Nibs' POV
I tried to make amendments with my friends to get them to forgive me for snapping at them. Thankfully, they forgave me, however, things turned...unexpectedly bad. I believe this had to be all of my fault. Jet decided that he and Inka should also become Agents and fight alongside me. I kindly declined it because I was scared that they could end up, well, dead! Two of my loved ones were already in danger- I can't let my 1st best friends risk their lives just for me. Like I said earlier, it's not like the Octarians did anything to them. Because of this, they probably think I'm some self-centered Inkling.
Ugh, looks like I have to apologize to them- again! But, how? Luckily, Cap'n Cuttlefish was able to give the answer to that once I got changed into my uniform.
"Remember when I told you that Inkaletta liked to skip ahead of missions? Well, because of this, most of the Zapfishes there on the completed ones have been replaced with plushy Zapfishes- just like the ones I have flooding my closet. If you want, you can go retrieve those plushies and send them over to your friends as gifts. Oh, and your sister was nice enough to have all of the kettles revealed for you."
"Hopefully, I'll have some time to do them. It's getting late anyways.", I sighed as I jumped into the Area 2- Mission 4 Kettle.
Octivia's POV
I can't believe that my sis finally gave me something useful to do. Man, it was my dream to do spywork. Thank octos-I needed to look at something else besides Ikameshi's hideous-yet hypnotic-face. Ugh, I just can't believe that he tried to even kiss that 10-limbed slime ball. Bleh, if I was a guy, I'm sure as squid hell wouldn't kiss her. Umm, what am I even saying? I don't even like him anymore...well, maybe he's not all that baaaa- I'm going off topic!
Here I was, in the Inkopolis Hotel- while wearing my Inkling disguise of course. My sister told me that Little Ms. Watermark got into an unexpected fight with her friends- and I have to collect info about those fools. Ya know, just want to make sure that they hate Nibs so that her confidence will be weakened.
As soon as I stepped out of that elevator and passed by the door to Room 12, I knew I hit the jackpot. Luckily, the door was cracked a bit open, so the recorder could pick up their voices. I quickly turned on my recorder and slid it through the crack of the door. Luckily, they won't even know it's a recorder thanks to the clever disguise I used. Yup, it's actually a Squid plushy with a tape recorder hidden inside. Clever, am I right?
"Remember, sister. You're a spy- you need to be discreet. Diligent. Completely hushed. Invisible. Most importantl-", my annoying "Captain" reminded me through my headset.
"Bla, bla, bla. I get it. No need to remind me. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.", I rolled my eyes as I rudely cut her off, plugged my headset equipment into the recorder, and leaned up against the wall- ready to hear what these so-called friends had to say.
"Man, can you believe the way Nibs acted today?! I guess you were right- maybe Octo Valley really has changed her.", the weird and ugly blue one grumbled.
"Jet, please don't say that. Sure, she was acting bonkers and totally ignoring our advice. But, she's still our friend- no matter what. I wonder why she refused our offer to let us help her down in Octo Valley. Maybe I was being a little hard on her. I shouldn't have said that in the first place- I guess I offended her. Nonetheless, Nibs is going under a lot of pressure. She probably thinks we're just selfish people.", the even weirder and uglier orange girl sighed.
"Inka, Nibs would never think that badly of us. Those Octarians are the ones that are selfish for taking the Great Zapfish. I'm 100% certain that Nibs can do something about it- no matter what the situation."
"B-but what if Nibs really is in danger? I understand that Nibs wants us to stay safe. However, what if she gets hurt? What if she gets poisoned too? What if the Octarians do something to her? If she really doesn't want our help, t-then she could end up de-...and then..."
The orange girl stopped her blabbing and ended up breaking into tears.
Oh puh-lease! I'd honestly be happy if that 10-limed slime ball died!
"I-Inka, it's ok. I understand why you're in tears. I'm just as scared as you are. Nibs must be scared too. Perhaps that was why she rejected our offer in the 1st place. She really is concerned for our safety- just as concerned as us. I hope nothing horrible happens to her. But, don't worry- we'll go help her out like you said. No matter how many times she refuses, we're not going to give up!"
