In the Valley Chapter 1: Tragedy Strikes
A week passed since the prince hatched. The Octarians were working away on the panels in the domes, making sure they were working and secure on the walls. All seemed to be going well, up until a loud crash was heard. DJ Octavio jumped upon hearing it as did Jr. Jr cried and he went to console him. He didn't think much of it since panels and stalactites falling were the norm in Octo Valley. It wasn't until an Octotrooper came running into his room. He was panting hard and looked like he was about to cry.
"Sir! Y-you need to come! Q-quickly!" he exclaimed through much stammering and panting.
"Why? What is it Octobob?" DJ Octavio asked, holding his son.
"It's... It's... It's..." Octobob stammered.
"Out with it!" DJ Octavio demanded.
"It's your wife! Queen Blanca! The stalactites!" Octobob spat out. DJ Octavio's heart began to race.
"Take me to her!"
"B-but sir. The baby."
"Now, Octobob!" Octobob complied and lead DJ Octavio to the scene. There were scattered pieces of the fallen rock, a smashed panel, and just a whole big mess. Octarians were digging through the mess of stuff in an attempt to find the Queen. All sorts of feelings swirled around in the Octoking. He was completely distraught.
"We just had our baby... She can't be dead now... We just had our baby..." he mumbled. Octobob looked at his king, concerned. He tugged on one of DJ Octavio's tentacles.
"Sir, you should go. We'll keep looking for her. Just try to focus on your baby." Octobob said, while still tugging. The King stood there, blankly watching the Octarians move away all the rocks and metal scrap. Finally DJ Octavio looked away from the rubble and made his way back to the castle. He kept reminding himself that he had to keep hope. He sat in Jr's rooming dead silence, awaiting the return of Octobob.
Several hours had passed. They cleared as much of the rubble as they could, but it was endless. There was no sign of Blanca, so they could only assume the worst. Her body was either completely crushed of it had fallen deeper into the Valley. They searched a bit longer, but there was still no sign of her. One of them turned to Octobob. They shook their head. Octobob bit his lip and nodded. He turned to the castle. He dreaded the king's reaction. He made his way to the prince's room where DJ Octavio waited. He knocked on the door. DJ Octavio basically came running.
"Did you find her?!" he asked while swinging the door open. Octobob bit his lip harder. He stood in silence for a bit. "Well?" The trooper sighed sadly.
"Sir... I'm sorry..." Octobob said while trying super hard not to burst into tears. "We couldn't find any trace of your wife... She's... She's..."
"Gone..." DJ Octavio said. Octobob looked up at his king. He looked so heartbroken. They stood there in silence. Finally he spoke up again. "I need to be alone... Octobob, watch my son for me please..." Octobob nodded and DJ Octavio walked by the small Octarian. DJ Octavio locked himself in his room. Octobob sighed sadly and went to watch over the prince. Once DJ Octavio had calmed down a little he came back. Octobob looked up at his king and noticed his eyes were a little puffy; most likely from crying. He didn't question in and listened to what he had to say.
"Prepare my podium... I need to make a formal announcement to everyone. Inform everyone through the PA." DJ Octavio said. He sounded devoid of life. Octobob knew this was no time to put up any argument, so he did as he said. Once the podium was set, he went out to the podium. Octarians were there mumbling amongst themselves, wondering what was going on. He cleared his throat and they quietly down. He was silent for a bit and they anticipated the announcement.
"There's no easy way to say this, but I ain't gonna beat around the bush or nothing. Queen Blanca, my wife, is dead." Several gasps were heard amongst the crowd and they all began chattering loudly and concerned. He raised his tentacle and they stopped. "She passed away earlier today at the hands of falling stalactites and panels. Her body wasn't found." He was starting to get choked up, so he sped up his spiel. "The funeral arrangements will be decided later throughout the- I'm sorry." He left quickly because he was crying again and couldn't bring himself to finish the speech. Octobob went to the podium to speak on his behalf.
"Funeral arrangements will be decided later on. In the meantime, go about your day as normal, please. For the King." They didn't argue and the crowd soon dispersed. It was truly a depressing day in Octo Valley. The panels projected that negativity by having an overcast simulation.
Another week had passed. DJ Octavio lay in his bed, staring at a photo of his wife and him. He sighed and put the photo to lie down. Octobob knocked on the door and let himself in.
"Sir? It's time..." he said quietly. "Please get dressed." He waited for the large Octarian to budge. Finally DJ Octavio rolls over and gets up. He sighed and put on his helmet. Octobob waited patiently. He dragged himself out of his room and Octobob began leading him to the area where the funeral was being held. Octobob was wearing the usual Octarian black boots and a small black tie around his waist. They walked in silence and went through a few kettles until they finally reached the funeral.
Jr was already there in a stroller, where a few Octolings were watching him. It was a sea of black and red. Many Octarians attended, all dressed in their funeral black. They all looked at their king sympathetically as he walked down the aisle. Some had tears in their eyes, some were already crying. The King averted eye contact from everyone he passed. He took his seat and pulled the stroller closer. Jr quietly cooed. He rocked the stroller back and forth. The panels began simulating that of rain and the ceremony began.