Author's Note: Hoo boy! I'm back at it, and with a new name too. This one continues from the Sisters & Their Prince. At long last, the new chapter is here! Can you spot the Splatfest in the chapter? That will be all folks, enjoy!
Morning dawned on the three squids, lazily intertwined with each other. Callie unfurled herself first, ever the early bird, even from late night romps like Splatfest. Evan let go of the magenta squid, checking her phone for the time, which said 8:41am. Callie then walked off into the balcony to stretch out a bit, and proceed..ed to wash her face & gargle want to hear reminded in the bathroom.
"Of course, I am the first one up...", mused Callie. "Well, leaves me to do breakfast then.", she said, walking over to the kitchen, making her way to the fridge in no time.
"Hmm...let's see...sausages & pancakes?", she thought aloud, as she picked up a partially consumed pack from the freezer. But she's have a second opinion soon, as Marie shortly woke up and joined her cousin in the kitchen.
"Someone say pancakes & sausages?", said Marie, Callie being surprised by the new voice. "I say waffles.", she continued.
"Morning, Marie.", greeted Callie. "Is Evan awake yet?", she asked.
"Maybe he will shortly.", Marie said absently. "Kinda want some pork & beans too..." ,she mused.
"We can't take long, we gotta be on by 10", said Callie.
"Someone having a presscon?", said a new male voice: Evan. Both girls turned around to the source of the voice.
"Oh, you're awake Four.", said Marie as a greeting. "Yeah, we're launching our return album.", she replied to Evan's unspoken question.
"Back to the music industry then, hmm?", quipped Evan, seating himself along the immense dining table.
"Hey, Evan, pancake or waffle, quick.", said Callie, poising to reach for the cupboard.
"Hmm...pancake I guess.", said Evan, quite unsure of his choice. "I mean, both are good.", he quipped.
"Waffles are so much better though.", Marie whispered connivingly.
"Aw Marie, not this squit again..." Callie groaned in the background, heaving a box of pancake batter mix. She then proceeded to flick the oven switch on, to start with making breakfast. "Well, if you're gonna persist, go get the iron yourself.", she chided her cousin.
Marie did as told and got out the waffle iron, plugging it into the outlet. She then proceeded to get some waffle mix and started on with the mixing, whisking the mixture after a 5-minute read. Evan meanwhile, was checking up the map rotations on SplatNet, having nothing to add to the Sisters' efforts.
"Hmm, New Albacore Hotel is on the rotation?", Evan thought, as he pored over the screen of his Squidphone. "Ain't that where your presscon is?", he asked the girls.
"Yeah, but we'll probably be away from the battlegrounds...", said Marie, sitting down to wait for her waffle. "Hmm, shall I have some rounds after?" she thought. "Provided the maps hadn't moved on yet by the time the presscon finished...", she added.
"We gonna be discreet though, of course...", Callie said, busy frying up sausages & pancakes on two pans. Evan then put three plates and cutlery for the three of them. He then gave Callie the dish to put her pancakes in once those were done.
"You guys go prepare after this, I'm gonna wash the plates.", Evan said, while carrying the plate of pancakes.
"Well, thanks a lot Evan.", said Marie, patting him on the back.
"We sure do appreciate the extra tentacle.", chorused Callie.
Soon, the three got to eating, a volley of clicks occasionally heard from their cellphones, answering texts and updating their InkStagram stories. Evan meanwhile, was busy wolfing his own plate down, revelling in the food that the Sisters made.
They finished soon enough after thirty or so minutes, and both Sisters immediately whisked themselves to their own room's bathroom, while Evan made work of the dishes, finishing in fifteen minutes, immediately gathering himself to prepare for the trip back to his apartment.
Marie came out first, donning a mini-strawboater, reminiscient of her own stage headpiece back in their Squid Sisters prime. She paired it with a green cocktail dress with black accents, then paired it with her Omega Pearl 614s M Series, one of her endorsement deals when she was she was in her Squid Sister prime.
Callie came out a little later on, donning a pink newsboy hat over a leather cardigan, matched with a pink sequined shirt, the sequins forming a star pattern, with a denim skirt to match. Callie had equipped herself with more sporty-looking watch, the TechnoPac One Pink Series.
Both gals had fairly similar footwear: Marie opted for a pair of beige sandals, with an A-frame across her foot, and had silver metal parts, with the Splash Mob branding on the center of the straps. Callie, on the other hand, opted to wear the Cream High-tops from Krak-On, finishing off her industrial look.
