When cleaning time can fly by very fast. So much I so I don't even remember what I was looking for in our room but I found it anyway. Guess I'm glad for moving all these clothes out the way.
"I better use this tomorrow when I head out to that man hole " I'm holding my Splattershot vanilla and put it down on my bed. I usually don't main this weapon, instead I main almost everything else I own. Dualies, Shot, Rollers, sometimes Brushes and I tried Chargers.
I only have 3 sloshers, and one brella but I try to fit them in my plan or rotation. Splatlings are a weapon I use that I only have two of and used to main quite a lot back in the old Inkopolis. Looking at a tur war poster on our wall I realize something.
I have used a blaster but only a Rapid Blaster Pro, maybe i'll get another one after the maintenance ends. But it doesn't matter since I have more wins with dualies and sloshers, which proves what I like isn't what I main.
A shout bounced into my room, echoing on the walls. Apparently it was one of my friends called for me in the living room. I looked at the digital clock which read 11:56 AM, almost noon time.
Good old technology helping me. Since I happen to be laying on my floor, why would I get up just yet? Wow I am really that lazy?
"Oi, Painter it's our shift to cook! Get out here please." Dice yelled at me, probably taking out a pot and tray to start our lunch. Such a good boy.
We all have a method to our madness, using meal plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. Two of us cook while the other two clean and it set up by a this website Wheeler found. Guess she's good at something.
Trudging out into the kitchen I open the pantry. "Aye aye, Captain Dice." I joked, shifting some food boxes out of my way. I look at the schedule on the fridge door and scan it for today.
Guess I'm making the sides today, not that I can complain at less work. Dice started the preheat for the oven, looking in the freezer, so we both are looking for food. So the silent hum began in oven, temperature rising.
Pretty sure we still have some yeast buns that junking Wheels found a mega deal and bought a whole bunch at that new Mako Mart. We also found some other pretty good sales for other products.
Phht!
Just realized yeast buns and rolls are for dinner not lunch. Shaking my head I put the box down. A hand reaches out and points to a blue box, scaring the living ink outta me.
It was Helmet who was behind me the whole time. Holy squit! Where'd she learn to be a ninja?!
"We should have pasta for our grain, Painter." She politely said. Then she got up and stood beside me.
I turned my head slowly, looking back at my younger friend. It takes me about 10 seconds to recognize what just happened.
"Girl, what the shell!? You came out of nowhere with that suggestion." I spit, throwing my hands into the air for effect. The girl just shrugs my question off like I said nothing.
After grabbing the box, and standing up, I decide to put my hand on Helmet's shoulder for balance. "Thanks for the suggestion, really needed that." I breathed, patting her helmet, causing her to look startled but then lax.
Of course this little moment only lasted about 30 seconds before Wheeler and Dice gave us strange glances. Wheeler's was more mischievous than Dice's. I wonder why?
The girl took the chance to glomp Helmet. Wow they sure looked cute for a moment." That won't last long." I whisper to myself hoping no one hears me.
But of course Wheeler had to accidentally bump her head onto Helmet's matte bike helmet. They both reeled back in surprise and in pain for former. Told you so.
"Ah, take that off would you?!" Wheels cried, rubbing her sore forehead, crouching on the ground. Well what did you expect that's happens when you don't take in mine someone's gear. Once I've ran into a teammate with body armor on and ended up with bruise.
Helmet pushed her younger friend onto her back, smiling. She reminded me of a sea turtle laying on it's shell upside down, they are people too. Wheeler looked so pitiful, clutching her knees into her ample chest. Wait, why am I staring at her and those breasts?
Ignoring them, Dice pulled out some chicken fish from the freezer and poured water onto it to defrost it. "Is 2 to 3 pieces good everyone?" He asks once the meat is free of ice, wearing gloves on his hands to protect his skin from water.
Helmet turned her head towards him, tilting her head. "Yeah, that's okay, we should be full with everything." Her words poured warmly as she went back to her book. Why can't she be like with me and answering questions?
"I'm going to try some new seasoning for baking, be ready." Dice says pulling the container out of a plastic bag and twisting the cap. He starts drizzling salts and spices onto the tender pink chicken fish.
Then the inkling puts the meat on an oven tray and places it in. The timer on the oven reads: 25 minutes so the boy goes to sit down on a bar stool next to the kitchen counter.
"Hey where do you get that from?!" I asked since it seems foreign. My knowledge on cuisine and spices aren't to full so any details could be a big help.
