Smg4 Fanfiction: Crystal Splezter - Meggy's Destiny

Plot: As the final Splatfest comes at last, Meggy faces hardships on and off the Battlefield as her whole journey comes full circle...

(February 29th - 2020)

The clock ticked, the only noise in the room.

Meggy lied in bed, staring at the ceiling.

Meggy: My life...was rough.

She though back to her past...

Cleaning broken egg pieces of her single mattress of a bed, she held the day old Crystal close and hugged her fondly as she cooed in her arms.

Meggy: I used to go about the same stuff every day...

She Wrapped Crystal in a blanket, the only covering she had available.

Meggy: I still remember the stares...

Walking into a store, still limping from having just given birth the day before, she saw people staring and whispering to her sides.

Meggy: And I thought nothing would ever change...

One day, she left Crystal in the playground while she went shopping with only a few bills of cash. When she was gone, Crystal learned how to go squid for the first time.

Meggy: Until that day...

She leapt for miles, before landing in an orange pain can that got sealed shut shortly after. The can was placed in a truck scheduled to drive to the Mushroom kingdom, her crying the whole time.

Meggy: I thought i'd lose the only one I had left...

She remembered frantically asking around for the rest of the day, crying herself to sleep with worry. Meanwhile, The paint can was put in the Mushroom kingdom basement...where Mario would find her...

Meggy: Until that red goofball saved her...

She remembered the day Mario found her daughter, bringing her back home and her confiding her past. Then she remembered all the fun and crazy adventures they had since then.

Meggy: And after I met Mario, I learned to follow my dreams again and went on some crazy adventures. I learned to grow as a person...and a mother...

She recalled all the times she spent with her new friends and Crystal, from her learning to walk and her first word.

Meggy: I even learned to love again...

She recalled Tari. From their first meeting, realising she loved her and finally...their first kiss.

She rolled over in bed...

Meggy: But like I said...

Memories of the past she hated came back to her...

Her parents yelling downstairs about her becoming a teen mom...

Being kicked out when she knew they'd never accept her again...

The pain of childbirth all over again...

Meggy: My life...was rough.

And finally...the look of her heartbroken daughters scream as she almost sacrificed herself on Anime island.

She bolted from her sleep, sweat covering her brow.

Her gaze shifted to the reserved spot on her shelf, for a splatfest trophy as she recalled her promise.

Crystal: Mommy?

Meggy: Hmm? Yeah Crystal?

Crystal: Even though your different...we're different now, are you still gonna win Splatfest?

She simply smiled, guiding her out the door.

Meggy: Crystal, I'm gonna win for both of us. I promise."

Those words still weighed heavily on her mind...

Meggy: But today is a new year...

She recalled New Years, her new friendship with her former rival Desti...

Meggy: And it's gonna be mine!

...

The next day on the training grounds, things were finally ready. Mario, Meggy, Desti and Tari were ready on the battlefield and Crystal and everyone else were watching from the stands.

Meggy: So this is it, Huh?

Desti: (Preps weapon) Bout freaking time...

Tari: The final challenge!

Mario: Time to die!!!

Mario grabbed his splatter Minigun and jumped in to attack-

???: No no no, stop stop stop!!!

Halted midair, Mario landed groin first on the butt end of his weapon. The one who called out and stopped him was Professor Egad.

Egad: You guys are here to test out my new invention. Remember?

Desti: Alright old guy, just get to the point then.

Egad: Very well, Behold! The ink Boi 3000!

He presented some kind of hoverboard, demonstrating its abilities while explaining.

Egad: To stand a chance in this competition, you guys need to swim and move around like Inklings! That's why I made these bad boys to even the playing field, though Desti doesn't need one since she's an Octoling.

Desti: Heh, I'm special.

Meggy: Pfft...I don't need a stupid invention to help me at Splatfest.

Egad: Nonsense! Don't think of it as help, think of it as giving you the same powers as the rest of those Inklings!

He handed her the Ink Boi, leading her to inspect it curiously.

Egad: Now! I've given Mario and Tari each and Ink Boi as well. I ran out of surfboards, so you each have a different household item. They should all still work the same though, hoho!

Tari looked curiously at the keyboard in her hands, while Mario immediately went on to shred his head with his Lawnmower version.

Mario: Yep, that's a lawn mower.

Mario: This is insulting...

Tari: Aww, cmon Meggy. I know you're not an inkling anymore, but there's no shame in getting a little help.

Meggy: No! That's stupid! I know I'm a human but my skills are still as great as ever!

Smg4: Alright! Enough of your yapping!

Smg4 called from his spectator position with a megaphone.

Meggy: And I definitely don't need a stupid gadget to help me!

Meggy threw the board away to the side, Egad walking away.

Egad: Welp, suit yourself Meggy.

Smg4: Tomorrow is the big tournament!! Splatfest!! And this is going to be your final training session.

The crowd, especially Crystal, burst out into cheers.

Smg4: It's a 1 hit kill round. You get hit, you're out. (Horn noise) Now let's fight!

The starting gun shot off as the round began.

Meggy raced onto the battlefield With determination, scouting out the area. Catching her by surprise, Tari jumped from behind and tried to shoot at Meggy. She dodged out of the way and shot back, hitting point and sending Tari flying.

Meggy: Sorry Sweetheart!

Tari gave a thumbs up from her face down place on the ground as Smg4 sounded the whistle.

Smg4: You're out!!

Meggy laughed, right before she heard machines flash on behind her. To her left, Desti had her own weapon ready as well as several turrets.

Desti: Your going down!!

Everything opened fire as Meggy barley managed to get behind cover.

Desti gave a wild smirk, but was shocked as she heard beeping and saw a splatter-Bomb thrown by her feet. Here eyes went wide, before the blast knocked her back, Mario laughing victoriously.

Smg4: Desti's out!!

Meggy came out from her hiding spot, Coming face to face with Mario as he stood atop a structure.

Mario: Surrender Meggy, Mario has the high ground!

Meggy: You can't beat me red, I know all your moves!

Mario: You forget...

Meggy shot, but Mario broke the ground beneath his feet and used it as a shield, dashing away.

Mario: Mario's unpredictable!

Meggy gave chase, the crowd going silent.

Luigi: Oh man, Mario's too fast!

Bob: Meggy better start using her Ink Boi soon...

Meggy hid as Mario scoped the area. She decided to end this now, throwing a splatter-bomb in his direction.

But Mario predicted this, employing his strategy. Grabbing his gun, he flipped it around and wielded it as a bat as Meggy became confused...

Mario: Fore!!!

Mario used all his strength to hit back the bomb. Meggy was too stunned to move as the attack came right back to explode in her face.

She got knocked back, defeated to everyone's disbelief.

Smg4: I...I don't believe it! Meggy's out and...Mario Wins!!!

Everyone but Crystal cheered and crowded around Mario, the plumber screaming and cheering over his victory.

Luigi: You did it bro!

Mario: Yeah! This ink Boi is the best thing ever!

Egad: (Appears) Of course! My inventions can't be beaten.

