Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Friday, September 6th, 12024: 6 days before the festival.

Risea

Oh man, I’m no excited! In just a week, Splatsville’s last Splatfest is happening! Cept this ain’t gonna be your average Splatfest; it’s a Grand Festival! Unlike that lame bread, rice, and pasta crap from last Splatfest, the choices this time are actually interesting! According to Deep Cut, the question is “Which is the most important to you? The past, the present, or the future?”. Oh, you already know what I’m going with; Team Present all the way! There’s no time for griping about the past or worrying about the future when you’ve got the present to cherish! And I know I’ve got a lot of things to enjoy, like my friends!

Speaking of my friends, I recently got some news from Coffee and the rest of the Ravagers. Apparently, they’ve all got new responsibilities now; Coffee scored a job as some sort of weapon designer in some other city, Mark has a girlfriend to take care of, and Cthulhu...I’m not sure. He said something about goin’ on a journey with Cthalha. Where? I dunno. All I know is that we can’t, ahem, borrow Golden Eggs like we used to. So, I decided to disband the Ravagers. Did it hurt? Yep. Will I miss our adventures? Absolutely. But, y’know, as long as my friends are happy and doin’ what they love...that’s good enough for me.

Even though I lost the Ravagers, there is one thing I got back: my best friend Blippy. And lemme tell you, that trip he went on did wonders for his size; he’s nothin’ like he was as a Smallfry! I used to be able to hold him in one hand, but now he’s big enough to reach my chest! And that’s not all; along with gettin’ a sick mohawk, Blippy came back to me wearin’ some fresh new yellow overalls. He really grew up! But even if he’s a big, strong Chum now, he hasn’t changed a bit personality-wise; he’s still the same derpy, lovable Blippy he always was. And I love him for that.

Of course, Larel has been actin’ a little differently ever since Blippy came back. He never outright said it to me, but I can tell by his attitude that he isn’t very happy to have a loud, messy Chum bumpin’ around his house. But he knows he can’t do anything about it. If Blippy leaves, I leave, and we all know he doesn’t want that to happen. After all, if I bolt, who’s gonna spend the Grand Festival with him?     

Lumiose

It’s finally happening. The last Splatfest in this cycle. And oh boy, is it a doozy. Choosing between the past, present and future? How could anyone do that?

...Well, maybe it isn’t that hard of a decision to make. I bet most people my age would choose present what with how simple the present is. And to be honest, I would too, but...Marie’s going with Team Past.

Yeah, apparently Marie and Callie are working with the other idol groups, Off the Hook and Deep Cut, to make this Final Fest—or rather Grand Festival—extra special. Each of the groups are supporting their own team, and the Squid Sisters chose to support Team Past. That brings up the question: do I go with what my girlfriend goes with? Or do I stick by my guns and vote for Team Present? Cod, it’s so difficult to decide...                                               

Basstian

Ah, what an exciting event we have waiting for us! A clash between the past, present, and future...oh, the very idea makes my hearts flutter with enthusiasm!

Unfortunately, with my position as Sheldon’s apprentice limiting my free time, I have not had the opportunity to experience many Splatfests. If I happened to be lucky, and I mean very lucky, I would be able to partake in around 10 matches, and that was being generous. However, that changes next week! In his unbounding generosity, Sheldon has agreed to let me shy away from my duties so that I can enjoy the upcoming Grand Festival. Oh, danke, Sheldon! I promise that your kindness will not go unrewarded. Perhaps when my team claims victory, I can share my Super Sea Snails with my mentor, haha.

Oh yes, my team...who do I wish to support? Hm...I may have to side with Team Future. Not only is it important to keep one’s head up and look forward to what is waiting for us all, but my recent, ahem, “passionate” reunion with one of my dearest companions of the past has caused me to think about our future together. I would very much enjoy spending the remainder of my years with her...

Speaking of that Octoling, our departure was rather...abrupt. I wonder, what is it that pushed her to leave me in such a hurry? Hopefully I will come upon the answer soon...                                       

Emma

Another Splatfest is happening. Great. Just another senseless party for young fools to partake in and annoy me with. How lovely.

This will be the final Splatfest, or so I have heard. Hopefully they mean the final Splatfest ever. I have enough to deal with as is, and I would very much appreciate not having to endure any more tomfoolery.

While I would never even consider participating in this useless event...if I had to support any team, it would be the one advocating for the future. After all, it is important to prepare oneself for anything that may arise in the time ahead. Oh, if only I had realized that sooner...              

Roenaldo

Looks like we’ve got another Splatfest coming up. Pretty cool, if I say so myself. This’ll be the last major fest in a while, won’t it? Should be, from what I’ve been hearing.

Rumor has it that this decisive Splatfest—the Grand Festival—is gonna take place in that huge crater near Splatsville. Yep, all of the festivities, the decorations, concerts, everything, are going to be packed into that dusty crater. Wonder how that’ll work.

Eh, I can worry about the logistics of that later. For now, I’ve gotta think of what team to go with. Hm, let’s see...the choices are past, present, and future, right? Something tells me that most people would choose the present. After all, the present is a gift to cherish, right? Then again, there might be some optimistic people who would go with Team Future. Not that I disagree with them; what we do now determines what’ll be waiting for us in the future.

Hm...you know what. I’m gonna go with Team Past. Yeah, the present is great and the future can be bright, but I would be dumb to forget what experiences led me to become the Inkling I am today. All the obstacles I’ve had to overcome, the friends I’ve made, the lessons I’ve learned...I wouldn’t be nearly as successful as I am now if I hadn’t faced, met, and understood those things. Not to be sappy, but I’m pretty thankful for what the universe blessed me with.

Chapter Text

Saturday, September 7th, 12024: 5 days before the festival.

Risea

I can’t believe this. Just when I thought I had something to look forward to, the Salmonids are invading again. And it’s not like they’re storming some map I don’t care about like last time; they’re invading the Grand Festival venue! What the hell?! What do they even want with that place? There’s no way that a flashy place like that has anything to do with where the Salmonids were born...right? No, that’d be crazy!

Either way, there’s no way that I’m helping out those other Salmon Runners. I don’t care how bad this Big Run gets; I’m not layin’ a finger on those fish! But, as always, me not participating doesn’t matter at all; there’s, like, a bajillion more Inklings and Octolings, Larel included, that are more than ready to work for that wicked company and steal even more Golden Eggs. And y’know what the worst part is? I can’t even steal back the eggs that those workers get! Ugh, this is just great...

Then again...I guess I can’t be too mad. After all, no matter how horrible Grizzco is, it’s at least gettin’ people to fight back against the Salmonids. Why they’re so gung-ho about invading our home, I have no clue, but at least there’s some people out there who’re willing to stop them. But I’ll be damned if I’m one of them. Think I’ll just wait this out with Blippy...                                     

Lumiose

Another Big Run? Geez, how persistent can these fish be? I mean, seriously, this is the 7th Big Run I’ve heard of! Though I guess this one is a bit different from the others; from what I’ve been hearing, this is a Grand Big Run. We don’t just have a stage like Wahoo World or Eeltail Alley at stake; we’re fighting for the Grand Festival venue in the Splatlands this time. Why the Salmonids are invading that place of all places is beyond me. Maybe they’re here for the party? ...Nah, that’d be silly.

Regardless, I feel like I’ve gotta do something. If we don’t drive the Salmonids away, there could be no Grand Festival! Well, that is assuming that our fishy invaders end up destroying the decorations that we put up. For all I know, there could be no consequences for losing this Big Run. But I don’t know that for sure; it’d be best to take some preemptive action and take the fight to the Salmonids. Maybe it’s about time I relived my glory days as a Salmon Runner...                                        

Basstian

Oh, how dreadful. Can we experience a single moment of joy without something arriving to rain on our parade? Apparently, the Salmonids decided to be a raging typhoon in this instance; they are looking to seize the location where the Grand Festival is occurring!

Oh, this simply cannot do. How are we to enjoy the Grand Festival with these piscine plunderers running amuck? If we do not put an end to their madness, we may be left with no festival to attend! No, I must not allow this to happen. I may not fully agree with the idea of assaulting the Salmonids, but the stakes are much too high! For the time being, I must cast away my morals and retaliate against our former allies. This is the only option...                               

Emma

Scheiße. Another Big Run is occurring. Could the timing be any worse? I am in no position to join my coworkers in battle, not with my current predicament. It would be much too dangerous. I cannot believe that I am saying this, but...I may have to skip this Big Run.

...No. I cannot do that. I cannot skirt my responsibilities, especially not in such a dire situation as this one. No matter what condition I am in, I must find a way to contribute, even if I am not actively participating in battle. I do not care if my role is as small as simply providing remote instruction to my coworker; As long as I am of use, I will be content. I will have to be discreet about my entrance, however; I cannot risk anyone, especially not my superiors, seeing me in this state...                                                 

Roenaldo

Wow. We’ve got another Big Run inkoming. How convenient is that? As if things couldn’t be any worse, they’re planning on storming the Grand Festival venue. It’s like they were just waiting to crash the party.

I’ll be honest, I never really saw the appeal of Salmon Run. Seemed like too much work and bloodshed for minimal rewards. But that sentiment might just change today. If those Salmonids think they can get away with ruining the biggest Splatfest of the century, they’ve got another thing coming. It’s about time those fish got a taste of some Roenaldo power!

...Wait. Risea did say that she hates Salmon Run, right? Crap. This isn’t good. Uh...y’know what. Just for her, I’ll collect as little Golden Eggs as I possibly can. It’s the least I can do, right? Hopefully that’s enough for her...

Chapter Text

Monday, September 9th, 12024: 3 days before the festival.

Risea

1,535,611, 351 Golden Eggs. Almost 2 billion. That’s how many eggs all those Grizzco employees got.

...How is that possible? Why is it possible? That’s more than double the amount me and the Ravagers ever got! It’s like all our work was for nothing...

Cod damn it. There’s no way the Salmonids are recovering from this. It’s just impossible. They just wiped out a whole generation of salmon. They’ll need a miracle to not go extinct.

Unless...maybe whoever’s in charge of Grizzco nowadays ISN’T killing those unhatched Salmonids. Heck, for all I know, he or she could just be playing some catch and release! Hopefully. God, I really hope that’s the case...

Ah, what am I worrying myself for? I’m sure the Salmonids will find a way. If they’re anything like Blippy, then they can bounce back from any situation. I’ve just gotta have faith. And even if they don’t...I can worry about that later. After the festival.   

Lumiose

Holy moly. I can’t believe this. Were Salmon Run players always this motivated? I thought that the 700,000,000 quota that Mr. Grizz or whomever set was a bit much, but the end result was even crazier. 1,535,611, 351?? Is this even real? I didn’t even know that the Salmonids had that much!

This is just...wow. I never knew that we as a species could be this dedicated. Or maybe it was the Octolings doing the heavy lifting? Either way, this is absurd. I wonder if the Salmonids even have it in them to try another Big Run at this point...                     

Basstian

Am I dreaming? Am I living in an alternate world? That must be the case, because...wow. 1,535,611, 351 Golden Eggs? That is almost 2 billion! Never before have I witnessed such a feat. Has Grizzco’s workforce gotten that much more proficient at their craft? I would be impressed if only what we were collecting was not so valuable to the Salmonids. What will they do now that they suffered a severe reduction of their resources? Simply thinking about it makes my stomach churn.

Then again...I suppose that this is deserved. After all, they were the ones who attacked us in this instance; we simply responded in kind. With that being said...did we have to strike back as hard as we did?    

Emma

Hm. Interesting. I did not expect us as a workforce to acquire so many Golden Eggs, especially when I was not providing direct assistance. It appears that we have gone over 800 million eggs over the quota that was set for us. A monumental feat, indeed. One that is significantly more than I would expect from my coworkers.

Perhaps I underestimated my peers. It seems as though they fare just fine by themselves, possibly even more than fine. I suppose that I will have to give them some recognition later...                                      

Roenaldo

Dang it. Isn’t that a shame. We got way more eggs than I wanted us to get. I mean, seriously, we almost got 2 billion! That’s just insane.

I sure hope that all these eggs aren’t going to be used for evil like last time; I would hate to have to deal with ANOTHER world-threatening problem. I better keep my guard up just in case...unless Risea decides to reform that Ravagers group she was talking about and stealing back those Golden Eggs. Who knows, maybe I could join her this time...

Chapter Text

Tuesday, September 10th, 12024: 2 days before the festival.

Risea

I’ve been noticing something weird happenin’ lately. Right after that big Big Run ended, I’ve been seein’ advertisements for some new treat called “Temporal Twisters”. From what I can tell, they’re this weird mashup of a cookie and a candy; the cookie is decorated to look like a clock while there’s a strand of twisting licorice that I can only assume is supposed to represent that string you hold a watch on. Yuck. I may be a foodie, but not even I would eat something that bizarre. That kinda stuff’s only for lunatics.

I’m guessin’ that said lunatics only appear durin’ parties, cause whoever made that abomination said that they’re only servin’ their stuff during the Grand Festival. I guess it makes sense considerin’ the theme. I mean, past, present, future, those are all time periods, right? I at least admire the thought...

But at the end of it all, you can count me out of tryin’ whatever that sweet is supposed to be; I’d rather just enjoy the festival for what it is. Besides, I have other food to enjoy, like the kind that goldfish lady serves.   

Lumiose

Ah, it’s finally happening. My graduation. With my duties as an agent, that whole Memverse incident, and everything else that’s been going on like those Big Runs, I hardly had any time to attend school. But finally, after 6 long years of studying, all my hard work has paid off. I’m finally gonna be an artist!

Oh, I can’t wait to tell Marie the news. I bet she’ll be so proud to see that her boyfriend managed to get a bachelor’s in art! Who knows, maybe I could use my skills to help her and Callie? I know that I could make some killer artwork for the Squid Sisters brand: posters, banners, you name it! Whatever it is, I’ll be happy to use my skills for my beloved...

Hey, you know what? I should celebrate by making a painting in commemoration of the Grand Festival! I can already see the concept: a chaotic landscape of relics and entities of the past, present, and future clashing in one place, each of them fighting for supremacy. It’ll be awesome! And hey, maybe after finishing the piece, I’ll finally be able to choose a team. Think of it as some self-motivation.

If there’s one person that I know will be happy to see me back, it’s Angela. Though I really hope she’ll be happy in an “oh, I missed you” sorta way and not a “time for the torture to continue!” sorta way.

...Ah, who am I kidding? Knowing her, it’s probably the latter option...                                

Basstian

Ooh, I can barely contain my excitement. The Grand Festival is only two days away! I can certainly tell that the citizens of Splatsville are aware of this; decorations are being prepared, gossip is being shared, and there is a noticeable buzz of anticipation in the air for the event to come. It brings great joy to my heart to see that my fellow cephalopods share the same eagerness as me!

One thing that I am not excited for, unfortunately, are the toys that are being distributed during this celebration. Yes, believe it or not, some group or entity made the decision to manufacture a series of small playthings and provide them as gifts to the public. There are three variants of the miniature figures: a mangy, orange and cream-striped cat model with a bone in its nose, a clean, white and black spotted cat with bright eyes, and a robotic, chrome cat with yellow, glowing eyes. None of these particularly tickle my fancy.

To be fair, I can see why people would enjoy owning one of those toys. After all, they are cute in their own strange way. Furthermore, I can obviously tell that these toys are meant to symbolize the themes of this upcoming Splatfest, past, present, and future, so I suppose that those participating in the festival can pick up a souvenir to show their support. With that being said, I simply cannot bring myself to have one of those models in my possession. Not only am I too old for toys, but the fact that said toys are based on cats, a species that I know very little of, is too...would unsettling be an acceptable term? I suppose that it is the closet word to describe my feelings...                   

Emma

Ugh. Another day, another stomach ache. I grow quite tired of these.

Once again, I am forced to reside within my home for the remainder of the day. Yes, this is not much different from how most of my recent days have gone by recently, but it is no less frustrating. When will this curse be lifted from me? When will I be allowed to return to a state of normalcy?

Pfui...as if my plight weren’t tortuous enough, I now have to deal with the constant drivel of my neighbors. Even behind the walls of my home, I can hear their incessant ramblings about festivals, fireworks, and other pointless distractions. My cod. Such inconsideration. Do those immature fools not realize that not everyone wishes to hear about this useless Splatfest?

Even when I retreat further into my abode, I cannot escape the cheerful slop—my television set made sure of that. I do not know what idiot programmed that thing, but they must have a twisted sense of humor; that damn appliance can turn on at the most random of times to relay a message that I have no interest in hearing, which this time around happens to be news about the Grand Festival. Just an hour ago, that egregious electronic decided to play a commercial advertising some silly cartoon that is...no, there is no use even mentioning it, it is that ridiculous. I should just throw out that faulty set. I do not even enjoy TV.               

Roenaldo

Hoo boy, we’re getting there now. The Grand Festival is nearly here. Even though I spend most of my time down here in Alterna, I’ve heard a lot about how much preparations are being made for this one event; all the idols are meeting in one place, that crater is getting completely reworked, and that venue that the Salmonids attacked is apparently going to be unlike any stage we’ve ever seen. All very fresh stuff.

One thing that I’m not too thrilled about are the tattoos that are being given out during the festival. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I respect people who have tattoos, but...they’re just not for me. I dunno, I just never liked the idea of permanently changing your body just to look cool. Even if they’re one of those temporary tattoos...what’s the point? Most of us are gonna be doing some Turf Wars, so all the ink would just be washed away. Then again, who knows, maybe the tattoos are made out of some other material...

Anyway, there’s no need to worry about that now. The only thing that matters right now is how I’m gonna be celebrating the festival. Hm...hey, I’ve got an idea. How about I invite the other agents to go to the festival with me? It could be a little bonding exercise for us all, a way for the New Squidbeak Splatoon to get to know each other. Yeah, that sounds leaderly...

Okay! It’s settled. I’d better get to contacting each of them so I can...wait. Where do they even live?

Chapter Text

Wednesday, September 11th, 12024: 1 day before the festival.

The New Squidbeak Splatoon, Risea, Lumiose, Basstian and Roenaldo, are sitting around a wooden table in their casual clothes. Risea, in her brown splotched hoodie and shorts, looks between the others with narrow eyes. Lumiose, in his green-striped shirt and pants, sits with a nervous expression on his face. Basstian, in his lumberjack shirt and leather pants, looks around the group with an excited grin, and Roenaldo, dressed in his cowboy hat, black down jacket and jeans, sits at the front of the table and gives a friendly smile towards his agents.

Risea: What is this, an agent get-together? I recognize all of the people here, but...that Lumiose guy is an agent? I didn’t think that a nerd like him could ever have a position like that...

Lumiose: Is that the girl from way back when? I didn’t know that she was an agent! Who is she, Agent 5? And oh cod, is that the captain? He’s...shorter than I expected. But still, look at that confident smile, that calm posture, that rugged appearance! So much charisma...I can see why he’s the leader. I wonder why he called us here...?

Seeing that there is a silence among his peers, Roenaldo clears his throat and breaks the ice with a greeting.

Roenaldo: “Howdy there, agents? How are you all?”

Lumiose: “H-huh? O-oh, uh...I’m good, thanks for asking...”

Basstian: “I am doing absolutely fantastic, my friend! It brings me great joy to see all of us agents here in one place.”

Unamused, Risea crosses her arms and narrows her eyes at Roenaldo.

Risea: “Cut the crap, Roenaldo. Why’d Basstian call us here? Do we have a mission or somethin’?”

Though he is somewhat caught off guard by Risea’s straightforwardness, Roenaldo nevertheless maintains his composure and raises his finger matter-of-factly.

Roenaldo: “You’re onto something, Risea. I do have a mission for all of you: to have fun!”

Risea raises an eyebrow.

Risea: “‘Have fun’”? Whadda ya mean?”

Roenaldo’s smile grows wider.

Roenaldo: “I’m glad you asked. As you all know, the Grand Festival is happening tomorrow. After all we and the NSS have been through, I think we all deserve a chance to enjoy the festival as a group.”

Hearing this, Lumiose and Basstian raise their eyebrows in intrigue, gasping slightly in surprise. Risea, despite her previous apprehensive attitude, now seems a little more interested.

Basstian: “Is this true? You wish for us to experience the festivities together? How exciting!”

Lumiose: “A 4-person party? I’ve never done anything like this before...”

Risea: “Hm...not a bad idea, cap’n. But I’ve got one question: are we all gonna be on the same team?”

At this, a look of realization crosses Roenaldo’s face before he facepalms.

Roenaldo: “Ah, right! I didn’t even consider that. Uh...well, did everyone already pick their teams?”

Basstian nods.

Basstian: “I have, in fact. I have decided that I will be fighting for Team Future.”

Risea: “I’m with Team Present.”

Roenaldo: "Are you...okay, okay.”

Roenaldo shakes his head a little before looking towards Lumiose with a slightly hopeful expression.

