Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

??? POV

Teacher: We grew too complacent. We thought it was a simple virus, but no. Weeping Ink Syndrome, we called it. Its been a sickness with no cure for centuries, no way to treat it, only ways to slow it down. At the advance of modern technology, we figured out it was a parasite, no virus. We studied, "learned", and we destroyed it. We learned the signs of infection,  and eventually learned how to "treat" it. Incision, locate, isolate, remove, stich. We thought we had conquered this parasite, that caused so many families trauma. We were wrong. It started in inkopolis, then spread everywhere else. Some people called it the heavens retribution, Men began falling all around. One by one by one. We thought they were dead. Three days later, One by one by one. They woke up, this time, changed.  they were no longer the men of this world. they.. were...

the teacher had gone silent

Student: Miss?

the female teacher spoke once more

Teacher: They were... now the women of this world! WIS had evolved, and now sought out men to turn into females, Now scientists are still trying to find out why WIS had evolved in such a way, and how to reverse it. Luckily We can still hold out hope. 

A bell rings, as many students stand up, in the corner of the room an inkling wearing a basic hoodie, jacket, and jeans stands up from the desk they were sitting at, and begins to pack up their stuff.

Weeping Ink Syndrome, renamed to the Femalizing Ink Parasite, had caused all born men to turn into females, this happened nearly 19 years ago.

Student: Hello there ma'am, how has your day been?

No inkling knows why or how this had happened, Luckily, FIP's evolution only allowed it to target male inklings, of which there were none. Without male inklings, the rate at which babies will be born has come to a near complete halt.

Student: Ma'am can you hear me?

Of course inklings can still reproduce through time, eventually having a kid at the age of 27, but the chances of that happening are slim to none. though there was still a small chance of bringing male inklings back a very slim one. only born men were Femalized. Meaning all males still in eggs, or in the belly were safe.

The student leans down to peak under the hood that said person was wearing

Student: Miss..?

A gasp leaves the girls mouth

Student: Y-your A-a...

The person's head quickly jolts up, their hood falling to reveal (Y/N)

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N): Yup Im a guy! heh!

Just as he says that, all students gasp, the irony, and turn as (Y/N) Bursts through the doors of the classroom running out

(Y/N): Shame i couldn't stay for longer but cant risk getting caught now!

While men do still exist, they are hunted down and taken to be used to try to repopulate the planet. It has actually become a law that all men are to be taken, can you believe that!

Many gasps were heard as (Y/N) runs through the halls turning and running about, and just as he turns a corner at a T hallway junction he is met face to-20-foot-away-face with about 3 officers blocking the stairs he needs to take to get down

(Y/N): Oh! Well guess ill just have to go the other way-

(Y/N) was turning to run back the other way, when 3 more officers were blocking the way he came from

(Y/N): Honestly how did you all get here so fast! this must be comic relief!

He began frantically looking around as the officers began to close in

(Y/N): And the coordination too! 

A small chuckle is heard from (Y/N) despite the situation he is in, with officers closing in quick from two sides of him, the only way he could go was just a dead end, a wall with a window...

A window! (Y/N) began full speed bolting it towards the window, bracing himself for the impact

(Y/N): I really hope that the fall wont hurt cause the glass sure will!

He bursts through the window, letting out an expected seer of pain as he did. his tentacles cut with glass shards embedded in them.

(Y/N): okay weird squid biology dont fail me now!

Now 3 stories off the ground, (Y/N) begins falling. while doing so he transforms into his squid form and braces for impact.

A sharp pain

(Y/N): Ow Fu-

He gets cut off by an alarm.

(Y/N): its times like these where I'm glad i don't have bones

While he had no bones he still has cartilage, which is most likely torn or broken somewhere in his body now, but it isn't the time. (Y/N) began bolting it off of the academy grounds while limping.

(Y/N): Well now that me and my beauty...

(Y/N) does a pose, to no audience while limp-running

(Y/N): has been found out, i have to leave town, the entire military will probably be out here lookin for me

He didn't know if what he said was an exaggeration or not.

(Y/N):i gotta get home quick!

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(Y/N): Okay, toothbrush? check, false IDs? check, debit card? check, wigs? check, clothes? check, food? check, 4 week old Dory queen ice cream cone? check.

He continued to list things off. Out loud. In his empty room, when he suddenly saw a keychain on his desk with a little budding rose flower on it. He waits for a moment, then takes it.

(Y/N): Okay i think i got everythi-

A loud banging noise is heard from his front door, as many female voices are heard, and rapidly approaching

(Y/N): well sh-

The voices got louder and closer as (Y/N) whispered.

(Y/N): Time to go!

He quickly looked outside of his window, to see that his house was, in fact, not surrounded. You'd think that the cops would try harder to get him.  He proceeds to quietly open the window and jump out of it landing in his back yard and bursting into a sprint trying to make a run for the bike he hid in some fake bushes a few years ago. In case he would ever have to use it.

(Y/N): well now's your time to shine buddy

(Y/N) lifted up the fake bushes to the sight of... an incredibly rusted over bike that was far too small for him to ride. He sighed

(Y/N): welp... on foot it is... I guess..

(Y/N) opened the gate to his back yard, looked out both directions to see if the cost was clear, and ran. Just to be sure he was safe he ran at top speed, after all the cops were currently in his house, you never know if they could suddenly be smart enough to send someone to patrol the outside of it.

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(Y/N): I knew i was forgetting something. 

He was looking through his bag, looking for a single item in particular. A map, a map he's been working on for years, one with over 40 different escape cities and the routes to get there written on it. he had worked on it for years. and the fact that he forgot it means bad. he didn't remember all 40 but did remember 5, of the cities but those didnt matter because, if he left the map at his house, cops will find it and be waiting for him at all 40 cities regardless of if he remembered them all or not...

(Y/N): Well what to do now... Heh i really am in quite the pickle

A strike of inspiration.

(Y/N): Well if they are going to be waiting for me at one of the 40, ill just not go to one of the 40!

A strike of determent.

(Y/N): I choose those places because of the little to no police there... every other place around is bustling with them... 

He groaned.

(Y/N): Well if its the only thing i can do ill go to the cities. or rather the only one i can remember off the top of my head... Inkopolis. 

Chapter Text

(Y/N) POV 

(Y/N): Seven hundred fifty two bottles of beer on the wall seven hundred fifty two bottles of beer, you take one down pass it around Seven hundred fifty one bottles of beer on the wall!

When (Y/N) began his journey to Inkopolis, he started at 50 thousand. It is safe to say (Y/N) is very bored. He groaned. Loudly.

(Y/N): Why must Inkopolis be so far away... What I would give to be able to catch a ride there...

And Just as he said that, a bright red car pulled up next to where (Y/N) was walking. He quickly pulled his hood over his head and turned away.

Driver: Hi, do you need a ride?

(Y/N): Thank you cod I am eternally grateful... for the next 10 seconds

(Y/N) Nods his head towards the driver.

Driver: Okay then feel free to hop in!

(Y/N) walked to the car, pointed to the door, and with the drivers nod opened the door and got inside. The car was filled with merchandise from different anime's and cartoons. Some stuff from Sea-dragon ball, Nemoto SHIPpuden, the amazing world of gulfball, and much, much more.

Driver: Sorry about that, I'm a biiit of a collector hehe... anyways where too?

In the best female inkling voice he could manage, which was not very good at all, (Y/N) says,

(Y/N): Inkopolis square.

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Driver POV

Driver: I am confident that the person in my backseat is a male... if i turn him into the Inkopolis police i could probably get paid a lot..

She looks in her rearview mirror at the hooded person in her car.

Driver: I mean, he is wearing that hood and looking straight up, i can clearly see his face! and his horrible attempt at making a female voice...

She turns her eyes back to the road. and lets out a sigh.

Driver: I don't need the money. I'm doing well off as is, ill just take him to Inkopolis and drop him off there, but he really does need to get better at keeping it secret, i mean look at him!

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(Y/N) POV

He gets out of the car and walks to the driver's window. With his face turned away he holds out some cash for the driver to take.

Driver: Hey don't worry about it, you probably need it more than me.. Sir.

(Y/N): What?!

(Y/N) quickly turns and gets ready to run away.

Driver: Relax, I'm not going to call the police or try and take you or anything. What i will do is tell you to do better at hiding yourself, its so obvious that you are a male that it hurts.

(Y/N) stops and turns back

(Y/N): if you knew why did you still take me here? and not to the police? or.. y'know...

Driver: First off, ew. second off, I considered taking you to the police for some cash, but i don't need the cash.

(Y/N): ... So you didn't take me... because you are.. financially stable?

Driver: This isn't some happy lovey-dovey cartoon where I choose not to turn you in because of looks or friendship. I just didn't do it cause I'm not greedy.

(Y/N) Just stood there, not knowing how to respond.

Driver: The square is two blocks down, and to the left. Go get some less... obvious clothes. Cars cant go any further than this so your on your own. 

(Y/N): Thank you.. I guess...

Driver: You are very welcome. maybe our paths will cross again. 

(Y/N) is confused at the way the driver spoke, as she then starts her car and drives off. (Y/N) waves goodbye towards the driver, who doesn't wave back. They are strangers after all. 

(Y/N): Well I guess ill take her advice and go to the square to get some new clothes.

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(Y/N) was dumbfounded. Inkopolis square was huge. Bigger than it was in the papers. He was like a squid in a candy shop looking around at everything there was, all the stores, all the signs, flashing lights, billboards and the sheer amount of inklings, even the esteemed grizzco, and last but certainly not least Deca tower with the great zapfish on top.

(Y/N): This place is amazing!

He slapped himself. Hard.

(Y/N): I need to get back on track! I need new clothes, and I did not need to hit myself that hard.

(Y/N) looked around the square at all the shops. He saw a shop named 'ammo knights'? 

(Y/N): What an weird name, its like the name of a weapons store or something

He saw more shops 'Headspace', probably a hat ware shop. 'Shella fresh', no clue what that could be. And... 'Ye Olde Cloth Shoppe'? What kind of name is that? Luckily, two of these shops seem to be exactly what he was looking for. clothing shops. He began to make his way towards each one.

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(Y/N): This is stupid. I need to be 'fresh' to buy clothes?

(Y/N) Grumbled to himself, he wanted to yell at the shopkeeper Jelfonza was that it? It was stupid. He tried every shop he could, well every shop except one, he didn't bother with the 'headspace' shop. His hood was the only thing saving him from a battalion of police and by the looks of it, the shop only sold head ware that showed your face. He had been kicked out of every other shop he tried to go to for not being "fresh enough". apparently he has to raise his rank in something called a 'turf war' and that requires you to take your picture for a turf ID. Not exactly an ideal predicament.

(Y/N): well when one.. or three... doors close, another one opens? ill just try to find a place to stay.

A very audible grumble is comes from (Y/N)'s stomach,

(Y/N): You aren't paying rent for this body I am. We need a place to stay.

(Y/N) began a quiet conversation with his own stomach as if it was sentient, like an insane person. His stomach just grumbled more in response. He gave in.

(Y/N): Fine food it is...

He looked around the square for a place to eat, and noticed what looked like a popular food truck. He decided to head over to it with his head down. 

???: What's Kraken! Oh hey its you! that un-fresh squid!

(Y/N) grumbled 

???: Im Crusty Shanon! what can i get for ya!

(Y/N) was about to open his mouth to speak, but stopped himself, remembering his predicament.  not knowing anything on the menu he pointed at a random spot on it.

Crusty Shannon: One Double-Fried Super Shwaffle coming right up! Do you want a drink too ma'am?

(Y/N) shakes his head no

Crusty Shannon: Alrighty then! your food will be ready soon, go ahead and wait at a table!

(Y/N) puts his hand in his bag, and pulls out some G, sets it on the counter, walks to a nearby table and sits down. All while his head is still down.

(Y/N): I really hate the fact that i cant talk to people its really inconvenient

only a few minutes later a jellyfish walks up to (Y/N) and puts his food and some G on the table

Jellyfish: Here you are ma'am, and here is your change.

(Y/N) Nods his head and turns to his food. to begin eating.

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(Y/N) Let out a very loud burp

(Y/N): That had to be a delicacy! It was delicious!

(Y/N) had said that very, very loud attracting the attention of many inklings

(Y/N): Well Shi-

A siren starts from behind (Y/N) as 3 police officers wearing red flashing lights on helmets start looking around for him, having only heard the very loud statement of delicious food. just then a gust of wind pulls off his hood.

(Y/N): Really?! again with the comic relief?!

(Y/N) quickly stands up from his seat, hoping that the officers dont see him in the crowd of people  

(Y/N): Well i guess this stay was short lived! 

(Y/N) starts looking around for an escape route, as he is looking around he locks eyes with a woman with gray and green tentacles wearing a kimono and holding an umbrella as she enters a sewer grate. 

(Y/N): Well lets hope she's friendly!

(Y/N) begins to run towards the sewer grate, weaving around the people, still hoping the officers hadn't seen him. once he reaches it he looks down and jumps in. 

Chapter Text

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N): I don't know what I expected. Whatever it was though, it was not this.

(Y/N) has been in this sewer pipe for ten minutes now. The entire time being propelled at very illegal speeds. Pair that with being stuck in squid form, and constantly scraping the walls. Put him in a very painful and very, very boring predicament.

(Y/N): Please. Get. Me. Out. Of. This-

He pops out of another grate.

(Y/N): Pipe...

(Y/N) was now on some sort of platform... in the sky!? That or on top of a very tall mountain, he couldn't tell from where he was standing. He was on a platform with the grate he came out of laying on top, just about 10 steps away there was a small cabin-like shed. The shed has some orange hanging lanterns on it along with a green quilt hanging too. Directly in front of the shed was the gray tentacled woman, turned away.

???: Hmmm... 

She turns around.

???: Oh, you showed up! 

She looks (Y/N) up and down, then locks eyes with him.

???: And would you look at that. How lucky am I. I found a guy.

(Y/N) gets taken aback by her "open" statement.

(Y/N): W-What?!

(Y/N) takes a step back as she looks confused for a moment, realizing what she said she looks surprised and quickly corrects herself.

???: Not like that- Not like that! I meant a real, living, male!

He calms down for a moment, then quickly tenses up.

(Y/N): Your not going to like kidnap me or anything? right?

He takes another step back.

???: Hmmm... 

She puts her hand to her chin and thinks for a moment.

???: Nope.

(Y/N): You considered it!

The woman grins.

???: You cant take a little joke? I need your help more than I need you.

(Y/N) stays tense, and gets suspicious.

(Y/N): What do you even need my help for anyways? Its not for something disgusting is it!?

The woman makes a disgusted face.

???: What? No! By now you've had to have heard that the Great Zapfish is missing, right?

(Y/N): No..?

???: Really?! 

The woman sighs

???: Well it is. But its not just missing - it's been squidnapped by the Octarian menace!

(Y/N): The octwhowhatsitnow?

He makes a confused face

???: The Octarian menace!

(Y/N) just looks at her with his eyes squinted.

(Y/N): so what do you need my help with! isn't the Zapfish the governments problem? do you want me to save the entire city's power or something?!

???: It would be the governments problem, but they don't seem to care.

(Y/N): Then why should I?

???: Because we are running out of mini and normal Zapfish. The Octarians stole those too!

(Y/N): How do you even know all this!

