Chpater IV

It's been a day since Corona took over my sanctuary world; Planet Harmony, I woke up as the sunlight pierced through the glass dome and into the dome floor below and looked at Meridia, Cetrion, Kronika, Callie and Karuji having a conversation. “To be honest, I was shocked to see Inkcanius wearing sexy and slutty attire, not to be rude just my opinion,” said Kronika “I’m surprised to hear you say that Mother, well Inkcanius likes to stand out hence his sexy and slutty attire” said Cetrion. 

I giggled as I walked towards the group, did everyone have a good night’s rest?” I asked them, “well we did” said Meridia. “There’s no time for rest, Corona still have most of Planet Harmony in her grip” I said. I then turned around to see Mankey Tails and Thorn Rose slowly getting up “what on earth just happened?” said Thorn Rose, Mankey looked at me growling with anger “its okay Mankey, you two were brainwashed by Corona, Inkcanius just saved your lives,” said Callie.

Thorn Rose and Mankey were shocked “Callie has a point” I said, stretching. Thorn Rose smiled and hugs me “thanks for saving us Inkcanius” said Thorn Rose “you’re welcome Thorn and Mankey, anyway we must save our friends and free my sanctuary from Corona’s grip” I said, suddenly I heard a sound of a can being kicked “who’s there” I shouted.

I then saw an inkling girl with Lavender Hair, Fair Toned Skin and Purple Eyes but only wearing a Crimson Sports Bra, Pink V-String Thong with Garters and Green Sandals. “I know that inkling, its Grace Rumorstrike she’s the one responsible for what she did back during Emperor Hidden Anger” said Callie. I was shocked and walked towards her “Grace Rumorstrike is it true that you were responsible for Emperor’s bullying during Emperor’s Hidden Anger back then” I said with a bit of grudge.

Grace Rumorstrike knew that there was no where to run, she nods and said “looks like you caught me red handed… I… I didn’t mean to do it, I thought it was a harmless prank” Grace Rumorstrike sobbed. I squat next to her “I know but sometimes pranks can go wrong” I said to Grace Rumorstrike. “I believe you’re right for that I’m so sorry, I just hope Emperor was okay. As soon I saw Emperor and his ally Solaris silenced Inkopolis I was in tears that my friends are gone” said Grace.

“Not all of your friends are gone, Grace. Your friends Jaxie and Thorpe survived the Killswitch blast” I said looking at Jaxie and Thorpe parts of their inkling body is covered in bandages, Grace was shocked. “Inkcanius is right, we survived the Killswitch blast but also we let Emperor change in a negative way” said Jaxie.

Grace then gets up, “Inkcanius I want to make amends find Emperor and apologise for what I’ve done” said Grace Rumorstrike. “Okay then Grace we will find Emperor together” I said. I then look at Mankey wanting to come with me “you want to come along Mankey” I said, Mankey nodded his head, I turn to see Thorn Rose “I’m coming along as well” said Thorn Rose. “Just be careful Inkcanius” said Kronika, “I will Kronika, you guys hold down the fort while I’m gone okay” I said. 

So myself, Mankey and Thorn Rose left the Deepsea Sanctuary and arrived back outside “Shattered Inkopolis, my friends have been killed or vaporised in Killswitch Blast” I said. As Mankey, Thorn Rose and I kept walking through Shattered Inkopolis I heard a clank and look down on my feet to see what I stepped on, to my surprise it was the famed Rainmaker still in perfect condition. “Looks like this Rainmaker survived the Killswitch Blast” I said, as pick it up. I looked at Mankey Tails whimpering with worry “Mankey wants us to know to what happened to this place?” Thorn Rose asked. “Emperor was responsible for what happened to this city, Emperor has silenced the community here and destroyed Inkopolis City by detonating the Killswitch bomb.” I said as we arrived at the blast's epicentre below the Destroyed Tokyo Tower. “Today an inkling statue was erected here located below the destroyed Tokyo Tower to honour and remember the Inkopolis’ inhabitants  and named this part of Inkopolis is called Shattered Inkopolis, Fragmenters; remnants of the inklings living here residue here making this place dangerous. Also the remaining Inkling and Octoling community rebuilt Inkopolis now known as Inkopolis Nova and located at the plaza was the statue of Emperor with the words saying ‘Emperor we are sorry’ the community did that because of the rift between Emperor and his former friends” I explained.

