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

78. Arc 3 Chapter 29

Arc 3 Chapter 29

Note: Took longer than it should have readers. Didn't have motivation for a period of time and was redoing some of the plot in the story. Things are surfacing about the connections between Kamabo, humans, Blake and the oceanics. Also the human characters return in this story with some new ones. The next chapter of the Arc will be the last one then Arc 4 will start and I'll try to speed up the process so I can end this Arc. For everyone reading, I'm sorry the arc was stupid long and shouldn't have been and the first half of it should've been complied together to make bigger chapters making the arc itself shorter. Arc 3 should've been at least 20 chapters long. I've learned from this and I'll make sure Arc 4 is not as lengthy. Enjoy the chapter!

Izzy was scrambling through the busy square an hour before Blake and the squid sisters were discovered among the turfers. She left the mansion in search for Flash and his team hoping to reunite with them and explain why she had dissappeared. "FLASH!" she shouted. "FLASH!" she shouted again but the square was so busy and loud that she couldn't spot the green headed inkling anywhere. Getting frustrated she decided to head over to Krusty Sean's and ask the shrimp if he had seen the inkling boy anywhere. He informed her that Flash had swung by his food truck around noon and just bought an ink soda but wasn't with his friends. He also told her that he seemed pretty down and left the square not long after which he found strange of the inkling boy to do. "Thanks Sean," she replied. "Not a prob squido," he said waving her as she rushed off.

Moments later she headed toward Flounder Heights and asked around where Flash had stayed. Everyone she ran into had no idea until she met an inkling girl that pointed toward the apartment complex where he lived. Izzy thanked her and ventured toward the block and took the elevator up. Heading toward the door and pounding on it for the inkling to open it. "Flash! Flash! I wanna talk to you!" she demanded with no answer. "Flash! I know you're in there!" She yelled again.

"Go away!" shouted a faint voice. "Flash! It's me Izzy!" she let him know.

"Izzy!?" he shouted scrambling to open the door. When he saw her his eyes widened as she gave him a grin and waved. "Izzy... I... I'm so glad to see you again!" he said overjoyed as he embraced her. She gave a blush and put her arms around the boy. They pulled off and Izzy smiled, glad to see that Flash wasn't angry over her dissappearence.

"YOU'RE A SQUIDBEAK AGENT!" shouted Flash hysterically. "FLASH! Pipe down I don't wanna get the whole apartment's attention!" she exclaimed as she covered his mouth. "Well come in before anyone sees you," he said, guiding her in. As soon as they walked in Izzy noticed that Flash was the only one occupying the home. "Where's your folks?" asked Izzy. "They stepped out to catch up on some shopping since the power outage," he told her.

"So you were a squidbeak agent and never told us," said Flash with his hands on his hips. "I became an agent after you... yelled at me. I didn't think you wanted to talk to me again. You were so mad that we lost the match so I left the square and decided not to get involved with the turf wars anymore," said Izzy rubbing her arm.

"What! I wasn't mad I was... (deep breath) mad wasn't I. I hated losing to Suki and I put my winning streak above everyone else. Izzy I'm sorry I yelled and after seeing you run off I felt like a real inkhead. Me, Ben, and Jazz went looking for you, we asked around but we couldn't find you and no one had seen you. We assumed you headed back to the county," said Flash. Izzy put her hand on Flash's shoulder and looked at him. "Flash I forgive you," she told him before landing him a kiss. Blushing the inkling boy gave in to the unexpected affection and the two hugged as they locked lips. They pulled away and Izzy gave a deep blush as Flash rubbed the back of his head, unsure what to tell her. "Izzy I..." he started. She looked at him anxiously as he started to continue but then shouting from another figure broke his thoughts. "Leon! Leon!" shouted a little inkling girl who ran toward Flash holding a stuffed animal. "Leeeeeon!" she whined at her brother. "What is it Chi!?" he scolded her causing her to pout.

"Leon?" replied Izzy confused as Flash facepalmed. "It's my real name. I rather go by Flash but yeah. This is my sister Chi. Chi this is umm, Izzy," said Flash as he introduced the two to one another. "Hey Chi," waved Izzy. "Aren't you cute and is that you're toy?" she continued with a smile to the little inkling girl.

"Her name is Kiki and she's not a toy! She's my best friend... who are you?" she rudely asked Izzy. "Chi we done went over this she's just a freakin' toy. It's weird seeing you talk to it and I think mom and dad need to get you a pet snail. You're getting a little old for it anyway and you've had since you were a hatchling," rambled Flash.

"Lighten up Leon. She's still just a kid and you shouldn't be hard on her. I used have a stuffed squid like that when I was her age," said Izzy. "My name's Flash! I'm tired of getting called Leon. Chi why don't you just go back to your room. Me and Izzy gotta talk alone about stuff you wouldn't understand," scolded Flash. "Hmpf... meanie pants," Chi said disgruntled as she stuck her tongue out at the two and headed back to her bedroom hugging the squid doll.

"(groan) Little sisters... but anyway. I need to tell you something. Me and Ben... I don't think we'll be talking for a while and Jazz is..." informed Flash as he downed his head. "Gone," he said depressingly. "Gone? What do you mean? You guys aren't friends anymore? How come?" asked Izzy concerned. "When me and Ben joined the army we... we're constantly fighting he tried to talk me out of it so I could impress you if I enlisted and protected the city but we constantly fueded and then the octarians attacked the city. Marie banded us together to form a squidbeak squad of our own to fight the octarians. We split up and that's when Suki let us know after we stopped the hypnowave machines that Jazz died saving her," he told Izzy trying not to cry.

"Jazz is dead, oh my cod, I'm... so sorry to hear that," said Izzy in shock and heartbroken as Flash wiped his eye. "Flash there was nothing you could've done. I only wish I could've been there to save her but me and... I had to take down Octavio and free the great zapfish. Inkopolis needed me and as a squidbeak agent I had to do my duty. I was scared that I'd never see you again," said Izzy as she placed her hand on his shoulder. He grabbed her hand and pushed it away. Not accepting her sympathy as he turned away. "You know I was worried sick about you. We looked everywhere for you and even asked around. I joined the freakin' army if it meant getting you back and now you expect me to put aside everything that's happened. I don't think I'll ever get over what me and Ben went through. Let's just say me and Ben aren't on speaking terms anymore and with Jazz... gone, things will never be the same," said Flash sharply.

"You and Ben aren't talking anymore? Why!?" asked Izzy. "What's it matter. He picked that octoling chick over his dead friend. Even know it wasn't her fault. I could've killed her if... he hadn't stepped in and for good reason... Still that doesn't give him a right to defend that girl," said Flash.

"I'm saddened to hear that you guys aren't talking anymore. So I guess that means you guys aren't playing turf wars anymore either," said Izzy. "After last night and the attack on our city. I seriously doubt it and besides with Jazz gone that would just leave me and Ben if things were different," Flash told her.

"I would join your team again, Flash," she replied trying to lift his spirits. "OK, then that would leave one more person we'd need," he informed the inkling girl.

"Well...I may know a guy that might wanna join...if that's even possible," said Izzy hesitantly as she twiddled her fingers. "Who? should I ask," he responded.

"You might think I'm crazy for suggesting this but..." started Izzy before she was interupted. "Wait a minute, it's that dude that walked in Ammo Knights with you a couple of weeks ago isn't it?" said Flash with slight dissaproval.

"Y...Y...Yeah but..." she started to explain. "I freakin' knew that was you. Please tell me he's your brother or something and not a... boyfriend," said Flash.

"WHAT! NO! Flash he's just a friend and their's something else you should know about him. He's a..." she started to explain again. "A what? Why are you acting like you're hiding something? He is your boyfriend isn't he, Izzy," fretted the inkling boy.

"No it's not that, let me finish!... (deep breath) his name is... Blake," she uttered. "Blake? Ok so what's the big deal?" he aksed her. "Huh?...Didn't you watch the broadcast from the squid sisters this morning?" she asked Flash, slightly baffled. "I heard about it, so," he replied.

"So you don't know," she said raising an eyebrow. "Know what?" he asked throwing his hands out.

"(sigh) Blake's... a squidbeak agent like me and he's a... human," she said meekly. Flash had a confused expression on his face after hearing this. "A hu-man? What's that?" he asked.

"You seriously don't know what a human is!? You know like back at the Shellendorf Institute. That fossil display. Didn't you ever take history class in school?" she asked him, stunned by his lack of knowledge. "I didn't pay that much attention in history and I've only went there when it was open for turf war matches. I didn't have time to look at stupid displays. I was too busy kicking butt... well with Ben and Jazz's help," he said.

"(deep sigh) Humans went extinct thousands of years ago but Blake came out of the pod thing the excavation team dug up at Piranha Pit. He's been alive this whole time and he helped me defeat Octavio and bring back the great zapfish. You never watched the broadcast!?" she said with annoyance. "Umm, no... I don't know what the big deal is? I guess I wouldn't mind him joining the team as long as he's not some stuck up inkhead," said Flash.

"That's just it, Humans can't produce ink! If he plays we'll have to let him borrow our ink," said Izzy. "What!? Can't produce ink? if that's the case then I'm sure he won't be able to play. What do expect us to do? Follow him through the whole match so he doesn't run out. Can he even respawn?" he asked her.

"Ink doesn't effect him like it does us. In fact he says it hurts and it makes his body numb," explained Izzy. "Yeah I don't think so. Whatever a human is doesn't sound he's fit for turf wars. Sorry Izzy, but no ink and I'm sure the rules won't allow a non inkling play anyway. If enemy ink doesn't cause him to splat and respawn then that could be considered cheating. Wait a minute if he's unsplattable then that would give us a huge advantage. We'll just throw a disguise over him and try to keep things legit and try to keep the opponents from shooting him or something and..." said Flash.

"That wouldn't be right and I'm sure Blake wouldn't want to play anyway. I should'ven never suggested the idea. He's been through enough as it is," said Izzy. "Where's this hu-man anyway if he's so special?" asked Flash. "Oh he's staying at Pearl's mansion with the squid sisters," she told him. "Pearl's mansion? Umm... ok you tell me about this human and that he's a squidbeak agent and now he's staying at Pearl's mansion, the singer of Off the Hook. No offense Izzy but this is sounding like a load of ink. I'm not believing any of this," said Flash.

