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

77. Arc 3 Chapter 28

Arc 3 Chapter 28

NOTE: Wordpad is making this much easier for me to write these chapters. Going to try and kick it into gear with these final chapters of the arc. I'm ready for it to be over with. You won't hear anything out of Cassie and Cuttlefish until Arc 4 starts and with the rebels and Octavio finally defeated doesn't mean our heroes are out of the woods yet. Things are about to change and I want Arc 4 to be pretty different from the previous 3. Don't be afraid to put reviews. I enjoy reviews more than anything and I hope to improve and keep the story alive. For future references I'll keep using wordpad and proof reading. If I missed any spelling or grammar errors my apologies. Ready to release this chapter and as a warning there are some lewdness here and there.

Sheldon, the two agents, and the squid sisters managed to beat the octarian armada to Inkopolis but barely as the aerodrome hovered over the bay and near the shoreline of the city. "Why is the octarians here!?" exclaimed Marie. "Oh Marie this isn't looking good. If the inklings see this they might attack and then...another great turf like gramps talked about!" shouted Callie in great distress. "No they're not! I won't let that happen! Not again... Callie! Marie! You're about to give the Inkopolis News! Let's get to your old studio at the plaza!" said Blake.

"What!" the two squid sisters shouted. "But Blake... I'm not sure that'll work. I mean we took everything out and plus no zapfish no power remember!" reminded Marie. "S...She's right Blake. How can we give the news with no power or equipment to do it with?" Callie asked.

"We'll use the truck as a stage like back at the rebel base but we just need the cameras and gear to do it with. Hopefully they're still inside your old studio and we can just feed a live broadcast from the plaza itself. I think it'll work!" explained Blake.

"I hope you're right about this Blake. We'll head to the plaza then," said Marie. "Yeah! I have faith in you Blake!" shouted Callie gleefully. The truck touched down on the plaza below and noticed that it was being occupied by the inkling army. "Looks like they finally responded to the rebel attack," muttered Marie. "HEY! Is that the SQUID SISTERS!" shouted a soldier. "It can't be but what on earth are they riding on!?" said another perplexed inkling soldier. The inklings cleared a spot on the ground for the truck to land and were awestruck by the sight of the squid sisters and the flying truck. Everyone got off and the inklings faced the group.

"I'm captain Finn of the IDF. State your business and what in the ink are you doing here!?" demanded the inkling captain. "Look! We need to stop you guys and the octarians from starting a war! You need to inform the inkling army to stand down! We have Octavio in custody! This can all end right now! I beg you to give the stand down order please," pleaded Marie as Sheldon dragged Octavio out of the truck.

The inklings were agape at seeing that the octarian ruler was captured by the group. "I...I'll see what I can do. I hope you know what you're doing inkling no matter squid sister or not but if the octarian armada pulls anything thing you can forget a stand down. We will not make ourselves vulnerable and I will defend the city no matter the situation," said Finn as she walked away.

The inkling soldiers were staring at the agents and squid sisters, wanting autographs and interviews but the captain demanded they disperse and get back on duty. They moaned and cleared the area to finish securing the plaza. "OK, I'll go check the studio for cameras and microphones. Sheldon I may need your help getting that stuff out here. Marie, Callie I want you two to prep for the broadcast. Izzy, you might as well come with me and Sheldon," suggested Blake. After several minutes and back breaking work. The three managed to drag out the studio gear and set up an outdoor studio in the center of the plaza. Blake manned the camera. Izzy the boom mic and Sheldon was director. "I hope you're right about this Blake (deep breath)" said Marie. "OK gals, we're on in 3...2...1...live!" shouted the little crab as he played the boombox with the studio music.

"Hold on to your tentacles..." said Callie giving her stage pose. "It's Inkopolis news time!" Marie followed up with her stage pose. "We have breaking news squids! It seems that the notorious octarian DJ, Octavio has been subdued by the squidbeak agents and the great zapfish has been returned to the city!" said Callie. "That's not all Cal! It appears that this diabolical act was perpetrated not only by Octavio but the octo rebels. An octarian terrorist organization from Octo Canyon but don't worry. The inkopolis Defense Force is ensuring that the city is cleared of these rebels and the octarian army is also aiding the inklings with the situation," explained Marie.

"So that's why the octarian armada is in the city. Not to attack us but support the IDF's efforts of driving out and apprehending these octo jerks," said Callie. "Well they haven't attacked the city and with the rebel's plan foiled and their so called leader defeated then maybe the peace treaty can continue. Hopefully our leaders will meet one another and war can be averted for all of our sakes," said Marie. "But let's give it up for the true heroes! The ones that gave Octavio a butt whooping and rescued the great zapfish. Izzy Beaks and..." started Callie but Blake looked at her with uncertainty about his big reveal. Izzy was unsure herself, wondering how Flash would take it, her being a squidbeak agent this whole time. Marie gave a slow nod and directed them up on the truck. "M...Marie are sure about this," asked Blake. "While you two were getting the studio equipment. me and Cal discussed and agreed that this is the best opportunity to let everyone know that you exist. The savior to Inkopolis," said Marie. "I'm...not so sure about this," said Blake nervously. "Trust me Blake. You can't hide from the world anymore. I mean you saved Inkopolis and eventually you're gonna get found out. Now's the time to show yourself," said Marie as Blake gave a deep breath. He approached the stage with Marie as Sheldon manned the camera and Izzy nervous as well got on stage.

"GIVE IT UP FOR IZZY...and hold on you squids because there's someone here that will cause you to ink yourselves. What we believed to be an extinct race as been living among us. Don't fret because he is friendly and he speaks our language! This is so fresh that I can't contain my own ink!" shouted Callie excitedly. Marie shook her head and gave a exasperated expression as she face palmed. "What a way to start an intro Cal...but anyway she's right. You won't believe this Inkopolis but the other squidbeak agent isn't even a squid at all but a..." said Marie as she got interrupted. "REAL LIVE HUMAN!" shouted Callie as she pumped her arms. "CAL! I was getting to that! Everyone need's to know how he got here and why he saved our city from the octarian menace! Sheesh!" said an annoyed Marie before the camera got directed to the two agents.

"Umm...Hey Inkopolis. My name's Blake and as you can see I'm a human. As a matter of fact I've been among you for nearly a month. I've been hiding this whole time and I woke out of a pod that you dug up out of the pirahna pit. I can speak your language and yes I'm a squidbeak agent as you can see," Blake told the camera nervously. "Tell us more about yourself Blake. You've been with us for nearly a month and over that period of time you've shown how friendly and courageous you've been to me and Marie. You mentioned before that this wasn't the only time you came out of that pod thing. You said you fought in the great turf war years ago beside the inklings and help defeat the octarians," said Callie anxiously.

"Um, yeah. I fought alongside the inklings but Octavio threw me back into the pod before the war was over. I lost my new friends and was frozen back in time to wake up here in that museum," explained Blake. "That jerk Octavio! You've must have been overwhelmed with what you've been through. I'm sorry you got forced back into that pod but fortunately Octavio and the octarians were defeated and driven underground but now we can avoid another great turf war and make amends with the octarians for a peaceful world," said Callie excitedly. "I want peace between the inklings and the octarians. I've seen first hand what war does and I don't wanna witness another. I beg you Inkopolis to not go to war with the octarians and I can say the same for the other side. As a human, War is horrific its why my race went extinct thousands of years ago and I implore that you don't share the same fate as they did," reasoned the human agent. "Strong words from someone that's fought in the great turf war. We should heed his advice and make peace my fellow inklings," advised Callie. "Tell us more what you've been through Blake," asked Callie.

For about 10 minutes. Blake gave an interview on the stage in front of the camera about all the events that's happened to him since he came out of the cryopod. The inklings soldiers were agape at what they heard. Both uneasy and amazed by the human's feats and his history. Captain Finn remained quiet and was uncertain how to take any of it in. The broadcast was heard via radio transmissions that broadcasted over the city and the octarian radio network. All of the valley was even listening and was awestruck by the news of Blake and what he's done and went through. The great zapfish finally wrapped itself around Deca Tower and powered the city. Inkopolis was finally restored to its former glory and all the inklings were watching the broadcast and weren't aware of the situation with the rebels. After Blake was done he stepped aside and Izzy gave her little interview starting from when she arrived to Inkopolis to defeating Octavio with Blake's help.

"That was quite the interview I do say. To think a human's been among us this whole time Cal and he saved our city and restored peace," said Marie. "This calls for a celebration Marie! I say we perform a concert for all of Inkopolis and rock our tentacles off for old times sake. A victory party for defeating Octavio and the rebels and for our guests of honor Izzy and Blake. The heroes of Inkopolis!" shouted Callie. The two agents waved in front of the camera. Both feeling awkward about everyone finding out they're agents especially Blake. The camera turned back to the squid sisters. "Well that's all Inkopolis! Until next time..." said Callie. "Stay Fresh!" the two shouted in their stage pose.

Blake was rubbing the back of his head, while Izzy was kicking the ground. The two didn't know what to think about Inkopolis knowing their identities. "Marie are sure about this...I mean..." started Blake before Marie placed her finger over his mouth. "Blake I have faith, like I did about your plan to get us to perform the news for the city but only time will tell if our races back off and take your advice," said Marie as she placed her hand on Blake's shoulder. Marie had a compassionate expression as Blake looked at her. Her face getting closer as if she wanted to kiss him but Callie came up from behind and interrupted. "Marie... so I guess we're done," said Callie. "Umm, yeah sure. I guess we better get back to Ammo Knights. Sheldon's probably ready to park the truck and I'm ready for bed," said Marie as she yawned. "Me too Marie. So where are we gonna sleep and what about Blake?" Callie asked.

"Well gramps isn't home. The studio is a no go... so. I'm not sure," replied Marie. "Hey, I don't have a place to sleep either. Cassie's gone and I'm sure her place is locked up," said Izzy.

"Hey! Don't panic you guys! I can set up a room back at the shop," informed Sheldon. "I'm not sure Sheldon. The noise of turfers coming in since we've got power back. The shop is going to get packed with inklings not to mention trying to leave without drawing attention," said Marie.

"What about the square studio? Our cousin Pearl and Marina I'm sure won't mind," said Callie. "Yeah, but what about Blake? I'm not sure how they'll take a human staying at the studio," said Marie. "Well, maybe if we talk to them about..." started Callie before getting cut off.

"No it's fine...I'll just head to Cuttlefish's and sleep on that old couch outside the shack for now," said Blake. "No you're not. As the hero of Inkopolis you're not gonna sleep on that nasty old couch Blake! We'll think of something," protested Callie.

"Look, let's head to the studio in the square and go from there. Maybe we can reason with those two, hopefully they're willing to at least let Blake stay over this one time," said Marie. "Alright Sheldon let's head over to the square," Marie told him.

Sheldon climbed aboard and the squid sisters squid formed so they could sit in the laps of the agents inside the cab. "WAIT! HOLD UP!" shouted captain Finn who rushed over toward the cab. "The IDF is standing down for the moment but as I said before the octarians better not try anything. The base got your broadcast as well as the inkling parliament. It appears they saw you're interview about the human and savior of Inkopolis. I received a request that he be escorted to the IDF HQ right away. Orders from commander Armie himself," informed the captain. "Can this wait. He hasn't eaten and hasn't slept in quite some time. They're both exhausted from their missions and need some rest," replied Marie.

"Orders are orders. We'll see if we can establish a peace accord with the octarians but we need the human present. We're getting in contact with the octarians right now. This is very important and I need the human to come back with me right away. I can't afford anything to happen to him not to mention he's peaked great interest in the Inkopolis Research Labs," she explained. "Look Blake is tired and this will just have to wait. Tell commander Armie our hero needs some shut eye and he'll get back with him. By the way you got that oversize inksac to deal with," said Marie as the truck lifted up.

"HEY! NOW YOU LISTEN HERE. I WANT THAT HUMAN..." shouted the captain but the truck took off for Ammo Knights. She growled and threw her beret down and stomped on it. "Damn squid! Just wait until Commander Armie hears about this," said Finn as she shook her fist at the group. "Captain, what do we do with his ass?" asked the soldier directing to the unconscious Octavio.

"Well call in a damn chopper to pick him up and don't forget to mention about bringing a net. Let's make sure the octarians take him this time. Commander Armie will have my tentacles for this," said the agitated captain as she grabbed her beret and walked away from the unconscience octarian and soldiers. Irritated that the human left with the squid sisters, she got in contact with her commander who was not at all pleased. Sheldon and the gang finally made it to Ammo knights. The inkling army left the square with Melvin and Serena. Marina stayed back at the studio with Pearl. After Sheldon and everyone else unloaded. Blake, Izzy, and the squid sisters headed for the studio. It was there that the gang reunited and after the pleasantries and going over all the events that transpired. Marina turned her attention to Blake in which Pearl was not at all happy.

"S...S...So you're Blake. I...I always wanted to meet you. It's been my dream to actually meet a real live human. Oh my cod this is so exciting!" said a giddy Marina. "It's um... nice to meet you to uh..." said Blake awkwardly "M...Marina, Marina Ida. You're so lucky to have friends like the squid sisters. I can't believe you're a squidbeak agent. You've must've went through so much and... oh my cod you're hurt!" shouted Marina eyeing Blake's stab wound which was still wrapped. "Oh this, it's still sore but I'll be fine," said Blake holding his arm. "No it's not fine. It needs to be treated. I have medical equipment at my lab back in the mansion," said Marina. "Rina! What about the rebels yo! Remember? and besides that fossil said he's fine!" she argued.

"Well I think its safe enough and the army is doing a good job and securing the city. I've been needing to go back anyway. Blake, Izzy, and your cousins can stay at the mansion for the time being," said Marina. "I'm fine with Callie, Marie, and even Izzy staying over but the fossil can find somewhere else to stay. I don't know maybe a dumpster!" scoffed Pearl.

"Did you just call me trash, you little dwarf?" asked an infuriated Blake. "What else should I refer you to, you dumb ape," Pearl shot. "ALRIGHT! THAT'S IT YOU..." started Blake as he approached the inkling popstar as she got in a fighting position. "Blake no! I'll deal with Pearl...Pearl! Apologize right now!" Marina demanded. "Hmpf, I'm not apologizing to the human! I don't care if he saved the city! He's a freaking fossil! A human! You know the ones that wiped each other out as he said over the broadcast," said Pearl.

