NOTE: To add a little more suspensefulness to this chapter of the fanfiction, there will be other characters will their own perspective being told through the 1st person point-of-view. I've read many Splatoon fanfics that do that- and I thought it would be interesting if I gave it a try.
EDIT: The reviews for this chapter stated that they like this new format. So, "Parallel Lines" will be continue to written using the new format!
Nibs' POV
Today, I finally defeated the Mighty Octostomp with my own bare hands. I must say, I was not expecting it to be such a challenge. But, I did it! However, little did I know that Octivia's sister was spying on me the entire time. It...honestly sounds a little creepy. Not to mention, she gave some warnings about Inkaletta's chances of survival and encountering a different Ikameshi from before. I hope that Inkaletta fights off the effects as soon as possible and Ikameshi refuses to turn his back on me.
Speaking of not backstabbing, I was waiting for my friends outside the closed cafe- due to the current state of Inkopolis. Because of this, most of the food had to be cooked on a coal-powered grill and the drinks were stored inside of coolers filled with ice. Even if the store ran out of power, these people care about keeping their customers filled with food and happiness.
I sighed sadly as I gazed at my soon to-be-dead phone, waiting for a reply from my friends. Nothing. In the meantime, I read a text that Somen sent me a couple hours ago.
"The symptoms are getting much worse. Inkaletta's beginning to have cramps whenever she uses the bathroom and strong headaches whenever she starts to throw up. I'm afraid that it's going to be more difficult to look after her- especially without power. Hopefully, you'll get the antidote in time so she can help you."
I nervously laid my head on the table trying to recap everything but was suddenly interrupted with familiar voices.
"Hey, Nibs. You're not dead, are you?"
"Of course she's not dead, Inka. Hey, you wanted to talk with us, right?"
"Huh?!", I nervously lifted my head as I came back to reality- gasping happily as I realized that it was my friends.
I couldn't help myself but to run towards them and squeeze them into a hug.
"Oh, um, sorry. H-have a seat. What I want to talk about is pretty important."
My friends nervously stared at each other before sitting down at the table, eager to hear what I had to say.
Callie's POV
Through the glass window of my candle-lit studio, I gazed upon the gloomy city that was once the happy and upbeat Inkopolis. I couldn't believe that the Octarians would do something like this. Turning this beautiful paradise into a city of darkness and heartbreak. But, hopefully this won't last forever.
"Yes? She really did all of that all by herself? Are you sure she didn't need anyone to accompany her? No? Wow, I must say I'm impressed. Can't wait to hear what happens next. Ok, bye.", Marie calmly spoke on her cellphone before sighing. I couldn't tell if she was happy or just as depressed as me.
"Who was that just now?", I questioned my cousin, refusing to look away at the sad city.
"Just Gramps. He wanted to give us some updates on what's going on in Octo Valley. Oh, he also said that you needed to stop being a grumpy grumps and relax."
"Just who do you think he is callin' me a grumpy grumps! I never get grumpy! I'm chill! Just 100% chill about all of this!", I angrily growled disgustedly as I walked over to the table and plopped down in my chair, taking a long sip of my bottled Kirin Lemon Tea.
"If you say so.", Marie rolled her eyes as she opened up a notepad and began to write down...probably something important while she took a sip of her own bottle of Kirin Milk Tea. She usually prefers her tea hot, but, because of what's going on out there, Marie will sadly have to drink it cold.
I curiously peeked over at Marie's scribbly writings on the notepad. It read:
Possible Reasonings for Great Zapfish Squid-napping
Two weeks have passed ever since the Octarians stole our precious Great Zapfish from right under our noses. But the only question is why? What does the Great Zapfish have anything to do with what occurred over 100 years during the Great Turf War?! Could they be using it to power up the Great Octoweapons? Did that plug not contain power enough? Or could they be using it to power up Octo Valley in general?
"I bet you dollars to donuts that those Octo...things stole the Great Zapfish just to drive the Inklings out of the city and reclaim their Turf. If was one of them, that's what I would do.", I shook my head, disagreeing with Marie's ideas.
"Hey, I'm not saying you're right, but, that could be a possibility."
"Ugh, all of this thinking makes my head hurt. I'm going to get some fresh air. You comin'?"
"Nah. I'd rather stand under the city lights than the scorching sun. Not to mention, I've been running low on sunscreen because of those outdoor gigs."
"Meh. Suit yourself.", I shrugged as I got up from my chair. But as soon as I got up I was greeted with a-
"Hey, Callie-senpai! Notice me! PLEASE!", an obnoxious mint-colored Inkling boy wearing a headband pounded on the glass.
I sighed angrily as I opened up the studio door and walked towards him.
"Hi there. Sorry, no autographs or pictures today. Please come by some other time. Like, maybe when the Great Zapfish comes back. Goodbye.", I calmly-yet quickly- spoke as I began to walk back in. But, the inkling boy refused that statement.
"Wait, wait, wait. Callie, listen! I'm a big fan of the Squid Sisters and I've been dying to get your attention. I even posted a bunch of statuses about you guys on the SquidVerse."