???: How do i know this? Well, on the surface, I may look like an absurdly talented pop star... But-

he is taken aback another step.

(Y/N): You're a pop star?

???: You've never heard of me?! For eel?!

(Y/N): I just took you for an insane grandma!

(Y/N) suddenly feels a crushing weight on him as the woman stares daggers into him, he takes another step back.

???: You get freebee, do that again and I'm going to prison for murder.  

He quickly tries to change the subject

(Y/N): i-if you are a pop star then... uh... who are you!

???: I'm Marie... From the Squid Sisters?

She poses, trying to make (Y/N) recognize her.

Marie: That doesn't ring a bell either? You obviously aren't very cultured. But that's probably to be expected from you. You probably lived a pretty shut in life, being a guy.

(Y/N) gets reminded of the situation

(Y/N): Wait why aren't you more surprised I'm a guy? you aren't going to try something right!?

Marie:  Because I don't care? I'm not like those other freak girls, and you don't exactly give off "care about me" energy. 

(Y/N) falls to his knees in the most dramatic way possible

(Y/N): My self esteem...

Marie: Regardless, I need your help, as I was saying before. I may just look like a talented pop star, But in truth... I'm Agent 2 of the New Squidbeak Splatoon! 

(Y/N) is still on the ground on his knees, looking up at Marie.

(Y/N): You are making no sense.

Marie sighs and keeps talking.

Marie: I've been trying to keep an eye on the Octarians in my downtime, but I'm a very busy girl... Ahem. I need you to go get the Great Zapfish back from those slimy Octarians. So what do you say? are you in?

(Y/N): No.

Marie: Good welcome aboard!

(Y/N): I didn't have a choice did I 

She gives another grin

Marie: Even if you did you cant go back to the square- Its definitely swarming with officers by now. 

(Y/N) just sighs.

Marie: Welcome aboard! You are now Agent 4 of the New Squidbeak Splatoon. And Its only male member! I even got you a brand-new Hero Suit as a signing bonus.

(Y/N)'s clothes become a yellow jacket and very very big boots. along with this he gains a glowing headset.

(Y/N): How... did you do that..?

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Marie POV

Marie: Ill give him credit, He is quite acrobatic

agent 4 has been practicing on some balloons for about an hour because Marie 'needed some data' to figure out how good he is, that's only partly true through, she mainly just wanted to watch how he moves and see him sweat. While she saw how he can move, 4 never once broke a sweat while popping the test balloons.  

Marie: Alright that's enough, while its good to see you wont ever let any balloons blow out of proportion, actual combat is different. lets get you into the field.

(Y/N): Horrible pun.

Marie: You signed up for this, your going to have to stay for my popping puns

(Y/N): I didn't sign up for this though.

Marie: Yup. 

Marie grins and chuckles as 4 signs and walks towards her, with an unamused look on his face. She then points at the ramp that leads into Tentakeel outpost, and out of the NSS outpost

Marie: Up that ramp is where the kettles into the Octarian domes lie. 

(Y/N): The... Kettles?

Marie: Yes the kettles. Oh and before I forget, the kettles to the Octarian realm are invisible, so you'll have to ink them to reveal them.

(Y/N): The Octarian what.

Marie: Have fun, I've got some work to do so don't bother me.

Marie quickly walks into cuttlefish cabin to escape 4 and closes the door, The cabin is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside, like the Tardis but not by much. just enough room for a TV, a couch, a Desk with a laptop on it, a closet, a bathroom, a fridge, stove and microwave. basically a small house. a moment after getting inside, of the cabin, Marie hears the whistle of a kettle being entered. She walks over to the desk and opens the laptop, and after a bit of clicking and typing, she has it unlocked and is in camera software to watch agent 4 while he is clearing the kettle.

Marie: Alright let's see what you've got, 4

Chapter Text

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N):AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

(Y/N) was being chased into a corner by over 50 Octo-troopers and Octo-copers. and by the looks of it, he has no way of getting out of this situation.

(Y/N): MARIEEEE HELPPPP!!!!

The Octarians were approaching him at a rapid pace. His headphones release static for a second then Marie's voice chimes in.

Marie: how did you even manage to get yourself into this situation?!

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(Y/N) had been spending the whole day completing the first three kettles in Tentakeel outpost, and he just finished the third one- with the help of Marie of course. Now just the boss kettle is left. (Y/N) lets out a sigh of relief as he sits on the couch in Tentakeel outpost, with an icepack to his head, and bandages all over him. looking up at the nighttime stars. 

(Y/N): Thank you for saving me Marie, but did you really have to hit me?

Marie sighs 

Marie: not only did you manage to get over 50 troops to notice and attack you, But you did it on your first day! You'll be lucky if you manage to survive one more kettle.

(Y/N) nervously chuckles and tries to change the subject 

(Y/N): well anyways... I'm ready to keep going! so...

He stands up and begins heading towards the boss kettle, with it being the last thing he has to do in the Tentakeel outpost. But Marie stops him

Marie: No. 

(Y/N): what do you mean no? 

Marie: No. You are going to go home and sleep.

(Y/N): Why?? I have more than enough energy! 

He falls to the ground

(Y/N): This proves nothing! Cursed comic relief 

Marie: Get up and go. You need rest, this is more than enough proof as is. 

(Y/N): Fine.. but only since I agree. Not because you told me to do it. 

(Y/N) struggles to stand up, eventually doing it.  then starts walking over to the grate. He says goodbye to Marie before hopping into the grate.

Marie POV

Marie sighs

Marie: (I hope I made the right call by choosing him. I guess ill go home and find out if i made the right choice tomorrow.)

She starts walking towards the Grate when it starts rumbling and agent Four pops out.

Marie: (Oh great...) Why are you back here?

(Y/N) awkwardly chuckles before speaking.

(Y/N): So... i may or may not have forgotten... that i don't have a place to stay...

Marie: Then get a hotel?

(Y/N): All the ones in Inkopolis require a turf ID. And i cant get a turf ID because I'm a guy..

Marie: Right..

(Y/N): So... I was wondering...

Marie: (he's not going to ask to stay with me right?)

(Y/N): could I stay at your house..? Please! I don't want to sleep out on the streets! Its cold, and i don't want to get caught!

Marie: No- (I cant just let him sleep out in the streets... But what if he tries something...)

She looks Four up and down

Marie: (Ill be fine.) Fine you can stay with me, But if you're staying under my roof, you're under my rules. 

(Y/N) smiles and cheers

(Y/N): Yes! thank you!

Marie: (this feels like a mistake...) now come on, lets go..

She walks to the grate and jumps in.

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After some sneaking, and walking, Marie and Four reach where Marie lives.

(Y/N): So you were lying about being a pop star.

Marie: What no! Big fancy mansions just aren't for me, I enjoy the small things in life.

Marie and Four were standing Infront of an apartment building.

Marie: If you want to sleep in the streets tonight I'm more than happy to leave you here. 

She starts walking towards the buildings doors.

Marie: Id recommend putting on your hood if your coming with me. Or don't you can get caught if you want. 

(Y/N): Yeah, yeah i get it.

Four puts on his hood and follows Marie

They both get inside the building, and the lobby looks like normal apartment lobby does, a few couches, a reception desk, and a few elevators, Marie walks to an elevator presses the button and the doors open, she gets in the elevator and agent 4 runs over and gets in too. She presses floor 9 and the elevator starts going up. 

(Y/N): so...

Marie: (This better not be something stupid)

(Y/N): You said you were a pop star... right?

Marie: (Where is this going..?) Yes, why do you ask?

(Y/N): Well.. I was wondering if i could listen to some of your music?

Marie: (Huh..) Sure i don't see why not. Why do you ask?

(Y/N): I just wanted to-

The elevator stops at floor 6 and 5 girls get on, forcing Marie to bump into Four, Four looks down to hide his face, and his eyes meet Marie's.

(Y/N): Sorry.. i cant let them see me..

He whispers to Marie, who is just staring at him

Marie: (wow... He's...)

Marie quickly turns her now blushing face away. They just stand there in silence. The elevator eventually stops again at floor 8. The doors open and the 3 girls walk out. Quickly after they walk out, Marie pushes Four away from her face still turned away and with a big blush on her face.

Marie: (Thank cod that's over...)

(Y/N): Sorry about getting so close, it was an invasion of personal space..

Marie: (No! he shouldn't be apologizing its not his fault!) I-its fine d-don't worry about it. Its not like you had much of a choice anyways..

The elevator stops at floor 9, and the two step out, Marie lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding, and her blush finally starts to fade.

Marie: O-Okay follow me.

Marie leads Four down a hall too her apartment, calming down more while she goes through her pockets and gets her key out. She puts the key in the lock, twisting it, then grabbing the door handle and opening the door.

Marie: Welcome to my apartment.

When the door open's Four is led directly into a Livingroom, just further from the Livingroom was a kitchen, and further than that a glass door that leads to a patio, just before the door on the left wall, there is a hallway that presumably leads to more rooms. The Livingroom had a couch against the right wall, a coffee table in the middle of the Livingroom, and a tv on a tv stand on the Far left. The kitchen had a stove, refrigerator, and sink on the right wall. Separating the Livingroom and kitchen is a bar-counter with black stools behind it. There is an island-counter in the middle of the kitchen that has 4 tall black chairs surrounding it. On the patio There was one small wooden chair, and a blanket. back inside the apartment, Hung up all around on the walls, there are various picture of Callie and Marie, along with images of other things like, Judd, and Lil-Judd, agent 3, and more.

(Y/N): You have a nice apartment!

Marie: Thank you. I have a guest room down that hallway. You can stay there for now.

Marie points at the hallway.

Maire: Its the first door on the right.

(Y/N): Okay, thank you

Four walks to the hallway, turns down it and disappears behind the corner. Marie on the other hand, walks to her couch and sits down, and lets out a sigh

Marie: (What has gotten into me?)

Chapter Text

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N) woke up bright and early in morning. He was in the guest bedroom Marie had let him stay in. The room itself was pretty bland, Just a simple gray bed in the middle of the room with a nightstand and an alarm clock next to it. There was also a closet, but it was filled with boxes. (Y/N) couldn't fit anything in there, if he had anything to put in there. That reminded him.

(Y/N): I need clothes! I only packed for 3 days I thought I would be able to buy some here but I cant! 

(Y/N) Spoke as if someone was able to hear him. He then jumped out of the bed and puts his second set of day clothes on. Remembering what the driver who brought him to Inkopolis said, he grabbed a mask and sunglasses, along with those he grabbed his wallet, and headed to the door of the room, but stopped. 

(Y/N): Marie might wonder where I went.. 

(Y/N) goes to the nightstand and opens a drawer and pulls out a notepad and a pen that was inside. (Y/N) found the notepad last night, He thought Marie might've left it there by accident.

He quickly writes out a message on the notepad, puts it on the nightstand, and quickly leaves the room, heading towards the front door. (Y/N) reaches the kitchen while walking to the door and decides to get a small snack. Reaching the front door with a piece of toast in his mouth, and a banana in his hand, he grabs his shoes puts them on, pulls his hood over his head and leaves. 

Marie POV

Marie wakes up with a yawn, she was wearing a gray nightgown with pink and green highlights at the bottom. She sets up in bed and looks at her clock. She woke up 30 minutes early,

Marie: (Well the early bird does catch the worm..)

Sense she is awake she might as we'll get an early start to her day. She gets out of bed and stretches. Then she leaves her room and heads to the bathroom down the hall. After a quick shower Marie heads back to her room to get dressed. After getting dressed she went to go wake Four up, so they could get an early start in Octo-canyon.

Marie walks to the guest bedroom she let Four sleep in and opens the door "Alright, time to get up. The early bird catches the worm Aftera-" She looks around and doesn't see Four anywhere in the room. Walking into the room further she sees.. her notepad! 

Marie: (so that's where I put it.) 

Written on the notepad is a short message, poorly written: 'Brb! -(Y/N)' She stares at the notepad with a defeated look on her face, then sighs. 

Marie: Of course. 

Marie walks out of the guest room, and into the kitchen to make herself some breakfast.

Marie: Its going to be a long day of waiting...

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(Y/N) POV

(Y/N) was walking down a packed shopping center near Inkopolis square. He had his hood pulled over his head, along with a mask and sunglasses covering his face.

(Y/N) was looking for a clothing store that didn't require a turf ID. He had gone to 14 stores now, and has chosen to commit robbery. He then spots a clothing store he hasn't gone to, and starts walking towards it. 

(Y/N): (Okay, I'm going to go over this one more time. I need a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, 2 jackets and uhh... 3.. pairs of socks? that's probably right)

(Y/N) reaches the store and takes a look at the name. Whirlpool Wherehouse  He heads inside and starts looking for the items he needs.

First he went to the bottoms section to try and find some jeans and shorts. First he went to the jeans section and began searching for a pair that fit him. It was difficult because clothing for men stopped being produced years ago, so he'd have find large sizes, that wouldn't leak out of his swim form when he shifted and weren't too uncomfortable.

Eventually (Y/N) found some that fit him. looking around to see if anyone was watching him, he rolled up the jeans as tight as he could and stuffed them into his pocket, using the jacket he's wearing to cover the pocket.

The next thing (Y/N) needed to get was shorts.

Shorts that weren't too small or uncomfortable to him were far harder to find than jeans. With jeans, most of the time he can go for the extra big and extra long ones and those will work. But shorts, shorts are more specific. He needs to find some that aren't too long, and aren't too short. He also needs to find some that don't chafe him, and aren't too tight. to keep it simple, finding good shorts took a while.  So he began his search. 

---------------------------------------

(Y/N): (Why cant I find any that fit right!?)

(Y/N) had been looking around for a while now, not being able to find a good pair of shorts.

While he was looking through a rack of shorts, someone came up to him. She was a tall woman, wearing a mask and glasses, with a baseball cap on. she had on a pink sweater and baggy gray sweatpants. along with that her tentacles were long and black with neon-teal highlights and balled up in a big bun behind her head, and finally... her tentacles were Octarian! 

(Y/N): (Shoot! and Octarian!! i shouldn't have left Marie earlier this morning! now I'm going to get caught and tortured, and forced to watch the inkbusters 2015 remake!)

The tall Octarian spoke

???: Hi ma'am, I was wondering what you were looking for? I've been watching you running around looking for a type of shorts, and I was wondering if I could help you?

(Y/N): (Why is she being so nice to me? Aren't the Octarians supposed to like, hate inklings or something?!)

???: Ma'am? are you okay? you've just been staring at me.

(Y/N) shakes his head and gives her a thumbs up with his hands 

???: Oh! so you don't need my help then?

(Y/N) Nods his head, with his thumbs still up, and bows to try and say Thank you for your consideration

???: Oh! No need to bow! How kind of yo-

????: Yo 'Reena!

A far smaller inkling wearing a hoodie and nothing obscuring their face, walks up next to the Octarian

????: I was lookin' all over for Ya 'Reena! We got the outfits we needed so we can head out now! Who's the new friend?

''Reena': Oh! I was just watching this girl here look around for some clothes Pearlie! I decided to ask if she needed any help! but she didn't.

'Pearlie': so.. why's she bowin'?

''Reena': I think its her way of saying thank you for asking. Its so proper!

'Pearlie: Well ya deserve it! cause you are royal! but seriously we need to roll outta or we might be late. 

