???

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The deepsea metro is a mysterious and dim place. What will happen to the souls who have fallen down here once again?

#splitbetweentwosides >> Applicant 2407. An octoling who longs to reach the surface, but feels conflicted. Despite struggling in close range combat due to her disabilities, you don’t wanna be in the aim of her e liter!

#blindlyloyalocto >> Applicant 8024. An Octoleet who is determined to show she is worthy of Commander Tartar’s attention and praise. She will do anything for the metro.

#Rottinginsolitude >> Rotten Flesh From Depths Below. A lone salmonid living in solitude after a cruel experiment left him rotting from the inside out. Despite his appearance, he seems quite friendly, if not scared.

[the-specter]

[ @mysteriesofthemetro ]

A spirit, one recently deceased wandered. He was a standard chum. If it were it for the glowing blue liquid that seemed to leak from its mouth in its ghastly form, it wouldn’t seem like anything worse than a standard fallen soldier.

Instead, the ghost was one who died tired and in pain. He didn’t have the face of someone who died a dignified warrior. He wandered, through, wondering if this was it. If he’d forever be trapped between two lives.

Eventually he found The Specter and inched closer. He felt curious about the being for some reason. He cautiously circled it, wondering if finally someone would see him.

Silent.

The Goldie was silent.

The quiet waves of the deep and vast ocean meeting the starry sky of the late night made it feel empty. That was okay to it, for all stresses of the day, all the mutters of Big Run and the shifting tides had caused it to spiral. It was held on by a single rope, and it knew that it was going to either have to climb up the rope with weak fins or cut it and spiral once more. The buzzing in its brain was quieted by the calm gentle breeze of the summer night...but this....

It was silent in ignorance. There was a spirit here tonight and it was trying to not be bothered by the presence. But it was too pure, too new, too bright to be ignored.

It finally snapped its attention to the ghost, the fallen warrior, it's blue pupils narrowing as it watched him circle around. It felt a surge of emotions that it had been trying to suppress, and yet it stayed silent.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The chum jumped back when the glowing blue eyes went on him, but he slowly inched forward again. “I’m sorry to disturb you… can you tell me if there’s anything I’m supposed to do? I can’t remember much… memories are hazy even after…” he got quiet before shaking his head. “My body won’t be worth consuming, nor should it be retrieved. I should have turned back when warned by the pinkfish with bad scale rot but I had to scope out more routes to the spillway.” He looked down at his translucent fins, trying to process everything that happened.

[the-specter]

The harsh gaze of the Goldie softened as the chum told his story, it's tight face softening as black ink began to run softly down its face. It held out a fin to the ghost, offering comfort in silence before speaking up.

"It's a tragedy, and I understand the utter terror of a uneaten corpse. Flesh poisoned to become non consumable, a horror story. However, I do not believe in pure purpose based on flesh. It is a heavy part, but warriorhood and diligence to swim, not giving up, that is a true character. You need to hear that first of all."

It couldn't tell if its words were empty or not. Perhaps they were, because of how distant its mind was before this fallen warrior had come to its doorstep. It took in a long breath, taking in the crisp air of the night, the distant smell of the dinner of the nearby Salmonid tribe tingling faintly in the air.

"All you can do now is move on. That is my job, to guide those to whatever waits for them. Sometimes, you just have to let go."

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The salmonid rested by The Specter, closing his eyes. “That’s more than I could ask for. During this next big run, we’re going to the spillway. That deepsea metro place is no good for salmonids. Those closer to Inkopolis need to stay on the known route. I’m fearing the worst.” He opened his eyes again, feeling the wind that flowed through him. “May the next life be more merciful.” He whispered, watching the specter as his form seemed to fade from view.

[the-specter]

[ @mysteriesofthemetro ]

A spirit, one recently deceased wandered. He was a standard chum. If it were it for the glowing blue liquid that seemed to leak from its mouth in its ghastly form, it wouldn’t seem like anything worse than a standard fallen soldier.

Instead, the ghost was one who died tired and in pain. He didn’t have the face of someone who died a dignified warrior. He wandered, through, wondering if this was it. If he’d forever be trapped between two lives.

Eventually he found The Specter and inched closer. He felt curious about the being for some reason. He cautiously circled it, wondering if finally someone would see him.

Silent.

The Goldie was silent.

The quiet waves of the deep and vast ocean meeting the starry sky of the late night made it feel empty. That was okay to it, for all stresses of the day, all the mutters of Big Run and the shifting tides had caused it to spiral. It was held on by a single rope, and it knew that it was going to either have to climb up the rope with weak fins or cut it and spiral once more. The buzzing in its brain was quieted by the calm gentle breeze of the summer night...but this....

