Author's Note: This story is mostly told from Pearl's perspective and the writing style is geared to match how I think she would say it. Some aspects of the story reference Octo Expansion, though in a loose manner. Reader discretion is advised.

I remember it like it was yesterday.

The Final Fest had just ended, and the results were revealed. As usual, every battler in the city was disputing the result. No diff; it was like this every Splatfest. Though THIS time, I was the one surprised! Team Chaos, my team, had won! I really thought it would be the other way around. I mean, I've seen the haters bashing me and treating Marina like she came from on high itself! I was speechless! But Marina, my partner in rhyme, was on the verge of tears… I never seen her so upset before. We hashed out things on the air. I told her what chaos meant to me. Her sad face was changed to a joyful one. I… never want to see her sad anymore.

In a couple of days, the arguments died down and everyone was back to their competition-hungry, fashion-loving selves. Marina and I were setting up for another broadcast when one of our reporters barged in. Says it's real important. Judging by how un-fresh they were looking, it wasn't gonna be anything good. They hand over one of those cheap-looking tan folders and, before we could even thank them, they vanished. Poof. Now we were pretty anxious about what they left us. We had five minutes before we were on, so we sat the folder on a nearby table and opened it up. I… well, I wouldn't even know how to begin describing what I felt. Seeing those photos, the hastily written notes, scavenged documents… We had to act and fast!

You know, the funny thing about being an 'idol' is that the community sort of looks to you for guidance and support. It's the main reason Inkopolis News only really has current popular bands archor. So when we told them, in no confusing terms, that they needed to find underground shelters or evacuate the city, they kindly obliged. Heh… If only we had more time.

If only…

Umi's Notes

UNKNOWN UNIDENTIFIED STATUE-LIKE STRUCTURE APPEARS OFF THE COAST
A SOFT WHIRLING CAN BE HEARD EVEN FROM WHERE I STAND

IT GROWS LOUDER AND LOUDER
THERMAL IMAGINGING SUGGESTS THE STRUCTURE IS WARMING UP
ARE THESE CANNONS?