Its mid October, today's the first week that Azule will be attending class again; he spent about a month in the hospital and missed an equal amount of class assignments for all 7 of his classes. When he arrived at the main building with Cobalt and Reice, he was greeted by a roar of applause from everyone within range of his presence. Azule stood speechless as many people rushed up to him, congratulating him on his recovery; When Azule entered homeroom, everyone gave him a standing ovation.
Azule sat down at his window seat in the back, wondering what impact he had on everyone, reviewing the video in his head, looking around at his surrounding friends; Sally and Tangie came over with a bunch of packets, handing them to Azule.
"You've missed quite the work…" said Sally, dropping the pile of packets on his desk.
"These are all of your classes work, bud." Added Tangie, dropping her pile on his desk too; Azule stared at the mountain of work in front, mesmerized by the difficult challenge laid ahead.
Cobalt handed Azule his schedule: Advanced Literature (homeroom), Algebra, Advanced Government & Economics, Advanced Chemistry, Engineering, Game design and P.E. those were Azule's classes in that order. He had everyone in his homeroom, but he only had Tangie for Algebra, Violet and Sally for Advanced Economics, Reice and Sally for Advanced Chemistry, Fuchsia in Engineering and Game Design, and nobody in P.E.
"Well…don't worry, we'll help you out…" said Reice, pulling Cobalt over.
Many things happened since Azule's coma. The homeroom had already chosen their Class representatives in Fuchsia and Todd, those two were also voted into student council. Unfortunately for Azule, he missed the first major group assignment in which you work with all your friends on a subject of personal choice, and that everyone joined other clubs of their interest, because the clubs would appear on their resume for College or their Jobs should they skip the college study. Reice joined the Police club since he wants to be an officer in the future (most in relation to his situation at home with his family), Violet joined the Sewing club, Fuchsia joined the Gaming club, and Sally joined the Music club; Cobalt and Tangie were the only ones who hadn't joined a club yet.
Class begun as Mr. Seamore, a Cuttlefish, entered the room and ordered everyone to their seats; regarding the cuttlefish, they were a race of half breed Inklings and Octarians. Cuttlefish were despised by the Inkling and Octarian races since they were a mixture of both, but apparently that hatred has long since subsided since the end of the 2nd Great Turf war, the war that supposedly brought all 3 major races to coexistence, supposedly.
"Ok class, I have some announcements before we begin class. First, welcome back Azule…"-allowing everyone to give a round of applause-"Now, I have some upcoming events that you all will want to keep note of. The Fall Splatfest is around the corner with us only having next week and the week after to prepare, and the venues that have been decided are Mahi-Mahi Resort, Flounder Heights and Museum D'Alfonsino. So for the next two weeks we will be staying at Mahi-Mahi Resort and visiting the Museum D'Alfonsino. So prepare your bags for then…" he said continuing onward with the class.
The entire day was a good one for Azule, spending time with his friends at lunch and even making some new ones, too. But there was this bothersome feeling for him that revolved around Reice, Violet, and Cobalt. For the time that he'd spent around them, the three seemed like they were in deep thought with something heavy on their minds; of course, Azule had forgotten their pasts since his coma, which led to Fuchsia, Tangie and Sally to share with him once more who they were-Fuchsia still didn't tell him she was a princess though. But the other three remained silent regarding their past, feeling that Azule would be better off not knowing the truth; this angered Sally, Fuchsia and Tangie given how deep the team was beginning to grow before his hospitalization. At the end of the day, Azule stayed behind after school on Tangie's request to help her and Cobalt choose a club to join, for Tangie, this was her chance to get Cobalt to tell Azule once again. They walked down the senior hallway where all the third years had their classes, stopping by and saying hello to Sky and Aaron. The hallways were pretty empty at this time, with only the club kids staying behind to do after school activities in the classrooms.
"So Tangie, what are your interests?" asked Azule, lightly guiding his hand along the wall decorated with posters that students in the class created.
"Err…I guess I like taking pictures of stuff I see around me." She responded.
"Why do you like photography?" he asked cheerfully; she stops, looking down at the floor.
"The reason…why…? Well, many days that I spent in recovery while Cobalt was off doing work. I always stared out the window, wondering how everyone spent their time. I enjoyed the view of the city with all the colorful lights and the skyline, the noise of car horns honking and people quarrelling on the sidewalks…"-she starts playing with her hands-"I told myself that when I recovered from my illness, I'd go out and venture the world, exploring and capturing every beautiful sight that I come across…being able to reflect on my growth and success along the way…That's why I like photography, Azule." She said closing her eyes and holding her hand close to her heart; Cobalt looks away with a cold sweat.
