Coroyakuza

Twenty Nine|| The Fourth One You've Broken

Marina's career has really flourished since she started performing at Flow's. She'd started singing at other bars as well, she's become very popular. Before she could leave the bars she performed at, the octoling got compliments and praises that she never imagined she'd get. Most of them included 'pretty', 'talented', 'beautiful', and 'amazing'. Most ignored the fact that she was an octoling, but she would still hear the word pop up when she was onstage. She had become more comfortable with performing Ebb and Flow, so she began introducing her audiences to some of her other songs she'd written. Of course, it was difficult trying to keep up with her own songs, so she started bringing her DJ table on stage. When she wasn't performing, she had run into a few inklings humming a few of her songs. They would walk up to her and praise her songs. She enjoyed all of this; it made her feel satisfied.

Needless to say, someone found a particular liking to Marina's talent. He thought she had much potential, so one day he approached her. It was on a normal night at Flow's. She was about to leave but before she could, she was stopped.

"Marina Ida?" The octoling turned to the tall man, having to look up just to meet his black, beady eyes (which were concealed by a pair of sunglasses). Despite his size, Marina kept a smile on her face. "That would be me. Hey, wait a sec. You look kinda familiar," she noted, looking at his suitcase overfilled with childish toys. "Iso Padre, if that rings any bells, ma'am," he said kindly. "Ah, that's right! You were in the Deepsea Metro with 8, right? And you stopped by Gramps' bar, yeah?" He gave a blunt nod of his head. "That'd be me, yes," he replied. "It's nice to formally meet you, Mr. Padre," she said with a sweet smile, bringing out her hand and giggling nervously when she didn't know which hand to shake. "It's nice to meet you too. You see, I've been watching many of your performances lately. I saw you at Cuttlefish's bar performing that one night, you were phenomenal. The cap'n thought you'd be better off at a classier bar so I suggested Flow's," he explained, sitting down at one of the booths in the bar. "So that was you? I see. Thank you so much. This place pays, like, a lot and I kinda need a lot, y'know," she chuckled nervously. "No need to thank me. Anyway, I've grown to be quite fond over your voice, Ida. It's absolutely beautiful. So how would you like it if one of your songs got put on the radio?" Her green eyes sparkled in a way Iso Padre had never seen before. "Wait, really? I- I dunno what to say, I..." she smiled brightly. "I'd love to!" The isopod nodded and handed her a card. "Hey, this is the same station Chirpy Chips and Wet Floor play on!"

"Mhm, we're gonna make you a star, kiddo."

Marina couldn't stop thinking about her meeting with Iso Padre. She stared at the card, pondering her next action. Of course she had to take the offer, but she didn't know if she was quite ready for all of that now. When her popularity grows, crowds will grow. The octoling had already gained her own popularity and that caused many inklings and octolings to notice her. Everyone in Inkopolis listens to this particular station. It'll grab more fans and that'd lead to her hiding when in public. She already had one weird urchin kid following her around, she didn't need more. Then she realized this is what she wanted. She just didn't realize how quick the process would be.

And then she thought about Pearl. Would her popularity cause someone to find out about their relationship? That couldn't be good. She would have to talk to her. But wouldn't that just stress her out? Pearl was already quite stressed and upset, it surely wouldn't do her any good to be more stressed. Poor Pearl already had so much going on. Marina hummed in thought. She would just have to be careful. Stalkers were becoming more frequent in Inkopolis. Putting that into thought, she asked Iso Padre if she could have a bodyguard. She felt a little over dramatic about it but she didn't want to risk it.

"Hello, Mr. Padre. I'm sorry for calling so late at night but I need to ask a favor before I can take your offer," she said, staring at the card he'd given her. "Anything's possible," he simply stated. "As we all know, there's been a lot of stalkers around Inkopolis and I have a secret to keep. I can't have anyone found out about it, and it'd be important to me if I could possibly have a bodyguard," Marina explained. "I see. Let me ask you this, will you take my offer if I say yes?" he asked. "Mhm," she hummed, biting down on her lip. "Looks like you've got yourself a deal. When would you like to drop by the studio? We prefer working with your times," he said patiently. "Uhm... You know what? I'll drop by tomorrow around noon, is that okay?" She sat up in bed, using her shoulder to hold on to her phone as she carefully grabbed her portable keyboard and placed it in front of her. "That's perfect. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Ms. Ida. Good night," and with that, Iso Padre hung up.