Roenaldo: “What about you, uh...Agent 4, right? What team are you rooting for, if any?”

Lumiose: Me? W-well, uh...I haven’t decided yet. But...I am kinda leaning towards Team Present.”

Lumiose looks away for a moment, wringing his hands a little before looking back at Roenaldo with a sheepish expression.

Lumiose: “What about you, leader? Did you make a decision?”

Roenaldo: "...I’m on Team Past."

A moment of silence passes before Risea laughs.

Risea: “Damn, that’s crazy. Looks like none of us can agree. Well, except for Lumiose, maybe.”

Basstian shoots Risea a look before giving a sympathetic look towards Roenaldo.

Basstian: “I am sorry for this, my friend. This must have not been what you were wishing for.”

Roenaldo raises his head to meet Basstian’s gaze, keeping his eyes there for a minute before putting back on his unbothered smile.

Roenaldo: “What are you apologizing for, Agent 8? Just because we’re on different teams doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy each other’s company. Besides, this way, we can all test each other's skills in Turf War if we ever get pitted against each other.”

Basstian’s eyes widen.

Basstian: “I...wow, I have never thought of it that way...”

He ponders over this info for a few seconds before chuckling to himself.

Basstian: “Now that I think about it, I would appreciate another duel...”

Risea: “A fight with the captain? That sounds...awesome! I’d love to trade blows with such a strong fighter...”

Feeling nervous, Lumiose glows slightly as he looks off to the side.

Lumiose: “I dunno...”

Looking towards Agent 4, Roenaldo lets out a small laugh.

Roenaldo: “Not much of a fighter, are you? Well, no worries; you can always just relax with us between battles as we explore the decorated Crater.”

Risea: “Hold on, you want us to take breaks? That’s no fun...”

Roenaldo: “Well, we can’t just do Turf War after Turf War incessantly, can we? Even you need some rest, Risea.”

Risea opens her mouth and prepares to state her counterargument only to find that she couldn’t get any words to come out. Though she really wanted to say otherwise, deep down she knew that Roenaldo was right.

Risea: “...Fine, I guess you have a point. But we better not spend an hour sightseeing! I dunno about you, but I want to win this Splatfest.”

Roenaldo: “Duly noted. Okay, there’s the plan: tomorrow, when the Grand Festival happens, we all head to the main event, do a few battles, take a break in the crater, do some more battles, and repeat. Does that sound good to everyone?”

Basstian nods and smiles.

Basstian: “That sounds perfect, mein Freund! I am looking forward to this arrangement of yours.”

Risea smirks.

Risea: “This could be fun...yeah, sounds good to me.”

Lumiose shrugs.

Lumiose: “I mean, if everyone else agrees, then...”

Hearing his agents’ approval, Roenaldo gives a thumbs-up and grins.

Roenaldo: “Perfect. Okay, with that, this meeting is over. Goodbye for now, and I’ll see you all at the festival!”

Following that message, Risea, Lumiose, and Basstian get up and make their way towards the exit pipe one by one, with Risea moving the most energetically. As soon as his agents depart, Roenaldo rests his cheek on his hand, smiling to himself as he looks up at the artificial sky.

Roenaldo: “Risea thinks I’m strong, huh? That’s...wow. I didn’t think she’d actually admit that.”

“I’ll have to make sure not to disappoint her if we ever meet up.”

Chapter Text

Thursday, September 12th, 12024: the day of the festival.

As they all discussed, Risea, Lumiose, Basstian and Roenaldo stand in the center of Splatsville under the orange sky along with a bunch of other Inklings and Octolings. With most of them wearing their respective team’s promotional T-shirts, the members of the NSS react to their situation in various ways: Risea, with her arms crossed, taps her foot on the ground as she looks around the crowd. Lumiose, glowing faintly, wrings his hands together while looking down. Basstian, wearing his usual smile, admires his fellow cephalopods with bright eyes. Finally, Roenaldo, with his hands in his pockets, patiently waits for a specific something to arrive.

Risea: “Geez, when is that dang bus gonna arrive? It feels like we’ve been standing here for an hour!”

Lumiose: “Yeah, and I’m starting to get claustrophobic with all of these people around me...”

Hearing his two friends complain, Roenaldo chuckles and shakes his head.

Roenaldo: “Calm down, you two. We’ve only been here like, what, 10 minutes? The bus should be arriving soon.”

Basstian: “Yes, we must be patient, my friends! Have faith that transportation will arrive to escort us where we have to go.”

Hearing this, Risea tilts her head back and groans.

Risea: “But this is taking foreeeever! How hard is it to just—”

Before Risea can finish her sentence, she is interrupted the honk of a bus's horn. As the group looks towards the source of the noise, Roenaldo lets out a light chuckle and grins at Risea.

Roenaldo: “Told you so.”

Embarrassed, Risea feels a small blush form on her face before she scoffs and looks away.

Risea: “Whatever. Let’s just go already.”

Heeding to Risea’s word, Roenaldo and the others make their way towards the large shuttle bus, which is decorated with decals of the Squid Sisters, Off the Hook, and Deep Cut, with the rest of the crowd. Though getting into the vehicle is a bit of a hassle thanks to the high congestion, the off-duty agents nonetheless manage to load themselves into the bus. Once the jellyfish driver sees that all of his passengers are seated, he makes a U-turn and drives down a road headed out of Splatsville.

After a fairly short drive, the bus makes a stop near a set of train tracks in the Splatlands, prompting its passengers to exit the vehicle. As soon as the NSS steps onto the rocky ground, they are met with a colorful and amazing sight; to their shock and awe, the Crater has been completely reworked and revamped. What was once a dull and desolate land has been stuffed with food stalls, banners, and gleaming statues that catch the eye of any sea creature that walks by them. Completely flummoxed by the transmogrified wasteland, Roenaldo and the others take a step back and absorb the magical landscape before them.

Risea: “Holy crap...this is totally wicked!”

Laughing heartily, Basstian smiles and nods.

Basstian: “You are absolutely correct, my friend! This is the most vibrant landscape I have ever witnessed!”

After looking back and forth some more, Lumiose squints at something in the distance before gasping and pointing forward.

Lumiose: “Guys, look! There’s a performance going on!”

The rest of the gang looks through a large entrance to spot a small, circular, urchin-like stage with large, white, protruding spines. Though it’s hard to tell who exactly is performing on the stage, there appear to be two people singing and dancing in the middle of the circle.

Roenaldo: “Ah, that looks interesting. Wanna go and check that show out, guys?”

A resounding “yeah!” comes from the others, prompting Roenaldo to lead his agents further into the Grand Festival grounds. As soon as they step under the entrance arch, small ejectors on the underside of the arch activate, spraying rainbow-colored ink on all of the cephalopods. Caught off guard by this, Lumiose and Basstian leap forward and spin to face the arch, holding their hands up defensively.

Lumiose: “W-what the heck was that?!”

Basstian: “Was that a trap? My Cod, how treacherous!”

Basstian: Oh nein, an ambush! We’ve been hit!”

Giving the squid and octopus an amused smile, Risea rolls her eyes.

Risea: “Oh, grow up, ya big babies. That amount of ink couldn’t hurt a fly.”

Laughing a little at his agents’ expense, Roenaldo turns to the left and widens his eyes waving the others in his direction.

Roenaldo: “Hey, you guys might wanna take a look at this...”

Diverting their attention away from their ink stains, Lumiose and Basstian join Risea and gaze at what’s in front of Roenaldo before gasping loudly.

Basstian: “Good gracious, it is them! The Squid Sisters!”

True to Basstian’s word, none other than Callie and Marie are on the clam stage, singing and dancing to an energetic pop song in front of a crowd of jellyfish while wearing their signature black, form-fitting, and reflective rompers and tights, with Callie’s tights being magenta and Marie’s being lime-green. Shining brightly with glee, Lumiose runs over and waves his hands in the air, bouncing on his feet like a child.

Lumiose: “Oh my gosh, hiii, Marie! You’re doing great!”

Hearing Lumiose’s shout, Marie’s eyes dart over in his direction, her face showing a hint of surprise. However, that shocked look quickly diminishes as she puts back on her cool smile and continues performing along with Callie.

As Lumiose passionately cheers Marie on, Risea turns towards Roenaldo and jabs her thumb towards the luminescent squid.

Risea: “What’s his deal? Is he Marie’s biggest fan or something?”

Roenaldo laughs and crosses his arms.

Roenaldo: “Heh, you could say that.”

Though Risea is confused at first by Roenaldo’s words, she is quickly distracted from his subtle implications by the savory and strong smell of meat and vegetables. Following her nose, she looks to the right and almost has her jaw drop to the ground.

Risea: “They’ve got ramen here?! And it’s from Robo-ROM-en?! Don’t mind if I do!”

Her eyes wild with hunger, Risea barrels towards the oversized ramen bowl in front of her, pushing past the other festivalgoers in a rabid haze. As his friend prepares to ravage the ramen stand, Roenaldo chuckles and shakes his head.

Roenaldo: “Oh, just wait till she finds out that that giant bowl is just for display...well, it looks like two of us are occupied. What about you, Basstian? Do you have something to obsess over?”

Basstian turns to face his comrade with a playful smile.

Basstian: “Not at the moment. For now, I am content with simply exploring this place. Do you plan to join me, Roenaldo?”

Roenaldo: “Sure, I’m up for it.”

He then leans in closer to Basstian, giving him a competitive smirk.

Roenaldo: “But only if you promise to hop into a battle with me afterwards.”

Hearing this, Basstian’s eyes widen in mock surprise before he leans towards his rival, returning his challenging smirk with a cocky grin of his own.

Basstian: “Oh, is that a challenge? Well, surely you know that I cannot turn down such a proposition! You’re on, as they say.”

With that, the Inkling and Octoling give each other one last smile before fist bumping and walking away, laughing along as they venture deeper into the festival grounds. 

Chapter Text

Friday, September 13th, 12024-Saturday, September 14th, 12024

Risea

Oh man, this is the most fun I’ve had in months! Everything about this festival is amazing; the food is delectable, the music is bangin’, and the battles, oh the battles just get my blood pumpin’! I thought that X-Rank was harrowing, but the Turf Wars this time around are much more exciting than they usually are! I can tell with every splat that everyone’s pumped to win. Well, guess what? No matter how much those past and future punks try, they ain’t ever beatin’ me and my team...that much! Yeah, I hate to say it, but even I ended up giving some of my clout to the opposition when I wasn’t gettin’ mirrors. But hey, I still dominated most of the time! And I bet I have loads more wins to take...

It’s a shame that Blippy can’t join me. I’d have loved to take him with me, but he’s just too big! Especially after that big Big Run, I doubt that anyone would be thrilled to see a Chum wanderin’ around the festival grounds. Then again, knowin’ Blippy, he probably followed me all the way to the Crater. That lil’ goober just can’t get enough of me! Hopefully, if he did end up doin’ that, the others won’t raise too much of a fuss...                                             

Lumiose

I’ve gotta say, this festival is much more fun than I thought it would be. I thought I would have to go through Turf War after Turf War, but there’s a bunch of other things to do! There’s merch to buy, food to eat, and most importantly performances to watch. And when I say those shows are exciting, I mean they’re legendary! All 3 of the idol groups are somehow even better than usual; Off the Hook’s songs have even more energy than before, Deep Cut’s choreography is phenomenal, and the Squid Sisters...well, they’re a perfect blend of those two traits! I could watch them sing their hit singles all night, especially Marie...

Going back to the merch, I found Angela wearing a bunch of it just the other night. She’s got a red Squid Sisters hat, a red Squid Sisters armband, and red Squid Sisters sneakers. At least I know what team she’s on...

There’s something weird about her getup, though. Yeah, most of the things she bought have the Squid Sisters logo on them, but one piece of gear on her, her T-shirt, has this weird logo of a red cat on it. I guess it’s also meant to represent Team Past, but...what’s the point of it? Angela was already given a Splatfest Tee when she joined her team, so it’s not like she needed to buy something to show her support. Plus, it smells...weird. I guess this is just another one of my crazy sister’s weird purchases...

Anyway, I can think about Angela’s half-baked decisions later. For now, I’ll just continue making that painting I mentioned. Yeah, as it turns out, there’s a station for making your own banners to promote your team in the festival grounds. Of course, I immediately hopped on the opportunity to get started on my masterpiece. Surprisingly, I’ve already finished sketching and painting the graphic part. Now all that’s left is to come up with a message...                 

Basstian

Ah, just as I expected, the Grand Festival is nothing less than spectacular. There is not a single aspect of this event that is lacking; the battles of ink and grime are as riveting as they have always been, the patrons are lively and cheerful, and the song and dance routines are absolutely divine. Furthermore, it seems as though there are quite a lot of familiar faces around: that free-spirited Murch and his idol Spyke managed to find the time to join in the festivities, that Acht character that Marina mentioned is lingering around, and...wait a moment, is that GENERAL OCTAVIO?! And that shriveled-up squid floating next to him...might that be ex-captain Cuttlefish? I never believed that I would see the day where those two rivals would even be within a tentacle’s distance of each other. And they are selling band merchandise?! Oh bruder, now I can confidently say that I have seen everything...

Still, there is but one person that I have not located as of yet: Emma. I have looked in the crowds of festivalgoers, she was not present. I have searched the battle lobby; she was not there. I have even explored the outskirts of the Grand Festival Grounds, yet she was nowhere to be seen. Did something happen to her? Was she unable to attend due to time constraints? Or perhaps...does she have something better to do?

...No, that is crazy talk. What could be more important than the Grand Festival? She has to arrive at some point, correct? All I must do is wait. No matter how long it takes...                       

Emma

Finally. Peace and quiet. I have missed this feeling.

No more gossip. No more chatter. No more celebrating to sour my mood. Just me, my book, and my good friend silence. Hopefully, this festival will last another month...                        

Roenaldo

Well, would you look at that, my plan actually worked. I successfully got my agents to get to know each other and enjoy the festival. Basstian’s having fun socializing with everyone, Lumiose is enjoying himself working on that drawing of his, and Risea’s having a blast getting splats left and right. Man, I knew something good would come out of this whole arrangement, but I never knew that the result would be this great. I’ve really outdone myself, huh...

But this is only the beginning. I’ve been listening in on the chatter around the festival grounds; apparently, this is only part one of the festival. Something tells me that we’re in for something special very, very...

Chapter Text

Sunday, September 15th, 12024

Suddenly, as soon as midnight strikes, while everyone is walking around the festival grounds and enjoying themselves, all of the lights and lanterns deactivate, plunging the area into total darkness. Most of the Inklings, Octolings, and jellyfish, Roenaldo included, are reasonably confused and shocked.

Roenaldo: “What the—hey, what’s happening here? Who turned out the lights? And where’d the idols go?”

As Roenaldo and the other sea creatures look around in bewilderment, a female voice plays over the speakers.

Announcer: “Ladies, gentlemen, and everything in between! Please head on over to the Giant Clam stage down the pillared path. You’re in for the biggest, bestest, and grandest show of the century!”

Deeply intrigued, the Inklings and Octolings of varying ages gasp and look at each other before clamoring towards the pillar-lined path in front of them, the whole length of which was starting to spray rainbow-colored ink. Though he was skeptical at first, Roenaldo’s curiosity got the better of him, and he proceeded to join his peers.

Roenaldo: “Now what could this be about?”

As Roenaldo walked among the crowd, he felt his body and clothes get pelted with multicolored ink, causing him to look even more like a piece of modern art than before. Despite being covered in this substance, he felt no pain at all. In fact, the ink felt more ticklish than anything, and Roenaldo soon found himself laughing along with the other festivalgoers.

While the vibrant pigment stimulated the skin of everyone in the crowd, the sound of microphones activating filled the air, catching the attention of all the approaching Inklings, Octolings, and jellyfish. Once the horde gets within a few yards of the massive, clam-shaped stage at the end of the path, multiple familiar voices can be heard.

Callie: “Hold on to your tentacles...”

Shiver: “Listen up, cause the concert of a lifetime’s about to go down...”

Pearl: “Ya’ll already know what time it is...”

As soon as the stage itself enters the partygoers’ vision, spotlights all over the clam activate, illuminating both the stage and its surroundings with beams of red, blue, green, and many other vibrant colors. Standing in the center of the illuminated bivalve and displayed on 5 disconnected screens are all 7 of the idols, all of whom are wearing striking, eye-catching costumes:

 Callie, in her white, sleeveless, turtleneck onesie, beige corset and skirt, and beige ankle boots wears a set of spikes in her tentacles. Although Marie’s outfit is quite similar to that of her Callie’s, her sleek, beige sleeves and all-white, bumpy crown makes her appear more refined compared to her cousin.

Pearl, dressed in a white crop top, matching puffy shorts, and similarly-colored combat boots wears a white cap with the logo of Off the Hook on it. Marina, wearing nothing but a white plunge bikini top, partially unbuttoned pants of the same color, and tall, white, laced boots, can be seen with multiple silvery piercings in her ear.

Shiver, having a white crossed crop top, a dull red Deep Cut tattoo on her midriff, and long, chrome bell-bottoms, proudly wears an oversized, metal barrette on the right side of her head. Frye, sporting a white, long-sleeved bolero, chrome, strapless crop top, shorts of the same color, and white, laceless, calf-length boots, has parts of her tentacles styled to look like devil horns. Finally, Big Man, rocking some white, spiked suspenders, black leather underwear, and some tips of makeup under his left eye, happily dons a large, white, flared headpiece reminiscent of a sailfish fin.

Once they were all revealed, the idols pointed up to the sky, prompting a colorful fireworks display and valves shooting fire to light up the back and top of the stage, respectively.

Idols: “It’s time to turn up the heat!”

Witnessing this hype-filled introduction, the crowd around Roenaldo immediately gets sent into a frenzy, leading the poor squid to almost get trampled as his fellow festival celebrators rush towards the clam stage, the upper drapery of which was starting to catch fire. Seeing their eager fans fighting against the guard rails put in place, the stars all smiled before they continued on with their announcement.

Frye: “That’s right, the 2nd part of the Grand Festival is here! If you thought that things were wild enough, you ain’t seen nothing yet!”

Marina: “You said it. We’re pulling out all the stops for these final hours; we’re busting out new songs, new gimmicks, new everything! We guarantee you, none of you will leave this festival feeling disappointed.”

Marie: “But before we get to any of that, why don’t we take a look at who’s in first right now?”

Shiver: “Oh, of course, how could I forget? It’s time for the halftime report! Big Man, if you will.”

Big Man: “Ay-ay!”

He then leaps up and slams down on a hidden button on his section of the stage, causing the giant screen behind the idols to switch on and display a 3-section chart, with the red, blue, and green columns having their own percentages. Once the numbers are made visible, the idols turn to face the large TV.

Big Man: “Ay...ay ay ay...AY?!” (As the outer screens read: “Let’s see...the current team with the most clout is...TEAM PAST?!”)

Frye lets out a loud gasp.

Frye: “And Team Future’s in last place?! How?!”

Overjoyed, Callie turns to face the crowd with Marie and raises her fists to the sky.

Callie: “Woo-hoo! Great job so far, guys! Everyone on Team Past rules!”

Marie: “Yeah, great splatting, you all. Let’s keep this up!”

Scoffing, Pearl rolls her eyes before turning towards Frye with a determined expression.

Pearl: “Come on, we can’t just let this slide! We’ve still got time to level the playing field!”

She then turns around and points at the crowd.

Pearl: “That goes for all of you, too! All my present peeps, this thing ain’t over until the buzzer. Let’s give the world a gift! A gift of our victory!”

Spurred on by Pearl’s words, Frye smacks her fist in her palm before raising it up powerfully.

Frye: “Yeah, you tell ‘em, Pearl! But don’t think that we’re just gonna let you hog the spotlight. Let’s keep on fighting for the future, team!”

As Pearl and Frye give each other looks of friendly competitiveness, Shiver smiles coyly at the crowd, having dropped her slight look of disbelief from before.

Shiver: “Thankfully for us, we have the perfect place to settle this dispute. Big Man?”

Nodding, the manta ray jumps on the same button from before, causing the screen behind the idols to change to a display of a bright, mostly flat battle arena.

Shiver: “Here it is, everyone. The Grand Splatlands Bowl. Isn’t it magnificent?”

Big Man: “Ay! Ay-ay!” (“This is the stage we all fought to protect from the Salmonids! Thanks again for that!”)

Marina: “This is where the most important Tricolor battles will be happening. The layout might look simple, but playing on it is anything but that, especially if you’re on the attacking team. But don’t let that fact discourage you! As long as you try your best, you’ll have the Ultra Signal in no time.”

Callie: “Yeah! Plus, if anyone on any of the teams manages to get both Ultra Signals, one of us will come to cheer you on! How’s that for some motivation?”

Marie: “Best of luck to everyone playing, but...you already know who I’m rooting for. Regardless, I’m sure each of you will have fun in your own way.”

