Zelkova - hey no problem. I was in the same boat. I was sure Team Hug had it uncontested, but I am actually upset they didn't win because Handshake only appeared about every four matches. I hardly encountered them. I don't know why everyone dislikes Frye and it makes me mad too.

A/N: I don't know what to say anymore about these Splatfests. I seriously believe the community just don't want to see Frye happy. She gets so close and has victory snatched away. I honestly thought Team Hug would win, and I wouldn't have minded, but Handshake winning definitely sounded rigged to me. I rarely fought them and they somehow stole the win. I don't mean to sound petty or anything, but now I'm starting to think these festivals really are rigged.

Frye missed her family.

The eldest of four, she hadn't seen her parents and siblings in a long while. They sent her emails and gifts, but the ebony dancer wanted more. She wanted to both wrestle with her little brother and cuddle with her baby twin sisters. She wanted to dance with her father and sing with her mother.

Frye kept them updated on the happenings in Splatsville, minus the fuzzy monstrosity, of course. The family quickly latched onto Syrus and Bolero. Her family practically interrogated her for more details, demanding to know what kind of relationship they had with her. She admitted her feelings for the boys without implying they were the same person.

That was the last time she heard from them. To say they were eager to see the show was an understatement. However, their support was a strong motivator for Frye. She would put on a better performance than her initial duet with the enigmatic dancer.

'I better check up on her.'

Frye left the soft glow of the room's ambient light and peeked inside her guest bedroom. She had the room prepared in case Shiver stayed over. Inside a gentle snore, hardly audible, was heard in the quiet room.

'Still asleep. Wish I was doin' the same.'

Resting soundly, Maya's peaceful expression spread warmth throughout Frye's soul. She chose to marvel at the innocence and vulnerability of the younger Inkling.

Upon meeting Maya and her friends, Frye was taken aback by their striking resemblance to her siblings. The universe was definitely trying to tell her something. How many similarities did she and Syrus share? Maya was like Frye's brother, Finn. The twins, Isabella and Sophia, were exactly like Frye's baby twin sisters, Fiona and Mora.

She knew it was tough on Syrus, going from soldier to brother without proper training. Their siblings were aggravating at times, and they had an endless amount of energy. Many days, it was hard to keep up, but moments like these, where they're resting peacefully, made it all worthwhile.

She saw the way Maya and her friends clung to the male Octoling. It was a true sign of their deep bond.

Frye closed the door silently and made her way back to the living room.

"How is she?"

Frye exhaled a puff of air. "Sound asleep. Poor girl barely made it to the couch after Syrus left. I had to carry her to the guest room."

Her other guest sat on the recliner across from them.

"Did you enjoy your nachos?" Frye fired back.

Shiver giggled and got comfortable. "Very. There's nothing more satisfying than early AM nachos and orange juice."

"And people call me the weird one," Frye snorted. "I'm glad you weren't hurt."

"Same to you. Luke took care of it before I got back. I almost feel bad. My question is, how did they know where to find him?"

Frye met Shiver's determined gaze, reflecting her own determination. There were numerous questions that required answers.

How many fuzzy Octolings made it to the surface?

How much time did they have before the fuzzy ooze began infecting Splatsville?

Frye and Shiver discussed their plan of attack while trying to reach Big Man. Unfortunately, their friendly neighborhood manta ray refused to pick up the phone. He had always been a heavy sleeper.

"They were already on the surface," Shiver stated. "There was a spy lurking somewhere in hiding. That's the only way."

Frye gave a nod, but her expression grew anxious.

"Hotshot hasn't gotten a wink of sleep," she stated. "If someone was tailin' him, he'd notice right off the bat. He's runnin' on adrenaline."

"And he still overpowered his assailant?"

Frye's face lit up with pride as she smiled.. Her rival never failed to impress. Despite feeling exhausted, Syrus demonstrated an unbeatable resolute nature. Frye's heart melted at the thought of seeing Syrus lay down the law, with the same intensity reflected in his crimson-red eyes.

