Splatoon Agent Zero Precursor

by drz1990

A human soldier faces a world ravaged by war only to be deceived and frozen in time to be saved from the rising seawater that finishes off Humanity. He awakens to a new world where he could find solace and answers to his past. He tries to survive and adapt, only to discover a new race of creatures now inhabit the world he once knew and makes critical decisions that affect his life.

6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

NOTE: Been busy with the main story everyone. He's the next chapter an reminder these chapters don't get frequently released like the main story chapters. You'll soon see more familiar characters in the chapter like Octillia, Octsana the rebel major, Kova the commander of the argonauts and others. Remember that story takes place before the events of the main story and many of the these characters are younger and have differnet ranks and occupations than the current story as to not confuse readers. This is before Octavio's first defeat by agent 3 and before the octo rebels split from the army, instigating a cold civil war with their valley brethren. Enjoy the read.

It had been a long day for Sergeant-Major Octillia and especially her team. She was still brooding over Meryl and the team felt as she put the grunts through grueling training. She made sure Mirage felt the wrath since she had to go hunt down the inconsiderate octoling girl. Octillia forced her to do double the push ups and sit ups as well as running across the course. Mirage was completely worn out to the point she felt as if she could burst into an ink puddle but not exhausted enough to let her mouth overrun and curse out the sergeant-major as Octillia could just chuckle at her tantrum. "All right! Everyone fall in line!" she ordered them. Mirage fought to get up and stumbled over to the group before falling in line. "Good job team or I should two of you anyway," she said she narrowed her eyes to Mirage who bared her fangs. "you're all dismissed!" she told them as she waved her hand.

"Oh thank cod!" exclaimed Mirage before falling out.

"Oh and private Mirage, my office, 10 minutes," she told her as she walked away from them.

"(growl) What now," she jeered as she sat up.

Kei was chuckling as Niko was standing beside him. "What are laughing at? Do I have to come over their and knock that stupid look off your face! Then I'll give you something to laugh about," sneered Mirage as she balled her fist at the octoling boy. Kei quickly turned his head and stopped. "That's what I thought," she said as she got up. "I can't help that her friend is gone so I don't know why she's giving me such shit!" ranted Mirage.

"Doesn't help you got such a bad attitude," popped off Kei. Mirage quickly turned toward the boy and bared her fangs at him, showing her displeasure. "I'll show you bad attitude," said Mirage as Kei could only see a fist land into his face.

"Later into the night. Kei was back in the barracks with an icepack over his eye and Niko was in the female barracks reading a magazine as she was laying on her bed with Kei on her mind, wondering if he would be ok after Mirage slugged him. A couple of hours prior. Mirage had to visit Octillia in her office. After some ass chewing Mirage left with a stern warning of changing her disposition and to start acting like a soldier or else. Mirage contained her deep resentment of the sergeant-major and her situation. She gave a false agreement and left out, eventually going AWOL as it got dark so no one would spot her. Octillia that night decided to stay in her office and catch up on some paperwork. She took a swig of her flask but not before a figure leaning against the doorway caught her by surprise.

"Great minds think I like a guess," said the figure.

"Oh hey Octsana. I didn't hear you come in," said Octillia placing the flask away.

"Must be a lot on your mind. You're normally more alert and focused than this. I'm guessing this is about Meryl isn't it," said Octsana as she stepped in front of her sister's desk.

"(sigh) yeah...I guess you can say that. Has the rescue team had any luck finding her?" asked Octillia hoping to hear something good.

"I'm still waiting for them to return but I'll let you know something. Look how about we both go to the bar and get our mind off things. You've done enough and dwelling on Meryl isn't going to make matters easier. I could use a drinking buddy. Better than any of the other lit elites that hang around there. So c'mon," suggested Octsana.

"That's nice of you to offer sis but right now. I got paperwork to catch up with. especially Meryl's obituary form. Why did you assign me to these...hack jobs? None of this would've happened if it wasn't for..." started Octillia.

"Octillia, Listen to me, You never wished for this. Meryl was a soldier like you, like me. Things happen and if we go to war then what? We can't predict when its our time. I would suggest that you accept it and move on but I'm not asking that you just forget about Meryl. War could be around the corner and I really need your mind concentrated on training these grunts before Octavio does declare war on the surface. Our people's lives are at stake and I won't have one octoling's...assumed death jeopardize everything," said Octsana.

"I understand...loud and clear," replied Octillia.

"Look, I have hope that she's still alive. Meryl is persistent and I'm sure she's out their somewhere just trying to survive. We'll find her eventually and hopefully before whatever attacked those octotroopers," assured the lieutenant.

"I hope so too. Right now I just want time to myself. Probably just sleep here for the night once I get done with this pile of requisition forms. Exhausted is an understatement," said Octillia following it up with a yawn.

"Well don't get too overwhelmed, you need the sleep by the look on your face. I'll leave you then. See you tomorrow sergeant," said Octsana as she waved out and left the office.

"Yeah, you too sis," said Octillia sleepily as she started stamping forms on her desk.

Meantime, Mirage was skulking around after she had snuck out of the octarian base. She had made it on the outskirts of Octopolis where she was trying to find a place to lay low and get her mind off things. "Glad to be out of that shithole but first I gotta get rid of this uniform and find some clothes before someone reports me. Too bad those inkheads took my old ones and my favorite jacket...all well," she said to herself. As she was walking she spotted a clothes store across the street. She rushed over and looked inside the window and spotted some clothes she could wear; it was too bad though the octarians just wore the same old stuff. Shorts and black tops but every now and then would get something different. She spotted a jacket reminiscent of her old one minus her gang's logo on the back of it and red top instead the standard black one hanging on the rack. She approached the store door and lock picked it until she managed to slowly walk inside. She grabbed the red top, which was short enough to cover her chest and the black leather jacket.

"This will work, just gotta change and get out of this uniform," she said before heading into the changing booth. She walked out with her new threads and left her old ones inside along with her armor. "Someone might still recognize me though, what to do," she said looking at herself in the mirror. She soon spotted some sunglasses on a counter and placed them on her face. "Perfect, dig the new look just wish I had my old jacket. Now no one will know it's me. Not sure where I'll go now," the octoling said before heading out of the store before she got caught.

As she was walking she spotted a bar but not just any bar. It was the bar the elites hung out at as well as some of the regulars and other octarians that "snuck" off the base but for the NCOs and senior officers it was a privilege. Given the opportunity, often times the octarians that were in the service would hang around once they were off duty or on leave when given the time. Mirage stared at the bar watching one octoling elite walk in, deciding wether or not she should go in herself. She worried about her cover getting blown but on the other hand a good way of getting some dirt on the officers through their drunkeness or at least have some fun or maybe even starting a fight to get even with the octarian army's treatment towards her.

"Hmmm... I shouldn't but how could I resist. As long as I stay incognito then maybe I can pull off getting inside without raising suspicion. I'll show those degenerate inkheads not to tangle with me. Brings me back to days when I was with the octoposse. This is goin' to be fun," said Mirage as she slowly made her way to the entrance. She fluffed her tentacle and raised her sunglasses up to conceal her identity. As she waked in the smell of booze and shame hit her nose. The octoling looked around and saw octotroopers playing poker. One was laying on the floor near the entrance as she almost stepped on the little drunk tentacle. Hey...How ya doin' " it said in a drunken stupor at Mirage with a goofy grin. Mirage just flinched and gave the little trooper a disapproved look. She sat next to a half-lit elite with her head down on the counter as she was surrounded by ale bottles on each side of her.

"Haven't seen you in here before," asked the bartender who was an octotrooper himself as he studied Mirage.

"Oh...yeah. This is my first time in here. The name's Mir... uh, Miranda...yeah, just blew into town to see the sights. Wanna cut loose before the nights over with," said Mirage nervously as the bartender raised an eyebrow followed by a shrug.

"Well what will it be?" he asked her.

"What would you suggest?" she asked.

"Just give the newbie a shot!" blurted out the elite who broke from her nap next to Mirage. She raised her head and stared at Mirage before giving a smile. "That'll get you started...my name's Kova by the way (hiccup)...please to met you," she said holding her hand out as started to stumble off the stool.

"Hey watch it! Looks like someone's had a little too much alcohol," said Mirage as Kova knocked over one the bottles spilling a little bit ale on her arm.

"I'll be fine...what was it...Mir...something," said the drunk elite trying to keep her balance.

"Umm...Miranda and I'm not so sure about the shot. By what I've seen I may wanna reconsider," said Mirage as the bartender placed a shot of liquor in front of her.

"Don't be a lightweight... (hiccup) just do it! Relax. You said you were from out of town. C'mon just get a little buzzed and forget about your problems. We're all adults here," slurred Kova.

