Idol Bonding

"I often wonder if everyone else actually even knows what I am. Callie, Marie, Pearl, Three, Four and Craig does, but the secret's not quite out yet... Even in spite of Eight and many more of my people moving in.

I've lived most of my life smothered by a system and culture built on lies and suspicion. I thought I escaped one suffocating system, just to run into another. One based on ignorance. I thought it meant I won't be treated differently because people don't notice. I thought it made things easier.

I'm... still different, that's certainly obvious, but who actually articulates, or bother to research why?

'An exotic voice. An exotic looking big-sister.' A common refrain among my fans. The line blurs between appreciation and fetishism... Let me make this clear. I greatly love my time here, and the people I've met are so welcoming, and feel like I belong, but it was quite clear I'm not really... seen.  Maybe my casual references to my culture might register, but I dunno...  

What am I to you when I'm on the stage? An exotic woman who seems unlike everyone else? Maybe my hair's different? Maybe my eyes are different? Or my voice? And that seems attractive to you because it's so... unusual, yes?

What about off the stage, am I not someone who had their eyes opened to something new, something better? Am I not someone who ran away from home and felt lonely since? Am I not someone who wants to express what I know and enjoy from home? Am I not someone who still fears of showing myself as I really am?

I'm still that "exotic big sister", as far as I'm concerned. Well, not everyone of course. 

I... snapped last week thinking upon all of that. I was so tired. It's why I came here, to... let loose, mentally, emotionally, among other 'ally's, and be closer to those I admire. You can't see it here, but everyone was worried after last week. At least Marie, most of all listened to what I had to say.

I think of others like me. They too are emerging into a bigger world and getting their chance to learn, and live, and love, and express themselves. I'm not alone anymore, and hopefully that will be enough to encourage others to actually see what I - we actually are. It's not entirely change enough, but it's a heck of a start."

~Marina Ida

Splatoon 2 © Nintendo

Idol Collaboration

Mimi's Notes: "My Top Model, Ms. Ida popped into the office today, as she had a particular request; she wanted to have a day out with Pearl, along with Callie and Marie: the famous Squid Sisters. She sounded so nervous - after all, she's quite a big fan of the sisters in particular. She also mentioned ways of opening up opportunities for more collaboration; a good way to bond between artists, naturally.

I found it quite odd; this sounds like something she would have talked personally with Pearl - and then things became clear as Ms. Ida continued; she wanted a way to... let loose, and asked my permission to visit the penthouse, or "The Loft", as it's called, and use its facilities as they socialised. Hmm, I should probably alter the place so it's safer to be in for longer, though I'm sure they'll have fun all the same.

Regardless, there's no telling how The Loft will affect Inklings - not until they go inside. I suppose I'll have to keep an eye on them in case things get... weird."

~Mimi

CEO (SEXY FEET Inkopolis)

Splatoon © Nintendo

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