'He could challenge Auntie Olivia with that glare.'

The first time she encountered Syrus, he had an air of seriousness about him. His eyes moved with a purpose. She wagered that numerous people thought he was cold, but in reality, he was just calculating. He wasn't hard to approach, and he was pretty nice despite his intimidating stance. Moreover, he had a playful side, and Frye loved to banter with him. She loved being around him.

Her feelings toward Syrus were a combination of deep interest, concern, and immense pride. She was genuinely worried about him, taking into account the dangerous situation they found themselves in. Their home, the one place they tried to keep untainted, was compromised. The fuzzy ooze could start spreading at any moment.

No matter what it took, he would exert his body to the absolute limit until he completed the mission, and with the intense look in his eyes, Frye hoped it wouldn't result in the assailant's death. He was protective, not a killer, but he was still a soldier. At the end of the day, his hands were dirty. But she had faith in him.

Her pride in Syrus was built from their numerous battles. His strength and resilience gave her a serious run for her money. She admired his determination and unwavering spirit, which, in her eyes, made him a formidable force on the battlefield and the dance floor. If asked which exchange she liked more, Frye wouldn't know the answer. Both were equally fun. Turfing was a staple in everyday life, and she loved it. She loved the thrill of battle and the vibration of her hands tingling from her Splatana. But, she also loved the manifestation of emotions that surged through her heart when on the dance floor.

To this day, Frye loved to look back on the magical dance that brought the two together. Everything after felt like a blur, and before she knew it, her curiosity turned into great interest, which then evolved into love. Dancing in the arms of someone never occurred until that fateful night. She met challenges head-on, but the first time she danced in tandem with someone, it felt as if she was stepping into a world where time slowed down. As the music wrapped around her and her partner, she experienced the thrill of connection, their bodies moving in harmony as if choreographed by the very tempo of their hearts.

Before she realized it, Frye entered one of her dancing spells and spun around the room. It had been days since she felt the rhythm of her soul crying for relief. Her mind drifted to the enigmatic dancer and conjured an image of him to share the spotlight with.

When Bolero's hand clasped hers, a tangible link manifested between them, and with each twirl and dip, Frye sensed the electricity of their shared emotions become more and more intense. Soon, the dance floor transformed into their private haven, where the outside world faded away, leaving only the two of them to navigate the rhythm of their budding relationship.

The music became a backdrop to the unspoken language they shared, a dance of glances and smiles that conveyed more than words ever could. In those moments, the world disappeared, and it was just Bolero and Frye, caught in the enchantment of the dance.

The anticipation formed with every subtle touch and every shared breath, making the dance not just a physical expression but a celebration of the emotional connection they shared. Each step was a declaration of their affection, and each spin was a creation of the dizzying, exhilarating feeling of being in love.

As the dance continued, the thrill intensified. It was a mixture of excitement and serenity, a realization that this dance was a reflection of their shared journey, a dance of the heart.

In those stolen moments on the dance floor, Frye found a profound joy, a blissful escape where the world outside ceased to matter. The thrill of dancing with him became an indelible memory etched in the fabric of their shared story.

She was in love.

It took her a while to realize it, but Frye was in love with Bolero and his alter ego, and yet, the words remained close to her heart. She chose to wait until the day of fate. On that day, she planned on letting everything hit the floor. It wasn't long now, and each day that passed was another reminder of the journey she underwent to get to the present.

"I'm worried 'bout him," she breathed, calming down from her spell.

"I've seen the way you look at him. I thought Bolero was your final choice. What changed?"

Frye gave it some thought.

'What did change?'

She hadn't the foggiest idea why. Her goal was to find a rival. When she embraced the idea of having a boyfriend too, she didn't know.

'It just… sorta happened on its own.'

"Nothing," she responded. "I have a soft spot for Hotshot is all. We have a certain level of respect for each other, and he trusts me to look after his sister. Doesn't she remind you of Finn?"

