Life Itself

Life’s always been a bit of a challenge for me. Being a half-breed—a mix of Inkling and Octoling—has always felt like the world’s way of messing with me. It’s like life decided to throw every possible obstacle my way, just to see if I’d break. But it wasn’t always this hard. My childhood felt like a golden era, back when Kent, my best friend, was still around. We were inseparable, causing mischief and making memories. But that changed when Kent moved to Inkopolis. He moved on, and I... well, I stayed behind.

My parents and sibling were never a problem. They were supportive, always there. But for reasons I’ve never quite figured out, I started distancing myself. It was like I woke up one day and decided the world wasn’t worth trusting anymore. From that point on, I was alone. And that’s when I developed this cold, judgmental attitude—my defense against everything and everyone.

Splatsville is always moving—bright lights, crowded streets, and the constant hum of competition. Whether it’s Turf War or the chaos of Salmon Run, this place never really slows down. I’ve lived here for years, but the energy never rubbed off on me. For me, it’s just another day, another shift. I’m half-Inkling, half-Octoling, so I’m used to feeling a little out of place. I never fit in with either side, and I don’t really try to anymore.

That’s why I stick to the shifts at Grizzco. It’s simple—go in, survive the horde of Salmonids, collect your Golden Eggs, get out. It’s dangerous, sure, but at least it’s predictable. Or it was, until she showed up.

The Cold Apartment

Morning in my apartment starts the same every day. The alarm clock buzzes, a relentless reminder that I have to face another day. I sit up slowly, my head heavy with lingering drowsiness. The gray light seeping through the window doesn’t do much to lift my mood.

I stretch, yawning loudly, then glance at the sea in the distance from my window. The waves crash, steady and indifferent. As I stand there, I can’t shake the feeling that today is no different from yesterday, or the day before. Another cold, dull day. Just... another day.

Sighing, I shuffle over to the kitchen and begin preparing breakfast. As my rice cooker hums quietly, I make myself a cup of milk coffee, hoping the bitter warmth will clear the fog in my head. It never really does, but the routine helps.

Taking a deep breath, I stare out the window again, this time lost in thought. I’ve been doing that a lot lately—just... pondering. Ever since last week, when I found out about her. The girl I’d waited for, the one I’d held onto for so long. She found someone else. They’re even talking about getting married.

Yeah, it hurt. It felt like my heart froze over when I heard. For days afterward, I walked around in a daze, feeling cold, empty. But I didn’t get angry. I wanted to—I wanted to scream, to throw things, to let the rage out. But... nothing. I felt calm, like a storm that never came. Maybe because, deep down, I knew she wasn’t the one for me.

Still, it’s strange. The burden I carried for years, all that weight, is gone. I’m free from the thoughts of her, from the hope I clung to. But why do I still feel so... alone? So hollow?

The loud click of the rice cooker snaps me back to reality. I glance at the clock. Time’s ticking, but it feels like I’m stuck in place. I take one last look out the window, a cold gust of wind brushing against the glass, and then turn back to the empty apartment.

It’s time for another day.

The Train Station

After breakfast, I got myself ready and headed to the city metro, making my way to work at Grizzco Industries. From what my friends say, the pay’s decent. All you really have to do is shoot your gun, take out a few creatures, and collect their eggs—Golden Eggs, specifically. It sounds simple, but there’s always a catch with jobs like this. I still remember my first day. The place felt shady, too shady for my taste, but the more I came back, the more I got used to it. The weird vibes didn’t bother me as much anymore. Somehow, I managed to carve out a reputation for myself. Even the boss seems to know who I am, though I've never seen him face-to-face.

Grizzco... the guy running the show? Everyone’s got theories, but no one actually knows what he looks like. Some say he’s an Inkling, others swear he’s an Octoling, or worse, an Octarian. Honestly, I couldn’t care less. As long as I get paid for working my ass off, that’s all that matters.

The train lurched to a stop, making the passengers stumble a little. The doors slid open, and the conductor’s voice crackled over the speakers. “Welcome to Splatsville Center! Passengers may now exit the train. Thank you for riding the Inkopolis Metro.”

As I stepped off the train, the familiar bustling energy of Splatsville washed over me—crowds of people, the constant hum of competition, the noise. For most, this place feels alive, electric. For me, it’s just another stop before I head into work. Another day of routine.

