Chapter Text
BEEP! BEEP BEEP!
“Uhhh…”
A hand shot out to stop the alarm, only to accidentally toss the device over the drawer it was on. The hand’s owner hardly peeked out when the alarm hit the floor. The light from her bedroom was blinding and all she could do was curse the sun for merely existing. It was too early to be getting up so all the alarm’s attacker could do was grumble under her breath. Owner of said alarm peeked over to check the time.
7:30 AM.
She merely turned over and was about to get an extra five minutes of shut-eye when suddenly the door to her room broke open, causing her to jump and see who the unlucky intruder who decided to end her slumber was. And it was no other than-
“ORANGE! GET UP AND GET READY! WE OVERSLEPT!!”
Blue. Her closest friend and partner in inky crime came to wake her up. Through squinted eyes, Oranges notices that he is wearing his usual attire instead of his pajamas-which was unlike him. He had dressed in his Turf War attire: consisting of his white shirt with a long sleeved black shirt underneath, his headphones resting around his shoulders. What had happened to his usually chill demeanor? And on top of that, when had he decided it was a good idea to wake her up by yelling? He knew how grumpy Orange could get when she woke up too soon.
As if door slamming and yelling wasn’t enough, Blue then had the audacity to come over to shake her awake. But after 15 seconds she hardly budged. So he just let out a frustrated sigh and let her body flop back onto the bed.
“Fine, keep sleeping. But don’t be crying and pouting later when you miss the train to one of the best Tournaments in history.”
And just like that, he quickly slammed the door shut behind him and his footsteps echoed until they could not be heard anymore. Orange could only groan as she turned onto the other side of the bed until her mind repeated several keywords.
….train? Overslept? Tournament?
……………………………………...……………………………………
In an instant, a flash of memories flew by: her friends coming back to their apartment, opening a letter with an intriguing design on it, the long silence that came with registering the letter’s invitation, freaking out and celebrating with family and other friends, and also staying up late.
Really, really late.
They forgot one important detail in the letter. And that was the arrival of the train coming to pick them all up at 8 am.
“Oh, tentacles!”
Suddenly, the mess from under the bed shot up and threw off the covers. As Orange quickly fixed her bed, her pajamas were quickly thrown near her bags. She quickly searched her room for her Turf-War attire and found it resting on her desktop table.
After hastily putting on her clothes, she stuffed her pj’s into her bags, grabbed her luggage, and threw her bedroom door open. Outside, two inklings jumped as Orange came out--crashing into them and sending the contents of bags onto the floor. A few pieces of clothing and possessions landed on them.
“Orange!! What the shell!”, one of them exclaimed after shaking their heads. Orange gave a quick glance to her friends and was not surprised to see who it was. After all, out of all six of them these two were the more responsible bunch of the group.
The squid who had cursed at his friend was a male inkling who had a set of three tentacles that overlapped each other and resembled a slick layer look. He had green ink with soft, hot pink eyes. His skin was that of caramel and his attire consisted of a fluffy, long sleeved jacket with matching denim-like capri shorts. His brown military-like boots and dark, skull bandana stood out like sore thumbs against his vibrant colors.
Next to him was a squid who looked quite similar to Orange but had yellow hair with purple tips at the end of her tentacles. Her outfit consisted of a simple black hoodie, dark gray shorts with yellow stripes on the sides, comfy black and yellow sneakers, and a pair of complex headphones resting around her neck. Another aspect was her eyes: though a mysterious blue shimmered at the outside, the inside showed a dull and soft blue-gray color, giving any other passerby the universal hint that she was blind.
“Green? Who was that?”, the yellow inkling asked as she squinted and adjusted her ears, attempting to figure out who scared them both.
Green started to pick up some of his friend’s belongings and turned his head towards the inkling next to him. “It’s Orange, Sunshine.”
The inkling, Sunshine, merely blinked as she processed what Green said. Her ears twitched slightly and after a few seconds she quickly sniffed the air and smirked his way. It was the kind of smirk that screamed ‘Told ya so’. Green could only twitch his ears in silent agreement.
“You overslept, didn't you? I told you not to get too excited about this because then you wouldn’t be able to sleep until later...”, Sunshine said. All Orange did was groan and she quickly moved over to her friends, helping with their luggage.
“Don’t rub it in my face right now, Sunshine,” Orange replied meekly. She quickly shoved everything into Sunshine’s bags and then returned to her bags. Sunshine merely rolled her eyes at the younger inkling’s weak response.
Orange grumbled as she dragged her bags to the kitchen with Green and Sunshine right behind her. The beige wallpaper that they passed by reminded them of the apartment that would soon be empty for months to come. She swore she could feel her uneasiness radiating off of her body. That, or all the food she ate yesterday was giving her a bad time.