"You guys heard the broadcast? I wasn't sure if the channel would go through or not without power," said Marie. "I recorded it as soon as I heard your voices then I sent the broadcast over the Emergency channel. All of Inkopolis and even octo valley should've received it," said Marina. "So we're staying at your mansion?" asked Marie. "I don't see why not as I said I need to get back and Blake needs examination," said Marina. Pearl shot Blake a glare with her arms crossed and turned away. Still angry with the little inkling. Blake wasn't sure going with the gang was the best idea.

They left the studio for Pygmy Mansion. It was finally daybreak and everyone was completely tuckered out. When they reached the mansion. Marina noticed the damages from the fighting. "Well make yourself at home... except you fossil," said Pearl as Blake grumbled.

"Well me and Cal will head up to the guest room and crash for a little while. Izzy you can take the room across from ours and Blake..." said Marie as she headed up the stairs. "Blake can stay in my room or at least the lab. I've got a bed he can sleep on," said Marina. "Are you sure. I mean he can stay with Izzy across from our room," said Callie meekly. "I'll be alright Callie. I'll probably fall asleep as Marie's giving me a check up. I'll catch up with you guys later (yawning)," assured Blake. "O...O...Ok, well get some rest Blake," said Callie as Marie smirked. The three of them headed upstairs to their rooms as Pearl crashed on the couch taking a bite of mayo before falling asleep with it in her mouth.

"Come with me Blake," said Marina waving Blake to follow her. "So this where you and Pearl stay. Nice place you guys got," he complimented "Well Pearl's family is rich so she inherited it from her folks. Well this is my room and the lab is this way," directed the octoling. They stepped in her bedroom and Marina pushed a hidden button that opened the door to another room behind a bookshelf. Blake was impressed, it was a small lab containing computers, lab equipment and a hospital bed sat in the center of the room. "Have a seat, Blake," she told him. Blake sat on the bed and she walked over to take his temperature and did a physical examination before treating and sanitizing his wound. "Can you take your shirt off please," asked Marina. "Umm, sure," said Blake. Marina stepped over and examined his exposed torso. "Remarkable. So your skeletal system allows you to maintain a structure. Inklings and octolings don't have bones. It's pure dense muscle and air sacs that allow us to maintain our form," explained Marina. She placed her hand on his chest feeling his skin and noticing he had only one heart instead of three like she did. She also noticed before that his blood was red and warm like his body. She blushed a little and then took notes.

"So what's this all about?" asked Blake. "Oh just procedures. I forgot to mention that I was in the octarian army when Octavio was in charge. I was a engineer but I performed research and medic work too. I'm glad I left the valley and came to Inkopolis. It's when I met Pearl and we've been friends ever since," said Marina as she went back to writing. "Yeah about her...why does she hate me. I mean I'm sure she's never seen a human before," he asked the octoling. "That's just it. She judges things she has no knowledge about so you'll have to pay her no mind. Can you go ahead and take off your pants?" asked Marina.

"Take off my pants?" questioned Blake. "Just part of procedure. For any wounds or bruises. It's nothing I can assure you," she nervously told him. "I'm starting to feel uncomfortable but suuuuure," he replied. "Blake pulled down the black shorts he was in leaving only his underwear on "Um, your undergarments have to come off too," she said. "Are you serious? I'm sorry Marina but I can't do that. I've heard of a physical but this is getting strange. I'm fine, theirs's nothing damaged down there. Believe me," said Blake. "Blake, don't be so squeamish, it's just a check up but very well. You can put your clothes back on shortly after I'm done taking notes," she told him as she headed over to her desk.

"She's nice but a little invasive. I'm starting to reconsider staying with Izzy. What's next probing me? I always hated doctor's visits for a reason," Blake thought to himself. "Ok Blake, you're checked out. You can go ahead and rest now," said Marina. "Thanks I guess. I'm pooped and hungry. I mean really hungry. I wanna get something to eat after a wake up," said Blake as he was putting his clothes back on. "I can order take out later from Krusty Sean's," said Marina. "That's fine a guess, anything's good by me," said Blake and not long he fell asleep on the bed. "Truly fascinating. A real live human. I can't wait to learn what else he knows. I still can't believe it. Well now to get a hold of Indigo and see if's she found out anything that's been happening in the valley," said Marina as she pulled out her laptop. Blake drifted into deep sleep as Marina watched him. She even fantasized a little bit about him then shook her head and focused back on typing. It was apparent she now had a infatuation with the human now. But she was in line behind Callie, Marie, and Maxie for a shot at Blake unless Pearl intervenes.

An hour ago, Outside Flounder Heights. Suki was sulking over the death of her friend Jazz who had put herself in harm's way to save Suki from the octostriker. Nothing was left but an ink puddle and Jazz's cap. On the far end of the street Flash, Ben, and their new friend Sam the octoling were rushing toward her after spotting her. "Suki! SUKI!" they shouted running up toward the depressed inkling girl. "Suki! There you are we've been looking all over for you! Wait, where's Jazz?" asked Flash. Seeing that Suki had been sobbing, she handed over the cap to Flash. "What's this? Jazz's...cap? Where is she Suki?" Flash asked again. Suki shook her head as Flash had a mortified look on his face as he dropped the cap. "No she can't..." started Flash as Suki nodded.

"Oh no not Jazz! How!? What happened Suki?" asked a panicking Ben. Flash fell to his knees and balled up his fist. "Jazz... you can't be dead," he muttered holding his tears back. "I'm so sorry you guys but their was nothing I could've done," Suki whimpered. "It's alright Suki, how will her parents take the news?" wondered Ben but then Flash quickly got up and turned toward Sam with fire in his eyes. "This is ALL YOUR FAUGHT OCTOPUS!" shouted an enraged Flash. Sam flinched and was in fear seeing the inkling in great anger. He pounced on her as she changed forms and grabbed her. She changed back again and Flash had his hands around her neck, suffocating her. "Please...don't kill me," the octoling pleaded as she was fighting for air. "TOO LATE! I LOST MY FRIEND BECAUSE OF YOUR KIND! AND NOW YOU WANT ME TO SPARE YOU! JAZZ DIDN'T GET SPARED! I SAY INK FOR INK! WE SHOULD'VE SPLATTED WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE!" RAVED THE DERANGED INKLING.

"FLASH! THAT'S ENOUGH! LET HER GO NOW!" demanded Ben. "You're gonna defend her after what happened to happened to Jazz! Whose side are you one!?" "Flash listen to me! She had nothing to do with Jazz's death. Killing her won't bring her back and you'll live with being a killer like that octarian! So let her go!" "I don't care what you say Ben! She's an octarian! The enemy! They don't show us mercy and why should I show any!?" "Because that's not who you are Flash! Before I make you let her go!"

"He's right Flash. Sam didn't kill Jazz! It was my fault! I got Jazz killed so if you wanna take it out on someone then take it out on me! Not her!" shouted a pleading Suki. Flash looked at her and Ben. His anger was slowly subsiding and he knew that harming the octoling was wrong. He slowly released Sam's neck almost choking the girl to death. She grasped for air and coughed before octo forming and hiding behind a dumpster in a nearby alleyway, "Sam! Come back!" shouted Ben as he want after her. Flash felt deep remorse for what he did. Almost killing Sam, something Jazz would've never approved of.

"I don't know what came over me," said the inkling boy. "Flash... it's alright. You're hurt about Jazz. We all are. Right now I think we should find Marie and..." "Marie... she's partly to blame for this. We should've never agreed to fighting those dudes. We're freaking turfers! Not soldiers!" "You and Ben joined the army remember. I would've thought you knew how to..." "Me and Ben only done a couple of days of training! We never fought in a real war! Is was stupid to join the IDF and I still don't know where Izzy is! (deep breath) I need time to myself..." said Flash as she ran away and squid formed out of sight. "Flash..." said Suki sympathetically. She headed over to the direction Ben went to and found him consoling a crying Sam huddled up against the dumpster. "Where's Flash? He needs to apologize and right now!" demanded Ben as he held Sam. "Flash left Ben... he's sorry for what he done and said he needed time to himself," she told him.

Then all of a sudden the power came back on. The lit up signs on stores came back on as well as the traffic lights. "Wait, we got power agin. The great zapfish must have been returned!" exclaimed Suki. "Yeah but how?" asked Ben. Then in the next store. A display of TVs were perched behind a large window playing the footage of the squid sister's broadcast from not long ago. They recognized the intro music from Inkopolis News back at the plaza. Ben helped Sam up and the trio walked over toward the store window to watch the squid sisters give their report. "This keeps getting stranger. The power's back and now the squid sisters are giving the news and especially at a time like this. I thought Off the Hook does the news?" asked Suki. They steadily watched the two singers tell about the rebels and the news about Octavio being apprehended but that wasn't the craziest part they saw Izzy in her agent outfit on the stage. "IZZY!" Suki and Ben shouted in unison and then they watched Blake which really got their attention. "A...human... a squidbeak agent! You mean to tell me that Izzy and a human saved the city and defeated Octavio! What world am I in!" exclaimed Ben. They finished watching the interview before the broadcast ended and looked at each other strangely.

"I can't put it into words. Izzy was a squidbeak agent this whole time!" the inkling boy said nearly speechless, uncomprehending what he saw. "A real human and a squidbeak agent!" replied Suki. "WHAT'S GOING ON!" they both yelled at the same time which startled Sam. Suki shook her head trying to put things in logic but had no luck. "So...what do we do now?" asked Ben. "I'm... heading home. It's been a shell of a night and I don't think I wanna be a squidbeak anymore. My folks are probably worried sick, by the way... what about Jazz and her folks? How are they gonna take this? What should we tell them?" asked Suki. "I'll handle it Suki. Just go on home," "What about Sam? Knowing that octarians killed Jazz and her with you will just make matters worse and even more troubling," "I'll think of something. I also gotta deal with my folks especially my dad. I can kiss turf wars goodbye and Sam... I don't where she can stay," said Ben.

"Good luck Ben," said Suki as she squid jumped away. Ben looked at Jazz uneasily. She knew he was troubled and had to face the music with Jazz's folks and his. Feeling horrible about the situation Sam downed her head and octo jumped away. "SAM!" Ben yelled but she vanished. Ben was by himself and ate up with grief with no one by his side. The walk back to flounder heights and Jazz's home would be pure misery for the inkling and not to mention the worse of it yet to come once he faced his own parents, especially his father Miles after going AWOL.

Deep in Blake's dream. He saw what appeared to be three unconscious figures sitting against the wall of a bamboo constructed hut, with their hands bound behind their backs. One of the figures a young male human began to stir and moaned as he opened his eyes. "Ooooh...what happened? Mr. C? Uh... where am I?" he said looking around. He could make out gargled language of what sounded like a conversation outside the hut he was in and then he spotted two more humans against the wall. "Mr. C?" he called weakly to an older male human whose eyes were shut. Then he slowly woke up and turned to the young male. "Brandon? What's going on?" he asked. "Hon," said the third human which was a older female about his age group. "Rebecca... oh I'm so glad to see you're OK," he told her. "Hey, where's Amy?" asked Brandon.

The three of them looked and started getting concerned. "All I remember is getting pinned to the ground by those creatures! What were those things!?" the young man asked. "Stay calm Brandon. I'm not sure. They couldn't have been humans or I don't think they are," said James. "Oh no, What if they took away to eat her or..." panicked the young male. "Brandon, keep quiet it sounds like their headed inside this hut," warned James. Then sure enough a group of the creatures walked in and looked at the humans. One of them pointed at Brandon as he looked nervously at them. The creature nodded and two of them picked Brandon up and guided him outside. "No! I don't wanna get eaten!" fretted Brandon. "Brandon!" shouted James as struggled with his bonds. Rebecca his wife was panicking at their dire situation and was worried what had happened to her daughter.

Meanwhile, a young human female was laying on the floor inside another hut. She blinked as she awoke and saw a blue headed boy staring at her as he kneeled beside her. "Huh? What's going... (screaming)" she started to say before she went into a full blown panic as soon as she saw the creature looking over her. Bounded like her family and boyfriend she locked her eyes on the creature after it had jumped back from Amy's screaming. It let out a grunt and looked at Amy curiously. "W...What are you! What do you want with me!?" cried Amy. It waved its hands and didn't understand what the human was asking. "Yami," it said. Amy raised an eyebrow with a look of shock at the boy. Instead of hair he had tentacles tied into a ponytail. His ears were pointed and he wore a mask over his eyes. She noticed instead of teeth he had fangs which startled her. "Yami," it said again.

"Please let me go!" she pleaded with it, not understanding her as she sat up, struggling with the bonds tied around her wrist. The creature quickly got up and rummaged through a pile of belongings it had until it pulled out a large pretty flower and presented it to the human girl. "Ngyes," it said with a grin. "Huh?" Amy replied flabbergasted by the gesture. "Ngyes," it said again. "What are you..." she started to say realizing the creature was trying to court her. "Wait, are you... hitting on me?" she asked it in an estranged manner. The creature looked at her with a smile. "Oh no...no...no, No friggin' way! I'm a human being not...whatever you are ad besides I already have a boyfriend! By the way where's the rest of family and Brandon!?" she demanded. Startled by Amy's frustration it dropped the flower and grunted. The boy decided to loosen Amy's bonds thinking it could appease her if she wasn't held captive but she soon rushed out of the hut at the given opportunity. The boy panicked and let out a gargle and pursued her. Not catching her in his bipedal form it shifted into a squid and tackled her from behind as she yelped and fell down. Now pinned down by the boy she tried to fight him off but he was too strong until a voice shouted: "HEY! GET OFF OF HER YOU CREEP!".

Moments ago, Brandon was placed in front of a crowd of the strange looking creatures from before. It appeared he was presented to one creature that had feminine attributes but her tentacles on the top of her head were red and curled. She smiled and pointed at Brandon as she spoke in a gargled dialect like the other ones. "He-ow...heh...heh...hmm..." she cried with a creepy laugh as she blushed. Brandon gulped and looked nervously at the creatures. She pulled him into her arms and gave him a promiscuous expression. Uh...ee...myuh...uh..." she cooed. Then all of a sudden he heard someone screaming. Someone familiar as Brandon broke from the female's grasp as she yelped. It was Amy his girlfriend and he quickly ran toward the source though he was still bound. "AMY!" he shouted loudly as he rushed to her voice.

