July 15th, 2019 -
You find yourself enveloped in an endless dark void. A faint radio buzz echoes in the distance. Your mind is continually drawing a blank. You can't think clearly. The white static increases in magnitude until...
The train emerges from the dark tunnel.
"Good morning Inkopolis. I'm your host Sandy Shoal coming at you live from the WBLM. It's a gorgeous morning with blue skies as far as the eye can see. You don't get days like this often, so let's make the most of it," The radio personality proclaims.
The radiant sunlight pierces through the steel car, and the passengers bask in the illuminating glow. Today was the start of a new beginning.
The train slowly nears the station, Inkopolis Square.
"The final splatfest is fast approaching folks, only three more days until the main event. Speaking of which, I have an extraordinary prize for all you idol fans out there," The host clamors. The metal doors slide open, and you make your way through the plaza. "If you call in the next five minutes, you'll be entered into a contest to meet the popular squid sister, Callie."
Your heart skips a beat... Callie?
"That's right, the one and only Callie. You can win a pleasant afternoon chat with the freshest pop sensation around. You better act now though, time is running out." You frantically rummage through your pockets, scrambling to unearth your phone. Jacket pockets empty. Pants pockets vacant. Backpack negative. The only other place it could be was...
"All aboard," The conductor shouts. The train doors close swiftly with a loud thud. You rush over to the gate and glance through the glass pane.
Low and behold, you spot your cell phone buried between the foam seat cushions. The train begins departing from the station. "Call, call, call. You don't want to miss your chance," The radio host declares. In a bold move, you latch onto the rear of the train as it leaves the platform. Onlookers are bewildered by your bizarre actions. However, you don't let their concerned gazes deter you from the mission.
"Three minutes remaining," The host announces.
You leap to a nearby ladder and scale the side of the train. Once you get on top, you pull out your trusty splatter shot and ink the roof's metallic surface. As giant billboards and road signs barrel towards you, you dive into the ink and swim under the dangerous obstacles. You then hop down between the two train cars and dash into the vehicle.
"One minute remaining," The voice alerts. You sprint towards your phone and immediately dial the radio number. "Please enter your name and address," The woman asks.
You release a heavy sigh of relief and collapse into the armchair. My name is Agent 4, and I live at 34 Ship Bottom Lane. I'm a retired soldier and a three-time turf war champion. I've been searching for Callie for many months now, and I think I've finally found my ticket.
"That's lovely sir, but you didn't have to tell us that. We just needed your name and address," The receptionist affirms. "Thank you for your time and cooperation; we wish you the best of luck," She says as she hangs up the line.
You tune into the results of the broadcast, crossing your fingers, toes, and legs. The odds of you being chosen are highly improbable, but even a slight possibility is still a chance nonetheless.
"Greetings ladies and gentlesquids, the results are in, and today's lucky contestant is..."
"Agent 4? Is that even a name?"