The kitchen soon came into view and the rest of the group was seen hastingly devouring their breakfast. Or, everyone was having cereal because there was no time to cook. Orange saw that Blue had already made it to the table, scarfing down the last of his cereal.
As soon as she made eye contact with her, he quickly gestures towards another cereal-filled bowl. She gave him a soft look of thanks as she speed walked over to the table and started scarfing down the unfortunate cereal.
As Orange ate, she heard a snore beside her. She turned to look and see one of the other older female inklings in her friend group, Cupcake.
Contrary to her name, she was one of the scariest inklings Orange has ever met (besides Sunny and Meelow). Cupcake may look like a stereotypical high school inkling, but her attitude and age states otherwise. Her vibrant purple color, school uniform, and squid hair pin doesn’t help to add to her rather stoically angry attitude. Cupcake was as aggressive, if not more, so than Off The Hook’s co-star Pearl herself. On top of that, Cupcake actually lets her feral squid side do most of the work during battles. That, and Cupcake doesn’t take no ink from nobody.
So Orange just let her keep sleeping.
Once everyone was done, a hand suddenly slammed on the table; which got everyone’s full attention at once, including Cupcake who let out a string of curses
“All right everyone! Y’all ready?!`` Meelow yelled. Everyone merely nodded, some with food in their cheeks. Though one question was still bugging Orange. So she let her question be known.
“Who’s going to care for the apartments?” Orange voiced her concerns to the room. She didn’t want to just leave the apartment empty as Inkopolis Plaza. She swore she heard Cupcake snort under her breath.
Boomer quickly made some hand signs and Meelow nodded. “Gelatina agreed to watch over our apartment while we’re gone.”
“Boomer’s sweetheart?”
“Yup! We even clarified it with the landlord and he said it was cool!”
“Oh, okay.”
At this moment, another presence made themselves known at the Kitchen entrance. Her translucent head bobbing every time she moved. Pale, yet gorgeous blue skin greatly contrasted with the apron that she was wearing. This simple creature wore a simple, pale yellow and green shirt with a bright lime skirt. A daisy pendant proudly shining on her wobbly head to finish off the simple fashion. Who was this creature?
Why...it was none other than a jellyfish.
When everyone was done with their plates, Jelatina started to walk over to the sink. Seeing this, Boomer gently tapped the table--which made Gelatina turn around--and quickly made some hand signals telling her to do it after they left. She merely nodded at his silent message.
Once everyone finished and had their fill, they put their bowls in the sink. Meelow tapped the wooden kitchen door lightly, grabbing their attention. He had a warm smile on his face as he addressed the group.
“All right. Now is everyone ready?”
Heads bobbed.
“Good, then let’s go.”
Friends, family, and jellyfish were standing at the location already waiting for their loved ones. No doubt all of them wanting to say goodbye. Several fans of the group had also come to say their farewell. Among them, four familiar faces were standing out the most. And everybody instantly recognized them as Off the Hook and the Squid Sisters. ...Wait, was that Capn’ Cuttlefish?
“Grampy!!!” Blue called out to the elder inkling as he wasted no time greeting him first. The other inklings took note of him and followed along to say a quick hello to the elderly inkling. Orange decided to stay behind, she wanted Capn’ Cuttlefish to be the last inkling she said goodbye too.
She stood on her toes as she tried to see if her mom and siblings were there. However, Orange’s ears slowly became droopy as she saw that her own family wasn’t here. As much as wanted her mama and younger siblings to come see her off, she understood why they couldn’t come. Maybe it’s for the best…
So Orange just sucked up her sadness and happily went over to talk to Meelow’s family. After all, Meelow was her babysitter for more than 10 years now. She might as well thank them for giving her the best babysitter and big-brother figure in the whole sea-flooded world. So that is what she did.
They were very happy to see her and all three of them caught up on what had been happening since Orange moved out from her home. Instinctively, Orange said that she was okay--mainly due to being the youngest of the group. Of course, being the youngest has its perks...but also some downsides. While some things are better left untold until she gets older, Orange understood one universal rule: the youngest will have to learn more about life eventually.
Until, a familiar scent was slowly flowing her nose and Orange stiffened a little when she saw two inklings coming her way. Though she would still be one of their fans (and Off The Hook’s as well, she can’t just pick between the two groups), it would never change the fact that their encouragement pushed her into doing the Smash Tournament. If only she had a little more space and time to m-.
“Hi Orange!!!” Callie joyfully greeted. Behind her was her cousin and partner of the Squid Sisters, Marie.
“Hey,” Marie blatantly said with her trademark poker face.
“Hi girls,” was all that came out of Orange’s mouth as her ears twitched rapidly as she heard Meelow’s mother and father excusing themselves to give the trio some space.
Callie took this as a clue and wasted no time starting the conversation, “Are you excited for Smash?”