Shiver: “You all can go right ahead and enter the bowl via that road near the south end of the Grand Festival Grounds. But before you go...we have a special performance for you.”

Following that message, an ethereal, shimmering prelude begins to play as the idols all take a step back.

Callie: “Should we cherish the past?”

Pearl: “Cherish the present?”

Shiver: “Or look towards the future? It’s hard to say for certain. But there is one thing we all know...”

The display behind the idols then changes to show a big, bold title: “♪ Three Wishes/Now or Never Seven”

Now or Never Seven: “No matter who wins, the melody of our harmonious union will echo through the halls of time.”

At that moment, the floor beneath the band members begins to shake before each of the idol groups are lifted up by floating platforms. As the performers get carried through the air, they all begin to break into song, singing in perfect coordination and harmony. While the white-clad sea creatures fill the air with their celebratory song, the jellyfish in the crowd begin to pull out glowsticks and wave them in the air, prompting the Inklings and Octolings in the area to join in and cheer for their idols.

Seeing that his fellow cephalopods are greatly enjoying themselves, Roenaldo crosses his arms and smiles, feeling a proud warmth in his heart.

Roenaldo: “Wow, look at all of us. Inklings, Octolings, all sorts of people from all walks of life gathering together for this one event. It’s enough to make a grown squid cry.”

Risea: “Yo, Roenaldo!”

Startled, Roenaldo jolts and spins around, looking between an annoyed Risea, a glowing Lumiose and an awed Basstian with a wide-eyed expression.

Risea: “There you are! We’ve been lookin’ everywhere for you! Gotta say, for such a big guy, you really don’t stick out much.”

She then leans closer, tilting her head and placing her hands on her hips as she looks directly at Roenaldo.

Risea: “I bet you feel real good about takin’ the lead, don’t ya? Well, mark my words, you and the rest of those nostalgic nerds won’t be laughin’ much longer! Me and Lumiose’ll make sure of that.”

Raising his eyebrows, Roenaldo turns towards the fidgeting Lumiose, giving him a curious glance.

Roenaldo: “So, you finally chose a team? Took you long enough!”

Lumiose: “Heh, yep, that’s right. You could say that I had some motivation...”

He says while glancing at Risea, who looked back with a mischievous grin. Realizing what was happening, Roenaldo narrows his eyes and frowns.

Roenaldo: “Risea...”

Completely unconcerned about the ethics of her actions, Risea simply shrugged.

Risea: “Ah, quit your belly achin’. At least I got him to make up his mind! What you should be worried about is how you’re gonna deal with me in the Grand Splatlands Bowl.”

Roenaldo reels back in surprise, looking back at the performance going on behind him before regarding his agent.

Roenaldo: “You wanna go now? But what about the concert?”

Risea waves her hand dismissively.

Risea: “Ah, concert, schmoncert. We can always listen to it later. Why not just take the opportunity and get in line before the rest of these chumps?”

Basstian: “Eh, I do not know, Risea. I am content with enjoying this music festival before engaging in any more battles. Wouldn’t you agree, Lumiose?”

Lumiose takes a moment to think before nodding.

Lumiose: “Erm...I’m sorry, Risea, but I have to agree with Basstian here. I mean, the show just started! Plus, I am getting a little bit tired. Wouldn’t it be wise to take a little break here while we have the chance?”

Risea’s eyes widen before she furrows her eyebrows.

Risea: “What?! Come on, why do you guys gotta be so lame? Don’t tell me you feel the same way, Roenaldo!”

Roenaldo crosses his arms again and puts on a semi-stern expression.

Roenaldo: “Sorry to say this, but I do. Lumiose is right, we barely even got into the concert. Wouldn’t it be rude to just up and leave without showing some appreciation for the idols? Besides, even if we did get in line early for that new stage, we would probably have to wait for the song to finish anyway.”

Risea stares in disbelief at her captain for a minute, making random, short noises as she tries to come up with a response. After failing to do so, she huffs and throws her hands up.

Risea: “Fine, you got me there. I guess we can enjoy the show...for now.”

Smiling, Roenaldo steps forward and pats Risea on the back, who reacts with a surprised “eep”.

Roenaldo: “That’s the spirit. Now come on, let’s all take a breather, shall we?”

Blushing moderately, Risea glares at Roenaldo before pushing away from him and brushing herself off.

Risea: “Don’t get so comfy, you big lug. Geez, you’re actin’ like we’re close or somethin’...”

Chuckling at Risea’s flustered reaction, Roenaldo shakes his head before turning around and admiring the Now or Never Seven’s musical performance, his hearts filled with warmth as he basked in this newfound feeling of unity.

Chapter Text

Monday, September 16th, 12024

The next few hours and the following night saw the NSS members and the other guests battling with and against each other in the new Tricolor stage, where the most exciting and stirring turf wars in the land broke out. For both the defending and attacking team(s), there was not a single dull moment; the Now or Never Seven’s blood-pumping song, the Rainbow Color Inkantation, plus their equally empowering cheers during every single match made sure of that. Thanks to the band’s life-giving support and the chaotic nature of the coverless Tricolor map, the festivalgoers found themselves coming back to the Grand Splatlands Bowl time and time again, effectively addicted to the adrenaline-filled, hype-heavy, 3-way ink fests.

Eventually, though, like all good things, the Grand Festival came to an end. After one last set of slow and sentimental performances from each idol group, the patrons were sent home as the cleanup crew came to pack everything up. Once everything started to die down and return to normal, a wave of anticipation washed over the citizens of the three cities as they waited for the aftermath of the festival to be revealed. Eventually, their wishes would be granted...

In the morning, each city’s respective television switched on to the Anarchy Splatcast, causing the energetic jingle of the program to play for everyone to hear. Immediately, the agents and their fellow denizens find ways to tune into the news; Risea rushes out into the streets of Splatsville, Lumiose sits by Angela’s TV in their home, Basstian utilizes the miniature television in Sheldon’s shop, and Roenaldo heads to Inkopolis and watches the broadcast on the giant screen there. After a few more seconds, the display on each screen switches to one showcasing Shiver, Frye, and Big Man, all of whom are wearing their normal attire.

Shiver: “Listen up, it’s going down...repping the Splatlands, we are DEEP CUT!

Frye: “Anarchy Splatcast! We’re live!”

Big Man: “Ay!” (As the subtitles say, “Here we go!”)

Letting out a groan of frustration in the middle of the crowd, Risea clenches her fists.

Risea: “Oh, will you just get on with it already?! No one cares about this stupid intro!”

After each member finishes their introductory statements, Shiver taps her fan on a table to gather everyone’s attention before speaking.

Shiver: “As you all know, the Grand Festival concluded recently with a bang. It was a hassle for the Judds and the people at the polls office to tally up all of the results of the hundreds of battles that went down, especially with how hard you all fought, but now we can finally give you what you’ve been waiting for. Big Man, let’s give the people what they want!”

Big Man: “Ay! Ay...” (“You got it! But first...)

Big Man uses his right fin to press a lower button on the television he’s holding, causing video feeds of the Squid Sisters and Off the Hook to pop up.

Callie: “Hey, everyone! Man, it’s a good thing I remembered to hop onto this Whoosh call!”

Pearl: “You weren’t thinkin’ starting without us, were ya?”

Staring straight at the screen, Frye gasps and jumps back in surprise.

Frye: Wait, we’re doing a Whoosh call? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

Shiver gives her costar a look.

Shiver: “We literally told you what was happening yesterday, Frye. Were you not paying attention?”

Turning slightly red with embarrassment, Frye makes a “humph” sound and places her hands on her hips.

Frye: “Well, excuse me if I got distracted by the festivities!

Shaking her head, Shiver points her fan towards Big Man.

Shiver: “I swear...anyway, Big Man, let’s get on with sharing the results, shall we?”

Big Man: “Ay-ay! Ay...” (“Alright! We’ll start with which team got the most conch shells...”

He then hits another button with his left fin, causing a chart with 3 sections to appear in the middle of the screen. After a drum roll, 3 percentages pop up: 33.42%, 33.93%, and 32.65%.

Big Man: “Ay!” (“Which was Team Present!”

Marina: “Yay! Way to go, team!”

Frye: “Wow, that was close! For Team Past, at least...”

Shiver: “Oh, don’t worry, Frye. We may have fallen behind on conch shell collecting, but we still have a chance in terms of votes. Surely, most people here value the future, right?”

Big Man: “Ay...” (“We’ll have to see...”)

The manta ray proceeds to press the same button, causing a different set of percentages to appear after a prelude: 24.75%, 57.36%, and 17.89%.

Frye: “No way! What is that difference?!”

Pearl: “Ha, in your faces! I knew that most people had their heads in the right place! Looks like this’ll be an easy win for us.”

Hearing this, Shiver frowns and grips her fan tighter.

Shiver: “Don’t count your tuna before they hatch, Pearl. We haven’t even gotten to the most important part: the clout check. Let’s see if your fans’ fighting skills are as great as their numbers. Big Man!”

Big Man: “Ay...” (“On it...”)

Gulping slightly, Big Man presses the TV’s button a third time, causing chart with 3 rows labeled “Open”, “Pro”, and “Tricolor” plus 3 columns for the festival’s teams to appear. After yet another suspenseful buildup, the data made itself known, and what was displayed made everyone’s eyes bug out of their sockets:

          Past               Present         Future

          34.87%          33.57%        31.56%

          36.29%          32.83%        30.88%

          35.43%          33.54%        31.03%

In the middle of the streets of Splatsville, Risea jolts and takes a step back, her eyes as wide as saucers.

Risea: “WHAT?!”

As his sister pumps her fist in triumph, Lumiose falls back in his seat and gasps.

Lumiose: “Holy moly, the sweep!”

Completely flabbergasted by this news, Basstian almost drops the Splat Bomb he’s polishing.

Basstian: “Unglaublich! That was a landslide victory!”

At a loss for words, Roenaldo simply stares straight up at the screen in Inkopolis in pure awe. After he gets his bearing on the situation, he holds his head and looks at the ground, letting out a small laugh.

Roenaldo: “Dang! I knew we were good, but I didn’t know we were THAT good!”

Equally as shocked as their viewers, the idols all gasp and sit/stand stunned for a good minute, trying and failing to comprehend the numbers in front of them. After some time, however, Callie breaks into a wide grin and begins to speak.

Callie: “Oh. My. Cod. This is just...INCREDIBLE! I can’t believe how hard you guys all fought!”

Marie: “Yeah, what she said. This is absolutely unreal. Way to be, Team Past!”

Shiver takes another look at the astonishing percentages before exchanging glances with her partners in crime, both of whom are too flummoxed to form a response. After another pause, Shiver clears her throat and puts on a small smile.

Shiver: “Well! Isn’t that something? It seems that we may have underestimated you past folk.

She then opens her fan, swishes it through the air, and closes it next to her head, albeit in a less composed manner than usual.

Shiver: “Now, the only thing left is to see the final results. Listen up, everyone: the overall Splatfest win goes to...”

On cue, Big Man presses the TV’s button for a final time, causing hot pink, blue, and green gauges to appear. Hanging on the edges of their seats, the citizens of Inkopolis Plaza, Inkopolis Square, and Splatsville wait with bated breath as the rectangles begin to fill up...

45 points for Team Past, 90 for Team Present...

35 points for Team Past, 70 for Team Present...

120 points for Team Past, 60 for Team Present...

120 more points for Team Past, 60 for Team Present...

180 points for Team Past, 90 for Team Present...

Finally, to the relief of the entire populace, the fruits of everyone’s labor is laid bare for all to see.

Shiver: “500, 370, and 0! Team Past reigned victorious in the Grand Festival!”

As soon as the news are revealed, a thunderous uproar erupts in both the general public and, to a lesser extent, the idols.

Pearl: “Nooo! We were so close!”

Frye: “Close?! We didn’t even stand a chance!”

Callie: “Aww yeah! We did it, Marie! We won!”

Marie: “Whoop whoop! We crushed it!”

Both Pearl and Frye clutch their heads and groan, shaking their heads in disappointment.

Pearl: “Man, this can’t be happening...”

Frye: “Right?! We put in all that work and we got THIS?! This is just...GAH!”

Seeing that Pearl is distressed, Marina reaches over and pats her back.

Marina: “Hey, don’t be so upset, Pearlie. We tried our best, didn’t we? Besides, we ought to recognize Team Past for their efforts.”

Callie: “Aw, thanks, Marina! You’re right, Team Past really put in the work! Shout-out to all of you!”

Marie: “They sure did! I bet that our past experiences gave us the wisdom to claim victory.”

Marina: “That may be the case, but we still fought like there was no tomorrow! Isn’t that right, Pearl?”

Looking up at her costar, Pearl clenches her fist and smiles, relighting the fire in her eyes.

Pearl: “Yeah, who cares about what the history books’ll say? We put up one hell of a fight regardless! Mad props to all of you!”

Having regained her sense of tranquility, Shiver points her fan at the camera and smiles.

Shiver: “Even though we lost, I can’t ignore the massive amount of effort that you all put in. No matter what anyone says, we’re still the actual future, and you all just proved it. Way to be fresh.”

Big Man: “Ay. Ay!” (Thank you for sticking with us till the end. You’re so cool for picking us!”)

Marie: “In honor of Team Past’s victory, why don’t we all share some of our favorite memories?”

Perking up, Frye gasps and grins widely, seemingly over her loss.

Frye: “Ooo! I got one. Or 30. I could go on about battle stories forever! For example, one time when I was on Bluefin Depot...”

Shiver: “Woah, slow your roll there, Frye. As much as we would love to hear about one of your hundreds of recollections...we just don’t have the airtime for that. Let’s save all these stories for a podcast.”

Callie: “Aw, really? Ah, fine, I guess I can wait. But you better not keep us waiting for too long!”

Marina: “What she said! I have some very precious memories that I would like to share...”

Shiver: “Right. I’ll see if we’re free sometime this week. Right now, though, we have a Splatcast to run.”

Callie: “Oh, okay! Well then...”

She and Marie strike their signature poses.

Callie: “We’ll be waiting!”

Marie: “Until then, stay fresh.”

Acting in kind, Pearl and Marina smile at the camera and assume their own distinctive poses.

Pearl: “Same here!”

Marina: “Don’t get cooked, now!”

Hearing their friendly rivals’ goodbyes, Shiver, Frye and Big Man smile and wave.

Frye: “That’s the plan!”

Big Man: “Ay! Ay!” (“I can’t wait for us all to meet again! It was a blast the first time!”)

Shiver: “Agreed. We’ll have to do this again sometime. For now, though...”

The 3 idols proceed to hang their hands/fins by their sides in a joyful manner.

Deep Cut: “We’ll catch you later!”

With that, the Squid Sisters and Off the Hook log out of the Whoosh meeting, leaving Deep Cut to their own devices.

Chapter Text

Monday, September 16, 12024

Risea

Man, I can’t believe this! Team Past won? Literally how?! I worked my butt off for Team Present! You tellin’ me that my hundreds of 100x battles didn’t count for squat? It sure seems like it!

Agh...well, there is a silver lining to this whole thing. Even though we lost, this was easily the most fun I’ve had fighting in a long time. Plus, it was nice to get to know the other agents more, even that shy Lumiose. He may look timid and reserved on the outside, but he’s surprisingly good in battle, especially with that Squiffer of his. Guess you can’t judge a book by its cover...

I already decided that I was gonna try to move on from this loss, but it’s a whole different story for Larel. He was on Team Future, and I can tell that him getting dead last just made him snap; when I say he’s salty, I mean he’s pissed. Seriously, I’ve never seen him this angry before! It’s like he’s a whole different person, pacing around the room, mumbling to himself, just lookin’ like a complete maniac. Like, dude, it’s just a Splatfest! Yeah, it was the most important one, but that’s no excuse to be actin’ like a lunatic! Take a chill pill!

Right now, I’m just takin’ a walk with Blippy in the Splatlands. I figured that I might as well give Larel some personal space until this whole thing blows over and he calms down. Besides, it’s not like I want to spend much time with him with that weird cat toy he got as a souvenir from the festival. I never thought of him as much of a toy enjoyer, but I guess he’s just desperate for some enjoyment in his life after what he went through. Regardless, I think it’d be best for me to just avoid his crazy self...

Lumiose

Wow. Team Past won. Can’t say that I expected that.

Then again...I guess these results make sense. There may have less people on Team Past (though it was apparently Team Future that had the least number of players, surprisingly enough), but those that were on that team were the most ferocious ones. I mean, Angela’s on that team, for crying out loud!

Speaking of her, she still hasn’t stopped rubbing her victory in my face. She’s been laughing at me, dancing all over the place, and mocking the drawing that I worked so hard on. That’s right, I happened to finish my banner near the end of the Grand Festival. Because of Risea’s...persuasion, I decided to make it pro-present with the message “The past is forgotten, the future is unknown, focus on the present”.

Of course, my efforts didn’t matter at the end, and Angela was quick to belittle me on that. Her crazy self almost ripped my creation in half just to rub some salt in the wound, but I of course stopped her. Even though Team Present didn’t win, there’s no way in heck that I’m gonna let my poster for that team get destroyed just because its message isn’t relevant! It still has some importance to me, gosh darn it!

Geez...hopefully Marie’ll be able to distract me from my unhinged sister’s deranged antics. I got a text from her; apparently, we’re going on a date tomorrow at her favorite restaurant, Rainbowfish Lodge, in commemoration of her and Callie’s victory. Judging by the tone of her text, she seems more excited than usual for this meeting. Does she have something special planned?

Basstian

Oh, woe is me. My team, Team Future, got last place. Truly, I will never be able to recover from this devastating defeat...is what I would say if I was easily distraught! Yes, my team and I may have gotten the shortest end of the stick in the results of the Grand Festival, but does our loss truly matter? At the end of the day, we all greatly enjoyed ourselves in the Grand Festival, did we not? What use is there in any of us being sore losers?

Indeed, instead of being spiteful or cross about this minor disappointment, I am determined to live as I have always lived, bringing people smiles as I fulfill my duties as Sheldon’s upcoming successor. And I must say, I am completing that task quite well! I am so close to becoming the new face of Ammo Knights, I can almost taste it.

If only Emma was here to witness my success...

Emma

Oh, rette mich...my neighbors are back from the festival. There goes my peace and quiet. It was fun while it lasted...

Roenaldo

Well, there you have it. In a landslide victory, Team Past took the win. To say that I’m proud would be an understatement; I can’t put into words how amazed I am by all our efforts. We really put in the work!

You know, I’m wondering about something: will these Grand Festival results have an impact on anything in the future? I wouldn’t be surprised if they did; these sorts of Splatfests always had a history of doing that. The only question is how these results will affect the world. Will people start moving to Inkopolis Plaza? Will people get more interested in that Great Turf War that Cuttlefish always talked about? Or will something completely unexpected happen? Only time will tell...

Chapter Text

Tuesday, September 17, 12024

Lumiose

Well, here I am. Rainbowfish Lodge. Cod, I feel so out of place.

Just look at the atmosphere. The bright chandeliers, the rich, wooden walls, the well-dressed lawyers...there’s no logical reason why a normal squid like me, even when I went out of my way to wear a fancy blue polo shirt and khaki pants, should even be within this restaurant’s perimeter, let alone within its walls. I would feel much less uncomfortable if Marie, a person who is actually significant, was here.

Oh, where the heck is she? I feel like I’ve been waiting for an hour! And these people’s stares aren’t helping...

I look around at the other guests, some of whom are giving me strange looks or glances, and start to glow a little, which draws even more attention to me, which makes me glow even brighter! When will it end?! I can hardly wait another second! If Marie doesn’t hurry up, I feel like I might burst!

Just when I’m about to turn into a puddle of ink right then and there, I catch a glimpse of a familiar, light grey-haired individual. Could it be?

I turn my head to the right, and what I see almost makes one of my hearts burst with excitement. It is her! Marie!

I of course immediately try to get her attention, straightening my back as I wave my hand in the air, too happy to care about how unprofessional I’m being. Thankfully, although Marie is a little slow to react, she notices my display and saunters her way over to me, wearing a warm smile on her face.

“Hey, Lumiose. Sorry I’m late. I got a little...caught up.”

“Oh, it’s okay, Marie! As long as you’re here, I’m...”

My voice trails off as I take a good look at Marie’s appearance. To my shock, she’s not wearing her usual green baseball cap, white facemask, green shirt and black dress, she’s in something a lot more...risqué. With her low-cut, form-fitting, green dress, tight, black leggings, and unraveled tentacle hair, she looks much more...attractive than usual.

Notice my bright blush and glow, Marie smirks and sits in the seat across from me, leaning forward in an alluring fashion.

“Hm? Is something catching your eye?”

Realizing that my eyes are drifting too close to Marie’s exposed cleavage, I shake my head and look into my girlfriend’s golden eyes.