When I arrived at Grizzco, I found myself pausing in front of the entrance. Why? I wasn’t sure. Maybe it was the sight of the old, rusty logo above the door—orange letters barely clinging to their color, weathered and worn down like everything else about this place. Or maybe it was because I felt... like those letters. Broken, rusty, in need of fixing. Just like my life.

I slapped myself lightly, trying to shake off the weight of those thoughts. “Get it together, Jaycee,” I muttered under my breath. “You’ve got a job to do.”

Ignoring the usual negativity bubbling up inside, I walked through the door and headed to the locker rooms. The click of my key unlocking the metal door echoed in the dim room. There it was, my black Slop Suit gear, waiting for me. I stared at it for a moment, as if lost in some distant memory—one that hurt more than I wanted to admit.

Sighing, I muttered to myself, “This day couldn’t get any worse, could it?”

After stripping out of my civilian clothes, I put on the suit. Adjusting the orange life vest straps, securing the life buoy on my back, and finally, placing the black hazard helmet on my head. Fully geared up, I was ready for another day of hell, ready to face those creatures once again.

As I walked down the corridor toward the main desk, my mind wandered back to everything that had been bothering me. The breakup, the loneliness—it all lingered in the back of my mind like a dark cloud. I put on a sharp, cold look, the kind I wore every day just to get by. But suddenly, someone crashed into me from around the corner, sending us both sprawling onto the floor.

I blinked in confusion, my helmet rolling away from me. The impact left me dazed for a second, but then anger flared up in me. I got to my feet, marching over to whoever had run into me, fists clenched.

“Hey! Are you blind or something?! You better watch where you’re—"

I stopped mid-sentence as I finally took in who it was. My anger vanished almost as quickly as it had come. There, on the floor, sat a young Inkling girl. She had a round face, a cute round nose, and eyes that were sharp, but not sharp enough to see me coming around the corner, apparently. I would’ve been more upset, but something about her blue eyes... they caught me off guard.

She stammered, “Sir, my utmost apologies! I didn’t mean to—I wasn’t—”

Her words came out in a rush, tumbling over each other. She was clearly terrified, trembling as she sat there, trying and failing to form a coherent sentence. I could see the embarrassment and fear in her wide eyes, and just like that, my frustration melted away.

I sighed, letting go of my cold exterior for a moment. Reaching out a hand, I offered to help her up. “It’s alright, no need to freak out.”

She hesitated at first, but then, cautiously, she took my hand. As soon as she was on her feet again, though, she bolted down the hallway without another word, leaving me standing there, confused and a little amused.

“Rude,” I muttered under my breath.

Glancing down at the floor, I spotted my helmet, along with something else—an ID card. I picked it up, studying the name written across it.

“Jun Lin...” I murmured, feeling the name roll around in my mind. Something about it struck a chord in me, but I couldn’t quite place it. Shaking my head, I put my helmet back on and continued toward the main desk, where I’d get my assignment for the day.

As if things weren’t strange enough already...

The Boat Ride

As I got my assignment, I found myself paired with a team of strangers—people I had no real connection with and didn’t care to either. They were just a means to an end, a way to get the job done. But there was one problem: we were still missing someone. I’m not known for my patience. I can handle a bit of waiting, sure, but when it drags on too long, it starts to get under my skin. And right now, we were one person short before the boat was set to leave.

Impatience gnawed at me. I’m not just some regular Inkling or Octoling. No, I’m an Inktoling, a half-breed—part Inkling, part Octoling. It’s a strange mix that often has me questioning my place in this world, but that’s a whole other issue. Right now, all I could think about was how long we’d been waiting. If this last person doesn’t show up soon, I’m going to talk to the driver and leave them behind.

Then, just as I was about to lose it, I heard a voice. A frantic, familiar one. "Wait! Wait! Oh, please wait!"

I snapped my head around, and there she was—the Inkling girl with the round blue eyes from earlier. Jun Lin. She was hurrying toward us, looking flustered and, if I’m honest, kind of cute in her blue-and-yellow Grizzco gear. But I had no time for distractions.

“Focus, boy,” I muttered under my breath as I straightened myself up, trying to maintain my cold, no-nonsense demeanor.