"Fiiiinnnne," said Mirage as she took a full swig of the hard liquor. She shivered and wheezed from the drink, wanting to throw. Kova broke out laughing as she nearly fell off the bar stool.

"What's so funny!" asked Mirage angrily.

"Nothing lightweight it's just... I guess it was a little too much for you. An octoling walks into a bar and can't handle liquor. You just...seem out of place. You can't be in the army...where did you come from anyway?" asked Kova proping herself on the counter. Mirage panicked to think of an answer before the elite though drunk would be suspecious of her.

"Uh, well...I..." started Mirage but she interrupted by two elites that approached her and Kova at the bar.

"Who are you supposed to be new blood?" asked one of the elite snidely. "Yeah, I've never seen her in here before..." said the other. "You best leave octotramp if you know what's good for you," said the first elite. "I say we knock those shades right off that face of hers. No one comes in here dressed like that. Trying to scoop up some easy squeeze for the night? No doing! You better get out of here before..." ranted the second elite but was cut off by Kova.

"Hey! Lay off Lieutenant!... She's with me... she's cool," stammered the drunken elite.

"Pfff... Kova...as usual, you're always making friends... especially when you ain't got a drinking buddy with ya... where's octillia... oh that's right... she got tired of that mouth of yours..." said the elite smugly.

"SCREW HER! (hiccup) We may be rivals but... that doesn't give her an excuse...(hiccup) I don't care what anybody things, so ink off... I got a new drinking buddy," slurred Kova trying to keep herself from throwing up.

"Yeah...not likely" Mirage muttered to herself.

"You're not worth my time, plus you're drunk... wouldn't look good knocking a blathering drunkard to the floor... no wonder Octillia quit hanging around you," said the elite. She then turned her sight toward Mirage who had been observing. "As for you... don't expect the drunk mouthpiece to defend you again. Consider this a free pass... or expect an ass kickin' next time octopus," said the elite as Mirage was restraining herself from striking the elite but she knew she could jeopardize herself and blow her cover once she got into a fight.

"Let's go... I've had my excitement for the night. She better watch her tentacles," said the first elite waving the second to follow her to the other side of the bar.

"What a winch (sigh) came close... but I kept my cool. Can't ensure that next time though," said Mirage to herself. She then turned back to Kova who was slowly nodding off.

"So... you know Octillia?" asked Mirage thinking about how she wanted to see if she could get dirt on the octolings that was making her life heck in the army.

"Yeah, what about her?" slurred Kova.

"oh, nothing, It's just... I guess you can say I know her," said Mirage with her identity still concealed.

"Well...she ain't nothing! We've known each other since boot camp... I gave her shit and she gave me shit, been rivals ever since..." ranted Kova as she took another swig kelp ale. "Doesn't mean we couldn't lighten up from time to time... screw her!" she continued getting more drunk and aggravated by the topic. Kova continued talking about her time at boot camp with Octillia. After several minutes Mirage was getting so bored by the drunk's storytelling she was nodding off. Seeing she wasn't getting any dirt from the drunkard on Octillia. She gave up and was intent on leaving.

"Well this has fun and all but... I gotta go, be seein' ya" said Mirage. "And I mean I really hope I don't," she muttered quietly.

"Huh, wait you don't wanna hang around?" asked Kova.

"Nah... got other places to be, besides, no offense but sobers and drunks don't often go good together," said Mirage.

"Well...screw you too! Go ahead and hit the road! I'll just stay here and (hiccup) keep the bar down," slurred Kova, angered by Mirage's decision to leave. Mirage slowly headed out the door as the octotroopers were getting rowdy. The little trooper that lost the poker match slammed his cards on the table and jumped on top of the winner followed by a fight. "Here we go again," commented the bartender as he grabbed his baseball bat.

As Mirage left a voice got her attention at the doorway into the bar. "Hey! I wanted to get your name," said the voice. Mirage turned around a spotted a male octoling wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses as he pulled them off. His tentacles were black with a ring in his ear. "My name's Zack but my friends call me Z," he replied. Mirage studied the octoling and his appearance. He didn't seem like the soldier type but kinda like here, a drifter maybe.

"My name's M...M,,,Miranda," said Mirage, trying to remember her fake name.

"Well, M...M...Miranda, I haven't seen around these parts. What's a pretty octopus like you doing in a place like this. I'm guessing trying to get a way from all your troubles," said Zack as he approached her.

"How did he know?" she mumbled to herself. "Listen pal, don't bother making a move on me because I'm not interested. This octopus flies solo, besides you wouldn't want to get to know me anyway. Let's say my record of making friends isn't...great," said Mirage.

"I don't care. Why don't we get to know one another. I promise I'll keep my tentacles to myself," said Zack.

"No funny business. I might be a lady but I can still hold my own. Learned to fend for myself back when I was in the ga..." said Mirage but stopped herself from talking at the end.

"Back in the what? In the army? Are you a soldier?" he asked her curiously.

"What! No! I was just..." she started but then stopped herself. "You almost blew Mirage!... what is this guy? A truant officer or something," she thought herself nervously.

"It's ok if you were, I used to be in myself until I went AWOL, well I should say deserted after they assumed I got killed in a training accident. I had it all planned out enough to convince those inkheads that I got killed. Yep, got squashed by a negligent octobomber...after I payed him," iterated Zack.

"You got squashed by one of those fat tentacles? That was so...lame," said Mirage.

"I know it sounded stupid but if it got me out then what do I care. I'm free! Don't miss it one bit. Dealing with all the crap and all the strenuous training. Good riddance! I didn't care for that chain of command shit. This octopus is a free spirit. Go where I want when I want. The only life me," said Zack.

"Wow, me and this dude have a lot in common. Now he's got a good head on his shoulder... too bad I'm not the relationship type or we'd make a cute couple," thought Mirage to herself.

"What'll you say cutie? How about we go hang out somewhere and ditch this place. Seeing all the elites in there is making me nervous. Not mention how clingy they can get," said Zack.

"Sure...why not," replied Mirage. The two headed off into the night. Mirage looked over to Zack and rubbed her arm. "Hey Zack," she called.

"You can call me Z by the way but yeah?" he replied.

"My names not Miranda...it's Mirage. I used to be in a gang called the octoposse. I left them a couple of months back after... losing a friend. After that the law caught up with me but I was given an alternative; go to the labor camp or the army. I chose the army, made me sick to think I was going to be trapped behind bars. I got sick of it like you did and went AWOL. That's why I hid my name and ditched the uniform," explained Mirage.

"I guess I can't say that I blame you. It sucks and I wouldn't wanna go back to it. I can keep a secret if you can," said Zack.

"Sure...so, where did you wanna go Z?" asked Mirage.

"How about we just hang out at my place for the night... as friends of course," said Zack as Mirage gave him a suspicious look as if he was looking for a one night stand. "It's getting chilly and you're not exactly dressed for the cold air," he said defending himself.

"I'm fine but I am getting tired," said Mirage as she rubbed her arms hiding the goosebumps from the cold night air.

"Well you're going to love my place. Been working on it for quite a while and ever since I left the army I've had more time to finish it," said Zack.

"Yeah I'm sure It'll nice...heh heh heh," replied Mirage with false enthusiasm. "He's being so nice. I've never been treated this way before...maybe I should be cautious. He might be up to something," she said to herself. She kept her guard up, not used to be treated politely by people. She wondered if this was some kind of ruse or was he genuinely being sincere. They continued on for minutes until they reached what looked like a metal building that was halfway rundown. Mirage was the least bit impressed as Zack turned toward her.

"I know its not much but walk inside," said Zack as Mirage gave a sigh and followed him to the door. She wasn't eager to find out just how more disappointing this place was.

"Well we're here. Welcome to my abode. Hope its not to subtle but I have a unique taste so make yourself at home toots," said Zack before stepping through the doorway. The interior was huge and unlike the outside the inside was cleaned up and the walls lined up with a few neon signs and other trinkets of old human technology and posters. There was furniture and other appliances in the room as well as some old arcade games against the wall. "What do you think? It used to be some kind of warehouse but I fixed it up once I came across it," said Zack.

"Wow this is... pretty cool...hey did you just call me toots?" said Mirage after hearing what Zack called. Angered she approached Zack. "Now one calls me toots, got it octopus!" she growled at him as he backed away.

"Y...Yeah, sorry!" he apologized with his hands out nervously. He gulped and kept his eyes on the angry Mirage.

"Good, being we are on the same page. Let me make this clear. This isn't some kind of sleepover, so you can get a free piece of tentacle. I'm not some easy octotramp you picked up at the bar. As I said, I used to be in a gang and like you...in the army. I can fend for myself and I'm not looking for some guy to come along and sweet talk me into his arms...or should I say his pants. Make a move and I'll make one myself...are we clear?" asked Mirage who intimidated the octoling boy as she stood over him. Keeping her gaze on him as he gulped and nodded to agreeance.