Dice just shook his head and said "My hometown." Well that was vague, guess I'll just have to search up the name on Goggle.
Anyway I take out a pot, with the noodles packet in hand. I add some nice cold milk, shredded cheese and tomato sauce then turn the dial to 6. I look at my phone until I can hear a certain sound.
As expected the pasta is boiling and I am staring at the eye making sure it does not burn our food while stirring. "This is going to be some burst bomb good squid guys!" I say once the smell is circulating the air.
Hope that didn't sound too weird. They should be used to my catchphrases, I get them from my older siblings.
Lucky just gives me a look of confusion, his face flushed. I don't understand what's wrong with him at the moment. Turning my head I see he has a book in his hands from Helmet. I guess he is now wrapped in her interesting books.
Then I realize it was probably one of those safe books with that have some questionable scenes in them. Safe really isn't a good name for that genre but hey, I don't make the rules.
But never mind that I'm falling in love with this box of noodles!
Hmmm, I may not be Italian but I love me some pasta! I'm actually really mixed but mainly Japanese. But of course those places don't exist anymore. It's all under water thanks to global warming making the sea level rise. Many say those stupid humans caused it.
Soon like at in about 30 minutes all the food was ready and we had our late lunch. All of the food turned out great but the chicken fish was a little too spicy. "Dice, you just had to add the pepper mix did you?" complained Wheeler after trying to cleanse her tongue with cold milk.
In response Dice just shrugged going back to eating. Dang savage much? It's like he doesn't even care! "The poor girl isn't used to spicy food, Dice!" I lament hitting him with the back of my fork.
Everyone loved my saucy noodles and Helmet asked me to make them again in two days since that's my next dinner shift. "Yeah sure but you have to make that rawesome French style steak! We bought some just for you." I say before getting up and putting my plate and stuff in the sink.
Helmet looks at me and smiles while everyone else goes back to eating. I sit down on the couch and start looking at videos on Wetflix from my phone. But of course my phone has to charge so I turn it off and relax, waiting.
The silence was unbearable for Helm, so she turned on speakers and played some of the Chirpy Chirps CDs Dice had bought. I've heard they've made a two new songs that'll be playing soon but there not out yet. "So much for that leak if it's not even available for a quick 30 second listen"
Dice and I spend the time on the T.V watching turf war matches from the Inkopolis sports channel, while the girls cleaned up the dishes and the kitchen. Our rivals have many of matches on the channel so it's good to their play styles.
Once the ladies finished up, quite quickly since the mess wasn't too big and we all played some video games on the Flip which is an awesome new Swimtendo console. Well it's not too new since it came out last March.
We played Otterio Kart 8 Deluxe over and over again. "Come on who threw that fricking blue shell!" Wheeler raged quite often while Helmet somehow swept us all. Who'd guess this book nerd was good at Otterio Kart.
Dice said he wanted to play Pufby Star Allies but we all said no, it was too easy and not competitive enough. "You guys are lame, all you do is play the same 2 to 3 games, and there are way more choose from you cheapos!"
After a while, say 4 hours Wheeler wanted us to order some Pizza from Papa Inks, since we have some deals for them. "In three days we are going to a party so might as well use the coupon before then." She reasoned grabbing her Squidphone and credit card.
I noticed something able the design on the card but decided not to say anything. Doesn't she work for that bakery close by? Dice beckoned me over to show me something on his phone.
"Look Painter, these are Mask's friends Pilot and Sailor. They are coming to the party Friday, have you met them before?" The male asked me, flicking through photos sent from Fernand. I smiled at the pictures. Aren't those two on the league branch of BIR? Aren't they the founders?!
I took my phone out of my pocket and scrolled through my text messages." I think I have seen them before, yeah I have!" I say bright grin on my face. Dice and I just start to talk about people we remember in photos. How could I ever forgot them, they're all rawesome!
Meanwhile Helmet glared at the other girl's card frowning. "Say your parents gave you that card right, Wheels?" she mocked walking up to her younger friend, while lifting off her matte bike helmet. When she did that I was able to see her dark blue pigfish tails, freed from their confinement. SO fresh.
After that statement Wheeler got upset." No it's not Helmet, this a credit card from my job! Yes the fourteen year old has a job, since she doesn't live her parents at the moment! Got a problem with that?" She shot back, clenching her fists. I could see the surprise and annoyance on the older girls face.