"I am telling the truth! Blake's a squidbeak agent and we were staying over at Pearl's mansion!" she tried to explain. "Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it!" scoffed Flash. "Well fine then, come with me!" said Izzy as she grabbed Flash's hand and pulled him out the door.

"H...HEY! Wait I gotta squidsit Chi!" he told her. "She can come too!" she replied. "(groan) My parents aren't gonna like this... Chi! C'mon! We gotta go!" he shouted.

The inkling girl ran downstairs with her squid plushie. "Leeeeon! Where are we going!?" she whinned before tailing them out of the house.

It wouldn't be until an hour when the three of them reached outside of Pearl's mansion. The bus ride made Flash think about his days when he, Ben, and Jazz played in turf wars together. He stared out the window saddened by all the events that had transpired. Jazz getting killed, Ben defending Sam the octoling and now with Izzy returning from her mission, things still seemed out of whack for the octoling boy who wasn't his prideful energetic self anymore. Izzy was starting to get concerned and hoped Flash would cheer up and Chi sat in the opposite seat bouncing around as her squid plushie sat next to the window.

"Chi! Please quit bouncing around. We're riding on a bus," said Izzy. "Why? I've never riden on a bus before but fiiiiine," she whinned before grabbing her plushie and sitting next to the window. "She's no fun Kiki," she told the doll. "You think she likes my brother?" She asked the plushie.

Izzy turned to Flash who was know slouched in his seat, depressed and apathetic. "Flash, Inkopolis is saved and the great zapfish is back. Why are so gloomy, I know Jazz is gone and you and Ben don't talk anymore but... you have to move on. C'mon dude we're going to meet Off the Hook and you'll get to meet Blake before the big concert tonight," said Izzy trying to cheer him up. "Who cares," he replied as Izzy puffed her cheeks out and put her hands on her hips. "You're such a sour squid," said Izzy in disappointment as she plopped against the seat with her arms crossed.

Unable to get a word in Flash she leaned foward and propped her head on her hands and stared at the seat in front of her. The rest of the way became quiet, Izzy quit trying to cope with the inkling boy. Flash kept a black cloud over his head and Chi tried restraing from bouncing around or exploring the bus itself. They finally arrived and got off at a bus stop outside the grounds of the mansion which would make a good walk to the gate of the ritzy estate.

The trio walked up to the gate and pressed a button on the intercom. "Hey! Pearl, Marina! This is Izzy! can I come in?" she asked. A moment passed and they got no answer.

"OK, what happened to I've been staying at Pearl's mansion. It doesn't look like they're going to answer," said Flash in dissappointment. "They're probably busy or something, I swear I'm telling the truth!" she replied before turning to the caller. "Pearl! Marina! Somebody! This is Izzy I wanna get back in!" she called out again. "This was a waste of time. I can't believe you dragged me and my sister here, let's go back to my apartment before my parents find out we're gone and Chi's gonna need a nap soon," said Flash.

"Hey! Whose Callin' Yo!" shouted Pearl over the speaker. "Pearl! This is Izzy! You're gate's locked and I was wanting to come back in. And also I brought a friend and his little sister. Can you open the gate?" she asked her. "What! You brought somebody with you! No Way! Tell em' to hit the road!" Pearl bluntly said. "Hey! What the..." said Pearl as she got pulled away. "Pearlie let them in! Hey Izzy you and your friends can come in. It's that we weren't sure when you would be back not to mention we're leery about any fans trying to get on the grounds," Marina explained over the intercom. "Thanks Marina... well now, do you believe me," she asked Flash. "Hmpf... If we do make it inside that mansion then I'll kick myself in the butt for not believing you," he told Izzy.

"Leon, where are we going?" asked Chi as she pulled Flash's arm. "We're gonna see Off the Hook! Their Inkopolis's freshest pop stars! I've always wanted to meet them, especially Marina, she's really good looking... for an octoling that is," he said "I thought you liked Izzy," she asked her brother.

"Huh I do, it's just a fanboy crush, besides Marina wouldn't go for a squid like me anyway. So let's follow Izzy and meet them, this is gonna be so awesome, just wait until I tell all the turfers that I got to personally meet Off the Hook at their mansion of all places," he said to heimself pridefully.

As the three approached the door. Marina opened it and greeted them as Flash had stars in his eyes seeing Marina. "Izzy I'm so glad to see you again, so I assume this must be Flash," the octoling said to them. "Flash aren't you going to say hi since you got a fanboy crush on Marina," she said with a smirk. "What! I...I...I don't know what you're talking about!" he exclaimed with a blush. "It's fine Flash, I'm sure theirs a lot guys out their that have a crush on me. Unfortunetly I haven't found the right guy yet... until recently," said Marina, meekly at the end. "Recently? Who?" asked Izzy curiously.

"It's nothing... please come in you three," directed Marina as she tried to divert away from Izzy's question. The three of them walked inside, both Flash and Chi were stunned by the interior of the mansion. Marina introduced to Pearl who was slouched in the couch watching her squid love stories. Obnotious as she was she didn't acknowleged the three and the trio stepped into the kitchen. "You guys hungry? their's still some food left," asked Marina. "I'm not, what about you Flash?" Izzy asked him. "I'm good, you got anything that's not spicy that Chi could eat?" he asked Marina.

"She can have some of my salad," said Marina. "Bleck! I don't like salad, I want some cake," the inkling said with disgust. "It'll be your nap time soon Chi, you're not eating anything sweet," Flash snapped at her.

"I never really got to meet you, my name's Marina and your name's Chi, what a cute name," greeted Marina as she bent down. "I'm not cute!" Chi replied rudely. "CHI! Don't be rude! I'm sorry M...M...Marina. We can't stay long since my folks are gone and Chi's gotta get back and take her nap," covered Flash, feeling embarrassed for Chi's behavior. "I don't wanna take a nap Leon," Chi protested.

"Leon?" said Marina. "It's FLASH! Geez, quit calling me Leon, Chi! Little sisters... ugh..." said Flash in frustration as he pinched his nose. "I like the name Leon, it's... unique," complimented Marina. "You do... oh man, Marina complimented my real name," he said as he blushed.

"Where's Callie, Marie, and Blake?" Izzy asked Marina. "They left to head for the square, something about heading to Ammo Knights," Marian answered. "Ammo Knights? Why there?" Izzy asked. "Something about someone wanting to meet Blake," she answered back.

"What a minute, won't all the turfers get frantic seeing Blake there?" pointed out Izzy. "He's in a disguise, we already figured that so I'm not too worried," Marina replied.

"Blake, that's the human right," said Flash. "Yeah, I was hoping you'd meet him but everyone will eventually. He's gonna make a grand appearence at the concert, like me," said Izzy. "You're gonna be on stage with Off the Hook," replied a stunned Flash as he saw Marina nod her head. "That's so cool, Izzy, man I wish I could get up there," he hoped. He saw his little sister climb on the table and scolded her. As they argued, Izzy saw something was on Marina's mind as her head was turned away and rubbed her arm. "What's the matter Marina? Is it something to do with this guy you mentioned?" asked Izzy as the octoling gave slow meek nod and downed her face.

"So who is it for you to act so embarrased?" the inkling girl asked her. "(deep breath) You... know who he is," replied Marina. It then donned on Izzy who Marina had recently met and who went with her into the lab. "Hold up, you don't mean Blake do you?" Izzy responed as Marina gripped her arm and gave a slight blush. "Why Blake all of a sudden? You just met him and he's a..." started Izzy. "...Human...I know and that's the reason why," Marina finished. Izzy was confused to why Marina had a crush on Blake and the fact that it was because he was a human. "I know what you're thinking. How could I like him? Ever since I researched human fossils when I was in Octavio's army, I became fascinated with them. I wanted to learn so much from his race and dreamed of meeting a real live human. It's because of humans why we exsist or so I believe. I heard about Blake weeks ago and ever since then I've grown a fixation on him but after he defeated Octavio and saved Inkopolis I've grown an affactuation with his courage and heroics. Blake is so... complex, he doesn't think like we do and that makes him so different that... I'm hoping I gain the courage to ask him out," explained Marina.

Izzy was almost speechless and wasn't sure what to say to Marina for the moment until she decided she thought about her and Flash and assured Marina that she'll overcome her timidness and let Blake know how she fells much like she was with Flash. The octoling was cheered up by Izzy's words and thought positvely about whether her and Blake would have a future together, maybe even getting married and producing children.

Flash and Chi quit fighting and the two of them went over to Marina and Izzy. "Hey, Iz, I gotta get Chi back. She's getting crankier and I don't want my folks bickering at me about us leaving the apartment. You gonna stay or you comin' back with us?" asked the inkling boy who was holding on to Chi. "I'll come to the apartment, that way if your folks are there I'll tell them why we left," said Izzy. She looked back at Marina who gave a half smile and waved. Izzy smiled and nodded before they left, seeing Pearl messing with her phone to check her fanbase. They headed back to Flounder Heights and Marina sat on the couch next to Pearl, thinking that with Pearl distrusting Blake, she knew she would dissaprove of a relationship between her and the human she disliked.

"Pearlie," said Marina. "What Rina? I'm cheeking up on my peeps yo," Pearl replied as she stared at her phone screen. "I... wanted to ask you a... hypothetical question," Marina continued. "Like what? Does it got something to do with cousins or that fossil? I can't believe they like him! He's a human and not to mention he stinks! He calls me a gremlin one more time and I'll bite his face off! I'll be glad when he's gone... so what did you wanna ask me?" said Pearl making Marina rethink about what she wanted to tell Pearl. "It's not a big deal... and I wish you wouldn't give Blake so much guff, Pearlie," said Marina with her hands on her hips. "Now you're beginning to act like my cuzes. Don't tell me you want him around. Rina his race wiped each other out. What's that tell you? They're violent and stupid! And if I were you I wasn't get so cozy with that guy," warned Pearl as she crossed her arms and scowled at the octoling.

"Pearl... I know you don't trust Blake and I guess you have a right to keep a guard up but he saved the city and that's proof enough that he's nothing like how your describing him and his people. He derserves respect and remember he's in a strange world and the fact that he's the only surviving human must be a lot for him to accept. Pearlie, please I'm only asking to lighten up and give him a chance," advised Marina. "Hmpf...why should I? Seems an odd couencidence that all this crap started happening with those rebel dudes and that hater Octavio taking the zapfish and trying to start a war with us that he's here to save the freakin' day! I'm not buying it and I know something's on the down low Rina that he's up to something or this isn't over," said Pearl as she turned away from Marina, mot accepting her request to accept Blake's heroics.