He soon spotted Amy struggling with the creature. "LET GO OF ME!" she shouted. Then Brandon shouted, "HEY! GET OFF OF HER YOU CREEP!". Brandon rushed toward the two and kicked the blue headed boy off his girlfriend. "AMY! Are you alright!?" he asked her. "Yeah, thanks Brandon," she replied but then she spotted the group of creatures run from behind Brandon and they were soon surrounded. The boy that was on Amy rubbed his face from the kick and glared back at Brandon ready to attack him. The boy was stopped and Amy was grabbed as well as Brandon. The female from before growled and then turned her sights to Amy seeing her as competition. She gave a gargled cry looking uneasily at Amy.

The creatures knew they had reached a dilemma among the two humans and creatures like them and decided to have Brandon and the boy fight for Amy's courtship. If Brandon won he would keep Amy but if he lost the boy would take Amy as a mate and Brandon would get the female red-headed creature. After Amy was apprehended and placed in a bamboo cage. Brandon and the boy were led to what appeared to be a sparring ring. A way for the creatures to settle their differences if civility wasn't an option. The two of them were thrown bamboo chutes as fighting weapons. "I'm not doing this! Let me and Amy go you squid-headed freaks!" demanded Brandon. The boy grabbed his and twirled to intimidate the human to think he was a skilled fighter. "Oh great, what is this? Street fighter? So I guess we're fighting over my girlfriend...Very well, bring it on you walking... whatever you are!" shouted Brandon as he picked up the other bamboo chute.

"Hey! Where are you taking us!" shouted another figure. It was his girlfriend's mother. James are husband was also with her and the two of them were being escorted to witness the match between Brandon and the blue-headed boy. "Huh? Mr. and Mrs. C?" he replied seeing them brought over among the crowd of creatures. Brandon gritted his teeth and was losing patience with the creatures that was holding them captive. He then turned back to the boy who waved Brandon to attack him.

Brandon charged at the boy and swung his bamboo down only for it to get blocked. The boy proved stronger than he looked and gave a smug grin to Brandon. He then jumped in the air and swung his bamboo down on Brandon, knocking him back before he blocked the creature's second swing at him. "(growl) You're stronger than you look. Guess you're not gonna make this easy are you," complimented Brandon. The boy spoke in a gargled dialect and was ready to attack the human again and prove his infatuation with Amy. Brandon charged at the boy only for it to transform into a blue squid and jump over Brandon. "What...the..." Brandon got out as he stared bewildered at the squid before it changed back giving the creature the chance to strike Brandon while he was in a trance over seeing the boy transform in front of him but he snapped out of it as the boy nearly hit him. He blocked the attack as the boy pressed harder against the human, both gritting their teeth but Brandon pushed all his weight against the boy and flung him around, allowing him to strike the creature and incapcitate him as the boy failed to avoid the attack. The creature let out a gargled cry and fell out on the ring, half-conscience and dazed. Brandon threw the bamboo weapon down and saw the creatures didn't expect him to win.

Brandon rushed over toward Amy with the tentacle-headed figures not stopping him but opening a path for him. "Amy!" he shouted opening the cage door before rushing out to embrace him. James and Rebecca also ran over and the family hugged one another. The octopus-headed female was furious that Brandon ran over to Amy and gave a growl before changing into an octopus and swimming off. The boy woke and rubbed his head seeing that Amy wanted to be with Brandon. Depressed by this he turned into a squid and swam off, back to his hut from before. The family gsve each other an expression of relief before looking back at the creatures that were surrounding them. Their leader approached and gave a bow of respect before the others followed suit. It seemed James and his family had earned their hospitality. James curiously placed his hand out and the creatures shook it but Brandon on the other hand showed no humbleness and crossed his arms. "Brandon... I think they're sorry about holding us against our will. I know you're holding animosity against them but right now if it means our survival then show some gratitude," said James. Brandon rolled his eyes and briefly shook the leaders hand before they got a cheer by the creatures and were led away for a festivity held by the strange humanoid villagers to celebrate their now mutual relationship.

The creatures danced and ate as the humans were unsure how to respond to their hospitable treatment. Brandon crossed his arms not trusting the humanoids as Amy felt a little bad for the boy that liked her. "Mr. C, did you see that thing change into a squid?" asked Brandon. "Yes, I did. I couldn't make any since of it. The biology of these creatures is... fascinating to say the least. It's apparent they couldn't have been human but where did they come from?" James replied. "Maybe they're aliens," said Brandon. "I'm not sure. If they were they're pretty primitive to come from space. This is most intriguing if not beyond strange. Professor Jones would have a field day trying to study these creatures," said James.

"Hey, Brandon you wanna dance?" asked Amy hearing the creatures playing music. "I'm not in the mood," he responded. "Oh c'mon," she told him as she grabbed him up. He yelped and couldn't resist the gesture of his girlfriend as they danced around the bofire. The creatures slapped but then Amy spotted the blue-headed boy from before standing over with a saddened expression. She felt sorry for him and then soon, the two pulled off and Amy sat back, next to her parents. The leader began talking and served the family some half-cooked whole fish and kelp. The humans weren't anxious about the food as Brandon looked at it with slight disgust. "I don't eat sushi," he scoffed. "At least try and eat Brandon," said James. He bit into the food and slowly chewed. It wasn't bad but still half cooked. "Uh...I guess it's better than nothing. how about you Amy?" asked Brandon but she had vanished. "Amy?" he cried but she walked off to go meet the boy and reason with him that she wanted to be with Brandon.

The boy walked away from the festivity and spotted Amy running from behind. He yelped and looked at her with puppy dog eyes. "Look...I know you like me but... I'm a human and you're a...well I don't know what you are but you need to move on," said Amy. Even though he didn't understand her had sense of what she was saying. He gave a saddened cry and moped away before Brandon spotted her. "What's going on? Was that thing bothering you again?" he asked her. "No he wasn't. I was trying to explain to him that I was already in a relationship and it needed to move on," said Amy. "Explain to it? We don't know what they even are and besides it probably couldn't even understand you," said Brandon. "I know but he looked so...disappointed," Amy said with sympathy. "I don't understand you. That thing was trying to have its way with you!" he exclaimed. She walked back toward the festivity and Brandon was utterly baffled by her attitude toward the boy. As they left the boy watched and glared at Brandon, still not getting over Amy and seeing him as a threat.

As it got late. The humans were guided to the hut they were in and beds comprised of grass and palm leaves were set inside for them to lay on. They laid down and thought about what would become of their lives now that the world they new was gone and for it to be inhabited by the strange creatures they encountered. Brandon rolled over and looked at Amy as she was fast asleep. He gave a deep sigh and rolled back over not realizing he was being watched from the doorway by the red headed female from before that had developed a fascination for him. She walked away and soon Brandon was having a hard time sleeping so he got up and walked out. It was a full moon and he walked down a path that was moon lit not realizing he was being followed by a little red octopus. He stopped at the end of the trail which led to a ridge overlooking a small valley.

For less than a minute, Brandon stared at the starry sky missing his home and his own family. He knew his world was gone and it been hundreds of years since he snuck aboard the Ark Polaris to be with Amy. A tear ran down his cheek, whimpering at the fact that he, Amy, and her parents were possibly all that was left of humanity. Then the little red octopus got behind Brandon as he turned around and saw it. She changed to her bipedal form and looked at him with sympathy. She gave a gargled cry and hugged him seeing he was distressed. Brandon wanted to push her away but the hug felt good and she smiled at him as she pulled off. "I wasn't expecting that. At first I was afraid of you if not trusting you creatures. It's a shame we can't talk to one another but... right now I just wanna be left alone. So...can you go back to the village," he requested the creature to do. She tilted her head and gave a gargle before approaching him again. "Listen, I know you don't understand me but I want you to leave me alone," he told her sternly as he pointed toward the village. She stared at him as she removed her palm leaf top, revealing her breasts. Brandon froze and blushed, turning his face away as she grabbed his hand and placed on one of them. He jerked at contact and stepped back taking his hand away. "W...What are doing!? I don't like you like...THAT! Amy's my girlfriend and you're... well...not even a human!" he exclaimed with a red face.

Something else had swam up the trail. It was a blue little squid that changed to its bipedal form and jumped into the shrubbery and slowly crept its way toward Brandon and the topless female. The female then advanced on Brandon and latched on to him as he tried to pry her off but her grip was strong. "Heh...he...he...he..." she cried. The figure from before was within 20 feet of Brandon and affectionate female, waiting for the moment to pounce on the human. Brandon finally pulled her off and she fell to the ground landing on her rear and yelping. "I said No! Get that through your head! I'm taken and I wouldn't go out with you even if you were the last female on earth! I said LEAVE ME ALONE!" shouted Brandon and then out of nowhere the figure sprang out and tackled Brandon. He nearly fell off the ledge but managed to get his footing. The female shouted and attempted to grab Brandon from falling. The figure revealed to be the blue-headed boy from before and he tried to knock Brandon off the ridge on the rock bottom below so it would have a chance with Amy and Brandon out of the picture.

The female creature pulled him away from the ledge and growled at the boy. She rushed him and kicked him down. Glaring at the boy and speaking in the gargled language. She scolded him for trying to kill the human. They conversated and Brandon was still dazed from the surprise attack and stumbled back and accidently fell off the ledge. The female screamed when she witnessed him fall and rushed over to try and save him. She saw Brandon holding on top of a root sticking out of the cliff as she and the boy contemplated how to pull him up. They grabbed a vine and lowered it but it was too late as he tried to reach it but the root snapped and the human fell. The female gave a loud yelp and octo formed. She shot down after him and landed on his head before the foliage below broke their fall below and the boy looked and saw the two vanish down the cliff feeling great remorse for trying to throw Brandon off the cliff. It looked back at the village and knew that it he had to explain his actions and what had happened before squid forming and swimming back toward the village.

The scenery turned blurry as the little blue squid headed down to the village and the fate of the female and Brandon was unknown. It appeared the vision ended and things were appearing too vague to comprehend what became of Blake's family and their new relations with the familiar looking humanoid creatures but it was evident they were primitive inklings and octolings, probably after they had emerged on land to inhabit it and form their own civilization as humans were no long in existence expect for Blake's family and Brandon.

---

Back at the vault as the octarians called it. The commando unit lead by Captain Kova had cordoned the area. They weren't cleared to pursue and apprehend the rebels that ran inside during the battle for control of the vault. As a means of escape and their objective, the rebels fled in the mysterious human facility that is said to house an unknown number of humans as well as weaponry and possibly other technology. Deep inside the rebel detachment consisting of primarily octolings and less than half, octotroopers and a few twintacles. One octocopter scouted ahead of the group and used it's light to guide their way. "Well this is kind of a dissappointment. Where's those humans the Red Queen told us about?" asked a regular. The group was traversing down a large tunnel heading into what appeared to be a bay. "Have patience, we haven't even made to the main area as it seems," said another octoling. The octocopter stopped and saw what appeared to be a large dock elevator leading downward.

"I'm not sure about this. Their's no power! how the heck are we supposed to keep going?" asked an agitated octoling. "Look around for a switch or something!" ordered the elite leading the unit. Eventually for nearly a minute one of the octolings spotted the emergency power switch. She cautiously flipped it and instantly the power was restored and the elevator was powered up. "Nice work private now let's get on and find those humans!" the elite ordered again. The giant elevator dropped the rebels down and once it stopped they disembarked and entered a large chamber full of human military vehicles, mechs, and tanks. The elite flipped her goggles on her head and was astonished by the arsenal. "Holy shrimp!" she said.

"The Red Queen wasn't lying. Look at all this shit! Just imagine what those inklings and valley turncoats would do once they saw us with all this equipment. They'd have to surrender!" sneered one of the octolings. The rebels studied the weaponry and even climbed inside some of the vehicles. A handful of troopers jumped inside a large transport helicopter that reminded them of the octoseeker. "So when do we try this stuff out?" asked an octoling. "First we need to figure out how to get it out of here. If the humans brought this stuff down here then theirs away to get it out," said the elite.

On the otherside of the holding bay. A few octolings found the small arms storage. They were rumagging through pistols to assault rifles. Rocket launchers and sniper rifles were also found but to the octarians they had no idea how to use it. One octoling pulled the trigger on an SMG and did nothing. "What the. There's no ink! How the shell do you refill it. Where's the tank?" she shouted in irritation, throwing the weapon down. "They don't shoot ink dumbass. It's human weaponry and humans don't produce ink!" explained the elite walking over. Then what good is this junk!?" exclaimed the annoyed rebel. "We'll find out how to use this stuff but I wanna find those humans first. That's the main prize," the elite said with a smile.

The unit then headed deeper into the facility until they came across a chamber full of cryopods but they had a different design than the one Blake was in. They approached the pods and looked inside one of them. "Bingo, the humans are in these things but they don't appear to be alive," said one octoling. "Let me through..." said the elite as she shoved past the octolings. "She looked and ordered the girl to open it up. She pulled a lever and the pod opened and hissed, revealing a young male presumably Blake's age inside. He was unresponsive and covered in a thin layer of ice. "Is it alive?" asked one octoling. "It doesn't look it," said another one.

"They're in a dormant state. Give it time to thaw. In the meantime check all of the pods. Ensure the humans are fit for combat," the elite told her unit. Then the sound of clanging metal hit the floor and the group turned to a shocking display. Their eyes widened and their jaws dropped. The octotroopers covered their faces, stumbling into each others platforms as they turned away from what they wanted to unsee. One of the octolings took it upon herself to strip down naked except to leave her goggles on. "OK...so when do we start breeding?" she asked nonchalantly. The elite shook her head out of the trance and bared her fangs at the octoling for what she did. "YOU INKHEAD! WE'RE NOT BREEDING WITH THEM YET! SO GET THAT UNIFORM BACK ON BEFORE YOU DISGRACE US ANYMORE!" roared the unappaled elite. "Y...Y...Yes Lieutenant! Right away!" she nervously complied, startled by the elite's outburst before the human in the pod got the rebel's attention.

The young man gave a short breath and slowly blinked. His vision was still impared and he shook his head and clenched his eyes seeing the shapes of figures around him. "What's going on?" he said weakly. "It's awake," said one octoling. "Hand me the tampered goggles," the elite ordered. The human finally got his focus and when he saw the octolings a look of horror and confusion appeared on his face.

"W...W...What's going on?" he said startled.

"What's it saying, I don't understand it," asked an octoling.