As she stumbled to a stop in front of me, her face flushed with both embarrassment and fear. “It-it’s you!” she stammered, fiddling nervously with her Grizzco cap. Her words were a jumble, just like the last time.

I took a breath, trying to calm my own frustration. “Jun Lin,” I said evenly, though it came out more serious than I intended. She blinked, clearly startled that I knew her name.

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“H-How did you...?”

“You dropped your ID,” I said, holding it out to her. Her face went an even deeper shade of red as she awkwardly accepted it, her tentacles shifting in response to her embarrassment. She was trying to hide her face now, avoiding eye contact as if I was some kind of scary monster.

I sighed, softening my tone a little. “Jun Lin... are you assigned to this boat?”

She nodded, eyes wide with a mix of nerves and surprise. Before she could stumble over another apology, the boat’s engine roared to life behind us. There wasn’t time to waste.

“Get in the boat,” I said, not unkindly but with enough urgency to get her moving. She jumped at the sound of my voice, almost dropping her cap again before awkwardly boarding, nearly tripping over herself in the process. I rolled my eyes, annoyed but also—conflicted. Part of me found her clumsiness endearing, but the other part was bracing for the potential disaster of having her on the team.

I boarded the boat myself, and as we set off, I found myself staring out at Splatsville. The city was a dull grey blur, just like my life felt these days.

As I gazed at the distant city fading into the horizon, I suddenly felt a weight on my shoulder. I glanced down, and to my surprise, Jun Lin had dozed off, her head resting against me. She looked peaceful, her earlier anxiety gone as she slept. I should’ve been annoyed—another thing to add to my growing list of frustrations—but instead, I let her be. Maybe she needed the rest. And besides, it was going to be a long ride before we reached our destination.

For the first time in a while, I didn’t mind the quiet.

SPAWNING GROUNDS

Our boat soon arrived at its destination: the infamous Spawning Grounds. This place... I hate this place so much! Of all the assignments they could have given me, why this one?

Ugh. To continue. The boat cruised past the enormous, damaged dam that serves as a landmark for this accursed area. I glanced at the colossal structure, its dull grey walls plastered with graffiti, while green, slimy water trickled out from its pipelines. I don’t know where that water comes from, but trust me, it’s toxic. I’ve fallen into that green muck more times than I care to admit, and let me tell you, it’s not a pleasant experience.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me tell you about the things that live in this area...

The moment Captain Virgil opened the boat’s door and signaled it was time to disembark, I took a deep breath, preparing for the chaos that was about to unfold. I glanced back at my teammates. Jun Lin and another Octoling girl were happily chatting, their laughter ringing in my ears. Meanwhile, the last person in the back row was adjusting his green gloves, exuding confidence as he readied himself for battle.

I have my doubts about this team, honestly.

“Oi! It’s go time, people! Those eggs aren’t going to pick themselves up! Chop! Chop!” The Old Sturgeon's cheerful voice cut through the air, nudging us into action.

I rolled my eyes, mumbling under my breath, “Sheesh, I'm going! I'm Going?”

With that, I leapt off the boat, transforming into my squid form. My teammates followed suit, splashing down onto the landing zone of Spawning Grounds and creating small puddles of blue ink.

We quickly got to work, covering our ground with ink, readying ourselves for the incoming onslaught. Soon, an urgent message crackled through our comms.

“Mr. Grizz here! The basket is ready, and we’re starting to lure in the locals. Get ready! Don’t forget about the eggs!”

A collective tension settled over us as we spotted the basket emerging from its hiding place. The distant sound of horns blared, signaling the arrival of the horde: the Salmonids.

Mutated salmon, these creatures varied in shape and size. They didn’t wield firearms, but they were fierce, armed with frying pans capable of knocking us out if we weren’t careful. And believe me, they came in various types, each with their own nasty surprises. I shuddered at the thought of the Fly Fish.

As the battle raged on, waves one and two were surprisingly manageable. I’d expected chaos, but my teammates, especially Jun Lin, were proving me wrong.

Until she wasn’t.

I was keeping an eye on the perimeter when I saw her sprint toward a group of Salmonids, her ink splattering wildly. No backup, no strategy—just pure recklessness. Before I could call out, a massive Steelhead aimed right at her. Typical.