Shiver laughed. "I bet he's gotten so big. Do you think they'll visit?"

Frye smiled. "I asked them to tune in. They know what's happening. I can't wait to show 'em what I got, and Syrus is hoping Bolero makes an appearance."

This piqued Shiver's interest. "Oh, is it time for the boys to settle their rivalry?"

As they continued to discuss the situation, Frye couldn't help but think about how Syrus was doing. Was he fighting? Did things go well and he's resting?

'Listen to yourself, Frye. You're getting all worked up over a guy. C'mon, you have him around your finger. Just keep it together. …I want to hug him.'

Xxx Bolero xxX

Applicant: Syrus

ID Number: 09-22

Codename: Phantom

Strengths: quick to adapt, perceptive, and resourceful

Weaknesses: overlooking individual health, both physical and mental

Overall performance: highly skilled in combat and weapon versatility. Quick thinker and problem solver with a knack for stealth, but out of all the Ghosts, he has the most disregard for his personal health.

If there was one trait Syrus prided himself on, it was his versatility. Being a sea jack of all trades was better than being a specialist in his eyes. While it was harder to defeat an opponent who excelled in that specific field, having multiple skills in one's arsenal could turn the tide more effectively. Being able to adapt on the fly was critical for survival.

Adaptability was a crucial trait he developed in the Octarian military, where unforeseen challenges and rapidly changing circumstances were the norm. In the Octarian forces, quickly adjusting to new environments, tactics, and technologies was a fundamental aspect of success. Soldiers and units had to be prepared for shift strategies on the battlefield, learn to operate different equipment, or even adapt to unfamiliar terrain and climates. Whether facing asymmetrical warfare, espionage missions, or traditional conflicts, the capacity to adapt was what enabled him to overcome obstacles, outmaneuver adversaries, and ultimately fulfill his mission.

He had to adapt to the harsh conditions. His brothers and sisters didn't take it easy on him, and his commander didn't take it easy on him. His brothers, the few that he had, were masters of weaponry, and his sisters were cold and ruthless regarding combat. He had to adapt to survive.

Through many missions, he learned that espionage and reconnaissance suited him best. He spent a couple of years in the Ghostfish Division, the branch that specialized in intel gathering and spy work. Stealth was their greatest asset, a shadow's dance. They mastered the art of existence without leaving a trace, becoming whispers in the silence of obsidian, where movements cloak themselves in the enigma of the unseen.

They worked away from the frontlines, and only fellow Ghosts were able to see them. Each member was given a codename to symbolize their experience within the division and their synergy with the darkness that shielded them.

Phantom was Syrus' alias, a being of the shadows and an imperceptible presence, and he had his eyes and ears on everything. His research into the old man lurking in the Square was part of it. He didn't rush recklessly into the unknown, which was why the fuzzy ooze eluded him until then. His unheard footsteps enabled him to investigate the scene without drawing attention, but had he been more aggressive, he would've found out about the NSS much sooner. Luckily, he chose to be aggressive and save his sister from certain death.

His senses were dampened, but they never faded. The minute the assassin was within range, the older brother jumped to attention. He thanked his training, both as an Octarian soldier and an NSS Agent, for his quickness. As harsh and grueling it was, it prepared him for situations like this one. Without it, Maya would be dead, and he would soon follow.

The secret agent opened his eyes. He half expected to be in his old base with his Ghost comrades, planning their next mission. Instead, he found himself in a dimly lit room with beams of light shining through the windows. He searched his memories and remembered everything before the relief of telling his story caught up with him. There was an attack on his sister's life. It was meant for him, but he diffused the situation and chased the assailant back to Alterna. He then begged Frye for help, asking her to look after Maya while he took care of business. Now, there was the impending trouble that invaded his city.

