Infrastructure

Out of the opening that Tetanus leapt out of, a familiar urchin stepped into the light, interrupting the tension between the inklings and the battle-crazed urchin. The battle interrupted, the opposing sides turned towards the urchin in question that stopped them.

"I've been watching the battle for a while now, but oi reckon this has gone on long enough, love. We'll stop the battle right here." The familiar urchin said, tapping a button on a remote in his left hand, the border of steel blocks above them rumbling and retracting back into the wall.
"What the…" Cobalt said, looking at the figure. "SPYKE?!"
"BROTHER!" Tetanus cackled, catching the inklings completely off guard. "I didn't even see ya! It's been a seadog's age!"

"Yeah, yeah. Good to see you too, Tetanus." Spyke replied dismissively. "I'll keep it short. Pack your things, love. We're leaving this place."
Tetanus's eyes widened in surprise at first, and then he burst into jubilation. "WAIT, WE ARE?! YAHOO! Can't wait! There's a world out there just achin' ta see me!" Grabbing his guitar off of the wreckage that was his exoskeleton, he bolted back into where he came from, disappearing into the darkness.

Spyke walked over to the knocked-out Tiny, and patted the shell gently. "Hmm. Seems like I intervened at just the right time. Last thing I needed was this lil' fellah to be roasted by the confrontation." Looking up at the inklings, he noticed they were all staring agape right at him.
"Ah…right." He said, turning and walking to the entrance of the arena. "Perhaps I owe y'all a real proper explanation, don't I?" Tapping another button on his remote, a section of floor descended down, revealing a set of stairs. Walking down, Spyke motioned the inklings to follow.
"Come, I'll explain everything along the way."

Walking down a series of steel walkways, Spyke along with the team descended slowly down into the darkness, the former holding a flashlight in his hand to light the way.
"We got a long way to go." Spyke said, turning back to the inklings. "Ask away."

"So what was the deal with that urchin?" Chris began, "You told us about him as a major threat, but he just said you were his brother. What's going on?"
"Well…" Spyke replied, turning back to the walkway. "First off, he's not my brother. I'd be frank, if I had a blood relative that ran off every matter o' cliché under the sun and claimed to be much more special than myself in every way, I'd be dead from embarrassment ten years ago."
"So he isn't your brother?"
Spyke breathed a sigh. "On that note mate, no. But not entirely."

The concealed stairway behind them closed by itself, plunging the pathway behind them into complete darkness.

"I've been in this business fer a long time now." Spyke began, "I've had me fair share o' having to turn a blind eye to other urchins. Out in the streets, there's no room for sympathy. Either ya grab the opportunity when ya see it, or you watch in vain as the competition snatches it beyond your reach."
"Sounds like a horrible way to live." Mei-Lin remarked.
"That may be so, love." Spyke replied, "But when that kinda mindset becomes everyday routine, ya just treat it as the norm. That's just how bein' in the business is all about. At least… that's how I used ta think."

They rounded a corner, onto some slightly damp rocks. Grasping some railings erected on the edge of the cliff, the group carefully descended to prevent themselves from slipping.
"One day," Spyke continued, "I met another urchin in the streets. He was a pathetic lil' thing, dressed in nothin' but rags and this frayed cowboy hat and with the tiniest Super Sea Snail I've ever laid eyes upon in his scrawny hands. He was running away from a buncha security, the lot screamin' about returning the snail to the girl 'e stole it from. Normally I'd just leave 'im be, but well… the kid barely looked like 'e was old enough to know the local streets by heart. From a brief lapse of common sense, I helped him evade the fuzz." He chuckled, watching the ground. "Possibly the worst mistake I ever made."
"The urchin kid. That's Tetanus?" Mei-Lin asked.
"Yes, back then tho he had no name at all. It's only later tha' I discovered he's orphaned. I dunno if 'e had any folk out there, but if there were, they'd likely forgotten about 'im. I kept him under my wing for a few days down here, hopin' that someone will come and pick 'im up.
During that time however, well… he bonded ta me. Started calling me brother, always waitin' for me to come back from the streets, askin' how my day went, and asked a lot of unnecessary questions to boot. After a while I realized that 'e could be a liability. It didn't help either that somehow the cops were still after 'im. Whoever he stole the lil' Sea Snail from must've seriously wanted it back. It's only a matter o' time before they found the guy with me, and my career would've been over."

