I never knew that turning 14 would cause my entire life to change so quickly. Now that I can finally turn into a human girl, so many new opportunities are heading straight towards me. I can travel to a brand new place, reunite with my amazing sister, fight in Turf Wars, or discover some things even more ink-redible- like new friends...or maybe... love? Oh, well. I guess we'll have to wait until I get there.

Mom immediately sprung up from the table as soon as she saw me in my new outfit.

"S-so, w-what do you think, Mom?", I nervously questioned as my face turned beet red.

"Oh, Nibs. I...don't know what to say. It just brings back so many memories when your sister turned 14.", Mom replied, tiny tears running down her face as she pulled me into a tight hug.

As Mom released me after a few seconds so I could catch my breath, I calmly sat down at the table, and happily gasped at a beautiful stack of 2 waffles topped off with 14 squid-shaped candles.

"Happy Birthday, my darling Nibs."

"Awww, thanks Mom.", I smiled, blowing out the candles and immediately took a bite of a waffle.

While I was eating, Mom pushed another beautifully wrapped gift box near me.

"This was something Inkaletta and I decided together. You've been dying to get this for ages, so...I really hope you'll like it.", Mom hesitated, nervously drumming her fingernails on the table as she sipped her tea.

I excitedly tore open the box and gasped as I pulled out a brand new SplashSun cell phone and tablet set- that even came with a set of headphones, chargers, and cases!

I couldn't believe my eyes as I admired the gifts. They're just so... ink-tacular.

"Turn on the tablet. There's a surprise video on it."

I did as I was told and quickly turned on the tablet. I stared in awe as colorful display appeared on the screen before switching to the Home Screen. I tapped on the video viewer icon and in an instant, a video started playing.

I wonder what this "surprise video" is...

The video quickly changed from static to some place in Inkopolis- well, at least I think it's in Inkopolis. The background demonstrated a wooden hut plastered with metal planks supporting it. Suprisingly, it contained a tons of modern items, such as a large spotlight and, oddly, a light blue conspiracy board covered with pictures of weird-looking creatures and red thread.

"Hey, is this thing on?!", a elderly voice exclaimed nervously from behind the camera.

"Sure looks like it. Alright, let's get this over with.", a female voice stated, taking a deep breath.

"I know that voice..." , I nervously gasped as my eyes sparkled.

The camera suddenly turned around and revealed two Inklings. One was an elderly man with a long, shaggy white beard wielding a cane, patched clothes covered with badges, brown boots with holes that exposed his feet, and a navy blue Captain's hat with a green patch.

The other one... I didn't recognize, but, I've definitely seen before.

"Hey, little sis. If you're watching this, then Cap'n Cuttlefish and I have an important message to share with you...", the mysterious Inkling girl stated smiling widely.

The beautiful Inkling girl had my dark complexion, bright gold eyes, and turquoise tentacles with a similar dark blue ombre and 5 equally parted bangs. She sported strange looking equipment; black earmuffs with blue lights that connected to the back of her head and fit snugly on her pointed ears, a black long-sleeved shirt with 2 white buttons on the scarf-like collar, a lime green safety vest, black shorts with a cyan stripe going up the leg, and black-and-green sneakers with blue lights.

I can't believe it! Inkaletta?! Is that really my sister?! It's been so long!

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!", Cap'n Cuttlefish and Inkaletta cheered, as they both blew kazoos and tossed bits of sparkling confetti in the air.

A Happy Birthday video?! For me?! Inkaletta really is the best sister an Inkling could ask for!

"Nibs, listen to me. Now that you're 14, there are tons of possibilities for you once you travel to Inkopolis. It's been so long since I last saw you, and I can't wait to finally reunite with you. Hopefully, you might have a shot in a Turf War or even Splatfest- once you get practice, that is. But, it would be an honor to me and the entire city if you become an Agent and fight Octarians along our side. Whatever you decide to do, Nibs, make sure that your choice speaks from the heart. I miss you so so much and I can't wait to see in Inkopolis. Bye!", Inkaletta calmly stated as she blew a kiss as the camera and Cap'n Cuttlefish waved goodbye before turning off the camera.

Once the video finished, I immediately started wiping my eyes as sudden tears began to drip down my face.

"W-what's the matter, honey? You didn't like the video?", Mom nervously exclaimed as she stood up once more.

"I-I'm sorry. It's just that...I miss Inkaletta a lot. But, honestly,I'm going to miss you so much when I leave.", I hollered as I leaped into Mom's arms.

"Oh, Nibs. I'm going to miss you more.", Mom replied, as she squeezed me tighter, tears dripping down her face- causing her mascara to run.

