My next big story has finally arrived! And yes, guys, this is the next major story with Tom in it.
I won't explain all details in the story, but I will say this: the Inkblot Disease returns here.
I know, I know. I explained before that I won't make this disease return. But things change. And it's only going to appear for about half of the story, if not more or less. :/
Anyways, I have this story now ready to roll. I hope you enjoy! :D
Tom sat down on a large log. He watched many people try to fix up the rubble of what remains of the village. He remembers it being fixed before, but only because damage wasn't too severe like it is right now.
With this amount of damage, it may take months to get everything working well again.
But that wasn't the only thing on Tom's mind. He took off his helmet and set it back down on the log, right next to him. He was already traumatized enough with every detail of the massacre that ended up killing his parents.
And this time, a similar massacre happened where Tom has yet lost another family member. Like his parents, he saw his adopted sister turned decease girlfriend Charlotte, who was stabbed by Jenny, the elite captain of Octavio's troops.
Normally he would at least have a little bravery during the current invasion since he is now a part of the Special Forces. But even then... it didn't stop bad things from happening.
Lives were taken, homes were burned down, the remaining people alive were evacuating the village just in hopes of getting to safety. But for Tom... it didn't seem that way.
All that was on his mind was the chaotic screams. Angry screams of the Octolings attacking, and fearful screams of the ones who were scared; absolutely terrified. They just wanted to live, but no one was spared.
And that's mainly because Jenny is the one possible for leading the massacre in the first place.
Tom grumbles as he grabs his head with both of his hands, trying to suppress the memories currently haunting him. But all that was on his mind... was seeing Charlotte die in front of his own eyes.
Every detail is what he remembers, high amounts of blood protruding from Charlotte's chest as Jenny roughly pulls the Octo Sword out. And how she gave Tom one last kiss before she died. And then there's... Jenny.
For Tom, all he thought about when it came to Jenny was how cold and rude she was. She threatened Charlotte by declaring that the former member of Jenny's army tried to take Octavio out of power by starting a six-month exile, only for it to fail in the end.
And even though Tom doesn't know Jenny very well, she did remember they'll meet again one day. And since Tom is a part of a big, experienced group, that may happen very shortly.
Tom groans loudly as he lowers his head, thinking about every haunting memory.
"Tom... it's going to be okay..."
Tom heard Charlotte's soothing, calm voice. That managed to make him relax just a bit. It always did.
Every since Tom and Charlotte were little, whenever Tom would feel frightened, Charlotte is immediately by his side before anyone can react. She doesn't care what Tom has been through. All she cares about was making sure that Tom was safe and calm.
Tom leans back and sighs.
"Why? Why did it have to be you, Charlotte? It should've been me..." He groaned.
"Please don't say that about yourself," Charlotte cried, "I only wanted to make sure you are okay. I was reckless to take that hit myself, but you would've died instead of me. Do not blame yourself for such utter annihilation moments like this..."
"It's just like what happened with mom and dad. The whole tragedies are too much for me at this point." Tom mumbled as he covers his face with his hands.
"I know, Tom. It was rough for me, too," Charlotte admitted, "I know my loss is way too hard for you to get over, since we love each other very much. But... *sigh* Tom, you know it's my fault for this whole mess in the first place."
"How, Charlotte? How?" Tom asked, his voice nearly a mutter.
"It's my fault for joining Jenny's army in the first place," Charlotte replied, "I only joined in hopes of getting stronger. Especially with some friends I made. But I was quick to point out that Jenny isn't an ordinary Octoling. She's... way different from any other."
"That explains why that woman is ruthless enough to try and kill us." Tom ranted, removing his hands from his face, then crossing his arms.
"Jenny was after me every since I first joined, Tom," Charlotte confessed, "She started the Ryuketsunoshi Army for elite Octolings who have their moments with Inklings before, and I only admitted to her to only join for the sake of finding Inklings. But it wasn't to hurt them. It was to warn them. And now... it's too late..."
"I already hate her, Charlotte. She killed you. She killed you, and I was forced to watch because of the destruction of our home!" Tom shouted.
"So do I. I regret ever joining her in the first place." Charlotte sighed. Both her and Tom then stayed silent for some time. Since Charlotte is gone, Tom could only hear her in his head, which was why Samantha questioned that earlier.
The two were silent for a few more seconds, and then Charlotte decided to break it.
"I would probably say Jenny is just as bad as Al-"
But her sentence was interrupted by a loud rumbling sound. Tom looked down to see that it was his communication device doing the rumbling inside his pocket.
Tom picks up the device, and answers it.
"Operative 9! Do you read me?!" Tom's boss yelled in worry. Tom sighed in relief knowing that his boss was okay during the whole splatocalypse.
"I read you loud and clear, sir." Tom said to the device.
"Thank cod! Where were you? There were Octolings surrounding the facility before I got done with my warning!" The boss exclaimed, "But it's too late now, the invasion is over. Is everything okay where you're at."
"Negative. My village has been destroyed..." Tom confessed as he shuts his eyes, more of the memories buzzing around him.