Shroomy: Oh golly gee, that show was amazing Mario! Yay!

Smg4: Yeah, I never thought you'd be able to pull it off!

Mario accepted the praise with pride. Nearby, Meggy got back up and stared in scowl as Crystal approached her.

Saiko: And you guys did good as well!

Meggy: Hehe...thanks...

Desti: Wow, never thought Mario of all people would beat me...

She looked over to Meggy.

Desti: I guess the student has become the teacher, Huh?

Meggy gave Desti an annoyed scowl as she just grinned.

Mario: Woo! Who's ready for a pre-competition party At Meggy's???

Everyone was more then happy to agree, running off as Meggy looked on with an angry scowl that Crystal took note of.

Crystal: Mommy? A-Are you okay?

She put a face on, grabbing Crystal and walking after the others.

Meggy: I'm fine Crystal...let's just get going...

Crystal gave an unsure look as Meggy took her away from the field.

And off to the side, two inkling figures stood in the shadows...watching...

???: Honey...we finally found her...

...

Back at Meggy's, a party was in full swing with everyone having fun. Tari and Mario played Splatoon 3, Bob and Boopkins were trying and failing to sing Karaoke, Shroomy and Saiko rocked out on their guitars and banjo's respectively. And Smg4...

Smg4: And they told me to make a 40 minute movie, and then I was like...a movie!? And then I went a cried for 10 hours.

All the while, Meggy sat alone on the couch with a drink. She stared saddened at the floor, wondering how she was gonna win Splatfest.

Desti: Hey, something wrong with ya?

Looking up, Desti took a seat next to her on the couch.

Desti: I hope theirs nothing harmful in their.

Meggy: It's just punch...

Desti: I'd join you if it didn't burn my throat.

Meggy shrugged away.

Desti: Hey look. I was just kidding back at the field, I also felt humiliated getting beaten by Mario-

Meggy: It's not that.

Desti: It's not? Well then, what is it?

Meggy: I mean, I am happy for him. All these years, he's finally managed to beat me...but without my inkling powers...how do I stand a chance as just me?

Desti: Look Meggy, you have to realise that-

(Ding dong!)

Desti was halted mid conversation as she and Meggy looked in the direction of the door.

Desti: Did you order anything?"

Meggy: No, chances are Mario bought himself a pizza without my consent. (Gets up) I'll get it...

Desti: Just let him get it, I'm still-

Meggy: Too far away, can't hear you!

Desti looked annoyed, know Meggy was ignoring her intentionally.

Boopkins: Ahh! Help me!

Desti was drawn aside as she saw Mario chasing Boopkins with a pin on Tail and trying to play "Pin the tail on Boopkins!"

Boopkins: Ahh, Mario, leave me alone!

Mario: Come on! Do it for Mario's morale! Tomorrow is Splatfest day!!!

Desti disregard Meggy for now, decided with a smirk she could give that game a go.

Meggy walked through the doorway as Axol looked curiously, watching as she went to the door and opened it.

Meggy: Alright, how much for-?

Meggy didn't even finish as she looked up. It wasn't anyone she'd hoped to see in a long time as she froze on the spot.

Standing at her doorway with giant smiles and sad eyes...were her parents.

Meggy: M-mom...dad?

Before she could properly register, her mom grabbed her and caught her in a tight hug. Her dad, the slightly less affectionate one, put a loving hand on her shoulder.

Mrs Splezter: We found you! We finally found you!"

Mr Splezter: I thought we'd lose you forever Kiddo!

Mrs Splezter: Honey! Ignore him, we're just so happy we found you Meggy!

She remained frozen...memories tormenting her mind.

Mrs Splezter: We never would have found you if you weren't on the news!

Mr Splezter: My little girl making a name for herself, just like I knew she would!

Mrs Splezter: I mean, I'm still curious what happened to your tentacles, but-

Mr Splezter: Sweetheart, not now. Look, we're sorry it took so long, but we're here now.

Meggy (Thinking):  A while?! You abandoned me!! Keep taking, go give me one more reason to-!

Crystal: Mommy! Where are you?

Dread set into her veins. Crystal poked around the corner and ran up, the snooping Axol failing to stop her.

Crystal: Mommy! Uncle Mario was asking when his food is coming?

She stood like a rock, lost in her own head. Her parents meanwhile turned their gaze, their eyes going wide.

Mrs Splezter: Aw! Meggy, you kept her? She's adorable!

Mr Splezter: Honey, your scaring her. Back up a bit.

Mrs Splezter: Right, sorry.

Crystal: Mommy, who are these people?

She heard nothing. Time stood still as her hands went to the sides of her head.

???: They abandoned you...they hate you...they're only here now because they're weak...you know what to do...

Then...her mind snapped.

Mr Splezter: Meggy, you never told her about us? Well kid, we're your-

Meggy: MY DAUGHTER DOESN'T TALK TO STRANGERS!!!

The shocked look on their face barely lasted a second before she slammed the door shut. The impact cracked the doorframe and undid a bolt on the hinge everything went silent, even the party.

Meggy's breathing was accompanied by tears on her face, feeling Axol's hand on her shoulder.

Axol: Meggy-

Shrugging him off, Meggy dashed away and slammed the door to her bedroom as others looked in confusion or shock.

No one besides Axol knew what exactly had happened, but it was clear that Meggy had been pushed to the breaking point.

Axol: Meggy...

...

In her room, Meggy punched the wall in rage. The framing cracked as she looked at her bruised Knuckles.

Why? Why was it that when her life had been going so perfectly, the parents she'd been avoiding her entire life came right to her doorstep?!

She rolled up in bed...and cried herself to sleep.

Meggy: I don't need them...I don't...I...don't...

...

The next day, Team Splatsquad was ready and willing as they stood before the gate. The adrenaline of the game had nearly made them forget the events of last night.

Mario: Splatfest! Splatfest!

Meggy: Guys! Today is the big day and I know we're all nervous, but that's okay! Because we've trained! We are more then ready for this, I know we are! There is no way we can lose! And since-

Desti: Good lord, can we go in already! I wanna shoot some idiots in the face!

Nervous as she grabbed her weapon, Tari and Mario shuffled away from her.

Meggy: Sorry Desti. C'mon, let's go!

The sign called for everyone to report to the game, everyone running in with determination.

...

The arena was filled with other competitors, ready to take Home the gold.

Callie: Welcome Everyone to the last Ever Splatfest!

Marie: Yes, according to the bosses, Splatfest just isn't cost effective anymore.

Callie: So as payback, we've gone and spent all the company's money on making this...The biggest...Splatfest...ever!!!

The crowd burst into crazy cheers.

Marie: That's right, we have spared no expense in making this Splatfest super Special!

Callie: This Splatfest is going to be very different from what we're normally used to.

Marie blew the whistle to get everyone's attention.

Marie: For round 1, we have...The Splatstacle course!!!

Callie: Teams have only 20 minutes to brave this dangerous course. Everyone who makes it to the end will advance to the second round!

Marie: We also have a ton of competitors this time around!!!

