Chapter 3 – The Dance of Ink

The first thing to register in Tela head as she popped out of the grate was the noise. She had never heard the likes of it before. It seemed to almost… pulse with a kind of rhythm and beat. Was this… music? The Octoling had been told by her father of the strange noise the Inklings listened to, but to hear it for herself. It was unusual but… pleasant.

The next thing to register was the vibrant explosion of colours. Reds, blues, greens, purples, indigo, yellows the list goes on and on.

After coming back to her senses Tela dived behind a trash can, thanking the heavens she had popped out in an alley way. She peered around to make sure she hadn't been spotted by any of the Inklings, which to her amazing all sported different bright coloured tentacles. It was so bizarre to see.

Then her amber eyes widen with fear when she spotted a familiar sky-blue Inkling standing with a group chatting away. Agent 3! Wait… that can't be right. He was wearing completely different clothes, there was no way he could have changed so quickly right? Then the Octoling spotted another sky-blue tentacled Inkling, and another, and… wait isn't that one a girl!?

"Ok…" whispered Tela as she pulled back behind the trash can, her chest heaving. "So, there's more than one agent 3 apparently, and thanks to the stupid shades he wore I can't tell which one is the real deal. No need to panic. I just… just need a way to travel around without being detected."

There must be a way to blend in somehow. The Octoling frantically looked around to try and take in as much of her surroundings as possible. There were a few places she could hide, but none of them could help her travel around without raising the alarm of her presence.

"Urgh, I'm broke. Totes worth it though."

Tela jumped a foot in the air at the voice issuing right in front of the trash can she was currently hiding behind. The Octoling began to shake as scenarios raced through her head of her being discovered and chased by a mob of ink-thirsty Inkling all baring their weapons on her.

"These new clothes are totally like, make me the Freshest looking Squid in town!"

"Well you did gain a few more levels in Turf Wars."

"And I didn't even break a nail doing it. The Inklings in the other team were such Noobs."

Tela slowly peered around the trash can and saw two Inkgirls chatting away. What was this 'Fresh' thing they were talking about? The girl with the pink tentacles mentioned something about levels and Turf Wars? Was it a video game they were talking about or what?

The pink Inkling suddenly gave a squeal of delight and dropped a white bag on the floor which Tela realised must be the clothes the Inkling had mentioned earlier.

"I like, totally have to show you this picture Denise." She pulled out her phone and started to rapidly tap her fingertips on the screen.

A bag of clothes huh? I mean… we already stole the zapfish off them. Some stupid clothes won't matter. Tela waited until both Inklings were occupied with whatever they were looking at, and quickly swiped the white bag. The Octoling went into stealth mode as she crouched along the alleyway, mindful of being spotted. She rounded a corner to more trash bags and cans. This should do.

Tela opened the bag and started to pull out the bundles of fabrics, opening and holding them up to get a better view.

First item was a Zapfish Satin Jacket, kind of ironic considering the situation she was in. Tela felt herself growing with excitement at the beautiful design, and nodded in approval.

The next item was a pair of Strapping Reds trainers. A size too big but they would have to do. The last item was a Takoroka Mesh cap.

"Urgh… these Inklings really are obsessed with fashion, aren't they? The clothes we have back home are nowhere even close to being a nice or fancy as these are. It really isn't fair."

Tela peeled off each piece of Octoling Armor and stuffed them into the white plastic bag, then proceeded to pull on the stolen attire.

"Not bad." Smiled Tela as she twisted and turned around, looking down. Truth be told the clothes felt very soft and comfortable. Now the Octoling came to a slight snag in her plans. Just because she wore the clothes of an Inkling doesn't mean she could wander around Inkopolis.

One look at her face and tentacles would tell even the most oblivious of Inklings that she was an Octoling.

"Hmmmm… maybe if I?" Tela started to twist and pull her tentacles around, hissing in pain every now and then while avoiding touching the suckers. Let's just say Octoling suckers are a little… well sensitive. After succeeding in wrapping her tentacles in a tight bun, she rammed the cap on her head. It looked a bit lumpy but it'll have to do.

All that was left was the black mask marking that all Inkling sported around their eyes. Tela started to rummage around the various trash cans and black bags that filled the alley way, finally she pulled out a cracked hand-mirror.