''Reena': Oh okay then! Goodbye stranger! Nice to meet you!

Then the two walk away without saying a thing.

(Y/N): (That was... confusing.. Why was there an Octarian in Inkopolis? and why was there an abnormally short inkling? and why were they friends?)

(Y/N) slaps himself twice and decides to keep looking around for what he needs.

Nearly 1 hour later He finally finds the right shorts. Then he starts looking around for the rest of the clothing he needed. Another hour later, and he has all the clothing he needs. 

After playing Tetris with all the clothes stuffed in his pockets, he heads for the door as inconspicuously as possible. He was doing good until he reached the door, where a security officer stops him, and asks him to empty his pockets. 

(Y/N): Shoot!

When (Y/N) yells that, the security officer is frozen for a second, not expecting to hear a male voice. (Y/N) uses that time to quickly run out of the store. then the officer quickly recovers and calls in backup, providing an explanation of (Y/N) , then proceeding to chase after him herself. 

(Y/N) was running through the shopping center for an long time all while still being chased. as he ran more officers came and started chasing him too. the further he went, there were less and less stores, and more and more tall buildings. As he ran, comic relief tried to strike again, with his hood being pulled off by the wind. But it didn't work this time, only his tentacles were shown, not his face. The mask and shades came in handy Afterall.

His situation was not getting better.

As (Y/N) was getting tired and officers were catching up, so he decided to turn down an alleyway to try and loose them. The officers saw this of course, and turned too. But this alleyway just led to more and more alleyways though, it would be more fitting to call it an alleyway network as some of the buildings were fully surrounded by other buildings, how people got in them is a mystery. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Each turn (Y/N) made the officers fell further and further behind, until (Y/N) had lost them, but he could still hear them.

(Y/N): Okay.... phew... 

He sat down on the ground to take a break from running. While it definitely was not his record for the longest he has ever ran, he can still get tired. As he was sitting he decided to take a little nap to try and get his energy back. He was pretty sure the officers couldn't find him now. He took off his mask and glasses.

(Y/N): I'm glad I lost them. But now I'm lost too. I guess Ill cross that bridge when I get to it. 

(Y/N) closed his eyes and slowly began to drift to sleep.. Before being awoken by someone speaking to him

''Reena': Oh! you were the person from Whirlpool Wherehouse! are you okay! why are you on the ground? are you hurt?!

(Y/N) was awoken by the voice of the Octarian he came across in the clothing store, only this time her tentacles weren't in a bun and she was wearing a zip-up high-collared black top, along with black puffy shorts and teal tights, and headphones on her head. (Y/N) let out a loud yelp and turned his head upwards

(Y/N): AAACK! 

''Reena': Oh! I'm sorry i didn't mean to... scare you...oooooOOOOHHH MY COD! you're a male!

(Y/N) quick to turn his head downwards, then get up and get ready to run away. But before he could he heard the yell of some officers  responding to the loud yelp he had made.

Officer: I think I heard him somewhere over here!

The Octarian then spoke to (Y/N)

''Reena': Quick follow me! I know a place to hide!

(Y/N) had two options. run away and risk getting caught by the officers, or trust this Octarian who he met in a store, and who has been kind to him sense he ran into her. 

''Reena': Hurry! 

He turned to the Octarian and spoke

(Y/N): Okay ill trust you! get me outta here! 

The Octarian turned and ran towards a door, beckoning (Y/N) To follow her, and he did. eventually they reached the door, the Octarian ran in first, then (Y/N). Once he got inside the Octarian was quick to close the door, and about 15 seconds later what sounds like nearly 40 officers were heard running by. (Y/N) lets out a sigh.

''Reena': I think you're are safe now.

---------------------------------------------------------------

(Y/N) and ''Reena' Have been silent for a few minutes now. (Y/N) decided to break the silence

(Y/N): Thank you for helping me, Ms. Reena

''Reena': "Ms. Reena?"

(Y/N): That is your name right? Back at the store I heard that smaller inking call you "Reena" 

The Octarian chuckles

''Reena': Oh no no! that was just a nickname she gave me. my actual name is Marina!

(Y/N) gets a little embarrassed at this and chuckles

(Y/N): Oh, well its nice to meet you Ms. Marina, and thank you for helping me. My name is (Y/N)

Marina: its nice to meet you (Y/N), and don't worry about it! really! I'm just glad i ran into you again. Otherwise I don't think you would've  escaped those officers. 

She gives a soft smile. 

(Y/N): on that topic why did you choose to help me? 

Marina: Because i want to kidnap you.

(Y/N) backs up into a wall

Marina: I'm kidding, I'm kidding! I helped you because it would be wrong to just leave you. Would you leave a homeless person to suffer on the street? 

(Y/N): Well no.. I wouldn't- Wait you just called me homeless! 

Marina: Oh, are you not? I had just assumed you were because you were sleeping on the ground. I'm sorry that was my bad

(Y/N): Apology accepted. 

Marina: If you don't mind me asking, where are you staying? all hotels and houses places in Inkopolis require a turf ID.

(Y/N): Well.. I'm not really staying at a place, it was probably more of a one time thing. A... friend? I know let me stay with them for the night- I got to Inkopolis yesterday.

Marina: Oh.. I'm sorry your first impression of Inkopolis was ruined. 

(Y/N) rubs his neck, remembering that he spent most of the day in octo-canyon with Marie yesterday. And that reminds him that he's speaking to an Octarian.

(Y/N): Don't worry, it was.. mostly okay. on another note, if you don't mind- can I ask you something?

Marina: Sure?

(Y/N): Are.. Are you an Octarian?

Marina is the one to take a step back this time

Marina: You know I'm an Octarian?!

(Y/N) feels like he messed up, and rubs his neck

(Y/N): Yeah... when i saw your tentacles at the clothing store I got scared that's why I was just staring at you- I've been told that Octarians all hate inklings.

Marina:  I love inklings! Please don't tell anyone! I have a good life now!

(Y/N): Don't worry, don't worry- I wont tell anybody. Your secret is safe with m-

before (Y/N) could finish speaking he was cut off by the short inkling from the store, this time she wasn't wearing a hoodie, but a white sleeveless jacket, and a crown on her head

'Pearlie': 'Reena! there ya are! We go live in a few minutes! Oh. who's the new friend? is it a fan?

Marina's fear and worry disappears when she hears the smaller inkling

Marina: Oh, pearl! this the inkling from the clothing store! His name is-

Pearl perks up when marina says 'his' 

Pearl: You found a guy 'Reena!? 

(Y/N) after hearing the way the small inkling reacted, started to try and sneak off

Marina: Oh! Uh.. No! it was just a slip of the tongue! I swear!

Pearl: You're not foolin' me Marina! And you! 

Pearl turns towards (Y/N) who is sneaking away and keeps speaking

Pearl: You follow me.

Marina whispers a quiet sorry to (Y/N) who was still trying to sneak away. Until Pearl came up to him and grabbed him

Pearl: Your not escaping that easily!

Pearl tried to walk while pulling (Y/N) but was struggling to do so due to her size. It was like trying to be pulled by an angry munchkin. (Y/N) let out a small laugh, Marina lets one out too. 

Pearl: Hey no laughin! 

Pearl then lets go of (Y/N)'s hand and tells him to follow her. (Y/N) still chuckling at the attempt to pull him, and wanting to see it happen again agrees. As the small inkling begins to walk (Y/N) and Marina do too. While they walk, he pulls his hood over his head just in case there are any more inklings here, One is fine and Two is okay, but if any more people find out he's a guy, his chances of not getting caught will be thrown out a window. 

Eventually the three reach a room with a crown and the number one on it, and pearl leads them inside. The room itself is mostly pink and white, in the far left corner there is a white beanbag that has a few plushies of.. Marina and Pearl? 

(Y/N): (Huh, she must've had those custom made)

In the middle of the room is a low-down table with a bunch of coloring and art supplies on it, but those supplies were not limited to just the table. There were a lot of supplies littered all around room on the floor. In the middle of the far wall there was a really large tri-fold vanity mirror, with a bunch of un-opened makeup supplies on it. against the wall next to the door that (Y/N), Pearl, and Marina were in, was a red and gold couch, and on the opposite wall there was a really, really large TV. In both of the corners adjacent to the tri-fold vanity mirror there were large piles of jackets, hats, pants, etc.

(Y/N): (She must like playing dress up..?)

Pearl: Welcome to my dressing room yo! 

Pearl walks into the room, jumps on the table and stands in the superman pose while looking at (Y/N). 

Pearl: You're going to stay here while me and Rina go live! Feel free to do whatever you want- as long as it is NOT leaving. Alright Peace!

Marina: I'm sorry (Y/N)! we'll see you in a bit! 

Pearl then grabs marina and pulls her out of the room, though pearl didn't do much of the pulling, Marina was just complying. The two of them leave the room and close the door. leaving (Y/N) alone.

(Y/N):...

He just stands in the room doing nothing for a while, internalizing what happened. before eventually speaking.

(Y/N): Huh.

Just then the TV in the room snaps on revealing Pearl and Marina live.

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Marina POV

Pearl: And that's all the time we've got!

Marina and pearl stand from their respective chairs

Pearl: Until Next time...

Pearl & Marina: Don't get cooked... Stay off the hook!

After a few seconds of holding their pose, She and pearl stop, and begin to leave their recording booth

Pearl: Shell yeah! Today was epic! 

Marina sighs

Marina: Pearlie, you say that every day..

Pearl: That's because its true! 

Marina: (I cant fight the truth...) I cant wait to get home and relax.. Should I call the limo?

Pearl: Nope! we cant leave just yet! We still have something to do.

Marina: (Its not more recording is it..?) What do we have left..?

Pearl: We still have our guest In my dressing room!

Marina: (Who... Oh my cod!) Oh no! h- They must've been so bored! Just in that room for hours!

She caught herself this time, remembering not to let the fact that (Y/N) was a guy get out. Then she began to run towards the room (Y/N) was in, with pearl following close behind. wondering what he would be doing, or if he was okay. Once she reached the room she slammed the door open 

Marina: (I hope he isn't mad!) (Y/N) I'm so sorry about leaving you here for... so... long..

Marina had locked eyes with (Y/N) who was currently balancing all the hats that pearl had in her dressing room on his head. Then the hats all fell over, burying him in a headwear grave. 

Pearl: HAHAHA! 

Marina: Haha!

She and pearl were just laughing at what just happened to (Y/N), Pearl was on the ground rolling around while Marina was holding her hands together and laughing. Then the muffled voice of (Y/N) comes out from under the hats

(Y/N): Oh Ha-Ha. can someone help me outta here! 

Marina: Right, Right sorry! 

Marina went over to help (Y/N) out of the mound of hats. while pearl was still recovering from her fit of laughter. For the next few hours they would either talk or play games. Though eventually they all calmed down and sat on pearl's couch in silence. The silence was broken by (Y/N)

(Y/N): So... why didn't you two tell me you were famous idols?

Marina: (Wait what!?) You didn't know?!

Pearl: You didn't know?!

(Y/N): I got to Inkopolis yesterday! of course I didn't know! 

Pearl: Yo! We broadcast for a total of 12 hours of the day! 

Marina: We host the news and Splatfests!

Pearl: we even do the stage rotations Yo!

(Y/N): I only know what two of those things are, and I spent most of the day in oct- Hiding!

Marina notices his slip of tongue but decides not to comment on it.

Pearl: We really need to educate ya!

Marina and pearl watch as (Y/N)'s face goes from surprised to worried she sees that he has an incredibly worried look on his face

Pearl: Yo is everything okay?!

(Y/N) I need to get back!! 

Marina: (Is he freaking out cause of us?) You need to get back where? 

(Y/N): The place i was staying at last night! the my friend! They must be super worried and mad!

Marina: (phew) Oh..

Pearl: Yo, we can take you there

(Y/N): You can?

Marina: We can?

Pearl: Yep, ill call a limo over to take us there! Just give me the address! 

(Y/N):  I think it is ___________

Marina: (He thinks it is?)

Pearl: Alright! ill call the limo and we'll get you over there!

(Y/N): Thank you Ms. Pearl

Pearl: Oh and drop the formalities were buds now!

(Y/N): we are?

Marina just chuckles at the two

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Three of them are in a very, very big limo, driving to (Y/N)'s friend's apartment

(Y/N): Okay, its official, this limo is a pocket dimension inside a car. You have 2 fridges, an entire couch, 3 TV's a table, a sink, a microwave, and two bathrooms! 

Pearl: Ehh this is one of my smaller limo's

(Y/N): Just how rich are you?!

Marina: If you think this is big, you should see her mansion. She doesn't even know she has sauna.

Pearl: I have a sauna?

Marina just chuckles as (Y/N) is completely dumbfounded.

(Y/N): Where did you even get all your money from?! 

Marina: Her father owns the Enperry brand, Its a famous brand that sells clothes, and turf weapons

(Y/N): I still don't know what this turf war thing is that you both keep talking about.

Pearl: We'll have to tell ya someday!

(Y/N): yeah..

Just as (Y/N) says that the limo cruises to a stop, and the driver, on an intercom tells the three that they have arrived

(Y/N): Well I guess this is where I go..

Pearl: Aww man. Would you stay if I paid you?

(Y/N): sorry pearl but i have to go let my friend know I'm okay.

Pearl: Fine...

(Y/N) stands up from the couch he was sitting on, puts his hood on, and heads for one of the limo doors to leave.

Marina: (I guess this is where we part ways...) Bye (Y/N) I hope to see you again later!

(Y/N): I do too!

(Y/N) starts to take a step out of the limo when pearl speaks 

Pearl: You have to come see 'Reena and I in the square every day from now on!

(Y/N): Pearlie I don't think-

Pearl: If you don't ill publicly announce that your a guy!

(Y/N): So your blackmailing me into hanging out with you?

Pearl: Yep!

Marina: She will do it, She has before.

(Y/N) just stops moving for a moment, then speaks

(Y/N): Fine, fine- Ill do it, but It'll be on my time!

Pearl: That works for me!

(Y/N): Okay! I guess ill see you all tomorrow! 

(Y/N) begins to take a step out of the limo, again before being stopped by pearl, again

Pearl: Oh and one more thing!

Pearl walks up to (Y/N) and hands him a really high end phone. 

Pearl: Me and 'Reena's numbers are already on it!

(Y/N): Thank you pearl! 

Pearl: No problem- I have an annoyingly big stockpile of 'em.

Marina: When she says stockpile, she means a literal pile of them.

(Y/N): I fear the day you show me your bank account. Ill see you both later!

(Y/N) then walks out of the limo with Pearl and Marina waving at him, and he walks up to the apartment intercom, puts in his friend's apartment number, talks for a moment then is let inside.

Marina: (I guess we won't part ways quite yet)

Chapter Text

(Y/N) POV

Marie: You were gone for the entire day! just gone! for ten hours! Ten Hours!

The moment (Y/N) had entered Marie's apartment, Marie had been yelling at him.

(Y/N): Marie I-

Marie: And the next thing! What if you had gotten Hurt! Or caught by the police! or kidnapped!

(Y/N): But I didn't-

Marie: Where in the shell did you even go!?

(Y/N): I went to go get clothes-

Marie: And that took the entire day?!

(Y/N): And I got side tracked

Marie: Your best excuse is I got sidetracked?!

