Malicioussa
That evening Ashton ran as fast as he could to the venue where the party facility was nearly set up. On his streak there, he accidentally ran into Serena, thankfully stopping just before he rammed into her.
Ashton: Oh gosh, I'm so sorry Serena, I didn't see you walking by!
Serena: (Panting) Oh no worries! How were your lessons, did you learn anything cool??
Ashton's mind was still racing, set on getting to the facility as fast as possible.
Ashton: Uhhh- sorry I'm kind of a hurry I'll tell you about it later, bye!
Ashton started to dart off before Serena could get anymore words into him.
Serena: Wait! I have something to show you!
Ashton was a ways outward but still stopped to see what Serena wanted to present to him. She pulled out two wrist-sized bracelets from her pockets.
Serena: They're friendship bracelets, I crafted them myself for us to wear everyday! Its an excellent way to symbolized our ever lasting friendship! Come grab yours silly!
Ashton: I'll pick it up from you later today, I really need to go meet someone! This could be my big break! Thank you though, see you soon!
And from there, he disappeared into Inkopolis' buildings, leaving Serena in the middle of the Square. She looked at both bracelets before slowly putting hers on, complimented by a sadden expression.
Serena: He'd never just bolt off like that, what has gotten into him...?
Ashton finally arrived at the facility, the doors were unlocked so he was able to walk right in. Though he was a little nervous of entering a place that may not allow visitors, but he wanted to check around regardless.
The place was a giant hall with various vibrant posters and clear windows. Complete with a buffet table, stereos everywhere, and of course, a dance floor. The sight was truly a spectacle to Ashton's eyes.
Across the big hall, Ashton spotted a Blue Octoling Girl unboxing supplies and such.
Ashton: That must be Melissa.. (Contemplating to himself) I'm pretty nervous to talk with her. But.. suppose I should put my doubt aside and talk like a smart and capable person.
*ahem*
Hello!! (Moderately from across the hall)
This greeting caught Melissa's attention immediately, and she turned over to spot a new face. Though, she didn't look very interested.
Melissa: Uhhh.. hi? What do you want? Place isn't opening for another couple days.
A second later she just went back to work, and Ashton's anxiety rose a little.
Ashton: Well I.. saw that your party hall was opening soon, and recently I managed to get DJ lessons from Marina earlier as well-
The mention of Marina popped Melissa's interest a bit, and she turned around fairly quickly.
Melissa: Marina huh-? Hm, Impressive. But that doesn't quite explain why you're here.
Ashton: Off the Hook suggested I come work here, possibly you can take me under your tentacle and become your apprentice. I swear I'll obey all your rules and orders, whatever it takes to become a successful DJ.
This proposition for Melissa was sitting in her mind for a bit, before getting a slight grin. The grin slowly turned into a devilish smile, and she started to speak to herself.
Melissa: Well... two heads are better than one.. and surely HE could use an extra assistant... and if not, subject..
Heh... hehe...
Ashton: Uhhh.. perhaps I should maybe go and check another time-
Melissa snapped back to her senses and grabbed Ashton's attention before he could walk out.
Melissa: Oh no no no no! Come come. Th- that would be quite the pleasure, I'd be happy to teach you more and help you reach your dream of being a DJ. It'll benefit my business, and your optimism. Win Win!
Ashton's eyes grew wide and his expression jumped with positivity.
Ashton: Tha.. that would be amazing! I'm so glad you're willing to do this for me. Thank you!
Melissa: Ay fellow Octolings gotta help each other out don't they? Name's Melissa, Melissa Steria. Pleasure to be your trainer.
Ashton: Lovely name, I'm Ashton, Ashton Cephalen. It's an honor to be your apprentice.
The two shook hands, and each walked into the back room, where it had some mirrors and a plethora of equipment, from headphones, to records, and more.
Ashton could tell Melissa was pretty different from anyone he's met before, but he didn't want to be judgmental towards his new boss.
Melissa: Alright, first things first. We gotta replace that headset.
Ashton: Huh-?? Why? These were given to me by Marina, they're a special gift, I don't want to replace them.
Melissa: Yeah figured you say that. That's why I have a near identical pair right here. Crafted it myself. These should work AND feel a lot better than whatever pair Marina had lying around.
Ashton: This just doesn't feel right.. I don't want to oust the one I have now, it reminds me of when she offered her time to help me be where I am now..
Melissa: (Rolling her eyes) Look kid, sometimes when it comes to business like this, sacrifices have to be made. Even though you don't want to, its better for our future as partners.
