Chapter 3

Inkopolis Station…

Woah…everything is huge here. Everything looks so interesting I don't know where to look next. Even my new roommates were amazed by all the sights.

"So what first?" I asked.

"Well, since you aren't doing ink battles, you're going to check in at Bream Pond Apartments." Ben told me. "Then meet us at Deca Tower so we can get our room keys."

"Okay." I guess that's fair.

"Here's our share for the room." Ben handed three envelopes to me. "Don't lose it."

They then gave me their bags and told me to call for a lift to Bream Pond. Lisa told me which service to call and in a few minutes, the car arrived and the driver helped me with the bags.

"So, where are you going?" The Jellyfish driver asked.

"Bream Pond Apartments." I told him.

"Alright…" He was typing it into a GPS. "Buckle up."

I buckled up and we were off.

I've never ridden in a car before, but I'm pretty sure red means stop.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing, sir?" I asked to be sure.

"Of course!" He turned his head towards me. "I've done this more times than I can count."

"Sh-shouldn't you be facing the road?" I was getting concerned.

"Pssshh, I can do this with my eyes closed." He boasted. "Watch."

I braced for the worst as the car started zigzagging all over the place. Other cars were frequently swerving out of the way and he almost hit someone at least five times. After about ten minutes of sheer terror, we somehow arrived at our destination still alive.

"I'll just help you with your bags and be off." He told me before stretching his arms out to take the bags and me out of the car and on the sidewalk. "That'll be Ten coins."

"Ten coins?" I was surprised. "That's cheap…"

"Siphono's Cheap Taxi Service." He said. "Our motto is 'You get what you paid for'."

I gave him the coins and he sped off. As I took the bags in I could hear the sounds of sirens in the distance. I'm never using that taxi service again.

"Hello there." A fish at the desk said. "How may I help you?"

"Um…I'm here for an apartment." I told him. "For four people."

"Oooookay…" She looked at her computer. "Room 106. Rent?"

"Y-yes!" I handed her the envelopes as well as my share.

She counted the money and handed me the keys.

"Thanks." I grabbed the bags and headed to the apartment.

I opened the door.

Wow, this is as big as my house. Maybe we just live in a small house though…anyway; I'll leave the bags in the middle of the room. We'll sort out packing later. Now to head to Deca Tower…

Pretty hard to miss considering the giant Zapfish around it. I was getting somewhat close when I was stopped by an Inkling with a mustache. He seemed to have some authority.

"Excuse me, but do you have a Battling ID?" He asked me.

"Battling ID?" I tilted my head. "Why would I need that?"

"If you want to be fresh enough to be seen around Deca Tower, you need to have a Battling ID." He told me.

"B-but I don't plan on battling." I told him.

"Don't plan on battling?" He seemed confused. "Kid, I don't know who raised you, but Inklings your age love battling."

But I'm not an Inkling. Wait…he doesn't know that…

"Do I really need one?" I asked.

"If you want to buy anything at the Square, yes." He informed me.

"W-well, how do I get one?" I needed to know.

"Oh, it's the easiest thing in the world." He assured me. "Just go through a course, pop some balloons, and use the Launchpad to Inkopolis Square. You literally can't fail."

"Alright." I agreed. "So where do I go?"

He then showed me the way to the obstacle course. Some Jellies took my picture, printed out the license which had cool digital letters on it that could change, and then sent me in.

"What do I do with the gear after I'm done?" I turned to ask.

"Keep it!" The squid told me. "Your first set is free!"

Well that's nice. I hope this doesn't cause mom to think I've been battling. She'd flip out.

The squid was right. It was just going through and popping balloons. After using the Launchpad, I landed in Inkopolis Square. Wow. It was so cool…er-fresh…So fresh!

I then headed to Deca Tower to find my roommates. They must've headed in already since they weren't here. I realized I had no way to call them either. I'm not battling, so I can't just go in there. Maybe I can ask someone else for help…

I then saw a two fuzzy, plush, and cuddly-looking creatures walking towards the tower. Oh, those must be Judd and Li'l Judd.

"Excuse me," I got their attention. "Can you help me with something?"

"Meow (What is it)?" Judd asked.

"Do you know if Ben, Andrea, and Lisa are in there?" I asked. "Ben has blue hair, Lisa has orange hair, and Andrea has green hair. I need to give them their room keys."

"Meow (If I see them, I'll let them know)." He told me.

"Thank you." I said.

"Meow (You're welcome).He said. "Meow (Now to find out who won this match)."

I decided to wait there for them. Ink Battles only last a few minutes, right? It shouldn't take them too long. That is if they're even battling. They most likely are though since I heard the clothes and weapon stores here only serve cephalopods that are level 4 or higher. Since I don't plan on battling, I probably won't be buying stuff here.

Later…

They sure are taking a while, aren't they? Are they even in there?

Maybe they went to that Grizzco place over there. I'll check it out.

I walked inside to find a bear statue with an antennae on it.

"Hey, kid. How'd ya like to help shape the future of Inkopolis?" The statue asked. "Welcome to Grizzco. I'm Mr. Grizz. Here at Grizzco, we-"

"Um, sorry, but I just want to ask you if you've seen my roommates here." I told him. "They're names are Ben, Andrea, and Lisa."

"Hmmmm…nope." Mr Grizz told me. "Don't have those names on my list. How 'bout a job though?"

"Maybe later." I said. "I'm just trying to get things settled before I do anything."

"Suit yourself, kid." He said. "Come back later if ya change your mind."

I walked back to Deca Tower. Still no one there. Guess I'll wait some more…

Even Later

Now I'm starting to get hungry. Come to think about it, I haven't eaten since I left…which was late yesterday. There's a food truck over there. I'll get something from over there.

I walked over to the food truck to find a large prawn.

"What's Kraken?" He asked.

"How much for a meal?" I asked.

"You'll need a meal ticket, squiddo." He told me.

"How do I get one?" I asked.

"Well, I have a deal with Grizzco where they give them as bonuses." He explained. "I also give a free meal and drink ticket a day to advertisers."

"Advertisers?" I asked.

"Wear this all the time and check in with me once a day." He pulled out a shirt with his logo on it. "1,000 coins."

"I don't have that much." I said.

"It should only take a couple battles to make that much." He pointed to the tower.

"My mom doesn't want me to battle." I told him. "I'm also supposed to wait here for some people."

"Ah geez…" He rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry, Squiddo. Can't just give stuff away for free. Did that once, people found out and wanted in, and I almost couldn't pay for the van."

"Okay then…" I walked back to the tower.

I kept waiting…Where are they…?

Author's Note: New Follower! Thanks TDPIvy for your interest in this story and I hope it continues to entertain you.