Survivors of Alterna: Final Run

Chapter 6: Attack of the Steel Twins... Again

After settling their little situation, things had been more or less shaky between Akikta and the cephalopods. He never saw Callie return from the tent, and most of the group kept their distance. But a couple of members, like Marina and Eight, had a lengthy conversation with him.

Marina asked all sorts of questions, most of which were unnecessary. Eight was the one who asked the more important questions, like why didn't he have much time left? What was the deal with Rick and Biggie? How could he understand them and speak their language? What was Sal planning?

Important or not, Akikta was more than happy to answer all their questions to the best of his abilities.

After revealing Sal's plans and how many captives he had, Eight told Akikta that the New Squidbeak Splatoon—or at least her—had been hunting the mutated salmonid for quite a while. She admitted the hunt for Sal was extremely difficult due to his "elusive" nature. Not to mention the more active threats roaming around the world.

Akikta didn't think there was anyone capable of hiding from the New Squidbeak Splatoon, since he sure as hell couldn't. Speaking of the Splatoon, he learned quite a bit about its agents.

There was Agent 8, commonly referred to as Eight. Akikta was certain Eight wasn't her real name, but she was reluctant to share any other name. Eight is the first, and currently, only Octarian to officially become an agent within the New Squidbeak Splatoon. Akikta thought Marina would've counted as an Octarian agent, but, like Deep Cut, the idols of Off the Hook weren't official agents but rather heavily involved affiliates.

The group's newest member was Metta Wasabi, the only inkling to have a salmonid as a companion, which Rick and Biggie found most curious. Prior to becoming Agent 3 of the New Squidbeak Splatoon, she was a scavenger in the Splatlands. During one of her many scavenging sessions, she bumped into Little Buddy. They've been practically inseparable ever since.

Finally, Akikta also got a name for that lone inkling agent he met back at the concert. Her name was Misaki Aqua, dubbed Agent 4 within the Splatoon. Despite what the numerals suggest, both Agents 4 and 8 were members of the Splatoon way before Metta. Misaki wasn't much of a talker when on a mission, but she was friendly enough.

Of course, Akikta couldn't forget about the captain. Her name was Coral Tenta, and she was one of the Splatoon's first agents. In fact, she was Agent 3 before being promoted to captain. The previous captain, some old dude named Craig Cuttlefish, retired. Akikta couldn't help but recall hearing that name from somewhere.

Craig's still very much alive, according to Eight, just on a much-needed vacation away from all this nonsense. Akikta was glad the old squid wasn't here. Apparently, he was the grandfather of Callie and Marie, who were agents 1 and 2, respectively. Getting an earful from an angry grandpa is not something he wanted to deal with right now.

Honestly, he expected to get some choice words from Callie, if anyone. Alas, she was still isolated in the tent. Eight suggested leaving her alone for the time being, seeing as she needed some time to herself. Though, if he had to guess, letting her be alone with her thoughts would probably do more harm than good.

If he were her, he'd feel responsible for getting his cousin kidnapped. Who wouldn't? She was basically standing right next to her when it happened! Then again, they both were agents. And from the information he's been given, this isn't the first time either of them has been snatched.

Akikta pondered why Callie was so stricken with grief and sadness, seeing as these types of incidents were in their line of work. Then Marina informed him of Callie's supposed love for humans.

Like Marina, humans fascinated Callie. Though, with the latter, one could claim she was borderline obsessed. After being told that, Akikta figured it was less about Marie being kidnapped, and more about how a human was the one who did the kidnapping. Callie probably felt betrayed, knowing something she adored put her cousin in danger. Not only that, but there was a good chance she was severely disappointed. Akikta knew the feeling of being obsessed and having that obsession disappoint you all too well.