[Fan Fiction] Splatoon: Black Ink part 3

Part 3: Bad News

"I thought I was crazy before. But you lot take the cake!"

"Uuugh, grandpa," Agent 2 sighed. "We're serious."

Agents 1 and 2 pouted at an older Inkling as he responded with a smug grin and raised brow. "The only true evil is--was the Octolings. But," he reached over, patting an overturned, empty snowglobe. "That's no longer a pro--"

The room fell silent as the three stared at the snowglobe. "Where's Octavio??" Agent 1 whimpered. Cuttlefish, the oldest Inkling, ran his fingers through his beard. "Well, I swear he was here before I answered the door," he muttered. The three were shocked to see the supposed prisoner re-enter the room, half a sandwich in his hand. "Oh. Sorry, I just really wanted a ham sandwich," he apologized, right before taking a bite. Cuttlefish narrowed his eyes as he approached Octavio, raising his cane. "Didn't I say stay in there? How'd you get out, huh?" he scolded.

With a shrug, Octavio twisted the bottom off the globe, finished his sandwich, and jumped back inside, replacing the lid and rolling the snowglobe back upright. "I thought you were using reverse psychology," he yawned. The Inklings sat dumbfounded as Octavio settled back in and got cozy. "Well now that you're back, you wouldn't happen to know anything about any black goop that jumps on peeps, wouldja?" Cuttlefish asked. Octavio shrugged without giving it much thought. "Your guess is as good as mine," he sighed.

"Gee, thanks for the help," Agent 2 scoffed.

"Well it's not like gramps has been freakin' keeping me under a rock or anything."

"Touche," Cuttlefish chirped. "You're less harmful in that bubble, though. But still harmful."

Octavio rolled his eyes and gave a quiet "meh" in response. Agents 1 and 2 checked their watches and glanced over at Cuttlefish. "Well uh, we gotta go," Agent 2 announced. "Time to give Inkopolis the news!" Agent 1 exclaimed.

"Wa-- Callie, we're not telling them about the anomaly!" Agent 2 huffed in a panic. "Don't tell me you already forgot about what's happening?!"

Callie scratched her head and gave a half-hearted, nervous giggle in response. "Oh uh-- of course not!" she stuttered.

As the Squid Sisters dashed out the door, Octavio turned to Cuttlefish and murmured, "Y'all got problems."

The door to Cooler Heads opened with a jingle as a small group of Inklings entered the shop, Agent 3 being among them. He couldn't help but notice how enthusiastic Annie was. She welcomed her customers with a smile and wave. She truly lit up the shop, and while the others thought nothing of it, Agent 3 found it very odd. "Hey Annie," he greeted. "You're glowing today!"

"Oh, hello!" Annie huffed. "Yes, today I am happy! How are you?"

Agent 3 gave some thought to his response. Then, as he matched her smile, he told her, "I'm happy that you're happy." He watched as the little anemone bounced excitedly, exchanging a few more words with her and purchasing a new headset. Then, as the two said their goodbyes, he realized something: there was an unusual chill in the air. Before he could look more into it, the sensation faded.

Agent 3 decided to goof around in a few casual Turf Wars to clear his mind. After watching the newscast, he ducked into the lobby. He listened in on the chatter amongst the other Inklings. There was nothing out of the ordinary; Splatfest suggestions, brags and rants about the ranked matches, and exchanges of useful tips (either through helpfulness or frustration) bounced through the air. But there was one girl who mentioned an alarming topic. Though the others brushed her to the side, Agent 3 couldn't help but become curious. He approached her cautiously, watching as she drifted through the hustle and bustle of Inkopolis. Eventually she stopped just outside the window of Callie and Marie's studio, her back turned to the glass as she absently gazed at the horizon. He decided to question her here, hoping beyond hope that she'd be comfortable with sharing some details with him. With a half smile he joined her, conjuring up a way to break the ice. "Man... all the pictures and videos don't compare to the real thing," he said, a warm smile on his face. The Inkling girl didn't respond; she only gave a slight glance and opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn't say a word. Instead she fell to her knees and gripped her head. "It's so real, and it's coming to eat me..." she managed. She seemed delusional. To her, Agent 3 wasn't there. Then again, who was? She panicked, staring wide-eyed toward the sun. "The sun's gone... it's gone..."