Into the Light (A Splatoon Story)

The Storm

I wake up suddenly, not sure what woke me up in the first place. I look out the window and see dark skies. Is it nighttime?

I start to get out of bed, wanting to see Callie and Marie, but freeze as light flashes outside. As I wonder what that was, an ear-shattering boom shakes the apartment.

Panic jolts me out of bed. I slide off the bed and land rigid.

What was that? Is it bad? Should I be scared?

As I stand frozen, the most terrifying sound I've ever heard reaches my ears.

Callie, crying out in fear.

If she's scared of something, I should be too. Nothing seems to scare her, or so I thought.

I cry Marie's name, scrambling out of my room. She's walking down the hallway, and I collide with her. I cling to her like she can protect me from whatever's happening.

"Shhh, it's all right. You're okay, Rosa." Marie says, soothingly.

Callie flings herself into the hallway, shaking and sobbing in fear. Marie grabs her and pulls her into the hug too.

"Ma...Ma...Marie..." Callie sniffles. "It...it's a s-s-storm!"

"I know, Cal. Take a deep breath." Marie says, just as gently as she'd spoken to me a few seconds ago.

Callie's trembling so hard my hands are shaking too. Or am I shaking on my own? I don't know. Another loud boom shakes the apartment, and we both whimper.

"Now, Callie, you're frightening Rosa. She doesn't know what a storm is." Marie reprimands her cousin. "Rosa, it's normal. Don't ask me how it works, it's some kind of science-y thing, but it's normal."

"W-Weren't you on T-Team Science f-for Splatfest?" Callie says through her tears.

"That doesn't mean I'm a scientist. It sure didn't make you an artist."

I gasp, recognizing it as an insult. But Marie's smiling as she says it, so is it not after all?

Callie giggles, hiccuping, and I realize it was a joke. She looks up at me and gives me a watery smile.

"E-Everything's o-okay."

Another loud boom, and we both flinch. Marie squeezes my hand, and I relax into her.

I trust her. She'll keep me safe.

"When the storm's over, would you like to have a sleepover?" Marie asks me.

I nod, smiling up at her. She knew how helpful it would be for me to have someone else nearby.

"May we teach her to write Inklish tomorrow?" Callie asks hopefully. "And to read?"

"Sure."

They continue to make plans, while I snuggle into Marie. I'm so peaceful...and warm...

The last thing I'm aware of is being set in my bed, with the Squid Sisters lying on either side of me.

"M...Marie..." I murmur, then without even realizing, "C...C...Callie..."

I'm asleep before I can hear her gasp of excitement.