So, I did a thing. Because I cannot remember what Government type Inkopolis uses, I decided to just arbitrarily make them an Empire because I had this Idea and wanted to just make it a thing. So Inkopolis is a benevolent Empire (yes, they can exist, they are just rare. Human History is quite brutal...) and the Octarians are a hyper corrupt republic that is borderline a dictatorship.
If it sucks, tell me it sucks and maybe why if you feel like it. And if it doesn't, then tell me why. And if you don't feel like saying anything...I don't know, give me your best pun or something.
Enjoy!
Inkopolis, capital city of the Imperium of Inkopolis. A beautiful city of culture, commerce, innovation, and yes, Turf War. However, our focus now is not the Plaza or the Square, the primary hubs of Turf War activity in the city, but rather the nerve center of political power and authority within the Imperium. The Imperial Palace of Inkopolis. The Seat of power of the Inkling Emperor. And tonight, the Young Sovereign of 25 years is out on his balcony, quietly observing the nighttime cityscape. His mind filled with the affairs of the day and days to come. The politics of the Empire, economics, diplomacy with the Octarians and the Imperial Vassals, and so much more.
'Should Ambassador Chrix succeed, we may have a road to peace with them,' the Young Sovereign thought.
The Plan was to expand the Zapfish breeding program to sell the excess Zapfish to the Octarian Republic in exchange for Technological innovations. With the final phase to cultivate another Great Zapfish as a diplomatic gift to the Republic. And with it, finally pave a pathway to lasting peace.
Speaking of Great Zapfish, the Emperor watched as it flew past the Palace towards the recently constructed Deca Tower, one of two locations in Inkopolis it frequented. In truth, the Empire possessed more than one Great Zapfish. Each city had one as its primary source of electricity. However, raising a Zapfish to adulthood is extremely difficult, and took years of growth. Part of what makes them such a valuable resource is the fact that so few exist.
But that is a story for a different day. For tomorrow, the Emperor is going to do something he should have done a long time ago.
And so, with one final glance at the night sky, the Young Sovereign turned to retire for the night. For tomorrow was a big day for him.
The next day at Inkopolis Square, the Inkling youths couldn't believe their eyes, and neither could the few Octoling immigrants present. Everyone was either quiet or whispering to each other. Even Crusty Sean, a man known for his laid-back attitude and good humor couldn't believe his eyes.
Stood in the center of the street, dressed in a White Headband, Basic Tee, shorts, and a pair of Cream Basics was the Emperor himself. Stood around him were two Imperial guards and his personal Maid. Most of the citizens at the Square shied away from the Emperor and his entourage, the grim-faced soldiers proving to be quite intimidating, even for the few X Ranks present.
All the while the Young Sovereign looked around himself, observing the citizens' shock and surprise to see their Emperor amongst the citizenry and dressed in such casual clothes. He briefly adjusted the strap of the gun case containing his Splattershot Jr as he looked around.
And despite all of that, one Inkling and his Octoling friend showed some courage and dared to approach the Young Sovereign.
"Joe! The Hell are you doing! That's your Emperor, you can't just walk up to him!" the Octoling with him said urgently. However, the Inkling 'Joe' just ignored his warning and kept walking.
"It'll be fine J. Besides, he looks like he is waiting for something. Wouldn't hurt to try." The Inkling said, continuing towards the Emperor. All the while his Octoling friend hesitantly followed behind.
"Uhm, excuse me your Excellency." The Inkling asked. The Young Sovereign turned to the two boys, subtly gesturing to his guards to relax. These two were no threat to him.
The Inkling who spoke to him was wearing a Straw Boater, Black V-neck + gloves, Shorts with compression sleeves, and a pair of Pro Trail Boots. His green eyes complemented his purple tentacles which were styled to the side with a longer bang framing the right side of his face while two more were tied back behind his head.
The Octoling on the other hand was wearing a Classic Straw Boater, Black Hoodie, shorts, and a pair of Amber Sea Slug Hi-Tops. He could not see how he styled his tentacles as they were hidden by his hat. The Emperor noted the fear in his purple eyes, which confused him, as he never considered himself all that intimidating. What he didn't realize was that his Maid was giving the young Octo the stink eye from behind him.
"No need to be so nervous, citizen. Please, speak freely." The Emperor said, trying to encourage the two citizens. The Inkling looked over at his friend with a smirk before turning back to the Emperor.
"We were wondering if you would like to que for Turf War with us. You look like you got a starter kit on too, so what do ya say?" The Inkling said, nervously reaching out with his hand. The Young Sovereign glanced at the hand before looking the young man in the eye. There was a tense moment before he smiled, and firmly grasped the offered hand.
"I would love to."
The Inkling smiled in relief.
The Emperor stood up from the spawn pad and shook the excess green ink from his body, before looking around to observe his surroundings. Conveyor belts, elevated positions, ramps, and lots of water. He recognized this place.
"Yes, I have been here before. This is that massive Iron mine father opened, Piranha Pit." The Young Sovereign thought aloud, "Seems to have expanded quite a bit. Though why anyone would turn this place into a battleground is beyond me."