“U-uh, no! Not at all.”

Marie chuckles and gives me a playful look, scooting her chair forward ever so slightly.

“Oh, don’t you lie to me, Lumiose. We all know what’s on your mind right now. You just can’t get enough of my ink sacs, can you?”

Feeling called out, I dart my eyes back and forth, sputtering as I try to come up with an excuse. Realizing that there’s no point in denying the truth, I shake my head and sigh.

“Okay, you got me. But that’s only because they’re so noticeable now! What made you make them so...revealing? You’ve never done anything like this before!”

Letting out another short laugh, Marie crosses her arms under her ample bosom, keeping her eyes on my blushing face as she gives me a coy smile.

“You could say that I’ve been feeling a lot more...experimental, recently. Team Past may have won, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t be adventurous and try new things, right? Besides, I’m sure that you’re loving this new me.”

My heartbeat quickens. She’s right. There’s no denying that Marie’s new appearance is stirring up some...hot feelings in me. But still, this whole situation is very bizarre. Marie’s been nothing but modest so far, why the sudden shift? Is this even the same Marie I’ve known for 7 years?

Before I can think about the subject any longer, a tuxedo-wearing koi waiter with colorful orange and black markings comes walking over, looking down at the two of us with a dignified expression.

“Welcome to the Rainbowfish Lodge. I am Cheng, and I will be your waiter for the evening. What do you wish to order today?”

Getting snapped out of my daze, I clear my throat and pick up the menu in front of me, quickly browsing through its contents.

“Uh...could I get the pan seared red snapper, please? Also, a medium chopped salad.”

Picking up her own menu, Marie reads over its items, humming to herself as she does. A short while later, she raises her eyebrows and looks up at Cheng with a plotting smirk.

“I’ll have the sauteed calamari. Bring me the largest bowl you have.”

Not showing any surprise at all, Cheng simply holds his hand over his chest and nods.

“Pan seared red snapper, a medium, chopped salad, and a large bowl of sauteed calamari? Understood. I will return with your orders soon. Please be patient until then.”

As the waiter walks away, I turn towards Marie with wide eyes, reasonably shocked by her decision.

“You’re getting the largest calamari bowl? Can you even eat that much?”

Giggling, Marie leans forward and wags her finger.

“Who said it was only for me? Did you really think that I was gonna let you have such a small meal? You deserve more, so much more. Besides, I want you to get used to the taste of squid in your mouth.”

“Oh, okay, well...wait, what do you mean by that?!”

Marie simply responds with another laugh, placing her hand on her cheek as she stares into my eyes.

“Don’t you worry about that, Lumiose. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

Despite Marie’s words, I can’t help but to feel extremely nervous. What is she planning? What does she have in mind? I have no idea, but whatever it is...it can’t be good.

For the next few minutes, Marie just looks directly at me, not drawing her eyes away from mine for a second. It really does seem like she’s obsessed with me, and I have no idea why. Yeah, she’s always been happy to be around me, but never to this extent. The way she’s focusing solely on my face and my face alone, it’s almost like a predator eyeing its prey, a far cry from her reserved yet affectionate behavior that she usually shows towards me.

After what seems like a century of getting gazed at like a piece of meat, Cheng finally returns with two large plates in both of his hands.

“Here you are. A red snapper and salad for the gentleman...”

He hands me my order.

“And a calamari bowl for the lady.”

He sets down the large pot down in front of Marie, who looks down at it with glee. After giving us our food, Cheng wiggles his barbels and bows.

“Please enjoy your meal, and may the rest of your evening fare well for you both.”

Without another word, Cheng turns on his heel and makes his way off, leaving Marie and I by our lonesome. Once we are all alone, Marie reaches towards the calamari bowl, picks up one tentacle, and extends it towards my mouth, wearing a large grin on her face during the whole process.

“Finally. I’ve waited so long for this moment. Say ah...~”

Not at all prepared for this, I pull back slightly, staring at Marie in disbelief.

“H-huh?! Wait, hold on, I—MMFH!”

Before I can react, Marie shoves the juicy tentacle into my mouth, exposing my tongue to the flavors of olives, green onions, and lemon juice. After recovering from the shock, I chew, swallow, and gasp for air, causing Marie to giggle at my expense.

“Hehe, did I catch you off guard?”

Still panting heavily, I hold my hand over one of my hearts and give my girlfriend an annoyed look.

“You could say that again! I could’ve choked!”

Still wearing that mischievous smile, Marie picks up another bit of calamari and floats it forward.

“Oh, calm down, you weren’t in any danger. Besides, even if you did pass out, I could’ve and would’ve gladly revived you with some...CPR. Now have another piece.”

As Marie prepares to stuff my face again, I pull back and shake my head, putting my foot down for once.

“No! I mean...not now. Can I just enjoy my own food for now? Please?”

Marie just looks at me for a second, frowning slightly in disappointment. After a pause, though, she shrugs and returns to her unbothered demeanor.

“Suit yourself. I’ll just indulge myself, then.”

“Thank you.”

I then pick up my fork and begin to eat, starting with the crispy salad to my right. As I enjoy the crunchy, green goodness in front of me, Marie lets out a pleased hum and work on her calamari bowl, first eating what she has in her hand before ingesting one bite of squid, then another, then another. After a minute of engorging herself, she rubs her belly and licks her lips, looking at me with hooded eyes.

“Mmm...I like this feeling. It feels nice, having a bunch of little squids inside me. It makes me feel so warm, so full, so...complete.”

She leans forward again, clasping her hands together as her smile grows wider.

“I could bask in this feeling forever.”

Holding my lettuce-covered fork right in front of my mouth, I look back at Marie for a few seconds before squinting a little and eating what’s on my utensil.

“Uh...okay...”

Still maintaining eye contact with me, Marie lets out another laugh and reaches for another piece of calamari, which she pops into her mouth.

“But you know something, Lumiose? Even though this sensation is wonderful...it’s not enough for me. Not by a long shot. I want to be so stuffed full of cephalopods that I can’t walk, so filled with mollusks that I look more like a blimp than an idol.”

I then feel a pair of heels touching my feet, sending a slight shiver through my body.

“But it’s not my stomach that I want to be filled.”

Confused, I look up at Marie and tilt my head.

“What do you...oh...”

My eyes widen in realization.

“Are you...are you talking about your...”

Reading my thoughts through my face, Marie chuckles again, wearing a proud look on her face.

“That’s right. My womb. I want to feel the squirming of little squids squelching around in my baby room, all vying to be released. And I know just the stud who can fulfill that wish.”

She scoots even closer to the table, making it so that she’s as close to me as possible.

“Take me home, Lumiose. Lay me on the bed, rip off my dress, and take what’s yours. Do your job as my partner, as my mate, and breed me.”

...Ho. Le. Carp.

I sit as still as a statue and stare back at Marie, unable to believe what just came out of her mouth. Am I hearing this right? Does she want to...screw me?

“B-but...we’re not married!”

“Oh? You’re worried about whether or not we’re married?”

Marie laughs.

“Oh, silly you...that doesn’t matter for people like us. We don’t need any dumb certificates to prove our love for each other. We can easily get intimate without the permission of the government. Besides...”

I suddenly feel a socked foot on my crotch, causing me to shudder and glow brightly.

“I know that you’re already raring to go.”

“...eyeaAAH!”

I spring up from my seat, shining like a torch as I back away and stare right at my girlfriend.

“What is the heck is wrong with you?! We’re in public!”

As soon as I say that, I look around and gasp, seeing that the entire restaurant’s eyes are on me. Crap. They saw that whole thing, didn’t they.

Deeply embarrassed, I clench my fists and hold my arms by my side, illuminating the establishment with my bioluminescence as I rush for the exit. Crap, crap, crap! So humiliating! Why did Marie have to do that? Why was I put in this situation?

And why is this just now happening?

Chapter Text

Wednesday, September 18, 12024

Risea

Phew! What a workout! I thought I would do a few simple Anarchy battles to pass the time, but my opponents were much fiercer than I expected! I mean, seriously, they were absolute beasts! Yeah, the players in X-Rank are usually very competitive, but never to this extent! I had to work even harder than usual to get my wins, and almost all of them were very close.

Wow. Never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually tired! I think now’s the time to finally head back home with Larel. He should be calmed down by now.

So here I am, standing in front of my apartment with my hand over the door. “Hey, Larel!” I say as I knock on the door, “I’m back!”

No answer.

“Uh, Larel?” I knock a little bit harder, “Did you hear me? Open the door!”

Still, nothing.

“Grr...Larel, are you ignoring me?!” I yell as I jiggle the doorknob, “Open this door right now or I’ll—”

Just then, the door opens with a slight squeak. It’s been unlocked this whole time.

“Oh. Uh...well, nevermind, then!”

I laugh a little before stepping inside, seeing that Blippy is relaxin’ on the living room couch. It’s not long before he notices me and chirps, floppin’ towards me like a lil’ puppy. So cute!

“Hehehe,” I smile, reaching out to ruffle his mohawk, “Well, aren’t you excited. Did ya miss me?”

He chirps again, lookin’ up at me with that funny, crooked smile of his. No matter how many times I leave and come back, he’s always just so happy to see me.

I laugh and pet Blippy some more before looking around the relatively empty room. “Say, have you seen Larel anywhere around here? He’s usually home around this time.”

Blippy hangs his fins by his side and blinks before pointing down the hall. Larel’s room. Of course.

“Right...I should’ve known.” I give Blippy one last smile and walk away, “Thanks a bunch, Blippy! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a squid to talk to.”

As Blippy squeaks a goodbye to me, I make my way towards Larel’s door, which is of course closed. This time, I don’t even bother knocking; I just go ahead and let myself in.

“Larel? What are you up to? You readin’ another one of those weird...woah.”

To my absolute shock, I find Larel hunched over in his chair, rubbing that weird, robotic cat toy like it’s his baby, mumblin’ to himself like a mental patient, and staring into space with blank, dead eyes. Sheesh. He got even worse!

I just stand there for a good minute, too dumbfounded to speak. After I’m done processing this whole scene, I frown and shake his shoulders.

“Hey, snap out of it, already! Don’t tell me that you’re still in this funk!”

Even though I’m shakin’ him with all my might, Larel still isn’t responding. Instead, he’s just gripping that damned toy even tighter, runnin’ his fingers through its whiskers.

“Please...speak to me...give me guidance...”

I watch as Larel taps the nose of the robo-cat, causin’ it to make a creepy, long meowing noise. It sounds horrible to me, but Larel can’t seem to get enough of it, finally breaking his lifeless expression with a smile.

“Ah...yes...”

It’s right about then when I decide that I’ve had enough. Furrowing my eyebrows, I pull back my hands before snapping my arms forward and snatching the toy away from Larel.

“It’s this damn cat, isn’t it?! Just you watch, I’m gonna smash it to pieces!”

I hold the toy over my head, preparing to bring it down hard on the ground. Right before I can destroy the object, Larel suddenly gets up and socks me in the face hard. Caught off guard, I fall onto my side, dropping the toy along the way. Once I hit the ground, I grunt and lay there for a few seconds before pushing myself up and rubbing my sore cheek.

“Ow...hey, what the hell was that?! Larel, you better have a good explanation for...!”

I look up at my “friend”, and what I see makes my blood boil. Instead of checking to see if I’m okay, he’s fondling that damn cat again!

“What?! Are you kidding me?!” I get up and clench my fists, “First you punch me and then you go right back to fawning over that damn figure?! Why, I oughta...”

I’m just about to show him what for until a thought pops into my mind. Even if I’m pissed right now, even if Larel is actin’ like a real piece of work right now...he’s still my friend. I don’t know what he’s goin’ through right now, but it’d be wrong for me to react with violence. Instead, I should just give him some more space, maybe even talking with him once I think he’s ready. Yeah. That should work.

Wow, I think to myself as I walk out of Larel’s room, closing the door behind me, Things have really changed around here, huh? God, I hope this is just a phase. I really do...

Chapter Text

Thursday, September 19, 12024  

Basstian  

“Hey! Hey! Cease this fighting at once!” 

I get up from my post and run towards yet another pair of fighting Inklings. Snatching away the Custom Ranged Blaster that is being squabbled over, I place the gun on a nearby table and frown at the unruly squids. 

“I understand that this weapon is in high demand, but that is no excuse to be behaving like barbarians! Have some dignity!” 

Looking up at me, the two cephalopods, one with green tentacles and one with pink tentacles, point accusing fingers at each other, adding to the cacophony of clattering weapons, pattering footsteps, and loud shouts of the other customers as each competitor attempts to disprove the other. 

“But she started it!”  

“I had my eyes on it first!”  

“But I deserve it more!”  

Following that statement, the green-tentacled girl faces her rival with an angry expression, baring her teeth in a malicious fashion.  

“Who said that you deserve it more?!”  

The pink-tentacled lass responds in kind, clenching her fists as she stares daggers at her enemy.  

“I did! You got a problem with that?”  

Before I can prevent the situation from escalating any further, the two girls lunge at each other once more, punching, scratching, and kicking each other in a violent tussle. Just as I am about to step in, the quarreling shouts of another group of Inklings and Octolings  catches my attention. 

“Was zum...are you serious?!” 

Feeling a deep sense of frustration and annoyance, I turn towards Sheldon, who is hunkered under his shell in the corner of the Ammo Knights shop.  

“What are you doing, Sheldon? Are you not disturbed by this lack of respect for your weapons? Do you plan on providing some assistance?!”  

Sheldon simply (and unbelievably!) stays put under his desk, raising his shell just enough to peek out at me.  

“No, I’m afraid not. I’d much rather just stay here. Seems more comfortable. Seems more...safe.” 

“Comfortable? Safe?? Sheldon, what are you saying?!”  

I stare in disbelief at the horseshoe crab in front of me, unable to comprehend this radical change in behavior. Where is the Sheldon that I know? He would never tolerate this circus going on in his store, not even for a second! Yet here he is, cowering in his hiding spot and refusing to lift a finger to enforce his rules and regulations. Is this even reality?! 

Sheldon is not the only one who is acting out of character. Yes, I may be subject to the occasional rude customer every once in a while, but those encounters are few and far between. At this moment, however, not only is nearly every client showing no manners, but they are more ill-mannered than ever before! Even our kindest frequenters such as the sweet Mercia or the polite Nikhil are acting just as childish and quarrelsome as their peers. It’s like our whole community of consumers has turned into a daycare! 

“Oh, das ist so frustrierend...is there something in the air? Might there be a sickness spreading among the populace that is causing this insanity? There must be!”  

Shaking my head in resignation, I sigh, straighten my shirt and march over to the quartet of arguing buyers, preparing myself mentally to deal with the 5th fight of the day. This is going to be a long shift...  

Chapter Text

Friday, September 20, 12024  

Roenaldo 

I don’t know if it’s just me, but things have been a little...weird around here lately. Every time I go outside, I see people either wearing those weird cat T-shirts that were handed out during the festival a few days ago, sporting those strange tattoos, or carrying around those dinky cat figures.  

At first, I thought that this was just a flash-in-the-pan craze in the Plaza, but it turns out that even the people at my job aren’t immune to this sudden trend. Like, just last night, I was mopping the floor at the local Ancho-V Games office when I saw my pal Marty proudly wearing one of those shirts under his slacks. It was weird enough that he decided to wear that clothing, especially considering how much he likes sticking to the norm, but even weirder was the fact that our boss wasn’t doing anything about it. I mean, seriously, Mr. Devi usually never lets us workers wear anything except for the company-issued janitor uniform, and he would raise hell if he saw any of us wearing something as unprofessional as one of those colorful T-shirts. Despite this, Marty and all my other coworkers went the whole night shift without facing any consequences, even when Mr. Devi came to do his hourly checks. It was crazy! 

It’s not just Marty and Mr. Devi that’ve been acting out of the ordinary, either. All the souvenir-having people in the Plaza have been acting weird, whether it was through travelling in groups, having random fights in the street, or staring at the local jellyfish. Even those who weren’t wearing or holding anything special were acting off.  

I don’t know exactly what’s going on, but something about all of this has got my captain senses tingling. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that something’s going on, but what?  

“Hm...I think it’s about time for another meeting...”  

Chapter Text

Friday, September 20, 12024  

Later in the day, Risea, Lumiose, Basstian, and Roenaldo once again gather in the New Squidbeak Splatoon’s Alterna base. Compared to the mood of the previous get-together, the atmosphere this time around is noticeably more serious as all of the members sit in silence at a round table. Folding his hands under his chin, Roenaldo looks around at the agents, having a professional aura about him as he puts on a neutral expression.  

Roenaldo: “Good evening, you all. I’m glad you were all able to come here on such short notice. Thanks again for that, Basstian.”  

Crossing her arms over the table, Risea huffs and leans forward, giving Roenaldo an impatient look.  

Risea: “Ah, enough with the pleasantries. Why’re we here, ‘Naldo?” 

In response to this, Roenaldo widens his eyes slightly before shaking his head and clearing his throat.  

Roenaldo: “Right, um...I’ve gathered you all here today to talk about everything that’s been going on recently. I’m sure you’ve all noticed that things have been a little...unusual around here lately, right?” 

Basstian: “That is correct.” he says with a nod. “I have indeed noticed a significant change in the mentality of the general public as of late. In fact, I have witnessed this shift firsthand; my usual customers, much to my chagrin, have become exceedingly violent and immature over the course of a few days. I would go as far as to say that they have become animalistic!”  

Hearing this, Lumiose places his arms on the table and rests his head on them, glowing slightly in embarrassment and shame.  

Lumiose: “Something similar’s been happening to me. Well...kinda. I was out on this date with Marie, and she...well, she was just acting weird! She was being really flirty, making all sorts of weird metaphors, and she even wanted me to...to...”  

Unable to express his thoughts with words, Lumiose instead uses his hands, looking away as he forms a ring shape with his right hand and pokes through it with his left one. Hearing the subsequent gasp from the crowd, Lumiose glows even brighter, letting out a pitiful groan as he buries his face into his arms.  

Lumiose: “Cod, and this happened right before my birthday, too. What a present that was...” 

Reeling back in disbelief, Risea exchanges glances with Basstian and Roenaldo before turning towards Lumiose. 

Risea: “Dang! And here I thought Larel was actin’ weird. That’s my friend, if you’re wonderin’. Or at least I think he is; it’s hard to tell with how hostile he’s been recently.”  

After hearing all of his agent’s accounts, Roenaldo holds his chin and hums in a contemplative fashion, furrowing his eyebrows in concentration.  

Roenaldo: “Customers acting immature, Marie being lewd, and this Larel guy acting violent...and this is all happening recently...” 

Roenaldo closes his eyes and muses a bit longer.  

Roenaldo: “This is too coordinated to just be a coincidence. Obviously, there’s something going on. But what is it? What’s causing this? And more importantly...” 

He opens his eyes, looking around at the others with narrowed eyes.  

Roenaldo: “Why aren’t any of us affected?”  

Lumiose and Basstian scratch their heads and look down at the table, clearly at a loss to explain the reason for the recent oddities. Risea, on the other hand, is more than certain about what happened, speaking with a confident tone as she clenches her fists on the table.  

Risea: “I know exactly why everyone’s actin’ so cuckoo. It’s all because of those weird cat toys!”  

Lumiose: “‘Those weird cat toys?’” Lumiose parrots as he tilts his head slightly, “What are you...oh, you mean those souvenirs that were handed out during the Grand Festival?” 

Risea nods, narrowing her eyes in anger.  

Risea: “Exactly! I saw Larel huggin’ one of ‘em like it was his kid, mumblin’ some nonsense about that thing ‘giving him guidance’ or whatever. It’s like he’s under some sorta spell!” 

Shocked by Risea’s evidence, Basstian drums his fingers and looks down at the table, tapping his foot as gears turn in his head.  

Basstian: “This is the fault of those dolls, you say? Interesting...that must mean that all of those rowdy customers, along with many other individuals, must have come into contact with those strange trinkets and fell under their spell, as you put it. Well then, I suppose that— 

He pauses and raises his head, furrowing his eyebrows in contemplation.  

Basstian: “Wait a moment, that cannot be the only cause! You stated that this Larel kept this toy on his person at all times, yes? Would we not see this same behavior in others if the figures were to blame for this anomaly?”  

Roenaldo nods.   

Roenaldo: “He has a point, Risea. I’ve seen all sorts of people acting weird, but most of them didn’t have any sort of toys with them. Though some of them did have other cat-related products on them...”  

Hearing this, Lumiose gasps slightly.  

Lumiose: “Oh, you mean like those tattoos and those T-shirts? I saw Angela wearing those things, and she’s also acting a little strange. Or at least I think she is. It’s kinda hard to tell with her.” 

Roenaldo: “Oh, really? So, it’s not just me...”  

He once again holds his chin and hums, going over all the data presented to him.  