Both girls were greeted at the garage by Evan, fully clothed and ready to go.
"Hiya there, One, Two." , greeted Evan to the Sisters.
"Shall we, Marie?", said Callie.
"After you.", she said to Marie. All three squids boarded Callie's car, with Evan taking the backseat. Sheldon, expecting the Sisters by the gate, operated the automatic doors himself, a work towel swung over his back, and an apron with various tools in its pockets.
"Hey, try not to splat the house with your experiments, hear?", said Marie to Sheldon.
"My experiments are perfectly controlled, thank you!", Sheldon chided back, carrying a tablet that displayed blueprints for various gadgets. "Same 'ol, call ya squids in case of an emergency!", the crab genius piped at the exiting vehicle.
"Sure do, Sheldon.", said Evan. The horseshoe crab closed the door, and set his drones on incognito mode, cloaking them.
"Now to work some more!", Sheldon squeaked, as he returned to his workshop/living quarters, a goodwill gesture of the Sisters in behalf of their grandpa, Craig Cuttlefish. He hasn't heard of the old man since he recruited Three, and was wondering just where is he now.
Meanwhile, the squids were discussing about Evan dropping off at his apartment to get some weapons for Turf, & change into the appropriate gears.
"Evan, your apartment is by the route to New Albacore, right?", she asked the male Inkling at the back of the car.
"Yeah, over at Ocean View.", replied Evan. "Just drop me off by the gates, you have a commitment to attend to.", he added.
"Are you sure? We're willing to divert for a while.", said Callie.
"Leave me outta your flirting plans...", said Marie.
Evan laughed at Marie's jab at Callie a little. But it was sorta true. She is flirting with him, & he flirts back...hell, they did more than that already. "Nah, I'll be fine, ya two.", he replied. "I'm a grown squid, ya know?", he said off-handedly, as he hopped off the car at the gates of Ocean View apartment complex.
"See ya later, guys!", Evan said, as he dashed off into the apartment complex. The Sisters soon drove off after seeing Evan enter the complex. While driving, the cousins discussed what questions they'll possibly face.
"So, Marie, what's your take on this whole 'Marina is an Octoling' business?", Callie started.
"Meh, it's should have been obvious to them.", said Marie. "Although, we don't exactly prattle about our NSS business now do we?", Marie quipped.
"True, true." , said Callie. "I really feel for Marina though.", she began. "All that fame, she willingly sacrificed for the truth.", she said solemnly. "We fell of our own hubris...but this...shouldn't be happening to her.", she added.
"Agreed Callie...we let our stardom blind us...", Marie solemnly agreed. "I sometimes miss our studio in the Plaza...but I know we can't turn back time...besides, there's a project going on there...", she said.
"Project?", Callie said, mildly surprised.
"Apparently, it's going to be Judd's new office.", Marie replied.
"Judd will be having an office now?", said Callie, shocked.
"And a theatre too, at the top...", said Marie.
"Interesting...", said Callie, focusing on the road ahead. Things were getting a little hectic, with quite a generous amount of cars piling up, driven by Inklings, Jellyfish, and Anemones. Callie braked upon seeing a red light, along with a numeral indicating how long till the next green light.
"Dammit...", she sighed, gripping the steering wheel. They were impeded by a slow station wagon driven by jellies, but Callie kept her cool. Marie meanwhile, was typing away on InkStagram, sending in updates. The rest of the ride was idyllic, rolling up to the Hotel's parking lot, where a fair amount of fans were waiting, some bearing placards, while some bearing streamers, including one saying "Welcome back Squid Sisters!".
"Ah, perks of being in the biz...", said Marie, as both of them stepped out of the car, after Callie promptly parked it into a slot.
"Hello, hello!", said Callie, giggling at the sight of crowds in fuschia garb, some bearing the visage of Callie & Marie themselves. Others have the logo printed on to their shirts.
"Nice to see you haven't forgotten.", said Marie, flashing her trademark smirk she did so many times they did the news. Inklings, anemones, jellies, and even Octolings can be spotted cheering on at the new arrivals
The crowd was going bonkers upon seeing the once-ubiquitous duo whole once more after the storm that is Callie's kidnapping. The duo signed a few things among the crowd, mostly shirt fronts & little trinkets. They then proceeded inside, where their manager, a stately anemone male, was waiting for them.
"Glad to see you in your natural element, Callie, Marie.", the anemone said.