I've heard enough for today. Hopefully this will do. Time to head back to HQ!, I proudly thought as I turned off the recorder, packed up my equipment, and began to head out of the hotel. But, as soon as I made it to the elevator-
"WOAH!", I screamed as I tripped on my laces and fell hard in the floor.
*BAM!*
"Yikes- what was that?!"
"It came from outside!"
Aw, that's just great! Now my cover's blown!
"Hey, are you alri- Wait a sec! We know you!", the orange girl grumbled.
"Yeah? So what?", I coldly replied, as I tried to keep my cool getting up and putting my shades back on.
"You're dating that boy with the Paintball Mask that our friend Nibs has a crush on!", the blue boy hissed, showcasing his pointy white teeth.
"S-so what? Besides, w-we broke up weeks ago. I-if your friend wants him, s-she can have him..."
"You sound rather upset about your breakup. I thought you didn't like him. Why is that?"
"It doesn't matter now, Inka. Sadly, Nibs doesn't have a chance to be with him. He's been squidnapped a couple weeks ago and now he's in Octo Valley. Apparently, the...Octarians residing there are going to turn him into one of them."
"Yeah, not to mention, we were there when Nibs received that "anonymous package" during that whole dinner disaster."
"Ugh, what does this have to do with me?! Why are you losers even talking to me?! I have much better things to do than hang out here! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm getting out of this crummy hotel and headin' home!"
I snarled angrily as I tossed my head and began to dash for the elevator, but, those slime balls blocked my path!
"Ummm, could you dorks move please? You're kinda in my way!"
"No, we will not move! We want you stop this madness and stop giving our friend a hard time!"
"Exactly! Just give us the antidote, Ika...meshi- I think that's his name- and the Great Zapfish! Nibs is already going under a lot of pressure right now- we're really concerned for her safety."
"Umm, sorry, I'm not responsible for all that junk. I'm just a spy. You're gonna have to talk to the Chief about that, buuuut, she'll most likely say no."
"Who exactly is this Chief anyways?"
"Sorry, but, look at the time. I gotta dash! Byeeee!", I quickly stated as the elevator opened. I pushed the random Inkling out of the way and smashed the button in order to close the door.
"Hey, come back here! This isn't ov-", the orange girl didn't even have a chance to say anything once the elevator door slammed shut.
"Sister, what was all that crap?! What did I tell you about being discreet?! Oh, and before you rudely cut me off, I was trying to tell you that you need to tie your shoes!", Chief scolded me loudly through my earpiece intercom as the elevator headed down.
"Ugh, geez I'm sorry! How I was supposed to know that you were trying to remind me?! Anyways, I was able to record a conversation between Agent 5's little friends- pretty interesting stuff if you know what I mean."
"Good. Just head back into Octo Valley and hand it one of the Octolings there. She'll take care of the rest. Oh, and while you're own your way, do me one super quick favor regarding those manholes? Just...try to distract Agent 5 so she doesn't get involved in it."
"You don't have to tell me twice- I'll do it. Hey, how exactly are you going to do weaken that slime ball's confidence with that recording anyways?"
"Oh sister. You know an Octoling never reveals her secrets. But, don't worry. You'll find out sooner or later.", my sister stated before giggling and hanging up.
Nibs' POV
Between fighting Octarians, Inkopolis being powerless, and dealing with a beginning of a new friendship, I sure have a lot of time on my tiny Inkling hands. I'm not really certain how much more I can take of this, but, I came this far. I just have to keep on going.
I was in Area 2 of Octo Valley, working my butt of on the missions- including the ones Inkaletta and Somen already completed. First, was the Gusher Gauntlet mission that had well... Gushers. Riding on those gigantic yellow ink fountains were loads of fun that I kinda got distracted and didn't pay attention to the enemies in front of me. Speaking of enemies, during this mission, I was introduced to Octostamps- which are basically baby Octostomps. I couldn't exactly kill them, so just avoided getting smashed by them. Besides, they were just too cute.