Roenaldo: “Looks like we’ve got multiple potential reasons on our hands; those toys, those shirts, and those tattoos. Are one of them to blame? Are all of them to blame? Or is there some other culprit that we don’t know about?”  

After saying this, Roenaldo thinks a second longer before placing his hands on the table and glancing at his agents.  

Roenaldo: “Risea, Lumiose, Basstian, I have an assignment for all of you: I need you to go and investigate this whole situation further. Ask around, look for clues, heck, I’m okay with you even spying. We just need some more information before we go jumping to any conclusions.” 

In response to this, Risea crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow at her captain.  

Risea: “An investigation? What are we, detectives? How d’you expect us to get anything out of anyone when everyone’s actin’ all crazy?” 

Lumiose nods, glowing slightly with anxiety.  

Lumiose: “I’m sorry, but I gotta agree with her. Plus, I don’t know if I have it in me to ask people what’s going on, especially if they’re anything like Marie...” 

Hearing this, Basstian frowns and turns towards his comrades, holding his finger out in a scolding fashion.  

Basstian: “Come now, do not be so hesitant! As agents, it is our duty to follow the orders of our captain, even if we do not find them very favorable. After all, he only means the best for us, does he not? Let us show some respect!”  

Risea and Lumiose sit in silence, caught off-guard by Basstian’s strong argument and compelling words. After a minute, Risea scoffs and rolls her eyes, looking off to the side with her arms still crossed.  

Risea: “Ugh, fine. I’ll see what I can do.” 

Lumiose sighs, folding his hands on the table and looking down at them.  

Lumiose: “Yeah, same here. I’ll try my best.”  

With a satisfied smile on his face, Roenaldo nods and holds his fist over one of his hearts.  

Roenaldo: “Thanks, you two. And thank you, Basstian, for helping me out. Seriously, I don’t know what I’d do without you all.” 

With that, Roenaldo scoots his chair out, gets up, and straightens his cap.  

Roenaldo: “Okay, that’s that, then. Let’s all meet here say, Monday, after we’re done gathering information. Does that sound good to everyone?”  

Hearing an affirmative “yes” from the others, Roenaldo nods and points forward.  

Roenaldo: “Alright, good. Well then, best of luck to all of you, and stay vigilant!”  

Following that message, Risea, Basstian, and Lumiose get up and make their way towards the exit pipe, ready to start their inspection.  

Chapter Text

Saturday, September 21, 12024  

Risea 

“‘Find clues’” I grumble as I walk through the streets of Splatsville, “How the hell am I supposed to do that? I mean, what am I supposed to do, ask everyone why they’re actin’ so crazy? Hell, they probably don’t even know that they’re actin weird!” 

I look around at the other Inklings and Octolings around me, seein’ that they’re all givin’ me strange looks, actin’ like I’m the weird one. Have they looked in a mirror lately? Seriously, look at ‘em, marching in groups like some sorta zombie horde. Well, at least the Inklings are. The Octolings, on the other hand, are alone for some reason.  

Just as I’m about to wonder why this is happening, I come across a familiar Octoling starin’ through the window of Hotlantis: Jereef. Good! It’s someone I know! I’m bound to get somethin’ useful out of him, right? Just gotta hope that whatever’s goin’ around hasn’t gotten to him yet... 

“Heeey, Jereef!” I smile, walkin’ over to my pal, “Whatcha doin?”  

He doesn’t answer. Instead, he just keeps his face pressed against the window, drooling onto the glass. 

“Preeetyyy...”  

“Huh?” I raise an eyebrow, leanin’ closer to my friend, “Hey, Jereef. You gonna answer, or...?”  

Still, nothing. Wonderin’ what it is that’s got him so enamored, I peek around his head to find a golden basketball.  

“Oh, got your eye on that shiny ball, huh? Well, if ya want it so bad, why don’t ya go ahead and buy it?”  

Jereef gasps, turnin’ to face me with big, wide eyes. 

“Really?! Jereef can have it?!” 

I laugh a little.  

“Yeah, if you’ve got the coins. I could even buy it for ya if ya wanted.” 

Jereef gasps again, starin’ up at me with even wider eyes before smilin’ all giddy like and dashin’ towards the door. 

“Yay! Can’t wait to—” 

Just before he can get away, I grab Jereef by his collar, stopping him in his tracks. 

“Ah ah ah. Not so fast, buckaroo. Before ya go, I wanna ask you a few questions.  

“W-was?!” Jereef starts thrashing around, actin’ like a toddler throwin’ a tantrum, “But Jereef want ball now!!”  

I frown, keepin’ my grip tight on Jereef as I pull him closer.  

"Oh, calm down, this won’t take long. All I wanna know is what souvenirs you got from that big festival.” 

I glance at his face, where there is a blue tattoo vaguely shaped like a claw.  

“You got this tattoo from the Grand Festival, right? Anything else you got from there? Any of those weird toys, maybe?”  

Even though Jereef is bein’ held in place, he doesn’t seem to be in any mood to answer. Instead, he just keeps on strugglin’, kickin’ his feet and punchin’ my legs while raising hell.  

Geez, what’s gotten into this kid?! Is it that hard to answer a simple question? Why’s he acting like such a child?!  

“Come on, just talk, for Pete’s sake!” I hiss, “You’re makin’ a scene! What'd you get at the festival? What's got you acting this way? And for cryin' out loud, why are you talking so weird?!"

“Hau...hau...HAU AAAB!”  

Jereef then turns into his octopus form and spurts orange ink into my face. Although I was quick enough to close my eyes in time, I’m still caught off guard enough to loosen my grip, allowing Jereef to escape. 

“Hey!” I cry as I wipe the gunk off of my face, “The heck was that for?! You better have a good explanation for...” 

As soon as I get cleaned up, I look forward to see Jereef runnin’ ahead of me, holding that golden basketball in his grubby little hands.  

“What the frick? What was that speed? Damn, I didn’t even have time to stop him!” 

I sigh and sit down, propping my cheek up with my hand. 

“Well, that was a bust. I came in looking for answers, and I only came out with more questions. Geez, this is difficult...”  

Chapter Text

Saturday, September 21, 12024  

Basstian 

Phew! Another batch of rowdy customers have been successfully dealt with. I must say, this shift felt especially challenging. I did not think it was possible, but all of the patrons have become even more rambunctious than before. If I were not so patient, I fear that I might have crumbled on the spot! Now, however, all is quiet; we are experiencing a period of off-peak foot traffic. With no one in the shop, now is the perfect time for me to confront Sheldon.  

Conveniently for me, it does not take long for me to find my mentor; as usual, he is laying near the back of Ammo Knights next to a shelf stacked with weapons and bombs. Walking over to him, I kneel down next to Sheldon and knock on his hard, green shell. 

“Oh, Sheldon! Are you awake?”  

Raising his protective cover ever-so-slightly, Sheldon peeks out at me, wearing an annoyed look on his face. 

“Yes, I’m awake. You made sure of that when you rapped my sensitive shell.” 

I widen my eyes and pull back, feeling a mix of surprise and embarrassment. 

“Oh, my apologies! I had no idea.” 

Following that statement, I shake my head and get up, holding my hands behind my back in a polite fashion.  

“I do hope that you can forgive my transgression, but my disturbance is not without cause. I wish to discuss with you the cause of your recent behavior. Why is it that you have become so reclusive as of late?” 

Sheldon frowns, giving me a skeptical look through his goggles.  

“‘As of late’? I’ve always been this way, Basstian. What sort of world have you been living in?” 

“W-what the...”  

I stare down at Sheldon, blinking multiple times as I attempt (and fail) to comprehend the words that came out of his mouth. 

“Are you hearing yourself right now? What do you mean you have always been this way?! The Sheldon I know was far bolder than...whatever this is! He did not stay holed up in his shell all day, refusing to interact or speak with anyone! No, he was outgoing, enthusiastic, and always had something to say!” 

Sheldon narrows his eyes, lowering his shell marginally.  

“You must have me confused with some other Sheldon, because that does not sound anything like me.”  

I stand in stunned silence for a few seconds, unable to express my disbelief with words. After a period of time, I turn around and shake my head, letting out a defeated sigh.  

“Unbelievable...he does not even believe that he is behaving strangely. It is like he has been brainwashed!”  

I spend another minute contemplating my situation before nodding to myself and returning my attention to Sheldon. 

“Okay, I may not be able to convince you that something is wrong, but I still have one more question for you: have you purchased or used any new products recently? And would any of them happen to be cat-related?” 

“‘New products?” 

Sheldon falls silent for a moment before raising his carapace slightly. 

“Well, there was that treat that was given out about a week ago during that festival.”  

An elated gasp escapes my lips. Finally, a valuable piece of evidence! 

“Oh, very good! Might there be anything else?”  

Sheldon hums to himself, narrowing his eyes as he digs up old memories.  

“Well...there was also this one program. I think it was called—”  

Before Sheldon can finish his thought, he is interrupted by the familiar sound of a bell chiming as another swarm of rabid customers come barging in, causing a huge ruckus. Letting out a surprised “eep!”, Sheldon retreats into his shell once more, leaving me to deal with the rush of cephalopods by myself. 

“Verflixt! Just when I believed that I had a lead...”  

Sighing, I straighten my uniform and head for my post, preparing myself to deal with yet another batch of trying patrons.  

“Well, I cannot say that this endeavor was fully fruitless. At the very least, I did manage to fulfill my duty to some degree. That is good enough.”  

Chapter Text

Sunday, September 22, 12024  

Lumiose 

Okay, I know it’s been a day since Captain Roenaldo gave us all our assignment, and I still haven’t even tried to get any information, but that changes today. I may not have the courage to go around asking strangers about what’s been happening, but I can at least ask someone I know: Angela. Even if she has been sorta distant recently... 

But that doesn’t matter! Even if Angela’s acting a little odd, she’s still my sister; I should trust her, and she should trust me. All I’ve gotta do is walk up to her, ask about what she’s been doing, and I’ll be good. Should be a piece of cake, right? 

“Well, there’s no time to doubt myself any longer.” I say as I stand in front of me and Angela’s apartment, holding my key at the ready, “Now’s the time to squid up, open the door, and...huh?”  

I try to open the door, but it gets stuck against something. It’s blocked! 

“What the...did she put up a barricade? But...why?”  

As I stand there in confusion, I hear some footsteps behind the door before the mail slot flaps open, revealing Angela’s narrowed, brown eyes. 

“What do you want?”  

I blink a few times before placing my hands on my hips and giving my sister an annoyed look. 

“Come on, Angela, I don’t have time for your nonsense. Let me in.”  

Angela’s narrows her eyes even further, gaining a hostile edge to her voice as she responds: 

“And why should I? This is my house, not yours. I don’t have any reason to let you in.” 

“Dah—” 

I sputter, stepping back in pure disbelief. 

“Your house?? Angela, this is our house. You can’t just go around saying that this apartment is only for you!” 

“I paid for our home, didn’t I? That means its mine, end of story. Find some other place to live.”  

“What?! Angela, what do you —” 

Before I can finish my sentence, Angela slams the mail slot shut, leaving me stranded outside. 

“...Wow. I can’t believe this.” 

I hold my head and shake it, letting out a small groan. 

“Locked out by my own sister...what has the world come to? I mean, Angela's always been a bit distant, but this? This is ridiculous!"

As I stand there trying and failing to comprehend what's going on, I hear the muffled sound of some kind of program playing inside the house. Once that noise hits my ears, I raise my eyebrows in an expression of surprise, one that quickly turns to anger as I face towards the apartment building.

"Really? She's watching TV now? Right after locking me, her own brother, out of our house, she watches TV?! Unbelievable!"

Grumbling to myself, I make my way over to the window, placing my face against the glass as I take a peek inside. 

"What even is it that she's...what the..." 

I begin to trail off, feeling at a loss for words as I stare at the flashing, swirling, and colorful display on the television screen. Even though the screen is as disorientating as a Splattercolor Screen, I find myself unable to look away, getting transfixed on the strobing, shifting lights of red, blue, and green.

I stand there for a few more seconds, feeling as I've been put under a spell as my eyes are overwhelmed with all the colors of the rainbow. Just when I'm about to become fully invested in this "show", I hear a familiar voice call out to me, one that immediately snaps me out of my trance.

“Oh, Luuumiooose~” 

I jump, spinning around with a wide-eyed expression as I place my back against the wall.

Crap. It’s Marie. How the heck did she find me?! I’ve gotta find some place to hide before she—  

Unfortunately, Marie is way too quick for me. Before I can do anything about it, she walks into frame, giving me a lascivious grin.  

“There you are.”  

My eyes widen in shock, and I step away a bit while giving Marie a nervous smile.  

“Marie! Glad to see you! You look...natural.”  

Indeed, Marie, dressed in only a loose-fitting, black, mini sweater dress and leaving her light grey tentacles loose and untied, looked a lot more casual than usual. Brushing one of her bangs aside, she walks right up to me, making it so that we’re only a few inches away from each other.  

“Oh really? So you noticed. I could’ve worn something a bit more modest, but that wouldn’t be fitting for this casual visit, would it? Besides...” 

She bends over slightly, causing my eyes to inadvertently drift towards her chest. 

“I’m sure that you’re enjoying the view.”  

Both my tentacles and my blush grow brighter, and I feel my heartbeats increase in intensity. Flustered, I slowly back away, darting my eyes back and forth as I try to look for an escape route. 

“U-uh, yeah, I...I guess you could say that. I just don’t know if this is the right place or time to be—” 

Suddenly, Marie’s hand shoots out to grab my arm, restricting my movement. Letting out a gasp, I turn my attention back to my girlfriend, who is giving me a mischievous grin.  

“Ah, ah, ah. You’re not getting away from me this time, Lumiose. Not when I went through all the trouble of finding you.” 

She presses her body flush against mine, giving me no room to squirm. 

“Honestly, I’m disappointed in you, Lumiose. I thought you’d be more accepting towards me, your loving girlfriend, especially when I’ve been so eager to advance our relationship. But no, you’ve done nothing but avoid me for the past 5 days, and you’re even trying to escape now.” 

She reaches out with her other hand, caressing my face while giving me a playful smile. 

“But it’s okay, I forgive you. In fact, to show that I still love you, I’ve got a little something for you.” 

Marie then reaches into the hem of her dress, moving her hand around a bit before pulling out one of those cookie + licorice mashup treats.  

“Here it is. It wasn’t easy, but I managed to get my hands on another one of those Temporal Twisters from the festival. The frosting’s a little smeared, but that’s not too important; I’m sure you’ll enjoy it anyway.”  

Following that, Marie slips the licorice string over her head, making it so that the cookie part is placed right over her bust. Looking at me with hooded eyes, she moves her free hand to the back of my head, directing my attention towards the treat. 

“Go on. Eat.”  

I my eyes widen once again, and I look between Marie and the sweet with a dumbfounded expression.  

“W-wait...now? But wasn’t it...wasn’t it all over your body just now?”  

Marie maintains her smile, tilting her head downwards a bit. 

“And? You should be happy that you’re getting a little extra with this gift of mine. Wouldn’t you like to know how I taste?”  

“Uh, I dunno about—” 

Not giving me a chance to finish my thought, Marie forces my head downwards into her cleavage, pushing the cookie into my open mouth in the process. Suffocated between her ink sacs, I’m left with no choice but to chew and swallow, after which Marie finally releases me from her tight grip, giving me an impish smile as I gasp for air. 

"There you go. Was that so hard? Now you’ll feel just like me...”  

Although my head is spinning, Marie’s words bring about a sense of realization in me, and I look up at her with a half-focused, half-dazed expression.  

“Just like you...?”  

Marie nods, giving me an even wider smile.  

“That’s right. Ever since I had one of those treats, I’ve been feeling bolder, calmer... sexier . It won’t be long until you feel the exact same way, I just know it. 

Wait, what? Don’t tell me...am I really going to end up like her? Just a lustful, horny mess? 

I feel my control over my muscles weaken, causing me to lean against the wall like a rag doll. Marie seems to notice this, letting out a soft laugh as she moves one hand lower. 

“Well, would you look at that. That was quicker than I expected. I sure hope that you’ll last longer with me.”  

Licking her lips in a sensual manner, Marie reaches down to find the hem of my pants, pushing it down slowly and teasingly. 

“Now, come on. I’ve got some eggs that need fertilizing.”  

“Ah...M-Marie, I...”  

I find myself at a loss for words as Marie leads me down to the ground, gradually pulling off her dress as she removes more of my clothes. Although this is the last place I want to be in, I cannot help but to feel my excitement rise as my girlfriend forces herself onto me, giving me no chance to protest or object.  

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024  

It is currently the morning, and Roenaldo, Basstian, Risea and Blippy are sitting at the round table in Alterna...or at least Roenaldo, Basstian, and Risea are. Blippy, on the other hand, is exploring the area, poking his slick snout all over the place as he inspects the base’s furniture and decorations. As Blippy hops his way into a steel barrel, Risea looks around with a suspicious eye, furrowing her eyebrows and letting out an annoyed huff.   

Risea: “Ugh, what’s takin’ Lumiose so long? Ain’t he s’posed to be here by now?” 

Basstian frowns a little, glancing around the area as Blippy leaps out of the first barrel and into another one.   

Basstian: “I did not expect him to be so late. We have all already shared our findings, yet he still has failed to arrive. 

Roenaldo lets out a contemplative hum, holding his chin as he narrows his eyes slightly.   

Roenaldo: “Yeah, it’s weird. Almost 15 minutes have gone by, and he still hasn’t showed up. He’s usually such an early bird...”  

After a pause, Roenaldo shakes his head, clamping his hands over the table as he regards the two other cephalopods.   

Roenaldo: “Anyway, we’ve waited long enough; we can talk with Lumiose some other time. For now, let’s just—” 

Just as Roenaldo is about to finish his sentence, the wet sound of something squelching through a pipe plays behind Roenaldo and the others. Turning around to locate the source of the noise, the members of the NSS find none other than Lumiose emerging from the manhole near the artificial sea. Staying in his squid form for longer than usual, Lumiose slowly oozes towards the group before morphing into his humanoid form. Lying flat on his belly, Lumiose looks up at the group with tired eyes, looking like an absolute mess with his disheveled tentacle hair, his wrinkled, blue T-shirt, and his crumpled khaki pants.   

Lumiose: “Hey, guys...sorry I’m late.” 

Risea turns towards Roenaldo and Basstian, giving them a look of slight worry before looking back at Lumiose with the same expression, lowering her head to meet his gaze.  

Risea: “Hey, you good, bro?”  

Lumiose nods weakly, closing his baggy, bloodshot eyes as he lets out a long sigh.  

Lumiose: “No, I’m...I’m fine, I just... yawn... didn’t get much sleep last night...” 

Basstian tilts his head, frowning a little as he turns his eyebrows upward.  

Basstian: “You did not get your proper rest? And why might this be the case, friend?” 

Lumiose cracks his eyes open, staring blankly at the ground as a sudden chill overtakes his body.  

Lumiose: “She wouldn’t let me sleep...”  

Roenaldo: “Wouldn’t let you...okay, that does it.” 

Roenaldo promptly gets up and walks over to Lumiose, reaching down to pick him up and carry him to his seat. Once his agent is firmly sat down, Roenaldo looks him square in the eyes, placing one strong hand on his shoulder.   

Roenaldo: “Tell us what happened, agent. What’s got you so tired? Why do you look like such a wreck? And who’s this ‘she’ you’re referring to?”  

Roenaldo then softens his look, squeezing Lumiose’s shoulder ever-so-slightly.  

Roenaldo: “You don’t have to be afraid, Lumiose. We’re a team, here; if you’ve got something on your mind, you can tell us.” 

Lumiose looks up, feeling his breath catch in his throat as he locks eyes with his leader. After a long pause, he looks away, letting out another sigh as he folds his hands together.  

Lumiose: “Okay...I’ll tell you. Last night, I...I was hanging around my house, trying to interrogate my sister for clues. And Marie, she...” 

He places his elbows on the table and drops his head into his hands, shutting his eyes tightly in mortification.  

Lumiose: “She...caught me out in the open and...she raped me.”  

A hush falls over the crowd. 

Risea: “...She...what??”  

Basstian: “Oh my...that was certainly unexpected.” 

Lumiose nods, parting his hands just enough to reveal some of his tearful, vulnerable expression.  

Lumiose: “I know...that’s the last thing I expected from her. She’s never done anything like this before. Never. I’ve never felt so betrayed...”  

He places his hands back over his face, inadvertently allowing a few tears to slip through.  

Lumiose: “I couldn’t even do anything. I wanted to run, wanted to scream, but...I couldn’t. Not after she fed me that sweet...”  

Roenaldo: “That sweet?”  

He leans in closer, giving Lumiose an inquisitive look.  

Roenaldo: “What sweet are you talking about?”  