It was silent in ignorance. There was a spirit here tonight and it was trying to not be bothered by the presence. But it was too pure, too new, too bright to be ignored.

It finally snapped its attention to the ghost, the fallen warrior, it's blue pupils narrowing as it watched him circle around. It felt a surge of emotions that it had been trying to suppress, and yet it stayed silent.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The chum jumped back when the glowing blue eyes went on him, but he slowly inched forward again. “I’m sorry to disturb you… can you tell me if there’s anything I’m supposed to do? I can’t remember much… memories are hazy even after…” he got quiet before shaking his head. “My body won’t be worth consuming, nor should it be retrieved. I should have turned back when warned by the pinkfish with bad scale rot but I had to scope out more routes to the spillway.” He looked down at his translucent fins, trying to process everything that happened.

[pr1vate-v01d]

fuck this... there's an insufferable itching beneath my skin and within my head. i can't focus on writing that song or even form the thoughts to articulate any melody. the blood inside my body remains thick, necrotic, and stagnant no matter how many times i try to shock some movement into it or let it out. i don't even remember why i try when it's been the same for years. you know what they say about expecting different results.

this memverse thing better work. if the others know about all this before i'm cured or whatever i'm double dead. that or i follow anura back to the metro, in which case, i'm triple dead.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Don’t you dare go back down there :/

If you try I’ll either snipe you personally or find someone to beat you up like the ultraseeker incident- oh yeah I asked that ai Serena keeps for footage for knowledge of what we’re dealing with. Sorry!

In all seriousness though, don’t do that. I don’t think Mr Cyclone wants to spend the energy to fight you again, and 2222 is scary.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Boss? How long do you think it will be?” Asked a sanitized octotrooper. He was incredibly bored waiting outside. He looked down at the three limp bodies. How did they even know the salmonids wouldn’t just eat them?

“I have a feeling it won’t be too long. If Tsunami is correct, they will investigate out of habit. Let’s just keep a close eye out for anything. We likely shouldn’t even be this out in the open. Go to your hiding place for me. As soon as I say to, everyone will surround like the original plan was.” Explained the Octocommander. He used his tentacle to lift up his shades and glare at the smaller soldier, who immediately ran off.

“Commander Cirrate. One of the octocopters just returned. A search party was spotted. Should be here soon.” Said a shielded twintacle trooper.