"Eh, I think it has something to do with sponsorship money or something." The Inkling boy, Joseph, said. The Young Sovereign noted that he held a pair of Hero Dualies (Replica), while the Octoling, James, held a .52 Gal in his hands. Their fourth was oddly enough a Splat Roller with some eccentric looking gear.
But before the Emperor could comment on it, there was a sharp whistle signaling the match's start. Without any hesitation both James and the roller charged forward inking turf as they went. However, Joseph stepped in front of him with a bright smile and a fist pump calling out "BOOYAH!"
The Young Sovereign was taken aback for a moment, the young man seemed to be looking at him rather expectantly. Taking the initiative, the Emperor returned the gesture with an unsure "BOOYAH" of his own. Joseph seemed satisfied by that, for he changed to his squid form and dove into their team's green ink, no doubt heading to the front line of the battle.
Taking that as his que, the Young Sovereign looked down at the Splatershot Jr in his hands. Pointing the barrel towards an un-inked spot, he gently pulled the trigger. A couple thumps rang out as green ink bolts were fired out and splashed against the ground, inking the spot. Nodding his head in satisfaction, the Emperor held the trigger down as he walked forward, covering the ground his teammates missed.
The next minute would be spent like this, his more experienced teammates were doing all the fighting while the Young Sovereign would hold up the rear by covering the ground that was missed. He also took this time to familiarize himself with his weapon and his sub weapon, the splat bombs. A fairly simple grenade, though not nearly as powerful as the splat bombs his soldiers used.
However, as is often the case in life, things don't always go as you would like. While deep in the back line, specifically down one of the conveyor ramps near a…BBQ…the Young Sovereign suddenly found himself being jumped by a rival Octoling wielding an Inkbrush. In his panic he accidentally triggered his special, the Ink Armor. Unfortunately, the Emperor was Splatted before the armor could take, though it did help his teammates out on the frontline. Allowing them to take advantage of a special rush and splat all three remaining opponents, acquiring massive gains in turf coverage. The enemy team was now at a significant point disadvantage.
Meanwhile back at the Spawn pad, the Emperor suddenly shot up from it with a gasp, falling to his hands and knees. Eyes wide and panicked, horribly shaken by his first experience with being Splatted then suddenly revived.
'By Cod! How…how do these kids deal with this every time! A-Are they just used to it!'
The feeling of being revived is an odd one and can't quite be put into words. However, the Emperor would describe it as disconcerting at best, and downright terrifying at worst. The Young Sovereign flinched when he felt a hand on his shoulder, head snapping over, eyes wide and terrified.
"Your Excellency? Are you ok? You seem a bit shaken."
It was Joseph, he held his Dualies under one arm while using his free hand to offer his Emperor some support.
"I-I am fine. Yes, just fine. Just got splatted is all. Feels a little overwhelming really. But truly, I am fine. There is no need to worry over me." The Young Sovereign replied, hoping his words would dismiss his teammates worries.
Though Joseph didn't look convinced, he also wasn't going to argue with his Emperor. That was just asking for trouble.
"If you say so Sire. But come on, we got to take the lower platform back. That inkbrush is still there, and she managed to get me too." The young man said, offering a hand to his Emperor. The Young Sovereign gratefully took the hand and allowed his Subject to pull him to his feet.
Joseph jogged forward with a quick "BOOYAH!" He turned back briefly to gesture to follow him, pumping his right Dualie in the air and calling out "This Way!"
Encouraged by his ally, the Young Sovereign ran after him. Both diving into their team's ink and swimming towards their objective.
As they passed the front line, the Young Sovereign couldn't help but notice how James fought with such ferocity and determination. His strategic use of his Ink Walls and the hard-hitting power of his .52 Gal near single handedly holding the entirety of the rival team at bay. Backed up by the skill of their Roller teammate, the front held firm.
'I wonder if I will get the chance to be that skilled' The Emperor thought.
Leaving the front behind, the two arrived at the conveyor ramp and began inking turf immediately. Unsurprisingly, their actions drew the Inkbrush out of hiding, quickly putting them on the defensive.
Joseph tossed a Burst Bomb getting a direct hit on the Inkbrush, forcing her to fall back deeper into her pink colored territory. Territory that was quickly being covered green by the Young Sovereign and his Subject. However, she didn't remain hidden for long, hopping out of her ink with a series of rapid swipes at the two. Joseph dodge rolled back a step and opened fire on the inkbrush. Once again, the inkbrush managed to escape, but at the cost of more ground which was quickly covered by the Young Sovereign's Splattershot Jr fire.
As the Emperor covered more turf, restricting where the inkbrush could escape too, Joseph held her back with his seemingly unrelenting Dualie fire. Again, and again the Inkbrush would leap out with a flurry of swipes, nearly splatting Joseph each time, only to be forced back by his Dualies or Burst Bomb spam.
But as luck would have it, the Young Sovereign found that he had corned the inkbrush by inking the turf around her. He could feel it, this was it. The last stand of the Inkbrush. However, in a sharp twist of fate, Joseph was splatted by the Inkbrush. Having had enough of this back and forth, she risked the rapid fire of his Daulies and rushed him with a flurry of strikes that finally put him down (for now anyway.)