Mario got some boxing gloves, ready to kick-

Callie: For today's round though, there is to be no fighting! This is a match of agility and skill only.

Marie: So anyone who breaks out into a fight will be disqualified.

Mario dropped the gloves, saddened.

Callie: Get hyped folks! We will begin in just a few minutes while the audience piles in.

Desti: Hey Meggy, now might really be a good time to use that damn board...

Meggy: Nah, I don't need it.

Desti gave her a grimace, but left it at that.

Tari! Hey guys, looks like we have a cheer squad!

In the stands, Crystal and everyone else sat cheering for them.

Saiko: Kick ass!

Bob: Yeah, go get them! Do it for Bob!

Crystal: Go Mommy!"

Luigi: Go get them Bro!

An unfazed Toad dropped down and fell asleep.

Mario: Look at all of Mario's Fans!!!!

Meggy: Hehe, we have quite the friends, don't we?

???: Pfft...a team like this?

Meggy turned around as she heard the voice, an angry smile plastered across her face.

???: 3 humans and a rejected Octoling? I guess they'll let anyone enter Splatfest now...

Meggy: Who...said that?

???: We did.

It was their latest competitors...Killer ink.

Killer ink leader: And we can't believe they let a bunch of humans join. Not to mention a rejected Octoling who got dumped by her old team.

Desti raised her weapon with a rag full face, but Tari signalled for her to stand down.

Meggy: Why don't you get lost before I tear you a new ink hole?"p

Killer ink fight 1: Meggy Splezter?! What happened to you?!

Killer ink fighter 2: What a freak! Hahaha!

Killer ink fighter 3: What's wrong? Couldn't cut it as an inkling?

Meggy looked with pure rage while Mario flipped them off.

Desti: Insult us all you want, a couple small things doesn't mean we can't kick your asses all the same!

Killer ink laughed. Meggy walked toward to attack them, but Tari grabbed her shoulder and stopped her.

Tari: It's okay Meggy, we'll show them during the competition.

After a few seconds...

Meggy: Yeah. It's almost time...

Callie: Are you ready?!

All competitors burst into cheers.

Marie: Is the audience ready?!

The crowd did the same.

Callie: Okay! Ready! Get set!

Marie: GO!!!

Everyone ran forward...as the game began.

...

The first obstacle was a series of rails to ride on. Many got past, but the few that didn't fell into a ditch and were eliminated. Killer ink got past the rails as the gang caught up.

Killer ink leader: Give up before you embarrass yourselves humans!

Meggy gave them a scowl.

Desti: Ignore them, we're on a time limit! Move!

Desti went Octoling form, sliding down the tile with ease. Mario used his Ink Boi and followed suit as Meggy took a leap. She landed on the rail and flawlessly made it across.

Mario: Nice one!

Meggy: See? I can handle myself perfectly fine.

A cry of help earned their attention, seeing Tari hadn't budged.

Tari: G-guys, did I tell you I'm afraid of heights?

Desti: Use your damn Ink Keyboard and get down here!

Meggy: You can do it Tari! I love you and I believe in you!

Tari looked as another one of the contestants, watching as they fell off the rails and into the abyss. Her fears only getting worse, Tari closed her eyes and wished she didn't have to-

Mario: Tari...

She opened her eyes.

Mario: You made it over already.

Tari looked stunned as she realised she actually did, cheering.

Desti: How'd she-?

Meggy: It's Tari, you learn not to question this stuff.

They went to the next area, a piece of Tape set before...a blank bit of road?

Tari: Weird, nothing's here.

Their worries were increased as another guy ran past and was immediately slammed by a chainsaw that came out of the floor.

Mario: Well, this seems safe...

Meggy! Don't worry, we got this guys!

Meggy ran first, running past every saw as Desti ran beside her, ink jumping over the saws with style. Tari ran screaming in a panic, thankfully making it to the other side. Mario went last with swagger, making it to the goal...with the exception of his head.

At the next obstacle, it was a game of basketball ball. One team missed the shot and got eliminated, but a team of super buff guys with fish heads got past easily.

Mario: There's no way we can throw that far!

Tari thought fast, then had an idea. She threw the ball and shot at it with her weapon, launching it in the hoop for the win.

Then the next was an inkling's worst nightmare: Water spritzers.

Though as every other inkling thrived on the floor in pain, Mario, Tari an Meggy walked by looking unharmed.

Mario: What a bunch of Babies.

When they got to the end, Mario took off his hat as Desti in her squid form jumped out. She hid in their to avoid the water, regretting it immediately.

Tari: You okay Desti?

Desti. No, of course not! Blegh! How much damn Pasta do you have in their?!

Mario:.........YES.

They made it to the tower climb, having to climb to the top with the danger of collapsing platforms and a lava lake beneath.

Tari and Desti covered the walls in orange juice/purple ink and climbed up with their Ink Boi/Squid form. Mario put his title of jump man to use, leaping from one platform to the next in rapid succession.

Meggy looked up at the next platform. Without any ability, she improvised and wall jumped to grab the platform.

Right as she thought she could make it, the floor she was holding collapsed and sent her to the lava below. Instead of elimination however, the lava launched her up as she grabbed her burning backside. She landed on the roof, confusing the squid sisters.

Callie: How'd she...

Mario: Awww. She's learned well from Mario...

They made their way to the final obstacle, a giant pit that required a squid jump. Two other inklings jumped, but only one made it while the other fell into the chasm.

Tari: Guys, there's the finish line!

The timer on the event buzzed.

Desti: Move it people, we've got 30 seconds left!

Tari made a successful jump across the canyon, with Desti following. She fell just a big short as she grabbed onto the end of the chasm. She would've fell if Tari didn't pull her up.

Desti: Woah, thanks.

Mario made his jump next, but the weight of his Ink Boi was weighing him down.

Smg4: Oh no, he's gonna miss!

Tari: Mario, watch out!

Screaming as he started to fall, Mario saw another inkling making the jump. Jumping off his ink boil and off the inkling, the poor guy went falling in his place as he made it across successfully.

Meggy however was a sitting duck. Without her inkling abilities, she didn't have a way to use the jump pad. Unless...

Tari:You've gotta use the ink Boi!!!

Desti: Move it! Use the damn board or we're screwed!

Meggy: No! I can get through this!

Desti: Come on, just use the damn-!

Mario: Meggy, look out!

Meggy turned around, coming face to face with Killer ink running right towards her...

Right before the leader shoved her over the edge.

She started falling fast, watching as Killer ink jumped over to the side.

Mario: Alright, Lemme at them, lemme at them!

Mario tried to attack them, but Tari held him back since that would get them disqualified. Meggy fell faster and almost reached the bottom, but she had one last trick up her sleeve.

Grabbing her entire arsenal of Splatter-bombs, she turned around and hit the switch. The impact launched her up, right towards the goal...

But she hit the side of the wall, sliding back down before a hand grabbed her own. Tari grabbed her in the Nick of time, having made a human chain to save her.

Desti: I got her! Pull us up!

Mario nearly broke his back in half, lifting everyone back up and onto solid ground. They'd made it to the goal.