“Thank you.” He motioned for her to retreat as he moved his platform to a hiding spot.

~~~

“Ok- the scent is getting stronger. It’s fairly fresh too. Maybe whoever we find will be alive?” Chimed a cohock, trying to be optimistic.

“The smell is making me hungry!” Complained a smallfry.

Graceful Leap sighed. “Come on. Every second counts. Let’s go!” The flipper flipper abruptly launched a ring in the air, leaping right through it.

The search party was decent sized. A bunch of lessers, a flipper flopper, and a big shot.

All the salmonids groaned, chasing after her. Trust a flipper flopper to get carried away…

They all ended up in a clearing, staring in shock at the three childlings.

The cohock who spoke before stepped forward. “Oh no… no no no. This is just cruel. We know all too well how this goes…” she whispered.

Graceful leap froze. “… guys. We’re not alone- smell the air!”

Immediately, the octarian troops surrounded them from all sides.

Commander Cirrate held his weapon ready. “You! Smallfry!” He shouted, staring down the smallest salmonid in the group. “We will free them once you all have met our demands. Failure to do so… well.” He paused, letting them imagine. “We will need at least 200 golden eggs, along with 8888 power eggs minimum. Failure to meet our rather humble requests will result in us taking them by force. Now Go!”

An octobomber descended on the small fry, picking it up and tossing it away.

The salmonids anxiously looked at eachother. They were severely outnumbered…

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Psst, hey, are you here?”

A stranger chirped in salmonese.

“I was told there was a Salmonid down here, and I wanted to talk to you. I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I am safe. I even brought some dried seaweed I made earlier for you.”

[ @skybound-traveler ]

After a few silent moments, Rot poked his head out of the vending machine he was hiding in. He picked up his rusty pan.

“I-“ he stared in awe for a moment, before shaking his head. “It’s very unsafe for you down here. You stick out and I don’t want to know what they would do to a Goldie.” He whispered back in the same language, glancing back and fourth down the hall.

[skybound-traveler]

“I am aware of the dangers of this place. Do not worry, I am protected by Her Majesty, Kweemydas, Mother of All Salmonids. She shall shield me. I am here to give you Her Love. I want to help you.” She chirped.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Alright. How do you even know about me? Most are scared of me and don’t even bother to follow me? Please make it quick. This place is not one to mess with” he stared down the hall, drawing his pan as if he expected something to come out.

[skybound-traveler]

“Word of mouth and some guidance from Her Majesty herself. Like I said, I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I want to try and heal you.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“… heal?” He hesitated, looking down at the fin rot. “I don’t know how much you can do, but even reducing it a little would help. Right now not even the earth would want to eat me, seeing that I can’t currently die.” He put bluntly. He coughed up some glowing blue mucus. “The sanitized ink is part of me now.” He cleared his throat. “Not much can be done.”

[skybound-traveler]

“I know it won’t be perfect, but I can assure you that you’ll be edible, and get to progress in the cycle. You have not been abandoned, Her Majesty still cares about you, and she apologizes for not being able to come quicker.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot’s eyes widened. He didn’t fully believe it, but it’s a chance he had to take. “… ok. I trust you, Miss.” he whispered, stepping closer to Skybound Traveler. “Don’t know how I’ve reached this point. You’re only the second salmonid to ever try to help me instead of being afraid.” He stated, looking down at the ground.

[skybound-traveler]

“Oh… you poor soul… I can see why you’re so scared. It’s alright. I can take most of the rot away.” She smiled as her fins started glowing, creating a large orb of light, she lifted the orb above Rot’s head letting it sprinkle down to the ground.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was definitely a great improvement.

“Now you only look as bad as a scarred warrior, but you wear those scars with pride, for you fought one of the bravest battles I’ve seen. And know, that the fillet inside you is as fresh as your soul is strong.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot felt a surge of energy spread through him. A lot of the places where the mold had grown looked much more like pale scars and unhealed injuries. He still seemed to salivate a lot, but at least perhaps he could live out the rest of his life. “Thank you… being eaten by the earth is better than being trapped in a state between life and death. Maybe I can enjoy my time left.” He smiled. The glowing substance seemed to continue to leak from his eyes and mouth, but not nearly as much as it was.

[skybound-traveler]

“Of course, please know that no matter what, you’ll always return to the cycle. It’s only a manner of time, please enjoy the rest of your time on top of the cycle and then you can when you dive beneath the waves, Her Majesty will be waiting for you.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Before he could say thanks, sounds of octotroopers patrolling were heard. “Follow me! They won’t follow us in the water.” He called, leading the Goldie to a small room. Looked like some sort of pump. “I’m warning you, this stuff is the nastiest water you’ve smelt. However I’ve used it to get out in a pinch. Come on.” He gnawed on a part of it, causing a hatch to open. Without hesitation, he dived in, assuming that Skybound Traveler would follow.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Psst, hey, are you here?”

A stranger chirped in salmonese.

“I was told there was a Salmonid down here, and I wanted to talk to you. I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I am safe. I even brought some dried seaweed I made earlier for you.”

[ @skybound-traveler ]

