7:43 AM GPST (Great Province Standard Time) August 31th, 3046
"HIT THE DECK!" Inklings buried into the hot sand of Inkyland's Great Desert, in hopes of escaping the oncoming missile. The sleek rocket soared past them into a hill of sand behind them, leaving no trance of a hill having ever been there. "That was too close, men." The commanding officer rose out of the sand to poke his head above the barricade to check the battlefield. His olive green hat sat on his distinguished, but pale head covered by inky gold hair, which sat on top of his also green uniform, which was decorated with many medals. "Prepare to return fire, troops."
"Major-General McInkford!"" An Inkling called. He was dressed in similar wear, except with a helmet, which also sat on golden hair. "Isn't that 1M78's designation?"
"'78." McInkford repeated. "GALAHAD REINHARD! WHERE ARE YOU?"
"Sir!" Another Inkling was pulling his companion out of the sand. He looked different than the others in his squad. His hair was dark blue, and his skin was tanned more so than the others. He also had something else different than the others: age. He wasn't even out of high school, and barely even combat ready. "Galahad Reinhard, sir! It's my friend, sir. He's caught in the sand."
"What?" The Major spat. He motioned for someone to take lookout duty. "Who is it?"
"My friend, Ignaticus Kwame." Galahad informed. "He dove for cover when the shell flew in."
"I'll dig him out." Major McInkford declared. "'78, help out on the front line." Suddenly, an explosion ripped through the air, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Front line has collapsed!" A soldier reported. "All three of them are dead!"
"Blast!" McInkford scowled. "Damn Octarians don't know when to quit. '78, report!"
"They're leaving the base!" Galahad reported, eyes locked into his binoculars. "They're coming our way!"
"Do something!" The Major ordered. "I'm digging '79 out! Take charge, '78, or we'll be finished!"
'Think, Gal!' Galahad had begun to think hard. 'What will send those Octarians packing?' He pressed forward for an answer. "Ink! Inkzooka!" Galahad pulled out his standard issue Hero Shot. He pulled the trigger, and deep blue ink covered the desert sand. Gal kept it coming as his special gauge filled up higher and higher. A click let him know that he was ready to attack. "Finally!" Galahad drew his Inkzooka, sweating buckets under the relentless sun.
"What's that one doing?" An Octarian asked his ally as they proceeded. An Octocopter rose into the air to get a better view, spotting the lime green Inkzooka.
"CRAAAAP!" He screamed. "INKZOOKA! RUN FOR IT!" It was too late. Gal had begun his blitz of blasts, with one goal: repel the freaks.
"Eat Ink, Octoscum!" Galahad laughed, finally drawing the Octarians away from them. "Back into Octoland, where you belong!"
"'78!" McInkford called. "Report! Have they been repelled?"
"As you ordered, sir!" Galahad saluted. "Sent them packing across that border!"
"Couldn't have asked for a better job done." The Major sighed. "Well done. '78. There's a medal with your name on it back at I.N.F.R.A.R.E.D.D. base back in Inkopolis."
"Thanks, sir." Galahad nodded. "How's Ignaticus?"
"We finally dug him out." He pointed. "The boys are patching him up."
Galahad rushed over to his friend. "Hey Ig! Finally dug your head out of the dirt!"
"Very funny. Gal." Ig chuckled. Ig stood out the most in the group. Same blue hair as Gal under his helmet, but his skin was the darkest, like midnight. "We headed back to Inkopolis now?"
"You know it." Gal nodded. "Pack it in, team. Good work here today."
I.N.F.R.A.R.E.D.D. Headquarters, Inkopolis, 11:39 AM IST (Inkopolis Standard Time)
"Man, I can't stand fighting out there." Gal came out of the shower to talk to Ig. "I get all paranoid, that isn't my thing."
"Well, what is your thing?" Ig pursued. "Just awkward?"
"Very funny." Galahad put his common black shorts on, and began to wedge his socks on, too. "I like to stay cool under pressure, like in Turf War."
"Yeah." Ig rolled his eyes, "You stay pretty cool there, too."
"We got ourselves a comedian here!" Gal laughed, smacking the jokester Ig with his towel. "I'm pretty cool, right? I mean, I get all the fresh clothes when they come out. That qualifies as cool, right?"
"Listen, Gal. You're a cool guy." Ig explained. "You just…kinda get repulsive at times. Like after a loss. And after you miss a sale. And if the Inkinators lose a game, which is a lot."
"Okay, the last one was by three points!" Gal threw his Purple Hi-Horses on, and slid into his Zink Layered LS. "I could drain a three-pointer, why can't Mendes? I don't know why they hold onto that guy."
"Okay, I agree with you there." Ig pointed, gathering his things. He was also dressed, sporting his Red Hi-Horses with a Linen Shirt and Retro Specs. "You ready to go? We're meeting Bell and Reed for lunch in the cafeteria."
"Yeah, let's go." Gal agreed. "See this?" He pulled out a new hat. "What do you think?"
"From the Aimee Yoshi collection, right?" Ig observed.
