Joey - It's just that fight scenes have never been my strong suit, but I guess I have improved over the years.

Zelkova48 - I made myself laugh when writing that part.

Frye gazed upon her city from her favorite spot. She admired the vibrant colors of the streetlights, neon signs, and the excitement of the denizens. There was never a dull day in Splatsville.

She was deep in thought, wondering what else she could do to bring more life to the city. The idol thought of starting a dance squad. With her superior schmooves and Bolero's arsenal, the possibilities were endless. They could start a dance school as well.

Although, as with everything else, it would require severe coinage to get it off the ground running. Now, Frye wished lady luck swung more in her favor.

'I knew I should've worn that flower. His ass would be calamari by now, and we would've been closer to our goal.'

Frye lamented her recent loss against Syrus and the Squidbeak Splatoon. She fought hard, fought harder than she had in a while, but the treasure slipped through her fingers. Her loss would sit with her for a while. She felt like she failed the people she and her friends promised to help.

'I had too much fun with him and missed my chance. There's still time though. Next time I see him, I'm gonna mess him up.'

She had to; otherwise, the unfortunate would continue to suffer.

Frye wouldn't let that happen. No matter how much fun she had fighting Syrus, he was still the enemy and had to be dealt with.

She continued watching the city lights, but then her expression turned serious. Her senses were getting better, or perhaps her mysterious visitor was getting worse.

"'Bout time you paid me a visit," she stated. "You're only two days late, not that I'm counting."

Frye didn't bother turning around. She knew based on the soft footsteps alone who it was. For some reason, her chest was tightening.

She tried to distract herself from it. "Did you think about me?"

No response. No rhythmic tap dancing either.

Frye turned and faced her guest.

It was Bolero in all his concealed glory.

"Well?" Frye crossed her arms. "Got nothing to say?"

Bolero approached and held his hand out, but Frye refused to take it, and although his body language didn't show it, Bolero was shocked. His Amada refused to dance with him. This was a first.

"I'm not in the mood to dance right now," Frye told him and turned back around to admire her city. "I have a lot to think about."

Bolero put his hands behind his back and watched the idol. There was another long silence between them. Frye didn't know what to say. Her words refused to come out, and she was noticeably nervous.

'Why am I like this? Say something, Frye! You're not some lovestruck schoolgirl!"

"If you're wondering, no, I'm not mad at you," Frye broke the soundlessness. "I… I did miss you though. A little bit," her voice trailed off.

She could feel Bolero's eyes trained on her. She heard him step closer and felt his touch caress her cheek. It surprised her at first.

The enigmatic dancer traced a line down to her chin and coaxed her to look at him.

He tapped on her face and kept his silence. He was interested in the bruise obstructing her alluring features.

"Don't worry about it," she assured him. "I got into a fight today and was kneed in the face. The guy was pretty good. Knew his way around a brawl."

Her casualness of the matter didn't make the taciturn gentleman feel any better. He rubbed the mark gently, causing his rival to get defensive.

"Enough," she pushed his hand away. "I'm fine, sheesh. I didn't take much of a beating, but I did dish one out."

Regardless, Bolero wouldn't take this crime lying down. He grasped Frye's right hand and gave the back of it a gentle kiss.

Electricity surged through her body. Her mind was telling her to pull back, but her body didn't listen.

It made her angry. "You don't know me," she growled and wrenched her hand back as if it was set on fire.

Bolero stood unperturbed.

"You know nothing 'bout me: my likes, dislikes, dreams, or hobbies. Where do you get off calling me your girl like you're in control of my life?"

Bolero simply smiled under his shawl and let Frye get her breathing under control. A finger went up to his shadowed face.

"Don't tell me to be quiet!"

Frye poked him harshly on the chest.

"You listen here! I'm no one's girl. I'm no one's toy, and I will slug you if you think things will stay like that. I'm Frye, got it?"

Bolero grabbed her wrist. The air became silent again as the rivals stared at each other.

Frye was huffing, but as Bolero motioned for her to relax, she slowly calmed down, but the tightness in her chest wouldn't go away.

The male dancer held her hand tightly.

"I may not know you, but I know my heart."

Frye's eyes nearly popped from their sockets.

'He spoke.'

His voice was soothing. It was like music to the soul, and for a moment, Frye forgot about the troubles of the world.

