I woke up the next morning completely ready to go into ink battles. The bed was actually pretty comfy, but that doesn't excuse the dust bunnies under the bed. But still, I was excited to get into the Inkopolis plaza and instantly started to get ready.
I looked for the bathroom so I could take a shower but I could only find a room with a sink and a toilet inside. The rest of the room could totally be completed with a shower, but the motel decided to leave it for the rats. So, I just put some deodorant on and put my regular clothes on.
By this point, it was almost 10:00 in the morning, that's when the plaza opens, but this time I had to go there by foot. I didn't mind so much 'cause I thought I could use some extra exercise before I go to the battlefield. After I got ready, I went outside the motel to go start my journey to the plaza.
My dad taught me a few things about being in Inkopolis for the first time, so I knew that I had to go through the training course before I could actually enter the Inkopolis plaza. Good thing I had my Splattershot ready and my little booklet in hand. I decided to keep the booklet with me because…who knows…it might come in handy later.
Anyway, as I was walking to the training grounds I decided to put my headphones on so I could listen to music as I was walking. As I was enjoying the music, I saw tons of other Inklings in the streets playing games in the morning sunlight. Its strange how a city as big as Inkopolis can be so similar to my hometown, and yet be completely different.
Before I knew it, I was at the training grounds, the gateway to Inkopolis. I took my Splattershot off of my back and started to follow the directions by reading the first sign I saw.
"Hey, you. Yeah, you!"
…Oh! Were you talking to me?! I didn't even notice!
"Wanna be the freshest squid on the block?"
That depends…does being 'fresh' turn me into one of those prissy one-dimensional stereotypes?
"We'll teach you some funky-fresh moves on the way to Inkopolis!"
Well…OK, if you would be so kind.
After I read the sign, green balloons appeared in a trail starting from some stairs that lead to what looked like a road. As soon as I laid eyes on them, I knew what I had to do. I held the Splattershot trigger tightly and started to take my very first shots.
I was blowing up the trail of balloons one by one with a sense of adrenaline flowing through my entire body. I never had so much fun in my whole life. And to think…it was only the tutorial!
I continued shooting the trail of balloons that lead me to a large area with hills that were cemented with concrete, much like a skate park. A sign told me to shoot the entire ground with my ink so I could swim in it when I'm in squid form. So I followed the sign's instructions and started shooting the ground until there was a gigantic puddle of ink. Then I got near the puddle and turned into my squid form. As soon as I did the transformation I started to swim rapidly in my own ink. I felt so fluid and free when I was swimming. I began dashing and jumping and totally forgot about the tutorial, until I finally came out of the ink puddle.
After I got out of the ink pool, I noticed some ramps that lead to another floor of the tutorial. The sign near then said that I can even swim up walls when I'm in my own ink. So I shot the ramps and started swimming up the walls, all while shooting the trail of balloons that lead me to another part of the tutorial.
The balloons lead me to a three-layered platform that was in front of a maxi-glass wall. I tried shooting the glass, but apparently ink can't go on those types of material. The only way up the wall was to jump from the top of the platform to the top of the wall to continue. So I went to the top of the platform and tried to jump, but I didn't make it. Luckily, I landed on my feet and not my face, but I wondered how I could get form that platform to the other. Then…I got an idea.
I covered the entire top platform with ink and from there I covered some of the other platform. Then I went to the edge of the platform and turned into a squid so I could jump from that platform to the other. I got some momentum and jumped as far as I could, but this time it was a success. After I turned back into humanoid form I looked back at my progress and then started to continue the tutorial.
I looked to my left to see a grate that blocked my way to another part of the tutorial. I tried to break it but it was no use. But then my wonderful mind began to work again and I came up with another idea. I sprayed the area under the grate with ink and I began to turn into a squid. With that, I swam through the grate with ease and then jumped off the ledge to enter the next section.
When I reached the ground and tried to run, I felt like something was grabbing my feet, not letting me move. I looked down to see my feet in different color ink. I immediately figured out that I can't move in enemy ink, so I shot the ground with my own ink. I looked in front of my again and saw a strange machine in the center of the area. It looked much like a UFO and it looked like it somehow crash landed into Inkopolis. There was also a satellite and a blue couch to my left, indicating that the crash landing caused serious damage on the machine. But, I didn't really care for the UFO and ignored it.