"Hmmm…" murmured the Octoling as she looked at her reflection. Apart from the missing black face mask around her eyes, she looked just like an Inkling, unfortunately she resembled a male Inkling rather than a female due to the tips of her tentacles poking out at the back of her cap. Well… if she had to pretend to be a boy then so be it.

"Typical." Tela rolled her eyes and then turned to another trash bag to continue her search. Finally, she came to fruition as she pulled out a black pen marker, thankfully not the one of the permanent kind.

A few minutes later, Tela looked at the mirror again, her smirk growing bigger as she admired her handiwork. Using the marker pen the Octoling had managed to etch a black mask around her eyes. She threw the mirror to the floor

Tela threw the bag containing her old clothes behind a stack of bin bags and made her way out of the alley way. Thankfully the two Inkling girls from before were gone. Just as well… Tela really didn't want her almost perfect cover blown by simply being haggled for being a thief.

Now then… where to look first?

Inkopolis seem so alien yet wondrous. As Tela walked she couldn't help but marvel at the new sounds and smells that assaulted her. It was nothing like back home. These Inkling really were living the high life.

Thankfully no one paid any action to her as she travels around what seem to be city centre, or maybe a plaza? Then she noticed how a lot of Inkling were converging to a huge grand building underneath a tall impressive radio station tower, the sign above the entrance read, Turf Wars Lobby. Turf wars?

"Hey there! Are you heading in for a Turf war? Me too!"

Tela spun around with wide fearful eyes at the green tentacled Inkling girl who addressed her with a happy and curious smile.

"I hope we'll be assigned to the same team, judging by your clothes Freshness you must be pretty good! What level are you?" chatted the Inkling girl with a wide toothy smile.

"O-Oh! Ummm…" stuttered Tela nervously, hoping the girl couldn't hear the sudden pounding of her heart.

What do I say!? I don't even understand half the stuff she mentioned! Oh, Octo this isn't good.

"N-nah. I… I don't do Turf Wars. I'm just l-looking around and, and my l-level well…" said Tela, making her voice sound deep as she struggled to think of what to say as the Inkling started to frown.

"Don't do Turf Wars!? Are you KIDDING!?" screeched the green tentacled Ink-girl, her pale green eyes widening in shock and disbelief. Her loud outburst catched the attention of a few nearby Inklings.

"Then how did you get those clothes!? Where's your ID?" demanded the Ink-girl.

"Hey, did you hear that? That Ink-boy doesn't like Turf wars."

"Then how did he get those clothes. Someone who doesn't do Turf Wars shouldn't be walking around looking that Fresh."

"There seems to be something weird with that Ink-boy don't cha think?"

"Now that you mention it… yeah. He doesn't have pointy ears!"

"Don't be so rude! He might have lost them in an accident or something. That happened before you know!"

"Really? When?"

This is getting bad, I need to get out of here NOW! Thought Tela as she held up her hands at the now gathering crowd.

"I'll love to stay and chat but I… I have somewhere to go. Yeah so… ummm. Bye?" Tela gave a wave before quickly dashing down the street as fast as she could away from the crowd. Wow, she was bad at this, only half an hour in Inkopolis and already she had run into trouble.

Tela was that desperate in putting as much distance between her and those Inklings that she didn't watch where she was going.

"OOF!"

The Octoling slammed into something hard and bounced off, crashing to the ground and scrapping her knee in the process.

"You ok?"

That voice… it sounded familiar.

Tela looked up from the ground and flinched violently at the Inkling staring down at her in concern. The voice… the sky-blue tentacles… it had to be him! Agent 3! Or… could it be him?

The Inkling was cladded in red shorts, a white and green stripped t-shirt with some weird Inkling letter characters on it and strapped to his back was a Splattershot Pro gun. He held his hand out to help her up.

Oh my… his… his eyes. I… wow… Tela swallowed hard, her heart skipping a beat as she stared into his eyes. They were a beautiful shade of emerald, so mesmerising that Tela just kept on staring as a blush creeped over her cheeks.

The Inkling who had been grinning raised an eyebrow in confusion, wondering why Tela hadn't grabbed his hand and was just sitting there gaping like a squid out of ink. Then… something strange passed over his face. It was so fast that Tela missed it, too busy being captivated.