"I'm glad we reached an understanding. So where can I sleep and don't say we can sleep in the same bed," said Mirage.

"What, N...N...I wouldn't. The couch folds out into a bed. You can sleep there...if you want to," replied Zack.

"Don't really have any other choice do I. I'm bushed so I think I'm just going to hit the hay," said Mirage.

"Ok then," said Zack as he opened the couch, revealing the bed. Mirage plopped down though it wasn't very comfortable but better than sleeping in the barracks. "Let me know if you need anything," said Zack before heading upstairs to his bedroom.

"Sure," replied Mirage indifferently. She laid her jacket on the floor and laid down.

"Well, goodnight Mirage," said Zack after studying Mirage from up the stairs before walking off into his bedroom.

"Yeah, yeah," replied Mirage as she rolled on her side, eager to fall asleep.

It had been nearly an hour and Mirage had a hard time sleeping. She tossed and turned feeling guilt from not being able to save Meryl and how she treated Zack after he welcomed her into his home to stay the night. She got out of the clothes she was wearing and decided to undress and sleep in the nude while she covered herself with a blanket. After a moment she gave up and stared at the ceiling. Much was on her mind and she couldn't sleep because of it.

"Maybe I shouldn't give him so much grief. He didn't have to bring me back to his home after all. I'm definitely not going back to the base. (deep sigh) I'm not used people treating me so nicely. Does he... really like me?" she asked herself. "Phah, what's it matter. This octopus walks alone and I don't need some wannabe hotshot keeping me anchored and dependent on him. People that stay around me just eventually turn on me. I don't need anyone especially a guy that thinks they can arouse me and promise everything in the world. Well no doing, I can take care of myself," she told herself as she rolled over and grabbed the blanket.

"That's... how it has to be," she mumbled as her lips started to shake and a tear ran down her face. She covered her face to hide her grief and fought the urge to cry. Mirage's defensive demeanor was due to never knowing her parents. They had died some time when she was a hatchling and as a result she was handed over to an orphanage. Overtime as she grew she didn't see any chances of getting adopted and ran way fending for herself. Stealing and living as a vagabond, she would eventually join the octoposses and build up cred for the gang for her past experiences of petty crimes until the law would finally catch up to her and losing a friend in the process. Given the option to go to the labor camp or draft into the army. Mirage chose the latter if it meant avoiding being in a cell. The room echoed her whimpering until she would cry herself to sleep on the couch she was on. What a life Mirage had to endure and would Zack ease these troubles of her or would she keep her walls up around anyone that would step in?

---

Deep down in the dome where the human and octoling soldiers were stranded. The screens projected a cloudy morning sky and sound of rushing water emitting from the creek was the only noise that could be heard. It had seemed the two got to know each other the day prior and set up a camp along the river until they would find a way out of the bottom of the dome and back to the top to find a way out.

Michael had awoken, ready for the day ahead and to find a way out of the canyon. He thought about last night and looked over to see Meryl was still asleep. He got up and walked over to wake her as he nudged the octoling. She yelped and jarred awake as she looked and saw Michael kneeling over her. "Michael!? (deep breath) you... scared me," she told him.

"It's ok, I wanted to see if you were ready to head out or not," said Michael.

"Yeah (yawn) I...guess so," she said as she got up.

"Good because I'm not sure where we should go," he told her. After a few more minutes. Michael grabbed his gear and put away the tent before they left to scout for a way out. They decided to traverse up the ravines and followed the river upstream. It was a quiet lengthy journey up the river as Michael was still gnawing at why Meryl acted the way she did when they were away from the camp site. He decided to let it go as he watched Meryl beside him remain reserve but he could tell something was on her mind as she grabbed one arm and kept her eyes in front of her.

"So Meryl...I was thinking about the or deal of you trying to introduce me to your people... maybe... It would be best if... I stay hidden," said Michael.

"What, Why?" panned Meryl turning toward Michael.

"It's just...I don't mean to be doubtful but I think it would be best if I remain a secret. I don't wanna cause problems and you need to get back to your base. I know you wanted me to talk to them about refusing to go to this war you were talking about but what makes you think they'll listen to a being they think has been extinct this whole time?" explained Michael.

"Michael you said you would and I trusted you to hold your word. Why are you changing your mind now...was it because of last night?" exclaimed Meryl with her arms crossed and a look of disapproval.

"No that's it at all, it's just...(sigh) how we met one another and how you reacted. I may appear as a threat to them and I don't want anything to happen to you. I have my own priorities to worry about. I shouldn't made a promise like that and I'm sorry that I did..." said Micheal as Meryl cut him off with resentment.

"No you're not! You told me about the resource wars and what you've been through. The countless lives you've watched die. The carnage and bloodshed of war. You're possibly the only candidate to try and reason with them about not going to war with the inklings. Now you're backing out. I thought we were friends and I trusted you to help me," said Meryl unpleased with Michael's decision as she downed her head and turned away from him.

"Meryl I..." he started. He paused for a moment rethinking his actions as he looked at a disappointed Meryl. "(deep sigh) I did say that didn't I...you're right, I'll go with you. I trust you and I'm sorry for being so doubtful," he said apologetically.

"You will" she responed as she turned back to him while he nodded at her. "Thank you Michael that's all I want," she said with a slight smile.

"Are you sure that's all you want?" he asked with a smirk and smug look.

"Huh..." she responded with a look of confusion. It then donned her what he was hinting at and her cheeks turned red. "Wait, what are you insinuating?" she exclaimed with a slight annoyance. "No! That's not it! We're just friends and we just met. I can't believe you would think that!" she continued on before crossing her arms and puffing out her red cheeks.

"I'm just messin' with ya, ease up sergeant," said Michael trying not to chuckle at the octoling that he knew liked him.

"It's Meryl to you, corporal. Do I have to make squat down and do push ups?" she said leaning over with her hands on her hips.

"No ma'am, My apologies, let's just continue on so we can get out of her and divert that war you were going on about. Hopefully you're right and they'll listen. You're optimistic, I'll give you that," he said.

"Well my optimism gets me in trouble sometimes. I guess you can say I'm not some inkhead that just walks around like a mindless grunt and just takes orders. I have a soul," she told him as they started walking.

"Sounds like some of the people I've been around back when I was in the USDF. Constant stress and rigor will do that to you and you become nothing but a mindless drone, wondering when it will all end. I don't wish it on anyone but when your duty is to serve you just got to go through it and keep your sanity about you," he said.

"Well I'm glad you didn't turn out like some grunt who can't think for themself...And I'm glad we got to met each other," she commented.

"Likewise, just image if you were the only person left in the world with no one to talk to. I'd lose my sanity and off myself then maybe I would join my girlfriend again," he replied as Meryl didn't comment.

The two of them pressed on until something caught Meryl's attention up ahead. She spotted a metallic disc shaped object parked on top of a cliff leaning toward the edge. It looked like a UFO. "What is that an...UFO? To think I was starting to throw out the ideas of aliens. I'm throwing my hands up..." said Michael trying to put logic in what he was seeing after what he had been through.

"Well technically yes...whatever a UFO is. That's an octarian floating vessel. We used them for reconnaissance missions and air patrols. Wonder how it got out here? Some dumb tentacle probably crashed it," said Meryl.

"Kind of like a helicopter," replied Michael.

"What's a helicopter?" she asked him in confusion.

"Nothing, it's sort like that thing but it uses rotors to hover over the ground and..." said Michael but he realized he couldn't compare that UFO to a helicopter like the one he's flown. He could tell by the octoling's face that she was lost and couldn't comprehend what a helicopter could be. "I'll explain another time...so this thing can really fly?" said Michael changing the subject.

"Sure but first I gotta see if will even do that. Idiot pilot probably didn't know what he was doing. This sort of stuff happens all the time, especially if those octotroopers are behind the wheel," commented Meryl as Michael was starting to get worried.

"All the time? Sooo...you know how to operate this thing right?" he asked with uncertainty.

"I've technically never driven one but how hard could it be?" she answered.

"Just don't, you know...do what the pilot done," he commented nervously. She hoped on the crashed craft and jumped into the cockpit.

"Well this is our only ticket out of here and if we're lucky maybe its got enough fuel to get to that facility you were talking about and get us back to my base," She told him before examining the controls. "Let's see..." she pondered. She started pushing buttons and pulled up a lever on the dashboard of the disc-shaped craft.

"You do know what you're doing?" he asked doubtfully.