"Oh sorry I forgot you worked at the Puffie's Bakery. My bad, it's just a little unsettling to have you be the one pulling out the card." Helmet panicked, trying to end the conversation. In defeat she walked away and sat in her favorite chair. I could see the smirk on Wheelers face as she ordered the pizza.
You got told Helmet, you got told. "Eely hope the pizza doesn't come too-" I start to say.
Wheels shouted interrupting me in my tracks." An hour for only one large box of pizza?! Are you actually squidding me?!" Great just what I needed, maybe I'll go clean my gear.
So we waited till the pizza came, Helmet putting on a kettle of tea boil in the process. The delivery-boy came knocking at our door, with a pained look on his face. "Hello, a Charleigh ordered a large cheese pizza?" We use or real names for normal stuff but sometimes that can get confusing. This guy probably doesn't know about Inkopolis Clans and the like anyway.
I nodded my head smiling, taking the box from the inkling. "Yes she's here, I'll take it for her. " Closing the door and putting the box down on a table. We soon took that thing out, but not all of it.
"I'm so glad I ordered that, I'm so full now." The youngest said, laying out on the sofa, her plate haphazardly left on the floor. Good thing we have leftover pizza to eat tomorrow.
It was getting late so we all decided to hit the hay, Dice taking a shower first before going to bed. Now inklings dissolve in water because our bodies are made of ink, so we have to be careful.
But the showers we take are universal black ink or other colors depending on where you live and the supply, so it's alright to get covered.
After my boy Dice is done I can finally get in bathroom, before Wheels or Helmet get in .Typical girls, would take forever to hurry things up. "HAHa I'm not a full girl so I don't have to deal with that stereotype!" But instead I get the special snowflake one, squit.
I take with me; my new towel and boxes, because my older brother taught me that my 'issues' would make wearing female undergarments difficult. I mean that's cool with me, they probably won't fit good unless they were the 'boy short' type. "Wow, I kinda eel sorry for them, society doesn't even know what's comfortable for em."
"Your little friend would stick out like a sore thumb, Painter. Especially when by those cute little friends of yours. My my I'm jealous now." Those were his words when he went shopping with us a few months ago.
I remember wanting to die right then and there because Helmet and Wheeler heard him. But they had no idea what he was talking about, hopefully. I have a gut feeling that Helmet caught on to his words. But I would never dare to ask her if she knew.
"That asshole!" I grumble to myself, slipping out of my clothes. Pulling away the shower and turn on the ink, and wait for it to warm up are my next steps. "My friends didn't know that I was intersex yet, I waiting for the right time to time them at that moment. Sometimes they act like remember."
Then I indulge and bathe for what feels like an eternity. Nah it was only about 8 minutes. Why am I squidding myself here? I always take short showers, well if I'm not tired.
Anyway, after finishing my shower I have to dry off but since I'm lazy I transform into my squid form. Then I proceed to wrap my small squid form body in my towel and jump up and down.
It worked since I have no more black ink on my body. The ink in my veins soon was blue ink, which was the color of my last battle team. Of course I have normal blood too, but that's not important.
"Urk." I almost vomit a bit in my beak.
But the only problem is the dizziness you get from spazzing around in a towel. Found my tooth brush, which is special for us inklings. I open my mouth while facing the mirror. Gotta keep those dental bills low.
Still got my three exaggerated canine teeth, don't ask why squids have teeth when we don't even have bones. I grab the bottle of beak paste or toothpaste, whatever. Then I brush my teeth, minding the two top and one bottom exaggerated teeth. I floss then moisturize my head tentacles and get ready for bed.
After I put on pajamas that were left in my basket I finally lay down in bed, before Wheels even got the shower. The warm covers feel so great on my weary and tired body.
Soon we all drift off into a deep sleep. I can tell because I'm usual the last one up and can hear everyone. Even if Helmet stays up doing things. I've woken up to see her reading late at night, almost in the dark. I don't care if you have good night vision that's still creepy to see your glowing eyes at 2 AM!
I awake feeling quite happy, sunlight pouring into our room through the blinds. Wheels snored softly in her polka dot pajamas, for some reason the covers were thrown off. That kid tosses and turns not too often.
Even though yesterday I decided to choose to use the Splattershot, I picked up my Splat Dualies putting them on my bed. My alarm clock says it's seven o'clock, doesn't the-
"Good morning, Inkopolis Square!" My radio shouted, joltting my train of thought and I scrambled to lower it down. Carp, I think I may have woke her up.
