Estimated Reading Time: 20 Minutes

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Melodic Discord

Today was a big day for the band. Ness was up before the sun, heading straight to the music hall without a second thought—no breakfast, no break, just raw determination. The weight of the upcoming performance pressed on his shoulders, but he wasn't alone in feeling it.

The band rehearsed for hours, their fingers aching, voices strained, but none of them dared to stop. The dream was too important. For Tina, this was everything. She remembered being a little Inkling, standing in a sea of cheering fans, eyes wide with wonder as idols lit up the stage. Now, it was her turn. Splatfest was here, and she wasn't going to let this chance slip away.

After countless hours of relentless practice, the moment had finally arrived—tryouts. Exhausted but unwilling to waver, the group made their way to the venue, joining the long line of hopefuls. The air was thick with anticipation, every second stretching unbearably.

Tina felt the weight of it pressing down on her, nerves twisting her stomach into knots. But she refused to let it show. On the outside, she was calm, composed—silently hyping up her team, steadying them with quiet words and determined glances. They had come too far to let doubt take over now.

Tina: "We got this guys~"

Riley: "Yeah we do!"

Kip: "Hell yeah!"

Lin: ["Yay."]

Tina: "Ness?"

Ness: "Oh! Uh, we got this…"

"Hey, you'll do great," Tina said, patting his shoulder.

Ness flinched slightly at the unexpected touch, his body still tense from nerves. He turned to her, eyes wide for a brief moment before looking away, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. It wasn't just the pressure of tryouts making his heart race now. "T-thanks."

Ness started to feel a little more at ease, the tension in his chest loosening—until he saw who was next on stage.

Darnell.

Tina squinted, leaning forward as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. "What the hell?" she muttered.

Then the music started.

Their music.

But twisted, warped into some overproduced remix, stripped of its raw energy and heart. The realization hit like a slap.

"You've gotta be fuckin' kidding me!" Tina's eyes widened, fury igniting like wildfire. Her fists clenched at her sides as she watched Darnell and his team play their stolen song, the crowd oblivious to the betrayal unfolding before them.

Riley: "That's our song!"

Kip: "Yooo! Not cool."

Ness: (Now you guys understand why I don't like him…)

Lin: ["Oh no…"]

Tina: "Shit! People are gonna think we stole the song…"

Riley: "What do we do?"

Kip: "Do we play our song still?"

Tina: "Ya. What other choice do we have?"

Ness: "How did he even know about our song?"

Tina: "I have no idea. He's fuckin' stalker."

Riley: "We're gonna lose, and people are gonna think we're the copycats!"

Tina: *Sighs* "It's okay, dudes. We'll still play our song, and if we don't get in, it's whatevs."

Ness: "B-but this is your dream…"

Tina: "I know, but there's not much we can do."

Riley: "I can't believe I thought this guy was cool."

Ness: (Fuck around, and find out…)

Tina: "Dude! He's my fuckin' ex. I dunno why you kept thinkin' he was a good guy."

Riley: "No offense, Tina, but you're kind of a toxic bitch sometimes. You go through partners fast, and it ain't always because of them."

Tina: "What the fuck did you just say to me?"

Riley: "You heard me."

Ness: "Hey guys-

Tina: "Are you seriously tyrin' to pick a fight right now?"

Riley: "Just spittin' facts, girlie."

Kip: "I mean she's not wrong, Tina. You've dated like over twenty people since we've known ya."

Tina: "Are y'all callin' me a slut?"

Riley: "I mean…"

Tina: "Fuck both of you! You guys are supposed to be my friends."

Riley: "We are your friends. Friends tell each other the truth."

Tina: "Calling me a slut isn't bein' a good friend. You could've phrased it differently, asshole."

Kip: "I like how you didn't deny that you're a slut."

Tina: "Wow, I can't believe this."

Lin: ["Guys, let's not fight."]

Ness: "Lin's right, we shouldn't-

Kip: "Shut up, dude. You're only here because you're Tina's new boytoy."

Ness: "Excuse me?"

Tina: "Aye, don't talk to him like that!"