"If your inceinuating Blake had something to do with all this then you're wrong Pearl. Blake and Izzy defeated Octavio and you wouldn't be watching those stupid soap operas if it were't for them. You're so callious and rigid when it comes t people," exclaimed Marina, getting agitated with her friend. "No I'm not! Just him... and you should be too if you were smart enough," snapped back Pearl.

"Are you saying I'm not smart," Marina fired back. "No! I... don't put words in my mouth! Now that human's causing us to fued and he's not even here! That fossil needs to go!" shouted Pearl in anger.

"I'm not kicking Blake out because he's a human!" Marina protested. "It's my mansion Rina! And what I say goes!" Pearl yelled back.

"IF YOU KICK HIM OUT THEN KICK ME OUT!" screamed Marina as she hopped of the couch. "WHAT! Why you!? You're my friend Rina," said Pearl as her anger slowly resolved.

"Because I really like him!" she said, realizing she admitted to Pearl and covered her mouth as she blushed. "Like him? Whatcha mean like him? Rina are you CRAZY!? I can't believe you would... even have feelings for a..." said flabbergasted Pearl, who was distraut by Marina's revelation.

"HUMAN! That's right Pearl! You say humans are violent but my people aren't so different... and neither are the inklings with their turf war games. A ritual if not reminder of the great turf war my race lost and died in. How I see it we're not so different than Blake or his extinct race," said Marina, backing up her admiration for the human.

"Rina that's different! I can't believe you're acting like this! You've never had interest in dating anyone even when I tried to hook you up those times and you said you weren't interested," said Pearl as she hopped off the couch. "Blake's different too... and I guess that's why I like him. He has a heart," Marina said.

"And you have three!" Pearl pointed out. "That's not what I meant Pearl. That's what I'm saying. Inklings only care about turf war games and staying fresh. My people only care about technology and are too apethetic to care about emotions. Blake is a person we could learn a lot from and think our societies would improve if he learned from him and his people," explained the octoling popstar.

"What! Like how to kill one another and almost detroy the freakin' planet! No thanks! I know enough how to be the number one MC Princess. I have it all, this mansion, money and fame homegirl. I don't need no stinkin' fossil to show me how to live," said Pearl. "You don't how to live Pearl, where would you be without it... or me," Marina muttered as she turned her back on the little spoiled inkling.

All of a sudden the front door opened. Marina looked to see who it was and predicted that It was the squid sisters and Blake back from the square only to discover that Blake had been placed under custody of the Inkopolis Research Labs. Marina was horrified to learn of this and feared what the scientist would do to him being a former researcher for the octarian army. Callie and Marie explained things to Marina in the kitchen about him losing his cover and big reveal to the square. Afterward the Inkopolis scientists took him in but promised to release him sometime before the splat concert tonight.

Marina was troubled by what the squid sisters told her. Pearl was glad to hear that Blake was in custody and squid sisters like Marina were also concerned if Blake would even get released. "Marie, this isn't right. Theirs no telling what they might do to him. I say we get contact with someone, gramps wouldn't stand for this! Blake's our friend and doesn't deserve to be treated like that especially after saving the city!" fretted Callie.

"You don't think I know that Cal. As I said if he doesn't show up for the concert then they'll have all those turfers wondering where he's at and I'm sure they're not gonna want to here their hero is being held against his will in some glass box. I'm not sure what else we can do but hope they're true to their word," replied Marie, seeing the regretful look on her cousin's face.

"They can't hold Blake like that! I'm gonna go do something and demand they release him!" said Marina. "Marina that place I'm sure has security and if it's been ordered by the army or the government to have him brought in then we can't stop it," pointed out Marie. "I'm with Marina, I won't be in the mood to get ready for the concert knowing Blake might not be there even if I have to sneak in their to get him out," said Callie. "Then none of us will be at the concert, you want that? Look we just wait. I'll make a phone call if it starts getting late ok," assured Marie.

Both Marina and Callie crossed their arms, eager to plan Blake a way of escape. "(deep sigh) You two are eager to get arrested but I guess I can't stop you so I'll help you," said Marie with dissaprovle. "We got into Camper's hideout without getting caught," said Callie. "Yeah, I guess we can't count on that time we were surrounded and Blake almost got splatted to death by the ink wad," Marie said saccasstically.

The three devised a plan to get to the research labs and rescue Blake, knowing that the scientists may keep him. Pearl was distraut that they would even save him and Marina knew she would be of no help, still bitter about her atitude with Blake and her shallow demeanor. They left out and rushed for the facility before it was too late.

Later, Izzy and Flash headed back to the apartment, fortunetly his parents still hadn't made it home yet and Chi fell asleep as soon as she got in her bed with Kiki hugged up against her. "I'm glad she passed out, now to talk about grown squid stuff," said Flash as he approached Izzy. "Grown squid? We're both still 16," she told him as she crossed her arms. "No I mean, me and you without Chi teasing me about me like you and stuff. I'm not some jerk that's trying to pull a fast one or anything like that, what do you take me for," commented the inkling boy.

"I'm just messin' with ya Leeeon," teased Izzy. "My names... you know what, I'm ok with you calling me that. Soooo... have any plans tommorrow?" he asked her. "Not really, unless Marie's got me doing something," she answered. "Oh phooey on Marie, tell you got plans of your own, or take a break from that agent crap. The octarians were stopped and now we don't have to worry about anything," said Flash as he moved in on Izzy.

"OK, Flash, one step at a time and I'm glad you're not mad at me anymore," she told him before they kissed one another. They pulled off and looked at each other passionately. "I don't have any plans, what did you have in mind?" she asked. "How about Wahoo World, they just opened it and I hear it's gonna be a turf war stage sometime later. I thought about us and that we could enjoy ourselves before they shut it down for the turf wars. What do you say?" he asked Izzy.

"I say that sounds fresh, I'll met you there," said Izzy as she kissed him on the cheek and hugged him. He rubbed his cheek and blushed as Izzy walked out the door. "Hey Izzy... I'm sorry for doubting about you staying with Off the Hook," he said. "It's fine Flash, I wouldn't have believed it either. I guess we can meet each other at Wahoo World say 10:00," she told him. "Sure, I can't wait," he replied as she left and closed the door.

As she stepped out of the apartments someone watched her walk out. It was Ben who saw Izzy come out of the apartment complex, knowing its where Flash had stayed. "So there goes that Izzy chick. I'm still sore about Flash enlisting in the IDF because of her. I'm not sure whether or not talk to him or not. Maybe I better leave things alone. My dad is not gonna let me live this down about what happened. He forbid from playing turf war matches and took my weapons. I managed to sneak out of the house for a bit but I gotta get back soon before they notice. (deep sigh) you can come out, I know you're back there," said Ben as he turned toward a dumpster. Sam the octoling from before stepped out and looked at him.

"I'm sorry about everything. I... can't go back to the valley. I defected to the rebels and if I return I'll stand trail and dishonor will befall on my family. I have no where to go," she said as started to cry. She ran up to Ben and put her head on his shoulder. "Sam I'm not mad and what happened... couldn't be avoided. All that matters now is that the rebels were stopped and their plans to control the inklings was thwarted. You helped me and Flash, you didn't play a role in Jazz's death," said Ben holding Sam by the arms as she cried.

"You... don't (sniffle) hate me? Can I stay with you?" she asked him. "Sam after what happened and your uniform that wouldn't be a smart idea not to mention I'll put myself in even more trouble," said Ben. "Please Ben! I'll hide or something, I don't wanna have to sleep in some box in an alley," she pleaded. "(groan) Alright but stay out of sight. Octo form when we reach my house and slither inside and hide if you have to. Then follow me to my room," said Ben.

"Oh thank you Ben!" she gleefully said as she hugged him, making the inkling blush. The two headed for Ben's and as soon as they did she octo formed as he asked and headed to his room unnoticed by his mother in the kitchen. In his room she changed back and Ben closed the door. "Ok, as I said you don't let them know you're here and you gotta ditch that uniform, maybe I something that can fit you," he told her. He looked through his closet and then the sound of metal clanging and unbuckling caught his attention. His eyes widened and his face turned red. She had stripped down naked in front of the inkling. "GWAAAH! I didn't mean change in front of me! I meant in my closet or something with my back turned!" he exclaimed covering his face.

"Oh sorry, I'm used to changing in front of my fellow octoling kin in the locker room," she told him blushing. "Well this isn't the octarian army! And I'm sure your locker rooms are segregated! Just head over to the closet. I picked you out some clothes I hardy wear!" he pointed, still embarrased at seeing Sam disrobed. She finally dressed though the clothes were a little big but she managed. "These are a little roomy but much more comfortable than those stupid uniforms. So what now?" she asked him. "Right now, just stay in cover. I'll bring you some food up when my mom cooks dinner," he told the octoling. "Where... do I sleep?" she asked.

"I was thinking you could octo form and sleep under my bed for the time being just in case my parents came into my room for some reason," he explained. "Huh, but I hate the dark why not sleep in your bed," she asked. "Umm, that wouldn't be a good idea... being you're a... girl and all," he reminded her. "I don't see the big deal but fine I'll sleep under the bed. Better than sleeping in some alley I guess," she said.

"Hey I got a portable gaming device but unfortunetly I only have one game to it, so..." Ben said as he handed her a weathered little game system. "I've heard about these, where did you get this?" she asked in amazement. "My dad came across it and some of the research engineers managed to get it working. They wanted to put it in a display at the institute but my dad felt since it worked that he should give it to me and snuck it out of the lab," explained Ben. "The octarian excavation teams have dug up old artifacts like this but not one in operating condition. This is so sweet. You're gonna let me play on it?" she asked the inkling with wonderment.

Sam turned it on and entertained herself as Ben gave a smile and shook his head. To think an octarian soldier was over fascinated with such a device even though it was cool. Ben then wondered about the girl. He was saddened to hear she couldn't return home or face punishment and dishonor if she did. He started growing attached to her seeing she had followed him since the group broke up. The octoling seeing Ben defending her and caring about her well being changed her persective about inklings and may have even garnered a crush on Ben for his chiverous behavior and saving her from Flash's bloodlust.