“So Emperor got bullied by the Inkling community due to my actions, I didn’t mean hurt him so much” said Grace, I turned to see Grace Rumorstrike walking towards my group “I know that Grace, anyway let’s find Emperor he used to live within the confines of this Shattered City, he used to live in his hometown Futurism but the citizens of Futurism felt sympathetic towards Emperor about what happened so they gave Emperor the chance to stay at Shattered Inkopolis for who knows how long” I said.

“Right Inkcanius anyway, we better find Emperor before the Fragmenters do” said Thorn Rose, so Grace, myself, Thorn Rose and Mankey continue walking through what remains of Shattered Inkopolis, once vibrant and colour streets had now turned into an abandoned city of debris, rubble and dry ink stains.

I look up to see an inkling wearing an Agent 7 cape “Emperor is that you!?” Grace shouted. It was Emperor but there was a fleshy-like ink covering his left ear “looks like Emperor got brainwashed by Corona, he used to be Brainwashed by Commander Tatar; the antagonist of Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion but since Corona manipulated Commander Tartar hence the fleshy-like ink covering parts of his right face and his ear. Grace was in shock to see Emperor in this state he’s in.

Emperor began to somersault and dive towards us, Grace, Mankey, Thorn Rose and I jump back as Emperor struck the ground with Splashdown, “Emperor…” said Grace with worry. “Unfortunately Emperor won’t hear you” I said to Grace. Grace looked at me “okay then Inkcanius, I can trust you that you can free Emperor from Corona’s grasp” said Grace. I nodded my head, “this battle will be similar when Agent 8 fought against Brainwashed Agent 3, Emperor will have no limiter on him, it means he can go all out.” I said, as I grabbed out my Rainmaker and looked at Viruswashed Emperor AKA Viruswashed Agent 7.

Thorn Rose, Mankey and Grace hid as my battle against Emperor was about to begin, Emperor ran towards me while I ran towards Emperor then we clash. This was my second battle, although I’m inexperienced I am a fast learner, Emperor didn’t feel my full power first hand so this will be a first for him. Emperor was using a Hydra Splating Gun while I was relying on the famed Rainmaker, I struck first hitting Emperor with the Rainmaker, Emperor angry decided to retaliate by open-firing his Heavy Splatling, I dodged the ink bullets by using my parkour and breakdancing agility.

Emperor was still angry as felt the bruise on his left side of his face due to my Rainmaker melee attack. “Damn you Grace!!!” Emperor shouted with rage, I was stunned “looks like he wanted revenge against Grace Rumorstrike, she wants amends while Emperor wants justice” I said. I kept my cool still holding the Rainmaker, “how Inkcanius is so calm and collected” said Thorn Rose, with amazement. 

I then put the Rainmaker on my back and ran towards Emperor, unarmed. Mankey was whimpering with worry wanting to help me yet I go lone wolf style. Thorn Rose looked at me with worry, as I jump back. “Mankey you worried about seeing me go lone wolf?” I said. Mankey nodded his head with worry. “I see, Mankey back me up” I shouted, Mankey smiled and stand beside me, growling then looks at Thorn Rose “if Mankey fights then its my fight as well” said Thorn Rose stands next to Mankey. Then Mankey, Thorn Rose and I began fighting against Emperor “he’s relentless but we must keep fighting” I said seeing Emperor weapon locking with his Hydra Splatling with my Rainmaker.

Grace closed her eyes grabs her Splat Dualies, then skates towards Emperor, she sees a piece of debris as a ramp, as she jumps into the air with the use of the debris ramp, and point blank fire her ink as it directly hits Emeperor’s right side of his face wear the Brainwashed Paste was located, “Grace!?” I said with shock, “ Don’t worry Inkcanius I can do this” said Grace, I was shocked to see Grace have the courage to face Emperor, the person that bullied Emperor it was unheard of, “I made a mistake bullying Emperor but now I can make amends… Mankey and Thorn Rose and Inkcanius, let me deal with Emperor alone” Grace shouted.