(Y/N): Its hard to buy clothes when every store requires a turf ID and is swarming with security!

Marie lowers her face into the palms of her hands. 

Marie: Tomorrow I am going to wake you up, and we are going to octo-canyon.

(Y/N) couldn't even get out a word before Marie began walking away. She headed towards the hallway, then walked into her bedroom. (Y/N) then too began walking to the hallway, walking into the room Marie let him stay in, sighing.

(Y/N): I will make it up to her tomorrow!

(Y/N) set his alarm and went to bed.

(Y/N)'s alarm began blaring and without a moments hesitation his eyes shot open as he jumped out of bed. once up, (Y/N) made a dash towards his folded Hero gear that sat on the floor next to his bag. 

After putting on his gear (Y/N) stretched and left the room, bolting towards the bathroom. Reaching the bathroom he brushed his teeth and shaped his tentacles. once he finished he burst open the bathroom door and ran straight for the kitchen. 

Reaching the kitchen he began looking around for a pan, some eggs, and bread.

Marie POV

Marie's eyes shot open. She had been awoken by a very, very loud crash in her apartment. Hurriedly getting out of bed, She left her bedroom and went down the hall to see what the crash was. 

When Marie reached the kitchen she saw... a fresh plate of scrambled eggs and toast? Looking up from the plate she saw Four standing with a wide smile.

(Y/N): I made you eggs! 

Marie: What was that crash I heard. 

(Y/N): Oh... I just dropped a pan.. or two.. 

Marie: (He's lying) Right.

Marie looks back down at the eggs and inspects them.

Marie: (To give Four credit the eggs look absolutely delicious)

(Y/N): Are you going to try them..? 

Marie: You didn't poison these?

(Y/N), shocked: What no! of course not! if I did I wouldn't have a place to stay! 

Marie: (His first thought is not having a place to stay?) Fine. Ill trust you, but don't think this means I'm not mad about yesterday. 

Marie picks up a fork and sticks it into the eggs, then she lifts it up looks at them for a moment, then bites down.

...

Marie: (Holy shell! This is good!)

She instantly begins gobbling down the eggs as fast as possible, wanting to get more of the delectable eggs that Four had cooked. All while being as nonchalant as she can. 

(Y/N): so do you like them?

Marie: (Yes! this is delicious!) They're okay.

Four's face drops some after hearing Marie's words

(Y/N): Thank you..

Marie finishes eating the eggs that Four had cooked then stands up, puts her plate and utensils in the sink, then walks bacak to her room to get ready for the day. Leaving Four in the kitchen. 

Marie comes back out wearing her sgnature kimono, and holding her splat brella. She sees Four sitting on the living room couch.

Marie: Time to go.  

(Y/N): Okay!

Four jumps up off of the couch, and heads towards the front door, Marie does the same. They both put on their respective footwear and head out of the door. 

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N) Had been doing his best that he possibly could to try and make Marie forgive him. After finding out that Marie didn't like the eggs and toast he made, he decided to try and make Marie forgive him by working as hard as he can in octo-canyon. But no matter what he did, She didn't forgive him. She was ignoring his attempts at small talk, not making any puns, and only talking to him when she needed too.  

Marie: Four more octo-troopers behind you, and three spawning Infront.

(Y/N) was snapped out of his thoughts by Marie's voice, as he attacked and splatted said octo-troopers behind him, and advanced to the ones Infront of him

(Y/N): Thank you Marie!

Marie: The Zapfish is up ahead.

(Y/N) started heading forward towards the Zapfish, saddened by Marie ignoring his thank you. He reached it, broke the barrier, grabbed it, then super-jumped out of the kettle. 

Popping out of the kettle in suction cup lookout, (Y/N) began walking towards the launchpad that led back to Tentakeel outpost. Stepping on it and shifting into swim form he super-jumped back. When he landed he was outside of cuttlefish cabin. and standing in front of it, there Marie was, turned away.

(Y/N): I got another Zapfish!

Marie's response was to point towards the cages next to the cabin 

(Y/N)'s face dropped some more at the lack of a verbal response from Marie. Knowing what she meant by pointing at the cages, (Y/N) went over and dropped the Zapfish he had inside a cage.   

(Y/N): Marie..? 

No response.

(Y/N): What can I do to make you stop being mad at me?

No response again. (Y/N) just sighed and began walking back into the outpost to head too the launchpad. 

(Y/N): Okay.. ill just keep at it then..

He lets out a defeated sigh, switches into swim form, and jumps to the next kettle in Suction-Cup Lookout. 

landing on the next kettle, he mentally reads the labeling sticker on it.

(Y/N): (Octo..ling? Strike? I guess ill find out what an octo-ling is when I'm inside.)

(Y/N) goes into swim form and jumps into the kettle. Landing on the respawn platform, (Y/N) looks up and sees what looks to be a shopping center.. The same shopping center he met Marina and Pearl in. 

(Y/N): Wait what how am I here?!

He begins looking around stunned at where he is. The more he looks around, the more little differences he notices. some missing windows there, missing road line here. 

(Y/N): (This must be a replica of the center..)

Calming down and looking around more, (Y/N) sees a lot of pink ink, though he doesn't see any Octarians. On top of that he also sees 8 glowing capsules with oddly small Zapfish in them.

(Y/N): I'm guessing I have to get all of those... miniature..? Zapfish.

(Y/N) starts inking a line towards the first  and closest capsule. going down the first ramp, and approaching the second. He starts going down the second ramp, shooting at the glass cover around the mini Zapfish to break it. Once he reaches the bottom of the second ramp a splat bomb suddenly rolls out from behind the mini Zapfish capsule 

Marie: watch out behind the capsule.

(Y/N) turns to his head just in time to see a splat bomb about to explode. He tries to jump away, but just barley makes it out of the way. Then, shots of pink ink start coming from the direction the splat-bomb came from. (Y/N) starts backing up shooting too- When an... inkling..? comes out from behind the Zapfish capsule 

(Y/N): an inkling!? wait... no!

upon closer inspection, (Y/N)'s attacker was no inkling- it was an.. Octarian inkling?- An Octoling!

(Y/N): (Wait... is that what Marina is?!)

(Y/N) didn't have time to go mentally go over what he is seeing, due to the octoling closing in. Acting quickly, he threw a splat-bomb towards the octoling, expecting them to be easily splatted by it- like how the octo-troopers do, but instead the octoling kicked it back before it could explode. 

(Y/N) was shocked. These octolings weren't like normal Octarians. They were far more intelligent. Its as if- 

(Y/N) got splatted. In his shock and thinking, he didn't notice the octoling sneaking behind him and throwing another splat bomb. he now had 2 lives left. 

(Y/N): Okay time to focus. 

(Y/N) slapped himself in the face twice, and got into a fighting stance. (Y/N) then proceeded to charge towards the Mini Zapfish, prepared. Once he reached the Zapfish, the Octoling threw another splat bomb at him. (Y/N) was prepared this time, and when it landed he kicked it back, like how the octoling kicked his. The octoling jumped out of the way to not get hit by the splat bomb, Though (Y/N) expected that and was already firing at where the octoling jumped towards, splatting her. He then ran towards the mini Zapfish shattered the cylinder and grabbed it, stuffing it in his pocket.

(Y/N) proceeded to repeat the process for the next 6 mini Zapfish.

Then (Y/N) reached the final capsule, right Infront of the octoling respawn platform. Instead of thinking he rushed in, throwing a splat bomb to try and bait out any octolings that were hiding in the ink. But there weren't any. (Y/N) stopped moving expecting to hear a super jump ring out. But again there was nothing. Confused, (Y/N) just shrugged and started going up the ramp. As he reached the top a spat bomb was suddenly thrown at him, and two octoling's with kelp on their heads jump out of the respawn platform and start shooting at (Y/N). 

(Y/N): Shoot!

Before (Y/N) could counter attack he was splatted. As his soul flew back to the respawn platform he could swear that he heard the two kelp octolings laughing at him. He has one life left. if he dies now its permanant

Marie: Come back Four, you're on one life. Wait until the respawn platform recharges.

(Y/N) hears Marie's voice through his headset. He knows it would be safer to go back and wait to not risk dying permanently. But what if they bring more kelp octolings, or they leave and take the last mini-Zapfish with them, or they set traps for when he returns? (Y/N) couldn't let that happen. He jumped off the respawn platform and ran towards the octoling respawn platform

Marie: Four! what are you doing?! go back to the respawn platform and jum-

(Y/N) turned off the receiver in his headset. and kept running. On top of clearing the kettle by getting the last mini-Zapfish Marie might start talking to him again if he clears the kettle on one life.

(Y/N) reaches the ramp that leads to the octoling respawn platform and looks around. Seeing no kelp octolings (Y/N) goes back up the ramp, ready this time.

He starts off by throwing a bomb at the respawn platform and making a dash for the mini-Zapfish.  One of the kelp octolings hiding in the respawn platforms ink saw this and kicked the splat bomb back, as it exploded in mid air. The kelp octoling began running in the direction of (Y/N) while the ink from the explosion was still falling and obscuring her view. When the ink had fully fallen and she could see again, what the octoling didn't expect to see was (Y/N) standing directly in front of her- with his hero shot pointed at her head. Before the octoling had time to react she was splatted. 

After splatting the octoling (Y/N) turned around and shot at the Mini-Zapfish capsule, shattering it. Then he began running towards it. Only to be stopped by another kelp octoling who threw a bomb at him, thinking fast, (Y/N) quickly jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding the explosion. The second kelp octoling was about to advance and try to takeout (Y/N), but then she suddenly exploded in a volley of teal ink. Right after she had thrown a spalt-bomb at (Y/N), he had used the cover of her bombs ink to throw his own. 

(Y/N) then began running towards the Zapfish, but before he could make it, a splat bomb was thrown over him from directly behind him.

(Y/N): (What?!)

As he turned around to see his oppressor, he was tackled by another octoling with kelp on their head.

(Y/N): (A third one?!)

No.. this was the first kelp octoling he splatted! 

(Y/N): (Shoot they can respawn!)

(Y/N) faught to try and push the kelp octoling off of him, all while The octoling was throwing punches at him. After a bit of struggling and a lot of painful punches (Y/N) was about to push her off, when suddenly the second kelp octoling he splatted came over, took off her ink-tank and started slowly pouring it out in (Y/N)'s eyes, and it pooling down to his ears. 

(Y/N) screamed out in agony. The burning sensation of enemy ink filling his eyes and ears all while still being beaten by the first kelp octoling was too much for him.

It felt like hours. The searing purple ink in his eyes and his ears. No matter how hard he closed them the pain wouldn't fade. Then the two octolings said something in Octarian then readied their weapons. The two aimed at (Y/N) and-

pang. The octoling who was previously punching (Y/N) suddenly erupts in teal ink.

The second one looks up at their companion in surprise and tries to-

pang. The second octoling too erupts in teal ink.

(Y/N) would've wondered why the two octolings stopped if he wasn't in so much agony. 

Just then, he feels warm hands on his right arm, and small droplets of water on his face. It must be the kelp octolings. They were back again. he started desperately flailing his arms trying to get them off of him. He felt another hand on his left arm. Then the hands pinned him down and stopped his flailing arms. He tried to move his body but couldn't. after being held down the adrenaline rush started to fade, and so too did (Y/N), eventually passing out.

Chapter Text

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N) slowly began waking up, with his senses not falling far behind.

The sense that came back to him first was his sense of touch. he was in pain a lot of it. It was as if he was being bitten by venomous snakes all over his body. The long teeth dogging into every inch of his skin. Paired with the pain there was also a comfort. he felt a soft expanse running all along his body, it like a cloud that was perfectly soft and very warm. 

The next sense (Y/N) got back was smell. The first thing he smelt when the sense returned was some mix of melted plastic and freshly cut copper. it was a horrible, wet, and viscous smell.

(Y/N)'s third sense to return was hearing. His ears ringed for a bit while the sense returned, giving him a headache. But the headache soon faded along with the ringing in his ears. slowly but surely he began to hear music. It was muffled and hard to hear at first, but slowly it morphed into an absolutely beautiful and empowering song.

He suddenly shot up in a frenzy. He could still feel the soft cloud like material wrapping around his body. In his frenzied state he recognized it. it was a blanket. before he could question where he was further, he felt himself become lighter if but for a moment. Then he came in contact with a hard and soft surface, a loud thud coming out from where the contact happened. He fell. He was in so much more pain then before. 

Then (Y/N) heard footsteps, a door slam, then more footsteps.

???: Oh no.. no!

Who's voice was that..? (Y/N) couldn't tell who it was, but he did recognize it he recognized the voice from the song he woke up to. but he couldn't quite put his finger on who it was. 

(Y/N) felt a hand on his body, specifically his back, he tried to stop the arm but he was in too much pain to do so. So he just let it be.

???: (Y/N)! 

Whoever she was, she knew his name. As (Y/N) reveled in the thought of someone knowing his name, he suddenly felt himself be slowly raising, then lowering back onto the soft material, and being covered in the blanket. The hands on him began inspecting his body. 

???: I'm so glad you're awake now.. can you speak..?

Speaking. (Y/N) completely forgot he had the ability to do that. He could communicate with his captor, companion? he didn't know which one it was, but by judging how kind this anonymous person was, he was willing to place his bets on her being a companion. 

(Y/N) opened his mouth, only to realize his fourth sense had already returned. Taste. His mouth was stale. Stale and dry- incredibly dry. Too dry. Like it had been years sense (Y/N) last had water. He needed to say so, to verbalize his want for water. He was thirsty, dry. It hurt.

He tried to get his vocal cords to move, to ask for water. All that came out though was a cough and something else. He felt some sort of liquid on his lip- it had appeared after the cough. But it wasn't the liquid that he needed, when he moved his tongue to touch it, he recoiled. the taste was horrible. It was not water.

???: Oh nonono-  I-I shouldn't have asked you to speak- just, just don't speak for now- stay quiet.

(Y/N) heard the companion get up off of what he could only assume to be a bed, and shuffle away. A bit later he heard them come back and sit down on the bed. A moment later he felt the same warm hands on his face, paired with a cloth like material patting down his lips and chin. 

(Y/N) could feel his throat squeezing up more and more. he still needed water.

(Y/N) tried speaking again, only for a small irritated cough to come out, paired with more pain and that disgusting liquid. 

???: No! don't speak! please don't speak-

(Y/N) ignored his companion, and tried to push out his concern for water once more. 

(Y/N): Wa... 

another excruciating cough 

(Y/N): ter...

the words he spoke came out as a desperate whisper. But they did come out. He laid his head back down.

???: Okay! ill get you some water- just please don't speak anymore! 

(Y/N) felt the cloth like material wipe down his lips once more, then hearing the companion get up off of the bed and walk away. A few seconds later he heard her footsteps return. feeling her sit down on the bed.

???: here.. I have your water.. please sit up for a moment. 

(Y/N) listened to his companion this time. slowly and painfully sitting up. Staying there for a moment he felt a cold and hard material touch his lips. Glass, it was probably a cup. he felt the cup tilt upwards, and a stream of cold water fill his mouth. 

After spending nearly 30 seconds drinking the water, (Y/N) tilted his head back to signify that he was done drinking. The companion pulled the cup back and let him breathe.

His throat and mouth felt much better, it wasn't dry anymore and he felt like he could speak more. 