The Off the Hook broadcast must have just started. We do have a T.V but it's in the living room so I'm not watching the live show. Most inklings forgot they do other news not just stages and splatfests.
Wheeler bolted up right in her bed, worry placed on her face, her eyes wild. The light from the window peeked through onto our room, shining into my friend's icy blue pools.
"W-what was that?!" She cried jumping out of her bed, landing on the floor with a thud. I just simply stared at her eyes worried. Her loud voice startled me as much as the radio did. I plainly looked at her while put my hair into its seahorse tail.
"Oh, good morning, Painter!" Wheels says gazing up at me, with a smile on her face as she finally recollected herself. May Cod bless her little soul, so cute!
I smiled back her, holding my weapon in my hands. I grabbed my bed side, pushing off of it to stand on the carpet.
"Good morning to you. I'm going to head out soon, here are some in instructions written down for you guys." I say, holding out a sheet of paper to my friend on the floor. She takes it from me, staring at it puzzlely.
Wheels got off the carpet, placing the paper down, rubbing her hands together. "If you don't come back in 2 hours call you. If you don't come back in 8 hours come down the hole and look for you. Then if you don't come back in 24 hours call the police and keep looking for me." Wheels repeated what she had read. Her voice had a layer of concern, by the pitch.
Nodding my head yes, I put my hand on her shoulder as I noticed she started to get uneasy. The skin on her body started to cool down, I could feel it.
"Don't worry pal, I'll be back soon. Plus I have my dualies to keep me safe." Then I got ready for the day. It was easy, just wear what makes you look fresh.
That was a pro tip from Flag as well never to wear tight pants. "Those things were made to choke someone's balls, even if they don't have any Painter." Good old Fernand, recognizing it to be true, joke or not.
In the living room Helmet sat reading a book about something and drinking some tea. "Well, well good morning my friend." The dark skinned inkling whispered, crossing her legs, in the chair.
I walk up to her, now wearing my athletic eggplant mountain coat, pro trail boots and 18 k aviator shades. Helmet reached out to grab the message from my cold hands.
They were cold because I just had washed my hands. That brings a saying into my mind, from my childhood.
"I mean what guy in their right mind would forget to do that after taking a piss? If a girl who you touch ever found out, well let's just say game over she's no longer your friend."
That was something my dad would say to me and my brothers. I have a feeling mom said the counterpart to my sisters, both of them are very bold squids.
The girl read the note quickly, her eyes beaming, lulling me in, then Helmet hit me out the head with her palm. I'd like her more if she'd squit it with the Tsundere mode. That eely hurt girl!
"You dolt, what if you die down there? What if your phone dies and we can't reach you? What if something takes you away and we can't find you? We better find you, no you better yet come find us! "She rambled, closing her book and standing up, to tower over me of course.
I put my hands up in defiance, grinning awkwardly, hoping she'll stop. Due to the noise, Dice entered the room, still clad in his pajamas. Plaid ones, reel super stylist choice my dude.
At least Lucky has more fashion sense then my brother. But sometimes Royal Scribe tries. That's his codename, I'm the only one here who uses my real name.
"Oi what's with all the loud talking out here?" he shouted, his long piece of hair, waving into his face. He stared at the paper in annoyance, tracing his finger along the words.
"Painter? Oh I think she'll be fine, Helmet." Dice started placing down the paper and putting his hand on Helmet's shoulder. "And if not we'll go find Painter and bring her back home safely."
She looked at the younger boy in spite, throwing his hand away. Her narrow eyes tell a message her words can't some times.
Wait, did Dice just refer to me as 'she'? Wow he believes in me! I still can't believe he calls me a girl after- wait we're getting off topic here brain!
Focus Painter, focus.
I better go prove him right. "Thanks for the support Dicy, and Helmet I'll prove you wrong. I'll come back with something inkredible!" I declare passionately, logging my backpack onto my shoulders.
Of course my stomach reminds me that I haven't eaten in about 8 hours. Loudly, bringing my face to turn deep blue from blushing so hard. Oh, why grumble so obnoxiously tummy!?
Dice notices smiling and says "Heh, guess your hungry too, huh Painter. Let's make some grub then."
We make a pancake and power egg special, full of carbs and proteins to be ready for whatever today brings at us. Of course that lazy Wheels decides to wake up for that. Fatass, at least she looked cute eating.
My friends waved at me by the door and I set out, putting my phone on the loudest volume and power saver mode.