How…How am I going to tell her…? I can't say that I'm just leaving her side forever in order to become the clan leader! It'll break her heart if I leave…but I must! I've already made the deal with uncle. Cobalt was conflicted, knowing he'd be leaving everyone in a few months to participate in the Tokugawa selection.
Tangie turns around, looking at Cobalt with her Orange eyes peering directly at his Red ones, "Cobalt…isn't there something you want to share with Azule?" said Tangie, looking to draw out the much needed conversation between Azule and Cobalt.
"Tangie…I don't think Azule needs to learn about that all over again. I find it might be unfair for him to learn of all of our screwed up experiences, he's a normal now…" said Cobalt insensitively; Azule's glare returned, it'd been absent since the day he defended Violet during the Rank Wars.
"Excuse me?"-In an intimidating tone-"Normal? No sir, I don't like that term as a description for anyone! Everyone is unique and special in their own way; therefore, no one should label anyone…" preached Azule; Cobalt sighed with a smirk.
"Indeed, you are still the same." Said Cobalt, remembering the kindness that radiated from Azule whenever he was around, "Azule, I have some things that I would like to share with you…"-he turns toward Tangie-"could you go on ahead? We'll catch up…"
"Sure!" beamed Tangie, cheerfully skipping forward, unaware of Cobalt's true intentions.
"You two have a deep relationship, right?" said Azule, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms and leering at Cobalt; those Blue eyes were as observant as ever before.
"Yes…I indeed have quite the connection with her. Seems you really are still you…you're as attentive as I can remember!" said Cobalt, looking to ease the pressure.
"Yeah, I heard a little about you from Tangie…" said Azule, focusing his attention on Cobalt intently.
"Azule, your memory… Has it improved?"
Azule twisted his mouth, "Well…I can remember select things that involve my sister, but it isn't anything major, only minor stuff."
"Azule, there is something on my mind that I would like to share with you…" said Cobalt, nervous at the skipper's response,
"I'm listening…" said Azule, closing his eyes and raising his eyebrows, anticipating Cobalt's words.
Cobalt explained it all, telling him everything from the first encounter they had, to the fight against Spyke, the accident he suffered, and of his past with the black urchins and his entire family history as a samurai. Azule stood there, his expression indifferent.
"A samurai, huh..? Can't say I'm too surprised…" said Azule, chuckling a bit-"There is this strange but intense feeling to you, like it's obvious that you have some kind of crazy past. Your Red irises just ooze bloodshed, the resolve of a man who's killed many…but there must be a reason more why you're telling me now as opposed to before." Looking around and lowering his tone; Cobalt peeked in a nearby room, which was empty, and motioned for Azule to head inside with him.
In a hushed tone, "Azule, I made a deal a few weeks back to guarantee your safety. The deal was that I'd leave here and return home to participate in the Tokugawa selection. It's a family competition where all the successors compete to become the clan head. I wasn't supposed to compete since I had ran away, leaving no trail behind. But when I returned, I put myself in for the sake of your protection at the time. The selection itself ranges from various events that test a samurai's skill and resolve; the final event will be a duel to the death between all members…"
Azule stayed silent, only keeping his eyes on Cobalt's. Cobalt sighed, not really wanting to move forward on such a heavy decision. "Azule, the reason why I'm telling you is…I'm scared."-His hushed voice began to get louder as it wavered with his eyes beginning to water-"Azule, I don't want to leave you guys! I've had so much fun being a regular high school student! No matter the issues I experienced, I always went to sleep happy to know that I'd see everyone's face in the morning…"-he wipes the tears away in his sleeve, regaining his composure-"Anyway, I wanted to let you know because you are the captain. Even though you may not remember your time with us yet, one thing I've observed about you is that you're a true friend, one that'd take a bullet to the head for his family. You always show concern for us and care more than any other person."
Azule cracked a gentle smile, "I appreciate your words…"-returning to a serious look-"But explain to me why I'm the only one to know about this, why is it that you are hiding this from the others…?"
Cobalt gulped, looking away for a second, "Azule, I don't think I'll be returning back here, whether I win or lose…regardless, I don't want to say good bye to you all. It'll hurt too much to see you guys leave...and I know now that you all are the odd bunch who'd follow me anyway to stop me. I don't want any of you guys getting dragged into my personal life… Promise me Azule, you will keep this between us."-His eyes shined with strong resolve-"Please allow me the respect, not as your family at this moment, but as a fellow man…" his Scarlet Red eyes clash with Azule's Cold Blue.