"Of course... umm just trying remind myself how to operate it. It'll come back to me," she replied with a grin as she rubbed the back of her head. Hiding her inexperience with the craft she continuously studied the controls and was eager to impress Michael on how to operate the little ship. She spotted a large red button toward the top and nervously pressed it and the UFO hummed until it started floating. "Hey it works! I mean I just remembered how to start this thing," she said hesitantly as she quietly chuckled to herself. Michael decided to keep its dobts to herself and hoped the octoling wouldn't kill them both. "Ok, Michael, hop aboard," she told as she waved him to get on. Michael was not anxious to climb on the UFO, fearing it wasn't dependable and not to mention it only had room for one pilot. Where would he sit? Surely not on the top where he could fall off if the octoling couldn't fly it.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked nervously, giving the octoling a look of distress.

"What's the worst that could happen?" she answered him.

"That's what I'm afraid to ask," he commented before jumping on the top and sitting behind the cockpit nervously.

"Hang on!" she shouted as she took off causing the UFO to jerk and Michael to yelp.

After a rough ride on the UFO and close calls of falling off the craft. Michael gave her directions and the two of them finally made it to the Outer Valley where the facility was located at the bottom. She landed the UFO mediocrely as it banged it's bottom against the ground. Michael was eager to jump off, grateful that he didn't slide off of it. "We made it in one piece, thank god," he said gratefully. Meryl was a little degraded by Michael's comment.

"Huh... I didn't crash so why are you criticizing my flying skills?" she said with slight displeasure with her arms crossed.

"No it's...not your skills its that UFO. I'm not used to flying in something like that and I wasn't exactly fastened in since it only had one seat," he said defending himself. Michael then quickly turned to not look at Meryl's unhappy expression.

"So, where is this place?" she asked getting off topic.

"It's beneath here, I'll show you," said Michael as he walked up to the hatch and opened it. She was curious and watches Michael climb down. "You coming? Or do you wanna stay up here?" he asked her.

"No! Absolutly not! I'm anxious to see what this place is. If it's anything like you told me then I'm really interested in seeing what human technology looks like. Maybe this stuff will help my people out, especially with the power outages," she said as she hopped down and followed Michael.

The two of them finally made it inside the facility but something was odd. The power was restored and Michael remembered how dark it was and how he had to use a light to navigate through the underground facility. "What's wrong?" Meryl asked seeing the stunned look on Michael's face.

"This place wasn't powered up before I left. Someone's here," said Michael as he placed his googles on and picked up his rifle. He cautiously scanned the corridor ahead with Meryl right behind him watching their six. They made it to the chamber of the arc reactor and saw that it was running. It was loud and sparking, filling the room with noise. "What is that thing?" asked Meryl as she stared with wonderment.

"That's the arc reactor. It's what supplies electricity to this place. What I understand is it generates it's own energy without a power source. Unlimited amount of electricity to power this place for years to come but I'm wondering who got it going. It was untouched before I left," said Michael still weary.

"So an unlimited amount of electricity, that's...unheard of. Just to think if my people had something like that in our possession to power up all the domes. We wouldn't need to use the zapfish anymore. Human technology is... astounding," Meryl said in amazement. "This could mean no war...no taking the zapfish from the inklings," she said to herself. She then turned to Michael who was studying the control panel of the arc reactor. She walked behind him and tapped his shoulder.

"Yeah, what is it Meryl?" he asked her as he pulled up his goggles.

"This thing...you said it generates it's own power source. Right? Well...is there anymore?" she asked him.

"Meryl...I seriously doubt it but why so interested?" he asked her back.

"This Arc reactor thing could be the solution to the octarians problems. Just imagine if we had this thing powering the underground domes. We wouldn't need to steal the zapfish from the inklings. We wouldn't have to go to war. That's why I was asking if you knew if their were anymore," she explained,

"Zapfish? You must be referring to those fish that could generate electricity from before. Meryl even if there were another arc reactor somewhere. How do you expect us to get it back? Look how big it is. It's got to be like 20 tons and I seriously don't believe your people have anything to transport one. It's a nice plan but its over ambitious, theirs's no freakin' way it would work. We're talking about old human technology if you can even find another one and in tact that is. If you remember Meryl the great flood wiped everything out including all of human civilization and our technology," explained Michael.

"I guess you're right. I was just so eager to think that something like this could solve all of our problems. Too bad this is probably the only one still around but if my people ever found out about this device they would think of a way to get back. Well this whole place would peak my people's interest... I'm curious to see what more this facility has in it. You mentioned about a lab and that pod thing you came out of," said Meryl.

"Well don't you worry because I gotta figure out who or how this thing got started up in the first place. Not that it's a bad thing but suspicious. This could very well mean I'm not alone. Their were more pods filled with people," said Michael as he headed out the door.

"Wait, theirs more humans! fascinating," said Meryl following Michael.

The two finally reached the lab and looked around. Still cautious that they weren't alone but so far the room was clear but one computer on the other side of the room caught Michael's attention. The monitor was on as if someone was tampering with it. Michael examined the terminal and looked through the files that had been opened on it. "What is this?" asked Meryl.

"It's a computer but someone's been on it. These files have been pilfered through as if they were looking for something," replied Michael. The data he went through didn't make sense to him until he came across a video recording. He clicked on the video and a window popped up revealing him and others that were laying in beds with something injected into their necks. The researchers in the video were describing the test and the effects of the serum shot into their bodies. Michael had froze and stared at the video for several seconds and Meryl was concerned over Michael's expression.

"Michael what's wrong? I didn't understand what those humans were saying in the video. What did they say?" she asked with concern. She looked at the video again and spotted Michael with a needle being stuck into his neck. "Is...that you? What did they inject you with?" she asked Michael.

"Some kind of...serum...I'm not sure," he responded.

"Serum?" replied Meryl.

Michael paused for a moment to see if could remember anything from before he was trapped in the cryopod. So far he could only get bits and pieces of of his memories. Vaguely remembering the events that happened before. A memory of Brooks shooting him in the head caused him to jeer in pain and clutch his forehead feeling a scar from the bullet wound. "Michael are you alright!? You're starting to worry me ever since you watched that video. What happened? Do you remember something?" she asked him.

"If I was shot in the head then how did I survive? Why was I placed in that pod? Am I really the last human left?" Michael thought to himself. He was deeply troubled and turned away from the computer. Meryl followed him wanting to get more answers from him but she could tell he was ate up with grief.

"I...need to lie down for a moment. It's just theirs so much running through my mind. I'm sorry Meryl but right now I just wanna be alone," said Michael as he left out of the room.

"Poor Michael...I wonder what's wrong. I'll respect his wishes and maybe he'll turn around. I guess he wouldn't mind if I explored this place before we leave. The octarians would have a field day in here," said Meryl as her gloominess went away though still concerned over her human savior. She left out to explore the underground base. She was intrigued with all the human technology and the base itself. She walked through the rooms and soon ran across more pods.

"These must have been the other humans Michael mentioned. He said their were more pods but they were dead... it's sad... especially to know you are the last of your kind," said Meryl. She studied the pods and looked through the small windows. Most of them in uniforms, mixed as male and females but one pod she had noticed was open. It was Michael's as she looked inside it. "So this was the pod Michael was in. Why on earth would someone do such a thing?" she asked feeling deep sympathy for Michael but as she turned and looked. She spotted another pod that was also opened. It read Brooks on the pod as she walked over to it and saw that the occupant was gone. "Wait a minute... Michael said the power wasn't on when he left and now theirs another pod open, Michael might not be the last human alive after all. I gotta let him know! But where could that other human have gone?" she asked as she rushed to find Michael.

She scoured through the underground base until she finally reached the quarters. The octoling went through the room until she spotted Michael lying on his back unresponsive in one of the bunks. "Michael? Michael!" she shouted seeing he wasn't moving. As she ran over beside the bed she saw that he was sweating and looking pale. "Michael! Answer me!" she shouted but got no reply. She checked his heartbeat but couldn't feel a thing. "Michael get up!" she shouted as she shook him. He was still unresponsive. "Michael...please get up," she started to cry.

The octoling panicked seeing that human wasn't responding to her pleas. She makes attempts to try and revive Michael by resuscitating him trying to get him to breath. Having no luck she searched for anything that could bring him back. She dug through draws until she found a first aid kit. The octoling girl opened it and inside were normal medical supplies and then she spotted a syringe with word revive on it. She pulled it out hoping that it was something that could help him. She ran back over to Michael's body and hesitated to stick the needle in his chest. "You can do this Meryl. Just count 3...2...1..." she said as she stuck the syringe in his chest and threw it down on the floor. "Michael, Michael...c'mon wake up!" she cried.

She waited and soon Michael started to move and gave a deep breath. He blinked and sat up as he gasped for air. "Oh my god, what happened?!" he exclaimed in shock. He looked around before spotting Meryl who rushed to give him a hug. "Michael! You're ok!" she cried.