Meggy: Thank...thank you guys.

The timer blared as the round ended, killer ink staring at the others in contempt.

Marie: And the round is over!!

Callie: What a spectacular performance and amazing display of skill!!

Marie: Congrats to our 8 remaining teams! Rest up folks because we'll be back tomorrow with round 2!!!!!

The squid sisters signed off the news, while the team lied exhausted on the floor.

Desti: Ohhh...training was never this bad.

Mario: Mario can't feel his back...

Tari looked at Meggy, panting.

Tari: Never do something crazy like that again...

Meggy: No promises...

They both shared a laugh, holding each-other's hands...

Right before they heard a sinister laugh.

Killer ink leader: Aw, look at the loser couple lying on the floor.

Desti scowled as everyone tried to get back to their feet.

Killer ink fighter 1: I'm surprised any of you made it at all.

Killer ink fighter 3: Quit while your ahead human.

Killer ink leader: Or else the first thing I'm gonna do when we win is break your girlfriend's robot-arm.

Meggy got back to her feet, killer ink giving every last one of them glares.

But they made one fatal mistake: Insulting Tari.

Meggy lost her temper, leaping forward and starting to punch the leader over and over. Filled with Rage, Mario and Desti joined in to beat up two other teammates.

Tari: Guys, stop!!!

Callie: Hey! You guys there!! There is to be no fighting!!!

Marie: Don't do it again or you will be disqualified!

Mario: Fine...

Desti: Rules are no fun...

Leaving killer ink alone in the hopes that brief beating taught them a lesson, team Splatsquad left the arena.

...

Leaving the Arena in a huff, Meggy barley walked out the door before Desti punched her in the back of the shoulder.

Meggy: Ouch! What the hell?!

Desti: What was that?! We nearly lost because you couldn't swallow your pride and use that damn board!

The argument continued from afar, Tari and Mario looking on concerned.

Tari: Maybe we should talk to them...

Mario: Or...we could just go get lunch?

Tari thwacked him on the back of his head. Back with Meggy and Desti...

Meggy: Why are you of all people telling me to use the board?! You don't even need one!

Desti: Your not getting my point! All this time, I've been trying to say that that board is just doing what you can't do anymore! Open your freaking eyes and see that!

Meggy: Argh! Im not...talking to you like this! I have too much on my plate as it is!

Desti: Oh, what could possibly-?!

???: Meggy?

Meggy: What!?

Meggy turned and screamed at the person behind her. She froze up again as she saw it was her parents again.

She steeled herself, Desti looking confused.

Mrs Splezter: We heard yelling, is something wrong?

Mr Splezter: Is this Octoling bothering you?

Desti: Alright, I don't know you two at all but do you mind?! Me and this idiot are having a conversation!

Mrs Splezter: You watch your language young lady!

Desti: Oh, what does it matter to you-?

Mrs Splezter: That our daughter your insulting!

Desti slightly recoiled in surprise.

Desti: Parents, huh? Yo Meggy, these the abandoning parents you told me a about?

Her parents looked shocked, while Meggy's inner demons fought her in her head, clenching her fist.

Mr Splezter: M-Meggy? Is this true?

Mrs Splezter: What have you said to her-?

And Meggy finally broke.

Meggy: The truth! I told everyone about how you left a little girl, your own daughter, out on the streets cold and pregnant to fend for herself!

Everyone on the streets turned to see the fight unfolding, but Meggy didn't care.

Mrs Splezter: Meggy, please just calm down-!

Meggy:Calm down!? You want me to calm down!? I've spent over 3 year's fending for myself, for my daughter and what have you done?!

Mr Splezter: Meggy, your not listening-

Meggy: I'm done listening! You're the worst parents in the world and I want nothing more then you to just go home and leave me alone so I never see you again!

Everything went silent, even Desti. She didn't know Meggy even had that rage inside her. As her mom tried to reach out to her, Meggy ran away and back to her apartment.

Mrs Splezter: Honey...what happened to our little girl?

...

Meggy: Ugh, where am I?

Meggy stared from her spot on the floor...

She got up, her head hurting.

The last thing she remembered was the fight with her parents...then going home to sleep-

???: Hey you.

That voice...it couldn't be...

But it was...Meggy turned around and saw...Meggy.

But not like looking in a mirror, she was looking at herself from when she was still an inkling. She looked in absolute shock.

Past Meggy: What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost...

The area around them changed completely. Instead of total darkness, they stood under a glass dome surrounded by grassland as rose petals fell from the sky.

Meggy: Y-you? No, wait. But you're me! You can't be here!!!

Past Meggy: Do you really think you'll be able to pull this off...in your current state?

Meggy: Of course! I'm just as good as I ever was!

Past Meggy: Are you though?

Silence followed.

Past Meggy: I would have jumped over that last obstacle no problem. You on the other hand...

Meggy: I still made it In the end.

Past Meggy: Yeah, but only with your friends help. (Points) Admit it...We need to use that Ink Boi!

Meggy: No! I don't need that stupid thing! I'm perfectly capable on my own.

Past Meggy: Like you were capable of standing up to our parents?

Meggy: I did what I had too! They abandoned me, abandoned us and our daughter!

Past Meggy: Huh...I see your mind is still broken...after all these years...

Meggy: Wha...what do you mean?

Her old self turned, walking away and slowly fading away...

Past Meggy: Your mind is broken...try and go home and maybe, you'll understand...

Meggy: Hey! Come back here! We're not done yet-!

As her whole world faded into white, she woke back up in her bed in her apartment.

Traumatised and still not recovered from the days earlier events, she went back to sleep.

...

Outside the competition arena, Meggy had the Ink Boi in her hand. All this drama because of this damn board...and she finally had enough.

Without a second thought, she threw the board into the trash and walked in to meet her team.

Off to the side, her parents watched with worry.

Mrs Splezter: What's happened to Meggy over these years?

Mr Splezter: It's been years since she left, she's had a lot of time to mature.

Mrs Splezter: But to say we abandoned her?! I don't know what's happened with her head, but-

???: Uh, excuse me?

Both of them turned their heads, seeing Axol standing to meet them.

Axol: So...hi?

Mrs Splezter: Oh, hello there! Who are you?

Axol: Well, I'm a friend of your daughter...and I need to ask you a few questions...

...

In the arena...

Callie: Welcome back to day 2 of Splatfest!!!

Marie: In today's round, we're playing something special we like to call...Tower defence!

Callie: We've already held the first match earlier today and Killer ink has already won and have moved to the finals. For this second and final match, we have four teams in total competing for that last spot in the finals.

Marie: Now the rules. This is a battle of points. The first team to score 100 points win!

Callie: But Marie, how do we get points?

Marie: I'm glad you asked Callie!

Marie hit a button, which caused Squidward to walk out from the water lake. Callie hit another button, which caused a flamethrower to emerge as well and burn the poor guy alive. On the scoreboard, the squid sisters got 1 point.

Callie: This is tower defence so an infinite wave of monsters will be coming at the teams.

Marie: Each kill is a point."p

Callie: But watch out though!