Azule closes his eyes and inhales deeply, exhaling loudly. "Go ahead; I understand your thoughts for some reason...maybe I had similar feeling? Anyway, I will not speak a single word on this subject. I promise to you as a man." Said Azule, giving Cobalt a fist bump; Cobalt breathes a sigh of relief, a bright smile enveloping him as he closes his eyes with satisfaction.
"Go meet up with Tangie, I'll be there in a few…I have some things I need to think about." said Azule, waving Cobalt off; he looks back and ponders the words Cobalt said, the lost memories of his "family" that he constructed. Azule recalls the heartfelt smile Cobalt gave on the way back, and the sudden feeling of understanding that he had to Cobalt's situation. What was that feeling…? I felt such a punch to my heart when he said that… He really trusts me that much…he probably hasn't told Tangie yet…poor girl.
As he exits the room, Azule's head begins to beat hard as his chest aches again-staggering into the wall and clutching his heart, breathing heavily. A rush of memories begins to pour in all at once. He holds his head as he kneels to the floor, his face turning red from the intense pain…What's this..? He thought, as memories of the orphanage begin to return, the memories he made with Squidcom were also returning; the unfortunate price was that he would now remember the horrific experiences he'd had as a child. Everything was finally coming together; he was beginning to get his memory back. He breathes heavily as his eyes dilute from the sudden shock he experienced. I…remember it all…!?The hellhole…Squidcom…wait a minute…who are these people..? What…why…I always thought I only had Sis…do I have others!? Oh my…I can actually remember it all!
Images of four Inklings appear, their faces are a blur, but he could identify clearly by their tentacles. The two tallest ones were a male and female, they appeared to be his parents, the male had Midnight Blue while the female had Lime Green. The next pair was also male and female, but they appeared to be his older siblings, the male had Dark teal tentacles while the female had lemon-lime yellow hued tentacles. It was a blurry memory, but he could clearly hear Sky's playful voice along with two others. But as the memory continued, a sharp pain ended it quickly, shooting Azule straight to the floor in unbearable pain as he held his head.
That pain was unreal! But the good news is that I remember it all now! I should let the others know, too. This would make them all super happy! Azule gets up, walking gingerly. The captain finally regained his memory!
At the very same time, Reice was out by the baseball field, ready to meet up with the Police club when he saw a very familiar face. Sky appeared, dressed in a casual outfit. So hot…! Wait…no! I can't be thinking that way about Azule's sister…that'd be wrong. Thought Reice, recovering himself quickly as she approached him.
"OH? You're the one who's joined the Police club? I'd thought it would be Sally…"-looking away-"She was the cooler one." Mumbled Sky, loud enough for Reice to hear; Reice already grew irritated.
"Why are you here?" asked Reice in an agitated voice, his Yellow tentacles waving along with the wind as he takes off his glasses to clean them.
"We'll talk about that later, for now, I'm your special instructor for the day by recommendation." Said Sky, pointing to the club leader; the club leader had faded Blonde tentacles that were braided together, with a small scar her right cheek and shiny Green eyes. She walked over to them, hugging Sky and greeting Reice.
"My name is Bianca, nice to meet your acquaintance…" she said shaking hands with Reice.
"Reice here is a member of the rising stars, known as Squidcom." Said Sky, fueling a conversation for Reice with the Third year club leader; Reice gets a little shy as he looks around, realizing the club was mostly filled with girls. Did I make a mistake in coming here? I mean…I have my reasons but this certainly clouds my thoughts with this many girls here…
"So you're that strong defender on the team? I heard so much about you from the fellow seniors that participate…" said Bianca, displaying some interest in Reice; he was also a handsome man after all, just not to the same charm as Azule or same coolness as Cobalt.
"Oh…yeah well uh…"-he places his hand behind his neck, unsure how to carry on the conversation-"We're really tired out from the tough season." He said with a fake laugh; Sky stands behind Bianca, shaking her head in disappointment at his lack of social skills.
Sky intercepted the conversation and shifted it over to girly things, guiding Bianca away from him. He spent the next hour performing intense training to improve his endurance with Sky as his personal instructor for most of them. Afterwards, all members freshened up; Reice walked out the showers, seeing Sky wait for him out in the hallway.
"It's later…what's up?" he asked, drying his face with a towel.
"Remember the times when I had this 'secret' that I couldn't tell you?"
"Yeah, you said when the time was right, you'd tell us…"
"Well…"-she sat over at a nearby bench-"I think it's time that you all learn of the big picture…"
"Hmm..? What about the others…shouldn't you tell them too?" asked Reice, scooting away from her.