As Lumiose prepares to answer, Basstian narrows his eyes and strokes his own chin, letting out a contemplative hum. A second later, he gasps, widening his eyes in realization before directing his attention towards Lumiose.  

Basstian: “Lumiose, my friend. This ‘sweet’ you mentioned...it wouldn’t happen to resemble a clock...would it?” 

Lumiose meets Basstian’s gaze, tilting his head slightly in confusion. 

Lumiose: “Um...yeah? Why do you ask?” 

Basstian: “...This is not good. Not good at all.”  

Risea and Roenaldo face Basstian, both raising an eyebrow.  

Roenaldo: “What do you mean ‘this is not good’? Is there something I don’t know about?”  

Basstian shakes his head, turning his head downwards as he closes his eyes.  

Basstian: “Two days prior, following my assigned inquiry, Sheldon informed me that he had received and consumed a treat that was handed out during the festival. If memory serves correctly, then Sheldon was referring to the Temporal Twister, that cookie-licorice hybrid designed to resemble a pocket watch. And if my hypothesis is correct and that food product is related to the phenomenon that has arisen lately...then I fear that it will not be long before Lumiose, too, loses his sense of self.” 

Hearing this, Risea gasps, staring at the shocked Lumiose with a stunned expression of her own.  

Risea: “Wait, so...you’re about to go crazy, too?!” 

Feeling a great amount of distress, Lumiose hunches over in his seat, holding his head in his hands as he begins to glow brightly.  

Lumiose: “Oh, cod, what if I do? If Marie also ate one of those things like she told me, then...oh, no, I might end up just as rabid and insatiable as her! Oh, I can’t believe this, I just—” 

Roenaldo: “Hey!” 

Roenaldo reaches out to grab Lumiose’s shoulder, shaking him strongly before staring directly into his green eyes.  

Roenaldo: “Calm down, agent! We don’t know for certain whether or not those cookies are to blame. For all we know, it could just be a coincidence that the people who ate those treats are acting strangely. But no matter the case, this is no time to panic. Even if you’re at risk of becoming like those other crazy, mindless people outside, we can find a way to fix things. We will find a way to fix things. Do you hear me, Agent 4?” 

Lumiose: “U-uh...”  

Lumiose blinks, caught off-guard by Roenaldo’s straightforward, bold message. After some time, he nods shyly, managing to keep his eyes on his leader’s.  

Lumiose: “Y-yes, captain.” 

Roenaldo: “Good.” 

He gives his subordinate a small smile and pats him on the back.  

Roenaldo: “Now, I think you’ve had enough stress for the day, especially for someone so sleep-deprived. Go ahead and look inside the shed in the back; there should be some sleeping bags in there. As for you two...”  

The leader steps away from Lumiose, walking towards the expansive ocean.  

Roenaldo: “Come over here. There’s something I want to talk about.” 

As Roenaldo walks away, Risea and Basstian exchange glances before shrugging and following after their commander, leaving Lumiose to his own devices. As his fellow splatoon members leave the premises, Lumiose lets out an prepares to get up before he notices Blippy emerging from the 3 rd barrel with a piece of leftover sandwich in his fin.  

Lumiose: “Wait...what’s a Chum doing here?”  

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024  

A few feet away from the main camp, Risea and Basstian find Roenaldo standing at the edge of the island, gazing wistfully at the rocketless space center in the middle of the fake ocean. Noticing his agent’s presence, the captain turns around, crossing his arms as he lets out a small sigh.  

Roenaldo: “So...this situation may be worse than we thought.”  

Basstian nods, looking down slightly with a worried frown.  

Basstian: “Indeed...never in my life did I think that Marie would do such a treacherous act of forcefully engaging in intercourse with her lover. This is certainly a dire situation.” 
 
Risea: “Yeah, you could say that again. I barely know the guy, but I can’t help but to feel a lil’ sorry for Lumiose. I don’t even want to think about what I’d do if someone did that to me...” 

She looks off to the side, rubbing the back of her head in contemplation before looking back at Roenaldo with an inquisitive, somewhat soft expression.  

Risea: “So, what should we do? Should we hang back with Lumiose and help him calm down? Or do we ask around some more to figure out what’s going on?” 

Roenaldo stays silent for a second, narrowing his eyes in deep thought. After some consideration, he nods to himself, refocusing his attention on the two agents before speaking:  

Roenaldo: “We will definitely do what we can to help our friend with his trauma soon. For now, though, I think the best thing to do is to take out the problem at its source. And with all the information that everyone’s gathered, I feel like I have enough evidence to know who the true culprit is...” 

Risea and Basstian watch in a mix of curiosity and wonder as Roenaldo hunkers down slightly, looking back and forth in a conspiratorial way before dramatically revealing his thoughts. 

Roenaldo: “The one behind this whole mess, the one who caused all of this trouble is none other than...Judd.” 

Risea and Basstian simply stand there in silence, staring blankly at Roenaldo. After a moment, Risea narrows her eyes, giving her leader a look of pure skepticism.  

Risea: “...Really? Judd? That’s the best you could come up with?” 

Basstian: “I must agree with Risea here. Not that I am doubting your judgement, oh great leader, but...Judd? As in, the cat that has been nothing but harmless ever since the Great Turf War of old?”  

Roenaldo falters, pausing for a second before shaking his head and continuing, albeit in a slightly weaker tone than before.  

Roenaldo: “Okay, I know, the idea’s a little out there. But it makes sense, don’t you think? Most of the things that we saw people using were cat-shaped or cat-themed. Plus, I’ve been around the block, and I haven’t seen Judd acting any differently than he usually does. In fact, he’s just as lazy as ever, sleeping around all day like there’s nothing wrong. Don’t you think that’s a little suspicious?”  

Risea crosses her arms, furrowing her eyebrows as she looks off to the side.  

Risea: “Well, I guess when you put it that way...” 

She then turns back towards the captain, giving him a small frown.  

Risea: “Still, I’m not too certain. How do we know for sure that Judd is the mastermind behind all this?” 

Roenaldo smiles, giving Risea a more confident look.  

Roenaldo: “Easy. We go right up to him and ask him.”  

Basstian and Risea widen their eyes, exchanging glances before the former gives Roenaldo a look of slight doubt.  

Basstian: “Is that your plan? To simply ask him? If he is, in fact, the culprit, what gives you the confidence to say that he will be willing to ‘spill the beans’, so to say?” 

Roenaldo chuckles, balling up his right hand into a fist as he grips his wrist with his left.  

Roenaldo: “Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll be singing like a bird after some...negotiation.” 

Widening her eyes at Roenaldo’s implication, Risea laughs, giving her leader a mischievous smile.  

Risea: “Oh yeah, ‘negotiation’. I like that idea.”  

As Risea and Roenaldo grin at each other, Basstian rolls his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief before turning back to look at the main base, wearing an expression of worry on his face.  

Basstian: “Before we get to...that...might I suggest checking up on Lumiose? I am concerned about his health.”  

Roenaldo raises his head, turning in Basstian’s direction before nodding and stepping forward.  

Roenaldo: “Right, right, we should do that. Hopefully he’s feeling a little better now...” 

With that, Roenaldo, Basstian, and Risea make their way towards the Splatoon’s primary camp, preparing themselves to meet up with the glow squid.  

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024  

Lumiose 

I can’t sleep. It’s impossible. I just can’t do it. I’m too stressed to sleep. Too stressed to relax. Too stressed to think. 

How could Marie do this? Why, after over 5 years of a healthy, steady relationship, did she have to go and do...that? I don’t get it. I really, really don’t get it. This thought has been keeping me up for the past...who even knows how much time has passed. 

The way Marie acted...it was like she was a whole different person. When she forced me down to the ground, stripping me of my clothes out in the open, I felt like she had been possessed, controlled by a spirit of debauchery and lust whose only goal was to mate and procreate.  

What is even the reason for this? What even caused Marie to do something so...treacherous? Even if that snack she ate has something to do with it, how could anything cause someone to do something as extreme as what Marie did? Either that sweet is more potent than I thought, or... 

What if this was all an act? What if Marie, ever since the start, didn’t have any respect for me at all? The idea isn’t all that unbelievable. After all, I am just a regular Inkling; why would Marie, an idol, ever care for me? This could’ve been her plan all along, to lower my guard enough to put my trust in her just for her to shatter it for her personal pleasure. And now that she’s enacted her plan, she’s taken something away from me that I can never get back: my virginity.  

I really don’t want to believe it, but...I can’t help but to entertain the thought. Especially when I’m feeling this distressed. What if I’m right? What if this wasn’t a betrayal, but rather a showing of Marie’s true colors? Maybe we’d be better off just... 

“Hey. Hey. Lumiose.”  

I am distracted from my thoughts by Roenaldo’s strong hand, which clamps onto my shoulder and shakes me around. Rolling around in my sleeping bag, I look up at him, seeing that Risea and Basstian are standing a few feet behind him. Once Roenaldo sees my face, his expression dims, now sporting a small frown.  

“Ah, still looking a little rough, I see. Sorry for disturbing you.” 

Hearing his apology, I shake my head, blinking a bit to moisten my eyes before looking up at my leader. 

“No, no, it’s fine, I’m just...well, I was just thinking. You weren’t disturbing me, really.” 

Roenaldo tilts his head and frowns some more, clearly not believing my words. Despite this, he decides to roll along with it, placing his hands behind his head as he looks off to the side. 

“Okay, if you say so. Well, I was about to ask if you wanted to back up to Splatsville with me and the others to interrogate a certain cat about what’s going on, but looking at you, I feel like it’d be best for us to hang back for a while, or at least until you get some more rest.” 

At this, I widen my red eyes and shake my head in objection. 

“W-what? No, no, no, don’t do that, please. Don’t let my own problems get in the way of what you want to do. I’ll just...let me come with you.” 

In response, Roenaldo raises his eyebrows slightly in surprise, giving me a questioning look.  

“Are you sure? You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, Lumiose. I’m completely fine with staying here if it’s good for your health.” 

Again, I shake my head, raising my upper half so that I’m sitting up.  

“Yes, I’m sure. I’m an agent; it’s my duty to follow the orders of my captain, no matter how I’m feeling at the moment. I’ll be fine, I promise.” 

To accentuate my point, I give Roenaldo a firm salute, flashing him a tired yet genuine smile. Seeing my weak gesture, Roenaldo looks down at me, pursing his lips as he visibly starts to think. After a minute, he shrugs, reaching down to help me up. 

“Okay, if that’s what you want. But remember, there’s no shame in backing out. If you ever feel like you want to take a breather, just let me know, okay?” 

“Okay.” I say with a nod, allowing myself to be pulled up. “You have my word, captain.”  

Roenaldo nods in response, looking back at me with a smile as he begins to walk away with the other two. Seeing this, I take a deep breath in and follow after them, pushing my intrusive thoughts into the back of my head and instead focusing on the upcoming interrogation—or at least trying to.  

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024  

Basstian 

This is interesting. According to Captain Roenaldo, Lumiose is fully willing to travel with us, even with his current condition. I certainly admire his bravery, that much is true. Still, I cannot help but to worry about our luminous friend. Is he truly ready to step out and perform his duties as an agent? Looking at him, he certainly does not appear that way; with his baggy eyes, shuffling gait, and tired frown, he is still showing obvious signs of fatigue. Now, I do not like to accuse, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Lumiose is not being fully genuine. I may have to question him soon... 

Lumiose 

Well, here we are in Splatsville again. Thankfully, no one was around when we emerged. Not like they would notice or care, anyway; most if not all of the cephalopods here are too focused on each other, the jellyfish, or random things on the street to pay attention to us four.  

After looking around for a bit, Roenaldo looks back at us and waves us forward towards the set of stairs leading up to the Lobby. Risea, wearing an excited smile, runs ahead of him, clearly very pumped for the mission ahead of us. I’m just about to follow after them when I feel a hand on my shoulder. Looking to my right, I see none other than Basstian looking down at me, staring right at me with his orange eyes.  

“Lumiose, my friend. I am aware that your mind is set, that you have made the decision to work with us despite your trauma, but...are you truly satisfied with your choice? Are you certain that your mind is stable enough to fulfill your duties? Please, tell me, Lumiose. I am not just a fellow agent; I am also your loyal companion. I must know the truth.” 

I look up at him, surprised by his forwardness. Beneath my shock and confusion, however, I feel a small yet growing sense of...discomfort? I’m not sure. I don’t know how to describe it, but something about seeing Basstian’s disconnected eye mask, his suction cup-less tentacle hair, his round ears...it creates a sense of wariness in me. I never thought much of these traits before now, but for whatever reason, they’re suddenly much more significant to me.  

I continue to stare at Basstian, feeling my tentacles brighten a little. After some time, I shake my head and remove Basstian’s hand from my shoulder before walking away hurriedly.  

“N-no, I’m fine, I’m just...I’m fine. Don’t worry.” 

Not waiting to hear a reply, I just keep speed-walking, hoping to catch up to the others. I don’t know why, but the idea of sticking with my fellow Inklings seems...better. Nicer. Safer. 

Basstian 

...What was that just now? Why was Lumiose in such a hurry to depart? Might it have been something I said? I have never seen him behave this way before...even in his worst moods, he has never displayed this amount of aversion to me. Yet here he is, avoiding me like the plague. Might this be the cause of...no. I do not even wish to think about that possibility. For now, I must focus on our objective. If all goes well, this situation will be resolved in due time. Hopefully... 

Risea 

I burst through the doors of the Lobby, spinning to the right to find that fuzzy feline. Just as I expected, that fat cat’s sleepin’ away on that lil’ cushion of his, probably dreamin’ of some fish-filled paradise in the clouds. Of course, I can’t be having that; running up to him, I slap his furry butt and jostle him awake.  

“Ay, Judd! Wakey-wakey!”  

Judd leaps up, yowling loudly with his eyes as wide as saucers. Once he lands, he pants a little before givin’ me a death glare.  

“Mrrr...” he growls, sendin’ me brain waves that read, “Oh, it’s you. What do you want now? Come to purress me for more battle tips?”  

I chuckle, stepping closer to the cat as I give him a sneaky smile.  

“Oh, not this time, ya lazy loaf. No, I’m here for something else: me n’ my pals saw what was goin’ on, and we—” 

“Risea! What are you doing?” 

Oh, great. It’s Roenaldo. Way to ruin the moment, dude. 

I groan, turnin’ around to face the captain with a raised eyebrow. As I do that, I see that Lumiose is following right behind him, but I pay him no mind. 

“What does it look like I’m doing?” I ask, “You were bein’ a slowpoke, so I just took the initiative and started the investigation myself. Why, you got a problem with that?” 

“But we were supposed to...” Roenaldo trails off, stayin’ silent for a minute before shaking his head, “You know what...nevermind. It’s fine.” 

He then walks up to me, standing by my side as we both look down at Judd. 

 “As my friend was saying, Judd, we recently came across some evidence related to this whole situation going on right now. Those cat-themed tattoos, those cat-like toys, those cat-based shirts...all of those things were found on the people in Splatsville and the other cities, and they’re all acting strangely.” 

“Yeah!” I add, stepping closer to Judd, “And guess who’s one of the only people not affected AND just so happens to be a cat! I’ll give you a hint: it starts with a J, ends in two D’s, and has ‘ U ’ in the middle.” 

I jab him square in the chest, givin’ him a triumphant smile, “So, what’s it gonna be? Ya gonna spill the beans, or are you fine with losin’ one of your nine lives?” 

“...Mrow.” (“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”) 

Say what?! Me n’ Roenaldo exchange glances, hardly able to believe what just came out of that cat’s mouth. After a second, I look back at Judd, narrowing my eyes at him. 

“Come on, don’t play dumb, we all know you have somethin’ to do with this! We got the clues to prove it!” 

“What she said.” Roenaldo says, “Not only are the products I listed cat-themed but you seem to be the only one other than us who isn’t acting like most of the people in this city. Furthermore, you don’t even seem to care about how everyone has suddenly changed. If that’s not suspicious, then I don’t know what is.” 

Judd looks between the two of us, studying our faces. After some time, he shakes his head and shrugs. 

“Mrrp...mow.” (“I don’t know what Judd you’re talking about, but it fur sure isn’t me. I care plenty about what’s going on; ever since I saw a whole team put a paws on a match to go and catch some fish in a pond, I knew something was up, and whatever was up wasn’t good. But I don’t have time to worry about all of that; my role as a judge comes furst.”) 

With that, he plops himself right back down on his pillow, getting into a sleeping position, “Mrow...” (“Again, I’ve got no clue about who or what caused any of this, but here’s hoping that you’ll find the answer soon instead of jumping to conclusions. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a catnap to get back to...”). 

Without another word, Judd resumes his sleeping, leaving me, Roenaldo, and Lumiose all alone and confused. After some time, I place my hands on my hips and huff.  

“Huh...wow. That sure was a letdown.”  

Roenaldo nods, “Yeah, you could say that again. Just when I thought I was onto something, too...” 

He sighs, shaking his head in disappointment, “Well, back to the drawing board, I guess. Come on, let’s go back and —” 

Just then, we hear a loud thud. Looking back, we see Lumiose lying flat on the ground, completely knocked out.  

“What the...” Roenaldo starts, looking down in disbelief, “Lumiose! What happened to —!” 

Before he can finish his sentence, something flies out from behind us and towards his neck, causing him to freeze up before falling straight on his belly, instantly getting knocked out.  

“Roenaldo!” I yell, staring at him in shock before growling and preparing to turn around. Before I can do that, though, something wet comes at me from my right, and I immediately jolt. 

“Gah! What the heck was...agh, why do I feel so...ughh...” 

As if my brain’s switch had just been flipped, I wobble and fall onto my back, feeling the light drain from my eyes as everything goes dark.  

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024

Risea: “...Mmm...”

Lying flat on her side, Risea slowly cracks her eyes open, giving her a clear view of the stone wall inches away from her face. Visibly confused, she furrows her eyebrows and shifts slightly.

Risea: “What the...where am I? Did I have a hangover, or...?”

Curious, Risea rotates her body to the other side, and what she sees almost makes her eyes pop out of her sockets.

Risea: “Huh?? Is this...am I in prison?!”

Deeply shocked, Risea raises her body and looks past the thick, metal bars and around the small, dark, room, using only the light from a tiny, overhead window to observe her surroundings. As she stared in disbelief at her cramped surroundings, she heard some rustling behind her followed by a familiar voice.

Basstian: “You are correct, my friend. In fact, we appear to be in the Inkopolis Square Police Station, I presume."

Risea lets out a sharp gasp, turning around to face her fellow agent. To her surprise, not only is Basstian sitting on a nearby bed, but Roenaldo and Lumiose are also lying flat on the smooth floor.

Risea: “You guys?! What’re you doin’ ‘ere? Matter of fact, what’re WE doin’ ‘ere?!”

Basstian props up his chin with his fist, moving his eyes back and forth.

Basstian: “I am not sure, Risea. The last event that I remember is arriving at the Lobby in Splatsville. However, if I had to guess, I presume that someone—or something —has brought us here.”

Hearing this, Risea steps back, wearing an expression of utter disbelief on her face.

Risea: “Say what?! You’re sayin’ that we got captured?!”

Basstian: “That may very well be possible, yes.” Basstian says with a nod, “For what purpose, I do not know.”

As Risea struggles to comprehend her situation, Roenaldo and Lumiose stir, having been awoken by Risea’s outburst. Holding his head, Roenaldo raises his front half, letting out a tired groan.

Roenaldo: “Hey, what’s all this ruckus abou...huh?”

Blinking a bit to sharpen his vision, Roenaldo turns his head from side to side, his eyes wide with surprise.

Roenaldo: “Wait a minute...are we in a cell?”

Hearing Roenaldo’s words, Lumiose gets up, taking a minute to activate his brain before glowing brightly in realization and distress.

Lumiose: “W-wait...are we?! B-but...how?!”

Before anyone can respond, the ceiling lights suddenly turn on, causing the cephalopods to recoil and cover their eyes. As the members of the NSS recover from the flash of light, two Inklings—one, male, one female—walk into the room, with both of them wearing black and white striped suits and a bell collar. Marching in unison, the two cephalopods carry a small television to the disgruntled heroes, staring forward with serious, attentive eyes. As the inmates stare forward in intrigue, the girl on the right presses down on a button on the top of the television, causing a white, digital, emoticon-like face to pop on the screen. Letting out a mocking laugh, the entity flashes the party a sinister grin, speaking in a deep, dignified voice:

???: “Greetings, mollusks. How are you feeling? I trust that your nap has left you well and rested, now, hasn’t it?”

Growling, Risea runs forward, gripping the bars of her cell tightly as she gives the stranger the death glare.

Risea: “You! You’re da one who trapped us here, aren’t you?! Just who the hell are you, anyway?!”

Completely unfazed by Risea’s aggression, the digital face simply chuckles, maintaining its cocky smile right in front of the squid.