Callie held a mini splatter gun, shooting Marie which caused their score to go down.

Callie: If you get splattered, your team will lose 10 points! Now whose ready?!

The crowd burst into cheers. Silence covered the battlefield. Axol and everyone else looked with worry.

Meggy: We got this guys!

Desti: Whatever you say...

Marie: Let the games begin!!

The horn sounded as Marie sent hoards of Squidwards onto the field too attack. Everyone went crazy, shooting as many as they could.

Meggy flawlessly got 3 down in a row, Tari striking down an entire squad with a splatter-bomb. Mario flipped off the big one before shooting him.

Desti lost her absolute mind, throwing down bombs and splatter machines all over the place while spraying like there was no tomorrow. A loud cheer was heard from the stands as the scores rose higher and higher with Team Splatsquad in the lead.

Tari: Hey, we're winning!!

Mario went to shoot down another one, but a pink inkling took his victim and laid waste to a few others.

Mario: Hey! These guys are taking our kills!

Screaming for them to get away, Meggy turned and tried to shoot them, but they went inkling mode and slinked away.

Meggy: Dammit! Just focus on getting points!!

The ink brigade started taking over their spot on the leaderboard.

Tari: Guys, we have to start taking other people's kills too, otherwise we won't stand a chance!

Meggy: Okay, spread out!

Everyone nodded. Moving fast, Squidward's started dropping like flies as they moved fast to regain the lead. Some close calls met them as Mario and Desti both almost got shot.

Meggy ran in to get some more targets, but found herself surrounded on 3 sides by the ink brigade. Not having a getaway plan, she was caught off guard and shot in the back. On the scoreboard, they lost 10 points and got sent back to 3rd place.

Tari: Oh no!!!

Meggy: Crap, sorry guys!

Desti: Stop yapping and keep shooting or we're gonna lose!

The shooting and the carnage continued at a maximum pace, everyone giving it their all. Mario faced down an amount of Squidward he couldn't kill with his gun alone.

Thinking fast, she launched himself into the air and sent himself hurtling down with 3 Splatter-bombs in hand. The resulting explosion killed every last one as the crowd roared with cheers.

Tari: Nice Mario!

Meggy: Hurry up guys, we've almost won!

The scoreboard read Splatsquad as in the lead, Just a little over 10 more points needed to win.

Desti: We're almost there!

Meggy: Guys! Go go go!

The Spaltsquad divided and conquered to take out as many as they could, but Meggy had trouble keeping up. With so much action and no inkling mode, she couldn't be in 3 places at once like she used too.

Mario meanwhile turned as her heard mechanical whirring, turning as a giant batch of Squidward's were sent flying. An ink brigade teammate was by the wall, Making Mario curious.

But then...

(Honk!)

Callie: And time!

The game was over...and...

Marie: The ink brigade wins!!!!

The horror of the situation set in. Team Splatsquad and their friends in the stands went deadly silent.

Callie: What an epic battle! Ink brigade, you'll be moving to the finals!"

The Ink brigade cheered, leaving the stage.

Meggy was absolutely petrified. She wanted to scream, call out in a rage but her body wouldn't move or speak.

All she could Do was stare into the stands, into the eyes of her worried daughter as she realised she'd broken her promise.

3 years of saying she'd win splatfest, just for her, all gone down the drain...

Mario: Meggy...

Tari: It's not your-

Before she had a chance to answer or even speak, An enraged Desti hit her to the floor with the giant end of her gun.

Tari: Desti!

Mario: Mamma mia, stop!

Desti: You! This is all your damn fault!

Desti grabbed Meggy and lifted her back up only to press her against the wall.

Desti: I've spent my entire life wanting to get here, wanting to be a champion! But because you couldn't swallow your pride and use that damn board, it's all gone!

Tari: Desti, it's not her-!

Desti: It is and you damn well know it! If she had that damn board, she'd never have gotten shot and we would've won!

Meggy was silent.

Desti: Oh, boo hoo! I don't care if your defence is pride, or even what happened with your damn parents! Mine died a long time ago and you...just lost the only chance I had to honour them! What do you have to say now?!

She was silent.

Desti: Well?! Say something!!

Meggy was silent. On the verge of committing murder, Desti angrily rose her weapon right to Meggy's head.

Desti: F*CKING SAY SOMETHING!!!

Time stood still...

And Meggy lifted her head. Her face wet with tears, she moved forward and pressed her head against the but of the gun.

Meggy: Do it...

The rest of the team was stunned, though Desti was unfazed.

Desti: Now a not a good time to call my bluff Meggy...

Meggy: I'm not. I...I failed you...I failed Crystal...I failed myself and everyone else.

She looked up at Desti, who looked at shock. They weren't the eyes of someone who was sorry or someone who hated herself. Meggy had the eyes of someone who wanted to die.

Meggy: Please, just end it...

Desti's hand shook. At this close a range, one blast of ink could cause permanent damage. But as Meggy closed her eyes...

Desti dropped the weapon. Meggy opened her eyes to see Desti walking away.

Desti: Your not worth it...

Tari: Desti, wait!

Tari tried calling out to stop her, but she was already gone.

Tari: Meggy...I don't think she meant-

Turning around, Meggy was gone as well. Tari dropped to her knees as the entire team was falling apart.

But as she wallowed, Mario squinted his eyes in deep thought.

Mario: Mario smells something fishy...

...

Meggy sat atop her apartment building, the moon casting a light down on top of her. Her eyes were red and teary. She stared at her phone, only finding some comfort in her family photos of her and Crystal.

Meggy: Sunshine...I'm so sorry...

Hearing noises behind her, she looked away from her phone as Axol stood in the doorway.

Axol: Don't be sad...there's not much else I can really say...but, maybe I can take your mind off things?

Axol showed he'd reclaimed Meggy's Ink Boi from the trash, also showing off Inkweaver.

Axol: Hehe, I got the professor to give ol' Inkweaver a little upgrade too.

Meggy: I...I don't think now is the best time Axol.

Axol: Nonsense! Now Is the best time to kick back and just have some fun!

Axol chucked her the board, running towards the edge of the roof and jumping off. With his own splattershot and riding Inkweaver like a surfboard, he made an ink trail down the side of the building and rode it just like an inkling would.

Meggy watched in surprise...

Meggy: Screw it.

Before jumping after herself. She and Axol slid on the trail together, jumping from building to building while pulling off stunts.

They jumped off a ramp, flying through the air as Meggy felt the cold air embracing her like a hug.

Meggy: I missed what this felt like...

Meggy felt...free. Like herself again.

Then...she knew where she wanted to go. Falling out of line, she split the trail off and away from Axol.

Axol: Meggy, wait up!

Axol quickly turned and rode the trail after her...

...

The tower defence area was dead silent. No longer running after that morning's game, it seemed abandoned.

From behind one of the pillars however, Mario approached and was trying to be sneaky. He had an idea and his single half of a brain cell was working in overdrive to prove it.

Behind him to investigate we're Tari, Luigi and a very reluctant Desti.

Luigi: Why are we back at the tower defence area?