"Sorry for knocking you over man. Here, let me help you up."

Tela came out of her dream-like state as the Inkling firmly grasped her arm and pulled her to her feet with surprising strength.

Can it be Agent 3? I mean… He has the same coloured tentacles and his voice sounds the same. Geez… I can't believe I got flustered like that over his eyes. He's a stupid Inkling for Octo sake! There really must be something wrong with me.

"Don't talk much huh? Come over here and I'll help clean you up."

Clean me up? What does he mean? Tela glanced down and noticed purple ink oozing down her leg from the graze on her knee. She glared at the sky-blue Inkling and crossed her arms.

"No thanks umm… bro. I'm fine. I don't need your help." said Tela in a deep voice and pushed her way past, marching down the street. Failing to see the slight smirk appearing on the Inklings face.

There MUST be a clue somewhere or some kind of indication on where the zapfish were being kept. Wait… Tela suddenly stopped walking, a couple of Inklings who had been walking behind her had to swerve quickly to the side to avoid a collision. They muttered darkly, casting annoyed glances at Tela as they walked past.

Zapfish… Inklings use it for power, obviously. So, the best place to look would be a… powerplant of some kind maybe?

The music that had been playing constantly in the background of Inkopolis stopped, to be replaced by a new sound. All the Inkling in the area instantly halted in what they were doing, and turned almost as one with excitement towards a large screen attached to the top of a tall, well-lit building.

Two very looking glamorous Inkling girls sporting very similar outfits with a different colour scheme appeared on the screen, in what seem to be a stage. All the Inklings now surrounding Tela began to cheer and whistle.

"Hold on to your tentacles…" said the Inkling with deep purple tentacles which almost reached the floor.

"It's Inkopolis News Time!" finished the other Inkling girl with short white tentacles.

"I'm Callie, reporting to you that only 3 days left till the Splatfest Festival is here!" grinning the purple Inkling as she began to jump up and down with excitement.

"I'm Marie, and as we all know… the festival starts at midnight and lasts for 24 hours. Make sure you all get a good night's sleep for the opening party, Turf Wars extravaganza and much much more!" smiled the white Inkling.

"And of course, we'll be singing our number one hit song during the Splatfest so keep your ears tuned Squids!"

"Well… that's all for now! So, remember…"

Both Inkling girls struck a pose, their hands in the air with one leg lifted as they both spoke.

"Staaaay Fresh!"

The screen blacked-out and everyone resumed what they were doing, chatting excitedly about the upcoming Splatfest. Tela frowned as she continued her way down the street, her thoughts on this so-called festival.

Tela hated to admit it but… everything she had seen and heard so far… has been pretty mind blowing. Honestly, she felt jealous. The Inklings were clearly having the time of their lives up here on the surface without a worry or a care in the world. Unaware of the misery and suffering of the Octarians living right under their feet.

After nearly an hour of searching found Tela nowhere closer in discovering the location of the zapfish that had been taken back by Agent 3. The Octoling threw herself down on a nearby bench and simply sagged in exhaustion, her stomach twisting and rumbling with hunger.

Tela closed her tired eyes, maybe a quick nap might do her some good. It was nearing midnight anyway and less and less Inklings were walking around. Just as sleep was about to take over, a mouth-watering aroma hit her nose.

Tela opened her eyes with reluctance and casted her half-lidded gaze around to look for the smell, her heart stopped beating however when her amber eyes met vivid emerald green ones.

"ACK!" Tela had to catch herself from falling as the sky-blue tentacled Inkling boy from before waved at her, sitting right next to her on the bench with a paper brown bag on his lap.

How in Octo hell she didn't hear him sit down was a mystery, either that or she was more tired than she thought. She watched with wide frighten eyes as the Inkling opened the paper bag and pulled out a… Tela didn't know what it was called but it smelled like food.

It looked like a rounded piece of bread that had been sliced in half sideways, fried kelp, tomatoes and some type of sauce laid between the two slices of bread. It smelled simply divine.

The Inkling gave a smirk and, ignoring the look of longing and the watering open mouth of Tela bit right into the tasty looking morsel. The Octoling gave a low moan before quickly covering it up with a cough.