"I can't explain it, but I feel something when I'm with you," he continued. "The duet we performed helped show me the way. Now, I would like to show you."

Frye was dumbfounded. She had no idea how to respond or if she should accept his reasoning.

Bolero let Frye's hand fall and offered his hand again in a friendlier manner. He wanted to soothe her troubles under the moonlight and the stars.

Frye looked around her. She thought she was in a dream. If others were around, the female populace would roar out cheers.

She was not one of those bleeding hearts though.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, lover boy," she refused his offer and pushed his hand back. "I ain't into you like that. You're my rival, nothing more. How can you even say that when we just met a week ago?"

Even his real laugh was pleasing to hear.

"I don't need to know all your secrets," he said softly but still loud enough to hear. "I just need to know your heart, and I can tell it's at war."

Frye looked away and hid her yellowing face in the darkness. Her chest grew tighter. She gripped the handrails so tight that the purple in her fingers darkened.

"It's all so easy for you, ain't it?" she spat.

"Not necessarily," he answered, standing beside her, and joining her in watching the lights dance below them, "I have my own cross to bear, but I take it one step at a time. You should do the same."

Frye scoffed. "Please, if things were easy, I would've ripped that hood off your head on night one."

It didn't stop her from trying regardless.

"I'm not used to this kind of attention," she admitted. "I'm used to people wanting autographs or shoutouts on the Splatcast."

"I'm sure you had someone confess."

"Plenty of times, but none of them went this far or shared a fun night with me."

She was tough as nails, but she felt herself slipping when Bolero was involved. It was inconceivable! She was the dancing gangster and heiress to the Onaga Clan. She was supposed to charm victims with her dances, not be the one getting charmed.

'I hate this, man! Why is this so complicated?!'

Frye hated the feeling swirling in her chest. She wasn't supposed to feel this way toward her rival. Their partnership wasn't physical. It was a pact designed to promote growth as dancers.

She had a flashback to their introductory battle. Thinking back on it, she did play into his hands. She practically threw herself on him, but she chalked it up to the flow. She was simply going with the music, the fiery dances that were Salsa and Tango.

She had little information but was told they were some of the most passionate styles to practice.

'Passion. I was a slave to my passion as a dancer.' she blushed at the memory of their bodies intertwined. She only realized until now how they must've looked to the viewing eye. Out in public displaying such affection. Forget meeting a week ago. From their synergy, it was as if they had known each other all their life.

Frye wanted to change the subject.

"Hey, question for ya," she broke the silence.

Bolero listened.

"Where did you learn to Tango and Salsa? No one's performed those styles in generations."

Bolero acknowledged her inquiry with a gentle tilt of his head.

"I studied them," he began his tale. "There's a lot of history to be found in the dunes outside our home. One day, I stumbled upon a couple of books and brought them back with me. It took forever to restore them to legibility, but I was fascinated by what pieces I could decipher. It was enough to get me on my feet."

"Sheesh, Mr. Jack of Alltrades," she jabbed. "Can you sing too?"

"Unfortunately, no, but I am practicing. I only learned the steps were meant for duets until after the fact, but I must admit," he scratched under her chin. "I had the perfect partner to perform them with."

Frye's grip on her emotions loosened, but only slightly. Her cheeks flushed. Her three hearts were burning in her chest.

"What do you think of starting a dance team and hosting competitions around the world?" she asked quickly to change the subject.

The enigmatic dancer moved as if considering it.

Frye elaborated. "You said you want the world to know our skills. What better way than raising an army and showing everyone what Splatlandian dancers can do?"

He nodded, liking the idea very much.

Frye smiled.

"I knew you'd love it. We'll talk about it later," she turned to leave. "I have to go."

Stopping at the door, she gave Bolero one last look. She wanted to present another question but felt it was too soon.

"Come back tomorrow, okay?" she disappeared into the building before giving her rival a chance to confirm.

Bolero remained on the rooftop. He counted the seconds they were apart until a heavy sigh left his lips.

"Melius ivisse potui. (That could've gone better)," he mumbled under his breath, not liking how his conversation with his Amada went. He saw the uncertainty in her eyes, the struggle she was going through with the rollercoaster of emotions she had to deal with.

'I'll make it up to you, Amada. Just give me some time.'

He observed the streets below him, admiring the excitement, the eagerness of the masses, the competitive rivalries starting up, and the collective alliances plotting to take him down. He marveled at his work, knowing he had to be careful from this point on. Any mistakes would ruin the mystery.