(Y/N) opened his mouth and started trying to push out words again.

(Y/N): Thank... you...

???: You're welcome.. I'm just glad you're okay.

(Y/N): Who.. are-..

(Y/N) coughed.

???: You don't recognize my voice..?

(Y/N) slowly shook his head 

???: Its me.. Marie.

(Y/N) Jumped at this, painfully struggling to back up into the bed. He didn't expect Marie to be the one caring about him let alone talking to him. didn't she hate him? 

Marie: Are you okay!? Why did you back up!

(Y/N): W-... *cough* Why..?

Marie: Don't speak- its just making you worse.

(Y/N): Why.. help.. me..?

(Y/N) was struggling to speak, still continued to do so. 

(Y/N): Don't... you- *cough* hate... me..?

There was silence for a moment it left (Y/N) wondering what Marie was thinking about.

Marie: What..? Why would I hate you?

why would she hate him..? what does she mean? He abandoned her for an entire day, and probably worried her sick! She couldn't call for any help because he's a guy. and when he came back, he must have been a sweaty and dirty mess!

(Y/N): I- *cough* I... left... you...

Marie made let out a small gasp at (Y/N)'s words

Marie: Yes I was mad! But that would never make me hate you or wish for you to die!! I was so scared when you t-turned off your headset! a-and when I f-found you-... you... were... 

(Y/N) hears Marie start to quietly sob for a while, neither of them talking for a long time.

Marie broke the silence after her sobs died down.  

Marie: T-The Octarians didn't just steal the g-great Zapfish... T-They also kidnapped my cousin C-Callie... I-.. I never meant for y-you to get hurt like how you did! I was just being silent to t-try and make you feel how I f-feel..   

(Y/N) Was shocked to say the least. He thought Marie despised him for leaving her all day. But he was wrong.  He had left Marie behind when she needed help. He didn't know what to say other than sorry. 

(Y/N): I-... I'm.. sorry..

After (Y/N) said that, his final sense returned. His vision was blurry, and the sudden addition of light made him wince. but the sight he was seeing was clear, clear as day. Marie, sitting on the edge of a bed looking at him, tears going down her face. 

Marie: I-.. I forgive you..

It had been a few hours sense Marie and (Y/N) made up and Marie told (Y/N) about her cousin. After talking for a bit, Marie had left (Y/N) to rest and heal up. His injuries were still very painful and very real after all. Though they did hurt a lot less now, and his throat feels a lot better.

(Y/N): I'm bored...

He sits up and looks around his barren room for something, anything to do. Then he spots it, his phone, on the nightstand next to the bed. 

(Y/N): I am no longer bored.

(Y/N) leans over and grabs the phone. How he didn't see it before is a mystery. 

Powering it phone on, (Y/N) was greeted to hundreds- no thousands of messages from Pearl. Just five from Marina though.

(Y/N): Squit! forgot about them! And the day is almost over!

(Y/N) quickly unlocks his phone and goes to messages. Quickly skimming over Pearls thousands of messages and reading the last one 

<MC.Princess, (Y/N)>

30 minutes ago
[MC.Princess]: If you don't get here soon ima drop da bomb!

Having no idea what she means, (Y/N) decides to read Marina's messages instead.

<DJ.Hyperfresh, (Y/N)>

8 hours ago
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: Hey (Y/N)! Me and Pearlie were wondering what time you were going to come by today?

6 hours ago
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: Hey (Y/N)! still wondering when your coming by today! Me and Pearlie will be going on our break soon!

4 hours ago
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: Just asking when your coming by again! Pearlie is starting to think about 'dropping the bomb' Oh yeah, our second break just ended!

3 hours ago
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: I probably should mention that 'dropping the bomb' means she is going to release the fact that you are a guy, and where your staying to the public! our third break is in about 2 and a half hours so its best to drop by then!

30 minutes ago
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: Me and Pearlie go live again in 20 minutes! she says she's going to tell everyone straight away once we start! If you can, its best to come by now! The code to the backdoor is 10008! Ill be waiting at the door if the code doesn't work!

(Y/N): Oh no..

This was bad, very, very bad. If Pearl told the public neither him or Marie would be safe! But he can barley move right now! the only way to get there in time is if Marie drove him!

(Y/N): Marie!! Big problem!!

After yelling that out he heard light footsteps, then his door being slammed open. 

Marie: What's wrong!? Are you hurt? Well- more than you already are. 

(Y/N): No- No! Its worse than that!

Marie gasped

Marie: Are you dying?

(Y/N): Even worse! Someone was blackmailing me and they are about to release the information!

Marie  gave (Y/N) a 'Really?' Look

Marie: That is not worse than dying (Y/N).

(Y/N): They know I’m staying here and are going to release the fact that I'm a guy, and the apartment address to the public!

Marie: Why didn’t you lead with that..?

(Y/N): No time for sarcasm! Unless you want a bunch of freaks or hobos at your doorstep, we need to go to Inkopolis square's alleyways!

(Y/N) began to get out of the bed he was in, struggling to do it, but still succeeding.

Marie: I’ll go start my car!

He watched as Marie rushed out of the room he was in as he, as quickly as possible, got dressed in some of the new clothes he got yesterday. Then he half-limped out of the room, heading for the front door, putting on his shoes in the process. 

Reaching the parking lot with his hood on, he spotted Marie waving him in next to her car. Quickly run-limping over, the he got in. Then Marie started the car and began driving.

Marie: So care to explain how you're getting blackmailed? 

(Y/N): Well.. remember when i took the whole day yesterday to buy like 3 sets of clothes..? I actually got the clothes pretty early. But... then the police started to chase me. 

Marie sighed.

Marie: I cant believe I'm helping a criminal. How exactly does this tie into being blackmailed?

(Y/N): Well, I was chased into an alleyway near the square, and in the alleyway I ran into an oct-.. someone who was willing to help me.  They did help, and hid me from the police.  For the rest of the day I stayed with them cause the police were swarming the area. It was generally okay... until i had to go back to your apartment. Once we got to your apartment building, they gave me a phone and blackmailed me.

Marie: You idiot.. Ill have to report them to the police for you then.

(Y/N): No don't! 

Marie: What do you mean don't. 

(Y/N): It wasn't a mean blackmail sort of speak... it was a.. nice one..? They just want to see me every day and hang out! They aren't mean people!

Marie gave (Y/N) a look.

Marie: ...

Marie: Do you have Stockholm syndrome..?

(Y/N): What no! They probably just found me fun and want to hang out more! I'm hoping that if they see me like this-

He points to himself still being wrapped in bandages 

(Y/N): They won't try and keep me for a long time like yesterday. 

Marie: So your saying they're forcing you to be their friend and you're okay with it.

(Y/N) opens his mouth to speak, but then stops himself, closes his mouth and thinks

(Y/N): Yeah pretty much. 

Maire sighs and shakes her head

Marie: You, are a lost cause.

(Y/N) and Marie sit in silence for a few minutes. Then (Y/N)'s phone chimes.

<DJ.Hyperfresh, (Y/N)>

Just now
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: Hey (Y/N)! I saw that you read my messages! Me and Pearlie go live in 10 minutes! are you coming by?

Oh yeah. he was in such a rush to reach the studio that he forgot to reply to Marina.

Now
Yeah sorry! I read your mesdages and was in such a rush to get over tere that I forgot to reply! Somethng happened today that has me in prety bad shape that's why im coming by so late, sorry!

Just now 
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: Oh its okay! Im glad to hear that you are on your way! ill tell Pearlie right away! But are you okay?

Now
I'm Okay, ill tell you what happened once I get there. But I wont be able to stay for long

Marie: Are you messaging the blackmailers?

(Y/N) was caught off guard by Marie's sudden speaking

(Y/N): Oh- Oh yeah I am. I'm telling them that I should be there soon. 

Marie: Oh okay.

Marie: Oh Before I forget, I should give you my phone number,

(Y/N): Your phone number?- Why?

Marie: So in case they try to kidnap you, you can call me. Or if you ever disappear for ten hours again.

(Y/N) can see that Marie is still bugged by that. 

(Y/N): Oh. Okay, what is it?

Marie: Its 2XX XXX XXXX. If you ever loose your phone try to remember it. 

(Y/N) puts the number into his phone and saves it under Marie. After he does that the car slows down and stops. Marie turns the car off and the doors unlock. 

Marie: Ill wait here while you 'Hang out' with the blackmailers

(Y/N): Okay! Ill be back soon!  Ill make sure it doesn't take ten hours this time-

(Y/N) gets out of the car and runs into Inkopolis square's alleyways. After running through them and almost getting lost, (Y/N) reaches the door that leads into the Off The Hook studio. He puts the code in and heads inside. 

Chapter Text

Narrator POV

Its been five weeks since the incident that took place octo-canyon. Since then, (Y/N) has completely healed. Though he does have scars. His eyelashes burned. Male Inkling eyelashes have a stark distinction from female Inkling eyelashes. While a males eyelashes have sharp and pointy edges, a female's eyelashes have rounded and dull edges. The damage caused from the rival octoling ink permanently burned off the sharp points of (Y/N)'s eyelashes, allowing him to blend in far easier. 

Other than that, things have been going smoothly for (Y/N). Although it has been difficult for him to get used to living with Marie and in Inkopolis as a whole. Staying with there for so long caused (Y/N)'s daily routine to change. At the crack of dawn (Y/N) wakes up and he and Marie go to octo-canyon. While there, he clears no more than 2 kettles all while looking for Maire's cousin Callie. Marie will not let (Y/N) clear any more than 2 kettles because of what happened in Suction-cup Lookout. After they are done with the kettles, (Y/N) and Marie spend a few hours together, either at her apartment hanging out, or out in Inkopolis sneaking through the city. After hanging out with Marie, (Y/N) goes and completes his mandatory hang out with Pearl and Marina, spending hours playing, talking, or buying clothes. Marina really likes buying small costumes for Pearl. Then when they are done hanging out, Marina calls a limo to take (Y/N) back to Marie's apartment building. 

(Y/N) has been following this routine for the past five weeks, and it had been fun to him. But soon problems started to arise in octo-canyon.

(Y/N) POV

Marie: Alright (Y/N), that’s enough. Come back and take a break.

(Y/N) had just been splatted. again. and forced to retreat. again. It was annoying. 3 days ago now, (Y/N) defeated the boss at Slimeskin Garrison and reached Cephalon HQ. But ever sense getting here he hasn’t been able to clear even one kettle and it was begining to get to his head.

(Y/N): ARGGHHHHHHHH This is the sixth time! six Marie six!

He popped out of the first kettle in Cephalon HQ with anger all over his face

(Y/N): No matter how many times I go in, I cant clear it!

Marie: Calm down (Y/N), you’ll be able to get clear it soon.

(Y/N) Shifted into swim form and jumped back to Tentakeel Outpost.

(Y/N): You've said that the last five times!

He went over to the couch and sat down on it.

(Y/N): It would be better if we didn’t have to wait eight hours before trying the kettle again!

Marie: You know its too dangerous to attempt a kettle with only one life. We have to wait for the lives to recharge.

(Y/N): I know! Its just!- ARGH

He leans his head back onto the couch and closes his eyes. letting out a frustrated sigh.

(Y/N): its just frustrating that no matter what I try i can't clear the kettle ! 

(Y/N) Feels the couch shift. Opening his eyes he sees Marie sat on the couch too.

Marie: Its just a matter of time. Literally. If you keep at it you'll clear it.

(Y/N): I know that... Its just annoying going at it and failing, over and over again.

Marie: Lets head back to my apartment and get some rest. We can come back later.

(Y/N): Its not like I have any other choice...

Marie stands up, holding her umbrella over head, and walking to the grate, shifting to swim from and hopping in. (Y/N) stands up too and walks towards the grate, hesitating a moment, thinking about going back to the kettle, before deciding not too, and jumping in.

(Y/N) Opened the door into the room he's been staying in. He's been here for long enough that at this point it could just bee called his room. 

He walks over to his bed and plops down on it face first.

 (Y/N): Ughhhhhhhhhh....

Marie: You look like you fought a kraken.  

(Y/N) lifted his head out of his pillow and saw Marie leaning on his doorframe with her arms crossed. Her face looked smug, but (Y/N) could see worry in her eyes.

Marie: I don't even think those can be called bags under your eyes... will you even be able to see those blackmailers today?

(Y/N) dropped his head back down into his pillow..

(Y/N): Ill just text them and say I can't make it today...

Marie: You never pass up an opportunity to see them.. Are you sure that you're okay?

He sighed.

(Y/N): I'm fine.. They should be able to understand why I can't make it... Probably.. Ill just text them and go to sleep. I need all the energy I can get for when we go back tomorrow.

Once he spoke about going back to the canyon, Marie's worry became even more evident.

Marie: If this backfires don't blame me. 

<DJ.Hyperfresh, MC.Princess, (Y/N)>

5 Hours ago 
[MC.Princess]: THE BUG IS IN THE JAR IM FREEE

Message: Hey you two i wnot be able to mke it today i need to redt to get ready for tomrrow. The work my friend has me diong has gotten a lot harder so i need as much energ yas possible. Sorry. |

(Y/N) sends the message to Pearl and Marina, then lays his head down on his pillow.

(Y/N): There.. I sent it... now I'm going to sleep...

Marie: Are you sure you don't want to go out and do anything else today? you're really just going to snooze on your opportunity?

(Y/N): What opportunity..? 

Marie: Being able to go out and shop with a way, way lower chance of being caught? Y'know, since your eyelashes were burned? Now its way harder for people to tell that you're a guy.

(Y/N): i can just go tomorrow... its not like they'll grow back..

There was silence. 

Marie: Okay then.... Sleep tight...

(Y/N) was awoken by the sound of something hitting the floor. Slowly rising, he got out of bed. Squinting, he looked around for his phone, and found it lying on the floor face down.

Turning his phone on he was greeted to a flurry of messages from Pearl, and only 3 from Marina. A very familiar scene. 

<DJ.Hyperfesh, MC.Princess, (Y/N)>

25 minutes ago 
[MC.Princess]: IM CALLING THE LIMO NOW. THERE'S NO GOING BACK NOW.

20 minutes ago 
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: Hey (Y/N) since I know you don't tend to read Pearlie's rant messages (who does) ill give you a quick recap. 

20 minutes ago 
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: So basically, Pearlie bought a new jacket yesterday and really really wanted to show you, she even broke character a few times during our broadcast talking about it. luckily i was able to catch her before she let your secret go!

20 minutes ago 
[DJ.Hyperfresh]: So anyways we're on our way to your apartment building, aaaannnndddd pearl is saying that she is going to go door by door until she finds your room.

(Y/N): What?!?! 

Pearl and Marina were coming to Marie's apartment. And (Y/N) was freaking out. 

Falling out of his bed, he tiredly staggers up and runs out of his room, hazily bolting towards Marie's bedroom, sore muscles and stiff cartilage slowing him down. Reaching Marie's door, he barges in, nearly falling

(Y/N): Marie!.. We have a code blackmailers are probably on your doorstep!..

There was no response. 

After a second of waiting (Y/N) realized that Marie wasn't in the room. Gathering his strength and leaving, he runs, as fast as he can, to check the kitchen and living room. Not finding her there either. 

(Y/N): Marie!.. where are you!

Yelling proved to be utterly useless. And was just wasting more of his sparse energy.