Riley: "I mean it's kinda true. I know you two is fuckin'. That's the only reason why he's here. He ain't even that good at guitar compared to Darnell."

Tina: "Nah, ya know what? Fuck this. I'm out."

Ness: "What?"

Riley: "What the fuck you mean you're out?"

Tina: "C'mon, Ness, let's bail."

Ness: "Wait, we're leaving?"

Tina: "Ya dude. I ain't gonna perform with fake ass friends. Lin, you comin' too?"

Lin: ["Yeah."]

Kip: "Wait, no! Tina, stop bein' a dramatic bitch."

Tina: "Nah, I'm done. I'm tired of your guys' shit."

Riley: "Are you seriously backin' down because we're bein' real with you?"

Tina: "You ain't bein' real. You're bein' cunts."

Riley: "Tina, quit bein' immature, and let's just play when they call our names."

Tina: "Nah, fuck both of ya."

Kip: "Wait, we're sorry!"

Tina: "Too late. You guys showed your true colors, and I don't wanna be a part of it."

Riley: "Let's talk this over after our tryouts."

Tina: "Fuck all the way off! C'mon guys, let's go."

Ness and Lin didn't say a word. They simply followed Tina out of the venue, their footsteps heavy with unspoken frustration. The subway ride back to the mansion was eerily quiet, the rhythmic clatter of the train the only thing filling the silence.

Once inside, they sank onto the lobby couch. Tina sat with her head down, staring at her phone, her expression unreadable—too neutral, too controlled.

Ness watched her carefully. He knew that look. She was troubled, masking it beneath a calm facade, but the tension in her grip, the stiffness in her posture, betrayed her.

Ness: "Hey, uh, I-I'm sorry about what happened."

Tina: "You're good. You didn't do anything wrong."

Lin: ["What do we do now?"]

Tina: "I dunno…"

Ness's heart sank as he glanced at Tina. This was supposed to be her big day, the moment she had dreamed of since she was a kid. And now? It had been ripped away in the worst way possible. The air around her felt heavy, like a storm waiting to break.

He hated seeing her like this. There had to be something—some way to lift her spirits. But what?

His mind raced for an answer until it hit him.

Who knew more about performing in front of a crowd than anyone he knew?

Ninten.

Of course! If anyone could give him advice on how to get Tina back on her feet, it was him. Without wasting another second, Ness pulled out his phone and started typing.

[- Ninten

Ness: Hey.

Ninten: Oh heyy whats up~

Ness: Tryouts didn't go well as planned. Tina and her friends got into an argument and we ended up leaving.

Ninten: Oh no Im so sorry :(

Ness: It's okay. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how to cheer her up.

Ninten: Hmm is she still in the mood to perform?

Ness: I think so.

Ninten: Perform here on the streets during busking peak :3

Ness: Busking peak?

Ninten: When the street lights light the city with life! Its the best way to get everyones attention

Ness: That could work! But we don't have the whole band…

Ninten: Its just you and Tina?

Ness: And our bassist.

Ninten: Thats all you really need

Ness: Yeah?

Ninten: Yeah! It can still work :)

Ness: It's worth a shot, right?

Ninten: Exactly! I can give you my spot tonight

Ness: No, it's okay. I don't wish to be a burden.

Ninten: I insist~

Ness: Are you sure?

Ninten: Yes!

Ness: Thanks, Ninten. You're the best!

Ninten: I know xD

…

Ness: "Hey, Tina, I have an idea."

Tina: "What's that?"

Ness: "We can still perform."

Tina: "How? Tryouts are over."

Ness: "We can go to the smash plaza and busk there."

Lin: ["That's not a bad idea."]

Ness: "I know it's not the same as performing in Splatfest, but I honestly prefer it this way. Less pressure and more soul, y'know."

Tina: "Ness…"

Ness: "Yes?" (Oh god, she's gonna say it's a terrible idea, isn't she?)

Tina: "THAT'S A WONDERFUL IDEA! I love the way you think!"