As time would pass, Ben's mother was done with supper, his father coming through the door and Ben having to stay in his room since he was grounded for a while. So his mother brought up a plate to feed Miles as Sam octo formed and scurried into the closet. The sight remined of her and her folks back at the valley. Ben handed his plate over to Sam who wondered if he would eat. "I'll just ask for another plate, I'll tell them I was really hungry, go ahead and eat," said Ben as Sam chowed down, it was better than the rations the rebels issued her. After getting a second plate the two of them relaxed. Ben plopped on his bed and after a moment Sam did the same causing Ben to blush as she laid against him until they heard footsteps coming and Sam had to hide under the bed,

"Ben, I wanna word with you," said his father. Miles walked in and headed over to Ben. "Son, you know as well as I do that you have to pay for your actions. You could've gotten killed... like your friend. (deep sigh) It pains me that you would do such a stupid move. What were you thinking!? I could've lost you! You're mother feared the worst and almsot fell to tears hearing that you were fighting the octarians. I managed to get Armie off my back for you enlisting and lying about your age. You're lucking you weren't thrown in the stockades for desertion," scolded his father. "I know dad. I was just trying to stop Flash. He started this whole mess and I was trying to reason with him but... then the rebels attack the city," Ben said defensively. "It's looking out for friend and putting yourself in harm's way to save Inkopolis is why your punishment isn't even more harsher but I still have to be a father. Your desiscions were still neglegent even though it was for the right reasons. You're not gonna be able to hang around your friends or even think about playing turf wars for a while. This'll give you plenty of time to think about your actions, son," said Miles sternly.

"I know dad, I wasn't thinking. I should've got a hold of you about Flash and shouldn't have took matters into my own hands," said Ben as he downed his head on the bed. "You were just looking out for your best friend. You tried to do the right thing but... I have to put my tentacles down. You have to learn that bad choices can come with bad outcomes and your lucky I'm talking to you right now," said Miles before giving his son a hug. "I love you son," he told Ben. "Love you too dad," Ben replied.

Miles slowly left the room and looked at his son before heading back downstairs. Sam was under the bed hearing their conversation. She felt Ben was fortunate to have a loving and caring family like she did and she was starting to miss them but knew she didn't have the hearts to return to the valley. She crept out and changed back looking at Ben. "I guess you heard all that," said Ben as she nodded. "I'm sorry but I'm glad your dad is looking at for you," she told him.

"Yeah, pops knows what's best. It still sucks though, stupid Flash and all over that inkling chick," said Ben angrily. "I hope you and him make up, even though he tried to kill me," said Sam. "It'll probably be a while. I hope Flash is getting punished like I am, this never would have started if he didn't join the army," said Ben. "Well maybe things will turn around for you two," she told him as she placed her hand on his shoulder.

He smiled and gave her a hug as she blushed not expecting it. "As compassionate as you are, I couldn't imagine someone like you joining those rebels. It's a shame you can't back home, then again you'll be in the same shape I'm in right now for leaving and joining those octo jerks," said Ben. "Yeah but it's still home and sooner or later I'm going to have to go back. I can't hide here forever," she told Ben. "That's true, you'll gain enough courage to go back though. I'm sure your parents are worried sick," Ben assured her.

She downed her head and Ben placed his hand on her shoulder. "I guess we both got to look out for each other now," he said with a smile. "He-he, yep... hey, I was having trouble playing that portable game thing could you show me how to use it?" she asked. "Sure," he replied as he helped her play it and then soon the two got tired and headed for bed. Ben slept on his bed as Sam octo formed and slithered under the bed. "Good night Sam," said Flash. "Night, Ben," she replied. He fell asleep but Sam couldn't sleep. It was too dark and she was scarred so she crawled out and jumped on Ben's bed beside him and slowly fell asleep, disregarding his request to stay out of sight though she felt more comfortable laying beside the inkling that saved her from his friend.

---

Blake, the savior of Inkopolis and the only known human that existed was still trying to adjust to the bright lights that were casted on him in a large busy lab that was being occupied by scientists that were observing him and were more than eager to ask questions about the world that was once inhabited by his race as well as his biology. Professor A. Nenome approached the glass room Blake was placed in and tapped on it. "Hey! I know I agreed to go with you but isn't this a little much. I feel like a hamster in a cage!" protested Blake with a displeased look.

"My apologizes but we wanted to make sure you're in a safe environment. Being the only human in existence. We wanna learn so much from you... umm..." said the sea urchin scientist, forgetting the human's name. "Blake!" he shouted, reminding him.

"Oh sorry my mind went a blur, Blake. You came out of that metal container back at the Shellendorf Institute correct?" asked A. Nenome. "Yes, I said that during the interview remember. It's been an hour since you've held me here and I need to get going. The squid sisters are probably patiently waiting for me to return for the concert. How much longer are you going to keep me here!?" asked Blake, losing his patience.

"We're waiting for your test results to come back. It's just it may take longer since our computers won't recognize the DNA you've submitted to us," informed the scientist. "Yeah about that, I NEVER WANNA GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN! I thought Marina violated my personal space but that assistant you sent back there to so called retrieve DNA samples from me. I never felt so... embarrassed!" shouted Blake unapproved from his experience.

An hour ago after Blake was escorted into the Inkopolis Research Labs. He was taken to a small room with a couple of chairs and a table. He sat down and after a few minutes the door swung open and a female inkling scientist walked in and sat across from Blake with a suitcase. She opened it and inside were documents for a questionnaire Blake would have to answer. Outside the door were a few inkling soldiers that made sure Blake wouldn't try to escape or harm the female scientist. A glass window behind the scientist on the wall revealed four inkling's in lab coats with clipboards waiting for Blake to answer all the questions and the head researcher A. Nenome stood beside them watching Blake from outside the room.

"Hello, my name is doctor Kensa and it's a pleasure to meet you Blake. I guess you're wondering why I'm here or more specifically what you are doing here. I have some things to ask you and then we can run some tests. If you don't mind that is," she told him. She was an older inkling wearing a lab coat and glasses. Her tentacles were white in a banger hairstyle.

"I'm not sure why you're asking me because I don't think I really have a choice in the matter. I agreed to come here so you wouldn't hold me against my will, which I'm starting to feel now," said Blake as he crossed his arms. "Oh no, we don't want you to feel that way at all. We're just concerned about your well being is all. We wanna find out more about the human race and the technology they left behind. To think what they've achieved and what progress we could do with their knowledge. As I'm sure your well aware we don't know much about humans, we've only theorized what they were like by artifacts and fossils we've dug up," said the doctor.

"Well I hate to break it to you but the only achievement my people did was going extinct. It may sound dark but its the truth. I was in that metal pod all by myself frozen in time with no chance of seeing my family ever again but then when I woke up and came out of that damn thing. That's when I first met the inklings and octarians, back when they were living together peacefully and then the great turf war happened. I got thrown back in that pod and pushed overboard to my doom by DJ Octavio himself. Everything you guys need to know about me is on the broadcast we sent out this morning," informed Blake. "Well not all of us watched this broadcast so I guess you'll have to tell me in person... by the way how are you able to speak our language and understand us. I was thinking humans spoke their own language," said Kensa surprisingly.

"I'm having a hard time remembering that. I could communicate with Cuttlefish and the rest of the inklings before the great turf war. I can't recall how," said Blake. "Huh, well it's convenient that you do, so let's get on with the questionnaire then," said Kensa as she brushed her tentacle.

For 15 minutes Blake was answering to the best of his knowledge. Doctor Kensa was writing down notes and checking off answers on the questionnaire. Feeling she had got enough information out of Blake she placed her paperwork back inside the case and pulled out an empty syringe. "What's that for?" asked Blake rubbing his arm. "I need a blood sample so we can analyze it since you can't produce ink," replied Kensa as Blake looked uneasily toward her.

Blake laid his arm on the table and the doctor stuck the needle into his skin drawing blood. "You sure do produce a lot of body heat. Interesting," she said feeling his arm. "OK, I'll take this back to the lab. Now follow me. We still have more tests you need to take," said Kensa. Blake rubbed the injection spot as it was starting to get sore. "I hope that's the only needle going in me. I wonder what more tests I'll be taking?" Blake asked himself. They entered the lab with the inkling soldiers escorting them. Blake was placed into a larger room of what appeared to like a little medical bay with a hospital bed in the center of it, surrounded with medical equipment and a curtain that went around it. It reminded him of Marina's lab but much bigger. "So what now? A physical examination?" he asked the inkling doctor.

"Why yes and I assume you know what that means. You'll have to disrobe so I can start the examination. I need to study your biology," said the inkling researcher. "Of course you do," said Blake with irritation, remembering what Marina did to him. "I hope this is quick doctor. I mean I'm on a schedule. I gotta be at the splat concert tonight and everyone is counting on me being there," explained Blake as he took of his shirt. Blake was down to his underwear hoping that would've been enough. "Umm..." said Kensa pointing to his boxers. "Oh good grief, what's with you females!? As much as I hate it I guess you're not gonna release me until I do," exclaimed Blake as Kensa nodded with a smile. Blake groaned and pulled them down. Now nude he covered himself up as the inkling stared at him. "Fascinating, you're bipedal structure is very similar to ours, but you have a skeletal frame holding up your extremities," said Kensa as she studied him. "Well not all of them," Blake mumbled. "I heard that and don't think I didn't know what you meant by that which brings me to another sample I need from you," said Kensa. "Another sample?" replied Blake covering himself.

Doctor Kensa opened a drawer and placed an empty clear cup on top of the bed next to Blake. He looked at the cup and then at her. "As I said another sample," she told him. "A urine sample? Am I being tested for drugs?" asked Blake. "No, I need a... specimen," Kensa replied trying to cover her blush. "WHAAAAAT! Woah! Woah! Woah! You want me to do what!? Umm... being cooped up in this place and staying nervous isn't putting me in the mood. Sorry but I can't do it and especially with you standing there. It's not happening, I would think a blood sample would've been enough," protested Blake.

