Chapter Text

"The end is near."

"It would appear that way, Akashi."

"Well, Yaki, a status update has come in from the remains of octosphere number four. The mighty Octomaw has been defeated, and the inkling known as Agent Three has taken the zapfish it was guarding."

"So DJ Octavio is left to fight for himself."

"Precisely. Which is why we encourage you, the survivors of Agent Three's ravenous pillaging, to take up arms and join us in the battle against Agent Three!"

Akashi brandished her Octobrush as Yaki drew her Octoshot.

"You all have 12 hours to rally in Octopolis."

"After the 12 hours is up, we shall join the Great Octavio in battle!"

"Right, so grab your arms, and wear your best gear, cause this is war!"

"And with any luck we'll beat those sons of bitches back..."

"Yaki! There are kids watching! Just because it's a crisis doesn't mean you get to swear."

"You know damn well I don't care about that! Half of the viewers have probably already gotten their weapons and armor and gotten to Octopolis plaza."

"Right. But our broadcast is visible from the jumbotron."

"Whatever. Wrap it up, cameraman."

With that, the broadcast ended, and the Octo Sisters headed for the middle of the plaza. It was dark out and there was a mixed scent of rain and smoke. There was no power to anything, having diverted their last bit of power to the jumbotron and newscasting equipment. Even though it was visibly bleak in the plaza, there was an air of confidence and power about the growing crowd of people. Even Yaki, who had been hardened by war felt less cold inside. It was, however, freezing outside and Octolings were swarming to a barrel fire in the alley underneath the Octo Sisters' studio. Akashi drew a breath and spoke.

"Wow, we have an amazing turnout here! We're glad you all wish to join us in putting up a fight against Agent Three. Just so you know, we don't have a great chance at winning, even with all these people," she saw her breath condense into mist as she spoke, "Agent Three is a war machine. With extremely powerful gear such as the Hero Splattershot, he could easily take us out if we are tightly grouped, so we'll need to spread out. If a bomb is thrown into the crowd, you make a hole. If a seeker is thrown into the crowd, you all get out of its way before it can lock on."

"For someone who hasn't been in a war, you seem to know a lot about it," Yaki snapped, "We can't just play a defense game, we have to be offensive, too. It'll be hard to get your special weapon charged up because of the sheer numbers of our army. So I would suggest ditching it for another secondary unless you have a kraken, bubbler, inkzooka, or killer wail."

"Well I've gotta admit, that's a good idea, Yaki."

Most of the Octolings tossed their special weapon no matter what it was, but some held on. As minutes became hours, tens became hundreds, and the Octo Sisters had rallied a small army.