"I hatched a plan ta keep him busy, in the hopes that he'd be askin' less questions." Spyke went on, "I thought, if he were completely distracted, he'd forget completely about life on tha' topside, and he'd stop hankerin' me about it. For a while, I scrounged whatever I could that can keep him content. Food, entertainment, that kinda stuff."
"Entertainment?" Cobalt repeated, raising an eyebrow. "What kind of entertainment?"
"Low budget action movies, a variety of superhero comics, engineering manuals and a selection of squidcore music."
"Well that explains a lot!" Cobalt groaned, "I was wondering why that bastard was the way he was."

"Even so however," Spyke continued, "The kid was a stubborn one. Whenever he's burnt through whatever material I had ta keep him busy, he starts exploring the Barricade outta curiosity. One day however, oi reckon he uncovered something he shouldn't have."
"That would be…" Chris said, intrigued.
"The cross." Spyke answered. "Truth be told, I've more than just seen the cross down here, I've examined the thing many times in the past, but I'd never been able to work out what it was, or even what it was meant to do. But I one day I found 'im next to the cross, the poor sod driven outta his head and the Sea Snail enlarged to ridiculous proportions." The urchin gave off a dismissive shrug. "The kid started calling himself Tetanus, after one o' the villains in the comic. His manner of…socializin' has also changed drastically. And with every passin' day he got worse and worse. Eventually he became… well…" He waved his hand back at the entrance. "You know."

"And here I thought he didn't mean that bit about the tragic backstory." Cobalt remarked. "Guess he was telling the truth there."
"Oh, believe me. Whatever backstory he came up for himself is misguided at best and grandiose narcissistic drivel at the absolute worst." Spyke replied. "But seein' him at that state, well I just can't let him return to society like that, no way I could'a have a possible serial killer under my conscience. So I left him in 'ere, spreadin' rumors about THE BOSS to scare people away from the center of Backwater Barricade. But I suppose it was only a matter of time before what I did caught up with little ol' me." Spyke laughed loudly, the laughter bouncing off the walls. "Karma can be a cruel ol' mistress sometimes…"

"So what changed?" Katelyn asked, examining the Super Sea Snail peering out from underneath her hat. "What made you change your mind and decide to finally let him leave this place?"
"As a matter of fact," Spyke answered, "It was around two weeks after Splatfests were stopped entirely. I was personally quite surprised that everyone lost their will to be doin' Turf Wars, let alone bother ta cheer themselves up. It made me realize, keeping Tetanus in hiding like this was just pushing the problem away. It was then I decided to let the poor kiddo finally leave the maze that was his home all this time, and let 'im see the world, since after all this time he's still achin' to see the wide world just beyond. But I couldn't work out on a starting approach alone, after all I'm only one street urchin."
Katelyn slipped the snail out of her bobble hat, and patted it gently as she contemplated what Spyke just said.
"So while I was chewing on that, I was redirected to Glowworm Avenue today. Someone that claimed to be a smuggler directed me there this mornin', told me that he's got info there's good loot to be sold there. Turns out though that lead was bogus, all I found were two Super Sea Snails that some fool left by the streets and a case o' mild frostbite from all that snow. As I was wondering how I'm going to rearrange that smuggler's face, well…" He turned to the inklings. "I overheard the lil' chat y'all had with the priestess lady on the way back. And well… suppose y'all know the rest."

"So that's it then, a case of mutual interest?" Mei-Lin concluded. "But something doesn't add up, the information concerning the cross. How did it enlarge the Super Sea Snail into gargantuan proportions, and drive Tetanus crazy?"

"Well." Spyke replied, smiling mysteriously as they reached the bottom, a strange light growing stronger as they approached. "Why not you go and ask it yourselves?"

"…Huh?"

At the very bottom of the descent, a sight awaited our heroes that they had not expected to see.

In contrast to the dank rocky caverns above, the place they found themselves in appears to be composed of a wide open field, stone walls surrounding it coated in moss. A river ran through the middle of the area, bisecting it, while on the sides lush green grass grew from the damp soil. The very air itself seemed unusually fresh like the middle of a warm summer day, in vast contrast to the stale air in the caverns above.

But the most remarkable feature was that there were structures built down here, specifically huts made of straw and wood. While uninhabited, these huts looked as if they had just been built, as if some primordial marine life finished constructing those moments earlier. The largest hut situated in the very center of the field had an opening faced towards the group, inside containing a large ornately decorated stone cross, the very center shining a bright light that illuminated the entire miniature hamlet.

"Amazing…" Chris breathed, taking in the sights. Examining a nearby hut, there was even a small bonfire lit inside, the smell of freshly baked bread permeating the small space even though there was no discernable source.
"This… this is all exactly what it was like in the history books!" Mei-Lin said in awe. "Everyone, I think all this might be where Inkopolis sprung from!" Reaching into her backpack, she knelt down by the riverside and began sketching the scenery before her.
"What, this backwards collection of sticks and hay?" Cobalt remarked. "I expected something more impressive."
Chris sighed. "Straightforward as always, aren't we?"