The inkling gave a deep breath and pinched her nose. "Listen I don't know how you could be so embarrassed about this. I've done this sort of thing all the time back at the Inkopolis Hospital. Just relax and get it over with so you can get that much closer to leaving here," said Kensa with frustration. "And that's supposed to make me feel better? Fine but I'm getting behind the curtain," said Blake. "Oh no, I need to keep an eye on you and besides It won't be you that'll be releaving the specimen. It'll be me," said Kensa as she slipped on a glove causing it to pop as Blake's mouth was wide open and was speechless at what the doctor was about to do to him. She stepped over and closed the curtain behind her, asking Blake to sit on the bed and relax as she held the cup over him.

5 minutes passed, she opened the curtain with the filled cup and placed it on the table. Blake was red in the face as he was uncertain how to make the experience he just had. He snapped out of the trance and quickly put his clothes back on before the inkling researcher asked for anything else. "This I'll be placed in cold storage for preservation. See, it wasn't so bad," said Kensa as she pulled the glove off and threw into bio disposal. "WASN'T BAD FOR YOU! I think you enjoyed it! Me!... I've never felt so embarrassed, well except a few incidents in my school days, wait I can't even remember that far back but... I'm still mortified even if you are girl," Blake said in agitation as he put his shirt back on.

"Well maybe you should ask me out for dinner sometime and I'll make it less embarrassing next time," said Kensa as she smiled and gave him a wink. "Are you seriously hitting on me. After what happened? What's with you inkling chicks, it's as if you don't have a modest bone in your body," said Blake. "We don't have bones remember," replied the doctor. "I know that! It's just a play on words, there's no such thing as a..." exclaimed Blake still blushing. "I'm just joking with ya, lighten up. Just like I joked about dinner. I'm engaged and yeah, I don't go into details what I do at work with him so don't feel pressured, though you were..." she started before Blake cut her off. "OK I've heard enough! I don't need an appraisal or nothing. I'm feeling awkward enough as it is. (deep sigh) Are we done! Can I leave now, before I feel anymore embarrassed?" whined Blake.

"Not yet, I'm going to go see if your blood has been analyzed or not and go over the data you've given me. For the time being just sit here and we'll take you back to the lab," said Kensa as she grabbed the cup and a clipboard before walking out of the room. The doctor arrived back in the lab to store the specimen and find out about the results of Blake's blood. She met with A. Nenome who informed her about the data that still didn't come back about Blake's blood and to go ahead and place Blake in captivity for observation.

It was now the current time after Blake protested about being cooped in the glass room for half an hour as he was being studied by the scientists. Time went by and Blake was getting more agitated by the researchers before one of them returned from getting the results from the blood sample. "Professor, the test results are back and its remarkable. We did an analysis between our inkling DNA and the humans. I'm sure everyone can predict how different the DNA codes are from one another but it's not as much as I would fathom," said the inkling scientist. He pulled out a diagram of the inkling and Blake's DNA. A. Nenome adjusted his glasses and saw how more similar they were, not something him or anyone else would expect.

"This is... not what I had expected. Are sure this the data was correct?" asked A. Nenome as the inkling nodded. "Yes professor I ran the data 3 times and got the same results. What could this mean?" asked the inkling researcher. A. Nenome paused for a moment and pondered on the shocking results of the DNA. "It could possibly mean one of two things," said A. Nenome facing Blake who had decided to sit down inside the glass room. "No that can't be," said the sea anemone scientist as he shook his head. "Can't be what?" asked the inkling. "I'll keep it to myself. I'm not going to start alarming everyone here on just some theory. See if you can run more tests and analyze the specimen that Doctor Kensa extracted from the human. It's too soon to come up with a finalization," said A. Nenome. "I'm headed back to my office, I'll return after I've made a call. Let me know if something turns up," he told the inkling before he walked out of the lab.

Blake sulked inside his glass prison wondering if he'd ever get released. His eyes were closed for the moment before a tap on the glass wall got his attention. "Blake is it... well I need to speak with you," said Kensa. Blake approached her from the other side of the wall and gave her an indignant look with his arms crossed. "So what now? More bodily fluids or did you reconsider that dinner thing?" asked Blake with sarcasm. "No and No, maybe if I weren't engaged that is... but seriously, it has to do with the history of your people. We got your DNA results back and well, let's say it's not what we were expecting but fascinating to say the least. Which brings me to the question. The sunken sea scrolls say that we and I mean inklings and octarians came out of the ocean and evolved to inhabit the land and repopulate to create our own civilization but with the DNA results we received. This contradicts the scrolls and I wonder if humans really did go extinct or did they do something to allow themselves to adapt to their world that was now consumed by the oceans like you told us," said Kensa.

"What are getting at? I mean humans were wiped out by the oceans as I said. What I can remember was a space ship that carried me, my family, and hundreds of other people into space before we were doomed like everyone else. My memory is... hazy, I can't recall everything from the time that Cuttlefish found me in that pod and before that. I'm not sure how I got their in the first place but what does this have to do with my DNA?" asked Blake.

"It seems that your DNA and the inkling DNA have very similar codes. I'm utterly baffled by the results and never would've predicted that we have more in common than we think. This is truly astounding not to mention this could be a key to ensure that peace can be established between us and the octarians with you as our bridge to fill in our differences, You see inkling and octarian DNA is very similar but you on the other hand... well you're... special to put it simply," explained the doctor. "special how? How can my DNA be similar to an inkling's or octarian's? It shouldn't be I would think," replied Blake.

"Well it is and this may be a good thing. I've came up with a hypothesis that I think may sound crazy but I'm not sure how else this could explain our DNA similarities. I believe that humans may have done something to alter their biology to adapt to their new world as we did from primitive cephalopods. Squids and octopi, unlike our other form but... what's to say that this couldn't have happened since your race was much more advance in intelligence than ours and that inklings and octarians deriving from out of the ocean was a way for us to change back to... human beings," said Kensa. "You're saying that you think humans found a way to transform into squids and octopi so they wouldn't drown and then you say that inklings and octarians evolved from them as a means to change back into humans once land was surfacing and seawaters were lowering. You can't make me believe that and I don't think anyone else would take your hypothesis credibly either. Theirs no freakin' way that humans changed themselves into cephalopods like you believe," argued Blake.

"I don't know how else our DNA could come out similar not to mention our anatomy. Arms, hands, legs and a head, though yours is much smaller. Even our bodies are similar and assume you can't change forms since you're still a human," said Kensa. Blake then remembered the special that could change him into an inkling and even in squid form but he disregarded this and turned back to Kensa who was waiting for a reply. "No I can't which is why I don't believe that you guys came from humans," said Blake.

"Well theirs another test that could back up my theory and that's the specimen you handed us," said Kensa "Yeah I handed it over all right," replied Blake in annoyance.

She crossed her arms and gave Blake a slightly agitated look. "Anyway we did an analysis on that as well and wondered if a human could impregnate an inkling or an octoling without complications and the results were... yes," she informed him. Blake dropped his arms and gave the inkling scientist a speechless expression hearing the verdict. "What? That... can't be... I mean we're too different, I won't believe any of this. I can't! I..." started Blake before he got lost in comprehension.

"I'm not sure why you're viewing this negatively. This may be a good thing I mean your race is gone and if we were to say use your specimen to create a generation that would slowly revert back to humans then humanity could make a comeback but this is yet a theory. Genes come into place and inkling or octoling DNA could dominate over human DNA because ours is so complex and our RNA can alter itself and change. That explains our ablility to transform which in turn could mean the offspring between a human and oceanic could turn up 1% human and 99% oceanic and humanity may never start again," explained Kensa. Blake was deep in thought about what the inkling told him. He thought about him and Mimi from back during the great turf war. He believed that he and Mimi wouldn't be able to start a family due to their biological differences but now hearing this, he still couldn't make reasonable sense about it.

Shouting outside the lab doors got everyone's attentions. "HEY! YOU CAN'T GO BACK THERE! THIS IS A RESTRICTED AREA!" shouted one of the guards. The the doors flung open and two squids. A black and pink one, a grey and green one as well as a black and teal octopus swam into the lab and transformed revealing Callie, Marie, and Marina. A smile came across Blake's face happy to see his friends. A. Nenome stepped out of his office demanding an explanation.

20 minutes earlier, The trio arrived at Inkopolis Research Facility. They approached the main gate which was secured by armed guards keeping anyone out. "Hey you three! This is a restricted area! You need to back away from the gate and leave immediately!" ordered one of the guards.

"But our friend Blake is in there! You know, the hero of Inkopolis!" explained Callie.

"The human that was brought here! The one you're holding captive and your head scientist said he would release!" replied Marie sternly.

"I've ordered you to three to leave! If you refuse to then we'll have no choice to detain you and wait for the police to arrive!" the guard shouted again.

"But we're the squid sisters! How could you..." said Callie before getting cut off. "For the last time, I'm ordering you to leave the premises!" demanded the guard. Marie then grabbed Callie and pulled her away from the gate.

"Cal forget it! They're not letting us in, we'll have to find another way or... I guess Blake won't be appearing at the concert," Marie told her cousin. "No! He has to be there!" protested Callie.

"There's nothing we can do, me, you and Marina... hey where's Marina!?" said Marie as she looked around. "Psssttt... you guys this way," waved Marina around the corner of the wall.

Marie and Callie rushed over around the wall of the facility and met up with the octoling. "While you guys were trying to get in I looked for an alternate route. You guys made a good distraction," said Marina, "Alternate route?" questioned Marie.

"Yeah, We'll swim through the ventilation system like we did at that inkling gang's hideout. Then we'll try to locate Blake and see why they're still keeping him," explained Marina. "I don't understand, that professor said they were going to release him," said Callie. "We're about to find out why Cal, let's change forms and get in there before someone sees us," said Marie. The three of them squid and octo formed through the vent and swam through the duct until they heard voices coming from below down the hallway. It was two researchers talking about Blake.

"One of them said he's being held in the main lab where ever that is," said Marie. "Let's keep going Marie, surely we'll stumble across him," said Callie. "You think we should split up?" asked Marina.

"No, because theirs no way we'll stay in contact with one another. Better we find him together and watch each other's backs," answered Marie. "Ok then let's keep going," said Marina.

Watching the scientists leave the trio continued on until the came across a three way intersection. "Which way do we go?" asked Callie. "I'm not sure," replied Marie. "I say we split up and cover more ground," said Marina. "(deep sigh) You might be right but I was really hoping we wouldn't. Very Well, Marina you go that way, Callie go straight and I'll go this way. Stay out of sight you guys. We don't need to attract attention," advised Marie. The squids and octopus went their separate ways. Marina's duct dropped and she tumbled down until she landed. Half dazed, she shook it off and saw a vent ahead. It was the security room with a sleeping guard layed out in his chair. She swam through the vent cautiously and watched the monitors until she spotted Blake in one of them.

