"So, you guys ready for this?" asked Sinamoi, looking straight ahead.
"Oh yeah, I was born ready," said Keket, nodding.
"As ready as I'll ever be," said Jabb.
"I guess we're really doing this," said Hector.
"All right…we're going in," said Sinamoi, leading the way. With that, the group walked right in through the front door of the Ammo Knights weapon shop.
"Oh, greetings!" said Sheldon when he saw them enter. "Say, you look familiar. Weren't you on the Splatcast the other day? Those guys who beat the heck out of those thugs who trashed the studio?"
"Yes, that's us," said Sinamoi. "I'm Sinamoi, this is Keket, Jabb, and Hector. We're looking to participate in our first Turf War today and we need armaments."
"Well you came to the right place!" said Sheldon. "We've got only the freshest weaponry in Splatsville, right here! Feel free to take a look and see what strikes your fancy! And if you have any questions, just ask!"
"Thanks, we'll keep that in mind," said Sinamoi, already looking around at the various weapons on the walls. His eyes fell on something he recognized immediately, due to its similarities to the Octoshot he'd used during his time underground.
"Ah yes, the classic Splattershot," said Sheldon, standing next to him. "Beloved for its ease of handling and high potential. This here is our latest model of the go-to model."
"Splattershot, you say?" asked Sinamoi, picking it up and inspecting it. "Yes, I'm familiar with something of a…similar design."
"Well that's not all," said Sheldon. "Paired with the Suction Bombs, you have a wonderfully stable loadout that allows you to respond to whatever the enemy throws at you! And let's not forget the Trizooka special. Let one off the leash at the right moment, and I guarantee your opponent won't forget!"
"Seems like it's pretty straightforward," said Sinamoi, feeling the weight of the weapon in his hands.
"It's a little basic, yes," said Sheldon. "Basically one of the best setups you can have! Master the fundamentals and you'll become a force to be reckoned with."
"Very well, I'll take it," said Sinamoi.
"Hey buddy, what do you call this thing?" asked Keket, looking at a long rifle.
"Ahh yes, that one," said Sheldon, eager to share his know-how again. "Simply put, the Splat Charger is a charger-type weapon designed for long-range offense. To operate it, you charge up ink, then fire it all out at once, inking a long path in the distance."
"So you can pick off your opponents without having to get too close," said Hector, coming over to look at it. "Sounds like my kind of weapon."
"It gets better," said Sheldon. "You see, the Splat Charger can actually hold its charge for a short period while you swim. Tactically speaking, that's a game-changing advantage!"
"I'm liking it already," said Hector. "What other features come with it?"
"Well, it comes with Splat Bombs you can use to flush out hiding enemies, and the Ink Vac to turn the tables on invaders. Impressively well-balanced, if I do say so myself."
"Looks like I'll take this one," said Hector, picking it up.
That was when Keket spotted some Dualies on display. "Ohhhh I know what I'm getting," she said with a grin, picking them up and twirling them on her fingers.
"Oh, very good choice! The Splat Dualies are-" Sheldon started to say before being cut off.
"Save the sales pitch, friend, I've made my decision," said Keket, posing with them.
"Guess that makes all of us," said Jabb, picking up another Splatershot.
"Don't suppose there's a way to test them out and get familiar with them before an official Turf War?" asked Sinamoi as he paid.
"As a matter of fact, there is! You can try out each weapon you pick in our firing range," said Sheldon. "Here, let me show you." He led them downstairs to a large open room full of inflatable targets placed at various points, including two that were sliding back and forth on a motorized rail. "Just come on out when you're done, and enjoy!" He went back up, leaving them alone.
"Okay guys, let's see how we handle these new toys," said Sinamoi.
For the next hour, the four Sharklings practiced with their weapons, until they felt comfortable enough that they could handle themselves in the arena. Being that they were trained soldiers, it was probably a little excessive, but it never hurt to be prepared. They headed for the Turf War lobby, were selected into an upcoming match, and spawned into the map.
Sinamoi held up a hand, using gestures to issue instructions to his team. They all split up, inking turf as they advanced towards the opposing team's side of the map. Sinamoi ambushed one enemy, splatting him and began to cover his ink with his own. One tried to rush his position, only to be splatted by Hector. Keket hid around a corner, splatting an Inkling girl as she ran past her. She rounded the corner, inking turf as Jabb moved into a covering position behind her. The final member of the enemy team tried to pop them with a Splat Bomb, but they dodged just in time and both opened fire, officially wiping the other team.