"Ugh, fine. What do you want?"
Instead of answering me, he ran away, revealing a purple Inkling boy wearing Black Arrowbands- shivering and sweating in fear. Not to mention, he was hiding something behind him.
"I'm sorry, bro. I'm only trying to help you get over your girl issues!", the mint-colored Inkling hollered as he continued to run.
I took in a deep breath before focusing my attention on his friend.
"Is there something you need, little squiddy?", I smiled widely, causing his face to heat up and turn a bright red.
"Well...um...y-you see...I just-I mean I, uh...umm...well I...ummmmmmm...HERE!"
The Inkling boy stumbled on his words as he suddenly pulled out 2 beautiful flower bouquets!
I gasped as I took the bouquets from the timid boy- who now had his back towards me. I didn't hesitate and pulled out off the hot pink envelope with my name on it off of the 1st bouquet. The letter read:
Dear Callie,
I've been a big fan of the Squid Sisters even before I came to Inkopolis. However, I've been too girl shy to admit it in front of your beautiful faces. My friends have always tried to help me, but, it never seems to work.
I know that it's seems like a bad time to send you this, but, this might cheer you up. Although this city has gone through a corrupt time, you two always seem to put smiles on everyone's faces. Hopefully, we'll be able to find whoever the stole the Great Zapfish. Speaking of smiles, did you know that you're my favorite, Callie?
Most people are on Team Marie because of sarcasm and sassy comebacks. Not to mention, she has a beautiful tone and a more mature voice. But, in all honesty, I'd pick you over her. You have a lot of energy every time you do your newscast and your concerts. I also adore your compassion towards your fans and your quirkiness.
I hope you like the flowers I sent you. Stay fresh. Oh, what am I saying? You're always fresh, Callie.
I wiped away tiny tears as I walked towards the Inkling boy, who nervously gasped as soon as he heard my footsteps.
"This has to be the most sweetest, most compassionate, and most heart-warming fan gift I've ever gotten. Thank you- I really needed this to make me feel better about this mess!", I smiled, as I planted one big kiss on his red cheek.
He just stood there, a blank look on his crimson red face. After a couple of seconds, he fainted.
His friend immediately rushed back, carried him over his shoulders, and mouthed "Thanks." before running off.
I giggled as I began to walk back into the studio, holding my beautifully wrapped bouquet close to my chest. However, reading the letter again made me start to get grumpy again.
Ugh, who am I kidding? Those sweet words aren't going to help me at all with my struggles. Although work is going well in Octo Valley, it's not going to help with what's going on up here. Without the Great Zapfish, our reputations are ruined and everyone is so unhappy! Gramps knows that I hate seeing unhappy Inklings. Despite all of our hard work, it's just going to make me even sadder.
Nibs's POV
"Listen, I wanted to apologize for snapping at you guys the other week. I don't know what I was thinking just letting out all of my angry emotions like that. When I found out that Inkaletta was poisoned and Ikameshi was squidnapped, I thought that it was all my fault. I though that I was responsible for this entire mess and I needed to fix it. But, you guys were only trying to prove me wrong. Instead, of listening to you two, I...you know what I did. To get this all over with, I just wanted to say that...I'm truly oh so sorry and I hope that you two will forgive me. Because, if you don't then...", I quickly began my amendment, but, as soon as I got to the end, I started to shake and tear up. I couldn't help myself but make my onigiri slip out of my hand and land on the floor.
"Nibs! Nibs, calm down. It's ok. We've already forgiven you.", Inka reassured me as she walked over to my seat and rubbed my back.
"Listen. The only reason we were avoiding you was because we were...worried.", Jet agreed, handing me a tissue.
"Worried of what?!"
"Your safety."
Once I finished drying my eyes, I nervously looked up in surprise.
"M-my safety?! Why?"
"Nibs, don't you get it?! You're going to some place that some Inklings will never go to-ever. Not to mention, you're fighting strange creatures just to save people you love and restore faith to our city. Why shouldn't we be concerned for your safety?!", Inka hollered, her eyes shimmering with fear.
"We know that you want to get this over with and you're doing in the name of love. But, don't you think you're pushing yourself too hard with this? You have plenty of time to do this. I mean, I understand that you're concerned for your sister and that Ikameshi guy. After Inka and I had a little chat, we've decided...that maybe...we should join you on your missions to save the Zapfish and fix up this entire mess.", Jet agreed as he began to sweat nervously.
I crossed my arms in disgust and stared at my friends with cold, emotionless eyes.
"I appreciate your concern, but, I'm doing fine on my own. I've done all of those missions by myself and I'm just fine.", I stated, taking quiet sips of my iced tea.
"Nibs...I don't understand. What are you trying to say?"
"We've always been by your side ever since we first met you. However, because the situation we're currently going through, you decide to just toss us to the side like we're nothing?!"
I sighed heavily as I tried to make my point.
"I'm not saying that I don't need you guys. It's just...I'm kinda worried for your safety as well. Besides, this is my problem, not yours. I don't want you guys to go through most of the trouble that I'm going through right now."