I went to the next section and saw a bunch of wooden crates that were formed like a wall. A sign near me said that I can use bombs (or whatever special you have) to destroy the crates. So I threw one of my bombs at the crates and once it blew up, all of the crates were demolished, leaving only some ink and broken wooden sticks. Then I shot the wall and climbed to the next floor…then I shot another wall and climbed on that to get to the next, NEXT floor.
After all those challenges, I finally made it to the launch pad that leads to the plaza. I could see the gigantic Inkopolis Tower in the distance, meaning that I was this close to getting into ink battles. I immediately stepped on the launch pad and turned into a squid. Before I knew it, I was high in the sky looking down at Inkopolis. I felt the air flow through my face as I turned into humanoid form mid-air. Then I saw the ground getting closer and closer as I readied my feet to land on the road safely. But, unfortunately, I was reminded that I was new to being a humanoid…so I didn't know how to use my legs very well.
As I made that rough landing, I realized that I landed on some trash bags, breaking my fall. I got off the pile of trash and rubbed my bruises, but stopped when I realized that I was finally in the plaza!
I walked toward the center while admiring Inkopolis Tower, Booyah Base, and the huge monitor on top of the cafeteria. I was awestruck on how crowded and active this place was. Around me were cool looking Inklings that were very skilled fighters…and I was finally one of them.
It turned out I was just in time for the morning news flash that was being shown on the monitor. It began with the traditional Squid Sisters logo which cut to the famous Squid Sisters, Callie and Marie, near a monitor. Callie and Marie started the morning announcements.
Callie said first "Hold on to your tentacles…" Then Marie continued "…It's Inkopolis News time!" Callie started shouting "News Flash! News Flash!" With Marie replying "What is it? What is it?!" The monitor showed a picture of Inkopolis Tower with a large blue creature holding on to it along with a picture of Inkopolis Tower by itself. Callie continued "Inkopolis's Great Zapfish has…vanished!" Marie reacted "Wait, seriously?" Callie started to get worried and said "If it isn't recovered soon, are we gonna lose power?" Marie tried to lift her spirits by saying "Oh, I'm sure it'll be fine…probably." The monitor showed a picture of a UFO with a large red tentacle on top. Callie got curious and said "I wonder if it has anything to do with that UFO crash!" Marie agreed and replied "Sounds likely to me!"
Callie changed to her happy attitude very quickly and said "Well, other than that, we have even more news!" Marie got excited and said "What are you waiting for? Tell them the big news!" The monitor showed Inkopolis at night with vibrant colors and Inklings dancing. Callie said "This Saturday, as most of you know, is the start of this year's SPLATFEST!" Marie said "*sigh* How time flies." Callie continued "For those of you who don't know, Splatfest is the time of the year where there are lights everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE!" Marie stated "Don't forget Callie. Splatfest is really about celebrating teamwork and being united as one." Callie flapped her hand at Marie and said "Yea, yea. What today's generation of Inklings REALLY want to see is us performing on that same night!" Marie started to get annoyed and said "*sigh* Callie. Won't you ever learn?" Callie chuckled and then replied "Ha! Ha! No!" The monitor showed one side of the screen being red with a cat on it, with the word 'cat' on top. The other half was cyan with a picture of a dog with the word 'dog' on it. Callie announced "This year's theme is 'Which do you like better? Cats or dogs?'" Marie said "I'm team Squid, if you'd ask me." Callie continued "Remember, the winning team with the most ink battle points win Super Sea Snails!" Marie said "I don't even know why we give these out, anyway?" Callie replied "Because it will get people to vote and attend Ink Battles." Marie got annoyed and sighed.
The monitor finally turned blank again as Callie said "Well, that's all for now! Until next time…" Both of them said, while doing there cute little poses "Staaaay Fresh!"
After the news flash was over, everyone laid eyes off the screen. I was excited about the Splatfest this Saturday, but I was more interested on that Great Zapfish they were talking about. I decided to take a look inside my booklet to see if it can give me any information about it. Apparently, on the very first page it says some good information on it.