Then the human went into a convulsion as the octolings backed away. He held his head and screamed in pain. "W...W...What's happening to it!?" asked a panicking rebel. Then the human stopped and became unresponsive as blood ran down from his nose. "Here's those goggles Lieutenant," said an octoling handing her the tampered goggles.

"It may not matter. Check for vital signs sergeant," the elite ordered. She laid her head on his chest and couldn't find a heartbeat. "He's...dead," she replied. "Dead. Are you sure sergeant," asked the elite as the octoling nodded.

"Dammit. Surely this won't keep happening. I want every human analyzied and not kill over like this one did. We need enough for the operation," said the lieutenant. As the lieutenant kept watching her unit pull out humans from their pods it seemed as they had no luck. Some weren't waking up and some were convulsing before they even opened their eyes as blood came out of their nose and shouts of pain.

"If this keeps it up we won't have a suitable fighting force. This phase is beginning to look botched and I can't get any reception down here to inform the Red Queen of our infiltration of the vault," said the agitated elite.

"Lieutenant! We got a live one!" shouted one of the octolings. The elite and some other regulars ran over and saw the human was still alive. Traumatized and scarred by the octolings. He huddled up inside the pod, refusing to come. He had no memory of the life before he was stuffed in the pod. "He seems healthy and has been awake for over a minute. Maybe we got a good catch this time," said one of the sergeants.

"Get that fossil out of there! We'll hold him down and place the goggles over him," said the lieutenant. Two octolings grabbed him and dragged him out as he shouted at them. They held him down as he struggled. He was a short male, about the same height as them with a buzz cut and light skin. "NO LET ME GO! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU!" he continued to scream. Though he was a well built male he was easily overpowered by the octolings. The lieutenant placed the goggles over his eyes as he steadily struggled. He stopped once the goggles came on. They let go of him as the goggles sent a frequency that altered the behavior of the human.

"I order you to get up human!" the lieutenant called out. The young man did as she asked and stared at her behind the tampered goggles.

"Excellent... now approach," she ordered him again. "So far so good, now kneel and pledge your allegence to the Red Queen and the octo rebels," she ordered him again and doing as she commanded, though not understanding him as he pledged. She lowered herself and faced him.

"You're now an octo rebel human and I'm your acting commander, understand," said the lieutenant as the human nodded. "Good," she replied before placing her hand under his chin and guiding him in for a deep kiss as she pulled her tongue out of his mouth. "Let's keep hunting for more humans, we've gotta lot of work to do," said the elite as the controlled human followed her.

During the interrogation between Opal and the others. The defected researcher was rambling on about the findings between the oceanics and the human fossils. She and Ruby were getting into it and Kova was losing her grip from the two getting off topic with the rebel situation. "ENOUGH!" the captain yelled. "You keep saying that their's a connection between our DNA and that of the human fossil's you've come across. How is this relevent with the vault and the Red Queen?" she asked in annoyance.

"The vault was created by humans you knuckledragger. It's apperent that for some reason we derived from them in some way. As for that human running around. He shares very similar DNA with the fossils in the lab and not to mention a sample that had went missing some time ago during Octavio's rule. It's no convenience and it's no accident why we're here and what our purpose was," said Opal.

"Sounds like you and those rebels are nothing but a crazed cult. I really don't see any connection between us and the humans. This is nothing but misdirection to get us off the real topic of tracking down the red queen and now this black rook I've been told about. Start spilling or go back to your cold dark cell," said the captain, ready to beat Opal.

"Ruby, she says that theirs proof in the data about this. What data? And why is this so important?" asked the intel officer.

"We might think that humans and oceanics have more in common than we thought but their still isn't enough evidence to completly back this claim. Besides, the data was pulled by Otto, thanks to Opal," said Ruby. "Speaking of which where is Otto. You never got to tell me how he is," the researcher reminded them.

"I'm... sorry to tell you but... Otto is dead. He was killed during the battle at the vault. I'm sorry Ruby," the intel officer revealed with condolense.

"Otto's dead?" panned Ruby. "Yes and unfortunetly we didn't find a storage device around the puddle. So far it's missing," informed the intel officer.

"This is... disheartening. Poor...Otto," whimpered Ruby. She then faced Opal with a hateful look. "You're the one that got Otto dragged into this! And now you got him killed! I should just..." said Ruby angrily as she picked up her cane, ready to bust Opal open. But the intel officer intervenes and grabbed the cane. "NO! RUBY DON'T!...She's not worth it! She'll be spending a while in her cell. That'll give her plenty of time to think about what she has done," said the intel officer holding back Ruby with the cane in her hand.

"You think I'm scarred. I've pledged my loyalty to the rebels and I won't budge now! Long live the Red Queen!" shouted Opal. "That's it! She's not willing to give up intel. I say we just throw her back in her cell and ensure she'll never see freedom again!" said an angered Kova.

"Very well, take her back to her cell," ordered the intel officer to her guards. Opal was led away as she said, "There's no denying that we came from the humans. The truth will be revealed and you'll all be sorry,".

"Yeah, whatever," scoffed Kova. "I'm going to get in touch with my team and see if anythings happened at the vault so far," said Kova before stepping out.

"Sure thing... Ruby are you ok?" The officer turned and asked.

"No, I'm not. Otto is dead and the data is missing. I'm just ready to head back to the lab. I don't know how everyone will take the news to hear that Otto was killed," said Ruby depressingly.

"Look Ruby. I'm sorry about Otto but we need to move on and focus on the rebels and ensure that nothing like that happens to anyone else. The mention of this Black Rook and rebel cells around the valley is certainly unsettling and we need to root them out before something else happens," she informed her. Ruby was escorted back to the lab and Kova left to get ahold of the commandos at the vault.

The guards brought Opal back to her cell. She stepped in and they closed the door behind her as they walked away, Opal sat on her bed and looked down on the floor. "Seems I couldn't reason with Ruby. I wanted her to understand our motives and why I changed sides after seeing the evidence from the fossils once the Red Queen told me about our origins and the humans. Seems my people refuse to see the truth and we have to take matters in our own hands. You gave me no choice Ruby. I know we were friends but I care about the fate of our race more," said Opal.

She gave a deep breath and pulled down her shorts. Revealing a red octopus tatoo on her crouch and that she had something hidden inside her. Opal slowly pulled out what appeared to be a canister she stuck inside herself as she whinned getting it out. It was the vial of green liquid from the metal case.

"(panting) Good thing I hid this in one place they wouldn't search. I was having a hard time not figdetting with this thing in but I had to keep them from finding it. Now I gotta find a way to get it to the Red Queen," said Opal wiping her ink off the vial. She then pulled a octopus shaped device from under one of her tentacles and pressed it, activating a beacon to signal the rebels of her location and that she was captured by the Neo-Octarians. "Now to wait," she said as she studied the vial. Afterward she placed it under the matress and laid on the bed before staring at the ceiling and waiting for help to arrive.

As time passed, the rebel unit managed to obatain a large platoon of humans all wearing the mind-controlling goggles. They were in formation waiting for the elites commands. The humans consisted of 3/4 young males and 1/4 young females. "Not much of an army. There's more of us than them," said one of the rebels. "Maybe so but this doesn't mean they're not a formidable force. If you remember ink based weaponry has little effect on humans and plus the human weaponry will make up for the lack of personnel we were hoping to achieve. Get them prepped and ready while we come with a plan to get out of here and get in contact with the Red Queen," ordered the elite.

"Yes, ma'am!" saluted the rebel sergeant. "Let's move out!" she ordered the rebels and controlled humans to head toward the training area of the facility. "Victory looks assuring lieutenant. Once we take Inkopolis not even Octo Valley will stop us. If I understand right Octavio's supposed to be eliminated but why? Why remove our fearless leader?" asked the sergeant.

"Because that's what the queen wants. Octavio wouldn't go along with the operation if he knew about the humans and the fact that we would breed with them once the valley is conquered and the empress disposed of," replied the elite.

"This all sounds insane but why should we breed with these fossils anyway. I mean a "new race" of octo-hybrids? Umm, last I checked humans and octolings aren't exactly compatable. Biologically speaking of course. I'm beginning to have second thoughts on this whole operation lieutenant," said the sergeant.

"It's too late to back out sergeant. This is the only option for victory now and the only way to ensure the octarians will never been driven underground again and that we rule the surface world as we should have years ago," iterated the elite.

"Pheh! To think we're breeding with these boneheads. So what now?" asked the sergeant.

"Right now we need to figure out how to use that equipment and how we'll be getting it out of this damn place. Get everyone in teams and partnered with the humans so we can begin training for when we start attacking the inkling territory and the valley, sergeant," ordered the elite.

"Fine. I'll gather the troops and we can start cooperating with the fossils," said the elite as she octo formed away.

In the meantime one of the privates, the one that embarrased herself a while ago had pulled one of the humans aside and was flatternizing with him. He sat on a crate and was under the influence of the goggles, showing no signs of emotion. "So um, I was thinking when we take over the valley me and you could start...you know," the private said blushing as she rubbed her finger on his chest.

Showing no response to the octoling permiscuious motives she decided to remove his goggles for a moment. His eyes were closed and he appeared exhausted and weak from perhaps from being inside the pod. "That's better. Just for a moment I want your undivided attention cutie. So as I was saying..." started the octoling as he still didn't reply.

"Oh what the shell," she said as she sat in his lap and kissed him on lips. "PRIVATE!" someone shouted as she jerked yelped.

"PUT THOSE GOGGLES BACK ON THAT FOSSIL THIS INTSANCE!" shouted another octoling watching her advance on the human. She quickly placed the goggles back on the human before he broke from control. "I grow tired of your hijinks private! Another act like that and I'll turn you into ink fodder for our training courses. Do you understand me!" asked the sergeant bitterly.

"Crystal ma'am!" replied the octoling. The private crossed her arms as the sergeant left. "Pfff... what a spoilsport. (deep breath) I guess I'll have my fun later. Don't forget me handsome," she said as she waved her fingers at the human.

The octolings were grabbing the human weapons and studying them as they got in formation with the human soldiers. "So how do we use these things?" asked an octoling. "Yeah where's the instructions?" asked another.

"They can't be that much different from our octoshots, aside the fact they don't shoot ink," said the sergeant. One of the octolings discharged an assault rifle she was messing around with and struck another octoling. She dropped the weapon not expecting the loud gunfire. The rebels rushed over to check their comrade who laid on the floor unresponsive.

"WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA FIRING THAT WEAPON! YOU JUST COST THAT SOLDIERS LIFE CORPORAL!" shouted the sergeant.

"I...I...I didn't know it was loaded! I didn't mean to! I swear!" defended the corporal for her actions but then the octoling that was shot started moving. Only struck in the side and her arm. She slowly sat up but jeered from the gunshots as ink was running out. "Get a medic over here!" ordered the sergeant before facing the corporal "And as for you. I don't wanna see another mishap like that again or so help me I'll have splatted! GOT IT!" demanded the sergeant as the corporal nodded rapidly.

"Shit are you ok!?" asked one of the octolings. "What's it look like! I'm fine but it just stings, Ahhh... dammit that hurts," said the shot octoling.

"What the shell happened?" demanded the lieutenant as she rushed over. "The corporal discharged that human weapon. I already chewed her tentacles out about that!" replied the sergeant.

"See that it doesn't happen again! What are you a bunch of grunts out of boot camp. Get you head out of your butts and get yourselves in line right now!" order the elite. As the medic was treating the wounds they were already beginning to heal. All the rebels saw this and questioned the effectiveness of the firearms. "What good are these things if you can just heal up from getting shot. This was so stupid coming down here! We don't know how to use these weapons or use those vehicles. All we have is a bunch of humans that can barely face a whole army of inkstains and valley traitors. Not to mention the queen wanted to breed with them for some hybrid race and for the new world she wants us to create! She's such a stupid dillusional..." ranted the sergeant before getting interupted.

"Stow that talk sergeant! We didn't come all this way to give up! The Red Queen didn't expect failure and I won't throw my hands up because things aren't going as planned. We can still beat the inkstains and those traitors with what we've got..." The elite told them.

"And then what lieutenant. Where's the credibility that this will even work!? I say we take our chances and head back to the canyon to reorganize and come up with a better plan," said the sergeant.

"Negative! We stay and train along side the humans and figure a way of operating the equipment and getting it topside. That's our only option," the lieutenant protested.

"Then you can keep your shitty plan and I'll take the troops back with me. You can keep the fossils!" shot back the sergeant.

"You're not going anywhere sergeant! You leave and I consider it desertion! Which is grounds for execution! Make your choice!" shouted the lieutenant as she pulled her octoshot on the sergeant. The rebels looked at the two, unsure how to react to the feud.

"You gonna shoot me lieutenant and have these soldiers fight I war we may not be able to win or force them to breed in this crazy world the Red Queen's fantasized about! I'll take my chances!" the sergeant said not showing any fear toward her.

Onboard one of the transport helicopters. The permiscious private decided during the confrontation to lead the human away and out of sight. She dragged him inside one of the parked craft and laid him down on the floor as she kneeled over him. "While they're squabbling I can start screwing. That party pooper sergeant isn't going to stop me from having some fun. Isn't that right cutie pie," she told the influenced human.

"It's too bad you won't be enjoying this as much as I will. I can't take any chances of you breaking our influence so you'll just have to sit this one out," said the private. She threw down her armor and pulled of her clothes. She pounced on the human and pulled him into a deep kiss before committing the dirty deed.

The sergeant and the lieutenant were locked on one another with the elite holding her octoshot on the sergeant. "You best reconsider your option or do I have to make an example of what happens to treacherous deserters," scoffed the elite.

"You ain't got it in you lieutenant. Shoot me and you lose morale for killing one of your own. YOU HEAR THAT! HOLD ON TO YOUR DIGNITY AND GET SPLATTERED BY YOUR COMMANDING OFFICER! That's what they'll think Lieutenant!" shouted the sergeant.

"This has nothing to do with dignity sergeant. Disobey orders and their will be consequences. I have to show them that I'm doing my duty and following my allegiance to the cause. I let this go and others will follow. Then disorganization and no victory! DO YOU WANT THAT SERGEANT!...ANSWER ME!" demanded the lieutenant who was losing her grip.