Stepping towards the largest hut where the light was shining from, Katelyn noticed a small stone slab that was affixed to the ground in front of the entrance.
"Guys." She said, wiping silt off of the slab. "Check this out!"
The other inklings gathered around the stone tablet. Chiseled into the stone, was a short message:

'It is here, we shall take root. We vow to build a great city, where all life shall live in harmony. Let our humble beginnings be preserved for eternity, so that our descendants shall glance down upon their origins, and appreciate the progress they had made."

"So… all this." Mei-Lin said, looking around the vast field. "All this was left as it was from when Inkopolis was only a concept? How is it all so perfectly preserved? That has to be at least two thousand years ago!"

"That would be due to my power." An unknown voice answered. It was inaccurate to call it a voice in the conventional sense however. It rang through everyone's heads, in a matter similar to a half forgotten dream. Accompanying the voice came visions of a sunbathed field of wheat, a river brimming with fish, and the murmurs of various species speaking in a language both familiar and unfamiliar.

"What the…" Katelyn said, taken aback. "Where did that voice come from?"
"Here, my child. Within the confines of this hut." The voice answered. Looking up from the plaque, the inklings saw that the cross is now glowing even brighter, the iridescent light cascading over them like the rays of the morning sun.

"What the…" Cobalt said, staring at the monument. "Is that cross actually TALKING to us?"
"Compared to what we just fought, I'd say this is tamer in comparison." Chris replied, and then he turned to the cross. "So…what are you… exactly?"

"I am the Spirit of Infrastructure." The cross clarified. "One of four guardians that watch over this land. It has been a long time since I have seen a new face. What brings you here, pilgrims?"
"Umm…" Mei-Lin answered, "We're here on a mission. I understand that the Splatfest Altar sent us on a journey to find you."
"Is that so, Miss Jiao-Yan?" the cross replied, "Ah… there is no need to be surprised, my child. From the moment you and your companions set foot in these caverns, I had been observing you all. Introductions are unnecessary. Please, tell me more about the reasoning behind your pilgrimage."
"Well at least that's one less thing to do." Cobalt replied. "So…umm…" He paused for a moment before turning to Chris. "You better handle this. I'm not good with explanations."
"It would be my pleasure." Chris said, watching Cobalt wander off and examine the hut where the smell of bread was wafting out of. "Now…where do I start?"

The next few minutes were spent explaining their entire journey thus far to the sentient stone cross. All the while, Spyke hung around in the back, listening intently to Chris's story.

"…and after defeating that urchin, our journey led us down here. And here we are." Chris finished.
"I see." The Spirit replied. "Returning morale to the populace of Inkopolis is truly an important task. Unfortunately, I cannot solve this problem within the limits of my own power."
"Really?" Katelyn said, somewhat disappointed. "Is there nothing that we can do?"
"Patience, Miss Spectra. Bear with me, an explanation would be adequate here."

Mei-Lin withdrew the notepad from her backpack, and prepared to take notes.
"As I have clarified before," the cross began, its light flickering slightly. "I am the Spirit of Infrastructure. I govern over the cornerstones all over this land, so that structures stand tall and withstand the test of time. Also parts of my jurisdiction are cornerstones of a spiritual nature. Allow me to digress for a brief moment, but wasn't there an item that Miss Spectra obtained to gift to Miss Jiao-Yan?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Katelyn's face as she remembered. "Ah!" She cried, "I can't believe I forgot about that!"
"What is he talking about?" Mei-Lin asked, looking up from her notes. "He mentioned something about a gift…"
"Right here!" Katelyn quickly rummaged through her pockets, withdrawing the Octoglasses that she had purchased from Annie earlier that day, before bowing down at her friend apologetically. "I'm sorry, with everything that happened today I completely forgot about giving them to you!"
"It's okay." Mei-Lin replied calmly, accepting Katelyn's gift and examining it. "Hmm… why sunglasses?"
"N-Not much of a reason, really." Katelyn blurted, "I- I was browsing Cooler Heads for something to cheer you up, and I just thought those would look great on you. There was something involving level requirements though, and I got into an argument with Moe about it." She gave a brief glance at the hut which Cobalt entered. "Which was how I met Cobalt and Chris, incidentally."
"I see…" Mei-Lin put on the Octoglasses onto her forehead, and smiled. "Thank you, Katie. I'll cherish them."