"There's Blake," she said quietly before changing forms. She approached the monitor still cautiously as she tried not to wake the guard. She turned the mic to the camera low enough where she could hear it and listened on the inkling scientist's conversation with Blake about his test results on the blood and the specimen he provided. Hearing how his DNA was similar to inkling and octolings and how it was possible for him to produce offspring with one of them. Marina had an expression of disbelief as her mouth and eyes were wide open as she gasped stirring the guard though he stayed asleep. "I... don't believe what I'm hearing. Blake's DNA is that much similar to ours'... how?" Marina asked herself trying to contain herself.

Meanwhile, Marie was slithering down the duct work as did Callie. Eventually she came across the main lab and looked down to see Blake sitting inside the glass room being observed by surrounding scientists, "Blake... but how do I get down there without alarming everyone. I gotta find Marie and Marina and tell them I found Blake," she backtracked her path but got lost when she came across a fork in the duct work. Unsure where to go she ventured right and hoped she would come across someone.

"Marie...Marina!" she shouted as her voice echoed down the duct. "Where are they?" she asked herself. Not paying attention as she looked behind, she ran straight into Marie. "OWWW!" the both shouted together. They looked at each other and Marie was agitated. "Cal, watch where you're going!" Marie scolded. "Sorry Marie but I found Blake! He's down there but there's too many people around," she told her cousin.

"We need to find Marina and see if we can locate that sea anemone professor about letting Blake go. Let's head back this way and... WAAAHHH!" they both screamed before Marie could finish. The vent they were on couldn't handle their weight and the two dropped on top of the two scientists from before. The two squid sisters changed back and rubbed their heads as the two scientists slowly got up. "Uuuhhh... what the...hey! What are two doing here!?" demanded one of the inklings in lab coats.

"Oh carp! Swim away Cal!" shouted Marie as the two recovered and changed forms to flee from the angry scientists. "Get security, we have a breach!" shouted a scientist on their squidphone. The alarms to the facility came on and the two squids were racing away hoping to escape of find the professor. Marina, still in the monitor room noticed the alarms came on the guard was waking up. "W...W...What's going?" she said in panic. The guard soon spotted her. "HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE!?" He demanded as he fell off his chair. Then when she turned the doorway she spotted Callie and Marie in their squid forms rushing past her. She changed forms and followed them. The three were now rushing toward the main lab as two guards tried to stop them but failed as the three just swam past them and the trio stormed the lab doors.

"You've held Blake long enough! It's time he left and came back!" demanded Marie to the inkling scientist as they rushed inside. "You three shouldn't be here! Who let them in!" she shouted at them. Blake pounded on the glass, shouting at Marie and them. "Blake! Don't worry I'll get you out!" shouted Callie as she tried to open the cell room door. "Hey get away from there! I want security down here now!" she demanded. The guards finally had their splat guns aimed at the trio.

"Pop idols or not, you three have broken into a restricted area without permission! Prepare to be..." shouted Kensa. "Let them go!" shouted A. Nenome as he approached the group. "But professor they..." started Kensa. "I gave them my word that Blake would be released before the concert and I meant it. Though I'm not happy about you three just barging in here and I want an explanation," demanded A. Nenome.

"We're sorry professor but Blake's our friend and we beg you that he comes back with us. Inkopolis is anxious to see him perform on stage with us and is this really how we should treat our hero?" asked Marie. The scientists looked at each other with remorse and thought about what the squid sister had said. "That's right! Blake saved us from Octavio and those jerks. He deserves recognition and we intend to give it to him," said Callie proudly.

"(deep breath) You're right. Blake stopped Octavio and the war he wanted to start. It's just he is the last human in existence. Leaving him vulnerable to the all kinds of dangers would risk his well being and then any and all knowledge about his people would be gone," reasoned the anemone scientist. "Blake had to go into Octo Canyon and face overwhelming odds just like fighting Octavio. You think he can't survive and needs to be caged in some kind of lonely prison to never see freedom and just be studied on?" asked Marie. "No way! Blake is a squidbeak agent! and our friend and we're not leaving without him!" shouted Callie. "Look I used to be an engineer and a researcher at one time. I can assure Blake is in safe hands with us. He's strong and courageous. Making him stay in captivity would actually harm him more than letting him have freedom. How would he think about the inklings keeping him cooped for how knows long? Ever since he came out of that pod he's had it rough. He lost his family and he's struggled to try and find a place in this world. He's fought the rebels and I'm sure he's still recuperating from everything he's been though. So I urge you to find in your hearts that the best thing to do is let him live among us," said Marina.

"I agree. It...wouldn't be healthy on his mind to hold him captive. He's free to leave, just make sure nothing happens to him," said A. Nenome. The trio nodded and Blake walked out as Callie rushed to hug him. "Oh Blake. I'm so glad they let you go. Now we can go get ready for the splat concert tonight!" Callie shouted with joy. "I gotta hand it to you Marina. You have a way with words," said Marie. "Ah it's nothing, Marie. I'm just happy Blake isn't caged up anymore. I do wanna talk to him about something though but it can wait until after the concert. I'll... meet you guys back at the mansion then we can start making preparations for tonight," said Marina as she swam out of lab and rushed off back to Pearl's mansion.

"Hmm... I wonder what she wants to talk to Blake about?" Marie asked herself. She looked over at Blake and Callie talking to one another with A. Nenome. She remembered Marina recommending Blake go up to her room when they arrived at the mansion. "Looks like the sergeant isn't the only octoling that has her tentacles hooked on Blake. By the way she acted when she first saw Blake... it was like when Callie first met him. Seems our little love triangle has turned into a square with Blake in the middle of it. Blake's gonna have to make a choice and the fact that I still have deep admiration for him," said Marie before walking over the Blake and Callie.

It was after 6:00 PM and Blake had just got done changing into the clothes Callie and Marie had gotten from the square shops. Now dressed like a turf war player he headed back downstairs where he met with the squid sisters in their stage uniforms. "Blake you look fresh," said Callie. "I feel fresh, thanks again for these clothes you guys," thanked Blake. "Yeah, wearing the same agent uniform for days. I'm sure your glad to be in some new clothes," said Marie.

Blake then looked at them sternly. He was nervous about the concert but did his best to hide it. "Listen... I don't how to repay you for everything and I mean taking care of me and welcoming as family has been so uplifting since I came out of that pod. I'm glad you guys are my family and it means a lot to me," said Blake as a tear ran down his cheek. Callie came over and hugged him followed by Marie. "We love you Blake, your... our brother, I guess you can say," said Marie. Callie paused after hearing this and rubbing her arm. "Sure... brother," she muttered quietly.

"So I guess we're ready to head to the concert," said Blake. "Before we do, I wanna give you this," said Marie handing Blake a squidphone. "What's this? asked Blake. "It's a squidphone, so we can keep in touch. You need to start a squidnet account to keep track of your social status and then you can message me and Callie. With you being the big talk of the town, all the turfers are gonna wanna talk to you. Might as well get used to it," said Marie. Callie remained strangely quiet and Marie and Blake turned to her. "Cal, what's wrong? We got the big concert to perform. Pearl and Marina are waiting on us at the square. This is a big deal and why are you acting so down all of a sudden?" asked her cousin.

"(deep breath) I've just got something on my mind that's all," said Callie. "You sure," replied Marie knowing what this was all about. Callie nodded and then looked at Blake. "Cal... if you wanna say something then you can before we leave," said Marie. "No it can... (deep breath) Can I talk to Blake alone?" asked Callie. "Umm, sure," said Marie as she looked at Blake before walking of to the living room to let them be alone.

Callie meekly walked over to Blake and stared at him. "Blake, I... don't know how to put this in words but (gulp) You've been a dear friend and as Marie put it like a brother. I've told you before that I had feelings for you," said Callie. "Yeah, I remember. Callie I'm just... I don't," stammered Blake as he stared into Callie's pleading eyes. "Do you love me like I love you?" she asked him. "That's a... complicated question Cal. I'm not sure if I..." Blake started hesitantly. "Do you love me, Blake, please answer me," she asked anxiously. "I... do," Hearing the words "I do" Triggered Callie's memory of the wedding dream she had. It's as if something went off in her head and she took it as Blake accepting her proposal as delusional as the inkling girl took it. She froze in thought for a moment and a big smile grew on her face. "That's all I wanted to hear," she told him. Blake was kind a confused. Their discussion seemed short but he couldn't help but notice that Callie's spirits were lifted all of a sudden, but why? What was really on her mind? He thought.

Callie had it in her head that Blake would accept her marriage proposal and decided to leave it as a surprise. I surprise that could soon leave Blake utterly off guard and unable to decline the offer. Marie had listened in and hinted what this was all about and knew her cousin was up to something. "Well let's head to the square!" shouted Callie. The three of them shipped off for the square where they would would rendezvous with Off the Hook who had performed before Blake and the squid sisters showed up.

It was night time and Inkopolis square was packed with turfers who were dancing to Off the Hook's song "Color Pulse" followed by "Shark Bytes". Marina was in her DJ booth and Pearl was performing choreography on the stage as the inklings and other oceanics were in the groove. They didn't pay no mind to Blake and the two cousins making their way into the square discreetly. Izzy was already backstage waiting for them, wearing some clothes she just recently bought. They waited for Pearl and Marina to get done with their song so they would get on stage with them for their collaborative song "Now or Never" as the two pair of pop duos would perform together before Blake and Izzy made their appearance.

"Are you nervous Blake?" Izzy asked him as the two were alone. "Yeah, a little. Must be silly to feel nervous after defeating Octavio," said Blake with a slight chuckle. "No it's just. When I first came to Inkopolis I admit I didn't have a lot self esteem or expectations. I was kind of a nobody, just a new face in the crowd with dreams of becoming a rank X turfer. Now I'm a squidbeak agent, what are the odds that some squid from the county ends up being the hero of Inkopolis... with you're help of course Blake," said Izzy. " Izzy how do you think I feel. If anything it's a whole lot stranger that a human is a squidbeak agent and defeats an egotistical maniac like Octavio and saves the city from his cronies," said Blake.

