*(Y/N) POV*
Confusion clouded my thoughts as I tried to decipher the motives of this persistent pursuer. Was she an enemy, determined to erase all evidence of my past? How had she obtained this information, and when did she locate me? Countless questions raced through my mind.
(No, I need to regain my composure and stay calm).
(Y/N): Even if I am involved, what do you intend to do with that information?
???: That remains uncertain.
(Y/N): Don't beat around the bush. First, I need some answers. Are you affiliated with those scientists?
???: No, I am not.
She asserted herself, but I couldn't be sure if she spoke the truth; her concealed face made it nearly impossible to read her. I maintained my distance, staying vigilant.
???: Regardless, let's get to the point. I've come to propose an alliance.
(Y/N): ...
Hmm, what's this about...
(Y/N): How can I trust you, though?
???: That's a valid question; perhaps you can't. That would be the logical assumption...
???: However, what we do share is a common adversary.
It initially perplexed me, but I soon realized who she referred to.
(Y/N): So, you're after those scientists, too?
???: Correct.
(Y/N): Before I consider this, what's your motive for pursuing them? As far as I knew, I was the last remaining connection to the project.
???: You're right. From your perspective, it might seem that way. I'll share my reason, but you must answer a question of mine as well.
(Y/N): Fine...
???: I wasn't directly part of the experiment, but someone close to me was. We were separated in our youth, and I heard of their disappearance shortly after. As I grew up, I conducted my own investigations, eventually discovering the truth about the experiment. But by then, it was already too late.
(I can somewhat grasp her desire for revenge, but there are discrepancies in her story. There was no external information about that island, so how did she obtain it?)
(Y/N): Alright, I can understand your motivation to some extent.
???: So, it's time for my question. Can you tell me your code number?
(Y/N): 046.
???: He's on the list of deceased. If you're lying, do it more convincingly.
(Fooling her won't be easy. Where does she have access to all this information?)
(Y/N):...
???: So, keeping it a secret, I guess that's okay for now. I will find it out eventually, anyway.
She began to lower her hood, revealing her face entirely. With her hood down, her purple tentacles and vibrant purple eyes were even more striking than mine. Looking at her again, she appeared remarkably young. If her story held true, how could such a young girl be this composed and skilled in combat?
???: Well, anyway, I didn't expect to find you so quickly.
(Y/N): What do you mean we're you searching for me?
???: Yes, but I didn't anticipate it happening this soon... Anyway, what do you say about cooperation?
(Y/N): Well...
I had no specific objections, but I had to emphasize my lack of trust.
(Y/N): Just remember, I don't trust you entirely. But I suppose you have some information to offer. Do you maybe know the location of those scientists?
???: Not yet. I'm still searching for the scientists' whereabouts. As you may have experienced, obtaining any information is incredibly challenging.
(She's correct. Even after weeks here, I've uncovered only small fragments of information. Her claim of being able to locate their whereabouts sounds almost impossible to me.)
???: That covers what I wanted to discuss. If I discover anything new, we'll meet again.
(Y/N): W-Wait, can I at least know your name...
And with that, she vanished into the darkness.
(I have so many unanswered questions, but I'm unsure if she has the answers.)
Recalling my promise to Marie, I returned to the shack.
The encounter with this enigmatic inkling had left me with a whirlwind of thoughts and a lingering sense of unease. Allying with her was a risky move, but our common enemy was clear - those scientists and their inhumane experiments.
As I returned to the shack, Marie's keen eyes locked onto me, searching for any sign of what had transpired. Her smirk indicated she had a clue, and her words confirmed it.
Marie: You came back, which means you managed to make up with her.
I couldn't help but exhale a sigh of relief. It seemed Marie wasn't pressing me for the whole truth, at least not yet.
(Y/N): Maybe I did.
Marie's surprise was fleeting, quickly replaced by her usual wittiness.
Marie: So, you're admitting to it... I thought you were a goner when she started tailing you.
(Y/N): You still find this amusing...
Marie: Well, jokes aside, what happened out there?
I hadn't prepared a good explanation on my way back, but I needed to be cautious about what I revealed for my own safety.
(Y/N): Oh, you know how it is. It's just a minor clash with someone from my past. Nothing too serious. We've all got history.
I tried to downplay the situation, hoping Marie wouldn't probe further. Deep down, I knew that trust was a luxury I couldn't afford in a world filled with secrets and uncertainty.
*3 POV*
The unspoken tension lingered, a testament to the fragile trust between them. Marie chose to accept (Y/N)'s explanation without prying further, understanding that some truths were best left concealed.
Marie: I get it. We all carry our pasts, secrets we'd rather keep hidden.
(Y/N) felt a sense of relief that Marie wasn't pushing for more details. They decided to shift their focus back to the immediate threat posed by the octolings.
*(Y/N) POV*
(Y/N): Well, I'm exhausted after today's events, so I'll probably go to sleep now.
Marie caught on quickly and rose from the couch, which was currently serving as my bed.
Marie: Well, goodnight, then.
She walked to her room, closing the door promptly. I lay on the bed, gazing out of the window. My mind continued to race, replaying the events of the day.
I couldn't shake the feeling that my encounter with the mysterious inkling was only the beginning of a much larger story. As I lay in the dimly lit shack, I pondered the information she had shared. Her motives appeared genuine, driven by a desire for revenge against those responsible for the experiments.
But can I really trust someone that obscure? I don't even know her name.
Only time will tell if there is even any left...
With these negative thoughts, I soon drifted to sleep.
-End-
(A/N): At this point, I could write slow updates in the synopsis lmao. Well, anyway, I hope you liked this chapter and come again after hopefully a faster update. But I wasted the entire time not on nothing because I think my writing and wording improved compared to the last chapter, so that's that.
I hope you have a great day
Bye! Bye!