said, "and we'll soon find out how well our little pep talk worked."
That evening, Big Man had finished getting ready and was getting ready to go confront Big Dad.
"Ay, ay (Well, I'm all set)", Big Man said, "ay (with me luck, girls)."
"Luck", Shiver said.
"You'll do great, buddy", Frye said.
So, Big Man walked towards the front door so he could go see Big Dad, but when he opened it, he found a surprise waiting for him.
"Yo (Manfred)", Big Dad said.
There, standing at the doorway, was Big Dad himself.
"Ay (Dad)", Big Man asked, "ay (what are you doing here)?"
"Yo (Son)", Big Dad said, "yo (we need to talk)."
"Ay (Okay)", Big Man said, "ay (come on in)."
Big Dad entered the house and walked with Big Man into the living room, where Shiver and Frye were both surprised to see him.
"Hey, look, it's Big Dad", Frye said, "this is a surprise."
"Indeed", Shiver said, "we weren't expecting you to come here, sir."
"Yo (I wanted to talk to Manfred)", Big Dad said, "yo (it's about his job)."
"Ay (Is that right)", Big Man asked, "ay, ay (well, it just so happens that I wanted to talk to you about the same thing)."
"Yo, yo (Girls, if you could please leave us in peace)", Big Dad said.
"Of course", Shiver said.
Shiver and Frye got up and left the living room, and Big Man and Big Dad began their conversation, which has been translated for your reading enjoyment.
"Dad, listen to me", Big Man said, "I know you're against the idea of me pursuing a career in music."
"Yes, that's what I said", Big Dad said.
"But you have to understand that this is what I love doing", Big Man said, "making music like this for everyone to enjoy is my passion."
"So you've said", Big Dad said.
"I love doing this, and I love working with Shiver and Frye", Big Man said, "together, we make the best tunes the Splatlands have ever heard."
"I know", Big Dad said.
"I don't care what you have to say, being a musician is the best job I could ever have", Big Man said, "and if you want to disinherit me for doing what I love, then go right ahead."
"Actually, son", Big Dad said, "there's something I want to tell you."
"What's that", Big Man asked.
"I was wrong", Big Dad said.
Needless to say, Big Man was not expecting to hear Big Dad say that.
"What", Big Man asked.
"I was wrong", Big Dad said, "about everything."
"What do you mean", Big Man asked.
"I shouldn't have tried to make you quit doing something that you were obviously happy doing", Big Dad said, "it was wrong of me to do that, and maybe a little selfish, too."
Big Man could hardly believe what he was hearing.
"The reason I didn't want you to be a musician was because I wanted you to have a job that I was sure you could life off of", Big Dad said, "I was worried about you, Manfred, and I wanted to be sure that you would be okay on your own."
"Dad", Big Man said.
"I'm sorry", Big Dad said, "I shouldn't have gotten in the way of you doing what you love."
Big Man and Big Dad were silent for a moment, but soon, they both approached each other and wrapped their pectoral fins around each other in a big hug, which was noticed by Shiver and Frye, who had been secretly watching the exchange.
"Isn't that nice", Frye asked, "Big Man and Big Dad finally managed to make up."
"Yes, Frye", Shiver said, "it most certainly is."
Back with Big Man and Big Dad, the father and son broke their hug and resumed their conversation.
"So", Big Man said, "does this mean..."
"Yes, son", Big Dad said, "if you want to keep making music with your friends, you're more than welcome to."
"Really", Big Man asked, "thanks Dad, you don't know how happy this makes me."
"Anything to make my son happy", Big Dad said.
Later, it was time for Big Dad to go home, but before he left, he decided to say goodbye to Big Man and his friends (also, the translation used for their conversation is now over).
"Yo, yo (Well, it's time for me to go)", Big Dad said.
"Ay (Bye, Dad)", Big Man said, "ay (it was nice seeing you)."
"Yo (You too, Son)", Big Dad said, "yo (good luck with your music)."
"Ay (Thanks)", Big Man said.
"Yo (I'll see you next time I come to Splatsville)", Big Dad said.
"Ay (You too)", Big Man said.
Big Dad left the house to go catch his train home, and after Big Man closed the front door, Shiver and Frye spoke to him.
"Hey, Big Man", Shiver said, "we just want you to know that we're proud of you."
"That's right", Frye said, "you stood your ground and were willing to speak up for yourself."
"Ay (Thanks, girls)", Big Man said, "ay (but I never would have found the courage if it wasn't for you."
"It was the least we could do", Frye said.
"Well, I don't know about you two, but I am beat", Shiver said, "I think it's time we were all getting some shuteye."
"Good call", Frye said, "we've got another busy day at the studio tomorrow."
"Ay (Alright)", Big Man said, "ay (night, girls)."
"Goodnight, Big Man", Shiver and Frye said.
And so, the members of Deep Cut went to get ready to go to bed, happy that they would all still be together as a band.