After a few silent moments, Rot poked his head out of the vending machine he was hiding in. He picked up his rusty pan.

“I-“ he stared in awe for a moment, before shaking his head. “It’s very unsafe for you down here. You stick out and I don’t want to know what they would do to a Goldie.” He whispered back in the same language, glancing back and fourth down the hall.

[skybound-traveler]

“I am aware of the dangers of this place. Do not worry, I am protected by Her Majesty, Kweemydas, Mother of All Salmonids. She shall shield me. I am here to give you Her Love. I want to help you.” She chirped.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Alright. How do you even know about me? Most are scared of me and don’t even bother to follow me? Please make it quick. This place is not one to mess with” he stared down the hall, drawing his pan as if he expected something to come out.

[skybound-traveler]

“Word of mouth and some guidance from Her Majesty herself. Like I said, I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I want to try and heal you.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“… heal?” He hesitated, looking down at the fin rot. “I don’t know how much you can do, but even reducing it a little would help. Right now not even the earth would want to eat me, seeing that I can’t currently die.” He put bluntly. He coughed up some glowing blue mucus. “The sanitized ink is part of me now.” He cleared his throat. “Not much can be done.”

[skybound-traveler]

“I know it won’t be perfect, but I can assure you that you’ll be edible, and get to progress in the cycle. You have not been abandoned, Her Majesty still cares about you, and she apologizes for not being able to come quicker.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot’s eyes widened. He didn’t fully believe it, but it’s a chance he had to take. “… ok. I trust you, Miss.” he whispered, stepping closer to Skybound Traveler. “Don’t know how I’ve reached this point. You’re only the second salmonid to ever try to help me instead of being afraid.” He stated, looking down at the ground.

[skybound-traveler]

“Oh… you poor soul… I can see why you’re so scared. It’s alright. I can take most of the rot away.” She smiled as her fins started glowing, creating a large orb of light, she lifted the orb above Rot’s head letting it sprinkle down to the ground.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was definitely a great improvement.

“Now you only look as bad as a scarred warrior, but you wear those scars with pride, for you fought one of the bravest battles I’ve seen. And know, that the fillet inside you is as fresh as your soul is strong.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot felt a surge of energy spread through him. A lot of the places where the mold had grown looked much more like pale scars and unhealed injuries. He still seemed to salivate a lot, but at least perhaps he could live out the rest of his life. “Thank you… being eaten by the earth is better than being trapped in a state between life and death. Maybe I can enjoy my time left.” He smiled. The glowing substance seemed to continue to leak from his eyes and mouth, but not nearly as much as it was.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Psst, hey, are you here?”

A stranger chirped in salmonese.

“I was told there was a Salmonid down here, and I wanted to talk to you. I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I am safe. I even brought some dried seaweed I made earlier for you.”

[ @skybound-traveler ]

After a few silent moments, Rot poked his head out of the vending machine he was hiding in. He picked up his rusty pan.

“I-“ he stared in awe for a moment, before shaking his head. “It’s very unsafe for you down here. You stick out and I don’t want to know what they would do to a Goldie.” He whispered back in the same language, glancing back and fourth down the hall.

[skybound-traveler]

“I am aware of the dangers of this place. Do not worry, I am protected by Her Majesty, Kweemydas, Mother of All Salmonids. She shall shield me. I am here to give you Her Love. I want to help you.” She chirped.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Alright. How do you even know about me? Most are scared of me and don’t even bother to follow me? Please make it quick. This place is not one to mess with” he stared down the hall, drawing his pan as if he expected something to come out.

[skybound-traveler]

“Word of mouth and some guidance from Her Majesty herself. Like I said, I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I want to try and heal you.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“… heal?” He hesitated, looking down at the fin rot. “I don’t know how much you can do, but even reducing it a little would help. Right now not even the earth would want to eat me, seeing that I can’t currently die.” He put bluntly. He coughed up some glowing blue mucus. “The sanitized ink is part of me now.” He cleared his throat. “Not much can be done.”

[skybound-traveler]

“I know it won’t be perfect, but I can assure you that you’ll be edible, and get to progress in the cycle. You have not been abandoned, Her Majesty still cares about you, and she apologizes for not being able to come quicker.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot’s eyes widened. He didn’t fully believe it, but it’s a chance he had to take. “… ok. I trust you, Miss.” he whispered, stepping closer to Skybound Traveler. “Don’t know how I’ve reached this point. You’re only the second salmonid to ever try to help me instead of being afraid.” He stated, looking down at the ground.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Psst, hey, are you here?”

A stranger chirped in salmonese.

“I was told there was a Salmonid down here, and I wanted to talk to you. I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I am safe. I even brought some dried seaweed I made earlier for you.”

[ @skybound-traveler ]

After a few silent moments, Rot poked his head out of the vending machine he was hiding in. He picked up his rusty pan.

“I-“ he stared in awe for a moment, before shaking his head. “It’s very unsafe for you down here. You stick out and I don’t want to know what they would do to a Goldie.” He whispered back in the same language, glancing back and fourth down the hall.