The seeds sown were budding. He couldn't afford to let them wilt now.

He smiled beneath his shawl. 'Let's get chaotic.'

Xxx Bolero xxX

Frye snarled as she wailed into a punching bag in the safety of her home. After she was alone with her thoughts, she let out all of her pent-up aggression fueled by her conflicting emotions.

She was mad. Mad at herself for losing the treasure, frustrated at Syrus for taking what was Deep Cut's, and angry at Bolero for a multitude of reasons. She continued to attack the weighted bag with all her might, hoping the storm would calm down soon.

The heat was rising in her cheeks, her three hearts were on the verge of exploding, and her mind was racing.

'I don't have a crush.'

Another punch.

'I don't have a crush!'

Another one.

'I don't have a crush!'

Frye grabbed the bag and banged her forehead against it.

'It won't stop! Why won't it stop?'

She gasped for air and clenched her chest. She wasn't even sure what she was feeling. Was it admiration? Admiration for Bolero's strength, determination, and charisma? Or was it something more?

'I don't. Have. A crush!'

It didn't matter how many times she told herself, she couldn't get rid of the tightness in her chest. She wanted to scream, knowing that deep down, no matter how furiously she denied it, her pride wouldn't allow her to admit that she did, in fact, have a crush.

Frustrated and exhausted, Frye released her grip on the bag, letting it swing and knock against the wall. She sighed and took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind.

"Having problems?"

Frye chuckled. "Is it obvious?"

"Painfully. I think we need to talk."

"Shiv."

"Frye," Shiver countered and made herself at home, sitting on the edge of Frye's bed. "You're obviously distressed, and I have a good feeling why."

"I'm just having an off day. I have those too," the eel charmer stated.

"Yes, but you never have boy troubles, and I'm not referring to Syrus."

Frye, with her back still facing Shiver, sat on the floor and crossed her legs.

"What makes you think it's that? How do you know I'm not steamed over losing?"

Shiver scoffed. "Because you said nothing but good things about Syrus. Please, Frye, there's only one boy who can rile you up this badly. Is your crush making you feel different inside?"

Frye hesitated for a moment, but then finally admitted, "Fine, okay, yes! I have a crush on Bolero! Are ya happy now?"

Shiver smiled and nodded. "Now we're getting somewhere. It's okay to admit it, Frye. Why do you hate it?"

"Because I hate not being in control of myself!" she stated, clenching the fabric of her pants tightly. "I don't even feel like myself anymore!"

"And is that really a bad thing?" Shiver asked. "Frye, this is completely normal behavior. You're falling in love. That's part of life."

Frye groaned and shook her head. "But why does it have to be complex? Why can't it just be simple and easy?"

Shiver laughed. "Being in love isn't easy, Frye. The world would be infinitely better if that was the case. It takes time, and Bolero is certainly putting in the effort."

Frye couldn't argue.

"I just… I don't know."

"Did you have a secret meeting?"

She drew her legs up. "We did. I… I missed him, and he spoke to me. Like, used his words and everything."

Shiver raised her left brow. "Did he sound familiar?"

"No, but he does have a nice voice. I told him that he didn't know me. We met a week ago and barely know each other."

"What did he say?"

"He knows his heart. He may not know me personally, but being with me is what his heart wants. I didn't know what to say. I basically rejected him."

"But do you believe in what he said?"

Frye gave a short laugh. "I don't see why he'd start lying to me now. But he makes me so mad too!"

Shiver nodded in understanding.

"Love is complicated, Frye, but in all truth, I'm happy for you."

"You like seeing me suffer?"

Shiver rolled her eyes and tapped the eel charmer on the noggin with her fan.

"No, you crazy fry pan. I'm glad you have someone who wants to go out of their way to make you happy. Let's be honest, girl to girl; Bolero does know how to make a girl feel special."

Frye couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, he does. It's annoying to say, but he does brighten up my day."

Shiver hugged her.

"You'll figure it out eventually, just go easy on yourself."

Frye felt calmer.

"I'll try. I told him to come back tomorrow. We'll see."

"Whatever you decide, you know Big Man and I will support you."

"Yeah, thanks, Shiv. You guys are the best," Frye hugged her back.

"What are best friends for?"

Frye took a deep breath. "I got this, but I need to take care of something first. The dancing gangster will never stop getting down."