Syrus folded the blanket and hopped out of the bed. He felt a hundred times better, rested, and more alert. His movements weren't sluggish as he tidied up the bed his friends placed him on. He always wondered what the inside of the camper looked like. It was cozy with a hint of lavender. However, it was junkier than he imagined. Within its cozy confines, a sprinkle of discarded memories lay on the carpet - a stray wrapper, a forgotten trinket, and some CDs.

"How long was I asleep?"

He whistled for his pet Smallfry, but the little guy was nowhere to be seen. Any other time, Ken would've come running.

Loosening up his muscles, Syrus patted himself down for his phone. It was almost nine o'clock, and he was still in Alterna.

"Carp!" he hissed.

He was supposed to escort Maya to her friends.

If not for seeing the message from the girl in question, he would've bolted out the door like a kraken chasing after its prey.

"Hey, bro. Listen, I know you have a lot on your plate and probably can't tell me everything, but don't worry about me. Frye's taking care of it. I wanted to call, but I thought you were either asleep or too focused on whatever you were doing, and before you freak out and get all paranoid, it was Frye's idea. She and Shiver cooked me breakfast and made sure I got to the station with the two bodyguards. I don't know what's going on between you and Frye, but I better be getting a big sister, Bolero. I love you."

Syrus smiled and chuckled at the next message.

"And I knew you were a liar. You thought you could get one over me, but I learned from you after all. I don't know who taught you to lie, but they need to be punished, and also, be safe, bro. Please. I don't want to lose my family."

The brother silently promised his sister.

"Leave it to me, Maya."

He wasn't going to let her off with calling him a liar though.

"I just woke up. First of all, I don't like you two making this decision without me, but I will relent; however, I expect constant updates. Also, tell the twin's parents I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Second, I'm not a liar. I'm a withholder of information. Completely different. Third, be safe, be careful, and BEHAVE. I'll check up on you later. Love you too. As for Frye, don't get your hopes up."

He didn't mention too much about his plan because it would've taken too long to explain, and he had a special day approaching that would explain everything.

"Also, if I recall, it was you and Zane."

He heard the door open and held out his hand, and without needing to turn around, a small weight landed on his open palm, a small Salmonid, whose tiny flippers clung to the agent and refused to let go. Ken crawled over his caretaker, mewling, and perching himself on top of his head.

"Hey there, little guy," Syrus petted him tenderly. "I'm happy to see you too."

"Little cutie was worried sick. Agent 9's little buddy tried to make it feel better, but it hated waiting around. I think he heard you moving."

Syrus ruffled the little Smallfry's hair. He gave off a fatherly vibe as he soothed his Salmonid son's worries.

"When I whistle, he knows to come to me. I'm sorry I worried everyone," he apologized, grabbing his Tri-Stringer, and securing it to his back.

Callie waved it off, giving the agent her brightest smile.

"We're just happy you're okay. You gave us a scare when you collapsed like that. I knew talking about your sister would take your mind off things, but I didn't think it would knock you out."

Syrus thought the same thing. "That's what happens when you have too much on your plate."

He smiled back. "Thank you, Callie. I appreciate your support."

She sparkled at the compliment.

"You're very welcome. How do you feel?"

"A lot better. Did anything happen while I was asleep?"

Callie grabbed his arm.

"Come and see."

Agent 1 surprised Agent 3 with her strength and yanked him out of the camper the ladies used as their home.

Alterna was bright and sunny once again. Syrus shielded his eyes from the artificial sunlight. Close by, he heard the sound of construction.

"Hey!" Callie yelled out, waving to the group. "He's awake!"

Agents 7 and 9 were the quickest to respond and pounced on their friend right after Callie let go of him. The girls blinked in astonishment as the three boys wrestled in the fake snow. There was no ill will. In fact, there was much camaraderie between the three. Agent 9 showed he was the physically strongest of the bunch by picking them up over his head and dropping them on the ground, but Agent 7 was quick to escape; however, Agent 3 was quicker and turned the tables, pinning both to the ground, and using them as makeshift chairs.

"I just woke up, and this is how you greet a brother? C'mon, guys. It's a hundred years too soon for you to challenge me."