Mankey and Thorn Rose looked surprised “are you sure Grace?” I asked her, Grace looked at her “yes Inkcanius I know it wasn’t right to bully Emperor with the community he silenced, it’s fitting for me to atone for what I have done so I’m going to fight him alone” said Grace. I look at Mankey and Thorn Rose then we jump back. “Just be careful Grace” I said. “I can’t promise you that Inkcanius” said Grace then Grace starts fighting against Inkcanius alone.

I was amazed to see Grace matching Emperor’s speed, as the hours tick down. Grace decided to closed her eyes, her powers are connected to her life force. Her hand was covered in a dark aura then she ran towards Emperor, as they were about to clash she closed her eyes and said “goodbye Emperor and… I’m sorry” before her attack connected hitting Emperor’s fleshy paste and it was vanquished. Grace hit the ground she was dead on the spot. 

“Grace!!” Thorn Rose shouted with worry, I felt her pulse “no pulse, she’s gone. Her sacrifice was noble” I said. I then look to see Emperor a okay and confused what happened “what just happened” said Emperor. “Grace decided to fight you one on one, her powers are part of her life force, she knew that she wouldn’t survive it, now Grace is dead, she died trying to save you and wanting to make amends” I said.

Emperor was shocked as he looked at Grace, dead and lack of life force, I was about to give her a proper burial but Emperor stopped me. “Grace has atoned for what she has done, I’m giving her another chance but I worry if she uses her powers, it drains her life force” said Emperor, I was shocked. “Okay I was about to give her a proper burial” I said.

Emperor decided to sacrifice half of his life force onto Grace’s body, once done. Grace woke up and coughed, she gets up “Emperor!? What did you do” said Grace. “I decided to give you another chance, your atonement is fulfilled. I just worry that your powers will drain your life force” said Emperor.

Grace smiled, “thanks Emperor”, Emperor helped Grace get up “there’s no time for celebrations, Corona needs to be stopped” said Grace. “You’re right Grace, our creator’s sanctuary is in danger she has to be stopped before our creator’s actual home; Planet Earth is destroyed” said Emperor.

“Right Emperor” said Thorn Rose, Mankey nuzzles Emperor, “oh Mankey” said Emperor wirh a smile, “you have soft spot towards me” said Emperor.

“Soft spot towards you and Inkcanius” said Thorn Rose, it’s been three days passed since the the day that Corona took over Planet Harmony, my sanctuary. We are currently located in the eastern part of Shattered Inkopolis, “Thorn is Mankey scared about Shattered Inkopolis?” I asked Thorn Rose, “unfortunately yes it gives him the creeps” said Thorn Rose, I let Mankey Tails climb on my back, Mankey accepts it and does, jumps on my back, as he feels the Rainmaker.

We arrived at the Urchin Underpass, or what’s remain of it. 67% of the Urchin Unferpass was destroyed due to the blast from the Killswitch bomb. “You hate to see it” said Emperor, seeing the bridge fully collapsed, “I know Emperor” said Grace. I grab out my Rainmaker due to seeing Octo Marie. “It’s Octo Marie, be on guard, we don’t know how strong Marie is” I said, readying for a fight. I turned to see Callie running toward us “let me handle her she’s my equal” said Callie. I was amazed, “she’s my friend and I will put my life on the line to save her” said Callie before looking at me “Inkcanius back me up” she said, I nodded “Let’s jump back and see this battle from a distance,” said Grace to Emperor “okay Grace” said Emperor so Grace, Emperor, Mankey Tails and Thorn Rose jump back and watch the battle from afar, Callie used her Splatbrella to fight against Octo Marie, “you can’t beat me Inkcanius” Octo Marie shouted with venom, “she thinks I’m Inkcanius but in reality Inkcanius is watching me battle Octo Marie, mistaken identity” said Callie, five minutes away from the battle. Myself, Mankey, Thorn Rose, Grace and Emperor were watching the battle between Callie and Octo Marie.

Emperor looked at Grace grabbing out Marie’s Splat Charger, “Before all characters got captured and manipulated by Corona, I decided to grab their weapons and held on to them” said Grace and looked at me “Inkcanius, use Marie’s Splat Charger and turn the tide of battle” said Grace, I grab Marie’s Splat Charger from Marie. Then Grace looked at Emperor “I have a lot to atone to after this” said Grace, Emperor was shocked “Don’t worry Grace” said Emperor.