Mom suddenly gasped as she gazed at the clock on the wall. It was 10:30 right now, which meant-

"Oh my squid! Nibs, wipe your tears-you only have 20 more minutes until the next train to Inkopolis arrives! Quickly, you have to get packing!"

I calmly nodded as I chowed down the last waffle and quickly gulped a glass of orange juice. Before heading into my room, I grabbed the train ticket, suitcases, travel bags, and the set Inkaletta bought me.

As I scurried back into my room, I began packing my suitcases and travel bags with all of my necessities. Of course, I couldn't leave for Inkopolis without my new set, my laptop-with its charger, my favorite books, my drawing pad, my drawing kit, and my wallet- which currently contained $50 dollars from my last birthdays. I may never know when it'll come in handy.

"So long, good ol' bedroom. Thanks for giving me a good night's sleep for the last 13 years.", I calmly stated as waved my bed goodbye as I quickly took my packed bags and rushed downstairs without tripping- well kind of.

As soon as Mom noticed me with my heavy load, she calmly picked up a suitcase while managing to open the door. Once we were outside, we scurried into the car- yet had trouble getting my luggage into the trunk.

Mom quickly drove off to the QuillVille train station, with 5 minutes left to spare, until my train arrived.

Mom and I were calmly chatting on a bench, when I heard a sudden voice call out my name.

"Nibs?! NIBS!"

I quickly stood up as I noticed a male Inkling running in my direction. He was a light tan with ultramarine eyes and his dark blue "hair" tied in a messy ponytail. He was dressed in a police uniform and brown dress shoes- trying to carry a gift box while keeping his police hat on his head.

"Dad?!", I exclaimed, covering my mouth in surprise.

"Resin?!", Mom gasped, standing up as well.

"DADDY!"

I had no choice but to run towards him and leap into his arms. My dad wiped away his tears as he plastered kisses on my cheek.

"Happy Birthday, Nibs. Oh, my little ray of sunshine's all grown up! I'm still in shock that's you're already 14!", Daddy- aka Resin Watermark- cheered, putting me down, but, gave me another big kiss.

However, as soon as he made eye contact with my mother, they quickly turned away and folded their arms. By the looks on their faces, I couldn't tell if they were angry or sad to see each other.

Why are my parents acting like this, you ask? Well, the truth is... Squivella and Resin are divorced. My sister and I never understood why, but, they did- when my sister was 9 and I was only 4. Because of this, we too had to be separated. Our parents took turns taking care of the both of us. This explains why we barely got a chance to see each other. I heard Mom tell me times that she kinda regrets the divorce, but, I refuse to ask her why. Besides, it isn't nice to poke my nose into other people's business.

"Good morning...Squivella. I didn't see you there.", my dad coldly exclaimed.

"Good morning to you as well...Resin. Knowing you, I assumed that you forgot about Nibs' birthday...", Mom replied before whispering under her breath-

Like you forget about everything else in this family...

"Hey, and, just what do you mean by EVERYTHING?!"

Before Mom had the chance to say anything and a fight emerged, I quickly interrupted and curiously slipped the box from my dad's grasp.

"Heeeyyy, Daaaaad. What's in the box?"

As Dad took a deep breath and immediately calmed down, he stated, "Just a little something that you'll need once you get to Inkopolis. Be sure to open it once you get there."

I bet my gift was much better than your mother's, he suddenly whispered under his breath.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I don't remember giving OUR daughter a birthday gift being a part of a competition for who she thinks is the best pare-", Mom eventually heard Dad's comment and before she had a chance to make a comeback statement, a train arrived at the station and the conductor made an announcement.

"The train to Inkopolis has arrived at the station!"

"I guess this is our last goodbye. I'm going to miss you so much. Stay as sweet as you are, my darling Nibs.", Mom cried, as her mascara started to run again.

"I'm gonna miss you so much too, Mom.", I quickly gave Mom one last hug and kiss goodbye before running over to my dad.

"Farewell, sugardrop. Have fun in Inkopolis and always stay on your best behavior.", Dad stated, squeezing me tightly as I heard him starting to sniffle as well. He quickly gave me one last big smooch on my cheek before slowly releasing me from his arms.

"Goodbye, Mom! Goodbye, Dad! I'm going to miss you both so much!", I hollered happily as I blew them both kisses, grabbed my belongings, and scurried onto the train.

As soon as I got on, I kindly handed the conductor my ticket before scurrying into an empty seat near a window.

"The Inkopolis train is now departing the station!", the conductor announced on the microphone as the train started taking off.

As I began my destination, I turned on my phone and searched through it. I curiously tapped on the music app and noticed that a Squid Sisters soundtrack was already downloaded on it. Man, Inkaletta knows me so well! I beamed proudly as I plugged in my headphones and began listening to a random song.

May the Inkopolis journey begin!