The world really hates me doesn't it. Not only has the Agent 3 suspect followed me here, but he's eating right next to me while I'm sitting here staving.

The Inkling swallowed his mouthful before turning back to Tela with a grin. "Hey! You're the dude from before, you bumped into me remember?"

Tela gave a sniff of annoyance and turned her face away, trying to ignore the loud protesting growls of her stomach and the bucketful of saliva her mouth was producing.

"Don't you have a home to go to or something, instead of bothering me?" She hoped this cocky little squid would take the hint in her tone and leave her alone.

"Home? Nah man, the night is still young. Anyway… Do you want a Kelp burger?" said the Inkling as he pulled out another one of those sandwiches he was currently eating. "There was a mix-up with my order and I ended up with two."

He held out the Kelp burger to Tela who eyed it in disbelief, as if she couldn't believe it was being offered to her. She didn't need to be told twice as she grabbed the burger faster than a Octarian in ink and gleefully chomped her sharp teeth into the warm tastiness of heaven.

Tela closed her eyes and moaned in delight as the flavours of bread, fried kelp and tomatoes washed over her taste buds. These Kelp burgers are delicious!

The Inkling gave a wide grin as he watched Tela devour the burger without mercy, and then proceed to eat his own.

"Hey umm… thanks… thanks for the food." Tela said shyly after she had finished. That burger really did hit the spot. Now she hated the Inklings as much as the next Octarian but… this Inkling gave her food when he didn't have to. He had shown her kindness, even more so then her own species.

The Inkling looked at her in surprise, as if he had not expected gratitude. Then he smiled warmly and held out his hand.

"No problem man, and… call me Sora." Tela's amber eyed grew wide as she glanced at the hand being offered to her for a second time that day. So, his name is Sora, doesn't that mean sky? Which considering it now, seems appropriate as she glanced at his tentacles.

Tela grasped Sora's hand with her own trembling one, and felt her cheeks reddening at the warm contact between their palms. Her heart started to speed up as she quickly broke the hand shake.

No way could this be Agent 3. He was too friendly and besides… wouldn't her eyes and voice give her away? Sora had made no indication that he knew her.

This… might work in her favour! Sora knows much more about Inkopolis then Tela so, if she became friends with him and somehow gain his trust. He might tell her where the zapfish are! It's perfect!

"The names Te… Terry. Call me Terry." Blushed Tela as she looked away. Sora nudged her shoulder causing the Octoling to look back, her face showing surprise at the contact.

"Terry huh? Well then Terry, fancy hanging out at Suki's bar? First drinks are on me dude." Sora grinned, his emerald eyes glinting as he screwed up the paper bag on his lap and threw it with considerable skill in the nearby trashcan.

Suki's bar? What's a… Suki's bar? These Inklings have so many different and new things that I can hardly keep up. Yet… it's all exciting, It's amazing on the surface.

"Sure umm… dude. Lead the way." Said Tela as she grinned, following Sora as he stood up and walked away. It didn't take long to arrive at Suki's Bar, Tela couldn't help but marvel over the beautiful buildings that lit up and flashed in various colours as they passed.

"Sora." Said a pink tentacled Inkling boy nodding his head towards Sora as he stood by the entrance of the bar. Sora nodded back with a smile and, to Tela's utter shock grabbed her arm firmly but gently and pulled her into the building.

Tela raised an eyebrow as soon as she saw large groups of Inklings moving their bodies in weird way to what, the Octoling can only assume was loud thumping music. Sora pulled her through the moving bodies and led her over to a bar where he finally let go of her arm.

"Two Inka Colada's please."

The bar Inkling gave a nod of acknowledgement and walked away to complete the order.

So, this is a Suki's bar. Thought Tela as she looked back to watch the crowd of weird moving Inklings, then suddenly she felt her face burst with heat as she spotted a pair of Inklings. The two, a girl and boy were moving close to each other, they were practically rubbing themselves against one another

The sight made Tela feel very uncomfortable as she quickly turned away.

Sora, who had been watching Tela the entire time moved closer and wrapped an arm around the Octolings shoulder.

"What's up Terry?" he drawled with a smirk. "You're acting like it's your first time in a club or something."