???: “My name? Now, why would you want to know that information? My true name has no relevance to you. With that being said, I do have a name that you can regard me with, one that you will be quite glad to use soon...”

The face’s grin grows wider.

???: “Master.”

Repulsed, Risea pulls back, raising her eyebrows in an offended manner before narrowing her eyes and gritting her teeth.

Risea: “What?! Like hell I’ll call you that! No one’s my master, especially not a freak like you!”

Undeterred by Risea’s defiance, the face laughs some more, amused by Risea’s attitude.

???: “My, my, such bold words, especially coming from someone in such a vulnerable position. As unruly as you are, I can at least commend you for your brave spirit—such a trait is one that I highly value in my pets. Unfortunately, as you are now, you are not nearly prepared enough to be at my beck and call, especially not with that defiant attitude of yours.”

The figure’s smile grows wider.

???: “But that is no issue. Once I expose you to my gas, you and all of your rebellious friends will be on track to becoming my loyal servants.”

Roenaldo: “Huh?”

Roenaldo gets up and runs to Risea’s side, staring at the digital stranger with wide eyes.

Roenaldo: “Gas? Did I hear that right?”

???: “Hehehe, indeed, you did. With one whiff of my masterfully concocted vapor, you shoal of cephalopods will all be reduced to brainless, simple-minded animals driven only by your primal desires—the perfect beasts for me to tame.”

Hearing this, Risea, Roenaldo, and Basstian gasp before Risea grits her teeth, staring right at the screen.

Risea: “What?! You’re insane! How could you do such a thing?!”

Roenaldo: “Yeah, what she said. Do you realize how wrong that is?”

The stranger chuckles once more, flashing the party a mischievous grin.

???: “Come now, there is no reason to be so apprehensive. I assure you, having me as your owner will bring nothing but bliss and comfort. Isn’t that right, Shawn? Gwen?”

The two Inklings break their stone-faced expressions and nod eagerly, wearing bright, enthusiastic smiles as they perform a salute.

Shawn + Gwen: “Yes, Master! Absolutely!”

Nodding in approval, the face turned back towards the group, maintaining its smile.

???: “See? There is no reason to deny my authority. Doesn’t the idea of being my loyal pets fill you with excitement?”

Basstian reels back in disgust, looking between the two collar-wearing cephalopods and back at the screen in disbelief.

Basstian: “What? Of course not! We are not just mere beasts waiting to be subdued and tamed by a superior lifeform! We are sentient beings!”

Roenaldo nods, narrowing his eyes at the screen.

Roenaldo: “What he said. I dunno about you, but I like keeping my free will.”

The face frowns slightly, giving the group a disapproving look.

???: “Hm...so you say. How disappointing.

The frown quickly disappears, instead getting replaced by a cruel smile.

???: “Oh well, I suppose that I’ll have to use force, then. Shawn! Gwen! Show my soon-to-be pets the first lesson in obedience school.”

The two Inklings nod, facing each other before pressing down on two blue buttons on the side of the television. Once they do that, a noxious, red gas billows out from the appliance, quickly filling the room. Seeing this, the mystery figure laughs:

???: “Hahaha, excellent! Goodbye for now, cephalopods! Enjoy the reversion!”

With that, the electronic face disappears, prompting Shawn and Gwen to smile and back out of the room, leaving the group to marinate in the spreading gas.

Acting quickly, Roenaldo, Risea, and Basstian take a deep breath in and cover their mouth and nose, doing everything in their power to avoid inhaling any bit of the dangerous smoke. Unfortunately, thanks to Lumiose’s bewildered state and his downgraded senses, he is slow to react, and he ends up taking in some of the substance. Hearing his agent’s indicative gasp, Roenaldo spins to face him, his eyes wide in shock.

Roenaldo: (Lumiose!)

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024

Lumiose

“I...ah...what...what’s this...”

I groan as I sway back and forth, feeling...something clogging up my mind as a thick and intrusive scent invades my nostrils. My memories, my vision...it’s all a blur. This feeling, it’s...it’s indescribable. I know that...well, I at least I think I’m here, but...it’s like I’m in a different world. A different dimension.

I’m seeing...people? Or at least I think they’re people. But...it’s hard to tell. The way these...people look...it’s like they aren’t people at all. More like...figures. Shadowy blobs reaching out to me from the darkness. Shadowy blobs hoping to pull me in, to keep me close, to hold me captive. I can tell by the way they’re looking at me, the way they’re studying me, the way they’re analyzing me.

“No...no...stay...stay away...”

I back up against the wall, glowing brightly as these...creatures continue to stare at me. One of them, a slightly orange-tinted one, makes some sort of high-pitched noise only to suddenly pull back. Like something stopped it. But I’m not hearing any of it. That thing...I’m not trusting it one bit. No matter how familiar it sounds.

But as I do everything to keep my distance from these threats...something changes. My vision starts to clear, my brain gets less fuzzy, and my body starts to relax. This feeling...it’s like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders. Those figures, though they were once amorphous and indecipherable, start to form into more recognizable shapes. The first figure, the orange-tinted one from before, shifts to resemble a slender, ebony girl with orange tentacles and pointy ears. An Inkling. The other one, previously a yellow blob, morphs into what looks like a shorter, chocolate-skinned, yellow-tentacled guy who also has pointy ears. Another Inkling. And the 3rd one...wait.

“H...Who...?”
I stare more intently at the 3rd person, who I once recognized as a tall, purple pile of goo, becomes a tall, brown male with an unusual, purple sphere on his head and unfamiliar, round ears. Plus, with his unconnected eyes and pointed fingertips, he looks more like an...Octoling.

My eyes widen in realization, my tentacles glowing an even brighter shade of green as I stare at the out-of-place octopus. This guy...he is not to be trusted. I can just feel it in my metaphorical bones. He’s an outsider, an alien...an enemy. He’s not part of the shoal—he never will be.

With my senses on high alert, I make my way towards the orange-tentacled Inkling, clinging onto her arm for support as I glare at the Octarian. “Away from us, you filthy octopus.” I say, flashing my lights as a warning gesture, “You have no place here. Try to eat any of us, and you’ll regret it.”

-----------

Basstian

“A—Was??”

I stare in utter disbelief at Lumiose, completely and wholly shocked by his change in behavior.

“What...what is this, Lumiose? What has come over you?”

I do not even care that I am breathing in the noxious gas that is permeating the air, I am that dumbfounded. This shift...it is absolutely unbelievable. Lumiose and I...we had nothing but positive feelings for each other ever since we met. We behaved like two peas in a pod, two pearls in an oyster. Now, however...it is as if I am a complete stranger to him.

“Lumiose, my friend, please...”

Blinded by desperation, I begin to reach out to Lumiose, aiming to wrangle him out of the clutches of whatever spell is holding him captive. Before I can do so, however, I feel Roenaldo’s hand on my arm, immediately halting my movements.

“Hold it, Basstian. Leave him alone. We can’t afford to get him riled up.”

Feeling my hearts increase steadily in their pace, I look between the aversive Lumiose and the stone-faced Roenaldo in a frenzy, my brain wracked with building emotions.

“B-but, captain...!”

“No. Drop it. Plus, getting in a fuss over this is only going to make it worse. If you don’t stop with that hyperventilating, you’ll end up just like him.”

Immediately after Roenaldo relays his message, Risea, diverting her attention from the clingy Lumiose, states, “Uh, you know that you’re ALSO breathing in this gas by saying that, right?”

Hearing this, Roenaldo jolts, his eyes wide with realization. “Oh...right.”

Following a brief pause, Roenaldo rushes over to the bars of our holding cell and grips the pillars of metal, his eyebrows furrowed in slight frustration as he looks out at the smoke-filled room.

“Okay,” He says in a more restrained voice, “I guess that means we’ve gotta get outta here as fast as possible. Question is, how...”

Looking over at our leader, Risea rolls her eyes and shoves Lumiose off of her, walking over to the bars before rubbing her hands together.

“Come on, are you guys really that dumb? All ya gotta do is...”

She proceeds to morph into her squid form, lying flat on the ground as she tenses her muscles. After building up a small amount of energy, she leaps forward, seemingly aiming to slip right through the bars...only to recoil with a sharp yelp.

“Ow! Hey, what gives?!”

Looking over at Risea with an exasperated expression, Roenaldo removes his palm from one of the bars and faces it towards Risea, revealing to her a black, waxy substance.

“Come on, Risea, did you really think that this prison wouldn’t be designed with our abilities in mind? All of the cells here are lined with this special, ink-repellent wax. Not only does it stop us from slipping through, but it also reacts violently with our ink, causing a burning sensation whenever we touch it in our swim form. In other words, swimming in a no-go.”

Visibly shocked by this revelation, Risea hangs her mouth open in disbelief before narrowing her eyes in anger.

“Are you serious?! How the hell’re we supposed to get out, then?!”

As Lumiose reattaches himself to Risea’s arm, I hold my head and sway back and forth, feeling my senses slowly and gradually get muddled.

“I am unsure, but...I pray that we come upon an answer soon. This gas...it is getting to be a bit too much for me. I...do not know how much longer I can last...”

Sensing my growing sense of discomfort, Roenaldo turns in my direction with a worried expression, concern etched all over his face. Looking up, down, and all around the room, he searches every nook and cranny for a solution, holding his breath the entire way through. Eventually, his eyes land upon the overhead window, and I see his mouth curve from a troubled frown to a confident grin.

“Bingo.”

Both Risea and I turn towards our captain, curious to know just what sort of idea he has festering in his brain. Before we can question him on his motives, he transforms into his squid form, crouching down to build potential energy before rocketing upwards, rapidly returning to his bipedal shape, and striking the window with a precise, thunderous kick.

“Captain!” I exclaim as I stare forward in utter disbelief, watching as Roenaldo lands back on the ground, “What are you doing?!”

Roenaldo glances at me with a determined smile, shaking his foot before crouching down in his swim form once more.

“Breaking us out, that’s what! All I’ve gotta do is...”

He jets towards the window once more, landing another well-placed kick on the reinforced glass. Despite his gusto, the window does not seem to budge one bit, remaining as sturdy as ever.

“Yo, are you for real?” Risea asks, wearing a bewildered smile on her face, “This is crazy, even for me! You’re really going through with this?”

Fisting his own palm, Roenaldo looks back at Risea, letting out a brief chuckle.

“Oh, believe me, agent, I’ve done way crazier things. This is nothing to me.”

Following that, Roenaldo repeats the same process from before, using the force generated by his Super Jump to crash into the overhead window again...and again...and again. As our fearless leader enthusiastically works away at the barrier holding us back from freedom, I try my best to hold my breath, counting the seconds as the brain-fogging air continues to linger in the room.

Eventually, after what feels like a century, I hear the loud, indicative sound of glass shattering. Holding back a gasp, I look up in disbelief at the broken window, spying Roenaldo nestled in a small crevice next to the new opening.

“Ha!” Roenaldo laughs, looking quite proud of himself, “Roenaldo. 1, window, 0.”

He then reverts to his humanoid form and bends at the knees, waving his hand towards the window. “The way is clear, agents. Let’s move out!”

Filled with a newfound sense of relief, I look up in reverence at my captain, thoroughly amazed by his braveness and ingenuity. Taking my opportunity, I morph into an octopus and Super Jump up to the window, landing perfectly on the small, stony ledge. Risea follows shortly afterward, sliding out of Lumiose’s grip before rocketing up to meet us.

“Awesome!” Risea cheers, pumping her tentacles in excitement, “Way to go, Roenaldo! Looks like you’ve got some grit, after all. Now, let’s blow this joint!”

Though I am as ready to depart as Risea, I cannot help but to divert my attention to Lumiose, who is glowing brightly in distress as he looks up at us with needy eyes. Feeling a great deal of concern for my fellow agent, I point down at him with one of my tentacles, my voice laced with worry.

“Hey, are we not forgetting someone? What about Lumiose? Are we not taking him with us?”

Roenaldo jolts, a look of realization washing over his face. Looking between me and Lumiose with a conflicted expression, he thinks for a long minute before shaking his head, wearing a slight frown.

“I’m sorry, Basstian, but...we’re gonna have to let him go.”

I gasp. No. This cannot be true. Our friend Lumiose...were we seriously going to leave him behind?

“Captain Martine, I...you cannot be serious. How could you say such a thing? How could you ever suggest such a plan?”

Roenaldo lets out a small sigh, gesturing towards Lumiose with a neutral expression.

“Look, I know how you feel, Basstian, but...just look at him. He was already doing bad before, but now he’s just—”

“What?” I interject, my face hot with anger, “A lost cause? A hopeless case? What does that matter?! Lumiose is our ally, our comrade! Abandoning him in his time of need...that...that is abhorrent! Deplorable! Unacceptable!”

Roenaldo reels back at my heated words, visibly bewildered by my negative feedback. Before he can come up with a response, the sound of shoes against stone from below reaches our ears, causing us all to freeze up in shock.

“Whatever you’re deciding, you guys had better decide it fast!” Risea says in a hushed whisper, giving us both fierce glares, “We’ve got company, and I’m NOT going back in there!”

Looking down and up in a frenzy, Roenaldo’s eyes linger on mine for a few seconds before he shakes his head and turns towards the window, glancing back at me with furrowed eyebrows.

“We don’t have time to argue, Basstian. You’re either with us or you’re not. What’s it gonna be?”

I stand there conflicted, warring with myself over this controversial situation. I am obligated to follow my leader’s orders, but...am I truly willing to leave behind one of my best friends, someone whom I trust dearly? Yes, his mind may be tainted at the moment, but...is that really a good reason to forsake him?

Despite desperately desiring to save my fallen ally...I know that I do not have much time. Based on the proximity of those footsteps, we do not have long until those brainwashed inkfish come to thwart our escape. So, with a heavy heart...

“...Fine. If we must retreat without him...then so be it. But know that I am only doing this out of desperation.”

Giving me a curt nod, Roenaldo morphs into his squid form and leaps out of the shattered window, prompting Risea to follow suit. Letting out another sigh, I make my way towards the slim opening, turning my head to give the confused Lumiose one final, longing look before making my escape.

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024  

Roenaldo, Risea, and Basstian fall out of the window and onto a patch of grass, letting out short grunts as they hit the ground. As Roenaldo and Basstian get their bearings, Risea gets up and dusts herself off, breathing a sigh of relief as she places her hands on her hips and looks back at the building.   

Risea: “Phew...wow. We really did it...”  

Rising to his feet alongside Roenaldo, Basstian straightens his clothes before giving his leader a sullen look, his eyes narrowed in silent anger.   

Basstian: “All except for one member...”  

Making a small groaning noise, Roenaldo facepalms and shakes his head, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.  

Roenaldo: “Yeah, I know I know. You don’t have to emphasize it.”  

He spends a second or two thinking before lowering his hand and turning towards his agents with a firm expression, crossing his arms behind his back.  

Roenaldo: “But this won’t be the case for long. Mark my words, we WILL find a way to rescue Lumiose. No matter what it takes.”  

Basstian crosses his arms, raising a questioning eyebrow at Roenaldo.  

Basstian: “Oh, really? How, might I ask, do you plan on completing this task? Do you mean to wait around for Lumiose to appear at our front door? Or perhaps you intend on sacrificing one of us for the purpose of retrieving our agent?”  

Roenaldo frowns slightly, feeling a small amount of annoyance towards Basstian’s insulting remarks. Despite this, he presses on, continuing...  

Roenaldo: “No, I’m not doing either of those things — I’ve got something much better in mind. But first...”  

The captain turns away, waving his hand forward.  

Roenaldo: “We’ve gotta get back to the base. What I have to say can’t be said out in the open.”  

As Roenaldo makes his exit, Basstian rolls his eyes and huffs, wearing a displeased frown as he walks after his leader.  

Basstian: “Ah, more retreating. Lovely...”  

As Basstian begrudgingly walks after Roenaldo, Risea turns in their direction, tilting her head slightly in confusion before shrugging and following her fellow NSS members onto a dirt path leading away from the prison.   

Later, at the New Squidbeak Splatoon’s base...  

Risea and Basstian stand behind Roenaldo, watching with respective expressions of curiosity and slight suspicion as Roenaldo digs around inside a storage tent. After a short bout of searching, the leader produces 3 weapons: an Octobrush, a Splatana Stamper and a Dynamo Roller, all with a black and lime green color scheme. Handing the brush and sword to Risea and Basstian respectively, Roenaldo takes the remaining weapon and props himself up on it. Widening her eyes in surprise, Risea forms an “o” shape with her mouth and looks up at Roenaldo in disbelief.  

Risea: “No way...Are these...?”  

Roenaldo nods in confirmation, leaning against the handle of his roller with a slight smile.  

Roenaldo: “Yep, that’s right —these are Hero weapons. We already had this roller and brush model for some time now, but the Stamper one is new—you can thank Basstian for that.”  

Risea gasps, turning towards Basstian with a pleasantly surprised smile.  

Risea: “Wait, really?! You made this?!”   

Basstian raises his head in slight surprise before nodding and giving Risea a small smile, looking proud of himself.  

Basstian: “Heheh, why yes, I did. Once I became aware that you were an agent and knowing how proficient you are with splatanas, I took it upon myself to design this weapon just for you. Though, I will admit, the model is fairly new, so it may have a few...kinks.”  

He then turns to Roenaldo, raising an eyebrow in an inquisitive fashion.  

Basstian: “But for what reason are you equipping us with such powerful weapons? Unless you mean to say...”  

Roenaldo grins, propping his weapon on his shoulder proudly.  

Roenaldo: “That we’re breaking back into that prison to rescue Agent 4? You couldn’t be any righter.”   

Both Risea and Basstian widen their eyes in disbelief, exchanging glances before facing Roenaldo with excited/shocked expressions.  

Risea: “Hold on, for real?! That so—”  

Basstian: “Extreme! Captain Roenaldo, with all due respect, I do wish to rescue Lumiose, but...is this method not a bit excessive?”  

Roenaldo smirks, raising an eyebrow at Basstian.  

Roenaldo: “Oh, don’t get your tentacles in a twist. It’s not guaranteed that we’ll be using these weapons—they’re only here for the scare factor. If all goes well, we’ll be able to threaten whoever’s in charge there into handing over our agent. And if that doesn’t work...well, we can use a bit of force.”  

Risea: “‘A bit of force’? Ah, forget that, I wanna see what this bad boy can do!”  

Basstian: “But we cannot...”  

Basstian’s voice trails off, slowing down to a halt as he thinks over the situation. After some contemplation, he shakes his head looks down.  

Basstian: “Well...I suppose that I can work with that plan. But I will not harm anyone without a reasonable cause.”  

Roenaldo: “As you should. But don’t worry, this shouldn’t take long...if we hurry, that is.”  

After saying that, Roenaldo heads for the storage shed once more, rummaging through its contents for two sets of outfits: a bright yellow blue coat and pair of boots and a dark jacket with armor plating plus a pair of dull gray boots. After retrieving the sets of gear, Roenaldo places them down on the base’s table.  

Roenaldo: “With that being said, go ahead and suit up, everyone. We leave in 5.”  

Picking up her set of bright Hero gear, Risea laughs, glancing at Roenaldo with an excited grin.  

Risea: “Oh, so this a full-fledged mission now? This should be fun...”  

Picking up his own, darker set of clothes, Basstian lets out a tired yet amused huff.  

Basstian: “Yes, ‘fun’ is certainly one way of putting it...”  

Meanwhile, in the Inkopolis Square Police Station...  

Lumiose stands shivering between Shawn and Gwen, who are holding him by the wrists as he stares up at a large TV screen. On the dark monitor, the digital face from before can be seen, looking down at Lumiose with a disappointed frown.  

???: “Well, isn’t that a shame. I do not know how they did it, but it seems as though your friends have given us the slip. What a pity...I would’ve greatly enjoyed having a full quartet of pets to play with.”  

The face’s expression then shifts to one of unbothered acceptance, giving the terrified Lumiose a knowing grin.  

???: “But I am not too worried. I can tell just by looking at you that you will make a fantastic minion. You may be weak and timid now, but your meekness can easily be converted into unrelenting devotion. Besides, knowing your kind, it will not be long before your comrades return...and I will be waiting for them with open arms.”  

As the mysterious entity goes on their monologue, Lumiose glows even brighter, shifting uncomfortably in his step.  

Lumiose: “S...scared...want...shoal...”  

Raising an electronic eyebrow, the face on the TV screen frowns down at Lumiose for a bit before smiling even wider.  

???: “Oh, you poor thing...you’re feeling lonely, aren’t you? Well, worry not, my luminous lackey...you shall soon be part of a bigger, much better family.” 
Following that message, the entity's eyes flash a multitude of different colors, drawing the attention of the bewildered Lumiose. 

???: “All you must do is focus on my voice...”  

Mesmerized by the colorful, strobing display, Lumiose hangs his mouth open, drooling slightly as he transfixes his gaze on the alluring sight.  