“Get down!” I yelled, already moving to cover her. I fired a shot, taking the Steelhead out just in time. She didn’t even flinch.

Turning to me with a carefree grin, her light blue ink shone under the harsh lights. “Thanks, I guess!”

I grunted, shaking my head. “Try not to get yourself splatted next time.”

She shrugged, completely unbothered. “What’s the fun in that?”

I didn’t have a response. I just kept moving, pushing back the tide of Salmonids while trying to ignore the fact that I’d have to save her again before the night was over.

As the waves continued, Jun Lin’s clumsiness began to rear its head again. She got caught by a Salmonid Maw—a massive fish that acted like a shark—before I could even blink. Later, she found herself surrounded while trying to take on a Salmonid Stinger perched high on its cooking pot tower. It may sound silly, but that thing was a serious threat, lobbing boiling water our way.

“Jun Lin!” I shouted, rushing in to revive her. “What were you thinking?”

“Just trying to be helpful!” she replied, brushing off the danger as if it were nothing.

Despite my frustrations, I admired her tenacity. Time after time, I found myself rescuing her, picking her up from the messes she made, all to keep our main goal in sight.

Somehow, against all odds, we finished wave three with a success that caught me off guard. Jun Lin managed to snag the last golden egg just before the timer ran out, her grin wide and infectious.

She approached me, bubbling over with excitement, and proceeded to do the most ridiculous, cringe-worthy dance I’d ever seen while cheering for our victory.

I stared at her, trying to maintain my cool facade, but my teammates quickly joined in her impromptu celebration. Just when I thought our victory would last, the Old Sturgeon's voice came over the comms again.

“Alright, folks! Time to head back! Fuel ain’t cheap, ya know?”

I sighed as we transformed into our second forms and super jumped back into the boat.

GRIZZ CO. DOCKS - SPLATSVILLE - EVENING

As our boat cruised home, I gazed out at the breathtaking view of Splatsville. The city glimmered beneath the twilight, vibrant colors illuminating the streets as if a festival were in full swing, despite no announcements about one.

Turning my attention back to my team, I saw them resting, weary yet satisfied from the day’s chaos. My gaze settled on Jun Lin, who had dozed off on my shoulder once again. A strange sense of joy filled me as I watched her sleep peacefully, completely oblivious to the dangers we had just faced together.

END OF SHIFT

After the shift, I found myself back by the lockers, trying to shake off the exhaustion that clung to me like the scent of ink. The night had been long, and I’d spent way too much of it pulling Jun Lin out of danger. I had learned her name from overhearing my teammates chat in the chaos. Just as I was about to head out, I heard footsteps approaching.

I glanced up, and there she was—Jun Lin, still buzzing with the energy of the shift. I half-expected her to make some sarcastic remark about how I’d saved her yet again. Instead, she looked almost... nervous? That was new.

“Hey,” she said, standing in front of me, fidgeting with something in her hands.

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for whatever she was about to say. With a soft, hesitant smile, she held out a small piece of paper, her face slightly flushed. I took it cautiously, glancing at the note. It was the address of a café, scribbled in messy handwriting.

“Thought you might want to grab some coffee,” she said, her voice soft but still carrying that playful edge. “Tomorrow? After the shift?”

I blinked, surprised. Out of all the things I expected her to say, that wasn’t even on the list. I stared at the note for a moment, unsure if this was some kind of joke.

“I’ll see you there,” she added quickly, before I could think of a response. Then, with her usual confidence, she turned and walked away.

I was left standing there, the note in my hand, trying to figure out what just happened. As I turned to head into the Grizz Co locker room, I noticed my teammates going their separate ways. I didn’t want to acknowledge their performance; my arrogance had blinded me that time. Instead, I focused on the strange feeling brewing inside me.

I stashed my signature black gear into my locker, feeling a sense of relief for once in my otherwise dull life. I slipped on my civilian clothing, grabbed my bag, and exited the male locker room.

What happened next surprised me. Jun Lin was standing near the exit, her casual wear accentuating her usual clumsiness, but today, it felt different. I realized it was somewhat suspicious for her to be standing so close to the male locker room. It was as if she was waiting for someone. Then it hit me: she was waiting for me, specifically!

