Splatoon Agent Zero

by drz1990

This is a story about a 16-year-old boy named Blake Carter who witnesses the end of his world. He, his family, and a few hundred humans disembark on a voyage aboard a giant spacecraft to escape the rising sea levels flooding all the landmasses. A turn of events and a devious plan are revealed causing Blake to escape the ship in a Cryopod and land back on earth frozen for 2000 years

76. Arc 3 Chapter 27

Arc 3 Chapter 27

NOTE: So sorry readers, I've had to redo this chapter twice plus I've kept running into grammar fixing as well. This is another large chapter and after this I plan on trying to shrink the next last three chapters back 20,000 words or less if I can. This chapter was such a pain and I've done the best I can so if theirs grammar problems just use your imagination I'm fed up and ready to move on. Next 3 chapters will be I guess you can call R&R chapters and preludes to the next Arc. Speaking of which I'll try and not make the arcs so long and I've formulated a better way of improving my writing skills through word pad instead of using the format on the Fanfic itself. Another note, This is the final boss match between Octavio and the agents and because it is a boss fight the narritive is gonna be long but its not too bad. Maxie is about to get in a rut. Marina is reunited with Pearl and her friends and Cassie will face off against Xavier but will she come out the victor? Read and see and I'm sorry for the long wait I haven't given up and hope this strategy of mine will help out a lot. Thanks for your patience.

Just outside Inkopolis Plaza. Maxie and the octoseeker crew along with Captain Finn tagging behind them were in route to stop the octo rebels from activating the hypnowave emitter in the center of the plaza. The inkling army spread out with a recon detachment traversing own the rooftops ahead of them. scouting the area for threats.

"Captain Finn this is sergeant Gil. We've spotted the transmitter in the center of Inkopolis Plaza. There appears to be a platoon size element if not more guarding it," said the inkling sergeant.

"Thanks for the intel sergeant. Me and the octolings will push up through an alleyway leading to the plaza. You are to hold position until I give the signal," replied Captain Finn.

"You sure we trust those octolings?" asked the inkling sergeant.

"At this point I don't have much of a choice do I. Just keep me posted. Captain Finn Out," she told him.

The octolings stopped at the mouth of the alley and spotted the rebel defensive perimeter. Mostly comprised of octolings with some octotroopers. Shielded troopers on stationary platforms guarded around the emitter while octoballers rolled around coating the area with ink. Then the octolings spotted an octosniper perched on the overpass in front of the squid sisters' old studio. A few octocopters hovered about watching for threats from the air.

"I'm impressed with their defenses and the octosniper's not gonna make it easy," said the other sergeant.

"So what do we do?" asked the young octoling private.

"I say we go in fast and ink the crap of them! They won't expect it and hopefully that'll give us a chance to reach the emitter before they power it up," said the sergeant.

"What! We'll never reach the emitter that way. We'll get splatted before we even break through their defenses. I say we try a subtle approach. We'll have the squids start shooting targets and during the fighting we sneak around and reach the emitter and catch them off guard," suggested Maxie.

"Ohhh, I like that plan better especially if it doesn't involve getting splatted," said the young private.

"Hey! You octopi come up with a plan yet!?" asked the captain snidely.

"Yeah but we need your troops to get into position before the fighting starts. We want you inklings to draw their fire while me and the sergeant's team get past their defenses and reach the emitter before they can activate it," suggested Maxie.

"Sure I can get my troops into position but once the ink starts flying they won't be able to discriminate against you and the rebels," said the captain.

"They oughta know well enough about rules of engagement. No offense but you squids aren't exactly the most disiplied cephalopods around. I better not get shot in the ass since my back will be turned as I'm rushing toward the emitter or It'll be somebody's ass they'll have to be watching," replied an irritated Maxie.

"Is that supposed to be a threat. Excuse me but its me with the trust issues. It's me and my troops that should be worrying about you octopi. How am I supposed to know if this is some ploy? Don't think I won't splat any of you if this is some kind of tactic to get us caught off guard," said the captain. "You're making it harder for me to tolerate that attitude of yours, if I wanted to ink you then I would've already done it, especially an uppity inkling like you!" shot back Maxie. "Be fortunate that I'm even helping your squid ass. I just wanna deal with these pricks as soon as possible and I could care less about this damn city. I only agreed with the peace treaty so we could share the zapfish and our valley could get powered you ungrateful inkstains!" shouted Maxie as lightning was shooting back and forth between the captain's and Maxie's eyes.

"Well it was your people that stole our zapfishs, let's not forget, rebels or not!" growled the captain baring her beak at the octoling. "Listen here squid! I won't forget that it was your race that banished us underground and if weren't for that you wouldn't have to worry about us stealing those stinkin' zapfish would we!" yelled Maxie as the two were ready to tussle.

"STOP FIGHTING! THE BOTH OF YOU!" shouted the young private which quickly got both the captain's and Maxie's attention. "Surprisingly enough she's right. We need to save the fighting for the rebels. Every minute we waste time bickering is one minute closer the rebels turn on that device. So you two need to put your differences aside unless you want the rebels to win and peace thrown out the window, Truce! Ironically enough," said the other octoling sergeant.

The two of them crossed their arms and shunned each other. Their rivalry resided but the two didn't want to admit their pride got the best of them. "(deep breath)Now, I think once we get close enough to the plaza I think the inklings should start attacking from the rooftops. That'll draw their attention while me, Maxie and my two guys swim around, away from the shooting and make our way to the machine. We'll take care of the defenses and the inklings can focus on the retaliating rebels from below, fortunetly this strategy will work," said the sergeant.

"You better be right octoling... for your sakes," said the captain. "You have my word, now let's go Maxie," waved the sergeant. The octolings pushed foward with Maxie looking at the sergeant. "I should thank you for keeping me from yanking that captain's tentacles out. I never got your name," said Maxie.

"Sergeant Koral, Octoseeker Unit for the valley's air defense," she told Maxie.

The four octolings hugged the wall by the old Ammo Knights and waited or the inklings to get into positions. Maxie nodded at the inkling Captain who waited back for her to signal the attack. "Captain Finn to sergeant Gil, come in," she called out on the radio.

"Sergeant Gil loud and clear, captain Finn," he responded back. "Is your unit in position?" asked Finn. "That's affirmative captain, we're in positons and awaiting your orders," He told her.

"You're go for the attack, remember to take out their air threats first and also make sure that the squids don't target the octoling team I'm with. They're gonna make a break for the emitter and you are to lay down cover fire for them," iterated the captain. "Roger that! We'll begin the attack," he answered before waving the inklings to get into fighting postions. Once he did they started shooting targets starting with the octocopters.

"INKLINGS! DEFEND THE EMITTER AT ALL COST!" ordered a rebel elite. As the ink started flying. Maxie and the octolings changed forms and swam around the skrimish. Octolings and troopers were suppressing fire as some retreated to cover. One inkling was struck as one rebel was hit herself. Both sides were taking causulties as Maxie and her group got closer. The octosniper then started picking targets which forced the inklings to take cover. "Octosniper! Get down!" shouted Gil but one female soldier was splatted by the enemy sniper.

Captain Finn held up her N-Zap and hugged the wall of the store until she rushed behind a nearby tree. She locked on to the elite knowing she was the rebel unit's commander and elimanating her would drop morale of the enemy rebels. "KEEP FIRING! PUSH THESE INKSTAINS BACK!" she commanded. Then she spotted the inkling captain. "Huh, so you wanna play a game of cat and mouse," she scoffed before blasting her octoshot at the captain.

The inkling took cover as the elite growled and octo formed before swimming toward one of the overpass columns. The captain turned and saw the elite vanished. "Where'd she go!?" exclaimed the captain. The elite threw a splat bomb at the captain before she dove out of the blast zone. The elite moved up seeing she was exposed and attempted to kill her but she squid formed and got behind a trash can in front of one of the stores and fired back at the elite.

She octo formed and jumped behind the captain. The elite knocked the N-Zap out of Finn's hand and punched her down. As the elite aimed her octoshot on the captain she kicked it out of her hands and then kicked her in the face dazing her and making her stumble back. She whipped out a knife and shook her head. "(growl) I'm going to enjoy mounting your squid butt on the wall," sneered the elite as she lunged at Captain Finn.

Meanwhile the rebels were losing ground and Maxie and the trio of octolings made around toward the tram station. The rebels were losing personnel due to the inklings' high ground advantage. Their defenses were weakening as all the shield troopers were taken out by splat bombs and the octoballs were slain by the ink fire. Unfortantly for them the octosniper spotted them. As Maxie and her team were heading for the tram station a stream of ink landed in their path and the octopi made a mad dash fot the station as the sniper shot toward their direction.

"Was anyone hit!?" asked Maxie frantically. The octolings checked and shook their heads. "That octosniper still poses a problem. We gotta deal with it before we can reach the emitter," said Maxie. She turned and saw a group of octolings powering up the device as it started to glow. "Shit! We gotta do something and now! I'm going for the emitter! COVER ME!" shouted Maxie as she octo formed and swam for the device.

"MAXIE! Damn it!" jeered Koral. The octolings got ready to engage with any threats on the sergeant. On the other side of the plaza, the captain and the elite were locked into a battle. Finn evaded the blade swipes from the elite and took a jab at her face once she tried to dive toward the inkling. The elite rubbed her face and growled, intent on killing the captain. "Time to end this squid!" she said as she twirled her knife.

Finn eyed the N-Zap laying on the ground and dove for it as the elite charged. "Oh no you don't!" she shouted. As Captain Finn grabbed it the elite kicked it from reach. "Too bad for you inkstain, prepare to... huh," started the elite before the octoseeker team caught her eye.

"Those turncoats are aiding the inklings! Should've figured... wait...Oh shrimp, SOMEBODY STOP HER FROM REACHING THE EMITTER!" roared the elite spotting Maxie heading for the machine. Three more octolings rushed to stop Maxie but as the elite got her attention off the captain. She grabbed her N-Zap again and pointed it at the elite as her back was turned.

"HEY!" shouted Finn. The elite's eyes widened as she turned. "Too bad for you octopus," she scoffed with a smirk. Before the elite could react with a horrid expression she was shot and her eyes rolled back as she fell dead. An octotrooper shot at Maxie as she changed forms and shot the trooper off its platform. Seeing the emitter still being manned. Maxie was eager to get to it but then a trio of octo rebels jumped out of nowhere. Maxie stopped in her tracks and shot one as she dove out of ink fire.

The other shot back at Maxie as she jumped out of the way. One rebel shot at the pufferfish nearby causing it to coat the ground with enemy ink. Koral and her team shot toward the rebels which caused them to fall back. Maxie stayed hidden in her ink as the other ones hid in theirs. The octosniper set its sights back on Koral and her crew causing them to take cover but the other octoling with them was struck and killed by the sharpshooting octarian. "They got private Nel!" cried the young private.

"That octosniper needs to be dealt with!" said an agitated Koral. Unable to aid Maxie due to the sniper preying on them. Maxie jumped out of the ink and threw a splat bomb at the enemy ink puddle to flush out the rebels. It worked and Maxie splatted one rebel as she hopped out and the other was caught in the blast, killing her. The inklings had just about finished off the rebels as inkling reinforcements moved in from the far side of the plaza. The last octoling swam behind the emitter as the engineer hid behind it as well. "Get back to manning the machine!" she ordered the rebel engineer. Frightened she complied and started pushing buttons to get the emitter online. The last rebel shot at Maxie as she dodged the ink fire and returned with her ink. The rebels took cover as the engineer was nearly done.

Sergeant Koral attempted to take a shot at the engineer but was shot by the sniper. She screamed and by luck pulled the trigger and shot the engineer in the head. Koral fell back as the young private yelped and dragged her to cover. "Koral! KORAL! SPEAK TO ME!" cried the private. "YOU DON'T HAVE TO YELL AT ME KRUSH!" the sergeant yelled before holding her shoulder. "Damn that smarts!" she jeered in pain. "KORAL! YOU'RE OK!" the young private cried out as hugged the sergeant. "GET OFF AND ACT LIKE A SOLDIER! I'M STILL ALIVE PRIVATE!" demanded Koral who was irritated from both the private and getting shot by the sniper.

The rebel saw the engineer's lifeless body on the ground and bared her fangs. "Damn it! No valley traitor is going to stop us!" sneered the rebel. All she had to do was push the red button to power up the emitter. Maxie saw the rebel go for the console and struck her with her octoshot. Knocked down the rebel was determined to turn on the machine. Maxie and the remaining rebel exchanged punches but the rebel was losing. She tackled Maxie against the machine causing it to malfunction but power up. Maxie slugged her and threw her aside turning her attention to the humming machine.

"CARP! I GOTTA STOP IT!" shouted Maxie. She attempted to power it down but the console sparked and blew apart. She then decided to spray it with ink as it sparked and sputtered. The octoling saw the machine was about to blow and jumped out of the way. The rebel got up and aimed her octoshot at Maxie as she dived from the blast but instead the blast killed the rebel followed by flying ink and metal pieces flying everywhere.

Maxie's relief was caught short as the octosniper lined its shot on Maxie as she laid on her stomach near the destroyed emitter. Having no time to react the octosniper burst into ink from a shot by the inkling captain and her trusty N-Zap. Maxie was helped up by the captain who was grateful for the save.

"Thanks squid, I owe you one, that was a nice shot," complimented Maxie. "Well I should be the one owing you and your team. I shouldn't have been hostile toward you octolings but with the situation I couldn't take any chances. My troops and the city come first and letting you have that lead way instead of placing you all in custody could've jeopardized my leadership. I'm glad I was right for not taking you octopi in. Maybe their is a chance for peace for both our races after all," said the captain after she rubbed her head.

"That's understandable and I'm sorry for being such a... you know. Right now I wouldn't be counting war out because the rebel leader Octavio still hasn't been defeated. That squid girl and Blake went to go deal with him. Speaking of which I gotta link back up with them before they do face that old bastard," said Maxie.

"Blake... that must've been the human. I can't believe theirs an actual human still alive... That lead's me to another question. Why... did you kiss him?" asked the baffled captain as her troops gathered behind her.

"What's it matter. I mean yeah he's a human but I... guess you can say he's saved me and helped me in more ways than one. That's between me and him and I don't care what anyone else thinks," said Maxie. "Well, I do and so will command once they find out," said Koral as she was being helped up by the young private as the two came over from the tram station once the fighting was over. "If the octarian army command or for that matter the lieutenant find out. You'll be brought in questioning if not evaluation for your mental state. It appears you have a infatuation with that human. My advice is to rememeber utmost that he's a human and your an octoling, sergeant," continued Koral.

"Maxie has a crush... and on a human!" taunted the private. "You think I care Koral. Yes I might have fallen for Blake but also it's my duty to ensure his safety since he's the last of his kind. Orders from the lieutenant herself need I remind you," shot back Maxie. "Might have fallen... I don't think the lieuteant included you two starting a relationship. This won't look good for you and this clearly violates the octarian army code of conduct. Think what would happen if the whole valley knew that an octoling and a human were seeing each other. Everyone would question the state of our society and also our identity as octarians. If an octoling inkling relationship wasn't bad enough," said Koral.

"You don't know that," protested Maxie. "And you don't know how the lieutenant or perhaps even the empress herself would take this news. You'll be kicked out of the army and shunned from octarian society! I don't want that for you Maxie. You're a good soldier and I'm thinking what's best for you and our people," said Koral.

"You don't know what's best for me and I do...and that's Blake. I've never felt like this toward anyone and I've opened up to him about my past. Me and him have more in common than you think. Maybe not on the outside but the inside. I've already made my mind up once this war is over with and I see Octavio rotting behind bars. I'm going to go help the one person that's been their for me so far and that's Blake. Wait where's the other private?" asked Maxie.

"KIA for helping you sergeant," said the disgruntled Koral as the young private let her go. "I hope you know what you're doing and are prepared to deal with the consequences," she continued. "We can't be sure what the outcome could be. If inklngs and octolings can set their differneces aside for peace then why can't an octoling have a relationship with a human. If anything this may add to a unification of all races," said Maxie.

"Delusional to say the least sergeant but... that's your choice isn't it," said the uneasy Koral. "Good day to you sergeant and I'm sorry about your private but I gotta go help Blake," said Maxie as she took off for the square. "She's passionate for the human I'll give her that," said Private Krush.