"You flatter too much.", Callie said, playfully tapping the anemone's shoulder.
"Any expected questions, Joel?", Marie asked the anemone manager.
"Well, there's the obvious ones, which I am sure you know about... Then the general state of your cousin over here, almost 2 years since she was saved by that mysterious squid.", he recanted. "And of course, future plans.", he hastily added.
"Anyone to watch out for?", said Marie.
"Nothing much, Marie.", he said, checking his watch. "Come on ladies, we gotta discuss tactics." he said, beckoning to Callie, granting a few selfies with her fans.
"In a minute, Joel.", said the magenta Inkling. "Sorry guys, duty calls!", she said to a pack of fans, as she hurried up to catch both Marie & Joel. The trio then proceeded to a backstage area, where the prep team were ready for the duo. Said prep team were also fans, sporting assorted Squid Sisters merchandise, from clips, bands, shirts, to shoes, some colored after Callie, some after Marie.
"Eeeee! Callie!", said a jelly make-up artist.
"Nice to be of service once more.", the Inkling team leader greeted the Sisters, both hugged by the short-haired pink Inkling. "Long time no see girls!", as she swooped on both gals' cheeks.
"It's been a while Lizzie!", said Callie.
"Yeah, it's been a while now...", said Marie. "How are you?", she asked the make-up artist.
"Alright, ladies, get to work, fangirl later!", she signalled her crew. At once, they jumped into position, and so did Callie & Marie. A jelly was doing work on Callie's make up, while another does Marie's. An array of hair products & makeup were to be seen in the makeup room, and two mirrors adorned with lights are propped up. There was also a small fridge to store water & a few snacks.
"Ladies, you got this, right?", the anemone manager said to the cousins. "Feel free to speak out your minds, ladies. After all, in this situation, the truth sells.", she reminded both ladies.
"Everything we got right?", asked Marie.
"But...there inevitably will be questions...about my...attacks.", said Callie, drifting off.
"Don't worry. Only share what you're comfortable with.", replied the anemone. "I can cover for you if you feel uncomfortable telling it yourself.", he reassured the ribbon-tentacle Inkling.
"That said, I am definitely looking forward to seeing Fresh Start sell out big.", quipped Marie.
"Hopefully we win awards once more!", Callie squeaked, the old stage persona coming back to her. Marie smiled genuinely when she heard Callie dream about getting awards once more. The rest of the makeup/warmup session was spent on catching up with each other, especially with Lizzie & the Sisters.
Another anemone, donning a Takoroka Mesh came in hurriedly a few minutes later.
"Five minutes out guys, presscon 'bout to start!", the girl anemone called out.
"Alright girls, wrap it up, showtime's upon us!", commanded Lizzie.
"Showtime, ladies.", Joel said to the Squid Sisters, positioned behind the doors.
Soon, an emcee boomed over the speaker systems, announcing the event on hand.
"Please welcome, the Squid Sisters!", the voice boomed, as Callie, Marie, and Joel filed out of the backstage, setting into their designated places, Joel to the left, Callie in the center, Marie to the right. Even the media were hyped seeing the Sisters here, about to take their questions once more. But most importantly, they want to have their opinion on the recent scandal about Marina admitting she is an Octoling & revealing more of her ilk around in Inkopolis.
"Meggy Corral, for TNZ.", a petite anemone with a yellow fish with her introduced herself, "What we shall expect for this album?"
"Our fans shall be energized by my singles there!", said Callie.
"And calmed by mine.", as Marie smirked. "But really, the emotion, the emotion upon the fact that this amazing woman is here by me? You will feel it in our duets!", she said enthusiastically.
"Rayn Seafoam, Squid News Network.", as he raised his phone. "What would be your opinion on Marina coming out to the public? That she admits that Octolings are still alive & kicking?", he inquired.
"We admire her for that.", Callie began, "She is a strong cephalopod, that Marina. I am sure she & Pearl will be fine., she stated.
"That definitely was a brave move on Marina's part...considering the history of the world so far.", quipped Marie.
"I wish people would not see tentacle.", Callie said, a small sad expression crossing her face. "Next question, please!"
"What does Fresh Start stand for for you all?", said an Inkling in a cardigan, holding aloft a recorder. "Lia Shellcrack, IN9".
"This...is a reunion. Starting anew.", said Marie.
"Splatfest definitely got to our heads, no doubt." said Callie, a serious expression crossing her face.