"Can't have it dying when I need it the most." I say to myself walking down the stairs. When I walk down the stairs my backpack and ink tank clang together, being quite nosy. Being on floor 3 has its perks and downsides. Wish they would fix that ink rail already, Seas.
"Oh hi Painter!" said one of the neighbors, a child jellyfish named Celo. I flash her a smile and jump over the railing to get closer to her. Her long cyan appendages pull at my hands, and I lift them up.
Celo is like my little sister, so I spend my time to say hello. She shows me her latest coloring book, and wow she is getting the hang of staying in the lines. Celo reminds me of my little brother trying to write out letters on the dotted lines.
I let go of her hand and point to the metro, about to tell her I have to go. The sun bounces off my shades and I smile. "Good job Celo, I'll see you later okay. Bye bye!" My boots make little noises on the brick pavement but I don't mind. I head towards the station and wait then I get on board.
Soon the metro reaches Inkopolis Square, passing by the sights; Booyah Base and the squids outside it. Of course there are jellyfish as well but not too many. Here we are, I gaze at the Man hole then a green and pale grey figure looks at me for like a split second.
"What the shell! Who was that?" I panic, racing towards the grate which probably looked really strange to everyone else nearby. I dive into the grid like covering in squid form, a liquid inky state.
I'm falling for about five minutes, in complete darkness. The air is frigid and the area reeks of some strange aroma. Landing on the ground with a thud I look up. "Oh my Cod."
There are about 10 or more burgundy figures in front of me, their eyes glow bright yellow. Fear takes over and I whip around only to stare at a much larger figure. My heart is beating so fast right, I need to get help or something.
A bright beam of light is poured onto my front, making the tall figure more visible as well as the other figures. It was a tall creature with a humanoid form but not an inkling. I covered my eyes, although I had shades on to protect my eyes from rays.
"Look what we found boys, another inkling after so many long boring years." the tall man said pointing his blinding flashlight to the sky. Whatever he or who he is they could speak the lingua franca!
His companions were small tentacle shaped things, colored purple and holding or attached to machines. I said nothing just throwing my bag to the pavement and reaching into it. My plan was to use my dualies to splat those fools and swim away and go find that grey and light green figure for help.
I point my dualies at the largest person and fired. Here goes nothing!
"Wipe that grin off your face and eat squit werido!" I shout for a few seconds and look above my shades to see the results.
But the lab coat wearer brandished a tall black shield with a plastic window, blocking all of my shots! Where the shell did he get that out of?! His cloak?!
Carp, I should have brought my slosher! Infuriated he pushed me backwards, quickly ruining my balance. Which topples me onto the floor, then he throws his left hand to the side and calling off his friends.
I fall on my backside and turn into a squid trying to flee. It's sink or swim!
The man scooped me up by one of my bigger tentacles; my right arm in human form. "I am an Octoling little squid, you will not escape so easily with those weak tactics." He said, his iron grip squeezing so hard I have to transform to ease the pain.
Junk! Helmet was right about me. My eyes widening, discomfort building up slowly just as my face had a light blood drop.
Out of the corner of my eye I see a grey object, probably some sort of ship door. "Hey! Who are you Octoling?!" I shout, noticing he starts dragging me towards the building. With his other arm his slams me with his shield. The force causes my teeth to snap together, almost biting my tongue.
"My name is , now be silent!" He roars dropping his shield onto the stainless steel floor. throws me towards one his Octarian lackeys, the shorter ones.
Unlike him they have only one or two tentacles and no arms or hands. They can't talk either for some reason. But they know how to follow orders. Of course there are some grunts that look similar to the doctor in front of us.
I had dropped my bag and dualies onto the floor when he hit me, so his lackeys pick it up. They make strange gurgling noises as they walk, confusing me.
Then everything starts to get shaky as I'm being lifted, so I reach into my pocket to feel for my phone and then push it deeper. One of the lackeys toss a disrupter at me to get my attention, but of course it was a trick and I get sprayed in the face with a drug to knock me out.
Ah splat! I was so wrong guys!
Soon I wake up in a white room in a black chair. My belongings are next to me, on the floor in a box. is staring at me with a notepad in his hand. I just noticed his head has eight tentacles but only 3 of them are long. "Oh much of a pleasant awakening inkling?" He asks me standing up.
Wait a minute there are bars on that door, this is a cell! I look down to see I am wearing a white and red uniform of some sorts. The sleeves are long and go all the way to my wrists and ankles for the pants.