"That's what I'm afraid of," replied Koral. "Well that was a little awkward but she could be right as strange as it sounds. I wouldn't be so hard on her. If she loves him that's all that matters. I wonder how that would work. I mean a human and an octoling for that matter even an inkling," said the captain as the inklings muttered among one another. "Don't get me started. Right now I need a way to contact base and let them know that last emitter has been dealt with" said Koral with her arms crossed.

"Well me and my unit will secure the area and see if theirs anymore rebel threats around the city. We'll sweep every crevace until they've all been rooted out. While I'm at it we'll try to get in contact with your people and inform them about the situation. Hopefully this is the start for peace and we can begin diplomatic relations once we're done," said Captain Finn. Koral nodded before the inklings spread out and covered the area for rebels as Finn stayed with the octolings to tend to the killed private.

On the way to Inkopolis Square. Maxie was racing to reach Blake and Izzy from fighting Octavio. "I just hope they don't run into him before I reach them. How irresposble for those squids to put a human on the squidbeak unit. What were they thinking. I have a mind to kick that grey headed inkling's ass for this," said Maxie as she ran down the alley toward the square.

The octoling sergeant could hear a battle up ahead coming from the square. "Oh no! Blake! Shit I gotta hurry!" she shouted as she changed to her octo form and swam quickly toward the source of the battle. Screaming and explosions could be heard and once Maxie reached the entrance of the square she spotted an unnerving sight. It was Octavio looming over the two agents with Callie wrapped in his tentacle. Octavio gloated over the two before backing inside a portal the big octarian created with the octobot. "Oh no you don't Octavio!" shouted Blake as he jumped in after him followed by Izzy.

"BLAAAKE! DON'T GO IN THERE!" she yelled but it was too late. She ran toward the portal but it collasped and the two agents with Octavio were gone. "DAMN IT!" shouted Maxie as she kneeled down and pounded the pavement. "Blake...I was too late," she muttered in defeat.

Two familiar voices caused Maxie to sit up. It was Melvin and Sernea talking to Marie before she followed Sheldon in Ammo Knights. "Huh, Serena... Melvin," Maxie said meekly. She stood and slowly approached the two octolings when they both saw her and were agape at the sight of their team leader. "Sarge!" they exclaimed in unison. Serena's expression turned to great relief as she ran to hug Maxie. "Maxie, I'm so glad to see you again!" she said with glee.

"Ok private, at ease," she told Serena, pulling the young octoling off. "Well this is a sight for sore eyes. Wasn't sure if I'd see you again sergeant," said Melvin with a snide look. "Can it specialist! Seeing you again doesn't necessarily brighten my day. After all it was you that got us captured in the first place!" scolded Maxie. "Oh c'mon sarge lighten up. It was my first time out in the field. We all made it...except for that backstabbing Obi. You gotta give me credit for that," said Melvin.

"Quit your whinning specialist. I need to know if you two have reached the octarian army command at all recently. I need to get a hold of the lieutenant ASAP and inform her about the situation with Octavio and the agents," explained Maxie. They both shook their heads. "Damn! I need go help Blake. Do you have any idea where Octavio went?" she asked them again. "What we could gather inside that portal thing was it appeared that he teleported back to the cephalon HQ in octo canyon. Guess that old geezer felt like he was getting his ass handed to him and he turned tentacle and ran back home, but unfortunetly that inkling agent and human jumped in after him. I still can't get over that a human is a squidbeak agent," said Melvin.

"Enough talk. Do you guys a have a means of transportation at least so I can get there?" she asked them. "Sorry sergeant but no. You seem pretty concerned about that human. Is something the matter?" asked Serena. "(deep breath)I guess you can say...I'm in love with him," she meekly muttered with a blush. Both stunned by what she had said, Melvin started to laugh. "You... in love and for that matter (chuckling) a human at that!" he said before breaking out into laughter. Maxie growled at Melvin whose humor started to reside seeing the sergeant's vindictive expression. "You're...serious? I wouldn't have taken you for the fall in love type. I always thougt you were a real ballbreaker," said Melvin.

"Keep it up and I'll show how much of a ballbreaker I can be," sneered Maxie balling her fist into the octoling boy's face. He gave a fake laugh and backed away with his hands up. "I knew something was between you and that human but...why?" she asked Maxie. "I don't have time to explain myself. I need to get to octo canyon and now before Octavio..." started Maxie as she bit her lip and walked away. Then the octolings spotted Sheldon's flying truck overhead heading for octo canyon. Marie waved by as the two octolings waved back.

"What now?" asked Melvin seeing the sergeant sitting on a bench dwelling on Blake. "I'm going to go talk to her," said Sererna as she walked over. "Sarge... I'm sure Blake can handle himself. Marie would've made him a squidbeak agent if he wasn't up for the task," reassured Serena. Maxie didn't respond to her and crossed her arms. "I know your emotions are running rampant right now and you don't know how to handle them. You've been a soldier since you were of age. You've never known love before because you lost your parents when you were a young hatchling and your seeking comfort...and you found it in Blake," said Serena as Maxie was starting to come around.

"I've fought some battles... but fighting my emotions for that human is something I've never had to cope with. I...love Blake but a part of me is urging me to resist the passion for him. He's a human but I've accepted our differences. As different as we are we have a lot in common. We've both lost our families," said Maxie as she turned her face to Serena. She moved her tentacle over and stared at Serena. "I want to tell you something Serena because I can call you a friend and I trust you. There's something I plan to do once the rebels are defeated... and that's getting into a relationship with Blake. I plan on resigning from my duties in the army and starting a family with Blake. I'm not sure if our society will accept thst and I'm prepared if they don't, even if that means leaving behind everything I've worked hard for," said Maxie.

"Maxie... think about what you're doing. I'm not at all against you seeing Blake and starting a family by the human but think about what you have to lose. Theirs so much uncertainty. Why not see how the octarians react to you courting a human. We can't be sure how they'll take and I think leaving the military is extreme," reasoned Serena. "I've done made up my mind. I won't fight this anymore and won't have anyone try to course me out of it. I'm sorry Serena but its settled and I'm counting on you to keep this a secret," said Maxie as she stood up.

Serena had a dissappointed look on her face and gave a slow nod. "I'll find a way to octo canyon one way or another. Are you coming with me?" she asked Serena. "I can't. Marie asked us to stay whenever the inkling authorities arrive and for us to explain the situation to them when they do," replied Serena. "Then I'll go by myself," said Maxie.

"Maxie! Hold on!" shouted Serena but then an octoseeker flew over the square and landed in front of the turf match lobby. "Oh great more rebels," said Melvin in annoyance. The octolings got ready and aimed their octoshots at the octoseeker. "You two get ready! Wait until they come out!" ordered Maxie. The three of them slowly approached the vessel before the hatch hissed and came down with the silhouette of an octoling slowly stepping out.

"HALT! OR WELL OPEN FIRE!" ordered Maxie. "WAIT! DON'T SHOOT!" shouted back a familiar voice. "Hold up! That sounds like...Marina!" exclaimed Serena as she lowered her weapon and rushed to hug the octoling popstar coming out of the octoseeker. "It is Serena!" shouted Melvin as he quickly greeted her. Serena pulled away as the three were greatful to see one another.

"Marina I'm so sorry I got you caught by those inkshits. I should've chased after you and stopped them but I..." started Melvin followed by a hand on his shoulder. "Melvin it's ok. I made it out thanks to the octarian commando unit. You guys didn't get hurt did you? I overheard them say they were gonna track Melvin down and kill you two. I was afraid the mansion would get attacked. Oh my cod! Where's Pearl? is she ok!?" asked a frantic Marina.

"Pearl's fine as a matter a fact I think she headed to the studio but yeah were still in one piece," answered Serena. "Not to cut your reunion short but I need to commandeer this octoseeker," demanded Maxie as she walked over to the trio."Huh, what for?" asked Marina. "That's none of your business octoling so step aside so I can get to Octo Canyon," Maxie demanded again.

"Octo Canyon why would you wanna go there?" asked Marina as Maxie was losing her cool. "I don't have time for questions just get out of my way," she said sharply. "What's her problem?" asked Marina displeased with Maxie's rudeness. "It's a long story, she's gonna go rescue her crush from Octavio," explained Serena.

Marina just scratched her head and then focused back on the studio to go check on Pearl. The two other octolings followed her but Serena stopped to look back at Maxie and the octoseeker. "Good luck Sarge," she muttered before heading into the studio with the gang. Maxie climbd into the cockpit and took control of the octoseeker. "Oh right, time to go rescue Blake. I just hope the training comes back to me piloting this piece of junk," said Maxie.

The octoseeker shook a little as maxie was rusty at operating the aircraft. She eventually got the octoseeker up high to take off for the canyon but in the same direction she spotted the octarian armada led by the aerodrome. "The octarian armada! What the shell are they doing here!? This isn't good. If the rebel prescense wasn't bad enough and now the armada shows up, freakin' awesome!" exclaimed Maxie in frustration. She contemplated whether to get to the bottom of the reason for their arrival or head to octo canyon and help him fight Octavio.

Maxie growled and punched the console. "I can't believe this crap!... but I got no choice. I can't believe I'm sticking my tentacle out for the squids. I need to see what's going on and who authorized this," said Maxie as she flew toward the armada. Onboard the aerodrome the bridge spotted the incoming octoseeker. "General! It's that hijacked octoseeker! It's...coming back?" said the crew member with confusion. "What! Have the ink cannons locked on it but don't shoot it down until the order has been given. What are they up to?" the elite questioned. "Colonel! They've stopped and it appears they're trying to radio us," said the crew member.

"Report! Try anything and we will splat you out of the sky!: demanded the colonel. "This is sergant Maxie, recon team leader! I wish to come aboard!" replied Maxie. "Maxie? The sergeant that went MIA in octo canyon a couple of weeks ago?" the dispatcher said. "It could be a trick. Possibly a rebel boarding party. Have a task force head down to the bay and be ready for anything," she ordered her octolings. "What's your identity number?" the elite asked Maxie over the mic. "Identity number J0113489F," Maxie called over. "Her ID number varifies. does she have permission to board?" the dispatcher asked her elite commander. She nodded and the dispatcher got back on the radio. "Permission granted. You may percede sergeant Maxie," she told her.

Maxie hovered under the aerodrome where the holding bay was. The bay opened and the octoseeker slowly touched down in the hangar. "Alright! Come out with your hands up!" commanded another elite down in the bay with her team aiming their weapons at the octoseeker. The hatch fell open and Maxie cautious stepped out with her hands up. "Search the ship!" the elite ordered. "So you're sergeant Maxie. The one that went missing some time back. You don't seem much. What brings you here and how did get a hold of this octoseeker. It was stolen not long ago off this ship. Care to explain," asked the elite sternly.

"Listen here. You may be a superior officer but I have valiable intel that command might need not to mention Octavio has escaped to the Cephalon HQ. Now unless you wanna ask me my why the grass is green and the sky is blue then I suggest I talk to the armada's commander and why the armada is here in Inkopolis," said Maxie snidely. "How dare you speak to an officer like that! You best lose the smart ass or I'll make sure you'll be scrubbing octozeppelins for the rest of pathetic life sergeant! I won't stand for disrespect, remember your chain of command! I want you to report to the war room for further orders. You're dismissed, now get out of my sight," demanded the elite.

Regreting coming a board the aerodrome. Maxie had done got on the bad side of an officer and still didn't get a reason to why the armada was in Inkopolis. She brooded over the situation and knew she wouldn't be able to reach Blake. She was so angered that she threw a chair and punched the wall before laying against it to vent her irritation. Then a familar voice called her name. "Maxie," it said. She picked her head up and looked around. "Maxie," the voice called out again softly. "Mother?" Maxie replied. "Where are you?" she asked.

"Maxie, your emotions are running rampant right now. I'm was getting worried. What's going on my daughter?" the voice asked in her head. "Blake's... in trouble if I don't do something. I don't wanna lose him and now I'm stuck on this damn ship!" Maxie answered in agrivation as she kicked a chair over. "Calm down, Maxie! There's no need to get bent out of shape. Have faith that Blake can handle himself. I wouldn't worry about him as much as you should worry about yourself my daughter," said Maxie's mother. "But I love him! and don't want that overgrown bastard to kill him! I've already set my mind what I'm going to do when this is all over. Which is starting my own family with Blake and leaving the octarian army for good," said Maxie as she crossed her arms.

"How does Blake feel about this?" asked her mother. "I...haven't told him, He loves me. He told me so," replied Maxie. "Maxie I'm sure he does love you but he may not be ready for a commitment like that. You've never told what you wanted to do?" her mother asked. "I know he'll make the right descision mother," she answered back. "Maxie I don't want you to feel that I'm being negative but your letting your feelings play with you and you're fixated on doing something that Blake may not agree with. Blake had shown to be a thoughtful and a couragous individual but I don't believe he's made up his mind what he wants to do. He's still troubled by everything that's happened to him and his heart is divided on who he wants to be with," she told Maxie.

"I don't wanna hear it no more! BLAKE LOVES ME! I'm a grown ass lady and I've made my choice whether you accept it or not! I don't want your advice!" scolded Maxie before her mother quit reasoning with her. It got quiet for the moment as Maxie called out for her mother and got no response. Feeling sorry for snapping at her mothr's voice, the octoling then heard approaching footsteps outside the door. The colonel and the elite that gave her guff entered the room with some regular guards. "So this is sergeant Maxie. I've been informed you have some vital intel for us about the rebels and Octavio," the colonel said.

Maxie gave a salute, "Yes, Ma'am I do. The rebels placed hypnowave emitters around the city to influence the inklings. Octavio planned on using them to assault the valley once he had taken complete control of Inkopolis but me and a team of octolings along with the inkling army managed to stop them and destroy one emitter. I watched Octavio get away and retreat back to octo canyon using his octobot to generate a portal that teleported him back to the rebel's HQ. I don't know how many more emitters their are and Octavio is still on the lose. Also two squidbeaks pursued him and one of them is the human," explained Maxie. "The human! What in the ink is a human doing with the squidbeak! Are you telling that human's now in octo canyon, possibly taking on Octavio!" excalimed the stunned elite, not happy with what she heard.

"That's affirmative. If you plan on sending a task force to go after Octavio and the human then I would like permission to join. It's my duty to ensure nothing happens to the human. This comes from Lieutenant Octillia herself," said Maxie. "Then you've failed your duty! This is intolerable! That human was supposed to be in safe custody under the squidbeak and now they've enlisted him under their wing! You were the one that let that human go in the first place wasn't it? This will not stand and unfortunetly I will not spare the resources to go after them. I hereby suspend you from your duties of having anything to do with that human!" said the deeply angry colonel.

"WHAT! SUSPENDED! But I..." argued the sergeant. "Did I stutter sergeant! Another outburst and I'll court martial you all the way to private! I'm a clear sergeant!" asked the disgruntled colonel. "C...Crystal," Maxie hesitantly replied. "Good, you are to stay here and wait for your directives. Command will here about this and the general will be displeased about the situation with the human. We'll see if we can even get in contact with the inkling forces and coordinate with them about dealing with the rebel threat. To think I had high regards for you sergeant but now...I'm not so sure," said the colonel as the group of octolings left out of the room. The elite turned to the regulars outside the room. "Guard this room and see that she doesn't leave," she ordered two regulars. "Yes, captain," they complied in unison. Maxie wanted to scream and held her tears back. She punched the wall and threw another chair and tugged her tentacles before curling up on the floor. Full of grief she laid there dwelling on what the colonel told her and the well-being of Blake. "Mother... I need you right now," Maxie whimpered, trying not to cry.

---

Nearly an hour ago. At the octarian army HQ in octo valley. Marina was be held in an interrogation room. She was brought back by captain Kova for questioning after she was seen aiding the rebels against her will. Fearing that she could be tried for not only helping the rebels but also desertion 2 years ago before she met Pearl after getting effected by the calamari inkantation. "This is awful. My worst fears of coming back here has come true and I don't know if I'll even see Pearl again if the rebels didn't take over the city," said a distressed Marina as she plopped her head down on the table.

After a few seconds, four figures stepped in. Captain Kova, an intel officer and two regular octolings assigned as guards. "Alright then, I'm sure you know how this goes lieutenant Ida. To think you were once a revered engineer in the army years ago and now you're dressed up in that... ridiculous get up. I bet every inkling male gets a hard on seeing dressed like that! Have you no dignity!?" shot the captain. "Excuse me for not obeying the dress code. It's my stage outfit since I'm the DJ for Off the Hook in Inkopolis. I'm not a lieutenant anymore and I'm sure you'll prosecute me for desertion as well," replied Marina nervously. "Desertion? please...my only concern is finding out what you know about the rebel's plans with the vault and who this Red Queen that I keep hearing about," said the captain.