Running back to Marie's room to check if he had just missed her, he saw a piece of paper stuck on her door.

"(Y/N) if your reading this, then I'm out on a quick walk to the store. it-heel take a bit so don't freak out about me not being there"

(Y/N): Oh. That makes things easier.. Although why did she leave so late at night? And.. A better question is... Why am i up so late at night..? 

(Y/N), calmed down after reading the note, And Marie's horrible pun, he began to stagger back to his room. The tiredness of being woken up paired with how hard he tried to clear the kettle today, was making him feel incredibly tired, and was making him completely forget about the incoming intruders.

(Y/N) was in his room, laying in his bed. He'd been trying to fall asleep for a few minutes now, and was finally starting to go to sleep. Only to be surprised by an incredibly loud banging noise coming from the front door, accompanied by a very familiar voice.

Pearl: Yo (Y/N)! are ya in here?!

Marina: Pearlie! you can't just break into a random persons apartment!

(Y/N) half jumped and half groaned. Getting up, leaving his room, walking to the end of the hallway, and leaning out from behind the corner, (Y/N) saw that it really was Pearl and Marina. He mentally slapped himself for forgetting that they were coming. 

Pearl: I can just pay for the damages..?

Marina: That's not the point Pearlie!

Pearl: He's not here anyways, so ill leave like.. two hundred thousand..? G here and we can go to the next apartment. That's enough G right?

(Y/N) decided to spare Marie's neighbors the walking ball of chaos, and walked out from behind the corner.

(Y/N): No, No... spare my friend's neighbors please.

Pearl: Shell yeah! He was in the first apartment we broke into!

Marina: We..?

(Y/N) sighs and rubs his eyes 

(Y/N): I would-.. kindly ask why you both are here.. But.. I read Marina's messages like... Five..? minutes ago. So I know why you're here...

Pearl: Do you like it?!

(Y/N): Ye-.. yeah. sure... it looks great.. Now I'm going back to bed.

He turns around and starts walking away. Marina and Pearl look at each other with worried faces.

Marina: You're going back to bed..?

(Y/N) stops and turns to Marina

(Y/N): Yeah..? its like... night time and you both broke in..?

Pearl: Yo, (Y/N) are you like, okay?

(Y/N): I'm exhausted and tired. if that's what you're asking. 

Marina: Do you even know what time it is right now?

Pearl: Or the day?

(Y/N): Friday..? Its probably like 11 or 12 PM. 

Pearl: (Y/N). its 3 PM. On Saturday

(Y/N) stares at them.

(Y/N): ... 

(Y/N): What.

He pulls out his phone and checks the time. Saturday 3:26 PM He stands still for a moment just staring at his phone's screen.

(Y/N): Oh squit! 

Marina: Language!

(Y/N) bolts to his room, Leaving Pearl and Marina behind. Reaching his room, he started looking for his gear. but he couldn't find it. Running out of the his room, into the hallway, and to the living room he starts frantically looking around for his gear. But its not there either.

Pearl: Yo! calm down dude! what're ya even looking for?

(Y/N): My friend's work she needs help with! I'm looking for my stuff so i can help her!

He turns and leaves out of the living room and trips over his own feet. Quickly standing up, he runs back to his room to make a double take. Pearl and Marina's faces only get more worried.

Reaching his room, he started to look for his gear in places where it wouldn't be. Under the bed, in the mattress, under the lamp on the desk, and finally in the drawer on the nightstand. When he opened the drawer, stamped on the bottom of it was another note from Marie.

'Hey (Y/N) by the time you see this your probably frantically looking around for your gear. Don't worry, no creepy crawlies took it. i have it with me. I came in to wake you up this morning but you looked extremely exhausted while you were sleeping so i let you rest. Knowing you, once you found out what time it was you rushed to find your gear and go to octo-canyon, so I took your gear with me to the store. Take the day off today. You need it.'

(Y/N): What?! 

(Y/N) was freaking out now. He needed the gear so he could help Marie find her cousin. From how much Marie talks about her, he knows how important Marie's cousin is. Pulling out his phone he messages Marie.

<Two, (Y/N)>

Yesterday
[Two]: Well its very bee-lievable.

Yesterday
[Me]: MARIE STOP JOKING AROND ITS AN EMTIRE HIVE HRLP ME

Now
[Me]: Marie! come back with my gear we need to go to the canyon! I overslept!

Just Now
[Two]: I know (Y/N). Take the day off, you need a break. 

Now
[Me]: But I need to clear the kettle! there's just 5 more before the last one!

Just Now
[Two]: I know that (Y/N). But you need to take a break. You've been working too hard for the past few days, you've been choosing to sleep, or practice rather than just taking things slow. Doing so much work wont-

Marina: Are you okay (Y/N)?

He jumped back a bit and let out an eep. He forgot that Pearl and Marina were still there.

(Y/N): Marina! Y-.. Yeah I'm fine... I'm just messaging my friend.. I'm asking them why they didn't wake me up so I could help out. 

Marina: You must really like helping them... You even forgot me and Pearlie were here.

(Y/N): Yeah.. sorry about that...

Marina: Its fine don't worry about it! I used to be a workaholic too.

Pearl walks in beside Marina holding a poorly made and very, very slopy pb&j. Then she speaks in-between bites 
 
Pearl: Used too?  'Reena I still have to drag ya to bed whenever you stay at my place. God knows how ya get any sleep at your apartment.

Marina nervously chuckles. And (Y/N) begins to calm down more. He sees the sandwich in Pearl's hand/

(Y/N): Pearl... You didn't happen to make that sandwich in the kitchen here did you..?

Pearl's face becomes very nervous.

Pearl: What..? Noooooo... I.. uh.. Brought it with me when we came!

(Y/N): So if i walk to the kitchen it wont be a mess?

Pearl starts sweating profusely.

Pearl: Nooo..?

(Y/N) starts walking over to the door Pearl was at. Marina chuckling while its all happening. Then Pearl snaps.

Pearl: Okay fine! I made the sandwich in your kitchen and made a mess..

She grumbles and stomps her foot.

(Y/N): Go clean it up.

Pearl: What, me?!

(Y/N): Yes you.

Pearl: Couldn't be!

(Y/N): Then who?

Pearl: Just have a maid do it or something!

Marina: Pearlie, (Y/N) doesn't have maids.

Pearl stands still like her whole worldview changed. Before silently walking out of the room and into the kitchen.

(Y/N): I expected a lot more pushback than that.

Marina: She hasn't gone to a normal person's house in... well ever. She thinks that everyone has a maid or a butler.. I think you just enlightened her.

(Y/N): Just how rich is Pear-

(Y/N) phone vibrates in his hand, and makes a ding noise. 

(Y/N): Squi- Shoot I forgot to respond!

Marina: Thank you for watching your language.

<Two, (Y/N)>

4 minutes ago
[Two]: I know that (Y/N). But you need to take a break. You've been working too hard for the past few days, you've been choosing to sleep, or practice rather than just taking things slow. Doing so much work will just make it take longer.

Just Now
[Two]: I'm assuming by your lack of response, that you are choosing to accept your break.

Now
[Me]: No sorry, i was dealing wiht the "blackmailers" as you call them.On of them thought it was a
good ideq to make a sandwich in the ktchen knoing that they cant cook if their life depended
on it

Just Now
[Two]: They are at my apartment!? I'm heading back now.

Now
[Me]: No dont worry, i got it covered. I think im going to make them do chores for you while
i head to octo-canyon.

Just Now
[Two]: No. You stay there. You are not going to go to octo-canyon without your gear. 

Now
[Me]: Then you shold hurry back so wew can go,

Marie POV

Marie: (I can let him go to octo-canyon. he's supposed to be taking a break today! I guess i have no other choice than to take my time)

<FantasicFour, Marie>

1 minute ago
[FantasticFour]: Then you shold hurry back so wew can go

Now
[Me]: It's going to be a while before I get back. Stay there and watch the blackmailers. Do not let them in my room.

Marie: Is this really all I can do stop him?

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N): Okay so all i have to do is watch pearl and make sure she doesn't break anything. this should be eas- 

A noise of glass shattering comes from the kitchen. Marina chuckles.

Pearl: I didn't do it!

Marina: You were saying?

(Y/N) just chuckles. 

(Y/N): Maybe taking a small break wont be so bad.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N) was sitting on the couch inside of Pearl's dress up room. He was happily watching the two talk on and on about various topics on their podcast, but something was off. While it might not be obvious to normal watchers and viewers, it was crystal clear to him. With Pearls occasional drop of character, and Marina's excessive, stuttering it was obvious. The two idols were clearly stressing about something. 

(Y/N): (I hope whatever is making them stress out so much isn't bad..)

While (Y/N) is pondering over what could be stressing Pearl and Marina out, He hears Pearl and Marina begin to wrap up for the day.

Pearl: -nd that's all the time we've got!

Pearl: Until Next time...

Pearl & Marina: Don't get cooked... Stay off the hook!

Before the broadcast had a chance to cut to black, Marina had already stopped posing and began packing up her things.

Marina: Now lets go get-

The Broadcast ended.

(Y/N): (What did Marina say..?)

(Y/N) stood up from the couch and stretched.

(Y/N): Maybe ill surprise them today. 

Thanks to an endless-use VIP card that Pearl gave him, (Y/N) can enter exit and enter the building freely. So most of the time Marie drops him off, and then he sneaks into Pearl's dressing room and waits for them to finish their broadcast. On more than one occasion he has almost gotten caught.

Standing up from the couch, (Y/N) looks around for a suitable place to hide.

Deciding the best place would be under the mountain of plushies and clothes that pearl had stacked up in the corner of the room, He walked over and buried himself inside. Not a moment after getting comfortable he heard a knock on the door.

Marina: ..(Y/N)? are you in there..?

After a few seconds of silence the door flew open. Pearl had kicked it open.

Pearl: Well it Looks like he's not here. 'Reena Come on!

Pearl rushes into the room, and barrels straight for her tri-fold-mirror desk. Reaching it she pulls open a drawer and starts frantically looking around for something.

Marina: What if he was behind the door Pearlie! And keep your voice down we aren't the only people in the building!

Marina speed walks into the room and sits down on the couch. her hands clasped and on her chest with a nervous look on her face. 

(Y/N) figured now would be the best time to surprise them, so he prepared to jump out. But before he could Pearl spoke.

Pearl: (Y/N) Is not our priority right now! eight is!

More intrigued now, (Y/N) decided to stay put and listen to what Pearl and Marina were talking about.

Marina: But what if he gets here while were helping her?

Pearl: Text him and say that he doesn't need to come today!

Marina lets out a sigh as she pulls out her phone and begins typing out a message to (Y/N).

Pearls face lights up as she pulls out a walkie talkie from the drawer. Then it quickly drops after she presses a button on it.

Pearl: Its dead! Squit!

Marina: Pearlie language!

Pearl: We need some batteries!

Marina: I Think.. I have some in my dressing room!

Pearl snaps her head around to look at marina

Pearl: Well lets go!

Without wasting any time at all, the two rush out of the room, leaving (Y/N) alone.

(Y/N): Im.. so confused.

Deciding now was the best time to, (Y/N) gets out of the plushie mountain.

(Y/N): I think they're busy... I think ill just go hang out with Marie. 

Nodding his head he walks to door and opens it and is greeted with the face of Marina and Pearl.

Marina: Oh..! (Y- (Y/N)! Its.. nice to see you! He.. He..

Pearl: Y- Yo! 

(Y/N): Oh.. Hi..

Marina: Wh- When did you get here..? 

(Y/N): Uh- Just.. a second ago.. heh... 

A long and awkward 5 seconds of silence pass.

(Y/N): Well... I... have to.. go.. Mar- My friend I'm staying with needs my help...

(Y/N) nervously chuckles and squeezes past the two idols, running to the back door and leaving. Out in the alleyway, He pulls out his phone and calls Marie.

Marie: What's got you calling during "blackmailer" time

(Y/N): Uhh.. they.. canceled.. for today. So wanna hang out?

Marie POV

(Y/N): Y'know when I asked you if you wanted to hang out I didn't mean like this.

(Y/N)'s voice crackled over the headphones, directly into Marie's ears.

Marie: We're one kettle away from saving my cousin. I'm soooo sorry for wanting to get this done.

Marie was sitting in cuttlefish cabin on her laptop, watching the dome cameras as (Y/N) Moves through the modified replica of Musselforge fitness. Splatting octolings and rescuing Zapfish. 

(Y/N): You know what I meant Marie

Marie spots an elite octoling.

Marie: Five paces behind you.

She watches as (Y/N) swiftly turns his head around and begins firing at the octoling. 

Marie: Im just worried about her is all, I know its rude to have you do this

(Y/N): Its fine, I'm happy to help. Technically I did offer.

She spots another one, above on a ledge above him, about to jump.

Marie: Lookout above.

Marie watches as (Y/N) turns his head up and start shooting, splatting an octoling mid jump. Then she watches as he breaks the glass to another Zapfish capsule. 

Marie: Seven, Just one more.

(Y/N): I can count Marie

Marie: Are you sure? 

Marie hears a staticky sigh come through her laptop.

(Y/N): Is there even a point to arguing with you anymore?

Marie: To your left, and no.

Marie watches on her screen as (Y/N) turns to his left and shoots, splatting another octoling, then continuing to run towards the last kettle.

Marie: I would say be careful of the elites, but all of the octolings here are elite.

(Y/N): Sooo helpful, really.

Marie smiles lets out a small chuckle

Marie: Thank you for the complement.

As she says that, Marie watches as (Y/N) throws a bomb at the last capsule, shatters it, grabs the last Zapfish, and superjumps back to the platform. Deciding to meet (Y/N) once he leaves the kettle, Marie takes off her headphones, and leaves cuttlefish cabin

Marie: (He's so funny sometimes.)

Shifting into her squid form, Marie superjumps to Cephalon HQ. after flying through the air for a bit, she lands next to (Y/N), who was looking away.

(Y/N): EEP

Marie's landing startles (Y/N), causing him to fall face first on the ground. She lets out another chuckle and looks away. Her chuckle quickly turns into laughter once she looks back and sees (Y/N) still face first on the ground.

Marie: Eep? Really? Eep?!

(Y/N): Its my war cry.

Marie: Yeah the cutest war cry! 

After hearing what she just said Marie quickly covers her mouth.

Marie: (The cutest war cry?! Why did I say that?! I need to say something else quick!) like a 4 year old's cry for candy.

(Y/N): Okay, Okay I get it. You don't gotta rub it in.

Marie watches as (Y/N) stands up while he says that.

Marie: (Phew.. saved it..) Like the ink thats rubbed all over your face?

(Y/N): Y'know what, I'm not gonna cook breakfast anymore.

Marie: Okay, okay, fine, fine ill stop, for now.

The two smile then lightly laugh for a few seconds, before standing in silence.
 
(Y/N): Well.. We did it. the final kettle done. All that's left is the boss. Tomorrow is the day that all of these months of work pay off. You get to finally see your cousin again.

Then It hit Marie, Callie did.

(Y/N): Hello?

She'll get to see her again.

(Y/N): Hey..?

After so long. 

(Y/N): Marie..?

Will she be okay? 

(Y/N): Marie?

Is she safe? 

(Y/N): Marie!?

Marie snapped out of her thoughts, Realizing that she had been crying.