"I DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER TO ANYTHING! YOU'RE OUT OF LINE AND HAVE DISGRACED YOUR ROLE AS AN OFFICER! YOU BETTER STEP DOWN WHILE YOU CAN OR THEY'LL BE MUTINY! DO YOU WANT THAT LIEUTENANT!?" she yelled with the octoshot still pointed at her. "If theirs mutiny then they'll face harsh punishment. I will not step down and I'll continue our mission planned no matter the cost," replied the lieutenant trying to calm her demeanor.

A loud noise of metal failing over echoed through the storage bay getting the groups attention. "What was that?" asked a startled octotrooper "Is all personnel accounted for!?" asked the sergeant sternly. They all looked and noticed that the private and one human was missing among them. "Where's that private?" asked the sergeant seeing she was missing as well. "Theirs also a human missing," said another rebel. "Son a shrimp. Find those two and send a team to investigate. Make sure those valley turncoats didn't follow us down here!" she gave the command. The sergeant and lieutenant looked at each other. "This isn't over," said the sergeant. "No it isn't," said the elite resting her octoshot.

The rebels fanned out for the source of the noise and for the missing private and human she was with. Still inside the transport helicopter on the far side the bay. The octoling was readying herself to mate with the human. Sitting on top of him still disrobed with a smile, unaware the two weren't alone but were being watched from the back hatch of the large chopper. "You ready handsome, I know I am," she said. Before she undid the humans trousers a noise behind them stopped her and she turned around to see no one behind them. She shrugged and focused back on the human. "Now...where were we," she said as she started to unzip him and then a figure grabbed her and placed her into a hold as she yelped.

The screaming got the rebels attention and they rushed to the source. The group cautiously approached the helicopter with weapons drawn and only saw the private's goggles lying on the floor with a small puddle of greenish liquid. "This is where the screaming came from but there's no one here. Keep looking," said an octoling. She slowly approached and picked up the googles. "Sarge! Come here" the octoling said. "What is it?" she asked. "I think these are the private's goggles," the octoling replied. She handed the goggles over to the sergeant and she saw the private's ID number inside of them.

"Where could she have run off now?" asked the agitated sergeant. "Hey! Stay where you are!" the two rebels heard. It appeared that a few of the rebels had tracked a figure that was monitoring them and hemmed them up at the far corner of the bay.

"What's going on!? Did you find the private or the human?" asked the sergeant as she and the other octoling headed over to the group that corralled another figure. She saw the evasive figure with their back turned. It was an octoling like them in the same uniform but her skin was a pale green and her tentacles were blue. "Who is that?" asked the baffled sergeant as the group had their weapons on the strange octoling. "Hey! State your name soldier!" the sergeant ordered but got no response from the discolored octoling. "Hey! Answer me! You got coral wedged in your ears! State your name!" she ordered again. After several seconds the octoling picked her head up and gave a static-like creepy laugh that startled the rebels. She slowly turned around taking her goggles off revealing her black and green soul-less eyes, "What...the..." started the stunned sergeant before the octoling rushed the group. The rebels shot at her but it only slowed her down and before she could reach them, the green octoling was bashed in the head with an octo shot that knocked her to the floor. She laid covered in octarian ink and was showing no signs of life.

"What the shell's going on? Who is she and what...happened to her!?" said the stunned sergeant. "Umm sergeant... we got a bit of a problem," said another octoling. The group then found themselves surrounded by more green octolings and troopers. The rebels were petrified in both fear and confusion. Where did these sick looking octarians come from and why were they acting the way they were. "I ORDER ALL OF YOU TO STAND DOWN!" demanded the sergeant. They were uncomplicit and enclosing on the rebels, not hindering even though they had octoshots pointed at them. Then the incapacitated green octoling rose up and faced the group again. "I...I...I'm not liking this one bit, she should've been a puddle by now. Keep your guard up and don't hesitate to shoot them!" the sergeant said then they heard ink fire coming from the direction of the lieutenant. They saw the elite running toward them wounded and partially covered with green liquid and weak as she stumbled on to the floor.

"Lieutenant!" yelled the sergeant as she rushed to aid her. "Their were...too many of them. They...wouldn't follow our orders (coughing) wouldn't go down... get the troops and escape while you can (gasping)" advised the elite struggling to stay conscience. "Stay with me lieutenant!" she shouted but the lieutenant collapsed and died in the sergeant's arms. A rebel shot at one the possessed looking octolings but did little effect. The rest followed suite and began to attack the rebels before they were overtaken. A few greenish octotroopers scurried toward the sergeant in attempt to capture her but she shot them off their platforms. Seeing her troops overwhelmed and apprehended. the sergeant had no choice but to octo form away and escape.

Evading the green octarians and narrowly avoiding capture herself. She swam to the other end of the bay and further into the vault back to the cryopods where the humans were found in. They octo formed as well leaving trails of green goo behind them, pursuing the sergeant until she managed to get away and escape through the duct work of the facility. She swam through the duct until she fell through a vent and landed on the floor in bipedal form. The vent knocked her in the head causing her to black out for moment as she laid on her stomach now unconscious and by herself with all of her rebel brethren either splatted or captured by the green zombie-like octarians.

---

"Get up!...Get up!... I SAID GET UP SARGEANT!" commanded a voice. Maxie blinked her eyes and moved her head to a figure looming over her. It was the elite from before staring at her with discontent. She sat up and rubbed her eyes on the floor of the war room. "Get up and get ready to head back to the valley for reassignment. We and the inklings have agreed to a ceasefire thanks to that broadcast sent by the squid sisters," said the elite. "Broadcast? Squid sisters? What are you talking about?" asked Maxie. "While you laid on the floor, drowning in your pity. It seemed those squid sisters sent out a broadcast over ours and the Inkopolis EPA channel. Seems acknowledgement of the rebels and Octavio's defeat made the squids reconsider retaliating against us not to mention with the great zapfish back in their possession and that human's plea for peace among our races," explained the elite.

"So Blake... defeated Octavio," said Maxie who was stunned to here the news. "If you mean the human then yes. We'll send an extraction team to place Octavio in our custody. Once that's done we'll get in touch with the inkling parliament and chancellor for peace talks. You on the other hand are getting shipped back to HQ to talk to your commander, the lieutenant," said the elite. Maxie stood up and brushed herself off. "As for a restraining order against the human. Their may be reconsideration for that but I suggest you watch that temper of yours. Fall out of line like that again and expect to lose your stripes and never coming in contact with that human again. Do I make myself clear?" asked the elite sternly. "Roger that, captain," saluted Maxie. "Good, now make your way to the hangar and wait for your pickup," she ordered. Maxie left the room and headed for her destination. On the way there, thoughts were stewing through her mind about Blake. "So Blake beat Octavio and stopped the war. I guess he can handle himself and I should've had faith in my mother but I was so worried that I lashed out at her. Have I let my emotions get the better of me?" Maxie thought. "I am glad they reconsidered keeping me from contacting Blake. I gotta get a handle on myself or another stunt like that and I won't be able to talk to Blake again. The captain said he was with the squid sisters which means that one that has a crush on him could make a move. I can't let that happen but Blake said he loved me and I believe him. I'm not gonna let my mother's words get to me about her," Maxie thought again.

She made it to the hangar where she met with sergeant Koral and private Crush again. "So we meet yet again sergeant Maxie. So I guess you heard about the broadcast assume," said Koral. "Yeah, I was informed. So what are two doing?" Maxie asked her. "Waiting for our ride, glad to get done with the reports especially on my dead teammates," replied Koral. "Again, I'm sorry about Ren and Nel. Witnessing you're fellow octarians die in combat isn't easy. They did their duty," said Maxie.

"Duty," muttered Koral as she crossed her arms and turned her head. "So everyone knows about the human now," said Krush breaking the silence. "The captain mentioned it. So what was said?" asked Maxie anxiously. "We'll your human boyfriend was in it giving a interview. He managed to persuade the inklings and octarians to reconsider going to war. By just his story he's been through quite an adventure already with the great turf war, getting stuffed in a pod and dealing with those octo rebels. Maybe that's why you like him so much. He does seem pretty heroic," said Krush. As Maxie was about to respond an octoseeker flew in the hangar. The hatch opened up with an octoling shouting "I'm looking for sergeant Maxie! She's requested to return to HQ ASAP,".

"I'm sergeant Maxie!" she replied. "Then hop aboard!" the octoling directed. "If this octoseeker is headed for the valley then count us in," said sergeant Koral. She and Krush followed Maxie inside and the aircraft left the aerodrome in route to Octo Valley. Onboard the group sat down and conversated. "Wonder what the lieutenant wants you for?" asked Koral. "Who knows. With a ceasefire between us and the squids maybe she's gonna attach me to some diplomatic guard duty or something. With that bastard Octavio dealt with and the rebels in disarray maybe this will give the octarians a chance to start going top side allow us to integrate out of the army life," said Maxie. "I can't imagine leaving the army. Most of my life, that's all I knew and now the idea of going to the surface and finding a place to stay and keeping up with the latest fashion trends or whatever the squids do has me thinking. I guess it would be better than staying in the domes though, said Koral. "I can't wait to visit Inkopolis! I wanna get on those turf war games and start wearing clothes that aren't these stupid uniforms," said Krush.

"What about you Maxie, what do you got in mind?" asked Koral. "Huh?... I'm not sure yet," Maxie replied quickly. "What about the human?" Koral asked looking at Maxie suspeciously. "W...What about him?" she muttered. "You know what I mean," replied Koral with a slight smirk. "Shsssh... keep that to yourself. I don't anyone else knowing about that," Maxie told her as the octarians onboard were looking. "I don't want anyone finding out about me and Blake. Understand. Now let's get off this topic before anyone starts asking questions," muttered Maxie.

Koral remained quiet and Krush was daydreaming about inkling culture inside the octoseeker. They were 5 minutes from HQ and as soon as they finally got there, Maxie hopped off and made her way to the command center as Koral just shook her head watching Maxie leave. "I hope she knows what she's getting into," the sergeant said. "Aaah, she'll be sarge. So what are going to do topside? How about finding a squid boy to latch on to," teased Krush. Koral blushed a little as she got agitated. "Just zip your beak private! Like I would even consider dating one of those inkheads... though I might give it some thought," said Koral as her annoyance subsided.

In the meantime Maxie managed to make it to command and It would be there that the lieutenant and the sergeant would embrace seeing each other before Maxie would tell Octillia about everything that happened to her since they lost contact with each other. Octillia informed Maxie about the siege on the rebel HQ and unknown whereabouts of the slain octo rebels since their respawn pad at the Cephalon base wasn't bringing the dead rebels back to that location but instead somewhere else. As they caught up the lieutenant's demeanor turned serious when she heard about Blake fighting Octavio though he defeated the rebel leader.

"Well it appears with Octavio apprehened and war averted. We can rest at night knowing that peace relations can begin again but this matter isn't over sergeant. I've been informed by the general and our diplomats that they want to meet the human at the peace accord. She wants him to visit Octopolis and to get to know the octarians and how grateful they are to use the technology his race left behind. Human technology has played a vital role in our survival down here and the octarian government especially the octarian government want to know more about the human hoping that he could provide any more knowledge that could help us right now. Perhaps a means to get by without having to use the zapfishs to power up everything down here," said the lieutenant. "When does the peace accord start?" asked Maxie. "Right now we're making efforts to form a diplomatic relationship with the inklings right now. I would assume tomorrow but in the meantime I'm attaching you to the empress's advisors for security along with Captain Kova unfortunately," said the lieutenant with displeasure in her voice.

"KOVA! That stuck up little..." started an agitated Maxie.

"At ease sergeant! I know you two are bitter rivals...to say the least but she was recommended by the top brass and octarian advisors to lead the security detachment. She along with you will be rewarded military honors for your bravery and commitment against the rebels after the peace accord and please keep a cool head once you two are in front of everyone. I don't want the officials as well as the inklings thinking that the octarian army is full of loose cannons and smart asses, understand sergeant?" asked the lieutenant.

"Roger that...so, what now then if the peace accord is tomorrow?" Maxie asked. "Right now get some rest, you'll be needing it sergeant. You're dismissed...oh and another thing I wanted to speak to about involved the human. Something that's concerned me," said the lieutenant.

"Concern? Which is?" asked Maxie. "I'll inform you later. Head to the barracks and get some shut eye Maxie," she told her as Maxie looked nervous and walked away out of the command center.

Serena and Melvin on the other hand were at the Inkopolis Defense Force HQ. They had just got done getting questioned and briefed the inklings on the rebel situation which had been ongoing since Octavio's first defeat two years ago. Though the octarians volunteered for peace, nearly half of the population objected to it and demanded the release of their leader and continue the war against the inklings. It was then the army divided and they were driven into Octo Canyon before civil war boke out into the valley. With limited resources, equipment, and support the rebels looked to an unknown but valuable ally, the Red Queen who supplied them and gave them access to equipment and the plan to get into the vault and release their former leader, Octavio himself. Operation Teal Dawn was underway and all the rebels had to do was follow the Red Queen's instructions but this would require Octavio's downfall once he had become an asset for the first two initial stages of the operation and once he was out of the way the rebels would obtain the human weaponry and the humans themselves once they breached the man-made underground facility.

After hearing what the two octolings told them about the rebels plans for conquest of the surface world the inklings were deeply troubled but thankful they were stopped before their operation fell through...or so they thought. Inkling command was getting in contact with the octarians once they intercepted their channels and got in touch with the Aerodrome leading the octarian armada. "This is IDF command, come in," reported Miles. "We're trying to get contact with your commander. Our forces are on cease-fire orders temporarily and we are awaiting a response, over," said Miles again over the radio.

"This is the Octarian Aerodrome, I'm Captain Sable. Commander of the octozeppelin corps. Identify yourself," the elite asked.

"This is Strategic Officer Miles of the IDF. I wish to get a hold of the Octarian Army commander. The IDF has been placed on cease-fire orders and the inkling government wishes to talk to your government. We have two of your soldiers with us a private Serena and specialist Melvin. They've explained the situation with Octavio and these octo rebels. The intel is being sent up to our commander as well as the parliament secretary. We want no escalation of conflict and we ask that the octarian armada pull back from the city to show that you're willing to establish a truce," replied Miles.

A moment passed with a pause on the radio with the captain discussing the inkling's request to General Scarlet. "We want the blockade removed from around octarian territory and then we can reach an agreement. These conditions come from General Scarlet herself and then we'll command the octozeppelins to pull out. Until then the armada will hold in a defensive pattern," said the octoling captain.