"A club? A thought you said this was a Suzi's bar?" said Tela with a slight accusation tone to her voice as she narrowed her eyes. Sora looked at her strangely before suddenly bursting into laughter. Tela hissed in embarrassment and anger as she roughly shoved the Inklings arm off her shoulder.

"What's so funny!?" she demanded. Honestly, this Inkling was making it so hard to be friends with him, despite the fact Tela never really had any friends before so she wasn't too sure what friends … well, what friends do.

"I'm sorry but…" choked Sora as he tried to calm his laughing fit. "Terry, you are hilarious! You really haven't been to a club before, have you? I'm just, surprised."

The bar tender returned with the two drinks, Sora grabbed them both and handed one to Tela.

"Here, drink this. And then…" Sora leaned in close to the girl who scowled as she felt that damn persistent blush return.

"I'll show you what Inklings do to have fun at clubs." He whispered this sentence, causing Tela to flinch slightly as she felt his warm breath on her skin.

What is this squid's problem? Doesn't he know about personal space? Why do I feel so weird around him every time he gets close or… or touches me? It's getting super annoying and stupid.

Tela bought the drink Sora gave her to her lips and took a sip, then suddenly she starts coughing and hacking. The brown liquid felt like fire as it slipped down her throat. What did they put in this!?

Sora burst into loud raucous laughter once more when he saw Tela's reaction to the drink. "Oh, my Squids Terry! Your face! Don't tell me you've never drank alcohol before man!"

Alcohol? Wait, all Inklings could have alcohol? Back home only the most important Octarians were allowed the privilege of consuming alcoholic drinks.

"Don't worry, once you get use to drinking that stuff it gets easier." Said Sora and then proceeded to down his drink in one go.

"Wait…" said the Inkling as he quickly looked back at Tela. "How old are you?"

Tela raised an eyebrow at the Inklings question. Why the Octo hell did he want to know that? Eh… what harm could it do, she did need to try and be friends with him.

"I'm 17 and -!" Tela stopped talking as Sora suddenly make a choking noise, his emerald eyes wide with horror.

"You're 17!? D-don't drink!" Sora snatched the drink from the Octolings hand and practically threw it down on the bar. After that little display, he turned to a confused Tela and smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry if I startled you man. Inklings aren't allowed to drink alcohol till they turn 18. I didn't want us to get into trouble."

Tela simply stared at first, then a small smile appeared followed shortly by her own loud laughter. The Octoling didn't even know why she found the whole situation so funny. She couldn't even remember the last time she laughed like this.

"Your face when I told you how old I was! That was so hilarious!"

"Yeah yeah laugh it up Terry. Laugh it up!" said Sora pretending to pout despite trying not to laugh himself. He grabbed hold of Tela's arm, which stopped her laughing straight away, and then began to lead her towards the group of moving Inklings.

Tela dug her heels in as soon as she realized where they were going, her amber eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and fear. Sora raised an eyebrow at her reluctance before understanding filled his face.

"You're never danced before." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

"Danced? Is that what it's called?" Tela said as she pointed to the group. Something strange passed over Sora's face, before Tela could focus on what emotion that was Sora suddenly smiled.

"Dancing. It's called dancing and it's where we move our bodies to the rhythm of music. It's fun!"

Tela couldn't help but feel fascinated as Sora pulled her to the middle of the floor and began to move his body, she realised that he was indeed moving his body to the music.

These Inkling are more… interesting then I thought. I mean… DJ Octavio didn't tell us anything like this, according to him Inklings were a bunch of selfish lazy being who only care for themselves but this Inkling isn't like that. I'm starting to feel… strange, like something doesn't seem quite right. I can't put my finger on it.

"Come on Terry! Just move your body, it's not that hard." Shouted Sora over the music, swinging his hips side to side. "Just do what I'm doing!"

Tela felt stupid as she started to awkwardly move her body side to side, but as the pounding music continued play she started to feel herself move more and more with confidents.

This really is fun.

Tela laughed with delight as she got more and more into the music. She then suddenly grabbed hold of Sora's hands, the Inkling seemed surprise at this gesture at first, before throwing his head back with laughter and proceeding to swing them both around in a circle as they danced.