(Y/N): Are you okay?!

Marie closed her eyes and started wiping her tears.

Marie: Sorry.. I.. I guess the thought of actually seeing my cousin again made me tear up..

Marie suddenly felt arms around her. Opening her eyes she saw (Y/N) hugging her. Seeing him made her face blush a deep red.

(Y/N): I'm sure she'll be fine, don't worry. 

then (Y/N) let go of her. Marie felt slightly sad once the hug ended.

(Y/N): Now! its time to party!

Marie: Wait what.

(Y/N): We beat the last kettle, so were gonna celebrate!  

Before Marie could say anything, (Y/N) had grabbed her arm, shifted into swim form, and superjumped himself and her back to Tentakeel Outpost.

Chapter Text

(Y/N) POV

It has been weeks and weeks and weeks of trial and error. Getting splatted, retreating, taking a break, going back ,and getting splatted again. But finally (Y/N) had done it. He had cleared the last 5 kettles of Cephalon HQ, clearing the 5th one yesterday. 

last night (Y/N) threw a party for Marie to try and cheer her up. She was feeling worried about her cousin. He made sure to play as many songs that Marie and her cousin made as he could to try and cheer her up. And going on the fact that Marie partied so hard she passed out, he thinks he did a pretty good job. Especially sense there wasn't any alcohol anywhere near the apartment when they had partied. Though the downside was that he had to carry Marie to her bed.

Knocks came from the door into his room

Marie: Wakey wakey, literal eggs and bakey-

Marie opened the door to (Y/N)'s room without waiting for a response, expecting him to still be asleep. She was holding a plate of eggs and bacon. He turned his head to look at Marie.

Marie: Oh your awake

(Y/N): I thought I was the cook.

He says sarcastically

Marie: I thought I should give the master chef a kitchen break for once. It is my apartment still.

Marie holds the plate out to him and he takes it with a smile.

(Y/N): Thank you!

He starts to chow down on the eggs and bacon not leaving a crumb

(Y/N): (I hope that party I threw Marie last night helped. She was really worried..)

Marina POV

Pearl: And that's all the time we've got! until next time..

Pearl & Marina: don't get cooked stay off the hook! 

Silence ensures for a few seconds

Pearl: And now that the broadcast is over its time for the Off The Hook podcast for you dedicated viewers!

Marina turns her head to look out at the square 

Marina: Yep! its our.. talk... time.... 

Marina gets distracted looking out at two familiar squids in the square, one wearing a bright yellow jacket hoodie and the other wearing a kimono and holding an umbrella. The two squids walked over to a sewer grate and jumped in. Marina could swear that the inkling in the yellow jacket was (Y/N).

Pearl: Yo 'rina, you good?

Marina snaps out of it and quickly makes up an excuse 

Marina: Oops! sorry about that I was watching one of our amazing fans walking around in the square! They were wearing a really fresh outfit!

Pearl: That makes sense or fans do have a great fashion sense! But none as good as us! Oh yeah! speaking of us, Look a this outfit I got from-

Marina turns her attention back to the grate as Pearl trails off about the outfit she bought.  She wonders if what she saw was really (Y/N)

(Y/N) POV

Wind rushed by his face as (Y/N) flies off of the launch platform and into the arena. He Hears Marie's voice ring through his ears as he flies.

Marie: Lets go, Agent 4!

Landing with a thud, (Y/N) saw an inkling standing on a black stage, her back turned to him. 

(Y/N): Why is there an inkling here?

Slowly approaching her, (Y/N) hear Marie's voice chime again.

Marie: Wait.... is that...?

He heard Marie gasp through his headset.

Marie: CALLIE?!

As if on cue Callie turns her head, showing her angry face and the LED shades she was wearing.

Callie: I told you to leave...

(Y/N) could feel the pang of sadness hit Marie through the headset.

Marie: Callie... Why?

Callie struck a pose.

Callie: Now you leave me no choice...

(Y/N) prepares himself as Callie switches poses once more.

Callie: Prepare to be rocked! Hey 'Tia!

call points her fingers in the air, as the black stage behind her begins to light up with purple hues and the ground begins to rumble.

(Y/N): Oh no..

The stage Callie was on begins to float into the air revealing a large machine with golden fists, and a large Octarian inside.

(Y/N): Oh no..

Below the flying machine the great Zapfish is hanging, or it was, before promptly being sucked into the large machine and letting out a large horn-like noise.

(Y/N): OH NO..

Then the Octarian inside begins to speak in a loud and pristine voice.

Octavia: DJ Octavia has arrrrrived! 

As if on cue, the surrounding crowd of Octarians goes wild and begins to cheer.

Octavia: ha ha! I remixed Callie's brain!

After Octavia says that, Callie speaks again, her voice even louder.

Callie: Its time for our first song of the night! Bomb Rush Blush!

(Y/N): That song doesn't sound safe.

Octavia: Its time to drop the beatdown! and cause your a guy wont I wont hold back!

Callie: Spin it DJ!

Octavia begins to move her tentacles along the DJ stand and loud music begins to play. Not a moment after the music started (Y/N) felt his weapon become heavier and his body start to rive in pain.

(Y/N): MARIE!-

His headphones crackle to life again, and (Y/N) hears heavy breathing matched with footsteps on the other side. 

Marie: Agent 4 its the music! its trying to hypnotize and weaken you! 

(Y/N) hears a door open through the headset, and sees as one of the golden fists on Octavia's machine start to glow purple.

Marie: Ill play some of my music to try and cancel it out! But it wont be as strong as hers!

The golden fist launches and starts flying towards him. Moments later (Y/N) hears another great song from Callie and Marie play through his headphones. (Y/N) feels as some of his strength returns and some of the pain subsides. Just barley in time to dodge the fist. (Y/N) feels as some of the purple ink grazes his skin.

Marie: Shoot the fist back at him Agent 4!

(Y/N): On it! 

(Y/N) readies his hero shot and begins firing at the fist. coating it in his green ink, until when it was completely covered, it popped and flew back at Octavia, hitting her square in the face.

Marie: That's it, Agent 4 show no mercy!

(Y/N): Well I was showing mercy cause your cousin was up there but if you say so!

Both golden fists charge and fire. (Y/N) aims his gun at the left one and shoots it, popping it, but he was too late and missed the other one, almost getting hit by it as it landed and retracted. after inking the ground to gain more turf, (Y/N) hears Callie start singling louder.

Callie: Blushing faces covered in pink! Rushing bombs, exploding ink!

(Y/N) felt another pang of pain run through his body and slow him down. As 4 incredibly large splat bombs shoot out of the machine.

(Y/N): Ah!- Shoot!

He tries to run back, and just barley makes it out of the way with his shield broken. Before (Y/N) could ink the ground and speed up his shields regeneration, he heard the sound of another fist charging and firing. Turning as fast as he could (Y/N) fired his weapon at the fist, hoping that he could pop it back before it hit him. after hearing the pop of the fist (Y/N) let out a sigh of relief and looked down. He was about to swim in his ink to regenerate his shield faster, but then he heard Marie's voice crackle through his headphones.

Marie: Octavia is exposed! This is your chance, get her Agent 4!

looking up (Y/N) sees Octavia fly out of the machine and land directly on her head. Going as fast as he can in his weakened state, (Y/N) starts rushing to Octavia, firing his hero shot and covering her in green ink. As he was doing so his shield regenerated. 

The music stopped playing and the crowd went silent. (Y/N) could finally breath a sigh of relief now that his body was no longer hurting.

(Y/N): Is it.. Over?

All that could be heard were the loud whirring's of the machinery, and the subtle cries of the Zapfish inside the Octobot. Callie and Octavia groan in pain.

Callie: HMPH...

Suddenly (Y/N) hears Marie's voice burst through the arenas speakers.

Marie: Callie! Its me! Your cousin Marie! Try to remember!

Callie shakes her head and strikes a pose once again

Callie: 'Tia! Drop that spicy wasabi beat!!

Octavia: HA HA! Comin' up with that heat!

Suddenly the arenas speakers begin to blast Bomb Rush Blush again, and (Y/N) is it with the pain from before again, causing him to drop to his knees. The music that Marie was playing having less of an effect.

(Y/N): Argh!-

Marie: Don't hold back agent 4! You got this!

(Y/N) groans and struggles to his feet. Shaking off and ignoring the pain. (Y/N) readies his hero shot and gets ready.

Marie: She's raising up!

As Marie says that, the Octobot raises even higher into the sky and begins charging another fist, but this time it starts spinning. (Y/N) sees this and immediately raises his gun to it to shoot it down. when Marie chimes into his headset.

Marie: 4! dodge! you cant ink the fist when its spinning!

(Y/N) hears this as the fist begins barreling towards him. Quickly inking a path, he shifts into swim form and swims away from the impact site, narrowly avoiding getting hit, again. After being in the ground for a bit, the fist retracts back to the machine.

(Y/N): This is too many close calls!

Marie: Something's coming! Can you shoot it down?!

(Y/N) pops out of swim form and sees an array of some sort of deep-fried ball coming at him. Wasting no time he raises his hero shot and begins shooting at as many as possible. Popping them one bye one. But before he could pop them all 3 of them land and begin to jet out a tall tower of purple ink. 

(Y/N): Just cause its deep fried does not mean its edible!

Once more, (Y/N) hears the sound of the golden fists firing. Quickly turning to face the Octobot, he sees both fists flying towards him. Thinking fast (Y/N) throws a bomb where he stood, then shifted into swim form and quickly swam out of the way. When the fists hit the bomb they were drenched in green ink and immediately launched back towards the Octobot.

Octavia: GYAH! Curse you!

(Y/N) hears his headphones crackle again and hears Marie's voice again, paired with a low rumbling.

Marie: Agent 4! I'll be there soon! Hold out just a little longer!

(Y/N): That's harder than it sounds Marie!

A golden fist lands right next to (Y/N), and he jumps back a bit, not knowing that that fist was coming at him. Then he heard the firing noise of the second fist. turning to face the Octobot he begins firing, and shoots the fist back. Hitting Octavia square in the face again. Looking at her (Y/N) smirks. He sees Octavia's face turn red.

Octavia: GYAHH YOU-

The Octobot starts to back up and rumble.

Marie: Watch out she's gonna hit you with her shower attack!

After Marie says that the Octobot begins barreling towards (Y/N). And before he could react and dodge out of the way he gets drenched in purple ink and his armor breaks. Slowly and painfully turning to face the Octobot, (Y/N) sees another golden fist charging up. He tried to move his legs, but the weakness from the music, and being drenched in purple ink stopped him. Seeing no other way out, (Y/N) help up his Hero-shot and once the fist flew he began firing at it.

The fist flew closer. 

He was still firing. 

And closer. 

He was still firing. 

Even closer.

He was still firing.

It kept getting closer, and closer.

until-

POP

The fist began flying back towards the Octobot and his armor regenerated.

Marie: Octavia's down! Its all you Agent 4!

(Y/N) turned around and saw Octavia lying on the ground head first. Inking a path towards the Octarian, he began to shoot at Octavia until she flew back.

Suddenly (Y/N) began to her new music.

He felt the pain going through his body lighten little by little as the new music got louder. But the new music wasn't coming from the arena, or the Octobot. Looking around he saw it. The music was coming from Marie! on.. a flying truck!?

(Y/N): What the..

Suddenly Marie pointed a charger at Callie and fired.

(Y/N): What the?!

Callie: AHHH!

Callie hadn't gotten splatted, but the shades she wore atop her head had fallen off. 

Octavia: NOOO! My Hypnoshades! 

(Y/N): Hypnoshades?!

Marie: YES! That was a direct hit with my Low-Tide ink!

Callie danced around, swaying side to side, holding her head after being hit with the Low-Tide ink.

Callie: Unnhhh...

(Y/N) was just standing there stunned at all the events that just transpired.

Marie: Now Agent 4! While Callie is stunned!

(Y/N) snapped out of it, shook his head, and readied his hero shot.

Marie: Make DJ Octavia pay!

(Y/N) using his less weakened body  (Y/N) began to ink the ground around him, gaining turf.

Octavia: GRRGH not again! Its time to turn the tables! Spicy speed mode!

(Y/N) feeling more confident than ever now, (Y/N) begins to speak.

(Y/N): Go ahead and try octopi! Your already done for!

(Y/N) hears Marie slightly snort through her microphone

Octavia growled, and pressed a button, making the entire Octobot dash to the left, while it was dashing it fired a fist.

But the bot was too slow.

(Y/N) had already dodged to the side and was firing at the fist. A moment later it went flying back to Octavia, hitting her square in the face again.

Marie: Another Bomb Rush!

(Y/N) hears Marie's voice in-between her singing, and inks a path out of the way of the bombs. Not even looking back to see what kind of bombs they are.

Marie: Keep it up Agent 4! I'm gonna sing from up here to combat Octavia's song!

He turns towards the flying truck and gives a big thumbs up.

(Y/N): Got it! You just keep doing what you do best!

Turning back to the Octobot, (Y/N) sees that its much higher, and charging a duo fist spin attack. Acting fast, (Y/N) inks a path straight infront of him and begins swimming forward, dodging both of the hands. 

(Y/N): Keep on trying Oct-turd!

Octavia: Enough of your childish insults!

The Octobot dashes to the left again, and fires another fist. But is met with the same fate as last time as it flies back and hits Octavia in the face, knocking her out of the Octobot.

Marie: Octavia's down! Get her Agent 4!

(Y/N): Only two punches this time? I think your going old!

(Y/N) runs up to Octavia and coats her in ink, launching her back to the Octobot. 

The music begins to change.

Instead of just the music from the Truck changing, all of the speakers in the arena begin to play the same song. 

Callie: Ugh... My... My head...

looking up (Y/N) sees Callie, her eyes are slowly opening and she is rubbing her head.

Marie: The Low-Tide ink is working!

(Y/N) silently lets out a cheer.

Marie: Callie! Remember! 

Callie: The..

Marie: The heavenly melody!

Callie: One and only...

Callie begins to lean to the side, her hand cupping her ear.

Callie: I... I remember.. 

Callie gets a running start and jumps off the ledge

Callie: YEAH!

(Y/N) watches as Callie's clothes shift in mid air, and she lands on the truck next to Marie, wearing the same out fit as her, except her outfit is pink. 

Marie: The squid sisters are back!

As the beat to the song picks up and Callie and Marie start singing, (Y/N) feels himself get better, all the pain in his body being alleviated. He felt faster, stronger.

He's only felt this way once before. On the day he woke up from his near-leathal injuries, he felt this way, he felt this energized. This was the song that was playing.

While (Y/N) was distracted watching the squid sisters sing, Octavia began to float up into the sky to try and escape.

Marie: Agent 4! take this! 

(Y/N) watches as Marie drops down a huge golden object.

Marie: Take the rainmaker and use the launchpad! Don't let Octavia escape!

(Y/N): On it!

(Y/N) picks up the golden object, finds the trigger and hurls it over his shoulder. Turning he sees the green launchpad and runs over to it. jumping in he launches into the air and lands on a ride-rail. 

Octavia: Do you ever give up?! GYAHH! Fist flurry!

The Octobot starts to rapid fire Fists At (Y/N), who was riding around in circles. A golden fist fires at him. He charges the rainmaker and fires at it, hitting it back. 