The two of them heard the music stop and they knew what was coming next. "Give it up for Off the Hook!" shouted Callie. "...and yours truly, me and Callie, the squid sisters!" shouted Marie. "I bet all you squids are hyped about our two heroes. The squidbeak agents Izzy and our human savior, Blake!" Callie continued. Everyone cheered and screamed except Pearl who just brooded as she crossed her arms, feeling jealous of Blake's recognition. "So everyone please give a loud shou out for our heroes, Izzy Beaks and Blake Carter the heroes of Inkopolis who dealt a smack down on DJ Octavio and got back the great zapfish for us!" Marie shouted. The crowd got in a huge frenzy as they watched Izzy and Blake appear on stage. They waved at the crowd as the screamed and chanted their names.

"Wow, I... don't feel nervous anymore," said Blake as he waved. "Me neither, this feels... really good," commented Izzy. "Well, you guys, all of Inkopolis has been anxious to see the two that saved them from the octo rebels. Did you wanna say anything to Inkopolis you guys?" asked Marie. Izzy looked at the crowd nervously before she gulped. "Hey Inkopolis!" shouted Izzy. The crowd cheered and then she heard someone yell. "GO IZZY! YOU CAN DO IT!". It was Flash toward the back waving his hand to get her attention. Seeing him gave her confidence and she jumped in the air to give a fist pump. "I'M READY TO ROCK MY TENTACLES OFF INKOPOLIS!" she screamed at the crowd and the crowd chanted loudly.

"How about you Blake?" asked Marie. "Oh I um..." he stammered as he blushed. "Don't be bashful hero, say something," said Marie. Blake nodded and then approached the crowd as inklings girls gathered up toward the front, giggling and anxious to see if any of them could ask the human out. "HEY INKOPOLIS!" shouted Blake pumping his fist into the air. The crowd cheered some more and inkling girls in the front squealed. "I guess you all know that I'm a human and a squidbeak agent. It's hard to believe but I'm glad to be here," Blake said nervously. "I hope you guys and the octarians can finally get along again, as I said on the broadcast. I didn't want another great turf war and your race as well as the octarians to share the same fate as my people did, being I'm the only known human to be around... sadly," said lake as his tone changed. Seeing this Marina and the squid sisters were getting worried about him.

"Um, Blake why don't you tell Inkopolis more about yourself," said Marie, trying to divert his mind off being the only human. "Well I guess... um, I like video games and going out to the movies and..." started Blake. "Ooh, I love video games, we have those," blurted Callie. "Video games are cool," said one inkling in the crowd. "Hey! Can you play turf wars?" asked another inkling.

"Turf wars? I've heard about those but I've never really watched one," replied Blake. "Turf wars are awesome!" shouted another inkling. "Yeah!" yelled another. "Can a human even play. I mean can he produce ink?" asked another as the crowd then got quiet and were talking among themselves.

"Blake may not be able to play but he can still spectate. I'm sure the rules of turf wars wouldn't allow him to participate being humans can't produce ink or squid form for that matter," said Marie.

"How can you speak our language?" asked an inkling boy. "Um that's a funny question. Honestly I don't remember," Blake answered. "I remember you saying that you came out of that metal pod thing at the Shellendorf Institute. What were you doing in there?" asked a schoolgirl inkling. "I don't know either," said Blake as was losing his positivity and the squid sisters were seeing this. The crowd of inklings were barraging him with questions so much he couldn't answer them and he's was getting more nervous by the second.

"This fossil is hiding something I just know it Rina!" shouted Pearl. "Pearl! He's nervous. I think it's time we pulled him to side, this is a little much for him. Poor Blake," she told Pearl. "Poor Blake! It's awful funny that he can't remember anything, ever since he was stuffed in that oversized tin can. I wouldn't trust him and neither should everyone else," said Pearl.

"Everyone! you're asking him too many questions at once, besides there's something I wanna announce," said Callie. "Announce? What could be so important Cal," asked Marie. "Well we've known Blake for quite sometime and I think it's time I let him know how I feel and especially since this may be our last gig and for all of Inkopolis to know," said Callie. "What are going on about Cal?" she asked her cousin.

Callie then turned to Blake. Marie was a little confused and Izzy stood to the side but then she saw Flash move up from down the front of the stage before she jumped down to greet him. Pearl looked at the two, distraughtly and Marina was anxious to what was going on. "Blake... I've had a crush on you since we first met at gramp's shack and well... I wanna tell you that..." Callie said hesitantly.

"Oh carp, Callie now's not the..." Marie said cautiously trying to stop her from... "I WANNA GET MARRIED!" Callie shouted as her face was pure red. Everyone went wide-eyed as their jaws dropped. The inkling girls in the front had their hearts broken, dropping their squidphones ready to get Blake's number. The inkling boys went both shocked and envious of Blake getting proposed by the squid sister. A inkling every boy wanted to go out with. Marie had her mouth covered as she was locked on the two. Marina was heartbroken herself and Pearl's eyes were as big as Cuttlefish's and she was beyond apaud by Callie's proposal to the human. Blake was utterly speechless and just froze in place.

"Blake will you please marry me!? I... wanna start a family and settle down. I believe, honestly in my hearts that fate brought us together. You're that special guy I've been looking for, I just know it," pleaded Callie.

"I... I... C...C...Callie, this is so... sudden, I don't know what to say," uttered Blake trying to get a word out. Callie's eyes were big and gleaming, anxious to hear Blake accept her proposal. Blake was feeling regretful whether or not accept the proposal or let her know that he just wanted to stay friends in front of the large crowd of inklings that were locked and unpryible from the two, waiting to see what would happen. Mixed emotions were running through their minds about this and Blake had to come up with an answer.

Time seemed like it froze as Callie's eyes were wide and her bottom lip was out as if a child was pleading for a piece of candy. Blake felt obligated to accept Callie's proposal but unknown to him. Marina wasn't the only octoling around that had her eyes locked on him for a verdict. Maxie was perched on a nearby building with her eyes not getting taken off Blake. She desperately wanted to octo jump and intervene but knew she couldn't being in uniform and an octarian. This would be a test to see who Blake would take in as his mate.

The human rubbed his arm and saw that his predicament wasn't going away if he wouldn't answer. He gulped and looked deeply at Callie and knew what he had to do. "Callie I..." started Blake nervously. "Y...Yes Blake," she answered with puppy dog eyes. "As much as you've been family to me. You and Marie... but are you sure about this?" asked Blake. "Yes, I'm sure Blake. You're that special guy I've been waiting for to share the rest of my life with," said Callie.

Those words touched Blake and he knew how heartbroken Callie would be if he wouldn't accept her intentions. "You're not making this easy Callie," he muttered to himself. "Callie (deep breath) I wanted to say that I love you too and... that I..." he told her as clinched his eyes. The crowd, Marie, Marina, and Maxie would not even blink to see what Blake's answer would be. "I...accept your proposal," he told her as he grabbed her and kissed the squid sister on the lips in front of everyone. Callie turned pink and wanted to faint after Blake pulled off. Unknown to him and crowd was a certain octoling sergeant that witnessed him and the squid sister kiss and accept her proposal. She was incredibly heartbroken by what she had heard and what she saw. Feeling that Blake had betrayed her she turned away filled with both sadness and anger at a degree that she wanted nothing do with Blake.

Callie hugged Blake and kissed him on his temple. Overjoyed to hear Blake accept her and now was more than eager to make her dream come true and start a bond with the human as well as her own family. Marina gave a fake smile as well as Marina clapping for the two, knowing well they were both happy for Callie and Blake but at the same time their hopes crushed that they couldn't make a move on the human they both deeply admired.

"I think I'm going to puke. I...I... CAN'T BELIEVE MY COUSIN WOULD EVEN MARRY THAT... APE! I OBJECT TO HAVING THAT FOSSIL BE MARRIED INTO MY FAMILY! I WON'T HAVE IT! I..." said Pearl as balled up her fist intent on beating Blake to a pulp before getting grabbed by her octoling friend. "Pearl! If Callie want's to marry Blake then... that's what she wants and as long they are happy then...that's all that matters," said Marina, trying to be supportive.

"I don't understand how you're ok with this or my cousin Marie. I'm going backstage before I get even more sicker," said Pearl as she stormed off. The crowd was somewhat happy for the two if not expecting the squid sister to propose to the human. Pearl left and Blake and the others stayed to sign autographs and answer questions for the inkling fans. Blake couldn't keep up with turfers' questions. Putting in for playing turf wars, joining teams, what's his favorite turf weapon and ect. Some inkling girls were a little distraught that Blake was no longer available and jealous that Blake took Callie's hand in marriage. Pearl grew jealous herself of the attention and acceptance Blake was getting so she snuck away back to Pygmy Mansion to brood. The night was a far cry from the last and it seemed Blake was enjoying the company and that he finally felt he belonged.

After the concert finally ended. Blake got to meet Flash who was introduced by Izzy. "I thought Izzy was fibbing at first. This is so cool. A real human," said Flash after he shook Blake's hand. "It's nice to meet you too Flash," Blake replied. "You didn't even know what a human was until you saw Blake," said Izzy. "You two going out?" asked Blake. Izzy blushed and Flash rubbed his head. "Well um, not yet but me and Iz got plans tomorrow to go to Wahoo World. You and Callie should come. You'll have a blast," put in Flash.

"Thanks but me and Blake have plans of our own," said Callie as she came up from behind Blake. "We do?" he replied. "Oh right, Calamari County tomorrow. You wanted to tell your parents about our wedding, I forget for a moment I guess," said Blake as he was nervous at Callie's folks' response to their daughter marrying a human. "I wonder how your folks will feel about this?" Blake asked her. "I think they'll be happy for me. Don't worry Blake I think they'll accept you in the family," she assured him.

The four continued to talk and Blake and Callie were discussing the plans for the county tomorrow. Marie stood off to herself, leaning against a wall giving a deep sigh. "I should be happy for her but at the same time I had wished I'd talked her out of it. It seems like we just met Blake yesterday at Cuttlefish's, which reminds me. Where have those two gone. I got to discuss this with Blake. This isn't like gramps and Cassie to just go missing. I'm really starting to worry about them," said Marie. She decided to walk over and break up the group so they could head back to Pearl's.