"Huh, yeah, I...uh... it's good to see you too Meryl," he said awkwardly. She pulled off and stared at him with concern. "Michael, what happened?" she asked him.

"I...don't remember much. All I can recall is laying in the bed and blacking out... then here you were...did you... revive me?" asked Michael.

"Yeah, I did. I panicked and I wasn't sure what to do! I thought I was going to lose you! But I'm glad I didn't because your my friend...I...didn't wanna see you die," said Meryl with concern and relief. Michael felt deep guilt over what had happened. Seeing Meryl deeply cared for him even though they just met and that she was an octoling. He then started to feel a connection with her as she reminded him off his girlfriend that he lost during the great flood. He downed his before looking at Meryl again who was still studying him.

"(deep breath) Meryl...I have a confession to make. I know what happened," said Michael as he turned his face away from her.

"You do?" she replied.

Michael pointed toward medication bottles on the floor next to the bed. Baffled she looked at Michael who was still looking sickly. "I don't understand," she replied. Michael downed his head and pondered what to say next. "I... tried to kill myself. I overdosed on that medication so I would...die," he said with remorse. Meryl gave a gasp and stared at Michael.

"Why would you do that?" she said in shock.

"After coming out of the pod to realize you're the last human left and that your family, your girlfriend and the rest of your kind are dead. Then finding out you were just some lab experiment and placed in that...freezer in the first place. To be denied a choice to die with everyone you love. What would you do!? he asked her fighting the tears. "I never asked for this... the only thing I could remember was fighting in the resource wars. Watching countless lives die...for what!? Land that was disappearing. What remaining supplies were left. I don't live a day without feeling all the pain and regret of watching soldiers get killed and civilians dying when they couldn't escape the waters or the fighting. I don't wanna feel this way anymore! I just...want it all to end," said Michael as he covered his face.

As Michael lifted his head to face Meryl. She was distraught and held her tears back. She waved her arm back and slapped Michael in the face. "You may have went through heck and back but that didn't entitle you to take your life! I trusted you to keep your promise and then you do this! How do you think that made me feel to see you...almost die! It's because of what you went through makes you a good candidate to tell my people to avoid a war. You're my friend and last hope to talk to my people Michael," said Meryl as her anger resolved. She saw how saddened he was and how he regreted the decision to try and take his own life.

"I'm so sorry Meryl. I was selfish and I should've never taken back my word to go with you... again. Can you ever forgive me?" asked Michael. She first gave him a disproving look but it quickly changed to a slight smile as she had forgiven him and gave him a hug to comfort him. Michael didn't know how to react to the kiss on the cheek as she blushed. He gave her a smile as the two of them got off the bed and headed out of the room. It seemed their friendship was maturing but could that soon morph into something else. The two would stay at the underground facility a bit longer before they left for the valley to reveal a living human to the octarian society but Michael was still having doubts, hoping his new encounter with Meryl's people wouldn't be like his encounter with the octotroopers which in turn Michael will have explain and apologize for.

The two headed out of the room and into the labs. "So... what about that video? Is their anyway you can find out what happened and why they shot that stuff in your neck?" asked Meryl.

"I'm not so sure... for now let's focus on how you're going to present me to the octarians as I think what you were refered to. So have you came up with a plan or are you like me, hoping I don't get a 21 gun salute but instead the guns pointed at me. I rather not see how effective that inky stuff is on a human, it didn't feel good before," said Michael.

"No, I'll think of something but first things first. I'm sure they think I'm KIA after landing in the river. Octillia is going to be thrilled to see that I'm alive if not speechless like everyone else once they see you, a live human. I'll do what I can to ensure they don't shoot you once I explain things, especially if they hear that you saved my life. Hopefully they'll pardon you for wounding that octotrooper," said Meryl.

"I surely hope so. It would be interesting to meet your people since all of mankind was wiped out. Maybe I can start a new life once I get settled... if your people don't decide to put me in a cage or disect me," said Michael.

"They wouldn't do that to you, being the only surviving human left the octarians wouldn't try to put you in such a situation. I think they'll be quite pleased to see a human.. Your species' technology had helped us out a lot. The underground domes we inhabit were constructed by humans so long ago or we suggest. Not to mention other technology we've used and even some of your culture. Octavio has taken a liking to the pop music culture of humans," said Meryl.

"The domes might have been constructed as a means for my race to escape the rising seawaters. Wait...I just thought about something. If humans did build those domes for that reason,,, then maybe they put those cryopods down there too...my girlfriend...maybe she's still alive if she tried to escape," said Michael with hope. Meryl then felt uneasy and thought of something to say.

"Umm, Michael I...don't mean to be the bearer of bad news but as long as I've been down there I've never came across or heard of any kind of pods with humans in them. Only fossils, I'm sorry Michael but I doubt there are any other humans alive, you even said the humans in the pods here were... deceased. It would be nice to think she could've survived like you though," said Meryl,

"You're probably right. I need to move on and leave my past life behind and plan for the future. A future I'm uncertain how I'll adapt to. I've always wanted to start a family but that'll never happen," said Michael.

"I...don't see why not," mumbled Meryl to herself.

"What was that?" replied Michael.

"Oh...nothing just thinking out loud I guess, heh, heh, heh," said Meryl as she gave a faint laugh, feeling awkward about Michael almost hearing her. Michael raised an eyebrow as she held her arm and turned her head to cover her expression but something caught her eye. Was she seeing things or was she seeing another human. "Meryl...you look like you've seen a ghost or something," said Michael with concern.

"Maybe I am, look," said Meryl as she pointed to the lab's exit. Michael looked and copied the same shocked expression Meryl had. The two of them stared at the mysterious human who was standing at the door way, staring back at them.

---

Cuttlefish and Mimi made it back to her shop after a long day of grocery shopping. As they walked through Mimi's clothes store and headed up the stairs behind the counter. The top floor of the shop was Mimi's apartment where she had slept and cooked. As they made it in Cuttlefish placed the grocery bags down and plopped down on a nearby chair. "Phew...I'm beat lass. These old feet don't get around as much as they used to," said Cuttlefish.

"Well, maybe if you didn't have a diet of crabby cakes, you'd be in better shape, like me. Maybe try eating some fruit and vegetables. Not to mention you stay hold up in that shack of yours," said Mimi as she laid her bags down.

"Quit crabby cakes! Never! I would rather polish Octavio's helmet than quit eating those delicious crabby cakes," protested the old inkling. "Speaking of Octavio. I gotta get back soon and make sure them octarians don't try nothing. If Octavio knew I was off guard they would storm Inkopolis and eventually the county," He continued.

"Oh Cuttlefish. I seriously don't think that'll ever happen. Octavio's like you, hold up somewhere, trying to make the best out of being banished from the surface. He's probably bored to tears right now. You might wanna consider forgiving him. How long has it been? a hundred years or so," said Mimi.

"I'm not apologizing to that bastard, after everything he's done. Not a chance lass. As long as its been I won't start now," ranted Cuttlefish as he grabbed his cane and stood up.

"Grumpy old squid. very well then. I'll have supper cooked shortly... and no crabby cakes. You're eating something different this time," scolded Mimi.

After an hour had passed. Mimi's supper was done and the two had eaten. Cuttlefish complimented Mimi on her cooking and got up to lay down as the food made him sleepy. Mimi fixed some tea while Cuttlefish retired for the rest of the night. Afterward Mimi headed toward the bathroom to disrobe and wash herself. Inside she sat on a stool and wiped herself down. Nearly done she had heard something stir in the dining room. "Hello, Craig are you up?" she asked as she turned toward the doorway. She didn't get an answer and she continued to rinse herself off. Again it sounded like something was moving around the dining room again. "Craig?" she cried. She stood up and placed a robe around herself before coming out. She headed into the kitchen and looked around. She saw their was no one in the dining room and scratched her head. She heard Cuttlefish snoring and knew he wasn't up.

"Maybe I was hearing things but I could've sworn I heard something moving around in here," said Mimi. She turned back toward her bedroom and sat on her bed. Though she never saw anyone she felt their was still a prescience in her home. She remembered the figure at the market with their face partially darkened. She wasn't sure if ghosts were real or not but she knew someone or something was there. She decided to pull her robe off and lay down. As she laid in her bed something woke her up. She felt she was being watched and that the presence she felt before was back.

"Hello? Whose there?" she asked as she sat up. She looked around but didn't see no one though she still had a feeling someone was and it wasn't Cuttlefish. "Show yourself?" she demanded. After a moment had passed a ghostly figure appeared and Mimi screamed. She recognized it as the figure from the market and screamed when it appeared in the room. "WHO...WHO...WHO ARE YOU? WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOME!?" she asked fearing the presence of the figure.

