The Time from Before

Taken

In the heart of the bustling city, nestled within a towering high-rise, lay the relatively modest studio apartment that served as both sanctuary and canvas for the famed Squid Sisters, Callie and Marie.

As the sun's golden rays filtered through the expansive windows, casting warm hues upon the carefully curated space, the apartment displayed an air of luxury intertwined with the comforting embrace of home. Every corner bore witness to the vibrant tapestry of their lives, adorned with cherished photographs and knickknacks that spoke of tales of adventures past.

However, on this particular day, the apartment's tranquil atmosphere was interrupted by the arrival of unexpected guests – a tough security detail of ten ACUs armed to the teeth, accompanied by none other than Sasha herself.

As Allen said before Sasha left, "In light of recent events, I'm not taking any chances."

The decision to station a protective kill squad around Sasha while letting her stay in the sisters' abode was a testament to Callie's innate kindness. Although Allen thought it best to leave the young girl in the bunker, Sasha's protests eventually made the decision final.

Allen's firm determination, tempered by his fatherly care for Sasha, led him to entrust Callie with this duty.

The apartment itself nearly spanned the entire width of the building, save for a maintenance shaft and the elevator. The living room, where most of the action took place, boasted two levels, with Callie and Marie's sleeping quarters situated in the loft above. Down below, the main living area was filled with the sisters' personal touches.

The room's well-worn appearance spoke of its frequent use, with Marie's tidiness contrasting Callie's tendency to scatter her belongings everywhere. Whatever Callie owned seemed to just gravitate away from containers entirely.

Callie made an effort to tidy up when Sasha arrived, but the state of the apartment had gradually returned to its original, scattered form within a few days. Sasha didn't seem to mind; she enjoyed her time in the apartment, her bright eyes taking in the sights around her. But with nothing much left to occupy their time, the days seemed to drag on. Callie was eager to find something new to distract them.

Sasha's view from the living room windows was limited, the panes covered in a frosted film that let in light while preserving the sisters' privacy. Beyond that veil lay the city and, just outside its bounds, the shadows of a war-torn landscape – a sight Cv-8 had taken great care to shield Sasha from.

As Sasha sat in the living room, her boredom matched Callie's own. Marie was off with her boyfriend for the week, leaving the two to do whatever they liked. Without Marie's lively presence, though, the apartment felt slightly quieter, and Callie and Sasha found themselves on the couch, listening to the subtle whir of the ACUs and the ever-gentle hum of the lights.

And that brings up the question, how do they communicate? Y'know, Inkling and human respectively aren't exactly adept at each other's languages.

Well, that isn't entirely true.

Callie has been learning English. She's been interested in the language ever since Marina revealed that she knew it fluently. That, and now she has an actual reason for learning the language too.

Marina has been teaching her English for a little while now. Roughly for... two weeks or so?

Callie can't hold a conversation yet, but she can pick up on words here and there.

Otherwise, to pick up the words Callie can't translate, an ACU helps.

It's almost a little strange watching a literal killing machine be so friendly and translate words, considering its use case.