Shiver giggled. "That's what I like to hear."

The two said their goodbyes and good nights.

Frye, after freshening up, plopped down on her bed and stared at the ceiling.

'Is this how Mom felt? Did she have a mental breakdown when Dad asked her out? How did you do it?'

The idol envisioned her parents. Her mother was more gung-ho than she was, and her father was a stronger foe on the dance floor. He taught her to dance while her mother showed her how to play the pungi.

'Should I call 'em?' she contemplated. 'Are they even awake?'

Frye shook her head and chuckled, finding comfort in her parents' memories. She knew, deep down, that her parents would be proud of her no matter what. She smiled as she remembered the time her father taught her to dance.

"When you dance, don't think about the end result. Don't worry about the steps. Just focus on the music and move with the beat."

'Focus on the music, start with the interlopers, and then move through the steps.'

Frye nodded and let a big smile grow on her face. She was ready for whatever challenge awaited her next.

Little did she know though, her rival would be seen multiple times throughout the night, and his nightly escapades would continue for days to come.

When she learned about Bolero's actions during the morning Splatcast, she promised to kick his butt.

Xxx Bolero xxX

Agent 1, Agent 2, and Captain Clora discussed their next course of action while waiting for the boys to arrive.

The captain was somewhat baffled by her successor's preparedness. He had reinforcements ready in case things happened on the surface, and even now, he was planning something based on the documents he handed Clora.

It made her speculate.

"How is it I never heard of Syrus when he was in Inkopolis? He would've been one of the best Turfers in the square."

"Well, when did he appear on the surface?" Agent 2 asked.

"It would have to be sometime before or after Agent 8 arrived," Agent 1 noted. "I say before. He sounds like someone who had been around for a while."

"Why are you asking?"

"Because I wish I had the foresight to bring backup," Clora stated. "Also, look at his notes."

The documents outlined Luke's natural talents, skill set, weapon strengths, and weapon weaknesses. Every detail was neatly written and straight to the point. Anything remotely relevant to the subject was documented.

"Reconnaissance is Agent 3's strong suit."

"What's the verdict, Captain?" Agent 1 inquired.

"Inconclusive," she answered. "Everything is in order, but I want to see Luke's skills up close."

"If Agent 3 is recommending them, they must be reliable," Agent 2 pointed out.

"Maybe, but it's still too soon to tell. Agent 1, contact Agent 7 and see where they're at."

Callie blinked. "How do you know I have his number?"

"Because you two have been buddy-buddy since you met."

"Hey, I like knowing more about my teammates," she retorted and then took out her phone. "They're cool guys. I do have his number though."

She dialed Agent 7's number while her cousin gave her a look of skepticism.

"Hey~," she sang, not going unnoticed by her comrades. "How far away are you guys? Uh-huh… oh, really? Okay, can't wait. Bye."

Callie was met with deadpan stares from her teammates.

"What?"

"Something you want to tell us?" Marie asked back.

"Agent 7 is on the way, but Agent 3 can't make it. Instead, 7 is bringing 3's recommendation. They're about fifteen minutes away."

Marie shrugged. "Not what I was referring to, but…"

Callie smiled innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about."

The others were far from convinced.

"Of course not," Marie commented.

True to her word, Agent 7 could be heard in the distance several minutes later. He was followed by another soul who appeared mystified by the surrounding world.

"Wait a minute," the new voice spoke up.

"Yeah, go ahead, say it."

"How is there a sky? Didn't we go straight down?"

"Yep, I said the same thing. Don't worry, this one is fake. The sky in the Crater though, don't ask about that."

Agent 1 waved them over, and when they got close, the girls understood why Zane said Syrus had a clone.

Luke, if not for his bright yellow hair, different arrangement of scars, and brighter smile, would be mistaken for Syrus in a heartbeat. It was like seeing double.

"Hey, ladies. This is Luke. Syrus wanted him to meet the captain for an interview."

"Nice to meet you all," Luke waved with a great big smile. "I'm Luke, and this is my little buddy, Levi."

Popping out of his bag, another Smallfry bid the group a greeting cry.

This confirmed it.

"You are twins," Agent 2 commented.

"Yeah," Luke sighed. "We get that a lot. It doesn't help that we can finish each other's sentences. That one freaks people out."

"I can see why."