"So you're not gonna prosecute me?" Marina asked. "Marina please answer our questions. This is of the utmost importance if what I heard from Kova is correct. Are their really humans and human weaponry inside the vault? We need to know," asked the intel officer sternly. "I overheard them talking about the vault and what they planned on doing. It was when they kidnapped me from Inkopolis and took me to the vault. They didn't go in depth of why they needed inside. That only it was ordered by the Red Queen. It was Opal that told me about the humans and weaponry inside the vault. She told me they were going to control them and use them to take over the surface and attack the valley," explained Marina.

"So my ears weren't decieving me, this has gotta be brought to the general's attention as well as the empress. We cannot allow these terrorists to get their hands on weaponry we have no knowledge of and not to mention controlling the humans," the captain ranted as she pounded the table. "I agree with you captain but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We need information about this Red Queen. If she is the leader then what does that make Octavio?" asked the intel officer. "A pawn," remarked Marina as the two octolings turned their attention back to the popstar. "Opal metioned that they wouldn't only control the humans for fighting use but also...BREEDING!" shouted Marina frantically. "B...BREEDING!" the two octolings shouted in unison. The guards were even shocked by the revelation.

"Is that even possible? This goes beyond appualing, because not only for that but for the fact their pretty much forcing themselves on the humans. What do they intend on accomplishing!?" asked the frantic intel officer. "Opal said something about creating a new race, a superior race of hybrids to inhabit this new world of theirs," answered Marina. "A new race... this can't happen. We won't let them attack the valley and we certainly won't let them carry out this...crazy new world of theirs. Not without a fight!" shouted Kova.

"This is worse than I could ever imagine captain. What are we to do? Is anything even being done back at the vault?" asked the intel officer. "I left my team behind to cordon the area and report to me of any activity. I haven't heard from them so far and I'm not sending them after the rebels because I have no information about the layout of the vault and any countermeasures or security systems that could be inside. I'm not chancing it," said Kova. "What are our other options captain?" she asked the elite. "I haven't the slightest idea only that Opal would know more information. I say its time we a little talk with the egghead traitor," said Kova as turned toward the doorway. "Hold up! I also remembered the rebels talking about an operative known as the Black Rook while I was being transported to the vault. A contact somwhere inside the valley in a disclosed location whose in charge of the rebel cell networks and spies," said Marina.

"Black Rook? cell networks...inside the valley?" said the intel officer. "I'm not a bit surprised. I'm sure Opal knows something about this. Thanks for that little bit of intel," said Kova. "Well what about me!? I've told you what I've known. You said you let me go after you questioned me and that you'd take me back to Inkopolis," demanded Marina. "I did, didn't I. I'm sorry Marina but until I get the word your cleared to go, you are stay in place. besides with the situation of Inkopolis I wouldn't be able to transport you back until things are resolved," replied the captain. "Sorry but I don't know what to tell you," she remark with slight smugness as she left out of the room. The intel officer follower her with the guards and made their way to the room Opal was being held in. Marina was dissatisfied with the captain turning on her word so she laid her head down and pondered on how to escape the facility and get back to Inkopolis.

"Can you believe she was a protege in the engineers... and now she's some pop star. What a waste of talent if you ask me and not to mention that skimpy outfit she's wearing. An octoling boy's wet dream," remarked Kova crudely. "Can we please drop this topic and go interrogate Opal captain. I don't have to debate fashion right now and I'm generous that she did give a little bit of intel on the rebels. Hopefully she'll get cleared and taken back to Inkopolis once things have settled down," said the intel officer. The two headed down the corridor with the guards in route to Opal's room.

"Well... let's hope Opal knows more about this Black Rook if we can get her to talk," said the intel officer. "Oh I can get to talk alright... once I smack the living ink out of her," snapped the elite. "Captain I would reconsider you not use violence. Theirs other avenues of approach and what good would she be if she became half-consciensce and bruised. I swear I don't know how the lieutenant can put up with you," remarked the intel officer.

"I won't take that as an insult. If things keep going the way they are in command then she may get reassigned and replaced. Oh I don't know...by me. So get ready to put up with more of me and expect things to actually get done around here like locating this Black Rook," scoffed Kova. "Man she's so stuck on herself," the octoling muttered to herself as the guards had displeased looks on their faces knowing Kova may be in charge.

The young octoling researcher sat quietly in a chair staring at the door. Unmoved and traumatized by the battle at the vault. Holding to her beliefs and staying faithful to the rebel's cause no matter if she was interned. The door slowly opened as she watched Kova and the others step in. Opal was cuffed and gave the group an apathetic stare. "So traitor, what do you have to say for yourself?" Kova demanded she answer. Opal remained quiet and unresponsive to the elite. "Answer me you little shit! Whose this Black Rook and where are they hiding! TALK!" she raved at Opal. "CAPTAIN! BACK OFF! Let me handle this! Theirs no sense in talking down to her like that!" advised the intel officer.

"What! She's betrayed the valley and put us all in danger! And you want me falter my anger! FINE! You can talk to her! Like you'll get any lead way with the little traitor," the elite scoffed. The intel officer gave her a glare and deep breath before turning to Opal. "Opal... You need to give up any intel you have on the rebels and their plans with the vault. We are well aware about the humans and your intent to control them through the tampered goggles that the rebels recieved from the Red Queen. It's also been brought to my attention about an operative known as the Black Rook. If you give up information then we can work out a deal of some kind," said the intel officer. "Pfff... you're wasting your time! She's not gonna talk. I say we beat the information out of her. She doesn't deserve sympathy for what she's done!" protested Kova.

Opal had a slight smile run across her face before chuckling. "What's so funny?" asked Kova who clenched her fist ready to punch the traitorous researcher. "I assume this is good cop bad cop tactics...well they won't work on me! I'll never talk! You killed my octo kin! It's you who are the traitors!" ranted Opal. "It's too late for you to stop us! Once the humans are under our power and become obidient to our commands! We'll retake what rightfully belongs to us and punish anyone who stands in our way especially you valley turncoats!" The octoling continued to rant. "I don't think so egghead! You can count on those dipshits to get their butts handed to them! Humans or not! You and those rebels will be stopped one way or another!" shot back the elite.

"Denial as expected. Enjoy thinking you've won. Once the Red Queen dethrowns the empress and rules the surface, they'll be no one to stop us!... But if you insist on getting me to talk then very well. I'll go along but I wanna speak with Ruby, that's my deal," demanded Opal with a mischevious expression. "I wouldn't dare give into your request backstabber! She's up to something! I say we..." protested Kova before she was interrupted. "Enough!" she scolded the captain. "Very well... I'll request Ruby and then you start talking. Got it!" said the intel officer as Opal just stared. "Are you seriously letting her call the shots? What if Ruby's unwilling to come and talk to her. She's the one that tried to kill Ruby in the first place!" Kova shouted still objecting to the demand. "What choice do I have! If it means finding this Black Rook and any other viable information then so be it. I don't like it anymore than you do captain!" exclaimed the irritated officer as Kova shot her a displeased look and crossed her arms.

Ruby was out of the infirmary and she had just made it back to the labs with her team happy to see her still in one peace and thankful she recovered. The little celebration was cut short when an octoling soldier walked in for her. "Ruby, you're requested at the internment facility," the soldier said. "What's this about?" asked Ruby as she was still limping on a cane. "Just come with me, those are my orders, ma'am," replied the soldier before she followed them with her team deeply concerned being she just got released. It would nearly be half an hour until Ruby would face Opal in the interrogation room. A feeling of fear turning into anger fell upon her. They stared at each other with Opal showing no sign of guilt for what she put Ruby through. Ruby wanted to bash Opal in the head with her cane but refrained her dark thoughts and gave a deep breath. "Why did you bring me down here to see...her?" asked a disgruntled Ruby.

"Ruby you have to bear with me. I know this is hard but she requested to see you and was willing to surrender information if she did. This is of the utmost importance to not only for the fate of the peace treaty but to the whole valley," replied the intel officer. "(deep sigh) I've bared enough as it is but very well. Know this it might not be the captain you only have to worry about hurting her and what about Otto?" asked Ruby. "We'll discuss that after she's talked," said the intel officer.

Ruby shot Opal a death glare as she still showed no emotion. "So...what's this about? What could you possible bring me down here for? As if you haven't hurt me enough as it is," said Ruby having to keep her anger held in. Opal started to smile which in turn made Ruby even angrier and clutch her cane ready to slug the octoling that was once her friend. "You have nothing to smile about traitor. You got Otto taken, siding up with rebels and trying to kill me in the process! You're going to have to answer for all the pain you caused and don't expect any sympathy from me Opal! You're right where you belong. In a cell! Why in the shell would you join Octavio! What could possible driven you to side up with the rebels and put us all in danger!? Why?" demanded Ruby as she sat up.

Opal then started to chuckle. Ruby's eye started to twitch as she turned red from anger. "Octavio? Please...he's nothing but a puppet. I'm not so much concerned about Inkopolis or the fate of the valley so much as our existence," sneered Opal. "Our existence? What's this all about then? Has it got something to do with that case in Otto's apartment or how about the vault? Elaborate Opal! Quit with the charades and tell us what you know!" demanded the intel officer.

"After studying human fossils as well as their technology. I've wondered more and more how we came to be. The race that was here before us and all the technology they left behind including the domes. If we only knew... but then I started connecting the dots to us and them. Do you believe the sunken sea scrolls are telling the truth or is it just a bunch of fables as you believe the promised land is? Think about it," said Opal. "Just get to the point already. Humans died out thousands of years ago and we crawled out of the oceans to adapt on land, well before octarian and inkling society even started. The sunken sea scrolls tell us that by our ancestors before us. What are you getting out about the humans? What is your so called theory then?" asked the intel officer. "Ruby ought to know this, after we obtained DNA samples from the two fossils we dug up as well as the blood sample from that human. Let's just say it could change our perspective on our existence as we know it and the vault holds the key," replied Opal. "Ruby what is she talking about?" asked the officer as she turned to the recovering researcher.

"The research results...but theirs no concrete evidence to what she's referring to. It's nothing but a theory as you reffered it to," said Ruby. "BULL CARP! It's not a theory Ruby and you know it. Just go ahead and tell them!" ranted Opal who bared her fangs at the group. "Tell us what!? I'm getting tired of the suspense!" exclaimed the intel officer with annoyance. Ruby gave a deep breath and wondered how the octoling would take the news of what she discovered about the human DNA as well as Blake's blood sample.

Not long after Kova and the intel officer left the interrogation room. Marina was inside dwelling on Pearl and the fate of Inkopolis. After a minute she remembered her lockpicking skills but wondered if she would even make it off the base without getting caught. She pulled out a tentacle pin that Pearl gave her when they first met and picked the lock on the doorknob. She peered out the door and spotted a guard at the end of hallway. Once she moved Marina slowly stepped out and octo formed in the opposite direction almost running into another octoling as the little octopus hugged the wall before she was stepped on. Marina decided to use the ventilation system to avoid the traffic. She could hear the echoes of the general's voice coming from the command center. "All's in place general to move in on Inkopolis by your orders," said one of her elites. "Excellent, we'll gather at the airfield and begin our departure once the troops are assembled and the armada can make its way to the inkling capital," said the general as she and her entourage left the command center. Marina panicked at the news but also saw this as a way to get back to Inkopolis before she started navigating through the duct work some more, following the talking of the general and her elites until she finally reached the airship bay for the fleet. She hopped out of a vent and snuck aboard after the octarians boarded the vessels and Marina in her octo form swam inside and got out of sight. She octo jumped to an upper platform and watched the troops from above, fearing the army was about to invade Inkopolis for unknown reasons.

It was nearly half an hour ago when General Scarlet had arrived at the octarian army HQ with orders from the empress and her cabinet to deploy the octozeppelin armada to Inkopolis to not attack but send a message. With the current state of the rebel's invasion of the city and the naval blockade. The empress would defend her territory from a retaliatory strike if the inklings thought war would be the only solution. General Scarlet was escorted inside with her entourage of officers as surrounding octolings saluted them. They made their their way toward the command center looking for Lieutenant Octillia. Instead the general saw only Octillia's staff manning the command center. "Hey! Where's the lieutenant!?" demanded the general. "General! She and the assault force attacked the Cephalon HQ in octo canyon. We're tracking the siege of the rebel's base was a success and they should be on their way back some time soon," replied one of the staff members.

"What's their ETA?" the general asked. "General we should expect them to arrive in 20 minutes," replied the octoling. "I cannot afford to wait 20 minutes. I'm taking command and preparing our forces to deploy to Inkopolis. Have the fleet ready to move in on Inkopolis in 10 minutes," ordered the general. The staffers were confused as to why the armada would move in on Inkopolis knowing it could possibly provoke the inklings. "These orders have been approved by the empress herself. You dare question the empress!?" asked the general seeing their expressions. "N...N...No general. I'll put the order out right away!" saluted one of the octoling staffers.

"Let's make our way to the aerodrome right away. Once we leave and make it into inkling territory we will form a perimeter around their city. We are not to attack unless we absolutely have to. It's time the inklings knew what they're dealing with and that attacking the valley would be a grave mistake on their part," informed General Scarlet to her elites. They nodded in agreeance and followed the general out but Octillia's staff were confused. "Why would the empress promote such as move on the inklings, especially at a time like this?" asked one of them. "I'm like you, this doesn't make any sense. Do they know something we don't?" asked another. "If it did come from the empress who are we to question her. I've done ordered the base to gather all gear and assemble in the zeppelin bays for deployment. Once the lieutenant gets back we'll inform her on what's going. She's not gonna like this but what choice did we have?" said the third elite.

The octarian army was assembled with General Scarlet in the front of the formations along with her entourage of elites. "It's time we show the inklings the might of the octarians. Everyone ready to board the octozeppelins on my command," shouted the general. Soon swathes of troopers and other forms of octarians boarded the vessels with the octolings bringing up the rear boarding the airships as well. It was a brigade size element and only but a fraction of the octarian military. The octozeppelins ascended out of the bays with the aerodrome leading the formation, commandeered by the general herself with hands crossed behind her as she watched Inkopolis in the distance. Inside the holding bay of the aerodrome where the octarians and octolings were held at as well as supplies, they didn't realize they had a stowaway on board watching them from the rafters of the airship. It was Marina from Off the Hook.

At this current time, the octozeppelin fleet was passing over the inkling naval blockade. The armada was within the bay of Inkopolis and dispersed to form a ring around the city as the general commanded. Marina knew she had to find a way off the aerodrome and down to the city below. She feared the action taken by the octarian army would be followed by a reaction from the inklings. She saw multiple octoseekers parked on the platforms that were suspended beside the holding bay but their were multiple octarians below as well as guards blocking entry to the octoseeker platforms.

"I gotta try and get past those guards. Theirs gotta be a way to distract them," said Marina as she looked below. The octoling pop star spotted vacant octotrooper pods below and thought of an idea to get the octarians attention. She swam down in her octo form and jumped above the parked machines. She got behind one of them and tampered with the circuits on the body of the pod. "Glad I was an engineer in the army. Now all I gotta do is hotwire the pod and disable the curcuit board. That should cause the pod to take off on its own and crash into something and get their attention," said Marina as one of the wires sparked. "Got it!" she shouted as the pod took off quickly and almost ran over a couple of octolings and a twintacle. "Look out! Runaway pod!" it shouted. The pod crashed into a parked octostamp tank and burst into flames. The octarians scramble to put out the fire and Marina octo formed toward the closest octoseeker as the guard was staring at the crash. Marina changed forms and opened the hatch of the aircraft before she got spotted by the guard.

"HEY YOU! GET AWAY FROM THAT OCTOSEEKER!" shouted the guard as she aimed her octoshot. "Oh carp!" replied Marina as she ran in and closed the hatch. The guard and a couple of octolings rushed the vessel but it took off with Marina piloting the aircraft and making her way toward the square. "Damn it!" jeered the guard. "Inform the bridge about the octoseeker and the escape of Marina Ida," said the elite on the scene. "And get this place cleared. I don't want have to explain about the runaway platform crashing," the elite continued.