The 2nd mission was called Floating Sponge Garden. I had to shoot my ink at the tiny sponge platforms to make them expand and get bigger. Of course, the enemy ink made my pretty sapphire blue sponges shrink, according to Cap'n.
Propeller-Lift Playground was where I headed next. The wind left really nice in my face while I shot the propeller ,which made it spin and move the platform either up or down. However, it was impossible to shoot enemies with neon green ink and keep the platform moving at the same time. Perhaps the most terrifying part was the propeller platform that was underneath a sea of water! Although, I was focusing on Octarians in front of me, I was terrified of falling off and landing in the water.
During the 4th mission, Spreader Splatfest, I encountered giant chalkboard erasers called Spreaders. They wiped away the yellow ink off the platform and spread Octarian ink. I'll be honest, it was irritating having to shoot my ink again once it gets wiped off.
Many minutes have passed, and I was ready to start Mission 5 of Area 2- or Mission 8. I had 3 Zapfish plushies hanging on my waist and one Zapfish gently clinging on my shoulder. Once I landed on the platform, I nervously gasped as I gazed around the area. The area included glass containers filled with growing plants.
Why does this place look so...familiar? I know I've never been here before, but... I recognize this place.
"The Zapfish is back there! Agent 5, no time for gazing around. We've got company, bucko! Octolings dead ahead!", Cap'n hollered through the speakers.
Wait. Did he just say...Octolings?! Ugh, not again!
There she was. An Octoling calmly standing there, waiting for me to approach her. Her glossy red tentacles glimmered as the suns rays shined down on them. The purple lights on her goggles shined down on the area around her as she frantically looked left and right. She carefully clutched her Splattershot look-alike weapon in her arms as she suddenly started giggling.
"Oh little Inkling, come out to plaaaaay~. Come out, come out, wherever you are~.", she sang as she began to walk around.
"Agent 5, you know what to do. Remember to use your Seekers wisely to chase after 'em."
"Got it.", I boldly replied to the Cap'n as I then turned to the Zapfish- who was shaking and whimpering in fear.
"Shhh, it's ok. I won't let that mean Octoling get her hands on you. Just hang on tight, ok?"
This immediately caused it to calm down. It nervously nodded as it took a good grip on me.
As soon as I started to run, the Octoling super jumped and landed right in front of me.
"AAH!", I screamed as I almost fell on the ground.
"Found you!", she hollered as she lifted me off of the ground and then side-kicked me- causing the Zapfish to lose its grip and fall of my shoulder!
*BLAM!*
"KYAAAAAA!", I shrieked, landing hardly in a puddle of dark fuchsia ink.
*SPLASH!*
"I'll take this little guy thank you very-"
The Octoling that kicked me snatched up the squealing Zapfish off of the ground. Suddenly, the Zapfish's whiskers touched her arm and shocked her!
*ZAP!*
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH-"
*SPLAT!*
She got shocked so dreadfully that she eventually burst into a puddle of fuchsia ink.
Sitting there with a stunned look on my face, I almost forgot that I was stuck. Once I got the memo, I threw a Splat Bomb and freed myself. The back of my suit was covered in splotches of ink, but, I didn't think they'd cause too much damage.
"A-are you alright, little guy?", I whispered as I slowly got up and allowed the Zapfish to crawl back on my shoulder.
"Oh my squid! Agent 5, are you injured?", Cap'n gasped as I managed to walk.
"Y-yeah. I'm fi- OW!"
"What's the matter, Agent 5?!"
I winced as I rubbed my back in pain. When the Octoling kicked, I landed really hard in that puddle of ink. I had trouble walking properly. Even that Splat Bomb didn't help me.
"Agent 5, you're injured. Just retreat back to the hut. Let's just call this mission a day- you can't fight in this condition! It's too risky! You can always come back later, once you're healed, of course."