Apparently, the Great Zapfish is 100 years old and is used to power up the entire city. I guess he's the big daddy of those Zapfish that power up the tiny cities like Paintview. This must be the guy that started it all…that's pretty cool.
But…why would it vanish like that? I'm sure he wouldn't just leave Inkopolis like that…unless…it wasn't his fault.
Well…whatever. I'm just going to look for Ammo Knights so I can finally see Indi.
On my way to Booyah Base, I noticed something going on at the corner of my eye. Three female Inklings who look like they should be part of a dollhouse were being approached by a male Inkling that looked like a stereotypical nerd. He was trying to ask the pink haired Inkling out but before he could even say anything she just raised her hand in his face and he walked away in despair. Nearby a tan skinned male Inkling with purple hair, purple eyes and glasses were watching the girls. He was also wearing a white long sleeved shirt with black squids printed on it and blue shoes with a white trim at the bottom pad. The other male Inkling was walking toward him, and while he was walking pass him, the purple haired inkling gave him a pat on the back. …I don't think that made him feel any better.
Noticing the female Inklings behavior, the purple haired inkling decided to ask her out without his glasses on. …You know, kid…there's a reason you need glasses…so you can SEE! That Inkling was a lost cause anyway! She'll just make fun of how desperate you are…and talk about it on her Tenta-book account.
Well, luckily the Inkling learned his lesson as he wasn't able to pay attention to a ledge that was between him and the female jerk of an Inkling. I noticed that he was about to trip so the little 'hero' part of my brain started to take action. Luckily, I was able to catch him before he made it to the ground, but I wasn't able to pull him up as I was falling with him.
The female Inkling noticed us but the male Inkling decided to look up at her and smile anyway. But she was far from impressed as she just rolled her eyes and walked away with her friends. The male Inkling then sighed and said "Well…there's always more."
I finally got off him and we both were back on our feet. I was dusting off the dirt on my shirt as I said "Yea…there will always be more pain in your future if you don't keep your glasses on!" When I finished cleaning myself up I watched the Inkling put his glasses back on. Then he noticed me so I said "…Don't even think of hitting on me. I have a brother who works at an arms shop and he's not afraid to use ANY of the weapons." The Inkling put a disgusted look on his face and said "What! I'm not gonna flirt with YOU!" Then…I may have gotten a little upset and asked "Umm…why?"
The Inkling replied while dusting his stains off "Well…don't take this the hard way, but…something about your look…I don't really like that much." I replied "We all look almost exactly the same…you know that right?" The Inkling responded "Yea, I know….but the way your dressed…I can tell what your personality is." I got curious and asked "Well…what IS my personality exactly?"
The Inkling responded "Well…you are an adventurous girl with a passion for ink battles. You would do almost anything to do the right thing and stand up for what you believe in. And you are never afraid to help almost anyone in need, even at the most dangerous of situations. And…I admire that about you…but I'm not really in love with that type."
After the description I replied "Umm…I'm not sure if I should be offended…or amazed." The Inkling said "Just be amazed, alright? But…thanks for 'catching' me anyway." After he thanked me, I decided to finally introduce myself…I mean…its kinda hard not to after you meet someone like THAT.
So, I said "You're welcome. My name's Ink by the way." The Inkling waved his hand and said "Call me Perry." We both shook hands and I realized that I forgot to visit Indi. I waved goodbye to my very first friend in Inkopolis and dashed to Ammo Knights.
I was almost at the door…almost to Indi. I couldn't wait to see him in his humanoid form for the first time. But as I was running, I accidentally bumped into someone. It was a female Inkling with a three different Shooter type weapons in her hands. After I crashed into her, she dropped all of her weapons on the floor, including a stamp of some sort.
I adjusted myself to see that the female Inkling had green hair, and bright yellow eyes. She had a green knitted hat on top of her head, a dark green hoodie, and brown boots. I helped her pick up her weapons, including her stamp. As I picked it up, I read the message backwards to see the word 'Emma' on it. It was decorated with ink splotches and flowers. I gave it back to the girl who held all of her weapons in her arms. I said to her "Umm…nice stamp…Emma." But the Inkling didn't say anything, she just stood there blushing. Finally she responded "Umm…t…thank you." I replied "…You need help with those?" Emma replied "Umm…no…no thank…you. Umm….excuse me." With that, she ran off without saying another word.