Onboard the octoseeker. Marina was relieved that she got away and focused on reaching the square where the studio was located. It would be there she would try to get contact with Pearl and the other octolings. Hopefully the group would try and stall the war from starting but something was troubling Marina as she made it into the city not too far from Inkopolis Square. She thought about what Opal had said back at the vault and if the rebels would ever be stopped once they used the humans inside it. The threat of the inklings and octarians fighting among each was bad enough but what would happen if humans got involved. Things were looking dire and Marina had to find a way to stop it for the sake of both races. Her's and the inklings.

Not paying attention as she drifted into thought. The octoseeker crahed into a billboard. Marina quickly gained control and thankfully didn't cause sufficent damage. "Phew, that was close! I gotta pay attention and worry about Pearl and the city," Marina said to herself. She spotted the square and attempted to land down only to be greeted by Melvin, Serena, and Maxie on guard fearing the octoseeker was being manned by the rebels. After talking and getting shoved by Maxie who was eager to reach Blake by taking the octoseeker back to octo canyon, The three made their way over toward the studio where Pearl was located.

After Maxie had left the square on the octoseeker. Marina headed inside the studio along with Melvin and Serena trailing behind after they talked about the current events and their short comings. Especially the rebel commandos storming her and Pearl's mansion. Thankful that no one was killed. They went inside and spotted Pearl crouched in her beanbag chair. "Pearly," muttered Marina. Pearl picked her head after hearing the voice and seeing a figure in front of her that caused her expression to go from shock to pure happiness. "Hey Pearl," said Marina with a smile. Pearl shouted and hopped off the chair to hug her best friend. "RINA! YOU'RE BACK HOMIE!" shouted Pearl as she hugged Marina. "Pearl I'm so glad to see you again!" said Marina happily. They pulled away and smiled at one another as Melvin and Serena were staring seeing the softer side of Pearl. The little inkling turned and saw their expressions then gave a scowl.

"WHAT ARE YA'LL LOOKIN' AT!" shouted Pearl angrily with her hands on her hips. "Pearl...Serena mentioned something about the human. Is it true that he was a squidbeak agent?" asked Marina.

"Yeah that fossil was in some stupid get up with Izzy. Glad he's gone and why are you so interested anyway?" asked Pearl slightly jealous. "Well because...nothing. It's just why was he in an agent uniform? He's not an agent is he?" asked Marina with concern. The two octolngs nodded and Marina's expression changed and then she turned to Pearl. "W...W...Where did he go?" she questioned. "He chased after Octavio with Izzy. The two of them got teleported to octo canyon with Octavio and that squid sister. Marie and Sheldon went after them in that flying truck," explained Serena.

Marina gasped hearing this. "Oh no! Octavio could kill him! I hope Maria gets their in time!" exclaimed a distressed Marina. "I could care less what happens to that dumb ape. I hope Octavio pounds that hater!" said Pearl as she gave a jab in the air. "PEAAAARL!" scolded Marina. "WHAT! I don't like him! He's a freakin' fossil Rina! He should dead like the rest of his kind!" shot Pearl as she crossed her arms.

"He's the last of his kind Pearlie! If he is a squidbeak agent why would you want Octavio to beat him up? He's trying to save the inklings and the city of Inkopolis. I would think you would show some support. (deep sigh) You just saw him and you're now judging him because he's a human," said Marina. "THAT'S RIGHT!... you should be afraid of him too Rina!... You think he's helping us but what's to say he won't turn on us at the given moment. We don't know what that human is capable of and I don't see why you're so interested in that fossil," said Pearl.

"I DON'T HAVE A REASON TO FEAR HIM! He's just trying to stop Octavio and the rebels. He's sticking his neck out for a race that's not even his own. Seems pretty noble to me Pearl and I'd appricaite it if you weren't so calious toward him," said Marina unpleased with Pearl's judgement. "Hmpf, I'm not letting my guard down for one second. Stupid fossil. Lucky I didn't turn him into a real fossil yo!" shouted Pearl.

"Pearlie, you're unbelievable," said Marina who felt reasoning with the inkling was pointless. "I need to get back to my lab but with the rebels still occupying the city that may not be possible. I hope my lab didn't get damaged," said Marina.

"We maybe able to get you back to the mansion but why do you want get back to your lab?" asked Melvin. "I need to see if I can get a hold of an old friend as well make sure nothing was damaged or went missing," replied Marina. As the octoling pop star headed out the door with Melvin and Serena they saw the inkling army occupying the square. As soon as they were spotted the inkling soldiers held their guns on them and demanded they kneel on the ground and drop their octoshots. "Oh great, wonder how we'll get out of this one?" said Melvin with discontent. "Quiet octoling or you'll be eating ink," demanded an inkling soldier.

"Hey don't talk to my friends like that! They're not rebels, please believe me!" explained Marina. "That can't be. It's...Marina from off the hook? What is she doing here with these two octolings?" asked another inkling soldier.

"MARINA IDA! I'M A HUGE FAN! CAN I HAVE AN AUTOGRAPH?" shouted an excited male soldier. "You seriously carry around one of their photos?" asked another male soldier.

"WHAT! SO! I like their music. What's wrong with that?" he defended himself as he blushed. "If I remember you liked the squid sisters. Especially Marie and you were jumping for joy when she won the splatfest," he pointed out to the inkling who blushed too. "SHUT UP! the squid sisters are awesome. I hated to hear they quit giving the Inkopolis News and doing the splatfests," he exclaimed.

"Look! You know who I am and you would belive me if I told you my two friends aren't octo rebels," said Marina as the two soldiers stopped bickering. "Then who are they? They're wearing uniforms and carrying weapons," pointed out one of the inklings.

"We're part of the neo-octarian army. We're here to put a stop to the rebels and their plans. Where were you guys when the octozeppelins entered your airspace?" asked Melvin snidely. "Don't get cocky octopus! You octarians jammed our radar and our communications! I think we should take you in whether Marina's right or not. You have no business in inkling territory especially after you stole the great zapfish," scoffed the inkling soldier.

"Listen here squid! We didn't take your damn zapfish it was those degenerate rebels and their so-called king Octavio. So get off our tentacles and do your jobs and defend the city from the real threats," exclaimed an agitated Melvin. "Keep talking and you'll be a puddle on the ground!" threatened the inkling.

"STOW IT THE BOTH OF YOU! Right now as it stands the two octolings will not be detained but they will be held for questioning once we've been given the all clear, understand," The inkling sergeant said. "Roger, sergeant," the soldier replied.

"Good and as for you two, you better thank Marina and the fact you were complicit to our orders. You'll both be taken into custody and brought to the IDF HQ along with Marina. Let's get one thing straight though. You might not pose a threat but the octarians did invade and attack our city with these emitter devices I'm hearing about. You best start explaining once we get back," said the sergeant to the two octolings. "SARGE! WE'RE GETTING REPORTS ABOUT THE OCTARIAN ARMADA ENTERING OUR AIRSPACE! THAT COULD MEAN ONLY ONE THING!" shouted a soldier frantically over the radio.

"The octarians want war... keep a close eye these two! Get a hold of Commander Armie and the chancellor right away! Do whatever it takes to stop the octarians! We will not have the city taken by those octopi!" exclaimed the sergeant sternly.

---

Blake and Izzy found themselves back at the cephalon HQ. Disoriented from the trip, the two agents picked themselves up and looked at their surroundings. "Geez...I thought the tea kettles were bad," said Blake holding his stomach. "Izzy, you good?" asked Blake as he watched the inkling girl stand up. "Yeah, how about you?" she asked back. "A little tipsy but ok. I wonder how the heck Octavio did that?" he asked. "I'm not sure. Speaking of which. Where is Octavio?" questioned Izzy as the two of them looked and saw the staging area below them from a floating platform they were on. The staging area was a large circular disc that was suspended above a giant pool of purple goo. It was surrounded by stands and above them were screens and stage lights you would see inside a stadium. "Blake look!" shouted Izzy. On the far half of the floating arena was what appeared to a small stage with speakers on each side. A figure with their back turned was standing in the middle, surrounded by octarian ink, covering the floor. "Is that, Callie!" shouted Blake seeing the long drooping black tentacles tied into a bun.

"It is!" shouted Izzy with glee before she tried to rush toward the arena. "Izzy hold on! Something's not right. Where's Octavio?" asked Blake with suspicion. "But Callie's down there! now's our chance to get her before Octavio shows up," she whined. "That's just it. I think Octavio's using her for bait. We gotta stay on our toes and expect Octavio to make an appearance once we do get down there," said Blake.

"So what do we do then?" she asked him. "We get Cal but stay on your toes and expect anything. I've got a feeling Octavio's not done with us yet," replied Blake. The two of them turn back to the stage and the figure they believed was Callie. Blake gave a deep breath and readied his modified bamboozler as Izzy held up her hero duelies. "Let's go!" shouted Blake. They hopped on a launch pad that was resting on the platform and jumped to the floating arena. They looked at the figure and it was evident it was Callie but where was Octavio? "Callie?" called Blake and got no reaction form the squid sister. They decided to cautiously walk up and until Callie finally turned around. She had her arms crossed, still in the revealing spandex outfit that Octavio put her in and was wearing the hypnoshades once again.

"Callie. It's me Blake. We're here to rescue you. Where's Octavio?" he asked Callie who was acting apathetic. She looked as if she was not happy seeing the two agents. "Blake? What's wrong with her? Why isn't she happy to see us?" asked Izzy.

"I don't know? She's not herself," replied Blake. "Cal! Where's Octavio?... Cal?" he asked the squid sister again pondering on her expression.

"You need to leave!" she shouted.

The two agents were shocked at what she said. "Huh... why? Cal what's wrong? Don't you wanna..." started Blake as she interrupted the human agent.

"Now you leave me no choice!" she exclaimed as she moved her arms around in a stage pose. Izzy and Blake backed up, still stunned by Callie's behavior. "Prepared to be rocked!" she shouted again as she leaned forward with her arm swung out. "Hey DJ!" she yelled pumping her hands in the air. Then suddenly, the small stage lifted up with the octobot king rising out of the ink. The robot lifted up revealing Octavio in the cockpit and the great zapfish being pulled in at the bottom of the octobot itself. "Blake! It's the great zapfish! It was inside Octavio's robot this whole time!" shouted Izzy. As the octobot rose up the great zapfish flailed around as it got sucked up by the robot. The octobot gave a loud obnoxious horn sound that echoed throughout the stadium and emitted a bright light as the giant flying robot was powered up by the great zapfish that it absorbed.

"Octavio in tha houuuuuuuuuse!" shouted Octavio. "(laughing) I remixed Callie's brain...again! Let's see you get the hipster back now!" he gloated.

"Time for our first song of the night, BOMB RUSH BLUSH!" said Callie on top of the octobot king.

"Time to drop the beat down!" boomed Octavio.

"Spin it DJ!" replied Callie. A remixed version of Callie's song blared from the octobot speakers and Callie moved to the groove as she shhok her hips.

Then Octavio honed in on the two agents and launched his robot fist at the two. Blake and Izzy separated and dodged the fist as it struck the floor. "Callie! Why are you helping Octavio!?" Blake shouted. The fist got reeled back in and Octavio launched the other one back toward Blake. He didn't move as he watched the fist fly at him but Izzy shot at it causing it to deflect back at the octobot king.

"Blake! Get up! We got no choice but to fight them!" Izzy exclaimed as she picked him up.

"But...Callie," panned Blake. Izzy shook her head with a distress look on her face. "I'm gonna remix both y'alls faces!" Octavio shouted as he spun up the robot fists and launched them at the two. Izzy shot at the fist but it had no effect and it knocked the two agents back as they landed on the platform. Blake moaned and slowly sat up as he saw Izzy lying motionless on the floor. "No...Izzy!" he shouted at the inkling.

"What's the matter bonehead? Afraid to attack since I got Callie with me. You can't evade my attacks forever fossil! Prepare to end up like that inkstain agent! Let's see if you can dodge my splat bombs! Let's turn up the beat! Hit it!" shouted Octavio.

Callie started singing her solo: bomb rush blush as Octavio's robot lobbed splat bombs at Blake coating the arena with octarian ink. Blake managed to get away from the bombs and turned his attention to Octavio once he was done. He cranked up the modified bamboozler and shot a powerful stream at the robot but it didn't have any effect. The forcefield was active and Octavio laughed at Blake's attempt to hit him. "Damn it!" jeered Blake. Octavio launched another fist at the human before he jumped out of the way. Blake cranked up the weapon again and fired it at the robot with still no luck. "Give it up Blake! You don't have a chance of defeating me! You didn't beat me then and you won't beat me now!" scoffed the hulking octopus.

"That's where you're wrong Octavio. I don't need a robot or an army of mindless goons to defeat you. I have friends and the will to save Inkopolis and get Callie back," replied Blake sternly as he held his ground and glared up at the octarian ruler. "Delusion will cloud your perspective human! Power is the only thing that will decide this match and you fail to understand that! You'll never stop my plans and you will fail to retrieve the hipster's granddaughter back and saving all those wretched inkstains like your agent friend. I implore you give up while I still offer you the chance and join me like I offered you a hundred years ago to help me defeat the inklings. You best wise up Blake and take my offer. You'll be reunited with Callie," he baited Blake.

Blake's anger overtook him and squeezed the handle of the bamboozler and bared down his teeth. "How dare you EVEN THINK I WOULD EVER SIDE UP WITH YOU AFTER ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE!" roared Blake as Octavio narrowed his eyes and leered at the human. "I'd rather die than join you! You pathetic ink bag!" shot Blake.

"THEN SO BE IT!" boomed Octavio as he launched an octo missile at Blake. A quietness fell upon the stadium after the missile struck and consumed Blake in a big burst of ink. Nothing was left but a large puddle of purple ink left by the missile and Blake's modified bamboozler laying on the floor. Izzy finally woke up and looked around. "B...Blake...Blake!" she called out his name. "Too late," remarked Octavio as Izzy turned toward him.

The octobot king lowered down with Octavio was now staring at the inkling agent. "I've buried that bonehead in a pool of ink," he scoffed. "What..." replied Izzy baffled as she turned her head and spotted the large pool of ink and the bamboozler laying on the floor. "No...BLAAAAAAKE! How could you!" cried Izzy. Callie's expression was even saddened as a tear ran down her face from behind the shades. Seeing her human crush get splatted by the missile. The inkling grieved and couldn't face the reality that Blake was actually dead.

"Well time to finish the job and splat one last pesky inkstain. Don't worry agent, you'll be joining that fossil very shortly," said Octavio before he ascended over the arena. He readied to launch an octo missile at Izzy. Feeling helpless to see Blake was gone, she didn't even attempt to get up and face Octavio. Then out of nowhere a figure stood over the small overlooking platform that floated off to the side. The three looked and spotted what appeared to be someone looking down on the arena where they were all at. "OCTAVIO!" they shouted. The large octopus stared at wonderment and confusion at the individual. "Who are you!?" he asked them in a smug tone.

The figure was a tall inkling with yellow tentacles. The tentacles resembled the style of matted hair and he had blue eyes around his mask. His clothing consisting of headphones, a florescent yellow t shirt with reflective bands and a black long sleeve undershirt under it. He had black shorts and colored sneakers to match his outfit. It was Blake in his inkling form from when he was fighting the rebels back at the cephalon HQ. "Don't recognize me? Well here let me come closer!" shouted Blake with a smirk as he squid formed and shot over to the arena.

Izzy stared at the figure. Something was uncanny about the tall inkling as if she knew him. Seeing the agent uniform he was wearing, her eyes widened realizing who they were and how that could be. "B...Blake!?" she cried. He turned to her with a smile and gave a nod.

"But...how...how are you an inkling!?" exclaimed Izzy in complete shock.

"No...that can't be... I watched you splat! What's going on!?" demanded a stunned Octavio not believing what he was seeing. Callie was in disbelief as her eyes were as wide as saucers behind the hypnoshades.

"I told you before Octavio. That I'd beat you...and I meant it," said inkling Blake as he stared at Octavio. Callie was speechless and wanted to faint at the sight of Blake not only alive but as an inkling. He picked up his modified bamboozler and held it up. "You ready Octavio?" Blake asked snidely. Octavio's eyes twitched and he slammed his wasabi stalks on the turntables. "PREPARE FOR THE BEATING OF YOUR LIFE YOU HIPSTERS!" boomed Octavio. Octavio rubbed the stalks and the hypnotic beats of his music sapped Callie back under the control of Octavio once again.

