Tale of Two Apocalypses: Chaos

The skies eased back to their normal blue after the Splatfest ended, and Pearl and Marina began to banter as the finale drew to a close. Inklings and Octolings alike had peace for several days, as bonds were strengthened by the Ranked battles resuming, and the Leaguers returning to their coveted battle mode.

Marina and Pearl also waited eagerly for the results, assuring Tasia and PK that it wouldn't change anything about their relationship ---- they loved each other, they promised, and even if they were apart, they would still be dear to the other.

The day soon came that Marina and Pearl heard word from L'il Judd that the results were ready, the exhausted kitten relaying this from atop Judd. Both idols would look at each other, before heading to make the broadcast.

Bated breaths awaited as everyone gathered in the Square, glances being exchanged, with friends holding hands, and even rivals stepping closer to each other. What would this entail? Article 4 of Splatfest Law had been invoked, so there was a degree of fear embedded in Inkopolis Square.

"And the winner of this Splatfest is--!"

The broadcast was interrupted, cut off as the winner was to be announced, before a new program was shown.

The sight of Chaos, the Octoling said to invoke fear in those who played with or against her, caused everyone to chatter among themselves. What was going on? The Splatfest results hadn't been announced, and this was interrupting the idols' normal program! Even Marina had gasped, taking her laptop and trying to interfere with this new program.

"Hello, Inkopolis. I'm sure you had quite a lovely Splatfest. I refused to attend, simply because of my own personal reasons. You know, being named 'Chaos' and all, but having a sister join Team Order? You can imagine how complicated it was."

The camera zoomed out, revealing that she was sitting on a large throne; near it, Octavio was trapped in a larger snowglobe, waving his wasabi as he realized that he was on air as well. As she continued speaking, she moved one leg to rest atop the other, leaning in to the camera. "You have caused our people suffering. Lives lost. Bunkers falling apart. The surface inaccessible to us, except those few who chose to flee after hearing the Calimari Inkantation. Not that I blame you. The Squid Sisters' melody promised you something that we couldn't offer, the freedom to live among the society that Inklings held in their fists. We were in an everlasting war with them, and yet you fled. My sister was nearly one of them, so I refuse to call you traitors."

A wicked smile crossed the Octoling's features. "I will simply take everything, and you won't have to worry about leaving."

She waved a hand, and the sounds of familiar chattering began to erupt. Without the guiding bullhorn posted at certain locations, though, many Inklings were unprepared for the onslaught of Salmonids rising from the seas ---- and soon, into the Square.

They weren't here to slaughter, although the less careful Inklings were sure to lose some of their number, only to respawn and be herded as well. Octolings were separated from the Inklings, and all of the idols ---- even those in Octo Canyon, much to Callie's dismay ---- were brought out into the Square.

"This is the rise of a new world. No matter what Splatfest law states, I declare it to be my world. I win, Inklings. And I will drag you all, kicking and screaming, to my new world."

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That had happened two years ago.

Two puppet idols were set up for the populace of Octolings and Octarians to enjoy, with the Inklings reduced to working alongside the jellyfish to do as they pleased. There were exceptions, though, in that Inklings who were selected by the Octolings would be kept with their "owners".

Tasia would be one of these, tied to the now-princess PK. Although PK had tried to argue with her sister, she was forced to bend her knee to Chaos, a princess restricted to a fortress with Tasia by her side as lover and "servant" ---- a loose title compared to most Inklings' status, but it was still one that made PK's skin crawl.

Chaos herself kept Octavio in the snowglobe, and Captain Cuttlefish was eventually brought into a snowglobe as well. Marina and Pearl had managed to escape and evade capture afterwards, but it seemed as though the Squid Sisters' Inkantation would be useless now. Even Brownie had disappeared, although nobody was sure if she escaped with Off the Hook or by herself. There was no hypnosis. Just a forcibly applied world order.

The Salmonids enforced this order, pleased to have an excuse to bully Inklings. The Octolings were to be left alone until certain laws were broken, although the status of Mr. Grizz was also unconfirmed. Chaos made sure that the Salmonids were aware that she had several teams of trained Octolings sent out to look for the creature behind the radio, though, and the Salmonids were easily swayed to be her army.

Kamabo Co., terrified, had to kowtow to Chaos's reign as well, renovating their facilities to be used for the purpose of training new recruits to the Octoling armies, as well as Inklings who wanted to serve their chaotic queen.

Chaos and Order had both won, in a way, but Inkling society would never be the same again. Not without time and effort.