"I'll tell them another time, you're here. But first, exactly why do you want to be a police officer? I surely thought you would be in the music club with Sally…" teasing him a little bit, knowing Sally's his weakness.
"No, my reason for joining has to deal with a family issue back home in Beacon Hill…" said Reice drifting away, aware that he'd already leaked out very personal clues.
"Do you want to talk about it? I may not be as good as a listener as Azule, but I'll hear your story if you want…I have some kind of idea about your family from what Azule told me…" inviting him to say what's on his mind; Azule had told her all about their pasts, so Sky kind of already knew what everyone has been through.
For Reice, he'd only ever shared his past with the members of Squidcom and Todd. He opened up; sharing the controversial past that tore him away from his family, rekindle a friendship with Violet, and his life as Sally's adopted brother.
"But…there's more Sky, there's been this news weighing on my mind more…" he said looking down at the floor.
"What's on your mind?"
"I…I fear that the war between Violet's family and mine is starting again…word got out that Violet and I are reunited again, which was one of the key reasons why a war between them broke out. But I got a message from my dad that he'll be hunting her down to kill, unless I opt to return home and assist in the family business and cut off all relations with everyone here…but I don't want to engage in such illegal and dangerous activity while at the same time leaving everyone I care for, behind…but I don't want anything to happen to Violet at the same time…" twiddling his thumbs as he awaited Sky's response.
"Well…that's quite the situation there…"-scratching her head-"did you discuss this with the others? I'm sure they'd help you deal with this-"
"No." interrupted Reice, looking at her with regret. "I refuse to let the others get involved…they've already been through enough lately. But I'm glad I could share it with you…you won't tell them right?"
Sky was phased by the cloudy eyes filled with trouble that gazed upon her, seeking her answer. "Sure…I won't tell them…"
Reice relaxes back, opening his eyes wide-realizing this was Sky's time to talk. "My bad Sky, I just felt so bad with that weighing heavy on my mind…but thank you. I feel much better now, please continue with what you were saying…" said Reice with full attention.
"Yeah…I was going to say that I feel you guys will be ready for the news that I'm about share..."-She looks around to make sure no one is around, leaning toward him-"I'm a member of the Inkling army…"
Reice slides back in surprise, "Eh..!? You're what!?" raising his voice a little bit; Sky has to shush him.
"How…?"
"The truth about these high school turf war events are that they prepare you for the military. Only the top teams from the best schools represent our army in the future, securing jobs for them after they graduate…this is the case for teams like us, Kidvel and Squidforce."
"So that's how you got special permission to use such weapons…"
"Yes. The reason I am telling you this is because we, the three top teams here, believe you guys are the next team to receive the honor…there are great expectations for Squidcom; Both school-wise and nationally… I just wanted to share that with you, I will with the rest later. Please, don't ask any questions regarding our missions and such."-Holding up her hand-"I am sworn to secrecy, so I won't answer any questions regarding that matter."
Reice sat in a thinking position, "I've been curious…you and Azule…exactly what happened to both of you all when you were younger? Like, Azule has this intense aura all the time, and we never found out about his past…perhaps you could tell us a little about you guys? It's kind of a mystery…"
Sky seemed perplexed by the question, although she didn't mind; it was quite readable judging from the range of expressions she spewed out. "Well, I didn't really want to be the one to tell our past…but I guess it shouldn't be a big deal. Although I should warn you, our story might be far worse than any of the past that you guys have been through." She got comfy, crossing her legs Indian-style, turning her body towards him.
"I'll only talk about our time in the orphanage…anything else is stuff I can't share, please respect that." Said Sky as Reice got comfortable too, bringing his legs up onto the bench.
"Sure, go ahead. I'll handle it." Invited Reice; the hallway is silent as they are the only two there.
"Around 8 years ago, Azule and I were placed in an orphanage near the outskirts of Inkopolis, closer towards Mollusca. The weather was always brutal there, no sunlight to give us warmth, cold cuttlefish nuns, and lots of bullies and a lecher for a priest. Azule and I were targeted because we were Inklings at this orphanage, a Cuttlefish orphanage by the way. At the time, Cuttlefish were despised by both Inklings and Octarians and were considered the absolute lowest in the social hierarchy. Because of that, the nuns and bullies took out their frustration on us with every little fault there was…and I was forced to do unspeakable deeds for the priest as punishment for things we never did…"-she clutches her left arm, closing her eyes as she remembers the disturbing events, then breathing calmly-"I honestly don't know how we managed to make it by…"