The doctor stands in front of me, grinning wildly. He has a clipboard in his arm and is stroking his chin. has little pseudo face tentacles as a goatee.
"Are you ready to comply with my tests little one?" The Foreigner says unbinding my hands and feet, from the chain on the metal chair. My wrists and ankles are sore, having red marks on them.
I have no idea what tests this strange man has for me, but I have only fear. My feet are covered by soft little red slip ons, similar to what prisoners wear.
Guess that's what I am, a prisoner. There is a great shadow being cast onto me from somewhere.
I dare not say anything in fear of being hit, the Scientist is not scrawny. He opens the door and leads me down a corridor with white lights and many doors in between. Most of the doors appear to need a key to open.
Finally we see a hallway with two big swinging doors. The doctor opens up the doors with one mighty push, light from the outside pours in. But like always I'm not here to enjoy the view.
In the room is a tall tentacle shaped tower, with rungs and foot holds. The height of it is probably 5 or 6 meters, but what am I do with it. points to a starting line at the base of the structure, beckoning to me.
Oh squid, time for pain.
"Come now inkling we are going to test how fast you can climb to the top of this tower and back down. We want to know how nimble you are in human form." The Octarian says putting his hand on my shoulder. I eely wish he'd not touch me, it's creepy.
We are outside but for some reason I can't see the sun. I feel the soft breeze but it is nothing compared to the shiver down my non-existent spine.
How am I supposed to climb up that thing with these slip ons?! I wish I could just run away but there are too many witnesses around. Maybe with some help I could escape. A sharp jab to my side breaks my train of thought. It was from that scientist, this time with a pen, from his clipboard.
The pain tells me that I have to follow their rules if I want out of something. I start the trek up the tower, eely using my upper body strength. Well what little I had any way, lacking bones.
I get up to the first limb and try to catch my breath, knees scraped and palms sore. The ink on my pores makes it easier to get a grip on holds but it is slowly running out. My muscles are starting burn like this is an intense workout.
Cod, if only I could swim in some ink to refill much more quickly than standing still or moving.
I shake my head and keep going, feeling the soles of my feet start to have deep spikes of pain. One sudden spike caused my left foot to slip off one of the foot holds. "Oh Seasus help me!" I plea as I decent into the air quickly.
I fell onto the third limb, on to my chest and stomach. In response I reckted up some of my breakfast onto the floor. All the while those damn Octarians looked up at me and say things to each other. Wiping my mouth, I crouch to grab some hand holds and keep at it."Bleugh, if I don't I be shot at or something."
After about 20 minutes I reached the top, sitting atop the point to catch my breath. The pain in my hands and thighs made me stop and massage them. Now I gotta get down this thing, great. It's much easier to climb down the tower as I slide down it, when I get to the bottom the Doctor looks at me with pure joy. Oh goodness what is he going to say this time?
He clasps his gloved hands together, dropping his clipboard. "You completed a new record for the inklings in climbing, plus your vomit is great for testing." I flinch at the last statement, wondering how someone could say those words without regret or remorse.
Disgusting, I don't understand doctors and all the gross topics they dwell in. Then again this guy isn't a normal doctor either.
I pull the right sleeve on my shirt to look at my arm, a stinging pain coming from it. "Stay here till we are ready inkling. We have not had this much data in 15 years!" The Octoling demands, saying it like I have the strength to even try anything at the moment.
The skin on my stomach is cut with a deep gash, yet short. I sigh pushing my shirt back down and just sit on the floor while the Octarians get something ready. Licking my lips I stare at the other ink creatures, envious of their free will and freedom.
An Octoling with a long tendon of kelp walks over to me holding a glass with a bluish liquid inside. Her ink is apparently black, guessing on the color of her long strands of hair. How and where in the world do you get black ink? That's the color of the Grave Sea's ink!
"It's tea my beloved guest, here drink all of it please." she calmly says placing the cup on the steel floor. The other Octoling then said something in their language, which I couldn't make out. The aroma coming from it brings me to pick it up and sniff it for inspection.
A nice earthy mix with a hint of ink. Not a poison of some sorts, they probably don't want to splat me. I'm their test subject.
After drinking the blend of unknown herbs my eyes light up. "If I'm splatted I'll just spawn back at home!" I whisper to myself standing has finished talking to the others and is staring at me, ruining any plans I have.
Carp, I can't do anything with their eyes all on me.