“Yeah. I’m excited.” Orange said with a smile, but her stomach and mind spoke otherwise. As much as she wanted to say goodbye to the Squid Sisters, she was hoping it would be quick. Well, maybe not that quick but she could give them a few minutes before she left for Cod only knows how long. “I wonder how it’s going to go,” she addedmeekly, shifting back and forth on the base of her soles.
Marie merely rolled her eyes with a small smile as she realized that the young squid was trying too hard to start a conversation before she went. It was obvious that the young squid was really nervous for the tournament. Orange was only fourteen , of course the young inkling would feel her ink pumping.
“You haven’t even gotten there yet,” Marie said cooly. She reached out to give a soft pat on the head but the young kid merely recoiled back in fear. “Of course, there will be a ton of fighters,” She saw Orange tense up. “Some of them will be around your age, after all the tournament doesn’t measure by age. It measures by skill and experience so you’re fine. And stop fidgeting.”
Orange blinked and looked down to see that she did grab the ends of her shirt out of reflex. She grinned sheepishly as she quickly waved her hands of any ink-sweat she had before. Her tentacles wrapped around her figure in slight embarrassment.
“Sorry, bad habit. But yeah! I’m sure that the other kids would be fun and fresh to hang around with! I heard that some of the previous fighters are coming back after not being qualified for the Fourth Tournament! Some of them were kids too!”
Callie let out a squeal of excitement, making Orange jump back slightly.
“Maybe one of the kids and you will get along! To the point where you’ll finally find your soulmate! WHO KNOWS!? YOU COULD EVEN END UP WITH B--!”
At that moment, Marie harshly jabbed her cousin in the ink cage so hard she nearly bent over.
“OW!!! MarMar!? What was that for?”
The green Squid Sister merely cocked her head towards Orange and gave one final warning to her cousin in the form of a glare.
“Girls! Stop giving the lass claustrophobia and say goodbye!”
At that moment, the voice that made its presence known was walking towards them in the form of an elderly squid. Orange recognized that silly beard anywhere...though the outfit he was wearing was new.
“Awwww, alright. Bye Orange. Be sure to message us whenever you can! We want to know everything!”
“Heh, see ya. Like Callie said, and take care of yourself, ‘kay?”
The Squid Sisters gave Orange a hug and as she returned it, she felt tears coming to her face. Despite not wanting to see them too much before, she had hoped to stay with them a few more minutes. The hug lasted a few minutes before they let go and gave the newcomer and the young inkling some space.
“Lass, you should be happy. You and your friends got recognised for your efforts.”
Orange felt a thumb wipe away her ugly mess of tears as she looked upon the inkling in front of her. Capn’ Cuttlefish sure did know how to make an interesting entrance when he wanted to. His hat and set of clothes with his line of badges were replaced with a suit. No doubt given by Marie and Callie so that he could properly see the Inkling Team off to the Smash Tournament.
“But...it’s also good to let out your emotions and express yourself. It isn’t good for any cephalopods to hold their emotions inked in.”
Orange messingly wiped her tears away, “Thanks grandpa. I know I kept crying recently but--”
Cuttlefish gave her a look and cut in “Don’t keep apologizing for how you feel, young’un. It’s only natural to feel how you feel.”
Orange sighed, knowing this was easier said than done. But she looked at Cuttlefish with a smile and asked, “And you? Are you going to be okay on your own? I mean, DJ Octavio might outgrow his snowglobe.”
Cuttlefish let out a hearty laugh seasoned with coughs “Good to see you still have a sense of humor so far, lass. But I’ll be alright, Fluffy will help me watch over him while my granddaughters and Off The Hook are busy.”
At the mention of Sunny’s boyfriend, Orange looked around as her group said their goodbyes to their loved ones: Boomer and Gelatina were both crying in a comedic looking hug, Gelatina’s leg tentacles were hanging off the ground as he lifted her up high Green and Magenta were talking a bit with Marina and Pearl, and Blue, Cupcake and Meelow were talking with their respective families.
Her ears flopped down again as she realized that she really was going to miss everyone and every bit of her world. Even the abandoned Octo Valley. And, much to her surprise, Octavio.
“All aboard! Inklings from Inkoplpis and Ink Square please board the train!”
The sudden voice call from out of nowhere soon made more sense as a portal opened out of thin air. And out came a speeding train which suddenly skidded to a halt.
Orange leaned further forward to see where in all of the seven seas the portal had come from. But all she could see was a rainbowy outline followed by grass...and a mansion? Was it the Smash Mansion? The rainbow outlines were making it hard to see exactly where the train had come from.
Not only that, but the living being that came out of the railway engine door was...rather deformed, for a lack of a better word. They did not have any legs and seemed to have an abstract face: a rather, square face with a simple pair of eyes and nose, so simple they could be doodled right on their head. Clean cut hair and a small smile to go along with his...short and round hands.