"DJ! Drop that wasabi beat!" she shouted as the octobot lifted up. The fists spun up and launched at the two inkling agents. Both Blake and Izzy dove into their ink as the fists slammed into the platform. The two agents swam through the ink, out of sight from the hulking octopus. "You can't hide in that ink forever inkstains!" shouted Octavio as he looked around. He launched suction bombs on the arena below to flush out the two agents. The bombs recoated the floor with octarian ink and the two agents had no choice but to jump out of the ink.

"I'M GONNA REMIX BOTH YA FACES!" boomed the DJ as he launched his fists again. This time Izzy shot at one fist and Blake the other, shooting a powerful burst of ink out of his bamboozler causing the two robot fists to deflect and fly back at Octavio. He bellowed as the robot shook from the hit and Callie stumbled to stay on her feet. "Blake! What about Callie!?" exclaimed Izzy. "Don't worry Izzy. I've got a plan to get to Callie but we gotta try and wear Octavio out as well as that robot," said Blake.

Octavio growled and slammed his wasabi stalks back on the turntable. "No more playing around. Rehearsal time is over! Prepare to get dumbstomped into oblivion you hipsters!" he shouted at the agents. He launched both his suction bombs and fists at the agents to make evasion nearly impossible to his attacks. The bombs burst and fists went to flying at the two of them. Blake and Izzy dove into the ink again and the fists struck where the two of them just were. The fists retracted and Octavio saw no signs of life but only a mixture of octarian ink and the yellow left behind by the agents. "Where are those two hipsters!?" shouted Octavio. He looked around again and all of a sudden a squid out of nowhere flew across the front of the octobot and changed back revealing Blake who shot the bamboozler at Octavio's face, blinding him. "GRRRYAHHHH!" he yelped from the ink. Blake changed back to squid form and swam back into the ink.

"YOU'RE GONNA GET SPLATTED FOR THAT YOU INKSTAIN!" ranted Octavio as he wiped the ink out of his eyes. Octavio moved the octobot across the arena to the other end to try and find the two agents. "COME OUT YOU HIPSTERS!" demanded Octavio. He lobbed more suction bombs on the deck as Izzy and Blake swam away and jumped to opposing sides of the large puddle, going around the octarian ink. Octavio spun the fists back up and launched one at Izzy as she jumped away and launched the other at Blake, moving out of the fist's path. When they landed, the two agents shot the fists causing them to deflect back to Octavio's robot again. He bellowed and got knocked out of the robot down below on the deck of the platform. Dazed and inert, Octavio was now vurnerable. Blake rushed at him and splatted him with ink before propelling him back into his robot where he was knocked out momentarily. Blake took the opportunity to run up and jump on the octobot king. Octavio shook it off and got back on the controls.

"Callie I'm coming!" shouted Blake climbing the side of the octobot king. "What! Oh no you don't hipster!" shouted Octavio. Unable to attack Blake, He shifted the robot across the arena as Izzy watched. Blake almost lost his grip as Octavio quickly halted the robot to buck Blake off. "Blake hang on! I'll try and keep Octavio busy!" shouted Izzy. She shot at the cockpit to get Octavio's attention. "Pesky squid!" jeered Octavio as he launched a fist at the agent as she dove into the ink. Blake had almost reached the top but the moving around of the robot made the progress challenging. The fist retracted as Izzy jumped out again. Octavio launched the other fists but this time Izzy shot at it and it deflected back at Octavio. The hit caused Blake to lose grasp and almost fall off. He quickly grabbed a back hold of the robot and kept climbing. "Ah shit!" Blake muttered as tried to climb up the octobot again.

Still occupied with dealing with the inkling agent, Octavio didn't notice Blake had reached the top of the robot. "Callie! Callie!" Blake shouted at the hypnotized squid sister as was singing to the tune of her "remixed" solo song. Blake stumbled over toward her as Octavio was moving the robot around to deal with Izzy. He grabbed her by the shoulders causing to her to jerk. "Callie! It's me! Blake! Well inkling Blake but you need to stop! What has Octavio done to you!?" exclaimed Blake as he had a hold of Callie. She bared her teeth and punched Blake in the face, knocking him to the floor. "Damn. That hurt," he said rubbing his jaw. He started to sit up but Callie rushed him and landed a kick to knock him off.

"Cal! I know your in there! I'm not fighting you!" he shouted.

"How dare you interrupt our performance. You honestly think you can upstage the DJ. Think again! Octavio's gonna rock tha house and all of Inkopolis with his fresh beats! And Fresh isn't something you got. Now get off of the stage before I turn you into Calamari!" jeered Callie.

"Callie I know that's not you! Snap out of it!" exclaimed Blake.

Octavio then turned his attention back to Blake and Callie. "Trying to steal my sidekick! I don't think so bonehead! Callie can't resist the dope beats of my hypnoshades!" he said.

"Hypnoshades?...the shades! Callie take those shades off!" advised Blake.

"No! I just love these shades! They look fresh on me!" she protested.

"Callie please! Those shades are controlling you! Take em off!" Blake demanded again.

"I said NO! Now get off my stage!" she shouted back as she kicked him off the little stage on the robot.

Blake yelled and fell back off the ledge but was still hanging on. Callie approached him and placed her boot on his hand, intending on making him let go. "Callie don't," he pleaded. "Theirs only room for one star and that's the DJ, inkhead," she scoffed pressing her weight on Blake's hand. Nearly losing his grasp, Blake looked up at Callie with a pleading expression. "Cal...I'm sorry I couldn't save you from Octavio... I let you and Marie down... I wanted to tell you that... I love you and I hope you forgive me for everything you've been through," Blake said expressing his remorse for all that's happened at a last attempt to getting to Callie. She froze at what he said at the end but his hand slipped and he fell off the octobot king. "Blake," she muttered in a grim expression as she watched him drop, still unable to break from Octavio's control. Blake laid on the floor and changed back into his real human form.

"Oh my cod, Blake!" shouted Izzy as he landed on the deck of the platform. Octavio launched a fist at Izzy while she wasn't paying attention and knocked her back. Blake was lying motionless as well as Izzy. The octobot king lowered and Octavio laughed at the demise of both agents. "GYAH HA HA! Now no one will stand in my way and the surface will finally belong to the octarians! Pathetic inkstains!" he gloated on his robot. "Now it's time to..." started Octavio but Izzy was starting to move. She slowly sat up, still bruised from the attack. "What. Still not had enough huh," said Octavio.

"I'm not...giving up. I won't let you hurt my friends or the inklings. I'm a squidbeak agent! And I took an oath to protect Inkopolis from threats like you! I promised a friend that I would see her again and I intend to keep that promise. You're going down Octavio!" Izzy shouted with courage.

"Tough talk from a little squid like you! You got spunk inkstain! Too bad I gotta splat it outta ya! IT'S TIME TO DROP THE BEATDOWN!" boomed the octarian.

Izzy held her ground as Octavio spun up the fists, intent on finishing off the inkling agent for good. She clutched her weapon and readied for the attack. The fists launched at her one after the other. She shot at one and deflected it back as well as the other. Octavio lobbed splat bombs but Izzy shot at them before they landed on the floor obscuring Octavio's point of view. She dove into the ink and swam to refill and hide, intent on surprising the hulking octopus. "Uping your game huh. I love a challenge. Bring it on! This DJ can take anything you throw at me!" he flaunted.

Octavio lobbed suction bombs to draw her out. As the last suction bomb got shot out. Izzy jumped out of the ink and kicked it back at the robot, sticking to it and bursting, damaging and shaking the flying DJ booth. "GYAHHH! YOU WORTHLESS INKSTAIN!" Octavio boomed. The robot was starting to spark and Octavio was having a difficult time controlling it. "ENOUGH PLAYING AROUND! LET'S FINISH THIS! TIME TO CRANK UP THE BEATS!" he yelled angrily.

Izzy's squidwatch glowed initializing a special was ready to be used. She smacked the watch and tenta missles appeared on her shoulders as she flipped them up and launched a barrage of ink missiles on the robot. Callie backed away and hunkered down, while Octavio's octobot was getting pelted by the missiles. Surprisingly the octobot was still operational but damaged. "Oh carp! Octavio's still not out!" shouted Izzy in defeat.

"Is that best you got hipster! Try this one for size!" shouted Octavio as he launched his octo missiles down on the arena. Izzy yelled and dove back into the ink. The missiles coated nearly the entire platform with octarian ink but at the far edge where Izzy popped out of a small yellow puddle. The tenta missiles depleted all of her ink and she wouldn't be able to recoat the surface and refill her tank. "End of the line inkstain! Any last words!" sneered Octavio as Izzy backed up and almost stumbled over the ledge and into the purple goo below.

"How about letting Callie go!" shouted Marie from on top of the hovering truck. Sheldon and squid sister finally made inside the arena. They circled the platform as Marie held her Hero charger in her stage outfit. "Agent 4! Hold on, I'm coming!" shouted Marie. "Sheldon! Get the truck around so I can get clear line of sight on Callie!" she ordered the little crab.

As soon as the truck was in place. Marie held up the hero charger and aimed it Callie. "Now to do my part. Sorry Cal," said Marie before taking a deep breath. A stream of ink struck Callie and knocked the hypnoshades off her as she yelped.

"NOOOOOO! The hypnoshades!" Octavio shouted.

"YES! That was a direct hit with the low tide ink!" Marie cheered.

Callie was holding her head, dazed from the hit and breaking away from the shade's influence. "Unnnhhh..." she moaned.

"Now! Agent 4! While Callie is stunned! Make DJ Octavio pay!" shouted Marie as she threw her another ink tank before the agent coated the arena again.

"Time to turn the tables! Spicy speed mode!" Octavio boomed.

The octobot moved around but its movements and attacks were now faster. Izzy evaded every punch Octavio could throw at her but she was losing momentum and ground. Octavio could nearly anticipate every strategy the inkling could use and Marie could see this. She got Sheldon to move closer so she could provide sniper support for her but even the robot was too fast for her to get a clear shot on the hulking octopus. "Agent 4! Keep it up! Don't get struck by any of his attacks!" shouted Marie. Octavio launched combined attacks on the agent including his takoyaki bombs. Izzy attempted to shoot some of them before they popped on the arena but the onslaught proved too much for her. Octavio launched a rocket punch at the agent as he spun up the fists. The fist landed on Izzy and she was flung back as she screamed. "AGENT 4!" yelled Marie.

Octavio's robot moved in on the downed agent, ready to launch a finishing blow on Izzy but then out of nowhere. A burst of yellow ink struck Octavio right in the head, knocking him out of the robot and dropping below on the platform. "Uhhh..." he moaned before Blake jumped in front of him and propelled him back inside the DJ booth by swinging his bamboozler at the octarian like a golf club. "Fooooorrr!" shouted Blake as he did. Slamming the DJ into the back of his robot, dazing him for a moment.

"Izzy!" shouted Blake as he scrambled to help her up. "Izzy! You OK!" he asked her. She moaned and opened her eyes. "Blake..." she replied as he smiled seeing she still alive. She quickly hugged him and the two stood up and faced Octavio once she recovered.

"Awesome! The two agents made it!" shouted Sheldon gleefully.

"Yeah but how much longer can they keep it up? Sheldon! Power up the equipment! I got a plan to get Callie back and we're gonna show that overgrown sea slug how to put on a concert. Let's hope Blake and Izzy can hold out a little bit longer," she told him.

"You got Marie!" Sheldon replied.

Octavio held his head and shook off the vertigo. "ALRIGHT BONEHEAD! YOU WANNA TASTE OF THESE SPICY BEATS TOO!" boomed the DJ. He spun the turn tables and directed the octobot toward the agents. They split up and evaded the robot over their head. Octavio turned around and launched more takoyaki bombs. "What the heck are those!? ink-filled meatballs!?" shouted Blake as one of them landed and exploded.

Octavio spun up his fist and hurled them at Blake and Izzy. The two deflected the fists back at Octavio and the attack patterns continued for a couple of more minutes. "I bet the audience is feeling this is redundant," muttered Blake as he was deflecting and avoiding Octavio's attacks. "Audience? Blake what are you talking about?" she asked in confusion. "Umm, nothing Izzy, just having a fourth wall moment," he told her as a look of exasperation appeared on his face. Izzy raised an eyebrow at him as another fist was flying toward her. "Izzy watch out!" shouted Blake before he shot the fist causing to hit the robot again.

Marie saw that Callie was slowly coming to her senses. "My...My head..." said Callie still woozy from the effects of the shades. "The low tide ink is working!" directed Marie. She pulled out a boom box and held out her hand. "Callie! Remember!" shouted the squid sister on top of the truck. The boom box started playing their song "Calamari Inkantation". "Remember that heavenly melody!" Marie shouted again to get Callie's attention.

"The one and only..." responded Callie slowly snapping out of her daze. She held her hand up to listen to the familiar melody. "I...I remember..." said Callie. She finally was brought back to her senses and jumped off the robot toward her cousin. "YEAH!" she shouted as her outfit changed back to her stage clothing that she wore during the concerts. The two hugged and embraced before they turned to Octavio and gave their performance for their signature song with choreography.

"The squid sisters are back!" shouted the little crab.

"YIPPY!" cheered Izzy as she jumped in the air with her arms pumped out.

"ALRIGHT!" shouted Blake as he threw a peace sign.

The atmosphere and lighting changed inside the arena as Octavio got nervous as he looked around. "Izzy! Use this!" shouted Sheldon as his drone dropped a weapon known as a rainmaker. "It's a rainmaker! It's been modified to shoot blasts of ink! Use it on the DJ!" directed Sheldon. "I've heard about these," exclaimed Izzy, grabbing the golden fish-shaped weapon. She aimed the rainmaker at DJ Octavio and struck him causing him to jolt back. The robot rose and got out of range of the rainmaker. "Follow him you two! End this so we can go home!" shouted Marie. A launch pad appeared in the middle of the platform and the two agents rushed toward it, propelling them to two ride rails that ran around the arena.

Izzy had the rainmaker and was shooting ink blasts at Octavio's robot. He retaliated and shot his fists at the inkling agent as she dodged his attacks. Finally striking him again he moved further up. She spotted Blake riding on another rail leading up toward Octavio. "Izzy! Pass the rainmaker!" he shouted. She threw the weapon at the human agent as they passed one another up. "Alright Octavio! It's time to settle this once and for all!" Blake said as he aimed the weapon at Octavio. "Bring it on fossil! I'll bury you like the rest of your kind!" shouted back the giant octopus. Blake charged up the rainmaker to get more range and fired. Unfortunately, Octavio dodged the blast and shot his fist back at Blake. Blake jumped up and avoided it and took another shot at the DJ. He hit him but the robot was still operational.

"YOU GOTTA DO BETTER THAN BONEHEAD!" taunted Octavio. Blake growled but saw Izzy approaching him on another ride rail. "Blake! Here!" she shouted at him. Blake tossed her the rainmaker and she attempted to shoot down Octavio. He dodged the first shot and launched a fist attack only for Izzy to bounce it back at him causing it to finally take damage but still flying. The flying DJ booth was starting to smoke and spark, Blake and Izzy noticed. "Hit him again Izzy!" shouted Blake as he rode around the rail that circled the flying robot. Izzy charged it up and shot another ink blast at Octavio, striking him again but the robot still didn't go down.

"Damn! Stubborn old octopus!" jeered Blake in frustration. Then Blake and Izzy saw that something was odd. Octavio was moving his tentacles to the beat and even tried to mimic the squid sisters' dance moves as calamari inkantation was effecting him. "Huh, what's going on with Octavio?" asked Izzy baffled at the behavior. Blake noticed too and was also lost at why Octavio was dancing. "I CAN'T... RESIST THE GROOVE! Splat you! Squid Sisterrrrrrrs!" Octavio shouted in defeat.

"It's...the music. Wait! While he's distracted! Izzy! Pass me the rainmaker again!" commanded Blake. He was nearing Izzy as she tossed him the rainmaker again. The rail guided him directly toward the octobot as Octavio couldn't resist dancing to the squid sisters' song. "Looks like you've reached the end of your music career Octavio! I THINKS ITS TIME YOU LEFT THE STAGE FOR GOOD!" shouted Blake as he charged the rainmaker. The song ended and the squid sisters' gave a bow before turning back to Blake and Octavio.

"GET HIM BLAKE! TAKE THAT BASTARD DOWN!" Marie shouted.