"You felt it right then, didn't you? The feeling that the two of you have grown closer?" The cross continued, "These little moments of charity. A selfless favor. An act of pity. Very minor gestures that seemed inconsequential when looking back, but form bonds that can only strengthen over time. These moments are what I preside over, and are part of the key to saving your home."
"Part of?" Chris repeated, "Does this have to do with the other three crosses?"
"Precisely. My brothers: Evolution, Sentience and Unity. They reside within other locations scattered across this land, and are part of your objective with this pilgrimage. While I am able to resolve certain problems alone, for incidents at this wide a scale it requires our combined power. Thus, I shall grant you a fragment of my power. Keep watch over it."

The cross began to glow brighter, and a small ball of light emerged from it. As it floated down to Chris's outstretched arms, the ball of light faded to reveal what appears to be a quarter of a stone sphere, just small enough to fit in a pocket.

"Hey, are you done talking to the oversized lawn ornament yet?" Cobalt asked, emerging from the hut with a steaming loaf of bread in his hand.
Katelyn immediately noticed what was in Cobalt's hand, and looked at him with a face of concern. "Umm… Cobalt. Hate to break it to you, but if this whole village was here for more than two thousand years, I'm fairly sure that piece of bread you're holding is way past its expiration date."
"Ehh… you heard the fellah, everything here is preserved the day it was made thanks to him. I think this bread will do nicely for a midnight snack later."
Katelyn eyed the freshly baked loaf briefly, and contemplated what Cobalt suggested.
"…so where'd you find it?" She finally answered. Cobalt only chuckled, and led her into the hut with him.

"Those two…" Mei-Lin laughed softly, before turning to the cross. "There is one last matter I'd like to ask before we leave. What is your involvement with Tetanus?"
For a moment, the light from the cross dimmed slightly. "Ahh, yes. That urchin child. I am not proud to admit that even a being such as I can be capable of regrettable mistakes."
"I'd like to hear about this too, mate." Spyke called out from the back. "I'd like to know what made that kid such a handful."
"And I shall. As his caretaker, you deserve to hear this as well." The cross said, "The Sea Snail that boy carried was undernourished, subsequently it was also why it was so small in the first place. When that boy came to me, the creature was dying. It already struggled to stay alive before, but being relocated down here deprived it of whatever nourishment it can obtain. The boy begged me to help the creature however it could, and seeing the pathetic sight, I could not help but intervene."
"I presume something went wrong along the way, then." Chris remarked.
"Yes… With my power, I redefined the infrastructure of the Sea Snail, allowing it to become strong. But the boy was also caught in my power, and it redefined him completely. His experiences in the last few days became his defining traits, which led to his sanity becoming unstable. I could not heal him after that, at the risk of damaging his sanity even further."
"I see." Spyke said, nodding understandably. "Guess letting 'im have a breath of fresh air might just be the thing to help him, then. Maybe a few years on the surface should drum those troublesome traits out eventually. Thanks for the info, love."

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. Only time will tell." The cross finished, "But perhaps I shall send you all along your way now. Listen to the altar tomorrow, it shall point you towards your next objective. I wish you good luck with your quest."
"Alright then. Thanks for the heads-up." Chris said, turning to the bread hut. "Hey, you two! We're leaving!"
"Coming!" Cobalt replied, coming out of the hut with him and Katelyn carrying handfuls of bread in their arms, before noticing Chris's 'you can't be serious' stare. "…what? It's not like whoever baked them would miss 'em."

The inklings followed Spyke as he turned round and headed back up the walkway, and soon they disappeared into the darkness above. There was a lengthy silence as their footsteps faded away into the distance.

"…you can come out now, old friend."

A figure with long robes and a hood wandered out from the shadows, who peered at the walkway the team went up earlier.

"Hmm," the figure said. "It would seem that we got our contenders."

"Yes, perhaps. But… do you think revealing yourself to that girl was a good idea? They may realize the truth much sooner."

"What, me? I'm only a supporting role in this story. How they define their path is entirely up to them, my only role is to point them at the right direction. How much they know is entirely superfluous."

"Possibly. I shall leave it to you then, you know what you are doing. They shall see the light soon enough."

"Yes. Yes, they will. Hohoho."

AN: For those that had been with me up to this point, you may have noticed the plot synopsis is a tad different (for everyone else... what are you talking about? It's always been like that! *awkward laugh*). I'm fairly sure when it comes to fanfics on this site, grabbing an audience involves a manner of psychology. It's not even that complicated, a description that hooks readers in is often enough. Unfortunately since I'm all grown up I can no longer contemplate what fascinates younger readers. Maturing really does have its downsides.
Could be that I'm overthinking this however. Who knows.