"What?! You mean like the Village Massacre that happened 8 years ago?!" The boss yelped.
"Yes. Except it was led by someone... Charlotte mentioned to me." Tom said.
"Do you know who that person is, Operative 9?" Tom's boss asked.
Tom looked over, just viewing the scenery. But he could tell Charlotte would be there, watching him.
"Tom, her full name... is... Jenny Megan Takonochi." Charlotte whispered. Tom only nodded, but didn't get a response considering that no one else was here except him.
"Her name is Jenny Megan Takonochi, sir." Tom responded to the device. He could then hear stumbling sounds, and also maybe some stuff falling over. It seems that maybe Tom's boss knew about her.
"No... really? The infamous Inkling killer obliterated your hometown?!" He yelled.
"Affirmative, sir," Tom said, "But uh... how's everything going with you? Are the others okay?"
"Operative 9, it is my absolute pleasure to announce everyone has been into safety. Everyone has some slight injuries except for Albert and Solutus, who helped everyone escape our quarters before any massive damage." His boss explained.
"Thank goodness." Tom said, showing a small smile.
"Now I must announce that I will be traveling to Inkopolis Square very shortly," The boss reminded, "When I so happen to arrive, I will let you know so you can meet back up with us. Until then, just try to stay safe, capiche?"
"Yes sir." Tom replied, showing a salute while in his sitting position.
"Good. I'll call you later on. Be careful out there, Operative 9." Tom's boss warned, and then stopped the communication. Tom put the device back into his pocket.
"What are you going to do now, Tom?" Charlotte's voice can be heard again.
"Nothing is the same without you, Charlotte," Tom sighed, "You've always been there to comfort me every time I felt down. But now you're gone, and I can't feel the same way ever again. That's why... I need to find you again."
"Tom... I..." Charlotte was speechless. But then, before she could continue, she was interrupted again. This time, by the sky turning very dark. And it wasn't as in nighttime dark, even though it's close to that time.
It was almost pitch dark there.
Suddenly, a large, red circle appeared in the sky. And then some weird logo appeared on the circle. That logo was white, and looked like something so familiar.
"Kiita koto wa arimasu ka?" It's booming voice can be heard all around the destroyed village. Tom winced as he heard it's loud voice.
"E-Excuse me?!" Tom yelled loudly, confused on what he what seeing. And hearing.
"Ah, another young Inkling. You seem to be wanting something so... impossible." The mysterious being said. Tom inhaled through his nose, trying to take all that in. His confusion on the being was also getting him a little frustrated.
"Who are you, and what do you mean by that?!" Tom demanded.
"I am a mysterious god named 'Switch'. Tom Flamil Howzit... I am quite shocked you do not recognize my appearance, nor know any slight thing about me." Switch replied, a little sass in his last sentence.
"Are you... stalking me?" Tom questioned as he stood up.
"Stalk? Howzit, I am a god of many universes. Stalking is a bit of an overstatement," Switch explained, "And before you question 'god of many universes'... Hai, I know many places far from your own. You have a lot to even learn."
"Okay, well, now that I understand where you're coming from... explain why you came to me." Tom said, crossing his arms. He wasn't pleased at the slightest.
"Didn't you just think of something that is deemed impossible to accomplish? Don't stutter against me. You wished for a dead person to come back to life." Switch told the squid. Tom's jaw dropped to the floor, very surprised that this god managed to know that.
"Don't you know how the rules work? You can't wish for such reconstruction. Though it isn't out of selfishness unlike most others, so I'll give you that." Switch added.
"Most others? What is your statement by that when you say most others, hm?" Tom questioned. One of Switch's "body parts" raised up, then slam down to create a massive shockwave, which only cause a hurricane-like wind. Tom only stood his ground as the wind took its course.
"Anata wa sore o shiru hitsuyō wa arimasen." Switch bellowed, his voice echoing.
"..." Tom was silent.
"It's Japanese, Howzit. You wouldn't understand unless you learned it." Switch admitted.
"I never learned another language, except for learning Inkling and Octarian. That's it." Tom said.
"Understandable. You grew up around both races, so I will give you some praise." Switch chuckled.
"Anything more that you want from me? I'm curious about your sudden appearance, after all." Tom continued, tapping his right foot on the ground.
"You thought something far from accomplished. But if you want it so bad, would you like to try and earn it?" Switch asked. Tom was surprised. This god can actually be the one to at least give Charlotte another chance?
"W... What's the catch, 'o great Switch?" Tom questioned.
"Why do you want to know a conclusion so early in a bet? Unless you want this chance, I will not tell you until the deed is done." Switch exclaimed. Tom thought about this. It seemed... very sketchy.
But Tom wants every chance he can get. He wants to know what'll happen to Charlotte if this were to happen. Will she be revived? Will she be a ghost where everyone else can see her? Or maybe something more?
Tom finally decided. He had to give this a chance.
"I went through years of harsh training to become the person I am today. I am ready for whatever you have to offer." Tom smirked.
"I can assure you that this is unlike anything you have ever experienced. Unless you want to suffer major injuries, go right ahead." Switch groaned.
