Chapter Two:
Saiko's Inkling Crush
The taxi drove through the city streets, passing various avenues and signs that continuously advertised Inkling brands. Saiko sat in the back with Meggy, Whimpu and Shroomy, with Mario and Jeeves accompanying them. Mario passed the time by humming the overworld theme, one of his many habits whenever he was in a happy mood.
Jeeves was a little annoyed, but he put up with it, as long as Mario's singing didn't become too obnoxious. Shroomy strummed on a banjo softly, playing a quiet ditty, with a smile on his face.
Maritime Memory by Off The Hook played over the radio, with the Inkling taxi driver bopping his head and humming with the tunes. The ride was musical, with Inkling tunes, Mario's humming, and Shroomy's banjo playing. Saiko just sat back, staring out the window at the Octos and Squids living their lives.
"I'll admit, I've never been to Inkopolis." Whimpu quipped, "But I'm getting Japanese vibes."
"Well, it's easy to see, since Inkopolis Tower and Tokyo Tower look alike." Meggy remarked, "But it's all coincidence, Inkling culture is very different from Japanese culture, since Inklings aren't human."
"This city is lots of fun." Mario said, "You'll never forget your first visit here."
"Even though my first visit to this city happened amidst a kidnapping." Saiko commented.
"Yeah." Meggy nodded, "...when Splatfest was around the corner. That's hard to forget."
"I'd be elated to try out the various foods the Inklings have to offer." Jeeves said, "Perhaps they might allow me to volunteer as a waiter at their diner for a day."
Nobody forgot that Jeeves was a waiter at a restaurant when he first met Mario, when Donkey Kong and Pauline were having a dinner together. The sentient fork was more than just a band manager or the head of a milk factory; it left one to wonder if he still worked as a waiter when he wasn't involved with Saiko's band or any wacky adventures the gang wound up in.
Saiko and the group relaxed, taking in the sights of Inkopolis, until the taxi stopped and the driver spoke; "We have arrived at Ink Tide Hotel, thank you for using Inkopolis Taxi Services, and we hope you enjoy your stay in Inkopolis."
"Wahoo!" Mario whooped, "Let's-a go! Mario's going to-a eat all the spaghetti in the diner!"
"The sooner we get checked in..." Meggy said, "...the sooner we can do a Turf War."
"Golly gee." Shroomy remarked, "I sure like the idea of doing a Turf War here."
"Let's get checked in first!" Saiko said urgently.
The anime girl and her band exited the taxi, with their band manager and Mario following them. But just as they did, just as they were getting their luggage, another crowd of Inklings swarmed them excitedly, and cameras flashed. It seemed Inkopolis just couldn't get enough of rock star Saiko, Splatfest champion Meggy Spletzer, and the rest of the band.
"Give them room! GIVE THEM ROOM!" Jeeves shouted as he carried half of the band's luggage.
Mario started doing some dancing for the Inkling crowd, doing a little funny dance while carrying one of Saiko's bags. Jeeves noticed, and got so impatient, he poked him in the butt with his head, causing Mario to dance around with his hands on his behind.
A pair of Inklings squealed with laughter at this unintended comedy act. Saiko and Meggy rolled their eyes, and began making their way towards the hotel while a pair of Inklings came forward to assist with the luggage.
Jeeves walked by with some of their belongings, and Saiko turned, yelling at Mario to hurry up as he limped after the others with the luggage still in hand, while he nursed his wounded butt.
Just then, Saiko caught sight of a green-haired Inkling with tan skin walking through the crowd towards her. Out of every Inkling boy she'd bumped into in the city, he looked so... handsome.
And right there, she briefly forgot about the luggage and checking into the hotel. Saiko's heart thumped, and she hallucinated stars around the Inkling, who was giving her a handsome smile.
The anime girl stood, letting the Inkling approach her while the crowd slowly parted, even as more squids begged for Saiko's autograph. Saiko found herself looking into the squid's eyes, and he stared into her pretty purple eyes. The Inkling wore black shorts, a long-sleeved green sweater, and a dark undershirt with boots.
Saiko studied him as he came closer, feeling mesmerized just by seeing him. For a minute, the world seemed to slow down, leaving Saiko to ponder her thoughts. Somehow, when she was just meeting him, she was falling in love with an Inkling, and she didn't know any other reason why.
"Hi." The Inkling said, extending his hand, "I'm Alex."
'Alex.' Saiko took it in, that sounded like a very nice name.
"Saiko." She said, shaking Alex's hand.
"You don't need to introduce yourself; I already know who you are..." Alex said politely, "I've watched some of your concerts online, you got some really cool music, and I've followed some of your adventures through SMG4's videos. You got a really badass hammer, ya know how to scare the shit out of the bad guys."
"Well..." Saiko felt herself blush, and she scratched the back of her head, "I do leave an impression, both good and bad, and I do have a very particular set of skills that make me a nightmare for folks who anger me."
"And nice job with that Senbo kid." Alex added, "Also, just between us, while it's not every Inkling's cup of tea... I really like anime."
"Y-You do?" Saiko gasped, holding Alex's hand, her face flushing.
"Girl, you best believe it, I'm one of the only guys in this fair city who can sit through an episode of Dragon Ball Z and an episode of One Piece. You're probably mind-blown by what I'm telling you right now. Perhaps we can get a coffee or...?"
Saiko pulled her hand away. "Uh, I'd be happy to hang out with an anime fan..." She said sheepishly, "But I need to check into the hotel. W-We can talk later, can I get your number or..."
Alex looked at her with a kind smile that Saiko, who was walking towards the hotel now, would never forget. "I live across the street, if you want to talk, you know where to find me." The green-haired Inkling said.