Um, was this a first-generation, beta Mii Orange and her friends were told about in the letter? The one that would come to pick them up?
“ALL ABOARD!!! THE CONDUCTOR IS HERE TO PICK UP THE INKLINGS FROM INKOPOLIS!!! IF I CALL YOUR NAME, PLEASE COME!!!....Otherwise, we’re going without you.”
Annnnnnnnnnd he definitely acted like one. It’s definitely her.
Orange felt her eyes go wide and her hearts stopped. It was time.
“Sorry Grandpa, I have to go. Ask Callie and Marie how to use the Inkphone if you ever want to talk.” Orange told Cuttlefish as she leaned over to pick up her backpack. As she got up, the old man gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Young Lass, please don’t forget to have fun. You are young and should be enjoying your years. Not worrying over what you could have done or could be doing in the future.”
Orange could almost feel the tears starting to come again as she took a shaky breath before answering, “Okay, Grandpa.”
She gave him a hug and bid her farewell.
“Be careful, okay? Don’t hesitate to be sassy when the other fighters sass you,” Sunshine's Octoling Lover, Fluffy, gently said to her as he brushed back one of her tentacles. Her cheeks had a soft yellow as a smug smirk came. “I already am sassy. Those seeing fishes won’t know what hit them.”
Everyone started to grab their things and finalize their goodbyes before heading on the train. Once everyone got on the train, they all realized there was someone missing.
It took everyone gathered five seconds to realize Meelow was still saying goodbye to his family, giving them kisses after each one.
“Goodbye, Lila.
Goodbye Sandy.
Goodbye Roger.
Goodbye Meo and Mea.
Goodbye Al.
Goodbye Seaanna.
Goodbye Gela.
Goodbye Wave...”
Orange playfully rolled her eyes as her friend continued. Meelow, no matter what kind of rush hour or situation the group of friends were in, he was always the last one to catch up. This is because out of all of them, he had nine siblings, two parents, five aunts and uncles, and a whole shellfull of cousins. All of whom came to say goodbye.
And while goodbyes were bittersweet…it would be nice if he picked up the pace.
“Young Sir! It would be best if you could finish soon!” The conductor had suddenly stepped outside to call Meelow. And just like any other walking being, failed as the announcement fell on his deaf ears. So Orange did the best thing.
Orange went back and got next to the conductor, who gave Orange a look of confusion.
“Young miss, what are you…?”
Orange held one hand on the door handle--she didn’t want to take any chances if the train suddenly started--and harshly clapped the air several times with her tentacle hair. A few seconds later, Meelow shivered and turned around to see Orange making a hand gesture to get on the train. It was time to go.
Quickly kissing the last of his relatives, Meelow grabbed his luggage while laughing and jumped in. Orange got one of his bags, seeing as how he was carrying one too many, and in that same instant felt something hard, yet playful, slap her back. She nearly fell over as she heard, “Thanks sis! I almost forgot myself back there!”
Orange turned her head back to Meelow and offered the brightest smile that she could. She said ‘Your Welcome’ as slowly as she could. Once he read her lips, he smiled and walked over to the booths where the group was.
He was one of the few residents she looked up to as an older brother. Not too many Inklings were willing to play Turf Wars or other competitions with him after they found out he was deaf. Although, every Octoling was willing to play with him. And she really didn’t want him to miss this tournament either. Although, maybe taking it easy was a bit too much to ask. Meelow insisted on coming whether the group liked it or not. He didn’t want to miss this tournament for anything in the world.
Orange headed back to the resting booth to see all of her friends already settled. Cupcake was talking with Green while Magenta was squishing Sunny’s hair. Blue sat next to Boomer, who was typing stuff down in his Inkphone.
Orange took a seat and looked at her home one last time as the train slowly started to move. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see who it was.
Meelow was looking at her with resolve and comfort. He merely nodded as she started to tear up again.
Eventually she gave in, and leaned into Meelow’s one arm embrace as the last of Inkopolis Square left their visions. She couldn’t hold it in after all.
It took her awhile to stop crying, but then there were no more tears left to fall. Orange tried to give Meelow space but he refused to let go. So she settled into his embrace, feeling it squeeze the energy out of her.
“ All current passengers, be it Newcomers and Veterans, please be patient as we start to head towards other dimensions to pick up the other attendants. ”
Orange’s ear twitched as she processed what she heard: everyone invited to the Smash Gathering would be coming on the same train. She wanted to sleep but excitement, nervousness, and sadness flooded her midsection.
What were the Smashers like? Would they be friendly? Do they still play their roles even when in the tournament?
Despite her shyness, Orange knew that this was going to be an interesting experience.
Maybe one she won’t forget.