Lumiose: “Ohh...p...pretty...”  

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024  

Night falls over the empty streets of Inkopolis Square. Marching under the cover of the night, Roenaldo, Basstian, and Risea steadily yet quickly travel across the concrete lanes, with the ethereal glow of the moon and stars bouncing off their shiny, reflective outfits. Walking ahead of his agents, Roenaldo pans his view back and forth, keeping a wary eye out for any potential threats as Basstian and Risea follow closely behind.   

As the trio treads towards their destination, Basstian looks down at the ground, wearing a troubled expression on his face as he grips the handle of his Hero Brush. After a period of deep thinking, he hastens his steps to catch up to Roenaldo, leaning forward slightly to meet the Inkling’s gaze once he gets there.  

Basstian: “Captain Martine...if you do not mind, I have a question that I must ask.”  

Roenaldo turns to face his agent, breaking his stoic expression to give Basstian a friendly nod and smile.  

Roenaldo: “Of course, Agent 8. What’s on your mind?”  

Basstian averts his gaze slightly, unsure of how to put his next words. After some contemplation, he turns back towards his leader, concern etched into his very expression.   

Basstian: “In the event that we manage to rescue Agent 4 from the clutches of our enemy...what will we do once he has returned to our party? He was already not in the greatest of conditions before, but that gas...it seems to have worsened his condition substantially. It’s as if he has completely changed...”  

He pauses for a moment.  

Basstian: “Do you know of any way for us to return our friend to a stable sense of mind? Any way at all?”  

Roenaldo walks in silence for a bit, furrowing his eyebrows as he considers Basstian’s inquiry. After some thinking, he shakes his head, returning his attention to the path ahead of the group.  

Roenaldo: “I can’t say for certain. This whole case is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. As far as I know, he might already be long gone...”  

Basstian’s hearts break at Roenaldo’s truth bomb, and his pace slows significantly. Seeing her fellow agent’s devastated expression, Risea walks over to him and places a reassuring hand on his shoulder, giving him an encouraging smile.  

Risea: “Hey, don’t worry, Basstian. Things may look bad, but no one said we can’t turn things around. Besides, I’ve got a plan that’s sure to work...”  

She then retrieves her Splatana from the custom-made sheath on her back and winds it up like a bat:  

Risea: “Once we get Lumiose back, I’m gonna take my Splatana and —”  

She proceeds to swing her weapon at full force, wearing a big smile as the sword swipes through the air.  

Risea: “BAM! Right across the ol’ noggin. That should knock some sense into him for sure!”  

Basstian widens his eyes at Risea, absolutely dumbfounded by her line of thinking. After a brief pause, he raises an eyebrow at the squid, disbelief laced in his voice.  

Basstian: “Is that seriously your plan? I do not mean to be rude, Risea, but...that strategy seems highly faulty.”   

Risea gasps, holding her hand against her chest in a surprised manner.  

Risea: “What?! Aw, c’mon, don’t say that! What’s so wrong with my plan? I see people do it all the time in movies!”  

Basstian gives Risea a look.  

Basstian: “In movies, such a method may prove to be successful. In reality, however, you are more likely to give  Lumiose a concussion than you are to cure him of his ailment...”  

Risea smirks and rolls her eyes, tucking her Splatana back into her sheath.  

Risea: “Okay, maybe that isn’t the best of ideas. But still! No matter what we have to do, no matter what, we’ll find a way to cure Lumiose. In fact, we’ll find a way to cure ALL of Inkopolis and the Splatlands! That’s a promise.”  

Basstian looks into Risea’s eyes for a few seconds before giving her a small smile.  

Basstian: “Heh...well, I appreciate your optimism. Perhaps our situation is not as hopeless as I believe it is.”  

He then sighs and shakes his head, looking ahead of him.  

Basstian: “Or at least I hope it’s not...”  

Looking back at his friend, Roenaldo gives him a small, comforting smile.  

Roenaldo: “Hey, have some hope, agent. We’ll figure something out, I promise. For now, let’s just hurry up and find our friend. We can figure out the rest later.”  

Feeling slightly more at ease, Basstian gives a slight nod and salute, wearing a small smirk on his face as he continues to march forward.  

Basstian: “Understood, captain.”  

After a moderately long trip, the trio finds themselves before the imposing front of the Inkopolis Square Police Station. Letting out a sharp exhale, Roenaldo plants his Roller into the ground and looks up at the concrete wall, wearing a determined frown.  

Roenaldo: “Well, here we are. You guys ready?”  

Smiling widely, Risea raises her fist to the sky and cheers:  

Risea: “Yeah! Let’s do it!”   

Basstian, on the other hand, looks more conflicted. Looking down at the ground for a minute, he wrings his hands worriedly, speaking in a quiet tone.  

Basstian: “I am ready, but...I cannot help but to feel worried. Last time we were here, we barely escaped with our minds. In fact, I am still feeling a little...off. If my assumptions are correct and our adversary is waiting for us with a weapon similar to the one from before...I fear that we may not be able to resist the effects of those mind-altering agents. I fear that we will end up just like Lumiose, broken and confused...”  

Sensing Basstian’s worry, Roenaldo places a hand on his back, looking up to meet his gaze.  

Roenaldo: “Hey, no need to worry, Basstian. If that mystery guy tries anything funny, You and I have been mind-controlled before, right? This is nothing to us.”  

At this, Basstian chuckles briefly, looking up to the sky in remembrance.  

Basstian: “Heh, I suppose you are right. Perhaps our respective mind-jacking experiences served to immunize us to such tactics.”  

His smile dims, being replaced by a thoughtful frown.  

Basstian: “Regardless, I believe that it is in our best interest to practice caution. It is my deepest desire to rescue my fellow agent, but the last thing I want is for all of us to succumb to the effects of this invasive curse.”  

Roenaldo nods, giving Basstian a reassuring smile.  

Roenaldo: “No worries, agent, we’ll be fine, I promise. As your leader, I’ll make sure that all of us are safe, every last one of us.”  

The captain then removes his hand from Basstian’s back and marches towards the front door, holding his Dynamic Hero against his shoulder.  

Roenaldo: “Now, let’s get a move on. We don’t have any time to waste.  

As Risea excitedly walks into the police station with Roenaldo, Basstian looks on at his captain, his eyes wide with awe and admiration. After taking a second to calm his racing thoughts, he clenches his fist and nods before following his superior.  

Basstian: Alright. I am right behind you, Führer.”  

Now within the corridors of the dark, dimly lit police station, Roenaldo, Basstian, and Risea venture through the empty halls of the building, their shoes clacking against the smooth shiny linoleum as they begin their search. Narrowing his eyes in concentration, Roenaldo turns his head from side to side, staying as vigilant as ever while Risea and Basstian walk close by, a layer of suspense hanging over the whole group.  

Roenaldo: “Okay guys, keep your eyes open. It hasn’t been that long since we left this place, so Lumiose can’t have moved far. Let’s just get in here and get out.”  

Letting out a brief huff, Risea places her hands in her pockets and frowns, darting her eyes back and forth.  

Risea: “Yeah, right behind you, ‘Naldo. I dunno why, but it feels like this place got a whole lot creepier since we were last here...”  

Basstian: “Hm, I can certainly see your point, Risea — there is definitely a prominent amount of eeriness in the air as of current. It is almost as if —”  

Before Basstian can finish his sentence, all of the lights in the building suddenly switch off, plunging the area into darkness. Shocked, the 3 NSS members immediately assume defensive positions, having learned from their previous, pitch-black experience. As the trio tries to look through the blackness, a faint, green glow appears in the distance, drawing the cephalopods’ attention. Seemingly floating through the air like a will-o-wisp in the night, the mysterious light slowly makes its way towards the group, its arrival accompanied by the faint sounds of footsteps. Once the shining entity reaches a point a few feet away from the heroic party, a pair of blank, green eyes becomes visible to the inkfish, a display followed by a flat, albeit scarily familiar voice.  

Voice: “Intruders...”  

Feeling one of his hearts drop into his stomach, Roenaldo takes a step back, his eyes wide in shock and slight terror as he, Basstian, and Risea stare straight at the glowing figure. Filled with a strong sense of dread, he gulps before speaking in a shaky, disbelieving voice:  

Roenaldo: “L...Lumiose....?”  

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024  

Activated by some unknown force, the lights in the building slowly turn on, confirming the trio’s deepest fears. Dressed in a blue uniform with the insignia of a cat’s paw on its upper right corner, Lumiose eerily stares forward at his supposed friends, his expression stagnant and unreadable. In this cold and lifeless state, Lumiose did not at all look like the bright, genuine Inkling he once was. Instead, he was a husk of his former self, an unfortunate soul devoid of any speck of individuality and personality...a zombie.  

Roenaldo, Basstian, and Risea stand there speechless, unable to find the words to describe their utter shock and disbelief. Seeing Lumiose, one of the most loyal members of the New Squidbeak Splatoon and one of their most trusted allies, reduced to such a stiff, mindless drone...it brought a heavy feeling to their hearts more profound than any they had known before.   

After what feels like a century, another pair of footsteps come to break the tense silence, starting off faint and steadily growing louder. Looking towards the source of the noise, the members of the NSS spot two familiar faces, the duo of Inklings from before, both of whom are marching in unison. Promptly halting at a point between Lumiose and his distraught friends, the two cephalopods hold out the small television that they’re holding, with the male switching it on to reveal that same smiling digital face.  

???: “Greetings once again, my misaligned mollusks. How nice of you to drop in for a visit.”  

Staring forward at the face on the screen, Risea grits her teeth in anger, balling her free hand up into a tight fist.  

Risea: “Cut the crap, you techniky creep! What’d you do to Lumiose?!”   

The figure laughs, its smile growing even wider at Risea’s aggression.   

???: “What did I do to him? Why, I simply tapped into his full potential, that’s all. Your timid little friend here, he is as compliant as a sheet of aluminum, as submissive as a lamb...it was only fitting that I herded him as such. All that I required was a little mind manipulation, a dash of persuasive charm, and voila! I have the perfect servant, one who possesses nothing but unyielding loyalty for me in his sweet little hearts.”  

Looking over at Lumiose, the entity continues:  

???: “Isn’t that right, Lux? You enjoy serving your master, don’t you?”  

Hearing this, Lumiose, or rather Lux, nods firmly, still maintaining a neutral expression.  

Lumiose: “Yes, Master. Lux loves it. Lux loves it very much.”  

Reeling back in shock, Basstian looks between the brainwashed Lumiose and the figure on the screen in pure disbelief, eventually settling on a furious, disgusted look.  

Basstian: “How dare you refer to my friend by such a moniker! Lux is not his name! The name of my friend is Lumiose!”  

The mysterious character simply chuckles at Basstian’s disapproval, finding his anger delicious.  

???: “Lumiose? Now why would I give such a complicated name as that to one of my pets? No, I believe that ‘Lux’ is a much more fitting moniker for such a simple creature as your former friend. Besides, he is a changed Inkling, one who is of far more value than the misguided whelp he was previously. It is only right that his name should reflect his new identity.”  

Growing even more peeved, Basstian grips the handle of his Hero Brush and points it forward, feeling the ink within him boil as he stares daggers at the entity.  

Basstian: “Du Teufel! I will not stand for this! You will pay dearly for what you have done to my comrade!”  

Narrowing their eyes, Roenaldo and Risea brandish their own weapons, giving the face a threatening look.  

Roenaldo: “ We won’t stand for this. We’re gonna snap our agent out of whatever trance you put him in and put a stop to your evil plans—even if we have to get a little violent.”  

Risea: “Screw that, we WILL get violent! Get ready for a beating, you pixel-faced freak!”  

As the 3 cephalopods assume an opposing stance, the display shakes its digital head, letting out a small sigh.  

???: “Tsk, tsk, tsk. How disappointing. Your shortsighted ideals of individuality and independence have clouded your minds to the point where instead of peacefully submitting and indulging in the pleasures that a carefree, pampered life will bring, you actively fight against my authority like a horde of untamed beasts unwilling to kneel before any master. Don’t you see that I am only attempting to make your lives easier, to alleviate the burden of free will and allow grant you all a place in my utopia? I have only your best interests in mind.”  

Roenaldo narrows his eyes even further, tightening his grip on the handle of his Roller.  

Roenaldo: “If living in this ‘utopia’ of yours means losing our identity and becoming nothing more than your pets, then we’ll pass. Take your dictator worldviews somewhere else.”  

Hearing this, the entity on the screen looks offended for a second before quickly regaining its composure, giving the group a calm smirk.  

???: “Hmph. Very well, then. If you refuse to comply peacefully, then you leave me with no other choice...”  

The figure’s white features turn a menacing red, and it gives the group a sinister grin.  

???: “Sic ‘em.”  

Without any hesitation or questioning, Shawn and Gwen set down the appliance that they’re carrying and face towards the NSS, driving their fists into their palms as they approach the trio. At the same time, much to the heroes’ horror, the mind-altered Lumiose joins his fellow puppets, baring his teeth in aggression as he steps towards his former friends. This was going to be a terrible night...  

Chapter Text

Monday, September 23, 12024  

Gripping the handle of her Splatana tightly, Risea furrows her eyebrows, watching tensely as the 3 brainwashed Inklings approach the group.  

Risea: “Damn it. I was lookin’ forward to a fight, but I was hopin’ that we’d only clobber that television guy. Didn’t think it’d come to this...”  

Looking between the 3 squids, Basstian holds his brush close to his chest, tensing up his shoulders.  

Basstian: “To think that we would be forced to do battle against our fellow cephalopods. Much less against one of our own comrades...”  

Wearing a focused yet shaky look on his face, Roenaldo assumes a defensive position with his Roller, surveying the enemy trio with an analytical eye.  

Roenaldo: “Hm, yeah, this definitely isn’t ideal. But it doesn’t look like we have any other choice.”  

With that, Roenaldo places the sponge of his Roller on the ground, narrowing his eyes in determination.  

Roenaldo: “If it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they’ll get. Let’s just try not to hurt them too much, especially not Agent 4.”  

Hearing their leader’s words, Risea and Basstian exchange glances before giving each other a firm nod, their tentacles turning a bright yellow as they return their attention to the antagonistic inkfish.  

Basstian: “Affirmative. Let us subdue our wayward friends and quell the threat that they present.”  

Risea: “Time to knock some sense into these drones.”  

Shortly after the NSS’s pre-match planning, the mysterious figure’s loyal minions begin their attack, running towards the heroes with the cold dedication of a silent killer. Steeling their minds and spirits for a tough battle, the three agents brandish their weapons, preparing for the worst as their adversaries rush them down.  

Heading straight for Risea, Gwen rears her fist back and jumps forward, aiming to land a leaping overhead directly on her opponent. More than ready for such a maneuver, Risea swiftly spins to the side, using the momentum from her rotation to deliver a strong kick to Gwen’s rear, causing her to grunt in pain as she falls to the ground.  

Risea: “Too slow, chump!”  

Though Gwen looks injured for a brief second, she is quick to recover, using her curled up position on the floor to perform a fast sweep, one that Risea just barely manages to jump over.  

Risea: “Woah!”  

In the few seconds where Risea descends from her evasive jump, Gwen places her hands on the floor and rises to her feet, already aiming a straight jab at Risea’s face by the time she lands. Thankfully for Risea, her lightning-quick reaction speed comes in clutch once again, and she’s just able to raise her Splatana to block the hit.  

Risea: “Heh...not bad. You’re really makin’ me break a sweat.”  

Before Gwen can get another hit in. Risea uses her sword to shove her foe away, striking Gwen with a powerful headbutt for good measure. Afterwards, she raises up her weapon once more, giving Gwen a competitive smile.  

Risea: “This’ll be real interestin’...”  

Meanwhile, in Basstian’s spot, the Octoling stares down Lumiose, who is facing his former friend with a mean scowl.  

Basstian: (Oh, of all the people to target me, why did it have to be Lumiose? I cannot possibly hurt him, especially not when he is so confused. Why, oh why must fate be so cruel?)  

As Basstian struggles with his inner thoughts, Lumiose clenches his fists and charges at Basstian for the 4 th time, glowing with the intensity of a flickering flame as he rushes towards the conflicted octopus. Shutting his eyes tightly to protect himself from Lumiose’s blinding light, he raises up his Hero Brush, using the handle as both a shield and a means to push his lost friend away.  

Basstian: “Stop this, Lumiose! Do you not recognize your friend? I do not wish to hurt you!”  

Unfortunately for Basstian, his words fall on deaf ears, and his passive push only serves to agitate Lumiose even further. Filled with an almost animalistic rage, Lumiose runs at Basstian once more, refusing to let up. Growing tired of the whole blocking routine, Basstian instead moistens the bristles of his brush and creates a puddle of yellow ink, dives into it, and performs an escaping flip to the side. Too focused on his advance to stop, Lumiose gets stuck in the sticky ink, growling in frustration as he struggles to move within the trapping substance. Transitioning out of his octopus form, Basstian observes Lumiose for a second before turning to look at Roenaldo.  

Basstian: “Captain Martine, may I request some assistance? I cannot keep up the fight against our agent much longer!”  

Roenaldo, who is currently facing off against Shawn, deflects another kick from his foe and glances over at Basstian.  

Roenaldo: “Sure thing, Agent 8, I’ve got you. Just gimme a sec.”  

As Shawn prepares to close the distance for another attack, Roenaldo winds up his Roller and smacks Shawn with the side of it, knocking him away with a short grunt. While the brainwashed Inkling is stunned, Roenaldo runs towards Basstian and gestures backwards.  

Roenaldo: “Go ahead and take my place, agent. I’ll handle 4.”  

Basstian looks at Roenaldo for a quick moment, his eyes wide in a mix of disbelief and awe. After processing the situation, he gives his leader a curt nod, hastily making his way over to take Roenaldo’s place. Seeing Basstian stance up against Shawn, Roenaldo faces Lumiose, who is still stuck in Basstian’s ink.  

Roenaldo: “Oh, just look at him. Stuck on the floor, growling like a wild animal...it’s almost too sad to look at.”  

Letting out a soft sigh, Roenaldo steps closer to Lumiose, giving him a sympathetic look.  

Roenaldo: “You must be suffering, Lumiose —I can see it in your eyes. And I’m sorry that I let such a thing happen to you, one of my agents. But I swear, no matter what it takes, I...WE will find a way to fix you. So just please —”  

Before Roenaldo can finish his sentence, Lumiose ejects a glob of blue ink from his palm at his former leader, prompting Roenaldo to shut his eyes reflexively. While Roenaldo is blinded, Lumiose takes the opportunity to punch him right in the face, knocking Roenaldo back with a surprising amount of force. Staggering a bit, Roenaldo supports himself on his weapon before wiping the gunk from his face, adopting a more serious expression.  

Roenaldo: “Dang it, I still can’t get through to him. This is worse than I thought...”  

Shaking his head, Roenaldo lets out another sigh before bringing his Roller down, assuming a battle-ready stance.  

Roenaldo: “Well, I guess I don’t have any other choice. Hopefully a little discipline will set your act straight.”  

Seeing Roenaldo stand in opposition to his rebellion, Lumiose gets up and hunches over, staring straight at his former ally with pure malice. Refusing to let up in his assault, the ravenous glow squid charges at his foe yet again, fully intent on eradicating this threat and pleasing his master.  

Though only a few minutes pass, it feels like days have gone by as the NSS fends off the mysterious figure’s heartless pawns, trading and deflecting blow after blow from the relentless soldiers. As the sounds of fists and feet striking both metal and flesh echoes through the otherwise empty halls of the prison, the face on the screen watches on in dark glee, reveling in the sight of cephalopod-on-cephalopod violence.  

???: “Yes, fight on, my precious pets. Show these beasts the true meaning of loyalty.”  

As time goes on and more blows are exchanged, a shift occurs in the NSS. Risea’s strikes and parries begin to slow, becoming sloppier and less focused, Basstian’s evasive maneuvers become less refined, causing his speed with his brush to lessen somewhat, and Roenaldo’s defensive stance begins to weaken, starting to crack under Lumiose’s offensive pressure. Huffing and puffing breathlessly, the three inkfish back up towards one another, their dark skin slick with sweat.  

Risea: “Hah...damn...they...hah...just keep on comin’...”  

Basstian: “Hm...indeed. Our enemy is relentless...and they do not appear to have lost any energy.”  

Roenaldo: “Ah...yeah...things aren’t looking too good. It'll take a miracle to get out of this without doing something drastic.”  

Just then, a look of realization flashes across Roenaldo’s face.  

Roenaldo: “Unless...”  

Intrigued, Risea and Basstian turn towards their leader, their eyes wide with curiosity.  

Basstian: “Unless...? What do you have in mind, Ro—”  

Suddenly, to the agent’s absolute shock and disbelief, Roenaldo drops his weapon and holds his hands up, giving the opposition a calm, composed smile.  

Roenaldo: “We surrender.”