[skybound-traveler]

“I am aware of the dangers of this place. Do not worry, I am protected by Her Majesty, Kweemydas, Mother of All Salmonids. She shall shield me. I am here to give you Her Love. I want to help you.” She chirped.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Alright. How do you even know about me? Most are scared of me and don’t even bother to follow me? Please make it quick. This place is not one to mess with” he stared down the hall, drawing his pan as if he expected something to come out.

[skybound-traveler]

“Word of mouth and some guidance from Her Majesty herself. Like I said, I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I want to try and heal you.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“… heal?” He hesitated, looking down at the fin rot. “I don’t know how much you can do, but even reducing it a little would help. Right now not even the earth would want to eat me, seeing that I can’t currently die.” He put bluntly. He coughed up some glowing blue mucus. “The sanitized ink is part of me now.” He cleared his throat. “Not much can be done.”

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Psst, hey, are you here?”

A stranger chirped in salmonese.

“I was told there was a Salmonid down here, and I wanted to talk to you. I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I am safe. I even brought some dried seaweed I made earlier for you.”

[ @skybound-traveler ]

After a few silent moments, Rot poked his head out of the vending machine he was hiding in. He picked up his rusty pan.

“I-“ he stared in awe for a moment, before shaking his head. “It’s very unsafe for you down here. You stick out and I don’t want to know what they would do to a Goldie.” He whispered back in the same language, glancing back and fourth down the hall.

[skybound-traveler]

“I am aware of the dangers of this place. Do not worry, I am protected by Her Majesty, Kweemydas, Mother of All Salmonids. She shall shield me. I am here to give you Her Love. I want to help you.” She chirped.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Alright. How do you even know about me? Most are scared of me and don’t even bother to follow me? Please make it quick. This place is not one to mess with” he stared down the hall, drawing his pan as if he expected something to come out.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Psst, hey, are you here?”

A stranger chirped in salmonese.

“I was told there was a Salmonid down here, and I wanted to talk to you. I am a Messenger of Kweemydas. I am safe. I even brought some dried seaweed I made earlier for you.”

[ @skybound-traveler ]

After a few silent moments, Rot poked his head out of the vending machine he was hiding in. He picked up his rusty pan.

“I-“ he stared in awe for a moment, before shaking his head. “It’s very unsafe for you down here. You stick out and I don’t want to know what they would do to a Goldie.” He whispered back in the same language, glancing back and fourth down the hall.

[friend-of-inkfish]

Tammie just got done with a date at Bonerattle Arena. They felt bad over their girlfriend worrying so much, so they thought a nice swim would help. Maybe they would catch something? Though… they couldn’t focus. So many of their friends had just vanished. They knew going down there was risky, being a single salmonid.

They lay down on some sand by the shore, sighing. Though their rest was quickly disturbed. Something was nearby, and it smelt rotten.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot had made his way to the surface to attempt to scavenge for some food. He didn’t truly feel hunger, but it seemed to comfort him. He had found a herring that didn’t seem too decomposed. He quickly brought it over, eating quickly. He could sense someone close by, but maybe if he hurried…

[friend-of-inkfish]

Tammie quietly got up, hearing some rummaging. They slowly made their way towards the smell, peering through some bushes. They held back a gasp. The pinkfish was well aware that salmonids could still be alive even while in rough shape. It was like the world was eating them alive. However, this was far worse than anything they had seen. How was he still eating? Or moving for that matter? He was visibly molding and rotting in several places, one of his fins seemed completely rotten off!

She frowned, quickly darting off and catching a fish, bringing it back to where they were. “Hey. This one’s fresh- I mean it. Just caught it.” They called, a non salmon still wiggling in their mouth as they spoke. They dropped it a few feet away from the other chum, smiling slightly.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot widened his eyes, jumping back. He stared for a moment. “… you aren’t scared of me.” He said after watching Tammie. Slowly he moved forward, grabbing the fish and pulling it closer to himself with his remaining fin. He looked at it and looked at Tammie. Once he realized this stranger really had brought him food, he started scarfing it down. far better than anything in the metro, that’s for certain! Within just a few moments, he finished the meal. “Thank you… uh. What’s your name? Please don’t tell anyone else you saw me.”

[friend-of-inkfish]

“It’s shining scales of the golden scrapyard! Shortest version of the name anyway. You?” They chimed, jumping like a smallfry. “Nice to meet you. I think I’ve seen you before, but I was always too busy to check on you- sorry for that.” They took a few steps closer. Sure, the smell was bad but clearly this guy needed help. He looked sad! And scared! One of his eyes was a color not seen on salmonids, and also permanently dilated.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“No. I’ve forgotten any name I had and I do not wish to share my current title.” He knew this fish was being nice, but one nice salmonid didn’t change anything about how he’d be viewed. “I have to go. I’m a bad omen. Please forget you saw me, too. Thank you for the meal though… I’ll always appreciate it.”

With that he darted off, immediately diving into some water and vanishing from sight.