"YEAH! RIGHT IN THE KISSER!" Callie shouted.

Octavio snapped out of the trance and spotted Blake with the rainmaker pointed right at him. "Oh Fu..." SPLAT! panned Octavio before he was finally shot down. The octobot fell to the platform in a smoky crash. Blake reached the end of the ride rail and hopped down with Izzy onto the suspended arena. The octobot sparked and sputtered as Octavio was laid over on top of the back display of the DJ booth. He moaned and stared at the agents. "Guh...not again... cross-fade to blaaaaaaack..." he got out before the octobot floated up. It swelled up and shook as ink was splattering around it before the robot finally exploded. Pieces of the robot and ink flew about with the octarian ruler falling down on the arena below, covered in the yellow ink. "Uhhhhh..." he moaned before Blake approached him. He looked at Blake, knowing the human and inkling had defeated him. "Say it..." said Octavio as he laid on the floor.

"Say what..." said Blake as dropped the rainmaker.

"You know what... Let's face it bonehead, you might have won the battle...but that doesn't mean the war is over, the red queen is still out there and she has plans for all of you," jeered Octavio.

"Red Queen? What are you going on about?" questioned Blake.

"You'll find out soon enough...everyone will so you might as well kill me, I would rather die than go back in that snowglobe! You're nothing but a fossil! A miserable pile of bones! It's because of you and your race that's the reason we had to fight for land! And as for your family...they're DEAD! LIKE YOU SHOULD BE!" taunted Octavio.

"Why you piece of shit! DON'T YOU DARE BRING MY FAMILY INTO THIS! CONSIDER YOUR WISH GRANTED! YOU'VE PUT CALLIE AND MARIE THROUGH SO MUCH! YOU AND THE REBELS! HOW I SEE IT. YOU'RE TOO DANGEROUS TO BE KEPT AROUND. CUTTLEFISH SPARED YOU YEARS AGO BUT I MIGHT NOT BE SO MERCIFUL!" roared Blake whipping out is bamboozler on the octopus. The inklings and Sheldon were stricken by Blake's change of demeanor, if not scared them. "Blake..." said Izzy meekly as she was afraid to confront the enraged human.

"Now...you feel my hate..." said Octavio weakly.

"I'm nothing like you..." said Blake as he aimed the bamboozler at Octavio's head.

"You don't have to be...it's in your DNA. You humans warred with each other and caused your own extinction. In the end...everyone will turn on you. Killing me will only prove to everyone how human you really are," said Octavio.

Blake shook his hand and squeezed the grip of his bamboozler. He clenched his eyes as a tear ran down with those hurtful words. "You will not make me a monster... but I'll put down the real monster...A monster that hurt Callie! A monster that hurt my friends! A MONSTER THAT TRIED TO START A WAR AND ENSLAVE THE INKLINGS! YOU'RE THE REAL MONSTER OCTAVIO!" yelled Blake as Octavio looked at him with no remorse for his actions. Blake aimed the bamboozler right at Octavio's forehead as the octopus closed his eyes. "Say your prayers you pathetic waste of ink!... THIS IS FOR..." started Blake as a figure hugged him from behind. "Blake...don't do it...don't kill Octavio..." pouted a figure with their head buried in his back.

It was Callie who pleaded to Blake to spare Octavio and not give in to his hateful rhetoric. His anger resided and he turned to Callie. She looked at him with pleading eyes as she stared at him. "You're a better person than he is. Be the better man and walk away Blake," she asked him with compassion. Blake gave a deep breath and looked at an unconscience Octavio. "You're...right, Cal," he told her.

"Cuttlefish spared him and so can I," Blake said. Callie pulled off and gave a half smile of relief. "He can answer to the authorities for his crimes...but who's the red queen?" asked Blake as Callie shrugged.

"I'm not sure, maybe the octarians know. This is unsettling but at least Octavio is finally defeated. Outstanding job you two! Gramps would be proud," congratulated Marie.

"Speaking of gramps, how is he? I hope he's not feeling too bad for what happened. I know him and Octavio used to be friends years ago," said Callie.

"Gramps... He and Agent 3 went on a mission but I haven't heard from them for some time. I would think they would've been back by now," said Marie.

"Mission? Gramps and Cassie," replied Callie.

"didn't they go try and hunt for answers on some company?" asked Izzy.

"Yeah but they were supposed to go to the Inkopolis Hospital to question that girl that got rescued from Camper's gang, the ones that tried to hand Blake over to the rebels," answered Marie.

"Those jerks! I'm glad they didn't take Blake. So... gramps and Cassie are gone?" Callie asked again.

"Again, yes Cal, We'll try to see if we can find them but for now let's focus on getting Octavio back until the octarian government comes and takes him like they were supposed to do. Izzy, Blake, try and free the great zapfish out of the octobot, we'll get Octavio in the truck and head back to Inkopolis before the army decides to invade Octo Valley. Alright Sheldon let's prepare to leave," directed Marie.

"OK Marie!" complied the little crab.

Callie turned back to Blake and Izzy who were opening up the bottom of the octobot to release the great zapfish. Something was on her mind and she remembered the vision she had with Blake and the wedding. She wanted to tell him something but decided to wait for a better time. They finally opened the bottom of the flying robot and the giant zapfish bellowed and shot into the air, curling up and shooting sparks. "The great zapfish! We finally freed it!" shouted Izzy. It stared at the group and gargled before taking off out of the ceiling and back toward Inkopolis. "Damn. It's in a hurry to get back to Inkopolis. Can't blame it though. Well...I guess its time to go home," said Blake as his tone changed at the end. "Blake, is something wrong?" Izzy asked him.

"No it's...nothing, just...what Octavio was saying about my race and my family," he said in a depressed tone.

"Blake don't let Octavio's words get to you. He was just being a jerk... he's upset you beat him. You're not a bad person, you saved Inkopolis! He shouldn't have brought up your race, especially your family," said Izzy as she placd her hand on his arm.

"Yeah...I...told myself that after I defeated Octavio. I would go and see if I could search for them and leave you guys," admitted Blake.

"Huh, Blake! You can't leave! You're a hero and you're... family," blurted Callie as she rushed over to the two agents.

"She's right Blake. Where would you go? I mean...what if we never see you again?" fretted Izzy.

"I wanna believe they're out there somewhere. I just want peace of mind that they're still alive. Ever since I awoken out of that pod Cuttlefish found me in, I've been having dreams about them. The ship we were on, them being held captive and escaping back to earth. I...wanna believe that they're..." said Blake before he paused. "But that last dream I had of them...they were..." Blake said before biting his lip. He remembered the creatures in the dream that captured his family and then looked at Callie and Izzy with a saddened look.

"They were what Blake?" asked Callie with concern.

"I'm not going to talk about it... let's face it, what's the chances of them being alive anyway. It's been over 2000 years... I'll never see them again, will I," said Blake as he wanted to cry.

"Blake... I'm not sure what to tell you but... Everything will be ok, things will work and I wouldn't give up hope. Something will turn up and maybe you'll get your answers. Right now me, Marie, gramps, and everyone else won't wanna see you dwell on the issue. You're our family and we stick together through good and bad. You fought those jerks to come and save me and stopped Octavio from taking over the city. How I see it, just because you think you lost one family doesn't mean you made another one. Inkopolis... is your home now and me, Marie, and gramps want you to stay. Things will turn out for the better, you'll see," said Callie as she grinned at Blake.

"Callie, you have a way of lifting people's spirits (deep breath) I hope you're right. I just want closure. I've felt out of place ever since I came out of that cryopod. I made friends with Cuttlefish and Octavio before the great turf war started only to be thrown back in that thing. I wake up a 100 years later only to be chased around and kidnapped by that inkling gang and the rebels. It's been one thing after another, especially after I got reenlisted back into the squidbeak. You know Callie... things haven't been easy and that's putting it mildly if you can call it that. I'm a human being and to think every waking moment I could've died. This world...is not my own... And I'm not sure if I'll ever belong," said Blake.

"Don't say that! You do belong here! Why else would you be here. I'm glad you're here and... I want to tell you something I've been holding off for sometime and wanna get it off my chest, I..." said Callie as she was hesitant on what she wanted to say. "That, that...I...lov..." she started to say as she blushed before getting interupted. "Hey you two! The big sea slug is loaded up and we gotta get back before the inklings go to war with the octarians!" acknoweldged Marie.

"We heard you Marie! Callie what did you wanna say to me?" Blake asked her.

Callie downed her head and gave a deep sigh. "I'll... tell you later, after things get settled down," said Callie with a melancholy tone.

"Sure Callie...maybe we can go back to the county after we stop the war," said Blake trying cheer her up.

"Promise me that we will," she asked him as she picked her head up, staring at the human with anticipation.

"I Promise Cal, now let's get to truck before Marie gets any more antsy," said Blake as the two of them headed to the Sheldon's truck. Blake hopped into the cab with Izzy and Sheldon but Callie squid jumped on top of the truck with Marie. The two of them sat down and held on before the large truck lifted off.

"Ok dokey! Is everyone ready?!"shouted Sheldon.

"Go ahead Sheldon. Let's get out of here and head back home. Go ahead and make you're way back to Inkopolis," ordered Marie.

Sheldon honked the horn and truck ascended over the platform and the group were bound for Inkopolis to avert the war that was about to start. After a moment Callie faced Marie. "Why did you have to interrupt me and Blake. I was about to tell him...you know, how I feel about him," asked Callie. "Cal, you know we had to head back to Inkopolis. Blake's been through a lot and he seemed like he needed some space. I'm sure he knows how you feel but right now is not the time," answered her cousin. "(deep sigh) But I love him... After everything he's done for us and saving me and the city. I... wanna get married,"said Callie. Marie coughed after she said that and gave Callie an estranged look. "Marriage. Already? Cal maybe you should ask Blake before you think about something like that. I mean how would everyone feel, especially your folks if they knew you wanted to marry a human? Did you ever think about that?" asked Marie in a distressed tone.

"Noooo... but I wouldn't care, as long as I love him that's all that matters. It's the inside that counts, I don't care if he's a human," Callie said defending her choice.

"Cal I think you're failing to realize that... (deep sigh) Even if you two did get married what about...you know..." said Marie trying not to go to in depth about her and Blake's "biology".

"Know what?" asked Callie.

"Umm... hatchlings for starters. Humans are... different, I'm sure," explained Marie, going around the topic of intimacy.

"I don't think we're that different. How would you know? Why are being so discouraging?" questioned Callie. She was starting to see through her cousin's behavior. "Did...something happen while I gone?" she asked her cousin.

"What! Don't be so ridiculous Cal. Blake's like a brother to me. I would never... go behind your back and..." she exclaimed defensivly before biting her lip and turning her face away. "I wasn't accusing you of anything Marie. Why are acting like your hiding something?" she asked her cousin.

"Be, be, because that's what your insinuating... you know what let's just drop it Cal. I just wanna focus on getting back to Inkopolis," she said as her blush vanished and she crossed her arms. Callie raised an eyebrow and faced away from her cousin, still pondering why Marie was acting as so suspicious and evasive.

The truck continued to Inkopolis and was nearing the training grounds where Marie's shack was. The grey-headed inkling idol looked down at it remembering the night she showed her affection for Blake though he dismissed it because of causing a rift between the two cousins. She gave a deep sigh and didn't have the hearts to tell Callie what happened that night when she tried to advance on her human crush. Inkopolis was in sight and the sun was starting to come up. They could see the great zapfish fly toward the skyline and spark its whiskers, happy to see its home again but on the other side of their view, toward Octo Valley. Marie spotted an armada of octozeppelins heading toward the city. "Huh, what's going on? Why are the octarians heading for Inkopolis?" questioned Marie out of concern as Callie spotted them too. Unknown to them the empress and general sent the armada to the city as a show of force before the inklings decided to invade their terriotory and as a show of grievence for the naval blockade around their territory. Which all the inklings on the ships were fast asleep, like all inklings do early in the morning.

One sailor onboard had just woken up and was rubbing their eyes to get something to drink. Still groggy, not noticing the octozeppelins hovering over their ship until a shadow casted over the deck as it floated by. The lead airship was the flying aerodrome which carried a brigade of octarian soldiers as well as a small fleet of octoseekers and octostamp tanks. The sailor looked up and nearly inked himself as his jaw dropped. "Oh shrimp! I...I... gotta get to the bridge right away!" scrambled the inkling sailor as he rushed to the captain's quarters and slammed open the door. "Captain! It's the octarian armada! They've broken through the blockade and are heading toward inkling territory!" he exclaimed.

"WHAT! SOUND THE ALARMS! AND GET EVERYONE TO THEIR BATTLE STATIONS!" commanded the captain as he rapidly got out of bed.

"Aye, aye, captain!" the sailor saluted as he rushed toward the bridge.

"EVERYONE THIS IS A CODE RED! I REPEAT CODE RED! TO YOUR BATTLE STATIONS AND PREPARE TO ATTACK!" He shouted out over the intercom.

All the inklings rushed to the ink cannons and aimed them at the zeppelins but they were getting out of range. "REACH IDF HQ AND INFORM THEM OF THE SITUATION! We must hold our position. We can't pursue them! Why wasn't anyone awake!" demanded the captain who had finally reached the bridge with the sailor.

The octozeppelin armada was heading for Inkopolis. Onboard the aerodrome was General Scarlet, lead commander of the octarian corps. She leaned over the bridge and directed the crew to make their way to Inkopolis. "We will not cecum to the accusations of terrorism and submit to the inkling government should they attack the valley. I've sworn to defend the valley against any and all threats, should that be the inklings themselves. If they do attack us then consider that the first stone cast and we will return it with a boulder. We will place an airship blockade around their territory until a truce can be made and the inklings remove the naval blockade around our territory. The empress will not stand for an invasion on our territory and put all of the octarians in danger. Once we reach the vicinity of Inkopolis. The fleet is to disperse and form a ring around the city and the aerodrome is to hold position until further orders! I repeat do not attack unless the inklings retaliate!" commanded General Scarlet.

"Yes, General!" All the bridge crewmates shouted.

The group were in fear that the war between the inklings and octarians was about to start and had to hurry back to Inkopolis as fast as they could before the armada did. The empress and the valley octarians were determined to show the inklings that they wouldn't put up with the blame of stealing the zapfish or tolerate an attack on their territory. Tensions were high and another great turf war was on the verge of starting. Let's hope the agents get back to Inkopolis before anything happens.

---

The subway was on its way to the Kamabo resarch labs for the inkling agent to apprehend Xavier after she had just subdued Cleo and tied her up inside the train. On their way there, Iso Padre and Cassie were discussing Tartar's plans for the surface world and why she and Cuttlefish were lured down their by the oceanic couple. He also explained to her about how he and the rest of the deepsea denizens were being held captive for the company's own interest. Cassie couldn't comprehend what kind of threat Tartar posed as well as the company, using them and everyone else as tools for his diabolic plans. "I can't believe this, all this time Tartar has been watching us and waiting to see if we're "worthy" for this new world of his," said Cassie still stunned by the revelation.

"I'm sorry you had to find all this out. I like you and that elderly inkling and felt that I would rather you learn sooner than later," said Iso. "No, Mr. Padre I'm glad you did. To think Cleo and that psychotic octoling were playing along knowing what Tartar was up to. I should just splat the both of them right now!" Cassie exclaimed coldly as she got up and was ready to do in Cleo but Iso intervened.

"Hold on young lady. Don't stupe to their level. I don't think those two we're fully aware of what Tartar was planning. He filled their heads with all kinds of promises to get their trust. I believe they were pawns like you and me... and they're pretty desperate when they came here to seek a better life than they did on the surface. The promised land that Tartar told them about was nothing but a lie," explained Iso trying to course Cassie from killing Cleo. "You're right I... shouldn't said that but sob story or not their gonna pay for what they did. Cleo doesn't deserve symapthy and Xavier needs to release Cuttlefish and quit this dangerous game he's gotten into," said Cassie.

"Hey Mr. Padre?" "Yes and you can call me Iso," "Umm... how did you and the deep denizens get down here in the first place?" "Well young inkling, you see the thing is before we were released. We have no recollection of our lives before. Only waking up those tanks in this large dark room until Tartar came along and let us out. We felt indebted to him until we started to figure out the real reason why he released in the first place. Like you, test subjects and were the fortunate ones," said Iso as he downed his for a moment, slowly reliving the painful memories.