He stood and let the two climb to their feet. All three were smiling at each other.

"Welcome back to the world of the living," Zane stated. "You didn't miss much. We're finally making headway on the treasure."

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Agent 2 sauntered over. "How did you sleep?"

"Like a baby. You have a nice place, but I think a little tidying is in order."

Agent 2 frowned and turned to her cousin. "I thought it was your turn."

"No," Callie shook her head, "it was Captain's."

"I've been busy," Clora stated. "And it's not that bad."

"If Neo is making a comment, it is," Marie countered. "We barely fixed your hygiene issues. We don't want the boys thinking we're slobs."

At this, Clora turned orange with embarrassment. Zane and Luke, failing to mask their laughter, held their tongues, not wanting to tread on unsafe territory.

She glared at Marie. "We agreed not to mention that! I've conquered those allegations. I shower every week, and I spray the inside from time to time. It smells like lavender."

"Boys," Marie turned to the guys, "who's the most hygienic between you three?"

Syrus raised his hand. He took pride in his cleanliness, and his brothers agreed with him, giving him the point.

"If you're gone for weeks when chasing, you're immediately sanctioned off and hosed down," Luke shuddered. "It's bad, trust me."

"I'm casual with the cleaning," Zane shrugged. "Syrus is a real neat freak."

"When you have a little sister who used to hate having her hair washed and a Smallfry who doesn't like baths at all, you learn a thing or two, especially when you have two Smallfrys that hate baths."

Luke issued his twin a thumbs-up. "You're a real one, Syrus. I don't trust Levi with anyone else but you. Not even Shiver."

"Because you're too lenient," the sterner Octoling crossed his arms and huffed. "Learn to put your foot down. That's why he almost ate one of Sheldon's Chargers."

But Luke was confident. "Learn to be more adventurous."

Syrus smirked. "Is that why you were screaming like a baby when Shiver was chasing you? Feeling adventurous?"

Luke's confidence faltered, and his face burned with embarrassment, his tentacles curling and unfolding themselves in exasperation.

"That's not fair!" he shrieked. "Put yourself in my shoes and tell me you want a piece of that."

Neo 3 adopted a thinking pose, but his smirk never waned. "I mean, I've been chased by multiple giant eels, but I handle Frye with no issues."

"Frye doesn't have the spirit of a shark. Shiver bites with the tenacity of a hungry Maws," Luke concluded, his face still flushed yellow. "And in case you were wondering, yes, I do have bite marks. No, they are NOT from Master Mega."

Zane patted his pal on the back, having figured Shiver meant much more than just "kissing and making up." He had to give him more respect for enduring the punishment. He would not want to be on the receiving end of any angry female. Let alone one with a pet Megalodon at her beck and call.

Callie felt the ink rush to her head as she touched her cheeks. Cod only knew what images she conjured in her mind.

"Oh my," she giggled, looking at Luke carefully, "you're that kind of experienced."

Her teasing remark caught Luke off guard, and he stammered, trying to regain composure. "I—well, I mean…"

He was a mess. His embarrassment deepened, and he prayed Shiver didn't find out. Thankfully, Clora interjected.

"Enough with the love stories. We have a mission to complete. Neo, are you good to go?"

Agent 3 nodded. "I'm all set."

The group got back to work on the treasure. Its final shape consisted of a staggering nine blades at the forefront.

It was weird to see Luke use his tentacles. His hair moved independently as he aided Agent 2 in hammering in the bolts. For more precise placements, his tentacles expertly maneuvered through the crevices and narrow holes.

"Tighten that, connect the wires," he muttered. "If you're wondering how I'm so adept at this, I built the Stamper on my back. It's made from a sturdy alloy, but the motor adds some weight to it. After testing the Splatana for the first time, I had to make my own. Problem was I didn't have all the parts necessary. It took me months of scouring the desert before I finally made a breakthrough, a first-generation model Hydra Splatling."

His eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Cod, I'd never seen a more beautiful weapon. The barrel and loader were busted, but the motor was in pristine condition. Lady Luck was shining on me that day because not only did I find the strongest motor, I found my little buddy."

Levi let out a loud chirp.

"He also lost an arm," Syrus added, fastening a bolt to the motor.

"You lost what?!" Agents 1 and 2 gasped.

Luke rubbed his left arm and laughed. "Yeah, well, it's a warzone out in the desert. I'm glad it was just an arm. Thankfully, I made it back home safely with my prize intact."

"After calling me to make sure he wasn't gunned down upon entry," the more stoic Octoling commented. "Imagine my surprise when he brought back a Smallfry too."

Agent 9 continued to radiate pure joy. "And then you followed in my footsteps."

"Minus losing an arm," Syrus pointed out. "I found Ken scrounging for scraps at Undertow Spillway. I was doing some practice with my Tri-Stringer and stopped him from eating my snacks."

"Waaaah!" Levi bounced up and down.

"Offered him some food, and the little guy has been my adopted son ever since."

"And BAM!" Luke clapped his hands and admired the finished work.

Callie threw her arms around her cousin as the captain looked upon their finished product with pride.

"By the power of chowder… COMBINE!" Agent 1 cheered.

"Not a bad-looking tool if I do say so myself," Luke held his nose high.

"Great job, everybody. Now we can finally rescue the former captain," current Captain Clora stated. Her three hearts were full of hope. "It's time to mount our rescue. Are we ready to begin?"

The group affirmed their support, and Clora locked eyes on the fuzzy wall.

"You boys have been a tremendous help. I can't thank you enough for all the hard work."

A powerful aura suddenly surged around her, and her tentacles began glowing. It was her time to shine.

"You got this, Cap'n!" Agent 7 encouraged her.

"Show that fuzz why you're the queen!" Agent 1 declared.

Clora grabbed the treasure by the handles and let her energy flow through the weapon. It roared to life with a satisfying purr, and at first, Clora stunned her team when she chucked it at the launch site. But then, with a burst of power, she leaped after it and danced through the air with a series of hacking and slashing in a beautiful display of control and precision.

Agent 9 whistled, having only seen a few masters of swordplay utilize a blade that masterfully.

In mere moments, the giant wall that guarded the launch site and proved almost impenetrable was shaved out of existence, revealing a sparkling clean new area for the NSS to explore.

"Nicely done," Syrus commented.

"So smooth…" Agent 2 huffed. "It's smoother than my skin now. No fair!"

Callie gave her cousin a reassuring side hug. "Now then, smoothness aside… let's go save Gramps!"

The five super jumped to Clora's side. The weapon was lying on its side, but the captain was on her knees in pain. One of her tentacles was cut by the weapon in her assault and leaked yellow-green ink.

"Cap!" Callie kneeled beside her. "Captain! Are you OK?!"

Clora hissed as Agent 2 immediately bandaged the injury.

"I'm fine," she assured them. "I tried to be cautious, but it was more potent than I thought. Aaahh, that's gonna hurt for a bit. Go on without me. I need a minute."

"We won't let you down," Marie promised her. "C'mon, boys. Lets-"

"WAIT ONE HOT MINUTE!"

The conversation was interrupted by three different splashes of ink touching down on the Alterna Space Center.

"Ooh, your new employees have arrived, Marie," Callie giggled.

"About time," the white-haired Inkling sighed.

"You didn't think we were just going to sit this out, right? Please tell me you didn't!" The eel deal of Deep Cut, Frye, stanced up.

"Now that we're here, victory is guaranteed," Shiver grinned through squinted eyes. "Also, I believe we had an agreement."

"Ay aay?! Ay! (Is everyone okay?! I'm sorry I wasn't awake to help!)" Big Man enveloped the three male agents in a big hug. When he heard the trio was attacked in the middle of the night, concern and shame overcame him. He was happily snoozing while his friends were attacked and nearly killed.