"Oh, I see how it is! So, you're sayin' that the Great Zapfish going missing and having no power is just your problem?!", Inka growled, slapping her hand on the table.
"Did I say anything about the Great Zapfish? No! I'm talking about my loved ones that could be at risk of dying."
"So they're suddenly more important than this now powerless city- and us?!"
"That's not true! This city and you guys are just as important as they are!"
"Guys! Stop it-this fighting isn't going to help any of us!", Jet desperately tried to break up the argument. However, we weren't even paying attention to him at all.
"You seriously don't understand what this could lead up to. Nibs, you're going through a life-and-death situation trying to get that Zapfish back! What if it doesn't come back? What if you don't come back?! What if you suddenly end up dead? Whose going to show concern for you?!"
"Inka, I understand that. It's just I don't want you guys risking your lives for me. I need to do this alone! You two are too important. Besides, what did the Octarians ever do to you two?! Nothing! They've been harassing me since the 1st day I stepped foot into this city. Now, my sister could be dead in a couple of weeks and I might be buried next to her when Ikameshi backstabs me and becomes one with the Octarians. Why can't you guys just understand that?! This is just so pathetic!", I screamed, slamming my hands hard on the table.
Inka and Jet stood there silently, with stunned looks in their eyes.
After a few minutes, Inka finally said something.
"Octo Valley has changed you, Nibs. In the beginning, you were sweet and accepted help from people who truly care about you. But, now, you're a cold little lone wolf who thinks she can do everything by herself- when deep down, you know you're wrong. Please, Nibs. You need to reconsider this."
"Reconsider what? Quitting? I can't quit now- I've come so far. I will most certainly not rest until the Octarians pay for they've done.", I boldly responded as I got up from my seat.
"Nibs, listen to me. We're not saying that you should quit- we don't want you to quit after all. We're just afraid that you'll fail and Inkopolis might be left powerless- forever. Fighting against the Inkling's arch enemies all alone just isn't the right way to go.", Jet tried to reassure as he placed his hand on my shoulder.
I removed his hand off of me and then coldly said,
"If that's you honestly feel, then we have nothing else to say to each other. Goodbye, friends..."
I then finally walked off and headed back to the manhole, eager to start missions in Area 2.
Inka's POV
Oh my squid! What was that?! Nibs can't be serious trying to avoid our advice! Ugh, she's just like how my relatives envisioned. My grandfather was one of the brave Inklings to fight during the Great Turf War. He fought alongside a Watermark- who acted similarly to Nibs just now. An emoish type. One who refused help from anyone. I was hoping that Nibs wouldn't carry that trait, but, turns out I was wrong.
"C'mon, Jet. Let's go back to the Hotel. If Nibs doesn't want our help, then we should just accept that.", I scoffed, grabbing my things-including my half-eaten onigiri- and left the cafe.
"I-Inka...does that this mean that you're mad at Nibs?", Jet nervously questioned as he followed behind me.
"No, I'm not mad at her, Jet. I'm just...disappointed. This doesn't mean I'm going to stop being her friend. I'm just going to give her a chance to prove her wrong- she will need our help one of these days, Jet. I can feel it."
?'s POV
These stupid Inklings are all as blind as bats. I can't believe they didn't even notice my hidden cameras. Well, if they did then I would be screwed. Anywho, this little idea of mine gave me the opportunity to learn more about this Nibs character.
Just while I was busy jotting down notes about Agent 5 and her friends' little conversation, my phone suddenly started to ring. Turns out that it was my second-in-command aka Octivia aka "The Queen of Annoyance."
"Talk to me, sis.", I calmly sighed, stretching my arms as I laid down on my couch while Octotroopers fanned me, brushed the strands of seaweed in my "hair" and fetched me refreshments.
"Ikameshi's transformation is going really well. He's about 35% Octarian at the moment. However, he won't stop screaming and babbling about how that Nibs girl is going to save him. Sounds like a load of crap to me, am I right?", Octivia snarled, although I was able to hear our victim's muffled screams in the background.
"It's a good sign. We're going to need much more Octarian DNA to ensure of a successful transformation. While we're on the topic of Agent 5, sis, could you do a quick favor for me? Hmmm?"
"What?! No! I don't care what it is- I'm not doing it! I hate being bossed around all the time. I'd rather go collecting more DNA than follow your crappy instru-"
"Hey! Whose the older sister around here?! Ugh, now listen. Agent 5 will be heading to Area 2 shortly. Earlier today, I was able to get a glimpse at a little drama going on up there between her and her friends. While the Octoling Forces and I will take care of Little Ms. Watermark, I want you to keep an eye on her buddies in Inkopolis for a couple of hours. Another Octoling will take your place handling Ikameshi. Once you're done, you'll switch places and vice versa until Agent 5 decides she's done for. You understand?"
"Finally, something that doesn't involve my annoying fake boyfriend. Fine, I'll do the stupid spywork. This will hopefully get you off my back."
Once we finished our chat, I began to laugh manically- guessing whether Nibs will be prepared for what I have planned- or not.