"It's worth it to help Charlotte. I will take any chance." Tom said as he slammed his right foot on the ground.
"Very well then. Anata wa kore o motomemashita..." Switch simply said. He raised his right "body part" again...
Click!
A sudden large, black substance caught itself right onto Tom. The squid was knocked back a few inches, laying on his back.
He leans up and groans, recovering from the pain.
"What did you just hit me with?!" Tom shouted.
"Howzit, I will say that you are now infected with... the legendary Inkblot Disease." Switch replied. Tom gasped at that. He didn't know what it was, but because "Disease" was in its name, it couldn't be good.
"What does that do? Tell me!" Tom commanded.
"Your skin will starts to have some melting black effects," Switch explained, "There are many symptoms that classic diseases have, but you won't be experiencing those unless you are slow to try and cure yourself. You'll start out fine, but it'll only get worse. Especially if you just so happen to reach the Terminal Stage."
"Terminal Stage?" Tom repeated.
"Once you reach Terminal Stage, you'll become a horrifying, black, mutated monster. If you get there... it's permanent. You cannot be cured. And I made sure true love isn't gonna cure you in this desirable scenario." Switch continued. Tom felt a little more scared. But he needed to do this to know what'll happen with Charlotte.
"What do I have to do? Where do I get this cure?" Tom asked.
"Head over to Inkopolis Square, and head for where you see a greenish-blue mountain," Switch said, "That mountain is Mount Ikaiwa, a peaceful, but dangerous mountain to climb. From there, you will find a medicine that will help cure the Inkblot Disease. It's all the way at the top. But for an experienced squid like you, I shouldn't be so worried about how you'll do."
"Okay." Tom said.
"HALT! There is more," Switch yelled, "It has been said that DJ Octavio has enlisted some troops to guard the mountain. Some of the best elites, including Jenny Takonochi, and Alf-"
"Jenny?!" Tom suddenly shouted.
"Correct. She is one of the groups in charge of stopping intruders. Because people still go there." Switch replied. Tom looked at his hands to see they were still normal. Then he clenched them into fists.
"I will do this!" Tom yelled with a determined tone.
"However... I am afraid I also have to say someone else is back, too," Switch confessed, "There is mysterious, teal goo that has made its way to try and find a way back into this world. Commander Tartar."
"Commander Tartar? Alive?" Tom yelped.
"Yes. I just so happened to be the one to allow that AI to return," Switch said, "But he deemed worthless when trying to get revenge. Now... his goo remains to try and find a way back every single time. He could be waiting for you there, Tom. Just a brief warning."
"I'll do it. I will complete this mission." Tom finalized.
"Very well." Switch simply responded. He does the whole snap sound again, and some of Tom's equipment is there next to him.
"Your equipment for hiking that mountain is there, along with some extras," Switch stated, "You may need to find a way to slow the disease as you progress. But also try to find a way of defeating incoming Octolings, and... whatever Tartar seems to have with him. Climb the mountain, and obtain that cure. That's your goal."
"Understood. I will get that cure." Tom said as he salutes again.
"You have five days until the disease makes its way to the Terminal Stage. Don't blow it." Switch warned.
"I won't." Tom replied.
"Nani ni muchū ni natte iru ka wakaranai..." Switch groaned. And before Tom could ask, Switch just disappeared. Along with that, the sky turns normal again. Tom kept his confused look, but he shrugged it off.
Tom places his helmet back on his head, and then he finds his trusty weapon: his ink-shooting SCAR-L. And he also found the extras inside the large bag of equipment he had. All those extras are one that will help him during his hiking trip.
"Tom, you don't have to do this. It's too dangerous. Who knows if Jenny will..." Charlotte cried. But she stopped her sentence midway to know she doesn't want to finish her thought.
"I have to return that favor, Charlotte!" Tom exclaimed, "You died, and I wanna see if this can be fixed. You donated blood to save my life. If you didn't, I would've died. I have to do this. Please."
"The donation was only lucky since we both have the same blood type..." Charlotte admitted.
"And I will fix this mess we're in now. This time, Jenny will not ruin it." Tom said, feeling determined.
"B... Be careful, Tom. Don't... don't let the disease corrupt you." Charlotte responded. Tom could easily hear the sadness in her voice. Yeah, she does miss Tom just as much as he misses her. But it can be fixed since Switch gave him the mission! It will be normal again, right?
Right...?
"It's time. I must go." Tom said to himself. He made sure all of the equipment was inside the bag. And he double checked to make sure that nothing was left behind. And it's true. Everything Tom needed was all packed and ready to go.
And with that, Tom turned into his squid form, and super jumped away.
Author's Note: And that's that. Okay, so I wanna get this out of the way. When it comes to the whole "characters die but come back to life somehow" cliche, I am EXTREMELY picky when it comes to that. You'll find out what'll happen in future chapters. :/
And yes, Tartar is going to return again. I am not sure if this is going to be his last appearance, but I did warn you all that he may appear in my stories again. Just saying. ;)
That's all for the first chapter tho The action is coming real soon in the next one. Stay Fresh, guys, and I will see you next time! :D