Desti: This better be worth something Mario. If I don't see anything useful in 2 minutes, I'm leaving.

Tari: Besides, I think I should be with Meggy right now.

Mario walked to the area where he saw the blue inkling move before, despite Luigi calling him back. Mario went into detective mode, searching every last nook and crevice until-

(Bonk!)

Mario hit his foot and tripped over something in the bush, making him curious. Why was this the only plant life on the whole arena?

He rooted through the bush...until he found a two button switch.

Mario: Aha!!!

Mario hit the green button, watching as a cannon emerged from the wall and launched a pile of Squidward's. Just like the pile he saw earlier.

Mario: I knew it!

Luigi: Fake Squidward's and an illegal trap?!

Desti was taken aback, just like everyone else.

Mario: Mario thought he saw something fishy!

Tari: What...what does this mean?

Desti: It means...

Desti curled her fist in a rage.

Desti: It means those blue bastards cheated!!!

...

Meggy landed just outside a local neighbourhood, looking up at one of the houses as Axol finally caught up.

Axol: Woah, slow down a bit! I almost lost-

Axol went quiet. Meggy stared up at an old looking house, big but still old.

Meggy: This...this is where I was raised.

Axol: It's your parents house?

Meggy nodded. She took a step forward, feeling a sense of nostalgia.

Meggy: I used to love it here...before...

Axol: Before you left?

Meggy nodded.

Meggy: I Never would have left...if they hadn't forced me out.

Axol: But...are you sure that's what happened?

She turned around curiously.

Meggy: What do you mean?

Axol: Well...(rubs head)...Before the second game, I kinda ran into your parents-

Meggy: You what-?!

Axol! But before you get mad, just listen to what I have to say!

Meggy backed off, "The look" being given as she waited for Axol to speak.

Axol: They said that they'd been looking for years to find you. They've been looking all around, but they could never find you.

Meggy: But why were they looking when they kicked me out-?!

Axol: That's the point! They said they never kicked you out, you ran away!

Meggy couldn't speak. She couldn't breathe.

Meggy: N-no...it's not true.

Axol: I'm sorry Meggy, but they only spoke the truth.

Meggy wanted to deny and say it was wrong, but then...

The worst headache of her entire life came across as she grabbed her head and screeched.

It was all coming back.

Meggy curled into her pillow's as she heard her parents yelling downstairs. Before, the yelling was hatful towards her, but now, she could hear everything so much more clearly.

Mr Splezter: This can't be happening!

Mrs Splezter: Honey, just calm down!

Mr Splezter: When I find that rat bastard that knocked up my little girl, I'm gonna give him a knuckle sandwich!

Mrs Splezter: Honey, Meggy's right upstairs! Lower your voice...

Mr Splezter: (Sigh) I'm sorry, it's just a lot to take in...but our finances aren't the best. I just don't know what we can do if she decides she wants to keep it.

Mrs Splezter: We'll figure something out...

But all Meggy heard back then was rage towards her. She couldn't take it and she decided she wouldn't be anyone's burden.

Grabbing a small backpack of belongings, she climbed down the Terrace out side her bedroom window and climbed down it.

Giving one last look to the home she'd never go back too, she walked away...hoping they'd never find her...

The pain of the most head splitting headache gave way to the feeling of a cool summers breeze as Meggy's journey through memory lane came to an end. Axol stood by her worried with a hand on her shoulder.

Meggy: I...I remember...

Axol: Then what happened?

Before she could properly answer, the front door of the house opened. Her mom looked with worry, but stood to the side because of what Meggy said earlier.

Meggy looked at her through the door. The emotion could be felt for miles.

Mr Splezter: Honey, what's-

Meggy's dad came to check what was happening, falling silent just like his wife as he saw Meggy.

It took Meggy everything she had not to fall under pressure as she walked toward toward the door. Her parents stood in the frame, paralleling when they were at her apartment just a few days ago.

Meggy: I...I'm sorry...I never should've left.

Meggy was shaking.

Meggy: When I had Crystal, I...I wanted you their more then ever. To hold my hand through labour...help me take care of her...but I was too afraid of being a burden, that I never came back.

She was crying...

Meggy: And now everything is different. I'm different, so much so that I need this damn board just to get around like I used too!

She threw the board at Axol's feet. He looked worried.

Meggy: I know things might never be the same again...but I hope you can forgive me for being the worst daughter in the world.

Her parents looked sympathetic as Meggy looked at the floor.

Then a double pair of arms wrapped around her.

Mrs Splezter: You never needed to apologise Meggy...we love you...and that will never change.

And finally, Meggy didn't need to hold back anymore.

Hugging back, she cried like a little girl and any kind of tough facade shattered like glass as she hugged them even harder.

Axol smiled, his plan had worked.

Meggy pulled back as she smiled, her mom burning her hand on water just to wipe her tears.

Meggy: M-mom...

Mrs Splezter: Shh..it's okay. You never have to worry again...

Mr Splezter: And Meggy, we...heard about Splatfest...and we're sorry.

She lowered her head.

Meggy: Yeah...if I didn't have to rely on that damn board-

Mrs Splezter: Meggy, there's nothing wrong with relying on anyone of anything.

Her Mom put a hand on her shoulder.

Mrs Splezter: No matter what changes come, just always remember that being you is all that's important.

Axol: She's right Meggy.

Meggy turned around as Axol pitched in.

Axol: Am I interrupting?

Meggy: No, it's fine Axol.

Axol: Okay. Look, I'm the greatest Manga artist in the world, but even I need Inkweaver to reach my true potential!

To demonstrate, he used Inkweaver to summon a version of Ryu as the two struck a pose. Meggy and her parents just looked with a blank stare.

Meggy: Your point being?

Axol got to the point as Ryu collapsed and faded away.

Axol: I'm just saying that your mom is right. You might not be an inkling anymore...but you never stopped being you. Your just Meggy...and that all anyone can ask you to be..."

He picked the Ink Boi off the ground and handed it to her.

Axol: Just be the best Meggy you can be.

Meggy: Be the best me I can be...

She remembered what her inkling self said in her dream.

Past Meggy: Admit it...We need to use that Ink Boi!

She took the board, a smile on her face.

Meggy: Thanks Axol...

Axol: Anytime...Beanie girl.

She turned around, smiling at her parents.

Meggy: Mom...Dad...thanks.

Mr Splezter: No problem kiddo.

Mrs Splezter: Do you feel any better Meggy?

Meggy: Somewhat. I just wish I had this conversation before I lost at Splatfest.

Axol: Yeah, I'm sorry about that.

But things seemed to be turning up as suddenly, The squid sisters dropped from the sky from nowhere. Getting back up, they pointed too...

Callie and Marie: Meggy Splezter!

Nervous, Meggy hid her face and peeked from behind her board.

Meggy (Quietly): Yes?

Callie: Congratulations, you are back in Splatfest!

Marie blew a kazoo as Everyone else looked completely stunned.

Meggy: What?! But how??

Marie: Well-

Mario ran right over them, followed by Luigi, Tari and Desti as he wore a detective hat and pipe.