Emperor looked at me “Grace is right you must help Callie” he said, I nodded and ran towards Callie’s battle, Octo Marie was confused then I jump off Callie somersaulted into the air and fired a shot and struck Octo Marie with Marie’s Splat Charger. “Inkcanius!? What are doing” said Callie with confusion, “turning the tide in battle, if you’re planning to support me then I must repay anyone by supporting them as well” I said. Callie nodded her head then Callie looked at Marie’s Splat Charger I was holding, “Grace said to me that before everyone in Planet Harmony got captured and manipulated, she grab their weapons and held on to them” I said.

“Right Inkcanius, anyway back me up” said Callie, I nodded and looked at Octo Marie, ready with Marie’s Splat Charger. “Dammit it’s Inkcanius you know what to do, stop him. I don’t want his operation jeopardise my operation” Corona over the headset. “Inkcanius you’re ready” said Callie, I nodded. Then Callie threw the Splatbomb in the air and explode blinding Octo Marie and Octo Marie look back to see myself and Callie vanished, then Octo Marie heard a gunshot and Marie was hit “Marie are you okay?” Said Corona over the headset, Octo Marie looked to see me using her Solar Charger then swiftly move locations as Octo Marie turned around to Callie striking Octo Marie with her Splatbrella, Octo Marie got hit by Callie’s Splatbrella as Callie somersaults back I took two quick shots with Marie’s Splat Charger. Octo Marie was hit twice, Octo Marie enraged looked at me and see what weapon I was using and to her shock, I using her Splat Charger.

“No way he’s using my Splat Charger, but why” said Octo Marie, “ignore it for now I can’t believe that, Inkcanius rescued Callie, Mankey Tails and Thorn Rose. Anyway focus on our objective, stopping Inkcanius” said Corona over the headset.

Octo Marie nodded her head, focused on her objective to stop me, but that won’t happen. Octo Marie fights Callie again, Callie was on the defensive as soon Octo Marie was about to strike, I landed a shot using Marie’s Splat Charger as my metallic gold ink struck Octo Marie on the head, Octo Marie looked at me with anger but as soon Octo Marie turned around to see Callie, Callie landed a hit on Octo Marie with her Splatbrella.

“Damn you!!” Octo Marie shouted, Callie looked at Marie’s Splat Charger. There was a speaker embedded in the weapon near the handle area “I think it’s time to to add some spice to this battle” I said, then I pressed the button and speaker was playing Spicy Calamari Inkantation, one of the Squid Sisters’ music. 

Callie was astonished, “somehow Grace put speakers in their weapons with their corresponding music, clever Grace” I said. As the Spicy Calamari Inkantation music kept playing, Callie strikes Octo Marie fast and swift, Octo Marie can’t believe to see Callie so swift, as Octo Marie was about strike Callie, I landed 3 quick shots on Octo Marie using Marie’s Splat Charger.

Octo Marie jumps back sees a memory, of herself and Callie interacting with me before Corona took over “*It’s ashamed that Grace and the entire Splatoon Community bullied Emperor, a tough pill to swallow that lead the entire community being silenced, by Emperor*.” I said, then look up at the skies “*I know that Corona is going to take over my sanctuary but it’s only a matter of when, Callie and Marie*” I said.

Octo Marie snaps back to reality and looks at me holding her Splat Charger, “Arnold… is that you?” Said Octo Marie, I was amazed and smiles saying “yes Marie it’s me Arnold, or some your friends go by my other name Inkcanius” I said.

“You have been manipulated by Corona herself my entire sanctuary inhabitants has fell under her spell” I said, Octo Marie can’t believe here eyes that she and the entire world of Planet Harmony was manipulated by Corona.

Marie turns to see Callie worried “Callie!?” Said Marie, “Marie you’re okay” said Callie hugging Marie, “what happened to Planet Harmony?” Marie asked, “unfortunately Corona took over Planet Harmony” said Callie.

Marie can’t believe her eyes as she looks up to see the skies above Planet Harmony, a flesh-like colour, “you hate to see it do you Marie” I said, “unfortunately yes seeing Corona taking over your sanctuary is a bit of a blow but we will stop her right?” said Marie, we will but first we must save everyone first”.