The audience was on its feet, amazed at how well these new faces were performing. None more impressed, though, than Zuni and her family, who were watching as well.
"Wow, look at them go," said Ahmed. "I knew they were soldiers, but I didn't think they'd be this good."
"I know, they're trashing the other team hard," said Kyla. "I kind of feel bad for them."
"Come on, guys, don't let up!" cheered Zuni, jumping out of her seat. "You've got this!"
It was the final minute of the match. The other team was getting desperate, and they were starting to slip up badly.
"One final push, you guys!" said Sinamoi, taking down two opponents. "Don't forget to keep painting turf!"
"Don't worry, we have this in the bag!" said Hector, sniping another one.
The other team rushed them in unison, hoping their combined charge would finally break the Sharkling's strategy. But before they could even launch their attack, the whistle blew loudly. The match was officially over. The crowd saw the results, and Sinamoi's team had absolutely dominated. The crowd exploded into applause, Zuni and her siblings by far the loudest.
A few moments later, the Sharklings exited the lobby feeling quite pleased with themselves. "I have to admit, that was a lot of fun," said Sinamoi. "Just like the training sims we used to run, but a lot more relaxed."
"Did you see their faces at the end?" asked Keket, laughing. "I thought that one Octo girl was going to faint when she saw how badly they lost."
"Let's not forget, these Turf Wars are supposed to be all in good fun," said Hector. "They did their best, just like us."
"I agree," added Jabb. "It was all about having a good time."
"Hey, isn't that Zuni and her sibs coming this way?" asked Keket, looking over towards the stairs.
Sure enough, Zuni was running towards them followed by the others. "Guys, that was awesome!" said Zuni as she got up to them. "You guys are naturals at Turf War!"
"I agree, you guys did really well out there," said Ahmed with a smile. "You should consider doing this more often."
"Yeah, you guys were the best!" said Yasmin, hugging Keket's leg.
"Awww shucks, thanks Yasmin," said Keket, smiling.
"You know, I could get behind doing this on a regular basis," said Jabb, looking at his phone. "Look how much money we made just from that one match." He turned the phone around to show the others.
"Oh! Well that's something," said Hector.
"We should at least think about it," said Sinamoi. "For now, though, I'm hungry. I say we go eat."
"Why don't we all go?" suggested Kyla. "A little celebration of your first Turf War victory."
"Well, why not?" asked Jabb, looking to Sinamoi.
"Well, alright then, let's do that," said Sinamoi. "Got a place you'd like to recommend?"
"Yeah, come with us," said Zuni. "We know just the place!"
The Sharklings smiled and followed the Hareling family to enjoy a well-deserved victory lunch.
Octoling Base Glass Lake
Dr. Angelfish stood in the General's private chamber, facing his desk. She brushed a tentacle away from her face, staring at him with a cool collected demeanor. "You wanted to see me, General?" she asked calmly.
"Yes, Doctor, it's of extreme importance," he said, drumming his fingers on his desk. "I want to know why there's such a delay with the mind wipe program for the Sharklings."
"Well that's easy, sir," she replied. "The mind wipe program is simply too risky to use on a mass scale. If we use it, especially now, we run the risk of losing close to half of the entire Sharkling population to complete cerebral breakdown. You'll kill them, in layman's terms."
"Much must be risked in warfare," said the General, narrowing his eyes. "And we are still very much at war. Until the Inklings have been defeated and the Octolings restored to their rightful place above ground, that war will never be ended. I trust you understand that?"
"I understand all too well," Dr. Angelfish replied coldy, narrowing her eyes. "You war dogs are all cut from the same cloth, after all."
"That's why we ultimately survive when all others die out," he said, showing his teeth. "Because we're the ones willing to stand and fight, no matter the cost. I want that program ready to go within the next two days, no questions asked. Is that understood, Doctor?"
She took in a sharp breath, giving the General a look that would have curdled milk. "Yes, General Megalodon, sir," she practically growled. "It will be as you say."
"Good," he said, "you're dismissed."
She turned and left, a sour look on her face. But also a look of worry. Now everything was riding on Sinamoi bringing help and fast. Time had simply run out for them all.