Mario: Mario can answer that!

Luigi: We investigated the ink brigade.

Tari: And we figured out they cheated in the last game!

Desti: With a stupid illegal trap!

Mario: Hey, Mario did all the work! I wanted to tell Meggy!

Marie: Yeah...so the ink brigade got disqualified.

Callie: And as the runners up in points, you guys go to the next round by default.

Mario: Default?! Woo hoo! Default, default, default!!!

Luigi: Hear that Meggy?

Tari: We still have one more chance!

Meggy: We do?!

Meggy was surrounded by cheers as she struggled to comprehend it all. Even Desti, who'd threatened her just a few hours ago gave her a smile.

Meggy: I still have one more chance!

Mario walked over and handed Meggy her Splattershot with pride.

Mario: Just do your best, okay?

Meggy looked at her weapon. Surrounded by the supportive gazes of her teammates, Axol and her Parents, she took the weapon with glee.

Meggy! Let's do this!

Callie: See you! Hope you're ready for the grand finale!!!!

Marie: Oh, we'll be ready, and we're gonna win!

Everyone cheered into the night sky, before running off to get prepared.

Tari gave Meggy a quick cheek kiss before running away. Meggy smiled, turning around and blushing as she remembered her parents were their.

Meggy: Uh...she's...it's a long story-

Mrs Splezter: It's okay, I had a feeling.

She hugged her parents, smiling.

Meggy: Thanks for being their for me Mom and Dad.

Mr Splezter: You betcha kiddo.

Mrs Splezter: And don't worry, we'll be their in the stands to cheer you on tomorrow.

Meggy: Thanks. And when it's over, I can't wait for Crystal to meet her grandparents...

Effectively warming their hearts, Meggy waved goodbye as she ran off to get ready.

Mrs Splezter: (Sigh) I always knew our daughter would be great.

Mr Splezter: Yeah. Though that guy in the red hat is a weird one.

Mrs Splezter: Oh, definitely.

...

Back in her dream world, Meggy came face to face with her Inkling self.

Looking at her hand, she offered it to her past self.

She looked at her for a minute...before taking her hand and vanishing with a smile. At last, the two broken half's of Meggy had become one.

???: Don't get your hopes up...

Meggy turned around...it was her darker half...a shadow of everything she feared.

Shadow Meggy: You might be at peace with yourself...but I've been with you since day one. As long as you worry for your daughter, I'll always be here...

Meggy: Right now, I don't care what you think. I made a promise to Crystal...and I plan to keep it.

...

The day was finally here, the stands filled with people as the final round of Splatfest was finally here.

Marie: And it is time for the final round of Splatfest folks!

Callie: What an amazing tournament it's been so far!

Marie: To end it all off, the final round will be...

The screen flashed the words: TURF WAR!

Callie: That's right, there's no better way to end this in the same way it all started.

Marie: Standard rules. A timer will be set. The team to cover the most land in ink by the end wins.

Callie: Now let's introduce our final competitors! We have...Splatsquad!

Marie: And on the other side, we have...Killer ink!

Meggy and the leader of killer ink exchanged a glare across the battlefield.

Desti: Can't wait to finally kick their buts.

Mario: Mario's gonna kill some B*tches!"

Callie: Are you ready?

The crowd screamed yes. The rest of the Gang stood in the stands, Crystal cheering Meggy on excitedly. Meggy's parents were doing the same a short while over.

Marie: Then let's...Go!!!!!!

The fight began at last! Both sides ran in guns ablaze, Mario going ballistic and shooting everywhere. Meggy jumped from high platforms and shoot through the structures, KO'ing one of the inklings.

Tari hid in the ink and used a duck to distract one of the inkling's giving her enough time to shoot him back.

Desti was backed into a corner as she was getting continuously shot. She managed to dodge everything and shoot back, but a shot from behind KO'ed her and sent her back to the Regeneration pad.

Mario was stuck behind shelter as Killer Ink's leader and one of her teammates were laying down suppressing fire. Meggy slid over on her Ink Boi to help him, both nodding as she went with one of their strategies.

Mario dropped on the ground as Meggy grabbed his ankles. In a move that Mario used in another time, Meggy span Mario around and threw him in the air. Killer ink's leader barely had time to see before Mario sent her and her teammate got KO'ed.

With the Killer ink team down for at least a little bit, Team Splatsquad quickly moved to cover as much ground in orange and purple as possible.

Killer ink quickly made a return, easily shooting down Tari and Mario while Desti got KO'ed.

Meggy: Guys!!!

Meggy looked up. She was surrounded, Killer ink on all 3 sides available.

A tense silence passed as Meggy came up with a plan, before the whole team shot down at her.

Using her Ink Boi, Meggy disappeared into the orange floor and re-emerged throwing 3 Splatter-Bombs in the air. Shooting them further with her Splattershot, Killer Ink's leader bailed as her teammates fell to the explosions that followed.

Marie: Triple kill!

The crowd burst into cheers, the timer nearing the end.

Callie: 1 minute left!!!!!!

Killer Ink's leader retreated behind a nearby structure as Meggy gave chase. Regenerating at the pad, Desti saw this and followed.

Meggy walked into the boxed area. The silence was frightening, Having her Splattershot at the ready for anything.

But then...

The leader jumped from her hiding spot on the wall, barely giving Meggy time to realise before shooting her back into a wall.

Meggy, beaten from the impact, looked up as the leader stared down at her.

Killer ink leader: Just what I expect from a Lesbian Teen Mom...

Meggy snarled at her. She looked behind her and saw Desti moving sneakily. She gave her a nod as Meggy started to rise back to her feet.

Meggy: You have plenty right about me, but you made one big mistake.

She got back to her feet, smirking.

Meggy: You never mess with my family.

Stomping her foot to the ground, her ink boi appeared beneath her feet as she speeded toward at high speed. The leader went to shoot, but a blast of purple ink knocked her weapon from her hand.

Meggy jumped off her board and backflipped over her head, landing back on the floor with her Splattershot aimed at the leader's face.

Killer ink leader: H-how!?

Desti walked up next to Meggy.

Desti: It's called Teamwork, maybe you should try it sometime.

She and Meggy shared a fist bump.

Killer ink leader: Oh fish cakes-

A shot went off as the leader was KO'ed. The crowd cheered wildly. 15 seconds were left as Mario and Tari were boxed in by the other inklings.

Meggy and Desti returned triumphantly, putting them down as the former rivals rallied Mario and Tari to victory while the timer counted down.

(8...7...6...)

Mario and Tari held nothing back in claiming turf.

(5...4...)

Desti used several gadgets to cover turf, Killer Ink's leader returning with a yell of rage.

(3...2...1...)

Meggy ran as Desti grabbed her hand and threw her high off the ledge, squid jumping after her as the former enemy's...finally became friends.

(Honk!)

The horn blared as the time reached the end.

Callie: And time is up!!!

Marie: Please wait while we tally the scores!

Everyone went silent. Tari started to pray. Nobody could breathe.

Callie: And the winner is...