"Yeah." Gal nodded. "She's got the coolest stuff. That whole 'Earth 2016' collection is pretty nice. Humans knew how to dress, huh?"
"How about we dress it to the caf?" Ig joked.
"That's not funny." Gal sighed. "Nice try though."
12:04 PM IST
The I.N.F.R.A.R.E.D.D. eating space was huge. It took up the space that was an old airplane hanger, and the bustling sounds of all the Inklings that occupied it could only be contained here. "Where we supposed to meet Bell and Reed?"
"The usual spot." Ig pulled out his buzzing phone. "Yeah, it's Ig. Where are you guys?" Ig spent some time listening for a bit. "Right. Gotcha. I'll see you there." He hung up furiously. "Change of plans. We're meeting at the pizza place on Pacific Street."
"What?" Gal batted an eyebrow. "Why all the change all of the sudden?"
"They figure it's a Saturday, so we might as well try a new place." Ig assumed. "We could use a bit of change."
"How far is that from here?" Gal asked, observing the length of the line for the usual fish sandwiches.
"A thirty minute bike ride." Ig calculated. "Unless we take the freeway."
"Bike on the freeway?" Gal clarified.
"I'd advise against that, Gal." Ig advised. "Cars are driving at least 120 on a slow day."
"Yeah, but it's the Saturday afternoon usual hold-up." Gal reminded. "The Inkinators play tonight, and it's a home game. That will put the traffic at a steady 60."
"You're really pushing for this." Ig observed. "I'll go get the bikes."
Inkopolis Central Freeway, 12:22 PM IST
"Ah!" Gal exclaimed. "Feel that wind! Nothing like a good ride. Ig, keep up!"
"I'm trying!" Ig coughed, pedaling hard to keep up with Galahad. The cars were barely moving at all, all six lanes of them. In fact, Galahad and Ignaticus were passing them on their cheap pedal bikes. "This is the exit up here."
"I see the place!" Gal pointed. "The one with the Inkling holding the giant pizza, right?"
"That's the place." Ig checked the picture. "Yeah, I see Bell's car parked out front." He pointed to the red sports car. "Goodness, Galahad! Use your brakes! This is a steep drop!"
"Fine, I'll see you there tomorrow then!" Gal laughed. "I'm going no brakes down this hill!" Gal sped down the hill, hanging a right quickly, turning into the plaza. He sped over a small curb, and the bike flew up from underneath him, wiping him out. Galahad landed on his back on a small patch of grass.
"Oh, boy!" Ig rode over to him. "You okay?"
"Yeah." Gal laughed, winded. "Yeah! I'm fine. Just hungry."
"Your bike looks totaled." Ig realized. "How are you gonna get around?"
"Naw, it's fine." Gal dismissed. "I'll get Bell to drop me off at my mechanics' place after lunch. Let's just get some food, I'm starved."
The Pizza Place, 12:51 PM IST
"Guys!" Gal waved as he and Ig entered the pizza place.
"About time!" Bellerophor stood up, giving Gal a hearty handshake and a bro-hug. He wore all dark clothes, his leather jacket and leather pants looked like one piece. He wore tall army boots that looked like they'd never been cleaned. His black tentacles were tucked under a black hat that, like his outfit and shoes were from the Aimee Yoshi collection.
"We were getting hungry, guys!" Reed informed, giving Ig a pat on the back. Reed was a bit more colourful than his friend. He wore a basic white T-Shirt and acid washed jeans from the Aimee Yoshi collection. He had some neon yellow running shoes and also wore a hat that matched his green tentacles. "We heard about the battle, good to see you guys in one piece."
"It was Gal who really took control there." Ig recalled. "He pulled out that Inkzooka and sent those Octarians packing across the border!"
"In that case, lunch is on me!" Bell proclaimed.
"Actually, I need that favour after lunch." Gal added. "Need you to drop me by the mechanics' so I can get Rover out there patched up."
"I'll take lunch then." Reed offered. "I might need you to cover for me on the battlefield eventually."
"Good soldier like you?" Ig asked, shocked. "You'd be the one in Galahad's place if that happened!"
"We ordering or what?" Gal changed the topic. "I didn't bust my bike up to get no food."
"We just got a large pepperoni." Bell explained. "Figured you'd be good with that."
"Cool." Gal smiled. It got awkwardly quiet after Gal responded. The sounds of the ceiling fan blowing and the Squid Squad song from the speaker channeled everyone to pull out their phones and check messages. All of the sudden, the music faded out. This prompted the four friends to get off their phones and look around.
"That's weird." Reed noticed. "This song is like five minutes long, it's been on for a minute!"
"Oh, let it go." Gal chuckled. "Radio edits are usually shorter."
"I don't think it's the radio!" Bell's eyes were fixed on a white sports car that just pulled up. "Look who just pulled in!" When Bell pointed the car out, an electric synthpop song faded into the restaurant. The other Inklings in the restaurant realized who had just arrived at the diner. Most of them had some sort of clothes relating them to I.N.F.R.A.R.E.D.D. on. Most of the guys ran to the window to catch a glimpse and then gathered by the front door. "Well, well, well!" Bell smirked a cocky grin. "If it isn't the Yoshi sisters!" Three of the prettiest Inkling girls Gal had ever seen exited the sweet ride. They were all giggling, and taking selfies. They opened the door and were swarmed by an army of Inklings, desperate for a chance to talk to them.