I was curious about her, I mean, I know people can be really shy, but she seemed to be in a hurry…or…afraid of me. Well, that's not important right now. The important thing is that I need to go see Indi. This time…there were no interruptions.
I walked inside to see weapons all over the walls and shelves, also Sheldon cleaning up the counter. Sheldon noticed me and immediately walked towards me saying "Oh Ink. Welcome! Welcome!" I replied "Hey Sheldon. I like your shop…its very…splatoon-like." Sheldon giggled and replied "Why thank you! I just recently restocked on the Charger weapons. They really do make quite a punch in ink battles. Like last week, I saw this guy with a regular Splat Charger. Boy did he make a punch! I mean he wiped out the entire field. Seriously, it was like 70 to-" I interrupted him by saying "Anyway!"
Sheldon kept quiet as I said "…Have you seen Indi. I really, REALLY want to see him." Sheldon replied "Oh, of course. He's in the back upgrading the weapons. Come, come." I followed him to the back and saw a bunch of tools used to upgrade gadgets. Right at the other end of the room, I heard a hammer making metal sounds from contact with the weapon. The Inkling holding the weapon was a very familiar looking boy with blue hair, a black undershirt with a white shirt covering it, and black sneakers with green trims. Sheldon shouted "Hey, Indi! Someone wants to see you!"
Indi stopped working and turned around to see me, his goggles covering his face. He then pulled up his goggles revealing his dark blue eyes to make sure it was me. Indi got excited and shouted "INK!" and he rushed towards me. I shouted "INDI!" right before we gave each other a big 'ol hug.
We hugged each other tightly, not letting each other go. Indi finally let go and admired me. He said "Wow! Ink…you look amazing!" I replied "Thanks…you look awesome too!" Indi replied "Thanks, sis…Oh! I need to show you something!" Indi quickly grabbed my arm and dragged me to the working table. On the table was a shooter weapon that was not painted yet, but looked really cool nonetheless. It had a large ink tank on the top and a cool looking tip for massive inkage. The handle was nice and thick so it was easy to hold on to, making this a very nice weapon for ink battles. Indi said to me "I made it myself."
I was shocked how he was able to make this all by himself, and I was really proud of him for making it this far. Indi then pointed to the wall showing an unpainted charger weapon and an unpainted roller weapon. Indi explained "I made these along with the shooter. Together, they make for a perfect weapon kit for any type of ink battle." I was awestruck looking at the weapons, and I was sure someday these will make someone out there very happy.
Sheldon budded in and said "You know Ink…your brother has a very unique gift. These weapons will definitely come in use someday. But…the only problem is…what will they look like?" Indi replied "Umm…you see…I haven't…really figured that out yet. Maybe…I just need some more inspiration." Sheldon nodded and replied "I understand, Indi. Making a weapon takes time. Almost everything takes time. You just let the idea come to you." Indi replied "Thank you, Sheldon."
Indi turned to me and asked "By the way…Ink, did you get into turf war yet?" I replied "…Oh man! I completely forgot! When does the next one start?!" Indi checked his watch "Let me see…It starts…in five minutes! You better get going!" I quickly panicked and started mumbling "Oh shoot! Oh SHOOT!" I immediately waved goodbye to both Sheldon and Indi and rushed out the door, but before I made it outside the store, Indi yelled "INK!" I turned my head as saw him say "…Good luck out there!" I smiled and saluted as I made my way to Inkopolis Tower.
Once I was at the front door, I froze. I looked up at the tower and realized that…whatever happens out there…it's the first step of making both me and my dad's dreams come true. So…I breathed in…breathed out…and finally took my first steps inside Inkopolis Tower…and was on my way to my first turf war.
…You guys better be grateful for this…'cause I sure am.
Seriously, I had so much fun writing this, and I had so much to tell.
So many things…so many words…SO MUCH FUN!
*sigh*…man I want a Wii U so BAD!
But, maybe I have hope. I mean…my friend hasn't given me my birthday present yet…but I hope it's a Splatoon Wii U bundle. But even if it isn't…we're still friends…but it better be worth it J
Heaven OUT-…No pressure.