I was shocked when she approached me again, handing me a piece of paper.

She gave me a somewhat nervous but confident smile before turning to leave. I was left speechless, staring at the piece of paper she had just given me. Written on it was her contact number. Without a second thought, I saved her number on my phone, still trying to wrap my head around the sudden turn of events.

Yet something inside me—a feeling I recognized—began to stir again. That familiar sensation I felt since the morning was already coming back to me...

THE CAFÉ

The next morning, I found myself sitting in a small café downtown, staring into a cup of coffee that had long since gone lukewarm. The smell of fresh espresso filled the air, rich and inviting, mingling with the sweet scent of pastries on display behind the counter. The low hum of conversations around me made the place feel alive, a stark contrast to the chaos of our Salmon Run shifts. I couldn’t figure out why I’d come. I wasn’t the kind of person to casually grab coffee with someone—especially not someone like Jun Lin, who had turned my world upside down in such a short time.

When she walked in, her light blue ink brightened the room as if she carried a piece of the sky with her. She spotted me immediately and made her way over, her grin wide and unrestrained, as though we were old friends reuniting after years apart. It felt strange—comfortable, but strange. I couldn’t help but notice how her presence seemed to draw the eyes of others in the café, a mix of admiration and curiosity.

As she settled into the chair across from me, the initial excitement I felt quickly morphed into an awkward silence. I fumbled for something to say, but the words didn’t come easily. Jun Lin, however, seemed completely unfazed. She leaned back, sipping her coffee with a casual ease that made me both envious and confused.

The first few minutes ticked by like an eternity. I studied her face, taking in the freckles splattered across her cheeks, remnants of the sun reflecting her carefree spirit. Just as I was about to make an excuse to leave, she broke the silence.

“So, what’s your favorite part about working at Grizzco?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with genuine curiosity.

That question opened the floodgates. We started talking about the shifts, the adrenaline rush of dodging Salmonids, and the camaraderie that formed during the chaos. I listened as she animatedly described her experiences, laughing at her recounting of some ridiculous moment when she had tripped over her own feet while trying to dodge a Steelhead. I found myself laughing too, drawn in by her infectious enthusiasm.

She told me about her dream of going to school in Inkopolis, how she wanted to leave Splatsville behind and explore the world beyond the waves. “I want to see the sights, meet new people,” she said, her voice tinged with longing. “It feels like there’s so much out there waiting for me.”

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of admiration and envy. She was so different from what I had imagined. Sure, she was reckless, but there was something deeper underneath that wild exterior. She didn’t seem scared of much, and maybe that was what threw me off the most. As she spoke, I found myself captivated, not just by her words but by the confidence she exuded.

AFTER WORK

That first coffee led to more. After every shift, we’d meet up at the café, exchanging stories and jokes as if we had known each other for years. Each cup of coffee became a ritual, a moment to unwind together after the chaotic shifts filled with frantic dodging and splattering ink. During the shifts, I found myself watching her more—not out of a sense of duty, but because I wanted to. I was drawn to her recklessness, but it wasn’t just carelessness; there was a spirited bravery that lingered in the air around her.

Jun Lin continued to be the unpredictable force of nature I had come to admire, her laughter echoing in my mind long after we parted ways. I hated to admit it, but I liked having her around. She made the shifts feel less like a mindless routine and more like something to look forward to. In her presence, Splatsville began to feel a little brighter, as if the sun had finally peeked through the persistent clouds that usually hung over the town.

Yet, deep down, I knew things couldn’t stay like this forever. Nothing in Splatsville was ever that simple. The city had its secrets, and I sensed that eventually, they would catch up with us. I worried that the easy camaraderie we’d built could shatter under the weight of reality. Each laugh shared and every moment spent together became tinged with the knowledge that it could all come crashing down at any moment.

END OF CHAPTER 1

Looking back, I should’ve known better. The way things were going, it was too good to last. I was riding high on the newfound connection I had with Jun Lin, relishing the warmth of her friendship. But in that moment, I didn’t care. I had her by my side, and for once, it felt like maybe I didn’t have to be alone anymore. We shared stories, dreams, and laughter, forming a bond that seemed unbreakable, or so I thought.

Little did I know, everything was about to change.