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[pastelink33]

The Daily Life of a Wannabe X Rank

Chapter 2: A Long Train Ride

The train ride was a long one, that's for sure.

Taking a deep breath, Kyra sighs as she swings her legs. The gift her mom got her and the food she packed was on the pull-out table in front of her. She was a bit nervous, if she was going to be honest with herself. She was rather hasty about this, to her mothers defense. But when your childhood friend calls you up, saying he needs help, and needs a roommate, you can't let that kind of opportunity go to waste. It had only been a week since that call was made, and she left almost everything behind. 

But that was quite literally behind her right now. She had to focus on the now.

And that means the gift and food in front of her.

Ripping open the gift, she couldn't help but smile. 

It was a hat, but not just any hat. Her mothers hat, the one she always wore and kept with her throughout her career.

Putting it on, she notices a note, plus a small purse and an old camera that prints the photos instantly.

“Dear Kyra,” she reads,” I knew this time would come eventually. I've kept you cooped up in this place for far long enough. Here’s a little money, something to capture memories, and my lucky hat. It was the first thing I ever rolled pure, and always helped me when I was at my lowest. I hope it brings you luck in your new life. Stay safe, Love you, Mom

P.s. Say hi to Haru for me!”

Kyra brushed away a few tears, before folding up the note. Her mom and her have always butted heads, similar personalities and different world views would do that. But deep down she knew that they loved each other dearly. 

Placing the note in her bag, she opened the purse, and gave a harsh cough, barely believing the amount of money she saw in there.

“1-10k?!” she quietly cried out. This was a ludicrous amount of money, especially considering how her mom budgeted. Either her mom saved up a lot, or she has a side gig…probably the second option…since she had a side gig as the new captain, ugh.

Shaking her head, she places it in her bags’ pocket, taking a moment to let it sink in. That amount would be enough for a few months of groceries, plus rent. 

She reaches for the bag with the snacks, and looks in. 

Bluemellon pops, strawberry smoothie, and a crab trap sandwich-homemade style.

All of her favorites…her mom must have spent a lot, as bluemellons were out of season.

Popping a bluemellon pop in her mouth, she looks out the window, seeing the inkopolis bay spreading out as far as the eye could see. It would take about five hours to get to the Splatlands, a good half hour of that is crossing the New Hammerhead Bridge. Her mom always complained that it was never open in her day. Back then, the Splatlands and Inkopolis never really interacted, as the only main way went right next to Octoling territory. 

Relationships with Octarians today were much better, but a lot of them still hold grudges, so it was better to avoid that area if possible.

Of course, not all Octolings were in octo valley. Like her best friend Haru! He was a shy boy who grew up in Tidal County, a place a few miles from Inkopolis. Octolings were pretty accepted there, she thinks.

A noise pulled her out of her thoughts, the train was slowing for another stop.

“Attention passengers, Now arriving at Inkacago. The next stop will be —.” she zoned out again. It would be a few hours till you got into the Splatlands, but it didn't really bug her. 

That was, until a tall octoling sits next to her, a backpack in hand. He was dark skinned, a blue afro for his hair, and dressed in a miss-matched kind of way. A baggy sweater, a foodnet with clear sunglasses, and super short shorts with flip-flops on. He looked ready for a beach day, if she was going to be honest. 

“So, you gonna say something, or are you just staring into space?” he chuckles.

 She jumps, and gives a nervous laugh.

“Sorry, spacing out as I thought, didn’t mean to stare.”

“It’s okay, I get it. Names Aspen.” he holds out his hand.

“Kyra, Kyra Starr.” I shake it with a smile.

“So, Kyra, where are you headed?”

“Splatsville, helping out a friend and to move.”

“Ahh totally understand. I’m moving too. Same place actually. Got a roommate to bunk with for the time being.”

“Oh cool!” Kyra smiles, and picks up her phone, ending the conversation.

Aspen seems to understand, and turns to his as well.

After a few hours, an announcement comes on over the intercom.

“Attention passengers, if you look to your right, you can see the Grand Chaos Mountains. Welcome to the Splatlands.”

[pastelink33]

The Daily LIfe of a Wannabe X Rank

Chapter 1: Leaving Home

She was ready. 

All the things she needed was in her suitcase. Her documents, clothing, plushies, that sort of thing.

Gripping the tickets in her hand, she turned to face her mother in the doorway, frowning in disapproval. 

“Are you sure I can’t change your mind?” her mother said, shaking her head. 

“No. I have the tickets, I have an apartment with a roommate, and I have a job lined up.”

“But it's the Splatlands. It's so far away, not to mention the chaos capital of the world.”

“It's also the hottest place to be. Everyone is going there!”

“Just…promise me you will be responsible?”

“I…I cannot promise that. But I can try.”

“That’s enough for me.”

Her mother sighed, and gave a small smile as she left. She heard rummaging as she continued to pack, before a knock pulled her away.

“Here,” her mother gave her a box, wrapped neatly in paper with a bow “ Open it when you arrive, okay?”

“I will mom. I can promise that.” She smiled brightly, and placed it next to her suitcase.

“You want me to send you off?”

“No…I think I will be ok.”

“Alright. There’s a snack for you in the fridge, it’s in the brown bag. Take it for the train.”

“Alright,” she zips the suitcase closed “Train leaves in an hour”

“Getting early for a good spot, That’s my girl!” her mom laughed, and left the doorway.

Taking a deep breath, she went to the kitchen to grab the bag, looking around the place for the last time.

So many memories, so much strife. She will admit, she would miss this place.

But it was time to move on. She called the taxi to pick her up, and waited outside, checking her phone every now and then.

Her mom waited in the doorway, trying her best to keep her distance. She appreciated that.

About thirty minutes later, the taxi came.

As she put her luggage in the car, her mom called out to her.

"Kyra….," Her mom paused, as Kyra turned to look at her, " I love you. I'm sorry for keeping you here."

Kyra sighed, paused, then smiled.

"I'll see you in the big leagues mom." She gave a smirk, then climbed in. Leaving her mom chuckling as she closed the door.