"We're good, Big Man. Thanks for asking," Zane patted him on the back.

Syrus and Frye met halfway. Without knowing the other's thoughts, both took a deep breath and steadied themselves. Summoning the courage they had bottled up for so long, they moved closer, glad to be in each other's presence, and slowly, tentatively, they embraced, much to the other's surprise. Everyone had mixed contemplations.

For a moment, time stood still as the weight of unspoken feelings passed between Syrus and Frye. It was a complete gamble, but both were glad the other wanted the same thing.

"You're looking better," Frye separated from the Octoling. "You had Maya worried."

"Not you?" Syrus tilted his head. "Or was that hug from Maya as well?"

"After your rude intrusion? Buddy, you better be grateful I don't slug you."

The Octoling smiled. "I'm very grateful. It just means I get to show you another good time, right?"

They were inching closer before either knew it.

"You're gonna owe me a lot more than that, but I'm glad you understand," she started poking him in the chest. "But don't ever worry me like that again."

They missed the banter.

"So you were worried. Well, sorry, but if I promised to stop, I would be lying."

Frye rolled her eyes. "Right, because you never lie."

He nodded back. "That's right. See, you do know me. I may withhold information, but I never lie."

The ebony idol giggled, "Could've fooled me," and was getting closer still.

"AHEM!"

The two snapped back to reality and separated with urgency.

"Agent 2!" Agent 1 yelled.

"Save the hugs and kisses for later," Marie stated, ignoring her cousin. "We have to find Gramps."

The two averted their eyes.

"Sorry," Syrus apologized.

"Accepted. Alright, Deep Cut, as promised, the treasure is yours. We're done with it."

"Excellent," Shiver smiled. "We'll take it with us after we're done here."

"Hey, so this has been bugging me," Callie spoke up. "Why were you after the treasure, anyway? Just 'cause…treasure?"

"It's a lot deeper than that," Shiver opened her new fan and cooled herself down.

"We're doing it for Splatsville!" Frye pounded her chest and then deflated a bit. "Not everyone is as fresh as we are. Some of them are really hurting!"

"That's right," Shiver nodded. "We plan to sell the treasure and divide the profits among the needy. We'll keep a… shallow cut."

"Aay. Ay ay ay. (And then the Parental Four can take a little vacation. They work way too hard for everyone. We're trying to save up enough money to send them on a cruise.)"

"Whoa," Marie was highly impressed. "You're actually heroes. And here we thought… Well," she turned away, "I don't want to say what we thought."

With everything negotiated, the group started their next plan.

"Gramps is somewhere at the top," Marie explained, settling in nicely with her leadership role. "He said his knee was aching from the high elevation, so he must be way high up. Agent 3, you take point. Agent 1 and I will stay with Captain until she's better."

"Roger that," Syrus fired a shot at the inactive ink rail.

"Before you go, fair warning," Clora spoke up, "they most likely already know we're coming. Tread carefully. I have no doubts there's an ambush coming."

The boys and Big Man saluted the captain while the girls simply nodded. Agent 3 took the lead. His squad adopted his color of royal blue and followed behind while Marie and Callie stayed with Captain Clora.

"That was so sweet," the latter clasped her hands together and sighed. "Why'd you stop them? It was getting good!"

"They can do that later," Marie stated. "I just can't stop thinking about poor Gramps... all alone up there somewhere. We've got to focus and move on!"

"We'll find him," Callie declared with the utmost confidence. "We have the best team on the case, and Neo is leading the pack. We'll have Gramps home by the end of the day. Then, we can dress up and dance with the Splatlandians."

Marie believed in her cousin's words. Time and again, the Squidbeak Splatoon overcame the odds stacked against them. This time would be no different, but they couldn't shake the foreboding presence that loomed over them. They knew the mastermind watching, but as they ascended the hangar, the pressure intensified.

Mr. Grizz was watching, and he was ready to fire some employees.