Ashton starred at the headphones for a bit, he didn't want to get rid a valuable memory for some upgrade, but knowing he wanted to make Melissa proud, he disposed of them and took Melissa's pair.
Melissa: Smart lad, you've got potential.
Ashton: (Nervously) Whatever it takes to prove my worth.
Melissa wheeled over her DJ system and laid it out in front of Ashton's feet. Ashton stepped up so his hands could reach the records. Melissa stepped back to admire Ashton and prompted him.
Melissa: Well, show me what you got.
Under Inkopolis Square's sewage grate, the leader of the Squidbeak Splatoon, Captain Cuttlefish, along with Stephanie and Emmalee, Inkopolis' dedicated Agents 3 and 8, patiently awaited for the arrival of Dane, also known as Agent 4, who was out gathering information on any suspicious activity
around Inkopolis' whereabouts.
Dane's return was taking longer than anticipated, leaving the squad, Emmalee in particular, worried for when their fellow agent to come back.
Emmalee: Why is Dane taking so long to return? I'm really starting to miss him, what if he's in danger or something???
Stephanie: Calm yourself, Em. Dane likes to take his time with these kinds of missions, worrying about him is pointless. Besides, he's the best Agent Inkopolis has ever had, the chances of him getting in trouble or whatnot is extremely slim.
Emmalee: Right, right.. Sorry.
A few moments later, the base's kettle began to shimmer with orangy light. The three yearned over to witness their beloved Agent 4 warp onto the kettle, exiting confidently. Emmalee ran up to greet him first.
Emmalee: Dane! You're finally home! I'm so glad to see you, I thought you were in dange-! I- mean, I totally knew you had it, who could you possibly be apprehended on your annual night out-!
Emmalee sweat nervously. Looking at Stephanie, all she gave was a slight eye roll. Looking back at Dane, he resumed to shake his head.
Dane: You should be smarter than to assume I'd be in trouble when I'm out doing business. Besides, now's not the time for jokes, I discovered important we need to discuss immediately.
Stephanie: And what might that be?
Dane walked over to Stephanie and handed her a couple of files. She looked them through for some time.
Stephanie: Hmmm.. Melissa Steria. DJ, Arrived in Inkopolis Square fairly recent, origin whereabouts.. unknown? That's... a bit unusual, but what business do we have with this Octoling?
Dane: I've heard suspicious stories around. She's a traveler. Bringing her setup wherever she goes. On paper she sounds like an average DJ trying to make a living, but the rumors I've heard depict her as a malicious monster...
Stephanie: And do you know what that implies...?
Dane: I don't.. but as Agents we can't take any risks with people coming into Inkopolis Square's borders with even the tiniest bit of suspicious history. I don't entirely know who she is, or what she's capable of, but I do know we have to investigate her activities as soon as possible.
Emmalee: Going undercover I suppose?
Dane: Indeed. Word says she's hosting a ball tomorrow with the entire town invited. Obviously we can't waltz in there wearing our gear, so meet back here tomorrow at 8:00 P.M. in regular clothes. We'll zip our Agent gear under them in case of the suspicious activity comes clear.
Captain Cuttlefish: And at that point, you three'll catch that scalawag and Inkopolis will be sleep safe anotha' day!
Dane: Mhm, right old man. Well, that's all I have to share with you guys. You know your assignments, you know what must be done if things go awry. Agents, dismissed.
Both Stephanie and Emmalee nodded in agreement, and began to gather their things for the day. Agent 4 stood back to chat with Captain Cuttlefish about some things, and waved goodbye as the two took the kettle back to Inkopolis.
Stephanie walked up to her doorstep, only to see lights still on from the inside.
Stephanie: That's odd... I thought Serena would've went to bed by now.
She opened the door to find Serena at the counter with a drink, likely unable to sleep.
Stephanie: Serena? Why are you still awake? It's nearly past midnight.
Serena: (Stressed and tired) Why are you home so late, hmm?
Stephanie: Just some late night tech business I had to attend to, are you feeling okay?
Serena: Maybe... I don't know. It's just.. earlier today I wanted to give something to Ashton further our friendship, but he seemed like such in a hurry somewhere it felt like he didn't even notice. I felt like I did something to him...
Serena plopped her head on the table in destitute, Stephanie came over to comfort her sister.
Stephanie: Hey hey, it's okay. He was probably just eager to get where he needed to go, I'm sure you'll be over this soon, and you can give him the thing, nothing can separate you two.
Serena: I guess.. thank you.
Stephanie: Get some sleep kiddo, tomorrow's a new day.