The ghostly figure stepped closer as it slowly manifested itself to where it would appear recognizable. Mimi's expression was both of shock and confusion, not knowing what to do as the figure took the form of a bipedal being like her but instead of tentacles it had blonde fur on its head. It pulled its head up and stared at Mimi with its unmarked blue eyes. "W...W...What you?" she asked it clearly seeing it wasn't an inkling not having markings or pointed ears but small ones and small eyes to match its small head.

"Mimi...its me," it said meekly.

"H...how do you know my name?" she asked again still stunned at the presence of the figure.

"You...don't remember me do you? It's me...Blake," it said again.

Mimi stared at the figure and couldn't make sense of what she was seeing and why it knew her name. All of a sudden the name Blake caused memories of her past life to project in her mind. She remembered things she hadn't before. She remembered what Cuttlefish was talking about when he had the dream of the mysterious non-inkling figure he saw fight along side him in the great turf war. She remembered the relationship her and this figure had together back before the war started and when the fled the village from Octavio and the octarians. She recalled when Cuttlefish escaped the floating island that would be octo valley with Blake's bamboozler, explaining that he had been killed and dropped to his doom back in the pod he was first found in.

Tears ran down face as she stared at the figure that called itself Blake. "N...N...No...It can't be. You died years ago, this can't be. Why do you haunt me!?" she asked in distress.

"Mimi don't cry, I'm here now but only for a short time. I can't stay... I'm not sure what's going on but I wanted to come and visit you," the figure said.

"Visit me...but Blake I...would never have never thought in a hundred years that I would ever see you again... how is this possible?" she asked still awestruck.

"I feel as if something brought me here to you. Its as if I left my body and now I'm drifting around looking for answers... looking for closure. At first I didn't remember anything. Not you or Cuttlefish. The great turf war. Coming out of that pod or residing with the inklings. I was scared after I had these memories come back to me. I was troubled, confused but as wandered around and came back to the county. I calmed down and tried to make peace with the situation I was in. I think I know what's happening but its hard to explain...I... think I'm still alive... I know I am and I wish that things could go back to the way they were...I'm not sure how long it has been," said Blake noticing how older Mimi looked compared to when they last saw one another. Her tentacles were a pale orange color with grey tips and her eye mask was also a grayish color too. Her facial features made her look more elderly but for her age she looked as if she still had some luster left in her as inkling females age slower than males.

"Blake...I've...moved on but that doesn't mean I still don't love you. Oh how I wish things would've been different but you gave your life to save me, Cuttlefish and everyone else. I want you to know that after you died its as if the memory of you was erased instantly as if you were never found. I'm so sorry Blake...I...missed you...(crying)" she said before breaking out in tears. Blake comforted her and placed his hand under her cheek to direct her face towards his.

"Mimi, I don't hold anything against you or anyone else for what happened. If it was meant to be then it was meant to be. I still love you and if I could go back and change everything and be with you then I would," said Blake.

Mimi sniffled and wiped her tears. "Blake I don't want you to go. I wanna enjoy this time to see you and catch you up with everything that's happened after the war and my new family," said Mimi as she grabbed Blake's hand.

"I would love to Mimi but... I'll have to cut this reunion short soon. I don't have a lot of time left before I... go away. I know we'll meet again later you just have to believe," said Blake.

"I hope so Blake. I hope so," said Mimi as she grabbed Blake's head and pressed her lips to his. Blake was a little stunned but he accepted her expression, letting him know he had a special place in her heart or should I say hearts for him. She forced him down onto her bed. She was already disrobed and wanted to express her deep love the human entity. She grabbed his head again and kissed him again as she was laying on top of him. She pulled off and Blake stared at the nude older Mimi who had a smile on her face, eager to show her affection for him. "Mimi..." started Blake but she placed her finger to his lips.

Mimi started to undo Blake's shorts but he stopped her. "Mimi look at me," he said. "Yes, what is it Blake? Don't...you wanna make this visit special?" she replied.

"I do but It's already special getting to meet you again. If we continue it'll make my departure that more disheartening. Why don't we just... catch up as you wanted to," said Blake. She took her hands of Blake's shorts and downed her head. "You're right... I wanna spend what time with you that I can. It's just I wanted to catch up to... other things too," said Mimi as she blushed and rubbed her tentacle.

Blake chuckled and sat up. "That's understandable I guess. So... how have things been. What about Cuttlefish? or Judd and Ammoses?" asked Blake.

"Cuttlefish is here as a matter of fact he's asleep down the hall. I'm surprised you didn't hear him snoring. Judd is staying in the city judging those dumb turf war games the inklings enjoy playing and Ammoses...passed away 10 years ago," said Mimi sadly.

"Oh...I'm saddened to hear Ammoses isn't around anymore but I'm glad to hear Judd is still around," said Blake.

"Yeah as a matter of fact Judd is staying with Ammoses's son and grandson at their shop. I think they sell weapons for the turf war games. I wish you could see Inkopolis. It's a far cry from when we fled there from Octavio and the octarians. Where you almost got killed and where we first kissed. Oh how the good times have gone Blake. I miss us... being a couple," said Mimi.

"Me too Mimi...but fate had other plans. Things didn't work as well as I thought they would but I'm glad you've started your own family and...I'm glad you've moved on," said Blake.

"Blake please know that I didn't want to forget you... I wanna make things right..." said Mimi as she got up and sat in Blake's lap in another attempt to show her love for him. They embraced one another again to kiss and then Mimi grabbed Blake's hand to caress her breast. She gave a moan as Blake kissed her bosom before pulling away. The two looked at each other as Mimi looked at him promisciously but Blake knew his time visiting was about to come to an end.

"Mimi...once I leave here... you'll forget me again and what we did just now. This moment brought me to an understanding of how much you loved me and how you and your people took me in, even though I was a stranger and a human. I...had so wished that things turned out differently than they did. I'm so sorry Mimi," said Blake as he started to cry.

"Blake it's not your fault, I wish things were different too. I wish we could've been together as well. I wish the war wouldn't have happened and could've started our own family," said Mimi as she had tears forming too.

"I've...enjoyed our visit so much but its time for me to say goodbye. I still love you Mimi," said Blake as he placed his hand on Mimi's cheek.

"I love you too Blake," she said as she placed her hand on his. She held back her tears and wanted to cry knowing Blake was about to leave her. Blake's body was starting to become transparent and his physical manifestation was declining. He was slowly fading as he stared at Mimi. "We'll meet again someday Mimi," he told as he vanished.

"Blake don't go... please... (crying)" she cried as tears were pouring from her eyes. She laid her head into her pillow and wept until the next morning she woke up not remembering meeting Blake in the middle of the night. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. The inkling woman gave a yawn and stretched. "Is it morning already? I had the strangest dream last night but I can vaguely remember it. Well I guess I better get Craig up. Grumpy old squid. I swear he can sleep through anything, even another great turf war, I'm surprised he hasn't collapsed the whole shop with all that snoring," said Mimi as she got dressed and left her bedroom to see if Cuttlefish was awake.

After Cuttlefish was woken up and the two ate breakfast. They headed into town to visit Cuttlefish's daughters as well as his new grandsquids before leaving back for Inkopolis. They made their way to the resort where Cuttlefish's daughter managed the service, while the other daughter managed the kitchen. Cuttlefish and Mimi walked inside to be greeted by Aori's mother. Eventually Hotaru's mother would appear once her sister called for her before their father left back for the city. "Well, we're glad you came by dad. I hope you come back soon and I'll even have a nice room for you in our executive suites for you, when you do," said Aori's mother.

"Yeah and I'll be sure to have some krabby cakes on supply as well. We're going to miss you," said Hotaru's mother.

"I'm sorry girls. I wish I could stay but I gotta get back and watch the valley. If Octavio knew I wasn't guarding that tea kettle then his whole army would storm the city and I can't have that," said Cuttlefish.

"Craig...we've already went over this. Octavio doesn't plan on attacking Inkopolis. He probably doesn't even hold a grudge anymore. You should try and talk to him sometime, maybe catch up on the good ole' days. You know...before the great turf war and heck maybe the octarians will want peace and we live in harmony again," suggested Mimi.

"Not likely, lass. I hate to say it but Octavio isn't the type to let go of a grudge. He's about as prideful as that fat head of his. Besides he's a war criminal and he and those octarians are lucky they were spared and driven in them accursed underground domes," ranted Cuttlefish as he tapped his cane.

"I swear you get more stubborn by the day you old coot (deep sigh). I won't press the issue but it's a shame you two used to be friends. I remember when..." said Mimi but then a flashback popped in her head that cut her off. She vaguely remembered Blake from last night and their passionate encounter with one another before Cuttlefish waved his hand in her face seeing she froze in thought. "Lass? LASS!" he shouted jarring her back into the real world.