The Octoling from before takes away the glassware and pounds off, exiting the room through the side we came in. "Why does she have a piece of kelp in her hair and where is she running off to?" I ask myself in Inkanese before taking a better look around. Better not say anything in the language those Octolings can understand.
This white room with the tower is a balcony attached to the main building, there are three doors. Which explains why I felt like we were outside and we would be able to feel the short breeze.
Two doors lead to areas I have not been taken to yet, but the scientist grabs my wrist and lifts me up. Then releases my wrist and puts me in a hold around my arms.
I can feel his chest on mine and it drives me insane. My already sore joints are being abused after climbing. I ever so carefully tried tending to them, just great.
He grabs my chin and pushes it up so have I face him, his cold breath making me try to lean away from his head. "I hope you still have strength still in those legs little inkling, this time you are competing against an Octoling." He then decides to drop me and I fall onto my sore feet.
"Drinking freak." I mumble in Inkaense before following the adult Octoling off into an unknown room, again.
We walk into a room that is just a track, with all sorts of shapes and lines put on it. A track field of some kind.
Oh so I'm doing a race, not too bad.
My face feels a little cold, but my head feels warm. What could be going on this time?
Then I see who I'm racing with, an Octoling with purplish red hair and no kelp, what made the other one seem so different. She has dull silver goggles over her eyes, so I can't see where she is staring.
Bet she isn't tired from climbing up a tower and this squit I've been through today.
I close my teeth together and growl silently. My eyes are closed and I try to mentally prepare myself for my new task. Even though I'd rather not focus on doing anything for these Octarians.
The Scientist grabs my attention, well actually my seapony tail. The hair tie is lifted up my head, probably not on purpose. Either way that hurt like sheck.
"This is an endurance race, do at least one lap around the track as fast as you can and then try to do many more but at a slower pace. Do not stop running or jogging till we say so, under any condition! Do you both understand?" Is what he shouted boldly, bringing me to quiver in fear.
"Yes sir." The girl and I respond at the same time. A little while later after we get to the starting places another Octoling, a young man blows the whistle and we push off. That was the first time another Octoling besides Blackelp has said anything in the lingua franca!
My thin red slip ons don't serve me too good but I'm still ahead of the Octoling. The soles of my feet are pounding in great discomfort and pain but I'm silent. Sweat and ink begin to escape my pores which dangerous for a time I won't be hydrating in puddles of ink.
I'm running like I'm running for my life, but in reality it seems like I am. I haven't hydrated too much before this and sweat is pouring down my body. I take a glance at the pavement and see I just finished my first lap, plus the Octoling is front of me.
Her face teases me and my sense of hope, I can even hear a little chuckle come out of her filthy beak. The simple lackeys even appear to mock me with their far off gazes.
It seems like all of these Octarians and Octolings are nothing but chum! Well maybe not the Black inked kelp one or Blackelp.
Can't wait to have my friends or the police bust me outta here. Hopefully cause I wouldn't be able to do this myself.
My eyes narrow and I slow down my pace to catch my breath. I imagine my friends have no idea what I'm doing and where the shell am I. They probably tried calling my phone to, soon it'll be the eight hour mark, and I'm sure.
Emptying my head I tread on, breaking down my will even further. Soon as it seems like I'm about to pass out the Doctor blows his whistle again.
"I can finally stop all this useless running, ugh." I squeeze out, my knees are shaky and I can feel my pulse in my head. Pounding in my veins and into my arteries, guess that means I'm alive.
With that I collapse to the floor like a salmonid out of water, grunting in pain. My stoic facade was about to fall off the emotion freeway, like any resolve a sane Inkling has. It all fades to black and I'm at peace. But like all good things it comes to an end.
Out of nowhere I'm kicked in the side, in one of the ink sacs next to my kidneys so it definitely hurt like squit. The pain jolted me up and I was face to face with that black haired kelp Octoling from earlier.
Those beautiful dark orange eyes gaze down on me, the black circle around her eyes amplifying it. Why did it look she wanted to ask me a question but knew the others were watching or something?
Her facial features beauty made me flush a little, considering my body low ink. But it wasn't her who kicked me it was the other Octoling. That fish, couldn't settle just with the win?
"No time for naps I guess dude, soon you can rest." The girl said stepping back holding another cup of the navy blue tea. Blackelp gave me so much hope with that tea and her kind words that I wanted to hug her right there.
Of course the people in the room would not let that happen and Blackelp probably wouldn't like being hugged by an inkling. Especially since I am sweaty and someone she is definitely not familiar with.