Octavia: GRRR

Another fist charges, and it spins. (Y/N) tries to jump over it, but he misses and gets hit. But it barley felt like a scratch. The song that Callie and Marie are singing making him feel better already. 

Octavio fires both fists at (Y/N), one spinning one not. The spinning one hits him, and he launches the other one back. He felt a bit more of a sting that time, but he wont let that stop him. 

Octavia: Enough of this!

(Y/N) sees Octavia launch both fists at him, neither one spinning. He pulls the trigger and begins to charge, waiting for the perfect moment to fire one where he can hit both fists.

The fists grow closer, and closer, and closer. until they are mere feet from him. Then he releases the trigger, sending them flying back to the Octobot. This time when the fists hit the Octobot, it does a flip and begins falling down, and hits the ground with a thud.

Marie: Agent 4 Head for Octavia from the inner rail!

As Marie says that, a final green rail appears in the middle. (Y/N) flips onto it and begins to ride it down. when he gets close to the bottom he hears Marie speak one last time.

Marie: Now jump! Land that rainmaker!

(Y/N) holds the trigger to the rainmaker and jumps, firing it in mid air, he gets pushed even higher up. While in the air he kicks his legs and starts to flip. He begins to loose altitude and starts aiming for Octavia.

(Y/N): BOOOYAAAAHHHH!!

With a hard THUD (Y/N) lands the rainmaker straight onto Octavia's head, and passes out. 

Chapter Text

(Y/N) POV

(Y/N) slowly begins wake up, hearing two feminine voices to his right talking and laughing. One of the voices he very much recognized. 

???: Haha! what happened next?!

Marie: Okay, so he tried to run into the ocean to escape the bees! I think you know what happened after that.

???: Ha!

(Y/N) groans and starts to sit up, feeling a sharp and strong pain all over his body, especially in his shoulders.

(Y/N): Ugh... where- where am I..

Marie: Oh! (Y/N) you're awake!

???: Yes! He didn't die!

(Y/N): Mar.. Marie..? is that you?

Marie: Oh so you remember my voice this time?

(Y/N): Please, no jokes.. my head- and body- are killing me right now..

???: Ill go get him some water!

(Y/N) hears footsteps recede from his location, a moment later he hears water start to run out of a faucet. He slowly sits up more. 

(Y/N): Who.. Who was that..?

Marie: Well I guess you wouldn't remember her name, after all the times I've said it. Or her voice, when her singing was weakening you during your fight.

(Y/N) grumbles at Marie's sarcasm and tries to open his eyes, but is blinded by bright lights.

(Y/N): Is she your... Cousin..? Callie?

Callie: Yup! that's my name don't wear it out!

(Y/N) jumps up a bit and falls off of the soft piece of furniture he was on, when (Y/N) lands on the ground, hit hurt a lot more than usual. Callie sets down the cup of water she got on the coffee table, then rushes to (Y/N)'s side.

(Y/N): Ah- Ow- Ow- and more ow-

Callie: Sorry! didn't mean to startle you! 

Marie: The rainmaker, the golden fish thing, was very experimental. You using it broke a lot of your cartilage, and bruised you, a lot. After doing that very unnecessary trick at the end of your fight, you passed out.

(Y/N) tries to open his eyes again, and succeeds this time. Looking around he sees Marie sitting on the couch, and Callie right next to him, trying to help him up, wearing a pink sweater and hoodie. Behind Callie, he saw the tv on, showing a black triangle with teal, pink, and white surrounding it. The signature colors of Off the Hook.

(Y/N): Why didn't I feel the pain while I was shooting?

(Y/N) slowly gets up and sits down on the couch.

Callie: That would be because of our AMAZING song! I didn't really pay attention to the details.. but it was something about our song and adrenaline!

(Y/N): Oh..

Silence ensues for a few moments.

(Y/N): Oh, where are my manners-

Marie: "Where are my mannars?" When did you start saying that?

(Y/N): Well excuse me for trying to be professional. Back to my point, Nice to meet you I'm (Y/N), Agent 4.

(Y/N) holds out his hand and watches as Callie's face turns into a mischievous grin.

Callie: Agent 4 of the what? 

(Y/N): Oh right- Uhh.. was it the new.. squid..break.. platoon..?

Marie: So you don't even remember what your agent 4 of.

(Y/N): Hey, I never asked to be here.

Marie snickers as Callie speaks

Callie: well its nice to meet you (Y/N)! Sorry for.. uh.. trying to kill you.

(Y/N): If what Octralia, or whatever her name was, said was anything, you were being hypnotized, so don't stress it

Callie smiles and nods, then starts speaking again

Callie: So anyways... I don't think I need to introduce myself.

Callie does a pose, much like how Marie did when the two first met, expecting some sort of reaction.

(Y/N): want me to say the same thing I said to Marie when I first met her?

Callie stands there looking at (Y/N) with her head tilted and a confused look on her face. Marie covers her mouth and starts snickering. 

(Y/N): "You're a pop star?!?" Those were my exact words.

Callie's mouth drops open in surprise

Marie starts to laugh

Marie: He hadn't even heard of the Squid Sisters when we first met!

Callie shakes her head

Callie: Tsk Tsk Tsk. It must be because your a guy. You must've had a realll sad life.

(Y/N)'s mood goes down a bit after the mention of his past, but he hides it.

(Y/N): Yeah I can tell you two are related, that's the same thing Marie said.

Callie: Yep! she's the best cousin ever! especially since she managed to find the last guy on the planet to save me.

(Y/N): Yeah, definitely related..

Marie stands up and lightly slaps Callie on the back of her head.

Marie: Cal. 

Before anyone else could talk the Off the Hook logo on the TV started to move, and the theme song begins to play

(Y/N): It looks like Pearl and Marina are going live again

Callie: Oh so you know those idols but not us?

(Y/N): Well..  Yeah... lets go with that.

Marie sighs as pearl and Marina pop up and begin talking.

Pearl: Y'all know what time it is!

Marina: It's Off the Hook, coming at you LIVE from Inkopolis Square!

The screen transition plays.

Pearl: Check it! Here are the current Regular Battle stages!

Marina moves her hand to the disc on her DJ booth, when pearl starts yelling and startles her.

(Y/N): That happens way too often.

Pearl: HOLD YOUR SEAHORSES, MARINA! We have breaking news! 

Marina: Wait... WHAT?!

(Y/N) Watches as Marina rubs her throat from screaming that loud, while Pearl looks behind the camera and starts reading something.

Pearl: The Great Zapfish is back? THE GREAT ZAPFISH IS BACK!

The screen switches to a live camera recording of the great Zapfish on its tower.

(Y/N): Yeah you're welcome for that.

Marie: (Y/N) the Splatoon is a secret group. Only the agents will know about you saving the Zapfish.

(Y/N): I know, It just felt right to say it out loud.

Callie: That I understand.

Pearl: AW YEAH!

Marina: I'm so happy right now! I have to get a picture of this.

As Marina says that the sounds of pictures being taken is heard, one by one, with the sound quickly becoming more and more repetative

Pearl: Hmm... For some reason I remember it be ng bigger than that. 

Marina: Yeah, for real. Was it always that small?

The camera cuts back to Pearl and Marina in their studio.

Pearl: Anyway, in other news... Here are the current Regular Battle sta-

Marina slightly budges her hand before Pearl yells again and startles her again.

Pearl: WAIT! Shut it, Marina! We've got another breaking news alert!

Marina: But i didn't say anythi-

Before Marina can finish her sentence, the large screen switches to a picture of Callie standing on the truck from the final boss fight against Octavia. looking closer on the image, (Y/N) can be seen passed out in the passenger seat, though the image is incredibly blurry. 

Callie: look whose T.V. famous now! 

Marie: That's not a good thing Cal. (Y/N) is a guy remember? Last time I checked he's illegal.

Callie: Oh right.. Hehe..

(Y/N): Luckily for me, I'm to blurry to be made out. 

Pearl and Marina keep talking

Pearl: HOLY CARP! Callie's been found! Are you guys seeing this? Now THAT'S news!

Marina's face lights up when she hears that Callie is back.

Marina: Callie is back? YAAAAAAAAAAY! I didn't know if I'd ever see her again!

(Y/N): have you met Marina before Callie?

Callie cheerfully speaks

Callie: Not once!

Pearl: We're glad you're back Callie. Being the best is too easy without competition!

After hearing that (Y/N) watches as Callie goes from Cheery to angry.

Callie: Count your days gremlin!

(Y/N) looks at Marie with a look of confusion and worry, and Marie just shrugs.

Marina: Seriously! It takes two to make the one and only Squid Sisters!

Marie: I like that Octopi. She's definitely the better half of their duo. Like me. 

Callie takes a few seconds to comprehend what Marie just said, as (Y/N) laughs.

Callie: Hey!

(Y/N): You complement them and yet you still call them blackmailers.

(Y/N) lets out a sarcastic sigh

(Y/N): Tsk tsk tsk...

Marie: Am I wrong?

(Y/N): Well, no but-

Callie: Blackmailers? 

Marie: Oh look at what you let slip (Y/N)

Before (Y/N) or Callie could speak again, Pearl beats them to it.

Pearl: In seriousness, We're glad you're back Callie. 

Marina: Yeah! Don't feel to rushed to get back into the Idol groove if you're not ready yet. Take as long a break as you need.

The screen transitions again, and Pearl and Marina begin to talk about the battle stages for league, Turf, and Ranked. Marie mutes off the T.V's audio.

(Y/N): Y'know, the one time I saw her dressing room, it was filled to the brim with Squid Sisters merchandise. She's quite a big fan.

Marie: Yes, you've told me before (Y/N).

Callie: You've been in her dressing room before?! Did you break in?! and what's with the blackmailer thing?!

(Y/N) turns to Marie and looks at her with a questioning look

(Y/N): Didn't you tell her while I was out?

Callie: Tell me what?

Marie: Consider it payback for disappearing for 10 hours.

(Y/N): You really are never letting that go are you

Before Marie can reply, Callie pokes her head In-between the two with her cheeks puffed up in anger.

Callie: Tell. Me. What.

(Y/N): Here Callie, it's easier to show you. 

Callie: Thank you! Finally!

(Y/N) turns his head to the T.V. to see if Pearl and Marina have finished broadcasting. After seeing that they had, he turns back and looks around for his phone, and grabs it off of the coffee table. 

Callie: What are you doing?

Catching onto what (Y/N) was doing, Marie speaks

Marie: (Y/N) this isn't a good idea, they don't know you know us. 

(Y/N): Just stay quiet it'll be fineee

Marie: That's easier said than done for some of us..

Marie turns to Callie who is blissfully unaware of what Marie meant. (Y/N) turns on and unlocks his phone, after clicking on the phone app he taps on DJ.Hyperfresh and calls, putting the phone on speaker. 

Callie: Who are you calling..?

A moment later Marina cheerily answers.

Marina: Oh hey (Y/N)! what's up!

Callie's eye's widen and her mouth drops open.

(Y/N): I was just Calling to.. uh..  See what you and Pearl were doing!

Marina: Oh! We just got done hosting our news segment! The second half of the Squid sisters, Callie, was found!

(Y/N) looks at Callie with a sarcastic ‘No, really?’ look, getting a small snort out of Callie, who was no longer surprised.

(Y/N): Yeah I heard! That's great!

Marina: Oh yeah! While I have you here.. I wanted to ask if you.. by chance.. knew.. Callie?

Marie, Callie, and (Y/N) all were shocked, letting out simultaneous gasps

(Y/N): WHA- No! No! Definitely not! What makes you ask!? Heh.. heh..

Marina: Oh okay! In the photo that was released from Her return, I saw someone in the drivers seat of their truck, I thought they looked like you, but I guess I was just seeing things!

(Y/N): Yeah, It couldn't be me! HAHA- Anyways ill talk to you later bye!

Before Marina could respond or say bye (Y/N) hung up.

Marie: Yeah reeeal smooth going there.

(Y/N): I hope she believes the lie..

Callie starts to loudly talk

Callie: You're friends with not just one, but two Idol groups! How'd that happen?!

(Y/N): Well…

Marina POV

Marina was walking through the hallways of the OTH studio, going to her dressing room to analyze that photo of Callie. she could swear that (Y/N) was sleeping in the front of the truck. Suddenly her phone starts to vibrate. Pulling it out of her pocket she sees “Hotstuff Is calling”. After reading the name Marina slightly blushes and smiles. Quickly she runs her hands along her tentacles, and then answers the phone.

Marina: Oh hey (Y/N) what’s up!

(Y/N): I was just Calling to.. uh..  See what you and Pearl were doing!

Marina: (Odd he usually only calls to prank us, or tell us that he’ll be late..) Oh! We just got done hosting our news segment! The second half of the Squid sisters, Callie, was found!

Marina hears a quiet feminine snort come through the phone before (Y/N) starts talking again

(Y/N): Yeah I heard! That's great!

Marina: (Sense I have him on the line, now would be a great time to ask!) Oh yeah! While I have you here.. I wanted to ask if you.. by chance.. knew.. Callie?

Marina hears 3 voices gasp as (Y/N) starts to nervously talk.

(Y/N): WHA- No! No! Definitely not! What makes you ask!? Heh.. heh..

Marina: (He’s not fooling anyone with that..) Oh okay! In the photo that was released from Her return, I saw someone in the drivers seat of their truck, I thought they looked like you, but I guess I was just seeing things!
 
(Y/N): Yeah, It couldn't be me! HAHA- Anyways ill talk to you later bye!

Before she could respond the phone hangs up.

Marina: … He’s definitely hiding something. (There's too many coincidences. The person in the truck wearing the same yellow jacket as the person this morning, and the person in the truck being the same size as (Y/N), and having the same face as him. The picture was blurry, but after spending so much time with him, there’s no mistake.)

Marina continues to walk to her dressing room, still thinking.

Marina: (Ill figure out what your hiding (Y/N).)

Callie POV

Callie: Do you understand how lucky you are! You know the best of the best, The Squid Sisters, and the second place winners, Off the Hook! and your on friendly terms with both! 

(Y/N): Well-

Callie: And your a guy! And a hot one at that!

Callie watches (Y/N)’s face to see if she got any reaction out of what she said. After seeing (Y/N)’s face turn a deep shade of red, she mentally cheers, before promptly getting slapped in the back of her head by Marie.

Callie: Ow!

Callie holds the back of her head.

Marie: But what this idiot here said is right, you probably are the luckiest person on the planet.

(Y/N): Yeah well, I wont be for much longer

Callie: What do you mean?

(Y/N): Marie said that I could stay until I cleared Octo-canyon, and well, sense I did, I have to go now.

Callie: What?! Your going!?

Marie sighs and shakes her head.

Marie: (Y/N) that was when we first met. That obviously doesn't apply anymore cause your not a stranger.

(Y/N): Wait so I can stay?

Marie: Yes you idiot.

(Y/N): Yes!

(Y/N) stands up and cheers, winces, and sits back down 

(Y/N): Ow- forgot about the bruises-

Callie and Marie snicker. Then the three of the go silent for a bit.

(Y/N): What time is it?

Marie: It’s 1, why?

(Y/N): I have a few hours before i have to go see Pearl and Marina, lets go do something, all three of us.

Marie: I don't see why not. 

Callie: Lets go rob a store!

(Y/N): Yeah!

Marie: I now see why not.