"Huh!? W...what?" she stammered. "Look like your brain quit working for a few seconds. Had that happen to me multiple times. Seems somethings on mind" he told her. "I...guess you can say that. It's just all of a sudden I saw someone I knew a long time ago and now I... can't recall anything. It was strange," she replied.

"Old age does that. You remember something then poof it's gone. I'm sure it'll come back to ya lass. Well I better get going before the tram comes and I miss it. Mimi...I enjoyed our visit and appreciate you letting me stay out your shop for the night but I couldn't help have the strange feeling that someone else I knew was around. Odd. Now I'm have a moment. Guess it's contagious too," said Cuttlefish. "Well don't be a stranger and come back more often Craig and please lay off the krabby cakes or you're going turn into one," said Mimi.

"Lay off krabby cakes? That'll happen when me and Octavio start talking again," said Cuttlefish. "I think those krabby cakes are making him crabby," Mimi muttered to herself as she waved goodbye to Cuttlefish. His daughters waved and left with Mimi back to the village while he waited for the tram to take him back to the city. He hopped aboard once it arrived and got off at the plaza where the drain grate that lead to his shack was. The pipe running to Octo Valley was long and dark as Cuttlefish was eager to get back to his shack and make sure the octarians weren't plotting anything as if the elderly inkling would be able to stop them if they did.

Before walked inside he noticed boot prints on the around on the side of his shack as well around the tea kettle. The prints appeared to be a day old and concluded that someone had been snooping around while he was gone and left through the kettle. "What's this? Tracks?" asked Cuttlefish studying the prints. "Could it have been those octarians? I don't like the look of this," he continued. Cuttlefish then examined the tea kettle. He could tell it had been activated not long ago. "Could've been scouting the area. I better make sure nothing went missing inside the shack," said Cuttlefish as he headed back over to his home and went inside. By what he could tell nothing was missing or touched. Relieved to see his home wasn't broken into but still troubled by the tracks left behind someone hanging around while he was gone.

"I can't leave for one day and have to worry about them blasted octopi trying to come up to the surface. I think I'm going to shut that confound kettle off for good this time. Mimi and her don't worry about them octarians and she wonders why I stay alone up here and don't get out. Where here's why," said a frustrated Cuttlefish. Intent on shutting down the kettle something in the back of Cuttlefish's asked him. "Why would the octarians come up top all of a sudden after all these years?" he asked himself. He wanted to find out but at his old age he didn't fell like traversing through the valley to take a chance of getting caught and leaving the kettle open for them to come back... if it were an octarian in which Cuttlefish wasn't aware that it wasn't any of the octarians but a human soldier named Michael from his expedition a day before. Cuttlefish decided it would be best to go ahead and damage the kettle with his cane hoping it would shut down but no luck. The elderly inkling gave up and walked back inside and stayed vigilant hoping to catch the intruder later by placing a crate trap beside the kettle in hopes of catching the individual and questioning them as if that would really work.

---

In the meantime, Brooks was on the other side of the valley. He decided to take a rest and figure out where he was. He didn't recognize the surroundings and could only recall the facility before the seawaters overtook the land. He sat down on a rock and placed his weapon and pack beside him. He pulled out a ration and started eating before he took a swig of his canteen. What Brooks didn't realize that he was being watched from across the clearing. The octolings in the UFO that saw him before decided to descend down out of sight and snuck their way to Brook's location. That had been following him for sometime though Brooks himself felt the feeling of being watched not long ago; though he believed that it might have been his imagination the whole time.

"Let's move up and get a better look at the creature but be careful. We need to sneak up and make make sure we don't get caught. It is armed with some kind of weapon. We need to know exactly what this creature is a report back to HQ about it. It's possibly whatever attacked those octotroopers," said one octoling to the other. She nodded and they both octo formed and got closer to Brooks. Brooks had just finished his ration and stared up at the sky. "Wonder if theirs anything left? I suppose all of civilization was wiped out by the flood. I guess I'll have to do some more scouting, surely I'll run up on something that will give me a clue to where I am," said Brooks.

He started vaguely remembering his past life before he was frozen and rubbed his neck remembering the needle going in and the strange liquid that was injected into his body. Just then he heard a noise behind him. He quickly got up and aimed his weapon around. "Hey! Whose there!?" demanded Brooks. "Show yourself!" he shouted again. He steadily kept his eye out for movement and didn't see anything. "Must be losing it, because I could've sworn I'm being watched," said the human soldier but as he faltered his guard. One of the octolings jumped on the rock he was sitting on and aimed her weapon at him, after seeing his reaction. Brooks turned as he heard pebbles fall on the ground, toward the direction of the rock and saw to what appeared to be a human-like figure with red tentacles on her head. Without reflexes Brooks was shot in the face unable to react to the creature. He fell back as his weapon dropped from his hands. Only immobilized from the effects on the ink, the octoling jumped down and held her octo shot on him while the other grabbed his rifle and backed away.

"It didn't...splat? It can't be an inkling," said the octoling who had his weapon.

"I'm not sure what it is but I wasn't taking any chances. It looks like its wearing armor and some kind of uniform. A soldier perhaps," said the other octoling with her weapon on Brooks body.

"I believe so. What army does it belong to and are their more of them?" she asked the other. She examined Brooks weapon and felt how heavy it was. "What kind of gun is this? I don't see an ink tank on it," she asked again.

"Don't know but I do know we gotta report this to HQ. I think we should..." started the other octoling as Brooks moaned from the ink shot. He attempted to wipe his face and saw the creature that shot him in the face. Baffled and angry at the same time. Brooks sat up and was ready to hurt the octoling but she bashed him in the head with her octo shot, knocking him out.

It had been 20 minutes since Brooks woke up. He was propped against the rock he was sitting on with his hands cuffed behind his back. "Oh my head, what happened?" he asked weakly. He then spotted the octolings going through his pack and handling his rifle. "Hey! Get out of my shit!" she shouted at them. The octolings just looked at him not being able to understand him. They continued on pilfering through his equipment as he struggled to break out of the cuffs but made no headway.

"Hey! Release me now!" he shouted again but they ignored him as he tried to stand up. He fell on his side and was laying down on the ground with his head facing away from the two creatures. He looked over and saw one of the octolings pull out more stuff from his pack and Brooks was getting angrier but as he examined them, he noticed something was off. Were the even human he wondered? They look human but instead hair it was red octopus tentacles. "What are those things?" he asked himself. Brooks squirmed to get up but had no luck; giving a deep sigh of defeat. "So far I'm off to a bad start. I get frozen. Find out I'm the last human alive and that civilization has been wiped out... and now I've been subdued by these...things," said Brooks in clear annoyance.

"What is this stuff?" asked one of the octolings.

"Equipment you dumb octopus. As I said he's dressed as a soldier but I can't tell what this stuff is for," said the other as she pulled out a ration. She opened it and smelled the contents. She was a little displeased at first but as soon as she tasted it she went to town and the other demanded she share as soon as she saw her teammate pig out on the food. "No! Find your own!" exclaimed the octoling.

"I want some!" demanded the other as they fought over the ration. They dropped and spilt what was left. "Great! So dare I ask how was it," the octoling asked in disgust with her arms crossed.

"It was a lot better than our rations. Unfortunately it was the only one left. Sorry," said the octoling with a fake apology.

"Fat ass, I hope you get as big as an octobomber," ranted the other.

Brooks watched the octolings squabble and shook his head. "I got to find a way to escape...they may decide to eat me," said Brooks. He attempted to get up again but soon heard footsteps. He turned and saw one of the creatures aim what looked like an oversize water gun pointed at him but he remembered the projectile had unpleasant effects on him. The octolings studied him for a moment as Brooks stared back, trying to decide whether they're mutants or some alien species that could've taken over earth while humanity was wiped out by the ocean. One octoling motioned to the other for her to get Brooks up and prop him back on the rock for interrogation. She kept her octoshot on as the other pulled Brooks up and leaned him against the rock.

"Now...who are and what are you doing here? Are you an inkling? You look like some kind of soldier, talk!" demanded the octoling but Brooks looked at her strangely unable to understand her language.

"Corporal... I don't think it understands us... when it was yelling or I guess that's what that was, I didn't know what it was saying," said the other octoling.

"You're probably right. I doubt its an inkling. Look at its eyes, no markings and also no pointed ears. It doesn't even have tentacles on its head," complied the octoling who was questioning the human.

"What is it saying? All I hear is gargling and growling... they can't human... They must be trying to question me, maybe If I try and play along... they won't eat me," Brooks said to himself.

"What did it say?" asked the private.