I just realized that she only brings me tea and leaves the room with a pile of paperwork under tow. Also Blackelp seems taller than the rest of the Octolings and her voice sounds a little deeper in pitch.
I can't place my tongue on it but that is not the most important at the matter. I drink up the sweet liquid again hoping for her promise to come true. That tea is my only sort fuel in this little test drive of sorts. "Hope I could somehow get to hang out with her for just awhile longer."
I'm dragged off to another room that has a steel wall like door. Probably an aircraft carrier of some sorts but with 9 rectangular prisms of different sizes sitting in the middle. The Octarians have done it again, completely confusing me.
But good old was there to lay down what I was going to do in this room, whether I wanted to or not.
He put his glove on my tired shoulder and pointed to the chains attached to the boxes, grinning wildly. "Since your endurance is wonderful compared to the other inklings from the past, I think we ought to let you try pulling each box to a line."
I stepped down in front of the first box, which looked like it weighed about 9 kilograms and the other way more.
Taking the chains in my weary, bruised hands I pull with all my might reaching the goal line in about 45 seconds. All the while the scientist watches and jots things down in his notebook.
My arms are sore so I stretch them out for a bit. My head starts hurts and I instantly reel down in pain. A migraine pulses throughout my entire head. Oh no this like what happened yesterday after the turf war!
Something is fired at me from far away, cutting my arm that was covering my head. It was from a small no arm Octarian's gun. I grit my teeth at him, feeling a tang of hunger in my belly. But the pain fades and I get back to pulling boxes across the floor. "Junking shell give me a break will ya?" My weakening voice strains out from my beak.
The next box is about 15 kilograms so it is a little harder to drag along the floor since it seems to be made of cardboard. The friction is making this about 12 times harder. Why did they have to be wooden crates!?
I feel the muscles in my back contract and have to fight to keep my balance. Soon I push that darn box to the line. I continue this for about 20 minutes, but suddenly I lose my grip and fall onto the floor.
Oh no, I can't give up just yet! But it hurts so much!
My vision is becoming blurry but I try to get up. I am shot again and again, but can't get up. My legs ache and my poor hands are starting to get bloody.
"GET UP!" a shout echoes across the room from . My heart begins to race, my breath picking up speed in a hopeless panic.
I stopped at the box that was about 45 kilograms, its shadow glazed over my broken body. I am completely worn down, how can one do repetitive labor without some kind of rest? The stinging pain went up my head and looked at my hands. "Good Cod almighty."
The skin is very pale, so my face is probably the same way. I just realized my hair is a very light shade of blue, fading into white. The hair has fallen to the sides of head from earlier, so I can easily see my large strands. My hair tie is on my left ankle for some reason, I don't remember putting it there.
An "Ugh." escapes my weak body, as I try to fight off the pain. I need to get my ink color in my body and become fresh with moisture. Even my coughs are dry and my chest is starting to feel heavy. This is the true danger of heavy ink dehydration.
Right now I am very dry and raw from lack of my ink color. I wish I just lay in a pool of ink and regain my strength. In a losing turf war I can manage to do that but this is just a brutal underground madhouse of testing.
But the scientist is having none of me trying to take a quick rest and so he stomps over to me. He kneels down next to me and looks straight into my half open eyes. "Get back up and finish the test inkling. RIGHT NOW!" I can sense I'm about to get hit.
I'm bumped into but not hit, who could have protected me? My vision is weak as my eyes ache but I can see boots and black clothing, my hearing is fading as well. The bump hurt a lot less than everything else today so I'm willing to put up with it.
"STOP Fa-r!" Is what I can make out, blows are starting to be exchanged. Suddenly I'm grabbed up off the floor, to make things easier I turn into squid form since it's much much lighter.
"-N why a- you -ere?!" Another voice roared, this time deeply filled with surprise. "NOO, ou ern't uppose- to - nd-ab-s!" The person whose carrying me is running away from the noise and all this tension isn't easy on me.
I blank out and can only hear footsteps and breathing. It is a struggle not to fall unconscious right away but I finally give in. Why would one of them decide to rescue me in my dire strait?
"You- -ood -y dear g-st?" the person who is carrying me tried to ask but I just didn't have enough strength to give a better response than; "Ugh mm yeah." After that sleep took me completely.
I guess the others were right to be worried, this was very unexpected and I should have had a backup plan. I'm so sorry guys.