[friend-of-inkfish]

Tammie just got done with a date at Bonerattle Arena. They felt bad over their girlfriend worrying so much, so they thought a nice swim would help. Maybe they would catch something? Though… they couldn’t focus. So many of their friends had just vanished. They knew going down there was risky, being a single salmonid.

They lay down on some sand by the shore, sighing. Though their rest was quickly disturbed. Something was nearby, and it smelt rotten.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot had made his way to the surface to attempt to scavenge for some food. He didn’t truly feel hunger, but it seemed to comfort him. He had found a herring that didn’t seem too decomposed. He quickly brought it over, eating quickly. He could sense someone close by, but maybe if he hurried…

[friend-of-inkfish]

Tammie quietly got up, hearing some rummaging. They slowly made their way towards the smell, peering through some bushes. They held back a gasp. The pinkfish was well aware that salmonids could still be alive even while in rough shape. It was like the world was eating them alive. However, this was far worse than anything they had seen. How was he still eating? Or moving for that matter? He was visibly molding and rotting in several places, one of his fins seemed completely rotten off!

She frowned, quickly darting off and catching a fish, bringing it back to where they were. “Hey. This one’s fresh- I mean it. Just caught it.” They called, a non salmon still wiggling in their mouth as they spoke. They dropped it a few feet away from the other chum, smiling slightly.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot widened his eyes, jumping back. He stared for a moment. “… you aren’t scared of me.” He said after watching Tammie. Slowly he moved forward, grabbing the fish and pulling it closer to himself with his remaining fin. He looked at it and looked at Tammie. Once he realized this stranger really had brought him food, he started scarfing it down. far better than anything in the metro, that’s for certain! Within just a few moments, he finished the meal. “Thank you… uh. What’s your name? Please don’t tell anyone else you saw me.”

[friend-of-inkfish]

Tammie just got done with a date at Bonerattle Arena. They felt bad over their girlfriend worrying so much, so they thought a nice swim would help. Maybe they would catch something? Though… they couldn’t focus. So many of their friends had just vanished. They knew going down there was risky, being a single salmonid.

They lay down on some sand by the shore, sighing. Though their rest was quickly disturbed. Something was nearby, and it smelt rotten.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Rot had made his way to the surface to attempt to scavenge for some food. He didn’t truly feel hunger, but it seemed to comfort him. He had found a herring that didn’t seem too decomposed. He quickly brought it over, eating quickly. He could sense someone close by, but maybe if he hurried…

[pearlescent-pablo-deactivated20]

( @mysteriesfromthemetro )

An octoling with an e liter on the ground next to her legs rested against a wall close to one of the train lines. She sighed. Why were so many in the metro right now? Even worse was the invasion plans...

2407 shook her head, her mind hazy. She took deep breaths, trying to calm. The less she thought the better. She was a lucky one despite her struggles.

Though, she abruptly heard someone coming, immediately she stood up, grabbing her charger and wincing as her legs bore her weight.

What surprised her was when an inkling with pink tentacles became visible in the distance.

She put her e liter on her back, cautiously stepping forward in uneven steps.

"It's not safe for you to be here! You'll get hurt" she called out in octarian, holding her hands up to show she was no threat. She cursed herself. Why would an inkling know how to speak that. Thankfully she had picked up enough inklish, even if she clearly was not a native speaker. "Miss? You are unsafe"

Nautalie reached for her ink tank to grab a bomb, only to stop herself when she saw that the Octoling meant no harm.

"Yeah, I figured as much..." She leaned on her inkbrush as she limped toward the friendlier stranger.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

2407 gasped. “They hurt you!” She ran over as best she could with her on limp. Unlike Nautalie, she showed no signs of injury or wounds. Instead her right leg seemed noticeably turned inward, dragging behind a little as she stepped. Her “good” leg also had pain, but looked fairly normal. When the two eventually reached eachother, she panted a moment before speaking again.

“Why are you here? Inklings get the worst!” She grabbed Nautalie’s arms, staring at her with large eyes. “You need rest. That injury will sting a bit. Swimming in ink helps, or putting ink on the area.”

[pearlescent-pablo-deactivated20]

She nodded slowly and glanced over her shoulder for a moment. It was dead silent out there...

"My friend and I... we were looking for somebody, and then a bunch of Octarians jumped us, and we got separated and—!" Nautalie winced and sighed. "Gotta find a good spot to hide and recover like you said. I can't get back to him like this."

[mysteriesofthemetro]

2407 motioned for Nautalie to follow. “Blind spot close by.” She pulled the inkling a little ways to a very short side hallway. She pointed to the inkbrush. “Cover the ground a bit and rest in that. Just don’t get any on me… I don’t produce normal ink anymore.” She took a few steps back, leaning against the wall.

The octoling stared at the inkling with curiousity. The fashion… the pointy ears… the different tentacles… it was endearing. She’d love to meet more. 2407 then remembered what she had been told. Don’t entertain the thoughts that take away the promised land. She pushed them aside. She’d never be allowed to leave.

“A lot of unfamiliar faces these days, along with some returning.”

[pearlescent-pablo-deactivated20]

They carefully pressed their brush against the ground to make a spot just big enough to lower themself into in squid form before taking a dip.