"I'm sorry Iso I... shouldn't have asked," consoled Cassie. "It's fine young lady, you didn't know," said Iso. "So you guys have never been to the surface, well except you Iso," said Cassie. "Only for assignments, like you metting you and trying to track down that signal Tartar wanted me to hunt," said Iso.

"Huh? Signal? What signal?" asked a baffled Cassie. "Tartar informed me a signal that activated from some Kamabo pod-thing. The source was somewhere in the city but it shut off for some reason," "Wait, Kamabo pod-thing. Like the one Blake was in? It did have a Kamabo logo on it but that a nearly a month ago," said Cassie. "That's when Tartar got the signal. Who's this Blake?" asked Iso curiously.

"Blake's a human and believe or not an agent like me. He's the one that came out of that pod you were talking about," answered the inkling agent. "Did you say human? No wonder Tartar wanted me to hunt for that signal," exclaimed Iso. "What about Blake? What's Tartar need with him?" asked a concerned Cassie. "It was humans that built this place and perhaps humans that put us in those tanks were were trapped in. Tartar was probably created by humans as well but for what reason I don't know," said Iso. "Whatever the case the with Blake can't be good. Right Blake's with Izzy and hope those two having luck dealing with Octavio and getting the zapfish back before Inkopolis is doomed," said Cassie.

The train was slowing down and a voice came on the intercom. "Arriving at Kamabo Reserch Labs, hold on and wait for the doors to open before you leave your seat, thank you," it announced. "Guess this is my stop. Wish me the best Iso and if you don't mind could you squid sit Cleo for me until I get back?" asked the inkling. "I will and I don't mind at all," He told her.

Cassie held her hero shot and walked out of the subway car as Iso stayed on to watch Cleo who was still out cold. The station was different than the testing stations. It's shiny metallic appearence and teal lighted trimming made it stand apart. Ahead were two large metal doors with the Kamabo logo on them. Lettering above the doors read "Research Labs" though Cassie already assumned that. Beside the door was a card scanner signifying no access in which the doors couldn't be manually openned without a card.

"How the shell do I get in?" asked Cassie. "Maybe this will help," said a voice behind her. "Huh...C. Q. Cumber?" she replied turning around to see the sea pig drop a card at her feet. "I think you need this to get in," said the sea pig conductor. "Umm. thanks. Hey C. Q. Cumber? Do you remember anything before guys got released?" asked Cassie hesitantly. "I'm sorry inkling but... everythings a blur. I'm not sure how we got there in the first place. All I remember was waking up in a tank in a large cold dark room with everyone else," said C. Q. Cumber. "Why do ask?" he continued. "Iso told me the story about you guys and maybe I was hoping you remebered anything that might help me. I don't know what to expect once I get through these doors," said Cassie rubbing her head.

"The only thing I suggest is be very careful. This place haunts me as well as Iso. We would help but its too traumatic to go back, besides I would fall behind. Wouldn't be much help to ya' " said C. Q. Cumber. "It's ok, Iso's watching Cleo and you need to stay with the train. I better get inside before Xavier finds out anything," said Cassie. She ran the card and the doors opened. Looking back at the station and the sea pig she gave a deep breath and caustious walked into the labs unaware that a camera outside the doors was watching their conversation and stepping inside the doors.

In a disclosed room full of TV screens. A figure watched the inkling agent from the camera. "So you've made it this far and with the help of those deepsea degenerates. No matter, I have your preious captain and if you try and stop me conside that old inkling splattered squid," said the voice revealing it was Xavier himself. The octoling boy turned around to exit the room but the screens changed to that of the image of the notorious phone. "Xavier!" he shouted. "What is it Tartar?" he asked bluntly. "I assume you know the inkling had reached the labs. Ensure that she is stopped but I don't want her harmed. Understand home fry," the phone ordered. "I can't make any promises especially since she has Cleo apprehended. If she's even laid a hand on her tentacles that squid's gonna get what's coming to her," said Xavier. "And you won't get what's coming to you. No promised land unless she is captured without harm. If the inkling is unwilling to complete the test then I guess I'll have to break her will. Get her to the experimentation area once you've apprehended her," ordered the phone. "Fine! But once this done me and Cleo will go to the promised land!" demanded the octoling. "You have my word, Peace out!" sounded off the phone.

Back in the labs. Cassie entered a large room filled with aquarium tanks after traversing through the hallways. Lost, the inkling looked at the sea life contained in the tanks. "What is this place?" she asked in wonderment. Watching the sea creatures swim around in the tanks. She paused once she spotted something that she didn't expect to see. Their were squids swimming around inside a smaller tanks. She watched them and saw once shoot ink. "Those are...SQUID! WHAT ARE THEY DOING IN THERE!?" she screamed as the squid payed no mind. "Don't worry I'll free you guys! Can you guys even hear me!?" she asked frantically but as she looked they didn't respond to her words. "Huh, why aren't talking back and they look... different? said Cassie noticing that they were differnt from her squid form. "I... don't think those are inklings but... what's going on?" asked Cassie and then she spotted some octopi in atank next to it. "Octolings? No that... can't be? This is all...strange, did Cleo and Xavier know about this? I need to get out of here and find Xavier. Then he can start talking after I kick his octopus butt!" shouted Cassie as she left the aquaroum filled room.

Baffled by what she saw, the inkling had thoughts running in head about this place. Fearing for Cuttlefish and the fate of the surface she needed to find Xavier and fast. Past another door the inkling spotted a corridor full of lasers meant as a security system. Lasers were running horizontally and vertically as well as moving lasers on the far side. She squid formed and swam through narrowly evading the moving lasers and finally making it across. "Hmpf, is that the best you got Xavier?" she scoffed before opening the door to the next area.

The agent entered inside a lobby littered with paperwork strawn across the floor and carts full of white boxes. "What happened here? Looks like someone was in a big hurry to pack," said Cassie. Behind the main desk on the wall were the words: WE'RE DOOMED! in human language. Cassie pondered on what door to take since their were two on eac h side of the large lobby and a balcony above. "I better go...right," said Cassie walking over to the door. Down another bending corridor were multiple doors but ahead where two metal doors with narrow windows and a glowing red light above them. The sign read: Cryopod chamber. Cassie cautious stepped in a saw multiple cryostasis pods taking up the room. A walkway split through the pods to the far side of the chamber. The chamber was ill-lit making it hard to see but Cassie studied the large metal pods. They were just like the one Blake came out of.

"Wait. These are those pod things. Like the one back at the Shellendorf Institute but that could mean (gasping), My cod!" started Cassie. She slowly walked up to one of the pods and looked inside. What she saw absolutely stunned her. More humans inside the cryo pods. "Holy shrimp... Kamabo was created by humans but... why aren't they awake?" asked the inkling girl. She backed away from the pod and looked at the others. A few of them she noticed were open. "What's been going on down here?" asked Cassie still awestruck by the sight of the pods and humans. She explored the pod filled room and didn't notice a figure sneaking around the pods behind her.

She continued down the walkway and spotted a grim sight. Sitting against the wall was something she would've never expected to see if it wasn't such a saddening sight was a young male human. He was dead. The blood splatter behind his head was a dead giveaway literally. The human shot himself in the head with a handgun still gripped to his hand. The words beside his body on the wall read: NO MORE TESTS! in large letters. A piece of paper was lying in front of the deceased human. Cassie picked it up but couldn't read it.

The letter read: To everyone I know is dead. Our world is gone and the only thing left to wake up to is this hell with little chances of survival. A large fraction of the remaining humans are dead and another fraction was infected by the serum by what I could tell. This experiment was a disaster if not a condemnation by Kamabo itself. The AI tartar has not only taken control of the systems but also has managed to control the "infected" humans. Tartar is corrupt and is making the remaining live humans perform these... "tests" for what! All data has become encrypted and locked out. I can't get in and I don't even know how long's its been since I was placed in that fucking cryopod. I barely got away from the infected and escaped the tests Tartar made me do. I'm going insane and the thought of everyone being dead especially my family is agonising. I managed to find a pistol from one of the security armories and shot a few of the infected from capturing me. The bullets did little effect to them! What the hell are they! They're absolutely lifeless with those black and green eyes and pale skin. I won't get caught and turned into one of them as I watched happen when I first came out of the pod. I would rather die and be with my family! Screw you Tartar and Kamabo!

Cassie dropped the letter, unable to read it. She then kneeled down and studied the body. She checked for a heartbeat but it was evident he was dead. "My cod... he's dead," said Cassie as she backed away covering her mouth. She spotted the pistol in his hand and slowly picked it up. "What is this thing? It's sort of shaped like a N-ZAP. I don't see any ink, how did he..." started Cassie but quickly dropped the handgun when another voice came out of the chamber. "Kill himself? It's a human weapon dumb squid! It doesn't shoot ink. Humans aren't like us but in the same token... they are," said Xavier as his voice echoed through the pod filled chamber.

"Xavier? Show yourself you cowardly octopus! Afraid I'll splat the living crap out of you! I did to Cleo!" shouted Cassie as she looked around with her hero shot. "Oh, I'll get my payback inkling don't you worry and don't forget that I got the old frail captain too!" Xavier shouted back.

"Come out and face me Xavier! Make it easy on yourself and hand over Cuttlefish! You let go of the captain and I'll go easy on you!" demanded the inkling girl still looking around. "You think I'll fall for that squid?" He replied circling Cassie from beind the pods.

"What is this place? Why are all these humans here?" she demanded he question. "Haven't connected the dots? I'm sure you've seen the creatures in the tanks. The squids and octopi. They're not their by accident and neither are we," he answered.

"W...W...What do you mean? Make some freakin' sense and quit with the cliff hangers!" She ordered the octoling. As she was losing her patience with his hiding. "It's clearly evident isn't it! Too bad you won't have time to figure it out!" sneered the octoling.

Xavier octo jumped out of the shadows and jumped Cassie. Her Hero shot was knocked out of hand and she got punched in the face. She stumbled back and held her jaw. The octoling took another swipe at her but she caught his fists and kicked him back. She jumped for her hero shot and Xavier swam for cover in his octo form. Cassie shot at him but he got away as she chased after him. Manuvering through the cryo pods. She sprayed her ink at the octoling and he was finally struck in the tentacle and changed forms behind a pod. "Son of a shrimp!" he jeered holding his arm.

"Come out and fight octoling!" yelled Cassie. With her weapon still up, she cautiously searched for the octoling. Xavier limped away, futher from the agent as to not get caught. He waited for her back to turn then he would strike her with an eight ball he pulled out of his pocket. He turned to Cassie who was facing away and chunked the eight ball at her. She quickly turned around and shot the eight ball down that sparked. "That trick's not gonna work again!" she shouted.

"Well how about this one!" he shouted back as he rushed her in his octopus form and tackled her against a cryo pod. She was finally subdued and dropped her hero shot. "Not so tough now are you squid... Tartar's got plans for you," he told her as he loomed over her body. She attempted to get up but fell over and closed her eyes. Xavier packed her over her shoulder and grabbed the hero shot. "Nice weapon you got. It'll make a nice sovenir," he scoffed.

As they headed back on the walk way. Xavier stopped with Cassie on his shoulder, looking at the dead human's body. "Pity... there goes another one," he said with no sympathy. Then I migrane came on him and he held his held and gritted his teeth. His skin turned a pale green and his tentacles blue. When he opened his eyes they were black with green irises. Xavier looked at his hand and noticed this discoloration. "My...condition is getting worse... Tartar better come up with a cure for this... I can barely keep this up," Xavier said in a static voice. He then walked away, still carrying Cassie and the two of them left the cryo chamber and toward the inner parts of the labs where Xavier would place Cassie inside a glass tank.

As Cassie was captured yet again by Xavier and carried away deper in the labs by Tartar's request, Cuttlefish on the other hand was still in the VR program and was inserted to another location via a program file. This file contained records that simulated locations through memories and Cuttlefish like Cassie found himself in a lab, the same lab as a matter of fact, only during the time when the human researchers were around, presumably before the oceans wiped out all of humanity. Cuttlefish watched the resarchers move around, some of them studying the glass tanks in front of them or operating the machines attached to them. "Dr. Carter!" one voice called out as Cuttlefish hid behind a machine hooked up to one of the tanks and watched the human scientists. "Yes, what is it Professor Jones?" another human in a human in a lab coat.

"Hey, that's the bucko's father. I recognize him from before. I wonder what's going on and how I got here in the first place?" Cuttlefish asked himself.

"What's the results of the serum on the marine test subjects? Any abnormalities?" the professor asked.

"Nothing so far beside some physical changes. It appears to have altered the coloration and even behavior of some of the marine creatures. They appeared to have gained intelligence and rather at alarming rate, especially the cephalopods," replied James.

"Cephalopods are intelligent organisms by nature and are fast learners. I don't see how..." started Professor Jones.

"No, what a mean professor is that are able to solve problems and complete tasks that not even a toddler could do. They are able to answer simple math equations and even spell and recognize words. Heck one the octopi swiped a cellphone off one the researchers and was browsing through it. If this keeps up they'll be able solve algebraic maybe even arithmetic equations. I think they're even learning from us, studying us as we're studying them. This could be a major breakthrough in the project and its only been over a week," said an excited James.

"This is marvelous news doctor. I'm glad to hear it, so once we continue to study their behavior and if the results look promising then we can begin our human subjects with the serum that we'll be extracting from the marine creatures. Seems their DNA has provided a way to stabilize the unpredictable properties of the serum in its base form and with the seawaters continuing to rise. It only seems fitting that oceanic-based DNA would be another solution in our dire dilemma, wouldn't you agree doctor Carter," asked the professor.

"Wait human subjects? oceanic-DNA? Um professor even if the results slowly improve. We're not sure what this could do, not to mention unethical, I do question the decision not only to use the DNA but what it could do to humans. I'm sorry but I can't be a part of this," protested James.

"Should I remind you that you're still an employee to the Kamabo company doctor? As for ethics goes, we're talking about the fate of mankind here! Risks are going to have to be taken James and won't have your moral dilemma jeopardize the project when we're so close to a breakthrough. Should I bring this up to Director Irons?" asked the professor.

"There's the word Kamabo again. I might not know what those humans are saying but one thing is for sure is that they have to be working for that company. I wonder what they're discussing? By the look of things it can't be good by the way they're arguing...or at least I think that's what they're doing, Hmm... I still haven't found anything besides the lad's father is working for Kamabo or so it looks" said Cuttlefish still huddled by the aquarium.

Cuttlefish continued to watch the two men get into a heated discussion over the ethical issues of the project. Their voices getting louder until James waved his arms and walked away from the professor. "I want no part of this! You can go ahead and inform director Irons and tell him I'm dropping out of the serum project and reporting back to the Ark Polaris. Something that is realistic for our survival instead of some insane experiment that could kill us! I am going to the director about that and the ethics of using live human subjects. I will resign before I have any hand in this! Good day professor Jones I hope you have a clear conscience before you decide to follow through with the experiment!" shouted James angrily as he headed for the doors.

"Oh I will James, for mankind's survival even if sacrifices have to be made! Don't let emotions get in the way of progress! Especially with the current situation we're in and the threats of war looming just around the corner! Think about that!" shouted back the professor as James left the lab.

As cuttlefish watched James leave he spotted something in the large tanks the researchers were studying. Something was oddly familiar but strange to Cuttlefish about the creatures in the tanks. A large tank beside Cuttlefish was also containing some sea life. He turned toward the tank and saw what looked like an octopus walking on the glass toward him. "What in the kraken?" shot Cuttlefish as he stared at the creature. He saw it's tentacles with suction cups on the bottom of it and a round head and small eyes. He placed his hand on the glass under the octopus and after a moment it propelled itself as it shot ink away from the old inkling.

"An octopus? What's it doing here?" asked Cuttlefish who was stunned by the sight of the cephalopod. He also saw squid and cuttlefish inside a nearby tank. He stared at the aquatic creatures as they swam around the tank. "Squid?" muttered Cuttlefish. "Why are inklings and octolings being held captive? What do the humans plan on doing with them?" asked Cuttlefish fearing the sight. He turned back to the humans and thought about what was going on. "Kamabo must be stopped...why would that octoling and lass work for them after seeing all of this?" questioned Cuttlefish as he watched the human researchers shoot a vial into some of the marine creatures and place them back into their tanks.

