Nothing abnormal was apparent throughout today for a group of young and energetic cephalopods, going about their afternoon in their most preferred manner, a heated match of Turf War. 

The sun gazed down on the windows and ground of the ever so jellyfish inhabited location of New Albacore Hotel. The cheerful jellies were off on their own, enjoying the bright afternoon. However, this was not the main attraction for today. No, the true event today was a 4v4 among the beloved group of friends.

The match is nearing its two minute mark, as we see each team is gathered in a corner, protecting and concealing themselves from the other team’s line of sight, let alone weapon range. 

 

Up on a slope, we see one of the leaders peering over the slanted block, his sight now caught where the opposing team was located. The team began to conjure up a plan to wipe the team out and claim their victory…

 

???: Okay… we only have one shot at this. This plan is foolproof, but EVERYTHING must go accordingly. Everything must be done at the right time, and everyone must be in the correct posit-

 

Before the mysterious voice could complete their final epidemic to the team, he was interrupted by a much more calm, but concerned voice.

 

???: Ummm… Ashton? You know this is just Turf War… right? 

​

The voice who interrupted Ashton, was from his bestest friend, Serena. A 16 year old purple Inkling Girl with a ton of energy and affection. She grew much concern for her best friend, as he seemed to be taking a harmless and fun Turf War match as if it were the grand finals of a tournament.

Seconds later after being interrupted, Ashton came back to his senses and regained his cheerful attitude, speaking to the team once more.

 

Ashton: Oh.. haha! Sorry guys, guess I must’ve gotten a little carried away with winning.

 

The rest of the team rolled their eyes.

 

Ashton: But trust me, if we remain patient and wait for the opposing team to scurry out of their spot to hunt us down, we’ll catch them off guard and victory will be ours.

 

As everyone remained waiting around, the one minute mark was on its way, and the enemy team had not moved an inch. This began to worry everyone, even Ashton himself, and half of them began to lose their patience.

The glamorous and cocky Inktoling boy named Carlos started quarreling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carlos: What’s the point of just sitting here, waiting for the other team to do something, when they haven’t moved at all for almost half the match???

 

Ashton: I know you all are getting restless, but just remain calm and hidden, they can’t sit there forever.

 

Despite saying this, Ashton and the rest of the team knew they were currently losing. If no action was taken soon, they knew their win would crumble.

 

Eventually, Tanner, their expert Green Octoling sniper, rose to his feet and started going up the slope, grabbing his Firefin Splat Charger in the process. This immediately caught Ashton’s eye.

Ashton: Tanner? What’re you do-

 

Tanner: What does it look like I’m doing? I’m going to win this match for us!

 

Ashton: You’ll blow our cover! Get back here before you do something stupid!

 

Tanner: (Laughing) Me? Do something stupid? Not in a million years. Just watch, you’ll thank me later. 

 

Ashton: Arghhh…

 

Tanner crept up to the top of the slope, and spotted where the enemy team was taking cover. He began to load his charger, planning to shoot at least two of the opponents with a single shot. However, he was too far away from the enemy team to make a straight shot, so he resorted to making a large jump and snipe them in mid air. It was risky, but if anyone could pull it off, it was Tanner.

Everyone knew what he was about to do as he tucked his knees in, and tried to put a stop to it.

 

Everyone: NO-!!

 

The team tried to grab his feet before he took off, but it was too late. He launched into the air, ready to splat two kids with one snipe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As he was in the air, the opposing team’s leader, Emmalee, a fit Yellow Octoling Octobrush player, spotted Tanner in the air with his charger pointed right at them.

 

Emmalee: Look!!

 

The team looked over to find their charger opponent in the air. Tanner’s laser sensor attempted to lock onto two enemies, but they were too spread out to splat two of them. So he settled on his dark purple Inkling rival, Ben. 

As Ben looked down at his chest, he noticed the laser pointing right at him.

 

Ben: Oh you’ve gotta be kidding me-

 

In less than a second, Tanner’s shot went off, and hit Ben directly in the chest. This splat Ben in one shot, he let off an anguished scream, and his Squid ghost sailed back to spawn. 

 

Tanner: Yes, haha!

 

Tanner celebrated a little too early though, as when he jumped, there was zero ground below him, and he was heading straight for the water.

 

Tanner: Uh-oh..

 

He plunged dead on into the drink, the splash could be heard from all across the map. Gasping for air, his body slowly dissolved. His clothes were all that remained of him, as his Octo ghost scurried to the spawn point. 

 

With Tanner’s dilemma done damage, Ashton and his squad’s location have been disclosed, and the enemy team have them in their sights.

Emmalee: There they are, after them!

 

The opposite team dispersed, and went in different directions to cover more ground.

Ashton’s team was startled, they knew they were in some deep trouble. This was when Carlos decided to grab his Gold Dynamo Roller, and leap into action.

 

Carlos: Welp, every man for themself, seeya clowns!

 

Ashton: Carlos wait-!

 

And then it was just Ashton and Serena. Both looked at each other with concern, before Serena eventually picked up her Slosher.

 

Serena: (Sighing) Well, see you on the other side, hehe.

 

Ashton watched as she swam into the fray.

He looked down at his signature Nautilus, and knew that it would be better to lose a friendly competition battling rather than waiting around.

He placed his hand around the grip, and hoisted the weapon up.

 

Ashton: Make fun not war, as I always say (Chuckling).

 

Ashton fired some bullets out in front of him, just enough to swim up to where Serena was.

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Serena: What took ya so long?

​

Ashton: This thing ain't easy to pick up, you know.

​

Both laughed as they inked their way to their friends, the REAL battle, had only just begun.