"N-no. I can handle this. Don't worry. I need to finish this and retrieve that other Zapfish- even if I'm in pain."
"But, Ni- I mean, Agent 5-"
I'm so so sorry, Cap'n. Please forgive me for this!, I nervously though as I shut off the intercom and continued the mission.
Ugh, why am I so stubborn?! I'll never forgive myself for that!
Octoling after Octoling popped up and stubbornly tried to splat me. However, I wasn't going let my injury stop me from completing this mission.
Luckily, I freed the Zapfish just in time- until a certain someone showed up.
"Hey, slime ball. Don't celebrate so soon- the guests of honor haven't arrived to the party!"
"Octivia?! Not you again! What do you want now?! Another rematch I suppose?", I snarled back at the Octoling wearing that stupid disguise of hers. But why?
"Oh no- the rematch can wait. I just didn't want to miss out on the party. Speaking of which, your guests are here. May the festivities begin!"
Octivia then blew a purple whistle that she pulled out of her pocket. Suddenly, what looked like an army of Octolings super-jumped and landed behind her!
The two Zapfishes on my shoulders squealed loudly and shook in fear. Even I was terrified.
"I almost feel bad that I can't stay. I have so much stuff planned. Lucky for me, I have time to show you my little gift. Oh, you're probably wondering why I'm wearing my Inkling disguise- yes?"
I said nothing. My tiny pupils were too focused on the crowd of Octolings.
"I'm going to take your silence as a yes. I decided to go pay a visit to see how Inkopolis is holding, up. Man, it was not pretty. Not to mention, I thought it would be nice if I said hello to your little friends. Buuuuut, they didn't have very nice things to say about you, to be honest."
Even while I was stunned, I couldn't help but notice Octivia hand something to one of the Octolings behind her. But what was it?
"Anyways, enough talk. Are you ready for your present, "Agent 5"? "
Like before, I was too terrified to say nothing.
"Aww, I thought you were. Ladies?", Octivia snickered as she blew the whistle again.
In an instant, all of the Octolings held up their weapons at the same time and pointed them at me!
"Enjoy the Octoling party, slime ball! Take some pictures for me, k? Laters!", Octivia then laughed wickedly before walking off.
Oh my squid, what should I do?! I can't just stand here doing nothing!
"Fire on my go! 3...", the nearest Octoling hollered starting a countdown.
Run, Nibs. Run.
"2..."
Run and don't stop- ever! It doesn't matter if you run out of breath! It doesn't matter if you get hurt again!
"1..."
Just...RUN!
"FIRE!"
That's exactly what I did. Once the Octolings began to fire, I ran. Ran with my eyes shut tight. Ran with prayers of hope etched all over my heart. Ran...and squealed like a baby. But, did I care? No! I wasn't about to give up like this! I didn't care where I went- I just kept on running. Even when the army of Octolings chased after me, I just kept running. That's all that I heard in my head.
Just keep running.
Octivia's POV
HA! I can't believe that actually worked. Nibs is totally distracted. This will definietely buy me enough time to do my work with that manhole.
"Excellent work, sister. For once, I'm impressed with you. You did good. Real good. Now, I suggest you get to work.", Captain congratulated me through the tiny intercom on my shades.
"Heh, what can I say? I'm full of suprises.", I smirked, before laughing alongside my sister.
I hope you won't be feeling homesick once I'm finished up, Watermark. Because I have a hunch that you've had your last glance at your falling city., I thought as I slid through a manhole. The manhole that headed to the hut with Nibs' enter and exit ticket.
Bingo.
Hi, readers. DiamondPencilsZ here. I just wanted to say that I'm really REALLY sorry for the long wait for the next chapter. I know you all were desperate to find out what happened next. However, you all stayed strong and patient instead of hating me. I find it very hard to balance writing fanfictions and focusing on my school work- which explains why I hadn't updated a new chapter. I hope you will understand and not get mad at me. I promise that the next update won't be take so long next time. Thanks for reading and remember: STAAAY FRESH!