Ness's eyes lit up with hope the moment Tina praised him. Her words, simple yet sincere, sent a warmth through his chest that he couldn't ignore.

Right then and there, he felt himself fall for her even more.

No matter what obstacles were thrown her way, she never crumbled under the weight of negativity. Even now, after everything, she still radiated that same fire, that same unshakable spirit. She didn't let bitterness consume her—she pushed forward.

And Ness admired that. Respected it.

Maybe… that was what made her so special to him.

Ness: "T-thanks, I uh, I don't know what to say."

Tina: "You're really somethin' special, Ness. I'm glad I met you~"

Ness: "!"

Tina: "Lin, how do you feel about Ness's plan?"

Lin: ["Let's do it."]

Tina: "Hell yeah!"

The three made their way to Smash Plaza, the neon lights of the city flickering above them as the hum of distant chatter and music filled the air. The plaza was alive, bustling with people, but Ness barely noticed. His focus was set on one thing.

By the grand fountain, where water glowed under the soft streetlights, stood Ninten. A familiar figure, relaxed as ever, an ocarina in hand. The beautiful notes of his melody drifted through the air, blending seamlessly with the distant hum of the city.

As they approached, Ninten lowered his ocarina, flashing them a knowing grin. "Well, well! If it isn't the rising stars," he teased, tucking the instrument into his pocket. "Nice to see ya again, Tina."

Tina: "Sup, Ness's twin."

Ninten: "Hahaha! I know right!"

Ness: "Yeah, haha…"

Tina: "Sup, you know me. This blondie over here is Lin."

Ninten: "Hey, Lin."

Lin: ["Hi."]

Ninten: "Anyway, this is the spot where I busk, but you guys can take the floor tonight."

Tina: "Thank you, you're too kind."

Ness: "He's the one that came up with the idea."

Tina: "Aww, you two~ You didn't have to do this for me."

Ninten: "I love helping fellow musicians. Especially if they're close with my buddy, Ness."

Ness: "Haha… Thanks!"

Tina: "Seriously, Ninten, you're a gem."

Lin: ["Yes, thank you."]

Ninten: "Aww, shucks! Thanks. Now whatcha waiting for. Go on and start performing!"

Ninten wasted no time helping them set up their instruments and mic, moving with the ease of someone who had done this a thousand times before. He adjusted the levels, tapped the mic to test it, and gave a thumbs-up once everything was good to go.

"Alright," he said, stepping back. "Let's hear what you've got."

The three exchanged glances, a quiet determination settling between them. Ness gripped his guitar, Lin adjusted her bass, and Tina took a steadying breath as she positioned herself at the mic.

Then, they began to play.

The first notes rang out into the plaza, raw and unfiltered, cutting through the evening air. At first, it was just them—their music filling the space between them. But slowly, heads began to turn, people pausing to listen. The rhythm built, steady and powerful, and for the first time since the disaster at tryouts, something clicked.

This was their moment.

{The Song: Cause baby I'm all yours

I see a boy, and he's staring at me

Making me feel some kinda way

I turn my head as he walks up to me

Sayin baby can I stay?

Cause boy you're looking at me with those eyes

Got me hooked already; claim your prize

Cause boy you're such a catch our love will rise

Got me intoxicated with your lies

Cause baby I'm all yours

Cause baby I'm all yours

I don't care if it's bad

Your love charm drives me mad

I don't care if it's bad

I don't care if it's bad

Cause baby I'm all yours

Your love charm drives me mad

Cause babe you're lookin fine be by my side

Come on baby grab me don't be shy

Just promise me one day I'll be your bride

Loving every second till we die

Cause boy you're looking at me with those eyes

Got me hooked already; claim your prize

Cause boy you're such a catch our love will rise

Got me intoxicated with your lies

*Slows down*

Cause babe you're lookin' fine be by my side

Come on baby grab me don't be shy

Just promise me one day I'll be your bride

Loving every second till we die}

The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices blending into the night like a perfect harmony. Energy crackled in the air, raw and electric.

They did it.