The girls formally introduced themselves, performing the same routine Agent 3 and Agent 7 witnessed when they first arrived.

Afterward, Captain Clora spoke up.

"I finished reviewing the notes Agent 3 left me. He holds you in high regard."

"I'm humbled," Luke replied. "Was he critical in his report?"

"He considered you a well-rounded individual with high marks in physical strength."

"Oh, yeah, I'm great at lifting things," he flexed a bit. "Care for a demonstration?"

"Sure."

Without skipping a beat, Luke set his bag down and booped Levi on the nose.

"Stay," he told his pet and undid the strap across his chest and let the blade-like weapon he was carrying fall to the ground, where it landed with a heavy thump and caused a small tremor.

"What the?" Agent 2 voiced.

Mouths dropped as the girls watched Luke approach the half-buried rock statue. It was largely characterized by its long sloping nose, strong brows, deeply inset eyes, and prominent chin.

Luke rubbed his hands together, took a few deep breaths, and crouched low.

"He's not going to…" Agent 1's concerns were interrupted by a sudden rumbling sound.

The snow shifted, and a moment later, the statue began moving.

"It's all…in the…technique," Luke grunted as, by some otherworldly logic, he uprooted the statue high above his head. It must've weighed over four hundred pounds, but the boy showed no lengthy signs of stress.

Proving his point well enough, Luke set the statue back in its spot, causing the island to shake. He let out a large breath and joined the group for a fist bump with Zane.

"How was that?" he beamed.

The girls were astonished.

Zane tried not to laugh. "I think you broke 'em."

"Oh, I probably should've used my Splatana then, huh?"

"Nah, this was priceless," the Inkling chuckled.

"What… was that?" Agent 2 asked.

Luke flexed a bit. "My bread and butter. I look squishy, but I can lift with the best of them, and I'm not even the strongest Splatlandian. I'm what I like to call a Remnant Chaser. Syrus probably mentioned salvaging in the desert."

They nodded.

"Well, I'm ten times more active in it and I've been doing it for years. I'm the second strongest in the city according to some."

"Who's the first then?" Agent 1 inquired.

"My captain, Olivia, at Grizzco. She's a monster, plain and simple. I've never seen her limit, but if she can punch a Steelhead and make it explode, yeah, I don't stand a chance."

The girls had one thought.

'Splatlandians are crazy.'

"Is that where Agent 3 is?" Clora inquired, getting her bearings straight. She never saw anyone that strong.

Luke nodded in response. "For me to be here, Syrus covered my shift at Grizzco. It was on short notice, but luckily, my captain likes Syrus a lot. It's not the first time we traded shifts."

"I see. Well, he hasn't given me a reason to distrust him, so I'll let this slide. Your demonstration aside, I want to see your combat skills up close. Agent 7, take him to kettle one."

7 saluted. "You got it, Boss Lady."

"I bet Agent 3 already discussed with O.R.C.A, so registering him shouldn't be an issue."

"Good luck," encouraged the cousins.

And thus, after the test was graded, the NSS welcomed a new member to their ranks, Agent 9. With Luke enlisted, the Splatoon now had ten agents protecting the masses.

To further test Agent 9's skills, Clora assigned him and Agent 7 with clearing the third site of fuzzy ooze and furthering their investigation of the voracious substance. There were no Cuttlefish signals coming from the island. The main objectives were cleaning the site and completing the kettles scattered about.

The group soon learned that Agent 9's little buddy was more curious than Syrus' pet Smallfry and roamed about freely. While Ken was more disciplined and only came out at Syrus' behest, Levi was fuller of energy.

The boys were day and night, and so were their pet Salmonids.

Just as they were about to clear another segment of fuzzy ooze, a loud voice permeated the air.

"Freeze!"

A puff of smoke went up, and a familiar Inkling stepped from its blanket.

Luke's eyes went wide while Zane offered their guest a friendly wave.

"Hey, Frye. What's up?" he asked.

"I want to talk to Syrus," she stated. "Where is he? We need to run it back."

7 and 9 exchanged awkward stares.

"Well, about that…"

After explaining.

"He's not here?!" Frye yelled,

"Yeah, sorry," Agent 7 said. "We can take his place if you'd like."

"We're just as strong," Agent 9 stated with confidence.

"No," Frye said flatly. "I wanna crush him."

The idol crossed her arms and looked away in thought.