Cuttlefish stepped out beside the tank but then everything froze. It's as if time stopped and all of a sudden a robotic voice appeared: "File corruption detected... closing file," it said. Cuttlefish jumped hearing the voice and quickly looked around. "File data collected... opening new file," the robotic voice said again. Cuttlefish was consumed by blinding light and then another change of scenary followed. This time he was sent to the Ark Polaris launch site. Cuttlefish was standing on the tarmac outside the launch site command station. He looked and spotted Blake and his family pulling up in their vehicle. They got out and were soon greeted by the director. "There's the bucko and his family again. Where am I now?" Cuttlefish asked slight frustration.

James and Director Irons talked for a moment before he and his family boarded the craft. As the director walked away Cuttlefish stepped toward the giant spaceship that would take humanity into space to escape their submerging world. The sounds of chanting and yelling got Cuttlefish's attention as he turned and saw crowds of humans being blocked from coming on the launch site. "LET US IN!" a man shouted. "I DON"T WANNA DIE!" screamed a woman. The crowd was getting more frantic and guards unleased tear gas on them to get the protesters to disperse. Some of them were even cocking their weapons. After a couple of minutes a voice on a loud speaker shouted: CLEAR THE RUNWAY! ARK POLARIS PREPARING FOR TAKE OFF IN 5 MINUTES!

Cuttlefish turned his attention back to Ark Polaris. "What in the kraken," he said as heard the boosters of the large craft rumble and then soon the thrusters came on. "ARK POLARIS TAKEOFF IN 3...2...1... LAUNCH IS A GO!" the voice over the speaker shouted. Cuttlefish turned his head and shielded his face with his arm from the smoke. He slowly opened his eyes and watched the Ark Polaris shoot into space as the people witnessed their only escape go up into the clouds. "A...spaceship... is that how the lad survived all this time? In all my ages I would've never dreamed of something even existing. Why would humans fly off into space?" Cuttlefish asked. Then the crowds as well as the guards had horrified expressions on their faces as they turned toward the far end of the runway and saw a wall of water heading their way. Cuttlefish saw this as well and his eyes widened. Crowds scattered and the guards dropped their weapons and retreated to their vehicles as the seawaters enveloped the launch site and Cuttlefish crossed his arms in front of him, preparing to get washed away by the large waves but instead the simulation shut down. "File ending... Opening file 30. Cuttlefish was blinded by white light surrounding him. Sounds of faint gunfire and explosions filled the air. Cuttlefish slowly opened his eyes and saw a terrifying sight not of an approaching wall of water but the carnage of a battlefield.

Cuttlefish was sent to a simulation of a worn torn city during the resource wars that plagued humanity before the oceans submerged the landmasses. Bullets were flying as soldiers rushed up to fighting postions. Cuttlefish swam in his squidform to a nearby crater. "MY COD! IT'S LIKE I'M BACK IN THE GREAT TURF BUT... THIS IS MUCH WORSE!" he frantically shouted. scared out of his mind from the battling. He saw human soldiers getting shot and thrown by the explosion of grenades. A tank moved in beside the crater he was in and a couple of soldiers rushed into the crater he was hiding in. Cuttlefish froze in fear, the soldiers not paying him no mind since this was simulation though it look and sounded real. The tank fired its main cannon before a missile struck it. "WARHORSE IS DOWN! WARHORSE IS DOWN!" shouted a soldier. His partner opened fire on enemy postions ahead of them before getting shot in the head and rolling down. "FUCK! ALL UNITS PUSH UP WE CAN'T LET THE ENEMY TAKE THE CITY!" the soldier yelled after seeing his squadmate get shot.

"This is madness! I want out of this damn thing!" said Cuttlefish in a panic as he looked at the slain soldier as his head bled. Cuttlefish looked over the crater and saw other soldiers moving toward their position. "I gotta get out of here before anything else happens," said Cuttlefish as his hearts were racing. Then a grenade landed in the crater and Cuttlefish swam out in his squid form. Not paying attention where he was going. He was swimming into the enemy positions. The soldiers rushed toward him and Cuttlefish was manuvering through them as they ran past him. One enemy soldier was shot and fell in front the old inkling's path. Hoping over them, Cuttlefish found a charred car body to get behind as the fighting intensified.

He changed back and the sound of jets flew overhead bombing the area he just came from. "That (heavy panting) was a close one. The great turf war is nothing compared to this. Why are the humans killing one another!?" asked a scarred Cuttlefish. Then it donned on him about the approaching seawater from the last simulation. The giant spacecraft and the fact that humanity went extinct thousands of years ago. "Their... fighting over the territory because of the rising oceans... like the inklings and octarians did years ago. We're not different than the humans," panned Cuttlefish. He watched the battle continue and thought about the great turf war and realized what caused mankind to go extinct. "We could've wiped each other out... this is what Blake was trying to stop and I didn't listen to him. If the bucko didn't intervene in the great turf war... we would've ended up like the humans, extinct," said Cuttlefish.

The old inkling sat down against the car body as explosions littered the air. "It seems I've been wrong about everything. War should've been averted long ago and Octavio and the octarians would've never been driven underground. I let my pride get the best of me and I'm just as responsible for the war as Octavio. The lad would've never gotten thrown back into that pod with it weren't for my actions. I see now why Blake was trying to reason with us. Maybe it was a good thing I got thrown into this world and witnessed what happened to the humans but that still doesn't explain the connection between Blake and Kamabo other than his father is. The lad never found his family and I'm not sure whatever became of them. It appeared that they left in that ship but Blake washed up inside that metal contraption on the beach. What am I missing!?" said a frustrated Cuttlefish as he conked himself on the head. Then out of nowhere a missile launched straight for Cuttlefish and it collided with the car body he was behind. A fiery explosion and a blast of debris covered the area where he was sitting and the old inkling didn't have a chance to flee.

Back on the train, Cleo was waking up. She soon noticed she was tied up and squirmed around to get free. "Hey! Untie me at once!" she demanded Iso to do. Iso padre ignored her making Cleo angrier. "Did you hear what I said!? I said untie me you overgrown shellfish!" she demanded again.

"Both of us might be working for Tartar but I won't give in to your little tantrum inkling," replied Iso. "Just wait until Tartar finds out that you're helping that agent. You'll be terminated and not in a good way!" sneered Cleo as she squirmed some more.

"It would be best that you stayed quiet. That inkling agent has gone to deal with that octoling. It's time the two of you realized that your actions have brought Tartar closer to achieving his goals of wiping out everything on the surface and starting a new world that he will create," said Iso. "A new world? Wipe out everything? What are you talking about?" asked Cleo.

"You've both been duped. This promised land doesn't exist. It was a lie concocted by Tartar to use you. You're both pawns like me and that inkling girl you lured down here. Do you realize that octoling had made a deal with Tartar behind your back?" asked Iso "What deal? The only deal I know of is going to the promised land. Xavier would never go behind my back... would he?" she asked as her frustration dwindled.

"Xavier has seen things you couldn't begin to compromise and now he plans on becoming a part of this new world Tartar has envisioned. He plans on becoming a part of it as well as you and may not like it inkling," said Iso with his arms crossed. "New world... but me and Xavier have already talked about what we would do after Tartar was done using us," said Cleo.

"Maybe so but apparently this promised land isn't good enough for the octoling. Let's hope that inkling agent will stop him time," said Iso. "No! I wanna have a talk with Xavier! If Cassie gets a hold of him then all will be for not. I wanna see if Xavier betrayed me or not! Please! Untie me! I beg you!" pleaded Cleo.

"Why would I do that!? Haven't you two done enough damage and I'm sorry but for your own good, you're staying on this train until that girl returns," said Cleo. "Have it your way," she commented. She changed into her squid form though still bound. Her slick body allowed her to slip from the ropes. Iso Padre attempted to keep her apprehended but she jumped from her restraints and ricocheted off the ceiling and landed on Iso in her bipedal form. Knocking him out momentarily. "What's going on!?" shouted C. Q. Cumber as he came through the car door. He panicked when he saw Iso knocked out and Cleo freed. "Uh oh," he said before she ran over him and darted out of the subway. Unable to do anything the sea pig crawled over to Iso and wake him up.

"XAVIER!" she shouted as she ran toward the doors. They were open and the inkling followed the same route Cassie took until she reached the Cryo Chamber. "Xavier! Are you here babe!?" she shouted. Her voiced echoed through the chamber. "Xavier!" she cried again as she walked down the aisle between the cryo stasis pods. She looked around, never seeing the pods before because the inkling had never been this deep in the labs. "What the shell are these things?" she asked looking at the pods. Then as she reached the end of the walkway and the young inkling spotted the dead human male from the self-inflicted gun shot wound. Cleo gave a loud gasp and covered her mouth at the gruesome sight. Cautiously approaching the body she examined it and knew it was deceased. She looked at the blood splatter then back the pistol lying on the floor.

She picked it up and examined it. She looked back at the human with sympathy. "Did...Xavier do this...NO! He wouldn't he's... not like that," said Cleo with uncertainty in her voice. She then turned back to the far door leading further into the lab and held on to the pistol. When she opened the door her eyes widened and she had a distressed look on her face. She saw Cassie sitting against a tank with Xavier typing on a terminal. The tank glowed and the machine powered up. "Alright squid, Tartar got his end of the bargain and its time I got mine. Once this is done me and Cleo will get new bodies and we can begin a new life in Tartar's new world. What's the sense in living in that virtual reality when theirs greener grass to be had..." said Xavier as he started to drag Cassie inside the tank.

"Xavier!" shouted Cleo. "C...Cleo!? What are you doing here!? I...I mean I'm glad to see you're alright babe!" he said as he let go of Cassie. His wasn't expecting Cleo to appear all of a suddent, especially now for his incovience.

"Xavier what's going on!? What do you mean new bodies!?" she demanded he answer. "Umm...well, I...I...I'll Explain later. Can you help me with her?" asked Xavier as he grabbed Cassie. "NO! I WANNA EXPLAINATION NOW! ISO TOLD ME THAT YOU MADE A DEAL BEHIND MY BACK WITH TARTAR!" she screamed.

"WHAT! N...N...No! It's not like that! I was gonna tell you sooner!" he exclaimed nervously. "Start talking NOW!" she yelled in a fit of anger. "(deep breath) Very well. Just come see," he directed, surrendering to her.

The two of them approached the tanks holding the man and woman. Cleo was in shock to see the two humans in the tanks. She then turned and looked at Xavier with an explaination. "I found a way to... transfer our minds in these two humans. It's the only way we can live in Tartar's new world. New bodies and new lives. Think of it Cleo! We don't have to worry about our races going to war with one another anymore. We can start a family and become humans!" explain the octoling. Cleo gave him an estranged look, trying to fathom Xavier's descision.

"Xavier what are you saying...this isn't what I want," she told him. "Cleo please understand, these bodies we're in wasn't supposed to happen. I looked through Kamabo's data history and found stuff you couldn't believe Cleo. In fact we came from..." he started to explain as Cleo clenched her eyes and wanted to cry. "I DON'T WANNA HEAR IT! This wan't the plan! The plan was to go to the promised land and if turning into a human is the only then I don't wanna go! I like being an inkling!" she cried.

"Cleo listen to reason! I don't wanna be an octoling anymore! I've always felt that I was something else and that I was just trapped in this... body! Even when I was soldier in Octavio's army back then. I've dreampt of the promised land and being a human. I was hoping I could share this dream with you Cleo... but you haven't opened your eyes yet I see. I guess I'll have to help you..." said Xavier as seemed out of mind and walking up to Cleo.

"STAY BACK!" she screamed at him. "CLEO! W...what's gotten into you!?" he asked as he stopped. "I should ask you the same thing Xavier. You're not the octoling I fell in love with when we first met. You're talking nonsense! I can't believe I would go along with your disillusions! To think I left my sister, my family and Inkopolis for this! I'm sorry Xavier but I go through with this," she told the octoling.

"Cleo...please hear me out. Think of what you're doing. You're so close. Tartar plans on rewritting everything and if you choose not to follow me then I'll lose you. Cleo I still love you and doing what's best for the both of us!" he tried to reason. "I was so stupid to believe you and this promised land fantasy. It was too good to be true and now your gonna still help Tartar even knowing he's about to wipe out everything and everyone I love," she pouted.

"Their's no other way Cleo now please take my hand," he asked the inkling as she backed way, shaking her head. "I SAID TAKE MY HAND!" yelled Xavier as grabbed Cleo's arm. BANG! Xavier jeered back and held his shoulder. Cleo had shot Xavier with the pistol. She covered her mouth and dropped it. Xavier clinched in pain as ink went down his arm. "That...stung," he jeered in pain. Then suddenly Cassie arose and rushed Xavier, tackling him against the tank with the male human in it. "You...SORRY SQUID!" he growled.

Still brusied from their last fight. Cassie was determined to take down Xavier. "I'm not going down that easily octopus, ready to get your butt whooped!" she taunted. He growled again and rushed her as Cleo backed away and watched the fight. Xavier rushed her again and took jabs at the inkling. She evaded the attacks and countered them weakening Xavier. Cassie kicked him down and he laid on the floor. Before he could get up Cassie pinned him down. "CLEO! HELP ME!" he shouted at her. She had a distressed look on her face and shook her head before running off. "CLEEEEO!" he yelled.

"GIVE IT UP XAVIER! YOU LOST!" Cassie shouted. "I haven't lost yet squid...but you have," he sneered before pulling out a syringe and sticking it into Cassie's neck. She yelped and this gave him the opprtunity to kick her off him as she flew back into the tank Xavier would place her in. He made a run to the terminal and closed the tank, filling it with greenish liquid. She pounded on the glass before she fought for air until she passed out.

"Sweet dreams, it'll probably be the only good thing you'll get out of this. Let's see how the serum will react to that stubborn will of yours. Speaking of which I need to catch up with Cleo and talk some sense into her if not then I guess I'll have to put her in a tank like that agent even if it means injecting her with the serum as well," Xavier said. The octoling held his shoulder and noticed it was healing up as if he was never shot in the first place. "Seems human weaponry doesn't do a lot of damage to oceanics. Still a shot to the head or vital organs might prove deadly. I'd rather not find out," said Xavier as he picked up the pistol Cleo dropped. I better hold on to this for safe keeping," The octoling said as he placed the gun in his pants.

Cleo was running for her life to get away from Xavier after hearing his plans and is psychotic ranting about turning the both into humans. She soon tripped and whimpered. Out of breath she slowly got up. "I... can't believe Xavier would even consider going along with Tartar and turning us both into...humans. He's out of his mind. I should've never helped him or Tartar and now Cassie's..." she said distressfully. Fearing that Xavier would eventually catch her and do who know's what to the inkling girl. "CLEO!" a voice shouted faintly.

"Oh no. I can't let Xavier catch me. I gotta hide or something," said Cleo as she frantically looked around and got behind a cryo pod in her squid form. She kept still and quiet as she heard approaching footsteps. "Cleo! Come out come out wherever you are...let's talk about this like grown cephalopods," cried out Xavier. She whimpered, hoping Xavier wouldn't spot her. "CLEO! COME OUT THIS INSTANCE! DON'T MAKE ME HAVE TO HUNT FOR YOU!" he yelled angrily before holding his head from another migrane. "Damn! I'm losing patience!" he jeered as he punched a pod beside him. He stormed away as the sound of footsteps were fading.

"Thank cod he's gone. I gotta find a way to get out of here but first I need to locate the old inkling dude and tell him what happened to Cass," she said quietly. She changed forms and looked around to see if the octoling had left. It seemed the coast was clear as she cautiously stepped out but then out of nowhere Xavier popped out. "THERE YOU ARE!" he shouted with manical smile. Cleo screamed before he grabbed her. He had a discolored complexion and green and black eyes again like before. Cleo punched the pale octoling and he let go. He growled as he rubbed his face seeing Cleo flee again through the cluster of cryo pods. "GET BACK HERE!" he shouted but not paying attention, Cleo stumbled right into another octoling but this was a female, a soldier by her uniform. Green pale skin and blue tentacles. Her glowing red eye on the goggles she was wearing stared right at her. She smiled and gave a creepy static laugh as she looked at the inkling girl. Cleo was frightened by her appearence and backed away but then as she turned Xavier was right behind Cleo punching her in the jaw to return the favor.

She laid dazed on the floor, watching the two discolored octolings stand over her. "Get her up. It's time she became sanitized," said Xavier with a static robot like voice. THe octoling smiled and gave a laugh like before as she stuck her hand over Cleo before the inkling girl blacked out and gave a faint scream.