Perhaps it was luck or even instinct, but the Young Sovereign saw an opportunity. That last attack had left the inkbrush badly inked and facing away from him. The emperor had her flanked. Unsure as to what drove him forward, he aimed his Splattershot Jr at her, deployed his Ink Armor, and rushed the Inkbrush with a harsh "BOOYAH!"
The inkbrush snapped around, caught off guard by her rookie opponent. That moment of hesitation would be her undoing, already damaged by a previous fight and without time to avoid the Emperor's attack. Her body exploded into a burst of green ink, covering the last remnants of her teams gains in the enemy backline.
The Young Sovereign only stopped when his Splattershot Jr clicked repeatedly, his Inktank now depleted. Eyes wide and breath ragged, the Emperor stared at where his opponent once stood. This was his first Splat, and he had no idea how to feel about it. Thanks to the incredible technology of Spawn Pads, he knew that she was not actually dead. But Turf War was still fundamentally a blood sport, even if nobody died. Her body was still destroyed, Splatted as his culture called it. It was a wellspring of conflicting feeling and thoughts that kept him still. Even as the whistle blew again, declaring the match over.
It wasn't until a hand on his shoulder disturbed him from his thoughts that he became coherent again. Wide eyed he turned to the individual in surprise to see a very concerned looking Joseph and James, with the Eccentric Roller looking on in Indifference.
"Are you ok your Excellency? You seem shaken, like earlier." The young man asked his Emperor. James didn't say anything, but the Roller did look intrigued by the title Joseph used.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, the Young Sovereign stood straight and allowed the boy's hand to fall back to his side. Only once he recomposed himself did he reply.
"Yes, citizen. I am-I am fine. Just a little overwhelmed by the…uh…the Adrenaline rush. Yes, this Turf War stuff is quite exhilarating, I must say." The Young Sovereign said, attempting to put his new friend's worries at ease once more.
The young man nodded at that, not really believing him, but once again, who is he to argue with his Emperor.
"Well, if, you're sure... Anyway, let's go. Judd is waiting for us in the middle, and we shouldn't keep him waiting." The young man said, already beginning to head to the battle ground's center. James and the Eccentric Roller followed, with the Roller looking back at him with wide eyes. Seemed he finally recognized his Emperor.
With a sigh, the Young Sovereign slung his Splattershot Jr over his shoulder and began to follow the others.
Each Team was lined up in front of the other. Stood between the two teams were a pair of…cats? The larger and eldest of the two, Judd, was the official Referee of the Turf League. The organization responsible for the maintenance and organization of "Stages" and Turf Wars in general. The other was reportedly his clone and had been consequently named Lil'Judd. He worked as Judd's assistant Referee.
The Young Sovereign watched bemusedly as the two did a little dance, before they both held a colored flag up, Green and Pink. The colors of the two teams. Lil'Judd suddenly went stiff and fell over, dropping the Pink Flag in his hand. Meanwhile Judd stood firm, his green flag and pointed tail directed at the Emperor's team.
It didn't register with him at first, until Joseph shouted out a triumphant "Booyah!" and started doing tricks with his Dualies. In fact, his whole team did victory poses in celebration. Not wishing to be left out, the Young Sovereign channeled his Imperial Regality and simply stood straight and crossed his arms, subtly raising his chin. To their opponents, he seemed to look down upon them. Which would have been insulting coming from any other rookie, but they soon realized who stood before them, especially when Judd BOWED to him and congratulated him on his victory. Being a cat, Judd didn't bow to just anyone. Only the Inkling Emperor could get the normally lackadaisical cat to submit. So, that meant that they just fought… Most of the rival team did not know how to react to the information. So, the rumor they heard that morning was true, the Emperor himself had decided to grace the peasantry with his presence.
The Inkbrush wielding Octoling caught the eye of the Young Sovereign, she was still a moment before she mimed a curtsy to him. He got the sense there was great respect in the gesture. He acknowledged the gesture with a curt nod.
Not long after, both teams were transported back to Deca Tower. And to the enthusiastic cheer of his new friends, he had agreed to continue queuing with them.
It was late afternoon as the Imperial Limousine drove down the streets of Inkopolis back towards the Palace. The Young Sovereign had spent the whole day partaking in Turf Wars with his two new friends. He smiled at the day's memories, he even got some new gear, Freshness and Level didn't matter when you are quite literally regarded as the Freshest man around. Ah, the perks of Royalty.
"Did you enjoy you day out my Liege?" His maid inquired. The emperor turned to her with one of the most genuine smiles she ever had the privilege of seeing.
"Yes. Yes, I did. I think I would quite like to do that again sometime. Perhaps with those two boys again as well. No, not boys. My friends. Yes, friends. I quite like the sound of that." He said, turning to look back out the window, watching the buildings pass by, as the Limo was escorted down the street by the IPD (Inkopolis Police department).
His maid smiled at that, happy to know that her Lord and Master had made some friends his age. Cod knows he needed more of those, now more than ever.
The End