"That so? I think I heard there was some kind of underground Splatfest here last week, but..." As Nautalie turned back into her humanoid form, she shook her head. "Not important. You seem to know this place way better than I do. Do you have any idea where they could've taken my friend?"

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Probably took him to the trains. Hopefully their memories are still in tact. Inkling or octoling? Inklings are given less grace. I did see an octoling who was staying down here, but he was traveling alone so I doubt that’s who you mean.”

She took her e liter off and sat down against the wall, wiping it with the tattered piece of cloth she wore as a scarf. Looked like at some point it could have even been a shirt, but it very clearly could no longer serve that.

“I can keep a look out. I hardly need maps these days, and rarely am I asked to do anything.”

[pearlescent-pablo-deactivated20]

"Well this guy's an Inkling, but we came down here looking for an Octoling."

Nautalie hugged her knees. "Hhhh... I knew this was going to happen. Either they're always looking for trouble or trouble's looking for them, every single time! I swear to cod, I look away from those idiots for one second and..."

"..."

"Thanks for helping me, by the way. I'm Nautalie. You are...?"

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Oh just… call me 2407.” She looked down. She almost said ‘Sana’ but it that was their old name, they no longer felt attached. The octoling is cyclone, if that’s the guy. He’s handling himself ok so far. Other than refusing help, I’ve seen him successfully splat a few guards on patrol. Just hope this place doesn’t get to his head.”

They shook their head. “Your inkling friend needs to be secured first. So far that octoling has avoided testing and it looked like he tampered with his CQ-80 so he wouldn’t be tracked. Paranoid but smart.”

[pearlescent-pablo-deactivated20]

"Twenty-four-oh-seven... bit of a beakful, doncha think... Would it be okay if I call you 'Seven' for short? And yeah, Cyclone is the guy we're after. And now I'm after Moray, too! The uhh, Inkling friend, that is."

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“I-“ they shifted a bit uncomfortably. It’s the closest thing they had to a name in a very long time. They felt like they had barely gotten to live life with their full form, though the amount of time that was really was unknown. “Cyclone has been avoiding areas too close to the trains, so he probably isn’t too close. Moray however… if they took him as a subject, he’s likely doing stations. Let’s just hope he can stay alive long enough for them not to completely take him. Though often they make some memcakes, so chances are he may not even remember why he’s down here or where he is.”

They shook their head. “I’ve heard 2222 has been back. Don’t know if they recovered or not. If they haven’t then let’s hope she doesn’t decide she needs a new servant. 7312 really had it rough… I hope he’s doing ok”

[pearlescent-pablo-deactivated20]

Nautalie had no idea who those numbers were referring to, but they nodded along anyway. "Then that means I gotta get on that train if I'm gonna find Moray!"

[mysteriesofthemetro]

“Unless you can fake being amnesiac and we can give you a number without them experimenting… you are out of luck. If I sneak you on, people will ask a lot and try to make you test.” She sighed. What would they do

[anintrovertedocto]

Cyclone sat down, eating some stale ration food he had found hidden in what appeared to be some rooms some of the soldiers were staying in. He found himself missing the spicy sushi he’d get from the market, or that really tasty curry he would get from that small family restaurant not far from his apartment. How much time had he been down there? He looked at his cq.

… was it really almost time for the springfest?

He frowned. Somewhere in his apartment there was a green t shirt, folded up and ready to be worn. He chose team morning.

He held up his splatana, looking at his reflection in it. He looked awful. He missed everything about the surface, more than he thought he could. Maybe things would be calm enough after the splatfest? He could spend time with Ray and Tammie and Nautalie. Help take care of Pikachu. He finished up the tasteless food, standing up.

Though, he heard the sound of multiple sets of footsteps. Two? Three? Octolings were coming, and there wasn’t any solid hiding spots without cornering himself. He tried to walk in the opposite direction, but he realized that it felt like there were people closing in on both sides. One on his left, two on his right. He braced himself.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Right on signal, an octoling with a brush came running at him. “You didn’t make it easy for us to find you!” She giggled, sending a swish of paint at him and running around back, flicking paint around the ground.

Behind her, another octoling swan in through the trail, inking the other side of cyclone.

[anintrovertedocto]

Cyclone immediately jumped into action, quickly evading the attack from the octobrush. However already the ground beneath his boots were sticky with sanitized ink. He swiped his splatana a few times at the ground, giving him some movement room. Barely dodging the attacks from the slosher, he charged an attack, trying splat the octobrush.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The octoling barely got out in time, but things worked right in her favor.

8024 ran out of the shadows, shooting with her octoshot, hitting Cyclone on his exposed back.

“I’m pretty impressed honestly. For a second I really thought you would take down my girls. Unfortunately for you, you are outnumbered and surrounded. Now, you are coming with us. Fight back and it won’t end well.” The Octoleet smiled, holding her octoshot with ease.

[anintrovertedocto]

Cyclone froze up. He knew it wasn’t actually anyone, but for a second he felt like he was back at where he grew up. He shook his head, tuning out any confusion, charging up a slash and aiming directly at the Octoleet, turning his back to the other two. The place he got hit hurt like hell but he didn’t want to give up easy.