The inklings looked at each then back at Miles. "Very well, I'll contact my commander and he'll see if we can get permission to pull back the naval blockade from the chancellor. I wanna inform your commander that we do not wish to seek conflict and that the octarians will not attack the city in any way, I'm a understood captain?" asked Miles.

"You have our word that the octarians will not attack your city. I trust you inklings won't try and fire upon us either. Keep me informed that the naval blockade will leave our territory and the armada will pull out of yours. We'll stay in touch and monitor your activities. Captain Sable out," said the elite as she got off the radio.

"So what now? Do we give in to their demands?" asked one inkling manning a computer. "Get a hold of Commander Armie and inform him of the octarian army's initiatives and that we got in contact with Captain Sable of the octozeppelin fleet. From there it'll be on his orders and permission from the inkling parliament if the naval blockade should pull out of octarian territory or not. How I see it the octarians have us in a gridlock then a blockade would seem futile if they flew over them to reach the city. Seems their directives aren't ill-willed and they want to start diplomatic relations with the rebel situation in which I'm utterly in disbelief that a human put his life at risk to save our city. A human!" exclaimed Miles.

The base had recieved the broadcast not long after the agents left the plaza. The IDF base was astounded to hear a human was alive and the hero of their city. Dumbfounded and ecstatic to see that war had possibly averted due to the human's pleas for peace. Commander Armie though was stunned but that soon turned to uncertainty to think a human was among them even though he saved them and got their only source of power back from Octavio. "So... It's true then. A human squidbeak agent in which I never knew the squidbeak platoon still existed. I've heard stories about them in the old archives and the deepsea scrolls. As old as the founder, Cuttlefish is I would think the squidbeak was history. That human says he was around during the great turf war and fought against the octarians back then but I still don't trust an extinct destructive race to stay around and just reform peace among my people and the octarians. I think something is a foot and I'm going to get to the bottom of it," said Armie. He made a phone call and got in contact with the lead Inkopolis research scientists and informed him about the human.

"Is this Professor A. Nenome?" asked Armie on the phone. "Yes, who am I speaking to?" the professor asked. "This is Commander Armie of the IDF. I wish to inform you about the human. I'm sure you and the others have heard the broadcast," said Armie. "YES! And we're quite intrigued to put it mildly. We would love to have this specimen back at the lab for study. To think of the possiblities that we could learn from an intelligent extinct race. Fossils and relics have been the only thing we have come across. Is there antway we can bring that human back to our lab?" asked the professor.

"That's what I called about professor. With a human alive this could bring serious problems to our way of life as we no it. With him being the only known human alive I feel it best that he be contained and monitored for your so called "studies". Though he might have saved the city and got the great zapfish back I don't trust this human to just roam freely around the city. We have no knowledge of what he's capable of and until then. I feel it for our best interest to keep him under survalliance," said Armie.

"I don't believe the human poses a threat to Inkopolis commander but being he's the last of his kind he needs to watch 24/7 and protected at all times. I do think he needs to apprehended and brought back to our lab not to mention that the octarians I'm sure want want possession of him for their own purposes," said the professor.

"Yes, I thought about that too. If the octarians do want him then I'm sure they want any knowledge this human might hold like advancing their technology so they can enhance their military capabilities and if that happens the octarians wouldn't need a truce to negotiate with us when they can overpower us at the given chance but if the human is brought up by the octarian government then I deal with the matters and talk to the chancellor about it. I'll voice my conern but it'll be up to the chancellor whether to oblige by the octarians wishes to take the human or not," said Armie.

"Maybe theirs a way we can stay in contact with the octarian scientists and collaborate with any research they may gather on the human if they do. Maybe we can reach some kind of terms with them," said the professor.

"That sounds like wishful thinking professor. Don't be naïve, as if the octarians would share any valuable information on the living fossil. I don't trust them and as for this rebel situation. I wonder why they didn't inform us before and if these rebels have been defeated as we're willing to believe. I'm going to bring this up at the peace accord and I'm going to demand answers. If the octarians do want peace then they need to earn our trust," said Armie sternly as he leaned back in his chair

"I understand your suspecions commander. Let's hope with Octavio put into their custody and the human's plea of peace that the inklings and octarians can truly work together without bitter strife. It'll be interesting to see the octarians walking around in the city," commented the professor.

"(growl) Yeah, intersting in deed, spying is more like it. Hope they're true to their word. We'll see how the peace accord goes and what's put on ink, until then I'm not letting my guard down. Now, as for the human, you have my permission to bring him in and I'll have a detachment of troops to help you if he should resist," said Armie before hanging up. He propped his hands togther and brooded over the octarians and the human, wondering who posed a bigger threat.

"Professor A. Nenome. Are we really bringing the human back to the lab?" asked an female inkling assistant. "Indudably. I just got off the phone with commander Armie and he's sending some soldiers to help bring in the human, hopefully without injury," said the professor. "This is great news! I can't wait until we begin tests on... is it a he or a she?" she asked. "A believe a male, we'll find out once the human has been put in captivity. Until then get the team and trucks ready to move out. Remember that I want no bodily harm to come to the human. Use the net launchers only if necessary," shouted the professor. The inkling scientists and jellyfish left the lab for the trucks, getting ready to apprehend Blake and wait for Armie's soldiers to arrive for the assistance.

Back at the Octarian HQ, Maxie had fallen asleep at the barracks after a long day. She thought about Blake before she did and wondered what Octillia wanted to talk to her about. The sergeant found herself waking up in what appeared to be a garden instead of the bunk she was in back at HQ. She sat up and looked at her surroundings, the sergeant knew that this must be some kind of dream. The octoling stood up in her white veiled dress instead of her issued army uniform. Her surroundings consisted of a large beautiful garden with flowers and large trees. Where was she? Maxie thought to herself. She followed a stone path to an opening with a fountain that was surrounded by more elegant scenery. She noticed hummingbirds and butterflies gathering nectar from roses that were growing around the little square. "This place is... beautiful," she said to herself. She decided to sit on a nearby bench and enjoy the tranquil garden as the sun peeked through the clouds and the only sounds that could be heard was songbirds and the sound of water from the fountain. She closed her eyes for moment before the voice of a figure caused her to open them back up. "Maxie," the voice called. She saw a person standing in front of her and that person was Blake. He was wearing a white button up and pants. He smiled at Maxie when he saw her, causing her to smile back and hug Blake. "Blake where are we? This place is amazing, its so peaceful and soothing," she told him as she pulled off.

Blake looked at her and chuckled. "It's the garden behind our house silly, you don't remember?" he asked her. "Garden? I..." replied Maxie as she rubbed her head. "You sure have been having these moments of memory loss lately are you sure you're ok?" asked Blake as he sat next to her. "I...I'm fine it's just... This is crazy! None of this is real!" she exclaimed as she got up from the bench. "Not real, Maxie you're really starting to concern me. Maybe I should get you checked out," Blake said feeling deeply troubled by Maxie's rhetoric. "No! All I remember is talking to Octillia and heading back to the barracks to get some sleep. You fought Octavio and saved Inkopolis. None of this is real, it's gotta be a dream," said Maxie.

Blake looked hard at her and downed his head. "I...am real. This place is real if you want to be but I can't make you choose to believe that Maxie," he told her as he stepped away. The octoling felt sorry and grabbed Blake's hand before he turned around and looked at her. "Blake don't go... I didn't mean to... what I'm trying to say is (deep breath)... how can any of this be real?" she questioned. Blake kneeled down and stared at the octoling who was curious to what he would say. "Maxie I am real, if I weren't I wouldn't be standing or should I say kneeling in front of you. I brought you here so I could make you happy. To feel secure and comfortable but... I guess it is hard to take in since you've had to let go of the life before. It's difficult to let go and this was a big change for you. I won't force the issue and you can leave anytime you want to," said Blake.

Maxie thought about what he had said but was confused to what he meant life before. "No Blake I... like it here. It's hard to take in. It just seemed like I was back at the Octarian army HQ just a few minutes ago and now I'm here. I don't understand," said Maxie. "It's ok. I just wanna see you happy but I can't do that if have doubts and keep holding on to the past. I can't make you decide what you want," said Blake. Maxie turned her head and crossed her hands for moment before grabbing Blake's face and giving him a deep kiss. "How's that for a decision," she said with a smile after she pulled off.

Blake smiled back and the two enjoyed their moment together and hugged. "Oh Maxie there's... something I been meaning to tell you," he told her anxiously. "Y...Yeah, what it is Blake?" she asked nervously. Blake dug into his pocket and pulled out a tiny white case and flipped it open. "Will... you marry me?" he asked. Her eyes lit up and she covered her mouth as she saw the gold and diamond ring. "Oh my cod... YES BLAKE! I will... I will marry you!" she shouted with joy as tears appeared. They embraced one another before their passionate kiss. "I love you Maxie," Blake said. "And I love you too," said Maxie. With her head on his shoulders in tears she felt more like she was in a dream but she didn't wake out of it. As she opened her eyes she saw her mother standing behind Blake looking at her with concern. "Mother?" she said still holding Blake.

"Huh, mother? What's the matter?" asked Blake who looked at her. "I thought... I saw my mother. The last time we talked was..." she started before biting her lip. "Maxie, you told me your parents died when you were very young. How can that be?" asked Blake. "Blake, it's hard to explain," she told him as her mother turned away and went around the corner of the fountain into a hedge maze. "Blake, I'm sorry but...I gotta go. I think she wants me to follow her," she told him pulling off the human to go track down her mother. "MAXIE! Wait up! You're not making sense!" he shouted.

Maxie was now lost inside the hedge maze as Blake tried to follow. Shouting Maxie's name as she was trying to locate the entity. "Mother!" she cried. "MOTHER!" she yelled again and got no answer then in front of her the entity that was her mother walked in front of her and around the corner of a hedge wall into a small clearing. "Mother wait! Are you upset with me!?" she shouted after her. Following her inside the little clearing. The entity vanished with no other entries around. Where could she have gone? "Mother! Listen!... I'm sorry about what happened onboard the aerodrome with your warning about my emotions. I know you've come to me for a reason. It has something to do with Blake doesn't it and... I'm here to listen. None of this makes since. This place. This garden. Blake proposing to me. I have to be dreaming but... I want it to be real, Mother please answer me!" she pleaded as she fell to her knees amd started to cry.

The entity appeared again and placed her hand on her head. Maxie looked up and wiped her tears. The entity octoling gave a compassionate look and helped her up. "I can't stay mad at you my daughter. I've watched you grow up and mature into the lady that's standing in front of me. I've been with you in your best times and your worst but I came here to give you a final warning. It seems your compassion for Blake has been of a deep concern for me enough that I think it's consumed you. You've made yourself believe that this will become a reality and that Blake is your soul mate. Blake's heart is undescive and he will be pressured into falling for another over obigation. I'm not saying that Blake isn't right for you but to say he's not ready and I don't believe you are either. Maybe those seeds will be sown soon enough but will Blake pluck the fruit to which those seeds will grow into is the question. I can't tell you where his heart lies but by his actions and nothing is absolute," said Maxie's mother.

"Blake did say he loved me. I don't know how else he can express his feelings toward me. He saved me back at Tentacle Towers and on the Saltspray Rig. I've felt a connection ever since mother and I don't know what could cause him to become so indescive. Is it that inkling girl. That squid sister with the long black tentacles? She's nothing but a air headed pop star. She's not right for him and I won't sit by and watch her take him from me. What can she offer that I can't?" asked Maxie who was getting zealous of winning Blake over.

"It's not so much what you can offer my daughter but where Blake's heart lies. Blake is about overcome his greatest tests and revelations that could change his perspective of the world that surrounds him. An uncertain future lies ahead of him and a great and terrible threat has a risen since the oceans engulfed the world the humans once inhabited," explained her mother.

"Are you refering to the rebels. I mean they've been defeated and Octavio was vanquished by Blake himself. What other threat is now emerging? Tell me!" demanded Maxie.

"Maxie I... can't explain it. All I know is that it came out of the ocean. It is a harbinger for the destruction of this world and Blake may be the only one that can stop it," she revealed.

"Out of the ocean? What do you mean only Blake can stop it? Why Blake?" Maxie fretted.

"I saw Blake..." she said as she downed her head. "Saw Blake what?" asked Maxie who was getting anxious, "I saw him... drown," said her mother with pleading eyes looking up at the octoling that was her daughter. "Drown! B...B...But how?... What can I do to stop this!?" panicked the octoling.

Maxie's mother turned her head and walked away feeling grief, unable to explain the vision she had of Blake's supposed death. "Mother! Please tell me how I can stop this!" pleaded Maxie desperateratly. "It must be," was all her mother said before vansishing. "What?" she replied. Tears fell from her face seeing that her mother vanished without an answer. Grief striken and fearing she would lose Blake as she wept over the fountain. Her tears dropping into the water, seeing her saddened reflection before she heard Blake approach calling her name, looking for the octoling. She saw him in the water behind her. "Maxie! There you are! I've been looking all..." "BLAAAKE!" she shouted seeing him, turning around to hug the human that proposed to her.

"M...Maxie! What's wrong!?" he asked as she cried on his shoulder. "B...B...Blake I don't wanna lose you. I don't want you to die!" she exclaimed. "want me to die...Maxie what's gotten into you. I'm not going to die? How would I? You're really scaring me," said Blake as he pulled her off. "No, My mother envisioned it. She saw you drown in the sea after..." she said with tears running down her face. "After what!? Maxie!?" He asked startled by her behavior before she broke away from him. "No! No! No! I won't let this happen! I WANNA WAKE UP!" she screamed as she fled the opening where Blake found her. The octoling frantically rushed through the hedge maze not looking back, desperate to wake from the dream. Ahead she saw the exit of maze and ran into a bright light that coated the scenary with the only thing she could hear was Blake screaming her name.

The sergeant jarred awake with a gasp of air, covered in sweat with a look of distress on her face. She wasn't alone as a figure looked over with great concern. It was Octillia who came to check on her and saw that she was crying in her sleep. "Maxie! Are you ok!? Did you have a nightmare? Do you need to go get checked at the infirmary?" Octillia asked her. "Where am I? Wait... I'm back at the barracks. That dream I... my mother! Blake! The vision!" she got out, still exhausted from the dream she had. "Maxie you're talking crazy! You're making me worried. How about you head over to the med bay," suggested Octillia.