"This might work out. There's no place for him to run," she turned and took out a smoke bomb. "Don't tell him I'm on my way. I wanna surprise him."

She threw down the smoke bomb and vanished in its smokescreen.

"Well, that was a thing," was all Agent 7 could say. "Agent 7 to base, did you catch all that?"

"We did," Agent 2 answered. "She's very persistent, isn't she?"

"She's lovesick," Agent 1 gasped. "Did you hear the desperation in her voice? She wanted to see Syrus so badly. She's smitten. His plan to win her over is working."

"That was Frye," Agent 9 pointed out and looked to his senior for answers. "Deep Cut's down here?"

"Yep, and just the other day, Syrus had an epic showdown with Frye. That's how we got that giant frame-looking thingy. They're after some grand treasure."

"Wow. … Wait a minute, win her over? Syrus likes Frye?"

"Yeah, apparently," 7 recapped his conversation with the ex-soldier.

"And he's making his move as we speak!" Agent 1 gushed.

"I don't know about that," Zane lightly laughed.

"You'll see. Love will conquer, and a new ship will sail."

Xxx Bolero xxX

Hurricane Frye tore through Splatsville with one destination in mind, the warzone that was Grizzco. She leaped up the stairs in the main plaza and made a hard right to the metal doors leading to the workforce.

She burst through the entrance, startling the nearby workers.

Everyone grabbed their weapons, thinking an attack was about to occur, but they all calmed down when they saw the idol waving at them.

"Sorry for the scare, but I'm looking for someone," she stated. "I heard Syrus is here. If he ain't busy, bring him to me. I can wait."

She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. With her blocking the exit, no one would escape her notice.

The workers complied, shuffling back and forth. Information spread through the building fast, and then a door opened to let someone step into the foyer, but it wasn't Syrus. Their presence, however, prompted every worker to stand at attention and salute. Even Frye fixed her posture.

"Explain yourself," the demander was a tall and well-endowed female Octoling with magenta twists in her hair, piercing sky-blue irises, and indigo pupils. She donned the EVP elite black and white slopsuits and had a Hydra Splatling secured to her back.

One of the heaviest weapons in circulation, and she didn't show any signs of strain from its weight.

She glared at the workers. "Back to work," she told them without needing to raise her voice. The calmness of her tone was more terrifying.

In seconds, the foyer was cleared, and Frye was alone with another member of the Parental Four, the auntie that many respected, loved, and even feared – Olivia.

"Hey Auntie," Frye waved. "I'm looking for Syrus. I was told he was filling in for someone," she explained, her excitement subdued before Auntie Olivia.

"He is, but I can't let you see him yet," the elite replied. "We're headed to a site with strong readings, and I need him focused. You may see him when we get back."

"That's fine. I don't mind chillin' here."

"As long as you don't stir up trouble," Olivia left the idol alone and through the door she came out from.

The air returned to its normal pressure. Frye relaxed and occupied one of the chairs. Hours dragged by, but the occasional chat from the employees helped pass the time.

Some of the bystanders whispered amongst themselves. Why was Frye looking for Syrus?

Syrus was well-known within the workforce. He was a powerful support member. No one would forget the time he selflessly offered to cover people's shifts just to give them a reprieve and give his sister something special for her upcoming birthday. Unfortunately for them, the Parental Four had to put a stop to it. Regardless, he earned a lot of respect from his fellow Runners.

When the Octoling in question entered the foyer, everyone could see the look of confusion on his face. He looked to his coworkers for answers, but all they could offer was a shrug and figure it out together.

He approached Frye casually.

"Captain Olivia said you were looking for me."

Frye rose from her chair. "'Bout time. You love making me wait, don'tcha?"

"It couldn't be helped. It's good to see you again."

Syrus' red eyes searched the depths of her soul as she returned his inquisitive stare with a smirk.

"Same here. Anyway, I got a li'l problem, see?"

"I'm listening. This isn't about Bolero, right? I already proved I'm not him."

"Nah, this ain't about him. This is about you," she countered. "I want a rematch."

Onlookers grew shocked, curious about the fight Syrus and Frye engaged each other in.

"This soon?" the ex-soldier queried with a tilt of his head. "It's only been a day."

Frye's smile darkened.

"I don't take kindly to being kneed in the face," she reminded him.

Syrus scoffed and smiled back, looking straight at her. "And I don't take kindly to being fed to giant moray eels."