"I'm not sure, I couldn't understand it, I guess we'll have to take it back to HQ with us," replied the corporal. Brooks slowly got up as the paralyzing effects of the ink were starting ware off, the octolings jerked back and kept their octoshots on him as they were intermediated by his height. Brooks was only almost a foot taller than they were but they were still very leery of him, being he was an unknown species to them and was uneffected by their ink. Brooks pointed his finger toward the direction he came from. "What is it pointing at?" asked the private.

"That's the direction we came from, where we first saw this thing, back at that hatch in the ground," answered the corporal. They turned back to Brooks who then kneeled down and drew a picture in the dirt of a ladder going down followed by a drawing of a rectangle with small vertical rectangles with stick figures in them. He looked back at them once he was finished trying to explain to them where he came from. The octolings were confused to what he was trying to explain. Brooks was showing irritation and pointed to the drawing, specifically the stick figure then pointed to himself. The corporal studied the drawing then looked at the human.

"What is it?" asked the private.

"I'm...not sure. An underground...base? Are their...more of these creatures?" asked the corporal still trying to understand what the human was trying to iterate. Brooks patted his chest and then pointed to the stick figures again. The corporal turned to Brooks and pointed to him and then back at the crude drawings. Brooks nodded and gave a slight smile to the two octoling soldiers. "So...this is where you came?" asked the corporal as she pointed. Not understanding her, Brooks could still assume the octoling was asking him what she did and nodded. "Is there...more of you?" asked the corporal again as she did a hand sweep over the multiple stick figures. Brooks wasn't sure what she was asking but nodded anyway.

"At least we're trying to somewhat communicate with it. For a small head it seems pretty smart. I still say we keep our eyes on it and keep our guards up if decided to escape or attack us," said the corporal as she turned back to the private.

"So what now? Return to base or... go check out this place where it came from?" asked the private.

"I'm not so sure about going back to that hatch...It may try something but if theirs more then we need to report back to command about this. If their is more then this could prove to be a serious problem. We have no idea what this thing is but we do no our ink weaponry had minimal effect on it," said the corporal. "We'll go ahead and go back to the little valley and see if this thing is telling the truth but be on guard," she continued.

"Right then," agreed the private as she headed toward the flying saucer.

The corporal walked over to brooks and motioned her weapon for him to follow her back to the flying saucer as she pointed toward the direction of the hatch. "I guess they're taking me back. This is great, I can take this advantage to get back inside and seal off the hatch and escape these things. I'm sure theirs more of them and I know I probably won't be able to take them on at one time. I just got to play it cool until I get back inside," Brooks said to himself as the octoling couldn't understand what he was saying. Brooks stared at the UFO as the octolings hoped on. "I guess they're aliens after all. They must've invaded after civilization perished. The sooner I get back the better. Who knows what other weaponry and technology they may have in their possession," said Brooks before hoping on the top of the UFO. Still watchful the corporal kept her weapon of Brooks and his gear and weapon were put off to the side so he couldn't reach it.

It would be minutes before they would reach the hatch where the octolings witness where Brooks came out of. Brooks kept his hands in view, showing no signs of resistance as the private drove the UFO. The corporal relaxed her weapon and held it down between her legs. She turned and stared at Brooks rifle, curious of what kind of weapon it was. She reached over and grabbed but Brooks wasn't paying attention as the ride was making him sleepy. The corporal held the rifle and studied it. It was heavy and it lacked an ink tank. "Where's the ink go? And why is so heavy?" she asked herself.

"Corporal, I'm not sure you should be messing with that?" cautioned the private as she saw the corporal examining the gun.

"Just drive us back to the valley and I'll worry about this thing. I can't see myself carrying this cumbersome gun around. Theirs no way of loading ink in it," said the corporal.

"It might not shoot ink," suggested the private.

"Then what does it shoot!? Rainbows and pixie dust. Just focus on flying this damn thing," said the corporal getting slightly frustrated. Brooks fell asleep and payed no attention to the corporal's bickering as she fooled with his weapon. She held the weapon as she was supposed to and looked down the sights. "Wow...now this is handy. I wish we had something like this on our octoshots," said the corporal. "Be careful where you aim that thing!" exclaimed the worried private as she drove the flying saucer.

"Oh, quit worrying private. I know what I'm doing and nothing is going to..." said the corporal as she accidently pulled the trigger. The gun went off as it was in full auto mode and the octoling accidently shot the controls to the UFO. She and the private both screamed as the ship descended. The gunfire jarred Brooks awake and saw that the craft was plummeting. He turned and saw that the corporal had shot his rifle and in turn the console to the saucer as well. He gave a maddening glare at the corporal as he swiped the weapon but the corporal refused to hand it over as they fought over the rifle. The private panicked and held on to the controls the best she could to try and land the craft without getting them killed. The corporal decided to let go of the rifle as she saw the ground getting closer and faster.

"Do something private!" shouted the frantic corporal as she grabbed a hold of the railing.

"I'm trying! Hang on to your tentacles!" shouted the private as she pulled the wheel back and veered the ship from taking a nosedive and making a hard landing on the valley below. The ship crashed as Brooks flew out and landed on the ground, heavily bruised up from the crash. He lost his weapon and the two octolings barely made it, with only bruises and lacerations. The two of them were badly dazed and laid inside the craft as Brooks shook off the soreness. He turned to look and saw his moment to get away. He stumbled and spotted the hatch a 100 meters away across the field.

The octolings woke up and held their heads from the fall. They recoiled from their wounds and spotted Brooks making a break for it. "Hey! It's getting away! After it!" shouted the corporal. She hoped off the saucer and grabbed her weapon. The private still recovering rolled and fell off the saucer, still trying to recuperate from the crash as she got up and shambled after the corporal. "Hey! Hold on!" she shouted.

Brooks turned and saw the octolings coming after him. "Oh great! I gotta keep tweedle dee and tweedle dumbass from catching me or I'll never make it inside!" exclaimed Brooks as he was halfway to the hatch. The octolings were gaining on him and as he turned and looked he spotted another flying saucer parked on the other side of the hatch and it was open. "Huh? Another one! Oh shit," said Brooks.

"Hey stop!" yelled the corporal as she fired at Brooks. The first couple of hits flew past brooks but she finally struck him in the leg. Brooks yelped and stumbled to the ground. His leg was numb from the ink effect and he hobbled to the hatch until he fell and crawled over towards it. The octolings changed form once they saw Brooks reached the hatch. "Let's get it before it makes it inside!" shouted the corporal before changing. Brooks watched the octolings change as his expression was that of fear and shock. "They can shapeshift!" exclaimed Brooks as he was eager to get down below before getting caught. He sat up and slowly climbed down, closing the hatch behind him and locking it as the octolings attempted to stop him. The hatch was locked and the two little octopuses leapt up and hit the hatch as it closed giving them a headache as they transformed back and rubbed their faces from the impact. "Owww..." jeered the private. The corporal held her face and turned to the hatch angered. "Damn it! Now how are we supposed to get down there now!?" shouted the corporal.

The corporal turned to the private who was still rubbing her head from hitting the hatch. "Private! Do we have anything on the saucer to get this hatch open!?" asked the corporal.

"We might have some ink charges on board not to mention a pry bar," answered the private as she stood up.

"Go and look! We need to get down there and apprehend that creature. Theirs no telling what other weaponry that thing could have down there not to mention their could be more of those things!" demanded the corporal.

"Well if you weren't screwing with that thing's weapon in the first place we wouldn't have crashed and we would still have that creature in our custody!" exclaimed the disgruntled private.

"Just go get the damn charge and pry bar!" the corporal ordered as the private growled and octo formed, heading back to the crashed UFO they were on.

Brooks finally made it down and hobbled away from the ladder and propped himself against the wall until he could start feeling his leg again. "Son a bitch! I thought I'd never get away from those two things! Was I seeing things or did they changes into octopusses?" Brooks asked himself trying to catch his breath. After recooperating he heard the sound of voices emitting from down further into the facility echoing through the corridors. "What the hell. Someone's down here and it sounds like more of those things. I did see another UFO parked on the other side of the hatch. They must've discovered this place while I was gone," said Brooks. Very cautious and not understanding the gibberish. He remembered seeing another flying saucer parked outside the hatch and it sounded like more of those tentacle-headed creatures were inside the facility. He pulled out his knife and slowly made his way down the hall, hugging the wall as he stumbled further as is leg hadn't gotten its feeling back. He made to the labs were the source of the noise was and spotted an unexpected sight as he peered around the corner. Not only another octoling but another human dressed like him. As the human turned he looked at his face and instantly a cold chill went down his back. It was Michael Maxwell, the man and former battle buddy he shot in the head. "Oh... shit," said Brooks as he locked on to Michael before the two spotted him at the doorway.