"I just...need to get my bearings," she told her as she calmed herself. "I can't put it in words Octillia but... I've been seeing my mother lately or ghost. I know it sounds crazy but she's been giving me visions about me and Blake but... she told me of an emerging threat, something about it coming from out of the ocean. She couldn't be specific but all I know is that... Blake dies," said the sergeant looking at Octillia with deep worry. Octillia was unsure to worry herself, confused at her friend's rhetoric.

"Blake, the human. Maxie it was just a dream... and speaking of Blake, that's what I wanted to talk to you about," said the elite. "It seems with the whole valley and all of Inkopolis knowing about his exsistance it seems the empress is more than interested to meet him and bring him back to the royal palace," explained Octillia.

"What's the empress want him for?" asked Maxie with concern.

"That she won't say but if the empress wants him back then it's our duty to request that he comes with us after the peace accord whether the squidbeak protests or not. Another thing is...(deep breath) I know you care a lot about him but... with things the way they are, even with tensions lowering and war avoided. It wouldn't be good for anyone to know that you have a infactuation with the human," advised the lieutenant. "That's what sergeant Koral said," Maxie replied.

"Other people know about this? Maxie I thought you would keep this under wraps," said Octillia with some displeasure. "My... emotions got the best of me. Me and Blake kissed when we ran into one another trying to destroy the hypnowave emitters. I don't know what came over me! I couldn't help it!" exclaimed Maxie.

Octillia pinched her nose with irritation. "(deep breath) So who else besides Koral knows?" asked Octillia. "The private that was with her and some of the inkling soldiers. Surely Koral and that young pansy private can keep a secret and maybe private Serena," answered Maxie.

"Is that all? Maxie what am I going to do with you?" she asked her with her irritation fading, knowing that Maxie had been through a lot since her parents had died. "How about we got the bar tonight," said Maxie as the elite was shocked by her response. "You want to go to the bar? last I checked people went to go get drunk over losing a guy not trying to win one," commented the elite. "Like Kova for example," said Maxie. "Kova can't keep I guy for day without running him off with that uppity narsisitic attitude of hers. I can't blame them wanting to ink away from her," scoffed the lieutenant.

Maxie finally got out of bed with the two of them heading for the door "Not sure if going to the bar would make matters better or worse," said Octillia. "My treat," replied Maxie. "Now you've got me convinced, very well then," said Octillia as she grabbed Maxie and pulled her against her. Their chick friends moment had ended once they came out of the room, only to be met with a disaproved Kova with a sneer. Her arms were crossed, hearing what the two had said about her. "Like Kova huh? I'll remember that you little octopunk and I also heard about your crush on that human," sneered Kova as a malicious grin appeared on her face. "Kova you better keep your lips zipped about this or..." demanded Maxie pointing her finger at the shrewd elite. "Or what, should I ask? I won't tell a soul unless, oh I don't know, maybe that she be kept from the ceremony and taken off the accord security detail and that you step down lieutenant and let me take command. Then things will get accomplished," sneered the short tentacled captain.

"YOU STUCK UP LITTLE BIT..." ranted Maxie but was pulled back by her friend. "Maxie! At ease! I can handle this! Listen here Kova I don't know what you're little game is but I wonit allow you use the human for leverage. This is a matter directly between me and the sergeant. We've dealt with enough from the octo rebels and I won't have you hendering our progress just because you wanna out show me and take control of command ops. You keep this shit up I will see that you're repremended if not suspended on leave while I handle diplomatic efforts with the inkling government. Got me Kova!" scolded Octillia after she pulled Maxie behind her.

"Talking down to a superior! Don't think I'll stand down over meesly little threats. I have connections and believe that news of the sergeant having a deep admiration for the human won't eventually get leaked out. It's not my tentacles I should be watching but yours Octillia and that sergeant's. At least I didn't captured by the rebels!" scoffed Kova as she walked beside them and flicked Maxie's front tentacle.

"Son of sea slug. LET ME AT HER!" shouted an angered Maxie as she tried to take a swing at the captain who smirked at her. "MAXIE! NO! Kova you best haul tentacle because if I decide to let Maxie loose believe I won't testify as a witness to the ink getting kicked out of you!" demanded Octillia as she had hold of the irate sergeant ready to give Kova a beat down.

"Whatever! I have more important places to be! Like getting ready for the ceremony. I just might "accidently" say something about Maxie and that human, Ta Ta" said Kova as she waved her fingers goodbye and flaunted away.

"LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS! KOVA! AND I'M GONNA SINK MY FIST INTO YOUR FACE!" roared Maxie who had turned red with anger.

"Out of your system yet?" asked Octillia with her arms crossed. "Yeah, you just should've let me wail on her ass," said Maxie with her redness going away. "Then I would've written up a statement then gave that octotramp what she wanted. You not being able to go to the ceremony for assualting an officer," notified the lieutenant.

"I guess so but it would almost be worth it. I think she got a little scared if you asked me. Maybe even inked herself," said Maxie.

"Probably, but right now we need to head back to command for your debriefing and your next assignment. Also Serena and Melvin should be returning to base soon. I assume the IDF got all the information they wanted from them," said Octillia. The two headed for the command center where they would wait for the two octolings and Maxie would be reassigned for her next mission. Baby sitting the empress's advisors and preparing for the ceremony for military honors and celebration of the rebel's defeat of Inkopolis.

---

Downstairs, Marina had called in take out from Krusty Sean's. The squid sisters were awake eating in the kitchen and Pearl was plopped on the couch pouring mayo on her food that Marina had ordered. Blake walked down the stairs after waking up from his nap, rubbing his eyes and smelling the food. He saw the gang eating and as he walked into the kitchen, Callie saw him and a smile came across her face. "Hey, Blake how did you sleep?" she asked him. "Good I guess, I think the smell of food woke me up. What time is it?" he asked. "It's 3PM Blake, I would say we got a day ahead of us but as late as it is I should say night," commented Marie. "Blake you missed it! It's the Inkopolis news report you guys gave this morning with you and Izzy! All of Inkopolis is absolutely hyped over seeing you and the fact you saved Inkopolis!" said Marina excitedly.

Blake sat on a stool and grabbed a box of food. "So... Everyone know's I exsist now. I remember when the village years ago found out about me, thanks to Cuttlefish and Octavio. Yeah I was quite the sensation for sometime," said Blake before he started eating. "OH, Please! You popular! Give me a break Fossil!" scoffed Pearl as Marina shot her an annoyed look. "What!" she shot back before digging into her food. "Anyway Blake. What did you guys plan on doing for the rest of the evening?" asked Marina. "Well we need to get ready for the concert tonight and we we're hoping you guys would join us. After defeating Octavio and saving the city. I think it'll be a way for us to wind down and for everyone to celebrate the end of the octo rebels and the start of peace among our races again, Marina. Blake and Izzy are going to be our two stars for the night and this will give the inklings a chance to see Blake in person," said Marie.

"YEAH! This is gonna be so fresh! We haven't done a splat concert for a while Marie. Just think how everyone will react when they see Blake! I just wish gramps and Cassie were here though," said Callie. "Speaking of which, I'm really starting to worry. I would've thought they'd be back. I hope nothings happened to them and I got no idea where they could've gone," said Marie. "You said before they went to investigate some company. How long have they been gone?" asked Blake finishing his food. "Since you and Izzy left for Octo Canyon," replied Marie.

"Hey where is Izzy anyway?" asked Blake noticing she wasn't among them. "She left to go talk to this Flash guy she was going on about. We told her to show up for the concert tonight and prepare to be on stage and dress nicely," answered Marie. "So me and Izzy are going to be on stage with you guys in front of all those inklings," said Blake. "I'm not sharing the stage with that human!" shouted Pearl finishing her meal. "Pearl what's your problem! Can you at least show some gratitude for once! Blake saved the city and you still give him grief!" exclaimed a frustrated Marina.

"I don't know why you like him Marina or those cousins of mine. He ain't nothing but trouble! Ever since he showed up we've had nothing but problems. That stupid gang, the octo rebel dudes! Octavio stealing the zapfish! We were alright until he came along!" shouted Pearl pointing at Blake. "Listen here! I never asked for any of this you little gremlin! I don't know what your beef with me is but I'm getting tired of it! I never asked to get crammed in that oversized freezer and I never meant for the rebels to attack your city and steal your only power supply!" shouted back Blake who had lost his patience with the little inkling. "Blake calm down! Pearl you need quit being such an inkhead!" said Marina.

Pearl cocked her head up and crossed her arms, letting her pride get the best of her. "Marina forget it. I don't care if she hates me because I'm a human. All that matters is Inkopolis is safe. I'll let it go," said Blake. "(sigh) I don't know what her problem is with you. I just wish she would give you a chance, Blake, " said Marina. Callie and Marie had just finished their food and were eager to get back to Sheldon's.

"Hey, Blake. Sheldon called and he wants you to come to Ammo Knights. He has someone he wants you to meet that's been really wanting to see you. An old friend you may remember," said Marie.

"An old friend? Who?" asked Blake curiously.

"You'll just have to see when we get there," said Marie. "Do I have to have to wear a disquise before we get there? I mean even though all of Inkopolis knows about me. Aren't you worried we'll get swamped by inklings?" asked Blake. "I'm already ahead of you. Me and Cal are naturally going to stay incognito and Marina's going to let you borrow one of her hoodies and try to keep your face down so know one sees you. I don't have an inkling wig so try to keep a low profile," said Marie.

After Blake put on the hoodie the gang left for Inkopolis. Evading crowds and any inkling they came across. The squid sisters like Blake put on their casual clothes concealing their identity as to not attract attention. Once they reached the square the place was packed to the brim with turfers. "Oh shrimp! I knew the square was going get packed but not like this," said Marie. "What do we do now. I don't want our covers blown Marie," said Callie. "Me neither Cal, we'll just have to find a way through. Just try and avoid contact if you can," said Marie. "Blake, try to keep your face hidden," advised the squid sister as he nodded.

The group cautiously stepped around groups of inklings. A skateboarding jellyfish rolled right in front of Blake, flipping its board as Blake almost stumbled into it. "Hey, Pal! The name's Murch! Insterested in some... gear?," offered the little urchin boy acting as if his business was discreet. Blake knew something was up with the kid and just kept his head down.

"Umm we're just heading to Ammo Knights for some gear. He just came into the city to start turfing and we gotta get going," said Callie nervously as she pulled Blake away and wrapped her arm around his so his cover wasn't blown.

"Oh, ok then, it's cool, come back sometime," said Murch though he was little suspecious of the two as they walked off.

"That was close, Blake. We need to stick together so no one discovers your identity. OK," said Callie as the two were half way to Ammo Knights.

"Umm Callie you can let go of my arm now," said Blake.

"Oh sorry, it's just..." started Callie as she blushed.

"It's fine Cal. I know you don't wanna fight the inklings off me. I don't either but this is about that talk isn't it," said Blake as Callie let go of him. She rubbed her arm and looked away.

"Let's just catch up to Marie... but yeah, I've been wanting to finish our discussion. I wanna wait until after the splat concert tonight," said Callie.

"That's fine, no hurry," said Blake as Callie smiled at him.

"Hey you two, C'mon. I don't have all day and Sheldon is waiting on us," said Marie walking up with frustration and her hands on her hips.

The two followed Marie to Ammo Knights. They heard all of the turfers talking about Blake instead of turf war games, the latest fashion and new ink weapons. It seemed everyone was focused on the human that saved their city and were more than eager for the concert tonight to meet Blake. Even some of the inklings girls were giggling and wanting to see if they could ask Blake out on a date. Callie ignoring them and Blake was nervous as he stayed close to the inkling popstars he followed to Sheldon's. They finally walked inside and like outside, was crammed with turf players. "Hey you guys! Come to the back!" shouted Sheldon from behind the counter.

The three of them followed the little horseshoe crab to the back where the "old friend" was waiting to meet Blake. "OK, Blake. Theirs someone here that's been dying to meet you," said Sheldon.

"Who could it be Sheldon?" asked Blake.

A large cat walked from behind a crate and stared at Blake. Blake himself froze at the cat's sight. It was Judd and it had been a long while since they saw one another. "Blake..." the cat said meekly with its wide eyes. "Judd," replied Blake. The two rushed in for a hug, happy to see one another.

"Blake I was sure you were dead when Cuttlefish told us what happened to you," said Judd.

"No old friend...I'm back and this time I beat Octavio," said Blake who was more than happy to see Judd again. Marie smiled and Callie wanted to cry and join. They pulled off each other and shook hands or should I say a paw. "Glad to see you're back Blake. Nearly a month ago I sensed something familiar but I payed no mind to it. I would've never thought to see you again my old friend," said Judd. Then a little cat hoped on top of the crate getting the two's attention. It was over twice as smaller than Judd himself and had the same markings as judd.

The little cat stared at Blake with curiousity. "Judd...I didn't know you had a...son?" asked Blake. "Well technically he's not my um...son. His name's Lil' Judd. He's a clone as a matter of fact. Ammoses came across him in pod like mine sometime ago but it never opened until about a year ago... and I guess you can technically call him my son," explained Judd as the little clone cat walked over.

"Lil' Judd this is Blake and one of my dearest friends," introduced Judd.

"Wow, I've never seen an inkling with fur on their head," said Lil' Judd.

"I'm not an inkling (chuckling) I'm a human and yeah me and Judd go way back. It's nice to meet you," said Blake as he pet the little cat's head as it purred.

"You're warm, like Judd. I've never seen a human before. It's strange that Judd never mentioned you," said Lil Judd.

"Well its been so long that Judd probably forgot all about me, I know things have changed a lot while I've been gone. I was overwelmed at the sight of the city. A lot has been happening since I came back out of that pod. I'm surprised that you're still around, its been over a hundred years... I'm sorry that Ammoses passed away," said Blake. "I am too Blake but...I heard you about beating Octavio and getting back the great zapfish. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that you were alive this whole time and I had to see it for myself," said Judd.

Some inklings in the store were hollering Sheldon's name, requesting service. "Oh I gotta go, how long are guys staying?" asked Sheldon.

"With the square as busy as it is. It would probably be best they we head back to Pearl's," replied Marie.

"That would probably be a good idea," said Sheldon as he scurried to the front.

"Well we better go Judd, maybe I'll see you tonight and it was nice seein' ya too lil Judd," said Blake.

"Likewise, Blake," replied the little cat.

"Oh you can count on me being there," waved Judd.

