Surprise! For Splatoon 3's anniversary, I figured that I should go ahead and post the first two chapters of my newest Splatoon fic, centering around the backstory of my New Agent 3, Tori. While she won't actually become an agent in this story, I think it's important to get this out there before my proper Splatoon 3 fic comes. And that will have to be after "The Rainbow Squids" is complete. I don't when it'll be, but I promise you I'm working on it. I'll be putting this fic out in the meantime-they will release concurrently, so don't worry about this affecting my other stories!

Now, this is in the same universe as "The Rainbow Squids," but no knowledge of it is required to enjoy this story. I will let you know that one character from "The Rainbow Squids" will show up in a later chapter. Can you guess who it'll be? Well, either way, I hope you all enjoy this story!

WARNING: Contains infrequent references to smoking, ableism, neglect, and potentially upsetting scenes.

OCTOBER 4 2008

TWO DEAD FOLLOWING CAR CRASH IN SPLATLANDS

Three inklings, two adults and one infant, were found near Mincemeat Metalworks Thursday morning following a car crash. Witnesses state that the vehicle lost control and dove into a pit by the facility, where it crashed into several large objects before finally coming to a stop. The victims have been identified as Matthew Pholido, 23, and Amber Pholido, 22. Tori Pholido, 10 months, was found in critical condition and flown to Outer Splatsville Hospital, where she is expected to make a full recovery.

Neither Matthew nor Amber have known relatives. Squall Orphanage has claimed Tori and plans to put her through their foster care system, though no further comments have been made. Splatsville Today will keep you updated on the latest developments in this case.

At the knock of a door, Lady Squall set her pipe down on the ashtray, smoke rising from the barrel and out the window. Groaning, she rose from her chair, holding her hands behind her back as she felt her joints ache. Whether this trip would prove a waste of time or not, she had been meaning to get up soon anyways. She had things to do.

Another knock came. "Lady Squall?" a young woman called. "Are you in there?"

"I'm coming." A grimace on her face, she opened the door to meet the eyes of a spindly crab–Ella. "What is it?"

"Our new arrival is here." She tapped her pincers together. "You know, the one you personally requested to oversee?"

"Ah, Pholido." She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, her face molding into a neutral expression. "Yes, I'll be there shortly."

"R-right." Ella stepped out of the way and bowed, saying no more as Lady Squall exited her quarters, a light blue dress trailing behind her. New arrivals were important business, after all. There can be no delays.

No children ran through the halls tonight, as they were all sleeping soundly in their beds. As they should be. Only the newest arrivals misbehave, trying to disrupt the carefully crafted Order in Squall Orphanage. A place where Order is not upheld can only be described as Chaos. A theme all too common in the Splatlands. Lady Squall loathed it, but she loathed abandoning the orphanage even more. Thus, she will stay here, like she has done for decades.

Lady Squall eventually arrived at the entrance, where a jellyfish from the hospital stood, their arms wrapped around a basket. Within the bundle of blankets was a blob wrapped in bandages, yellow peeking out from underneath. She grabbed the handle, and the jellyfish removed themself from the basket, dipping their head before bowing out. Within the flickering lights of the entrance hall, she set the basket down on the counter and peered inside.

A baby inkling, not even a year old, stared back at her with dopey yellow eyes, slowly blinking as it studied Lady Squall's face. Then, it started to coo, raising its stubby arms towards her face. A small smile touching her lips, she lifted the baby out of the basket and held it out in front of her.

Tori Pholido. That was the name recorded on the tag hanging off the basket. Lady Squall knew this, of course. She had no need to look.

"Welcome home, child," Lady Squall muttered. "Chaos will never touch you again."