"Callie's kidnapping took a toll on me as well.", began Joel. "I have been the manager since their reunion a year running now, and their producer for like, their whole career.", he said. "For...this album to be even out in the public is a miracle, after everything happened.", he said with a serious look on him.
"Our popularity was a double-edge sword, a blessing, and a curse.", said Marie. "Our individual careers drove us further & further until the day happened. The day the Callie...Callie...got nabbed", she said, a sad face coming over the lime inkling.
"Me & Marie were...shocked. Callie, gone in a snap.", Joel added.
"How did you & your partner re-connected once the mysterious Four saved Callie from the Octarians?", asked another Inkling, with slicked back tentacles.
"We simply kept our promises this time.", said Marie.
"We became Callie & Marie the person, not the celebrity duo.", stated Callie. "At least for a while, before paps inevitably knew it was us.", she quipped.
Suddenly, the power was cut down in the room, mildly alarming the motley crowd in the room. Soon, noises from outside the lobby can be heard, followed by the sound of multiple Super Jumps in the vicinity.
Confusion, followed by terror, ensued in the lobby. Sailing over the reporter's heads, landing smack center between them & the presscon table, was a Splat Bomb. The Inklings among the room morphed into squid immediately to avoid the explosion, while the rest took cover, some even lifting their seats to shield themselves.
"Manager, run into the backstage, we gotta call someone.", Marie urged Joel, the anemone obliging. As soon as he is out of earshot, Marie immediately speed-dialed Sheldon.
"Come on you crab, pick up...", Marie said, tension creeping in, as she waited for a reply.
"Kinda wish we brought Four along...", said Callie.
Soon, there was a squad of Sanitized Octolings armed with Octo Shots, terrorizing the media in the room. Marie & Callie hid under the table to call for Sheldon. The Octolings were scouring the room for hostages and equipment. Marie's phone clicked, indicating that someone had got the phone.
"Sheldon?", said Marie.
"Ammo Knights hotline...oh Marie, you called?", replied the crab.
"We need our weapons fast! Or call an Agent here, on the quick, Sheldon! The presscon is under attack!", Marie said urgingly. "There are Sanitized terrorizing the media in here!", she almost shouted.
"Ye-yes Marie! I'll get an Agent there!", Sheldon nervously replied. "I am at Ammo Knights now, may leave it to my assistant Villon for a while while I send you your weapons via drone!", he whispered over the phone.
Meanwhile, Callie immediately dialed Four so more people come to help the room. To her relief, Four did answer on the quick.
"Cal?", said the male Inkling on the other side.
"Evan, we are under attack! Bring your best weapon & your tank, immediately!", she urged, careful not to alarm the enemy. "Super Jump if you need to!", Callie added.
"Damn. I'll be there, hang on One & Two.", he said, buckling his tank on. He immediately grabbed his Hero Shot, reconfigured his tank to Splat Bombs as a sub, and hurried on out to a room to Super Jump somewhere discreet.
Meanwhile, Inkopolis PD arrived on the scene, in an effort to help the hostages.
"Stand down!" blared the commander, holding an N-Zap.
"Intruders!", yelled the Elite. "Dispose of them!", she ordered her strike team to deal with the police, easily overwhelming the Inklings, blue ghosts drifting away from the scene. The terrified media people were huddled in groups, with an Octoling or two training their Octo Shots on them.
Meanwhile, Evan successfully Super Jumped into the Hotel front, taking down the Twintacle guards with ease.
"You sanitized squits don't get it huh?", said Evan, after finishing off the last Twintacle. He then walked up to the lobby where the ruined presscon, and Callie & Marie were. The Sanitized stared down the green Inkling, albeit a lifeless stare, but still with killing intent.
"Bold of you, young Inkling. Bold of you to step up to us when it is just one of you against twelve of them!", said the commander.
"I am not just any young Inkling, thank you very much!", Evan retorted proudly.
"Is that so?", the commander countered. "Well then. Attack!", she commanded the Octolings.
"Alright, it's showtime!", Evan said with a determined face, and the battle began, ink shots flying all over the ruined lobby.
After-chapter: Damn, the Sanitized are back at it, and this time, Four's the only one up to the challenge! Can he best three teams' worth of Sanitized octo? Will Sheldon send help in time? Tune in next episode, coming out end of month/May 1. Probably. For the meantime...can you spot the Splatuber mention? Hint: She works at Sheldon's.