"Oh how I love moments like this. I'm so glad you guys got to meet each other again," said Callie. The group left and covered their faces as they headed inside the front and walked out the door without getting noticed. It seemed the square was busiling with life compared to the last few days.

As the three stood outside of Ammo Knights they looked and saw that leaving the square was getting impossible without stumbling into a turfer. "Is it me or are their more people than before?" asked Callie. "Yeah I would say the number is growing. Doesn't look like we have a straight shot for the square exit not to mention the other way is blocked by construction. We'll have to take the long way around as risky as it is. The longer we stay the better the chances of blowing our disguises," said Marie. "Well if we're going to have to stay in the square longer then we might as do some shopping," suggested Callie. "Shopping? At a time like this, Cal?" replied Marie not eager to stay in the square while they were hidden. "No! I mean for Blake. All he has is the agent uniform and those dirty old clothes he wore a month ago," Callie said.

"Cal... I mean Magenta, keep you voice down and remember the code names," scolded Marie. "Oh sorry Lime. I forgot, what was Blake's codename again?" she asked her cousin. "(sigh) We agreed to just refer to him as Zero. Let's keep a low profile and try not to talk so much. So where do you want to go so badly Magenta?" asked Marie who was slightly annoyed. "How about that new clothes shop: Ye Olde Clothe Shoppe, what a funny name for a store," said Callie as Marie gave a deep sigh.

The three spotted the clothes store and headed over to it as they evaded the turf war players and Blake bumping into an inkling on its phone. "Hey watch it dude!" he snapped angrily. "Sorry, um, just trying to get by," said Blake nervously. The inkling boy looked at him suspeciously wondering why he kept his face hidden not to mention the strange acsent the human had.

They finally made it to Ye Olde Clothes Shoppe. Inside they were greeted by a jellyfish clerk. "Welcome to Ye Olde Clothes Shoppe. My name is Jelfonzo and what brings you here ladies and... gentlesquid?" greeted the jellyfish though he was uncertain about Blake seeing that he was hiding his face. "Don't worry he's with us. He's just new and timid. We came to find some threads for our friend," said Marie. "He's a bit tall for an inkling? Where's he from?" asked Jelfonzo. "Oh he's from um... the county. Giant squid runs in his family," said Callie as she smiled. "Oh ok then well let's see if I have his size in stock," said Jelfonzo as he headed toward the back. The three looked at each realizing that Blake was taller than a normal inkling and wondered if the jellyfish even had a size that would fit Blake. Jelfonzo came back with a pair of clothes that were fortunate enough to fit Blake. It was a Zink Layered LS shirt with a long black thin shirt underneath it. "That'll do for now," said Marie. "Well hopefully it'll fit. How about you try it on pal," said Jelfonzo.

Blake hesitated knowing changing clothes would blow his cover. "He can try them on later. I'm sure they'll fit him," said Callie nervously. "Huh? Why not right now to make sure they do fit," asked Jelfonzo who was baffled. "We're on a tight schedule and we need to get going. I'll keep the receipt and bring them back if they don't fit," said Marie. "Well alright just remember theirs a return limit on my clothes," said Jelfonzo after scratching his head.

"That was close. OK enough with the shopping let's try to get out of the square before we... Huh, Magenta? Zero?" called out Marie as the two wandered off to another store. Marie spotted Callie leading Blake to Shella Fresh a shoe store run by a spider crab named Bisk. Marie groaned and caught with them as they stepped inside the shop. "YO! What's kickin' " greeted Bisk. "We're looking for shoes for my friend. Got anything fresh?" asked Callie. "I know just the thing!" shouted Bisk as he grabbed a shoe box and opened it up. "Check it! Black Dakroniks. Retro and stylin'!" Bisk commented. "We'll take em' " said Callie. Blake put them on but they were a little big. "Magenta I'm not so sure. I could slip right out of them," said Blake. "Got a smaller size?" asked Callie to the store owner. "Small feet huh? Let me see," said Bisk as he scrounged through the boxes. "Got cha'! try these, their a little smaller. Strange though you got such small feet but you're so tall," said Bisk. "Theirs still some wiggle room but they'll work," said Blake. "Alright then, let's go and no more shopping," said Marie.

"But Mar...Lime. Can't we just stop by the hat store. please can we get him a hat?" pleaded Callie. "One last stop and that's it. Then we head back to Pearl's got it," scolded Marie. The trio left and headed for Headspace the new hat store in the square. Marie was getting more nervous and starting to lose her patience. At Headspace they were greeted by a sea hare by the name of Flow. "Why hello there," she said. "Hey there, we're looking for something my friend could wear," replied Callie. "Well I have a lot choose from. Pick something out and I'll ring it up for you," said Flow. "She seems nice," said Blake. "Let's look for something and get out of here. Remember we gotta get ready for the concert tonight," said Marie quietly. "Find anything yet?" asked Flow. "Their's so much to choose from," said Callie. "These look cool," said Blake picking up pilot goggles. "You have an eye. Turfers wore those all the time. They were the rage back then. Is that what you want?" the sea hare asked. "Yeah I'll get these," said Blake. The goggles were rang up and Flow couldn't help but wonder something was off about Blake. He was too tall to be an inkling and his acsent wasn't gargled but wispy. "If you don't mind me asking. Who exactly are you?" she asked him. "Oh um... I'm new in town and I..." started Blake covering his true identity. "He's from the county. He's my... boyfriend," said Callie. "Ah young love but he's kind of tall but who am I to judge. Come back anytime," said Flow as she slithered away. "OK, that was too close. Now more shopping and... did you just call Blake your boyfriend?" asked Marie. "It was just for hiding his identity," remarked Callie with a slight blush. Marie gave a slight smirk and shook her head. "Sure, Cal. Whatever you say. Let's get back to the mansion. It's getting later and I wanted to get back an hour ago. I would think Blake's got all the clothes he needs now," said Marie.

After they left the hat shop they hunted for a way around the turfers and now the exit was further away than before. "Alright you two. Let's stay close this time and try to lag behind. If anyone finds out who we are it'll be splatfest all over again," scoldered Marie. She guided them through the crowds but the inklings were consitantly moving around and eventaully congregated so much that the trio lost track of each other.

"Hey you guys! Where are you!?" shouted Callie losing Blake and Marie.

"CAL...I mean MAGENTA! Holler out so I can find you!" shouted Marie using Cal's codename.

"LIME! MAGENTA!" shouted Blake.

"Oh shrimp! Where did they go!?" exclaimed Marie seeing no sign of her cousin or Blake. As Blake was searching for the two squid sisters. the skateboarding jellyfish rolled right into Blake as it yelped knocking the human in disguise over. The jelly rubbed its bulbous head and turned to Blake. "Oh...you ok?" it asked with a squeaky voice.

Blake sat up and rubbed his head revealing his short blonde hair and face. The jellyfish went wide eyed and pointed at Blake. "eh...eh...IT'S THE HUMAN!" It shouted loudly getting all the inklings attention in the square. The crowds turned to the commotion and spotted Blake laying on the ground. They went wide eyed and swarmed Blake. Surrounded and facing the anxious inklings. "What's going on!" asked Marie nervously as the inklings ran past her. The two squid sisters spotted each other and then turned to see Blake was discovered. "Oh my cod. Marie what do we do!?" panicked Callie.

"We gotta get Blake out of here! I think I know a way Cal. Just follow my league and once we get Blake haul tentacle to the square exit!" said Marie.

The inklings were asking questions and grabbing Blake. Inkling boys were wanting him to join the turf war games and the girls were haggleling him to take them out. "Are you single?" asked one. "Hey! I saw him first squid!" shouted another.

"No way dude! He's joining my team!" argued a male. "In your dreams inkhead! He's joining my team for the next match!" protested another one.

Blake had froze up, scared and nervous at the crowding inklings. Unsure how to escape his predicament he covered his head and tried to drown out their obsessive fixitions on him. "HEY! YOU FRESH SQUIDS!" yelled Callie. The inklings turned to the two squid sisters who got their attention. Their faces uncovered and tentacles exposed as they gave their stage pose. "IT'S THE SQUID SISTERS!" shouted a male. "Is that anyway to treat the hero of Inkopolis!?" asked Marie with an unpleased look and arms crossed. "Yeah you guys! If you're just gonna crowd him like that then he's not gonna come to the splat concert tonight! And you don't want that do you?" asked Callie also with an unflattered look.

The inklings slowly backed away from Blake as he uncovered his head and took his time standing up. Amazed at his apperence and height, the inklings still felt bad for harrassing him like they did. "Thank you all very much! I know you're all eager to ask him all kinds of questions but I'm sure it could wait until after the concert," said Callie. The inklings were disappointed and urged the squid sisters to reconsider and let the human hang around for a little while longer. "I'm sorry you guys but It'll just have to wait. The splat concert will be held tonight and our big hero needs time to get ready as well as us," said Marie. The crowd of inklings moaned as Blake felt that he could at least properly introduce himself since he was revealed anyway. "Oh, c'mon you guys I'll at least greet myself in person for a bit if they're that anxious," said Blake. "Uh Blake, we still gotta head back. It can wait until tonight," suggested Marie. "this won't take long," he replied as Marie crossed her arms with a displeased look.

"ALRIGHT INKOPOLIS! GIVE ME A SHOUT OUT!" yelled Blake. The inklings cheered and screamed for Blake. The crowd was more insasible and antsy as Blake threw his fist in the air. "Show off," muttered Marie. "Oh lighten up Marie, let him have the spotlight before the show," said Callie. "Cal, you know darn well we gotta get back. Let's get Blake before the publicity gets to him," said Marie. The inklings got closer and were starting to take selfies with the human agent. Even a couple of inkling girls posed beside Blake kissing him which started to get under Callie and Marie's tentacles. "OK squids! It's fun but we gotta get going," said Marie as she grabbed Blake by the shoulder. "Come to the splat concert if you see Blake again!" shouted Callie grabbing Blake's arm. "AAAAAAND...STAY FRESH!" they shouted in unison as they gave their stage pose. They guided Blake as to not get caught up in the crowd again. As they headed over to the exit of the square a group of white armored trucks approached them and blocked the street along with a helicopter flying overhead. "Oh what now! If the crowds of turfers weren't enough," said Marie.

"Hold up you three!" shouted an inkling donning a beret and aviator jacket. It was Commander Armie of the Inkopolis Defense Force pulling out of a Humvee-like camo truck. "That human is to be subdued!" he shouted from a bull horn as the white trucks dismounted with IDF soldiers coming out along with some inkling scientist. "What's this all about!" demanded Marie. "Yeah!" Callie followed up.

"As the only surviving human left he is to be apprehended and taken to the Inkopolis Research Labs for studying and captivity," said the lead scientist. He was an anenome like Anne but much older. He wore large glasses and had feelers that formed into a beard over his mouth. He wore a white lab coat over his body and black loafers. "My name is Professor A. Nenome. I'm the lead scientists over the labs and more than intriged to have this extremely rare specimen taken back for research. To think this is the only human left of its kind. Truly astonishing," said the professor. "You can't just snare Blake up like this. We know he's the only human left but he's a person and I'm here to object to see him being put in some cage!" protested Marie. "We won't let you take Blake! I don't even wanna think of him being couped in a glass prison for you guys to watch him all the time!" Callie ranted.

"We have no choice! If you don't let us take the human then I'll have no choice but to place you under arrest for obstruction of IDF duties. I don't care if you are the squid sisters. Let us do our job and bring this human in for study," ordered Commander Armie. "Marie, what do we do? I don't wanna see them take Blake," said Callie meekly. "I don't either... but what choice do we have?" Marie told her. "WAIT!" shouted Blake getting all their attention. "Don't I even have a say in this! I did save your city after all and with me and the squid sisters doing that broadcast we stopped a war from starting between you and the octarians! I won't let you arrest these girls but maybe theirs a way we can negotiate. I'll come with you but only on my terms. I ask any questions you have and you can study me as long as it doesn't involve dissection or shooting me with needles. After that I wanna be able to go freely since I'm the guest of honor at tonight's splat concert and I'm sure the inklings behind me won't be happy to see their hero being held against his will," said Blake as the soldiers and scientists saw how disgruntled the crowds were to hear Blake could be caged up like an animal. "Very well then. You have our word that we will not hold you captive and you can participate in the splat concert. I wanna be assured that no harm befalls on you. As the only one left of an extinct race, we can't take any chances of something happening to you," said Commander Armie.

"I fought the rebels and beat Octavio! Isn't that proof enough that I can survive anything thrown at me?" asked Blake with a little pride. "Maybe so human but still you are the only human left and we're not the only ones interested in you. You are being requested at the peace accord with government officials as well as our military leaders as a third party for the peace treaty to be signed. Let's hope your a bridge to a forever peace like everyone likes to believe," said Cmmander Armie as he got back into the truck and drove off. A. Nenome and the other scientist were waiting for a verdict on Blake to go with them as he said he would.

"Blake do you honestly trust them? I mean with you being the only human left. I'm not so sure..." Marie told him before getting interupted. "Marie it's ok. I trust they'll hold to their word and if not they got an agry mob of inklings to deal with and I don't think they want that," Blake said. Marie gave a fake smile, not wanting Blake to go and then Callie hugged Blake not wanting him to go either. "Blake promise us that you'll make it to the splat concert tonight," she asked him. "I promise Callie," he replied as she kissed him on the cheek. "Well I guess we'll head back to Pearl's. I'll tell Marina what happened and hopefully they'll release you before tonight. Good luck Blake," waved Marie. Callie was still deeply concerned and waved Blake goodbye with her pleading eyes.

"Well what will it be?" asked A. Nenome. "(deep breath) You guys are not gonna hold me all night are you? That inkling promised me you wouldn't," said Blake. "Oh of course not, cross my heart and hope to... well I'm sure you know the rest. Let's get going then and don't worry. We wouldn't do anything to harm you," said A. Nenome. Blake hopped in the back of the white armored truck and the scientists and soldiers took off for the research labs where Blake would be studied and questioned. The squid sisters felt uneasy letting him go but on behalf of Blake's wishes they trusted that the scientists wouldn't hold him like they intented to. The trip back to Pgymy Mansion was quiet and discerning with Blake gone. Callie was saddened as well as Marie who still had an affection for Blake but was too afraid to tell her cousin. It would be another hour until they reached the mansion and face an upset octoling who would hear about Blake getting apprehended by the inkling scientists.