Tina stood there, taking it all in—the faces in the crowd, the excitement, the warmth. This wasn't the stage she had dreamed of, the one she had envisioned since she was a kid. But somehow… it was even better.

These people didn't come for a flashy concert. They hadn't been lured in by hype or a name on a billboard. They came because they heard the music and felt something. And that—that—was what truly mattered.

Her chest tightened with emotion, and before she could stop herself, she turned and leaped into Ness's arms.

"Thank you, Ness," she cried, tears of ink rolling down her cheeks. "You made my dream better than I ever imagined."

She squeezed him tightly, her grip filled with nothing but pure gratitude and joy.

Ness felt his heart slam against his ribs, a rush of warmth spreading through his entire body. He didn't know what to say, didn't even know how to react. The crowd was watching, their cheers still ringing in his ears, but none of that mattered.

Because in this moment—wrapped in Tina's embrace, her words sinking deep into his heart—he had never been happier.

"That was beautiful!" Ninten cheered from behind them, his voice warm and encouraging.

The three of them took a collective bow, their exhaustion forgotten in the rush of accomplishment. With tired smiles, they packed up their instruments and microphones, working quickly and efficiently as they returned everything to its rightful place. When they finished, they turned to Ninten.

"Thanks so much for letting us use your spot," Tina said, her voice sincere.

Ninten grinned, waving it off. "No need to thank me. It was amazing watching you guys play. I knew you'd kill it." He gave them a thumbs-up, then reached into his bag to pull out his ocarina. "Now, if you'll excuse me, time for me to play my usual set."

They exchanged grateful glances before saying their goodbyes to him. He began to play, the sweet melody filling the night air as they made their way to the restaurant Tina had suggested.

The evening was filled with laughter and delicious food. They ate until they were stuffed, enjoying each other's company, Tina doing most of the talking. When they finished, the warm glow of contentment lingered between them as they took the subway back to the mansion.

Lin parted ways with them with a wave. The two of them waved her off before continuing on their way.

Ness felt a strange sense of peace walking beside Tina, but that peace was shaken as she stopped outside her room. "Hey… you wanna come in?" she asked, her voice light. Despite the nervous flutter in his chest, Ness nodded, his mouth dry. "Yeah, okay."

He followed her inside, his heart racing for a completely different reason now. She closed the door behind them, and he stood awkwardly by the bed. Tina, ever at ease, plopped down onto the mattress with a satisfied sigh, but Ness stayed standing at first, unsure of what to do.

Finally, with a deep breath, he lowered himself onto the edge of the bed, his hands gripping his knees as if they were the only thing keeping him steady. He kept his gaze fixed on the floor, his mind a whirlwind. I've done this before. Why am I always so nervous?

Tina: "I just wanna thank you for tonight."

Ness: "Of course!"

Tina: "You and Ninten really came in clutch."

Ness: "I felt bad. I had to do something."

Tina: "Aww, you~"

Ness: "So, are you really done with Riley and Kip?"

Tina: "If they don't apologize yeah."

Ness: "But what they did was unforgivable. You're going to still be friends with them if they apologize?"

Tina: "I dunno… I've been friends with them since like forever."

Ness: "I hate to say this, but they're toxic."

Tina: "I know…"

Ness: "The way they talked to you was awful."

Tina: "Yeaaaah."

Ness: "You're really going to forgive them after all that?"

Tina: "I don't hold grudges."

Ness: "I think in this case, it's fine."

Tina: "I get what you're comin' from, but don't worry. I'll make sure to set boundaries."

Ness: "Has this happened before?"

Tina: "Us fightin'?"

Ness: "Yes."

Tina: "Ya, but it's not often. Don't worry."

Despite the urge to argue with her, to caution her about the red flags her friends were waving, he bit his tongue. Today had been an emotional whirlwind for all of them, and he didn't want to dampen her already fragile happiness by adding tension to the mix.

Ness: "Okay."

Tina: "Anyway, I don't wanna think about them right now. I wanna do somethin' else~"

Ness: "Y-yeah? Like what?"

Tina: "You've done so much for me tonight. It's time I return the favor~"