...

...

...

...

...

Callie and Marie: TEAM SPLATSQUAD!!!!

Fireworks blared in the sky, Meggy looked in shock as everyone else celebrated.

Mario: Wooooooo!!

Tari: Oh my gosh...we won!?

Desti: Yes! That's what I'm talking about!!

Everyone in the crowds lost their minds. The gang cheered for them alongside Meggy's parents. Killer ink's leader was furious, kicking one of her own teammate in the ribs.

Tari approached Meggy, abuzz.

Tari: Meggy! We won!

Meggy: Yeah, we did...we actually did!!

She gave Tari a bone crushing hug, before pulling the front of her hood and kissing her in front of all of inkopalis. She cheered at Tari blushed.

All their friends ran up to congratulate them, toad falling behind because of his size and lack of care. Crystal jumped and hugged Meggy, laughing.

Crystal: Mommy, you won! Just like you said you would!

Meggy: Yeah...I did it for you Sunshine...

Everyone picked up the team and threw them in the air, cheerleader style.

Everyone: Splatsquad!!! Splatsquad!!!

Smg4: We're so proud of you guys!

Saiko: I knew you could do it!"

Axol: Never doubted you for a second.

Bob: Let's celebrate! Where all the chicks at?!

Boopkins: Guys, party at Meggy's!

Shroomy: Oh, golly gee! Let's go! 

Egad: HEY! WHERE'S MY THANK YOU FOR MY INVENTIONS?!

...

Back at Meggy's apartment, The splatfest trophy sat in the centre of the room as everyone talked amongst themselves.

Boopkins: Was it scary? How's you find it?

Mario: I only broke 5 bones this time!

Saiko: Who knew you could hurt people so badly Tari!?

Tari gave an awkward shrug, while Meggy talked to Crystal.

Meggy: So Crystal, when I said those people were strangers, your Mommy just made a mistake!

Meggy pulled her daughter by the hand, letting her walk over to where her own parents were standing.

Meggy: Crystal, these are your...your grandparents. Your grandma and grandpa.

Crystal's eyes went wide. She a quick series of back and forth quick looks before she realised it was the truth.

In a way any normal child would, she gleefully ran up and hugged her grandma before being picked up.

Mrs Splezter: Aww, aren't you adorable?

Crystal: Hi grandma, hi grandpa!

Mr Splezter: Hehe, it's great to finally meet you kiddo...

Meggy smiled.

Meggy: Gotta say, never thought we had much of a chance at pulling this off. But we did...and I'm proud of us.

Smg4: Now that you've won, this is probably it for Splatoon related adventures! Unless...

Smg4 was knocked aside by Bob with a jukebox.

Bob: Enough yapping, let's get this party started!

(Music gets started)

Shroomy (Wearing sunglasses): Put your hand in the air!

Everyone except toad broke out into some kind of dance, even Crystal and Meggy's parents. All the while, Meggy sat on her couch. She listened to her friends having fun and smiled as Axol sat next to her.

Axol: Congrats again Meggy.

Meggy: Hey Axol...thank you.

Axol: Me? I didn't do much, that was all you!

Meggy: No, you helped me more then you realise. If it weren't for you...I might have never talked to my parents again.

She looked across the room, seeing Tari awkwardly introducing herself.

Tari: So, uh...I probably don't need to say this, but I'm your...Daughter's...girlfriend? Oh god, this is embarrassing...

Mrs Splezter: It's okay dear, you see like a very nice girl.

Tari: Uh, thank you Mrs Splezter.

Charlotte: Oh please, call me Charlotte!

Meggy's dad walked up and shook her hand.

Norman: Names Norman, nice to meet ya!

Tari: Nice to...meet you sir.

Norman: Just a warning, you hurt my daughter and I will break that arm.

Tari gave a look of terror as Meggy's mom whacked her husband in the arm.

Charlotte: Norman!

Norman: What?! I'm just kidding!

Tari: Yeah...hehe..very funny...

From the side, Meggy laughed before going back to her conversation with Axol.

Meggy: Without you, I wouldn't be where I am now.

Axol: Hehe, well I'm glad you were open to accepting help in the end.

Meggy: Seriously...thank you.

Axol: No problem...Meggy.

Meggy smiled. She looked and saw Desti walking out the door, standing to follow her.

Meggy: I'll be right back. Make sure my dad doesn't murder my girlfriend.

Getting a joking salute from Axol, Meggy walked to the door. She turned back one last time to see everyone having fun, before leaving.

...

Going up to the roof, Meggy found Desti looking over the side.

Approaching, she stood a few feet away.

Meggy: Thought you might be up here.

Desti: Takes one to know one...

They shared a chuckle.

Meggy: We really did it, didn't we?

Desti: Yeah, I can't believe we really won Splatfest...it was all me though.

Meggy: No, it was all me!

Desti: Alright, let's call it even and say it was a team effort.

Meggy: That I can agree with.

She gave a snarky look. Desti looked at the sun setting in the distance.

Desti: So...what's the plan for us now?

Meggy: What do you mean?

Desti: I mean that we've both spent our lives training and wanting to win Splatfest. Now that we have...what's next?

Meggy: Well, my only plan is to be the best mom and girlfriend i can be, maybe even get a house.

Desti: Huh. I'm not sure what to do at all. After my parents...passed, I only wanted to win Splatfest. Now that it's done...

She looked down at the floor. Meggy approached and put a hand on her shoulder.

Meggy: Hey. I know it seems confusing now, but I promise. Your destiny is out their somewhere and if you need help finding it, you've got friends to help you out.

Desti smiled.

Meggy: And whatever your parents are thinking now, I can tell you they would be proud of you.

She lifted her head, then in a surprise move, she hugged Meggy back. It took a few seconds for her to do the same.

Desti: Thank you...Meggy.

Meggy: Your welcome Desti.

She let go, putting her hands in her pockets.

Desti: Just so you know, I will break your thumbs if you tell anyone About this.

Meggy: Yeah, I got that. But are we friends?

Desti: (Thinks) Yeah...I guess we are.

They both smiled, then heard Boopkins screaming from the apartment. It wasn't hard to assume Mario was playing "Pin the tail on Boopkins" again.

Mario: Hey, stand still!

Boopkins: No, leave me be!!

The two gave a stare at one another.

Meggy: Wanna see who can get the tail on first?

Desti: You're on!

Meggy: Hey guys! Wait for us!

The two ran down, ready to play.

Boopkins: Help me Meggy!

Mario: Try it guys! Pin the tail on Boopkins!"p

Boopkins: No, not you too!

Meggy: C'mere Boopkins!

Desti: Yeah, get back here ya green turd!"

Smg4: Get him!!!

Tari: Carful!!!

Crystal: Go Mommy!

Luigi: Wah!!!

Charlotte: Oh, that poor child...

Shroomy: Yeah, get him!!!

Norman: Go get him kiddo!!

Bob: Get his green ass!

Boopkins: GUYS!!!!!

It was pure chaos, just like her life...

And in the end, Meggy wouldn't have it any other way.

To be continued...