“I can leave, and I’ll pretend I never saw anything! You hear?!” He shouted, as he launched himself forward, directly at 8024.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The Octoleet jumped out of range of the direct slash, but she got hit by the paint by it. “Oh you bastard-“ she muttered, snapping her fingers twice. “Your stupid surface weapons…”

Immediately, they grabbed cyclone’s arms, attempting to yank the ink tank off.

8024 leapt forward, grabbing the handle of the splatana and trying to pry it from cyclone’s hand. “You’ll pay!”

[anintrovertedocto]

Cyclone let the splatana go after a few moments, letting 8024 fall back abruptly.

Using everything in him, he started elbowing and trying to shove the two away. Desperately, he tossed off the ink tank, making a run for it, not daring to look back to see if he was pursued.

He didn’t care what it took. He didn’t want to get trapped.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The octobrush ran forward, leaving a trail of paint as she covered ground, able to travel faster, quickly going around Cyclone again, stopping right in front of him.

8024 inked the ground, letting the slosher octoling grab one of his arms from behind. The octoling with the brush grabbed the other one. They both quickly forced them behind his back.

8024 smiled, making slow strides until she was right in front of cyclone. “I’ll have someone pick up your stuff. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get to have it back. For now though, looks like you’re out of options. Behave yourself.” She turned around, walking off, motioning the other Octolings to follow.

[anintrovertedocto]

Cyclone stared off, moving automatically as he allowed himself to be taken deeper into the metro. He looked down as he was led forward by the two Octolings, praying that everything would be ok.

[anintrovertedocto]

Cyclone sat down, eating some stale ration food he had found hidden in what appeared to be some rooms some of the soldiers were staying in. He found himself missing the spicy sushi he’d get from the market, or that really tasty curry he would get from that small family restaurant not far from his apartment. How much time had he been down there? He looked at his cq.

… was it really almost time for the springfest?

He frowned. Somewhere in his apartment there was a green t shirt, folded up and ready to be worn. He chose team morning.

He held up his splatana, looking at his reflection in it. He looked awful. He missed everything about the surface, more than he thought he could. Maybe things would be calm enough after the splatfest? He could spend time with Ray and Tammie and Nautalie. Help take care of Pikachu. He finished up the tasteless food, standing up.

Though, he heard the sound of multiple sets of footsteps. Two? Three? Octolings were coming, and there wasn’t any solid hiding spots without cornering himself. He tried to walk in the opposite direction, but he realized that it felt like there were people closing in on both sides. One on his left, two on his right. He braced himself.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

Right on signal, an octoling with a brush came running at him. “You didn’t make it easy for us to find you!” She giggled, sending a swish of paint at him and running around back, flicking paint around the ground.

Behind her, another octoling swan in through the trail, inking the other side of cyclone.

[anintrovertedocto]

Cyclone immediately jumped into action, quickly evading the attack from the octobrush. However already the ground beneath his boots were sticky with sanitized ink. He swiped his splatana a few times at the ground, giving him some movement room. Barely dodging the attacks from the slosher, he charged an attack, trying splat the octobrush.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The octoling barely got out in time, but things worked right in her favor.

8024 ran out of the shadows, shooting with her octoshot, hitting Cyclone on his exposed back.

“I’m pretty impressed honestly. For a second I really thought you would take down my girls. Unfortunately for you, you are outnumbered and surrounded. Now, you are coming with us. Fight back and it won’t end well.” The Octoleet smiled, holding her octoshot with ease.

[anintrovertedocto]

Cyclone froze up. He knew it wasn’t actually anyone, but for a second he felt like he was back at where he grew up. He shook his head, tuning out any confusion, charging up a slash and aiming directly at the Octoleet, turning his back to the other two. The place he got hit hurt like hell but he didn’t want to give up easy.

“I can leave, and I’ll pretend I never saw anything! You hear?!” He shouted, as he launched himself forward, directly at 8024.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The Octoleet jumped out of range of the direct slash, but she got hit by the paint by it. “Oh you bastard-“ she muttered, snapping her fingers twice. “Your stupid surface weapons…”

Immediately, they grabbed cyclone’s arms, attempting to yank the ink tank off.

8024 leapt forward, grabbing the handle of the splatana and trying to pry it from cyclone’s hand. “You’ll pay!”

[anintrovertedocto]

Cyclone let the splatana go after a few moments, letting 8024 fall back abruptly.

Using everything in him, he started elbowing and trying to shove the two away. Desperately, he tossed off the ink tank, making a run for it, not daring to look back to see if he was pursued.

He didn’t care what it took. He didn’t want to get trapped.

[mysteriesofthemetro]

The octobrush ran forward, leaving a trail of paint as she covered ground, able to travel faster, quickly going around Cyclone again, stopping right in front of him.

8024 inked the ground, letting the slosher octoling grab one of his arms from behind. The octoling with the brush grabbed the other one. They both quickly forced them behind his back.

8024 smiled, making slow strides until she was right in front of cyclone. “I’ll have someone pick up your stuff. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get to have it back. For now though, looks like you’re out of options. Behave yourself.” She turned around, walking off, motioning the other Octolings to follow.