Work Text:
[July 19, 2014 AE]
Inkopolis, the largest of the three major cities in the Inkiora Region. Unlike its neighbours, Cephena City and Arowana Ridge, Inkopolis had a certain… personality to it, an energy that seemingly seeped into its very core. This energy shined through the actions of its primary residents, the Inklings. Thought to be the dominant races of the Sea Earth, Inklings could be found all across the many above-water regions, though it’s a common belief that they originated from seas around the Inkiora region. One of the most diverse races, almost all Inklings are united by a deep love etched in their soul for music, art, and competition. Inkopolis was the core of Inkling civilization, where music, art, and competition blended together in one pure stream of creativity and inspiration. The most popular activity for teenaged Inklings was Turf Wars, where they harnessed their natural talents (such as producing Ink and transforming into a smaller form comprised entirely of Ink) to bring together the trifecta of their passions into one. Their Ink, scattered on the ground in their team’s colours, created a diorama of competition through art, while the air around them vibrated to the beat of the latest music trends. When not participating in a Turf War match, most Inklings could be found socializing in one of the various popular hang-out spots in the city. The largest and most well-known of these was Inkopolis Plaza, and today the Plaza was filled.
The Plaza was surrounded by tall buildings, and perched on top of one was a lone Squidling girl with long green tentacles, the sun reflecting on her vibrant purple eyes. She sat on the edge of one of the skyscrapers about a block away from the edge of the Plaza, her legs dangling down. She had a clear view of the Plaza, and one of her favourite pastimes was to sit and watch the Inklings below her on their day-to-day activities while thinking deeply about the state of the world around her. Unlike the average Inkling, who spent most of their time competing in Turf Wars, she preferred to sit back and watch from above, preferring to spectate rather than participate herself. It wasn’t that she was bad at sports, quite the opposite. She was simply too good and no longer got any challenge out of Turf War battles.
“Whatcha thinking ‘bout Three?” Came a Squidling’s voice from behind her, interrupting her train of thought.
“Nothing much,” She replied. “How about you?”
He chuckled. “Sorry, I’m in No Thoughts Head Empty mode right now.” He held out one of the two paper bags in his hands. “Hungry?”
Three smiled and accepted the bag. Inside was a burger and fries from their favourite fast-food restaurant. She started on the fries as her companion sat down next to her. “The Plaza is in quite a buzz today,” she said.
“I saw some of it from ground level,” her companion replied. “I heard they’re opening the applications for the Turf War League soon. I’m surprised you’re not down there to sign up.”
“Not really much point. I’d need a team. And last I checked, there's only two nerds sitting on the edge of this roof.”
He chuckled. “Yup, two nerds, one Three and one Jack. Besides, I can’t really participate in regular Turf Wars anyways.” His eyes strayed to his left hand, which was covered by a black glove. In all the time Three and Jack had known each other, he’d never taken it off. He just said that it was related to why his Squid form is defective. The defect prevented him from participating in Turf Wars, but he didn’t mind. He preferred other forms of competition and combat anyways.
The two sat in silence for a while, looking down on the hustle and bustle of the Plaza. Eventually, the two finished their meal, and left their rooftop hangout spot and headed for home.
But all the while, sinister forces were at work in the dark. And though they didn’t realize it yet, Three and Jack would play a big part in what was to come.