Howdy! So, since we just had a Splatfest, I figured it appropriate for out Imperial friend to host one as well. Settled on a name for the Emperor, as well as an appearance for him. As that was something I had neglected in doing previously. Additionally, all the characters look as they have always looked, including the Inkling and Octoling duo. Whom I have described previously in "A Sovreign's Day Out."

Again, if you liked it, tell me why. If not, tell me why. And if you have nothing to say, then tell me how your Splatfest went.

"Listen up Y'all! Big news just dropped! Hit em with it, Marina!" Off the Hook's rapper, Pearl, shouted. Her sudden announcement had everyone at the square looking up at the News Broadcast on the Deca Tower jumbotron.

"That's right! We have a very special announcement for you all!" The Octarian DJ said, "It's time for a Splatfest!"

"BOOYAH! I am so ready for this!" Pearl said excitedly.

"Calm down Pearlie, I'm not finished yet. This Splatfest is extra special because it is being personally organized by the Crown." The Octoling informed.

"Say what! THE CROWN! THE IMPERIAL FAMILY HAS, LIKE, NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE!" The rap artist practically screamed. Marina lifted a headphone to pick at her ear, grimacing at the light ringing she was hearing.

"Ow… But yes, His Excellency the Emperor has made an official statement online about the Crown's intent to host the coming Splatfest." The Octoling said, "Would you like to tell our fine viewers the theme for this Splatfest?"

"Oh yeah! I got it right here. Ahem. The theme for this Splatfest is…Oh wow!" Pearl exclaimed, "This is interesting."

"What is it, Pearlie? TELL ME!" Marina, in her excitement, demanded. Behind both idols the screen changed to show the two teams.

"Which of the Imperial Vassals is cooler. The Jelly Collective or the Crustacean Confederacy." Pearl said, the screen behind her displaying a cartoon Jelly and Crab man.

"Oh boy, it's gonna be Squids vs Octos all over again." Marina lamented with a face palm.

"Nah, it'll be fine Marina! This Splatfest is all about culture! The Crown is curious of the People's feelings about the Imperial Vassals." Pearl reassured, "Personally, I really like the Confederacy's culture. Did you know that Crusty Sean is from the Confederacy? I was asking him about it, and he told me some really cool things about his home city."

"Yeah, the crustaceans have always had some beautiful traditions. Oh, we should do a concert in Crustacia! They have such beautiful streets and parks!" Marina gushed, "But, I always felt the jellies had a more interesting culture."

"Really?"

"Yeah! The Jellies are a highly unified people and extremely hard workers. So, many of their festivals are expansive and grand. If you think our Splatfests are grand, visit Jelly Town during the holidays. One of the greatest things I have ever experienced." Marina said.

"We should do a tour their too!" Pearl exclaimed in excitement, "But what about you folks at home? Which of the Vassals do you like best? Pick a team and get your Splatfest Tees at the registration station!"

"And remember, don't get cooked stay off the hook!" The two said, the surprise broadcast ending.

Sat down at one of the tables near Crusty Sean's food truck, James and Joseph were watching the Jumbotron with interest.

"Huh. That's a strange theme." Joseph remarked.

"Yeah, ya think Augustus is trying to say something?" James replied. Joseph shrugged as he sipped from his soda.

"I don't know…wouldn't hurt to ask him, he is our friend after all." The Inkling said. The two went quiet after that, still not used to the fact that the Emperor himself is their friend.

"We…we can just walk up to him, right?" James asked, and again, Joseph just shrugged. Another moment of silence passed between the two friends.

"…I'm gonna call that maid. Augustus doesn't have a squidphone." James said, pulling out his octophone as he stood up from his seat. Joseph shrugged once more, not really paying attention.

About an hour and a half later the two were being escorted by the Head Maid down the halls of the Palace, to the Emperor's Study.

"Man, I don't think I'll ever get used to this." James said, once again marveling at the Palace interior. Joseph felt much the same. Soon enough, the three had arrived at there destination, the Head Maid knocking on the door and announcing herself.

"Your Excellency, your friends are here to visit you."

"Come in." Came his muffled reply, without another word the maid opened the door and waved the two inside.

Upon entering the two boys noted how normal the Imperial Office was. Unlike the Foyer, hallways, Imperial Bedchamber, and the Throne Room, the Imperial Office was purely utilitarian. There were a handful of decorations, including a large portrait of the Imperial Family. The Painting depicted the Former Emperor and Empress and the Now Emperor together. Notably, the then Crown Prince Augustus had yet to master his Bipedal Form. The Former emperor, like his son, had a base color of a unique shade of gold. Meanwhile, his eyes were a striking shade of crimson like that of his mother, a blue inkling.