"Who the heck are the Yoshi sisters?" Gal looked to Ig, who was equally as confused.
"The hottest, freshest girls to ever walk into I.N.F.R.A.R.E.D.D.!" Bell explained.
"And you're not all pumped by this, Reed? You're usually Bell's shadow."
"Hey, I got a great girlfriend." Reed reminded him. "And besides, Circe is friends with the Yoshi sisters."
"So, who's who in the zoo here?" Gal asked, "If this hopeless army ever moves."
"The one in the front is Allie." Bell pointed to the one in the front, who like her sisters was being swarmed. She had long pink tentacles that almost dragged on the floor. She didn't wear anything from Turf War; she just stuck to a white top that was a bit too short and long black leggings. Her gold Lo-Tops and pink beanie blended into her look.
"What's the verdict on her?" Ig inquired.
"She's got a boyfriend, I'm pretty sure." Bell guessed. "That's what Fill from base told me, at least."
"Gossip boy Fill." Ig recalled. "Who's next?"
"The one in the blue is Emily." Bell motioned to the next one, who was busy trying to listen to the music. She wore clothes from Turf War, a combination of a Squid Hairclip to keep her blue tentacles in order, a blue jacket and Cream Hi-Tops. She seemed to be more down-to-Earth than her sister.
"Info, Bell." Ig urged.
"Right. She's also got a boyfriend." Bell reported. "I hear he's in the Inkyland Royal Arm. But I could be wrong. Heh, as if."
"Oh, so a big shot." Gal laughed.
"I hear he's a lot like me." Bell bragged.
"Still a big shot." Gal joked.
"Don't let her hear you, idiot!" Ig smacked Gal's head. "Go on."
"I've never seen you so interested in anything." Gal smirked.
"The last one's a beauty." Bell pointed. "That's Lea in the back." The last of the sisters looked a lot prettier than the others. They were all pretty, but she wore a lot less makeup to look good. She also wore clothes from the Aimee collection. She wore an open red jacket with a short white tank top under it. She wore tight jeans and Lo-Tops like her sisters. She didn't have anything on her head, except her red tentacles and a great big smile.
"Yeah, she is pretty." Gal agreed. "Damn, her smile is contagious. Anything to know?"
"What more would you want to know?" Bell whispered. "Isn't that enough?"
"Aw, yeah buddy!" Gal smirked an overconfident grin. "I'd try to make a move, but she's waaaay out of my league."
"Oh, you are so right." Ig nodded to agree, channeling an angered expression on Gal's face.
"Don't look now, but they're coming this way." Bell pointed, reclining into the booth. Reed was pretty lost now, having gazed into his phone a while ago.
"You think they'll see us?" Gal asked.
"Oh, no." Bell disagreed. "I guarantee they'll see us."
"What makes you so sure?" Ig batted a dirty look, showing he was not to be toyed with.
"Just this." Bell stood up. "Girl! Over here!" He waved.
"What is he doing?" Ig growled under his breath.
"You don't know?" Reed asked. "Bell asked the blue one out this morning, and she said yes."
Gal and Ig's jaws dropped, they looked at each other, shocked, before exclaiming "WHAT!?"
"Bell!" Emily pushed a guy away, running towards their booth. "Thanks for inviting me here!" She planted a kiss on his check. "Are these your two friends who were out this morning?"
"That's them!" Bell motioned. "Emily, these are my friends, Galahad Reinhard and Ignaticus Kwame."
"Nice to meet you guys!" Emily smiled. "These are my sisters, Allie and Lea." Lea smiled, while Allie shrugged and look away.
"Nice to met you." Ig welcomed. "We'd like for you to stay and talk, but you're probably busy. We're all I.N.F.R.A.R.E.D.D. here, so guess we'll meet there and can chat later."
"That sounds great!" Emily agreed. "I'll see you later, Bell, we're headed out to Inkopolis Tower to battle for a bit."
"Cool! Score some kills for me." Bell laughed. "Good luck!" He motioned, as they took off.
"You're in the Royal Army?" Gal asked, impressed.
"Yeah, yeah," Bell turned to Ig, "Ig, when girls like them come to talk, we don't tell them to get lost, got me?"
"Well, I didn't say get lost." Ig clarified.
"Work on that, Ig." Bell advised. "Gal, you ready head to the mechanics'?"
"Actually, drop us off at Inkopolis Tower." Gal requested.
"Gal, you don't mean-" Ig started.
"I see what you're thinking." Reed smiled. "Let's move out, guys! Gal's got an idea that I like!"
"You coming?" Bell asked, surprised.
"Circe told me to meet her there, I might as well." Reed shrugged. "I want a front row seat for this!"
"Oh, boy. I hope you know what you're doing." Ig reminded.
"When have I ever not known what I'm doing?" Gal inquired. "Just follow my lead, Ig. If my plan works, we'll be sailing in Bell's boat pretty soon."