The audience stepped back, surprised by his words.

"Besides, you asked me to prove my worth. I believe I met your expectations."

"I never said you didn't, but I still want a rematch. When I get beat, I can't just let it go. You and me? We've got some deadly dance moves. I need to pay you back for the knee to the face."

"You already did when your eels nearly tore me limb from limb."

Frye stepped closer, locking her gaze upon him.

"What's the matter, hotshot? Afraid to go another round with yours truly?"

The challenge hung in the air, thick as the ink they yearned to launch. Even Olivia, who was eavesdropping on the conversation, sensed the tension between combatants.

"Give me a few days," Syrus yielded. "I have a day off coming up. We can settle it then. That way, we can fight without any interruptions. You, me, and a Splattershot each."

"No," she refused at first. "I don't need a handicap. Bring your little Tri-Stringer. I'll crush you at your best.

"Hm," Syrus showed his teeth. "If that is what you wish for. But, correct me if I'm wrong, I swore you said the exact same thing yesterday."

Frye narrowed her eyes, her cheeks glowing yellow.

"It'll be different this time."

"We'll see. I promise not to hurt your pretty face more than I already have."

"Save your jokes for the ring," she scoffed. "See you in a few days."

"It's a date."

"In your dreams, pal," she smiled as she departed.

Syrus sighed.

'Yeah, that will come back to haunt me.'

He had a growing feeling the audience was ready to pounce on him. The penetrating stares bore into his back.

'I can't catch a break, can I?'

The audience beckoned him for his attention. The range of stares he was receiving was staggering. Some were amazed. Others were jealous of the amount of attention Frye gave him, and a few were curious about the manner of their relationship.

"What?" he simply said. "She asked for it. How can I refuse such a pretty face?"

'And now, let the games begin.'

"Besides," he smirked, "she never reciprocated Bolero's feelings. That means there's still a chance. This may be my only opportunity to make my move."

Before the workers could bombard Syrus with a million questions, Olivia's whistle grabbed their attention.

"Show's over," she stated. "We still have a lot of work to do. Syrus, a word."

Everyone saluted. "Yes, ma'am!" and went back to their posts, but news of Syrus and Frye's match got around quickly. It wasn't long before Zane and Luke learned of the upcoming event and Syrus' declaration.

"He said what?" the new agent stared at his senior in disbelief.

Zane stared at his phone. He reread the message over and over again.

"Maya's gonna kill him," he said. "Her whole community is going to murder him."

"What's going on?" Agent 1 inquired. "Why do you guys look freaked out?"

She caught up with the boys earlier and helped them explore the island. Their investigation was going well until the news dropped.

"Frye found Syrus and challenged him to a rematch."

"Wow, she's quick. What did he say?"

"He's down for a fight, but now, everyone is saying he openly admitted to liking Frye and is trying to steal her from Bolero," Agent 7 explained.

Callie's eyes sparkled as she held back a delighted squeal.

"Ah," she clasped her hands together, smiling from ear to ear, "how bold. So romantic."

"Bold is right," 9 said. "It's not completely out of character though. Syrus has always been straight to the point. He's going to be eaten alive though."

"What do you mean? This is great!" Agent 1 cheered.

"Not if you support the Frye x Bolero shipping," 7 hissed. "The fan base will be ruthless, and his little sister is part of it. Once she hears about this…"

"But it's still exciting!" Callie swooned and clasped Zane's free hand, bouncing up and down with child-like glee. "Two rivals testing each other's strength, oblivious to the love growing between them. The romance hidden behind thick ink. Then," she had the greatest idea, "Bolero interrupts their fight and challenges Syrus to a duel for the lady's heart! Two knights vying for the affection of their lovely princess."

"Cheesy," said Agent 2.

"You have no room to talk," countered Agent 1.

"Sounds like a trashy fanfic," 9 commented.

"Love will transcend boundaries," Agent 1 declared to the heavens.

In the aftermath of Frye's challenge, more people speculated about the upcoming battle. Who would win? The spectrum was evenly split. Will romance blossom between the two? Did their previous battle spark something within the idol? What will Bolero think of the rival vying for his Amada? Scenarios ran rampant, and the anticipation only grew.

As for Frye, she was already planning her next move. Her mind was an active thunderstorm of strategies for the upcoming battle. She was ready though, and she was going to enjoy every second of it.