Said inkling looked up from his work, his desk covered in quite a few documents, many of which would no doubt have an extensive effect upon the Imperium. He greeted his friends with a smile while he stood, coming around the desk to stand with them.

"My friends! I was not expecting you today, is this about the Splatfest? I believe the announcement should have been made by now." The Young Sovereign said.

"Ah, yeah, we did. And uh, we were wondering why that specific theme?" Joseph asked awkwardly. The Young Emperor looked confused for a moment, before he seemed to understand.

"Ah. Well, uh, truly I had no real ideas, but I was also curious if my subjects even knew we had Vassals." The young Emperor said, "And I had hopped to reward their centuries long loyalty by dedicating a Splatfest, one of our most sacred festivals, to them. Truly it doesn't matter who wins, this is for them."

The two boys looked at their friend with awe and a newfound sense of respect. It is easy to assume that monarchs and lords were all stuck up privileged jerkasses, and many in history were. However, just as many were hard working, dedicated leaders that gave their all for the people they lorded over. The Imperial Dynasty is but one of many cases in history. The man that started it all, Lord Adrian, was such an individual. It seems his legacy of leadership lives on in his modern-day descendants.

"So, which team have you chosen?" The Young Sovereign asked his friends. The two boys sighed at that.

"We haven't yet, and I figured we would just pick whatever team you are on so we can all play together," Joseph said. The Young Sovereign smiled, happy that he had made such nice friends.

It was nighttime in the Imperium, but the city of Inkopolis was filled with life and fervor. For tonight a Splatfest was upon them. A decently sized crowd had already gathered in the square, numerous booths and food stands had been set up all down the street. While the majority were Inklings and Octolings, there were quite a few crustaceans and Jellies in attendance as well. Pearl and Marina were already on stage, ready to officially start the Splatfest. However, a third individual stood with them. Dressed in a bright red regal coat, white silk gloves, long black pants, a pair black dress shoes, and finally a silver-plated crown on his head was the Emperor himself. Marina motioned to the mic stand, nodding, he stepped up to the mic and cleared his throat. The crowd turned to him and quieted down.

"Ahem, hello, can everyone hear me?" the Young Sovereign asked, many people nodding as well as Marina giving him a thumbs up. Nodding, he continued.

"Before we begin, I would like to say a few things. Tonight's Splatfest is dedicated to the Imperial vassals, the Jelly Collective and the Crustacean Confederacy. Since the days of Adrian's War, the Collective and the then Kingdom of Crustacia have stood with us as friends and allies. During the war, both nations sought protection from Adrian's growing empire. Adrian accepted their requests and vassalized them, their armies would then join Adrian in his conquest of the Old Empire. And centuries later, both the Imperium and the Collective would come to the Confederacy's aid when they declared war against the tyrannical monarchy, liberating them. In thanks, the Confederacy agreed to remain an Imperial Vassal, in exchange for more autonomy. More recently, the Collective and the Confederacy stood with us against the Octarians during the Great Turf War. So, to honor them for their many centuries of loyalty, I have chosen to dedicate this Splatfest, our most sacred festival, to them both," The Emperor said, the crowd awed by his sincere words, "It matters not who wins tonight, just that we celebrate our long friendship with laughs, merriment, good food, and yes, Turf Wars."

The Crowd cheered and clapped, only stopping when the Young Sovereign raised a hand, signaling that he had more to say.

"Now, recently I have made my debut in the Turf War scene. And in the spirit of Splatfest, I have decided to participate in the fun. As such, I have chosen to join a team. This decision was quite difficult to make, for my studies of our vassals have taught me a great deal about them both. Their traditions, their holidays, and even their most sacred moments in history. Neither party is truly greater than the other, however, I have taken a liking to the Cultural Festivals of the Confederacy." The Emperor said, unbuttoning his regal coat to reveal the Splatfest Tee he wore underneath, "So, for my very first Splatfest, I have chosen Team Crustacean!"

The crowd cheered, the crustaceans from the confederacy cheering the loudest. Meanwhile, the Jellies from the Collective applauded them good naturedly. Truly, the kindness of a Jelly has no equal.

"Let the Splatfest begin!" The Young Sovereign declared, a single firework rocketing off into the night sky, bursting in the shape of the Imperial Crest.

The End.