Izzy left with Flash to stay at his place and Marina along with Marie and Callie and Blake holding hands as they tailed along. Marie wanted to talk to Callie but she assumed it would do no good. As long as her cousin was happy that's all that mattered. As they approached the mansion grounds, through the front door as the group stepped in Blake was ambushed by Pearl kicking him in the stomach. "PEARL! WHAT THE SHELL!" shouted Marie. "Blake! are you ok!?" asked Callie as she bent down to check on him. Blake held his stomach and moaned but gave a nod to the inkling girl. "Pearl! What's your problem!?" Marina scolded her.

"My problem is that fossil marrying my cousin! How could even propose to this... ape!" ranted Pearl. "What's it matter! If Callie loves him then you should at least be supportive! not attack Blake!" the octoling continued. "I won't accept it and neither should my aunt and uncle at the county! And don't bother asking me to go to the wedding! Because I'm not!" Pearl continued to rant. She stormed off seeing the three give her disgruntled looks, still not accepting Callie's feelings for the human.

Blake was helped up as he held his torso. "Blake I'm so sorry about Pearl. I don't know what's come over her," said Marina. "It's fine. I still wish she wouldn't judge me but it's water under the bridge. Let her stay mad. Right now I'm ready to head to bed," said Blake as he yawned. "I think we're all tired. you ready to hit the hay?" asked Marie to Callie.

"I think I wanna sleep with Blake tonight," she told Marie. "Huh? We've always laid down together Cal. It's gonna feel different with you not being by my side," said Marie. "I know Marie but... I feel better sleeping with Blake knowing that he's the only guy here," said Callie. "What are you insinuating Callie that any of us... except Pearl, would even think about..." started in Marie as she looked sternly at Callie with her arms crossed. "...No that's not it! It's just insecurities and since I proposed I thought it might feel proper," Callie replied as she pressed her fingers together with her face down. "You two aren't married and any kind of "shenanigans: you two might pull won't be tolerated especially at Pearl's. I'm sorry Cal but until you two get married let's keep things PG-13. Not that I don't trust Blake it's you that I have to keep an eye on," said Marie as a smirk grew on her face.

"Oooh, Marie! I'm not a kid! Why do you gotta play mother squid right now!" she flustered in defeat. "It's for your own good. You can be lovey dovey with Blake tomorrow. I say we need the sleep if your gonna start making wedding plans and dealing with your parents," said Marie. "Oh alright. I guess we'll sleep in the same room then. I'll see you in the morning Blake," she told him before hugging him and giving him a deep kiss. "Sweet dreams you guys," said Blake.

As the two made it upstairs, Marina approached Blake, knowing she had something she wanted to say. "Well... (sigh) how do you feel about this?" he asked the octoling. "I guess all I can say is I wish you two a happy marriage," she told him giving a fake laugh. "You don't seem enthused Marina. You or Marie but I know Marie has feelings for me too though she told me she had gotten past it and accepted me as a brother. Those two are like family to me even know I may never see my real one again," said Blake.

"You don't seem enthused yourself Blake. In my perspective when you two were on stage you felt obligated to accept Callie's proposal didn't you. You really don't wanna get married do you," she replied. "Guess you saw right through me. You're kinda right. Part of me does but part of me doesn't. She... loves me and I can say I love her and I wish she would accept a family bond and no more. I didn't want to break her heart in front of the whole square though," Blake told her.

"Blake you should've been honest; now it's gonna be harder on her to accept that you really don't wanna get married. You guys didn't talk about this before?" asked Marina. "No we didn't. Every time she did Marie would butt in or she'd rethink what she wanted to say," he explained. "Blake she's already made her mind up about the wedding and you guys are going to head to the county to meet her parents. Things will get worse for you if you don't say something soon and I would suggest you talk to her in morning," harped Marina. "I know it's just... I don't have the courage. I'm screwed either way I go," he exclaimed.

Marina shook her head and directed Blake to follow her into the lab upstairs. "I guess I'm sleeping in the hospital bed again, glad their won't be any sample taking this time," he told her. "Sample taking? What do you mean? I listened in on you and the female scientist's conversation from the monitor room. I heard she took a blood sample and "specimen" from you?" Marina asked.

Blake turned red and rubbed the back of his head. "I um... don't wanna talk about it," he told her. Marina then realized what the specimen was and gave a blush and Blake saw what the octoling was picturing in her mind.

"I also heard about your DNA and the comparison it had to the inklings and octolings as well. They said you were able to produce offspring from us. The fact of bearing a half human half inkling seems... unnatural to say the least. I would think their could be complications and the child could die if not the mother," said Marina. "I couldn't bear something like that happening to Callie or the newborn," Blake responded as the two reached Marina's lab.

Blake sat on the bed and looked down. "I can't tell you what to do Blake but go where your heart is, just know that I'm here for you," Marina told him as she placed her hand on his leg and smiled. Blake looked up at her and gave a fake smile and the octoling's words seemed to put him at ease. He laid down and finally fell asleep as he turned over away from the octoling that secretly had a crush on him, hoping that her words would give her an opportunity to reach out for Blake before he made a final decision.

Not having the courage to express her feelings for him. She rubbed her arm and headed over to her desk but she wasn't the only that was bothered by Blake and Callie. Marie who was sleeping in another room with Callie. The squid sister was having a hard time trying to sleep. She decided to get up, having the urge to talk to Callie but decided to let her sleep instead.

Marie headed downstairs and toward a balcony that overlooked the skyline of Inkopolis. She gave a deep breath and stared at the city. "My mind is running in all different directions. I'm not sure whether I should be worried or be happy for my cousin. Seemed things were much simpler when we were given the Inkopolis News back at the plaza and being agents for gramps. I just want to head somewhere and clear my mind for now. I just gotta get away from here and see if I can locate Cuttlefish and Cassie," said Marie. She squid formed and shot over the balcony rail down below and swam away toward the city. The reserved squid sister wanted time alone and had mixed emotions about her relationship between her cousin and Blake.

---

Maxie, Lieutenant Octillia, and Captain Kova were in route to the octarian royal palace with a large convoy of octarian troops to make preparations for the peace accord tomorrow with the inkling parliament. After the rebels were finally defeated and Octavio was taken into custody the octarian government was more than willing to reestablish diplomatic relations with the inklings so they could make trade deals and allow octarian citizens to go to the surface and venture among inkling territory at their own discretion. Maxie had plans to leave the octarian army so she could make her own life with Blake whether it be on the surface or down in the underground domes with peace being certain among the two races and no more need to prioritize training for the war that ended among them and the rebels or another one starting against the squids.

"Well sergeant you ready to shake hands with the inklings?" asked Octillia as they were inside one of the octostamp tanks. "I wonder how long it will last? If you remember from the archives we were once at peace among one another before the great turf war, remember," she replied.

"Yes, but things are different this time. It was Octavio that started the war which makes me wonder how do you feel about the human fighting against our ancestors. I know that the war was unjustified but still to think that the human fought along the squids. Not that I share any resentment towards it or not," said Octillia. "Blake didn't want to see another great turf war start over and that's all that matters. He told himself he didn't wanna fight back then but the inklings pushed him to doing it. It was wrong for those squid to force him participating in something he had no part in and I wonder what else the inklings did that wasn't recorded in our history books. History is written by the victor as the old saying goes and history can often be full of lies," said Maxie.

"I can't deny that but that's in the past and we have to plan for the future. Which brings me to another question. What do you plan on doing Maxie after the treaty is signed?" Octillia wondered. "I'm sure the army isn't in need of personnel if we don't have to train for war. Why are you asking?" responded the sergeant.

"It's probably nothing or maybe it has something to do with you and that human. As you're well aware all of the octarians know of his existence and the empress herself is eager to meet him. I know you have an admiration for him but do you seriously think you and him can really start a relationship?" asked Octillia. "Blake I guess you can say completes me. He and I have a lot in common and he fills in that void I've been having and the affection I've never received since my parents passing. I don't wanna let him go even though I've tried to reason with myself that he's a human. Maybe it's fate that brought us together," said Maxie.

"Fate huh, I've never really paid no mind to stuff like that. I've been in the army so long it's if I pushed out my emotions to focus on my duties. It's not to say I've thought about starting a relationship with some guy out their once I retire and leave for good. You know, your mother was pretty optimistic if not naïve at times," said Octillia. "I remember you telling me that you knew my mother when I started off as a private. Heck you practically raised me Octillia. She's been visiting me from time to time and recently she warned me about this emerging threat and Blake's..." said Maxie but cut herself off at the end of the statement.

"What about Blake?" asked the lieutenant. "I don't wanna dwell on it... I won't let that happen," replied Maxie.

"If this so called threat has something to do with the human then I need to know even if anything you're telling me is credible or not," said Octillia. "My mother told me it had to be, I don't know what that means?" she answered back to the elite.

"You're beginning to worry me Maxie. I can't take any of this seriously if you're not willing to be open about it. I think what's happened to you, especially getting captured and fighting with the rebels might have traumatized you. Maybe you're still shell-shocked and getting frantic over nothing. I mean it was just a dream," said Octillia. "I don't wanna tell myself whether that what my mother had told me was true or not. I think I ought to heed her warnings. She wouldn't have came to me, especially after I snapped at her for a reason," said Maxie.

"Look Maxie I'm not gonna concern myself over some suspicions from a dream and this entity you believe is your mother," said Octillia. The convoy arrived at the royal palace and they dismounted out of their vehicles and were escorted inside to meet with the royal advisors. In the royal hall the octarians gathered around a large table and discussed diplomatic plans with the inklings. They managed to get in touch with the inkling chancellor's secretary about the peace accord and that the chancellor himself would get in touch with them once his current matters were settled. "What about the human, we agreed if he would be there as a witness and cosigner for the treaty. A bridge for our races to come together so we don't learn from his people's dire mistakes of going extinct," asked Lieutenant Octillia. "We will be sure that the human is present, you have my word as well as the chancellor's," said the inkling secretary.

"Also our empress would request that the human also leave with her after the treaty is signed and our hands are shook. That was also a part of the agreement," Octillia continued. "I'll discuss this with the chancellor but I see no problem with it since he is independent I suppose. The chancellor also wanted to talk about trade agreements, any technology the octarians are harboring for food supplies", said the secretary. "technology? Seems inadequate but what would your government want with our technology?" Octillia asked. "That's not up to discussion unless you want to bring this up at the peace accord tomorrow. How we see it we've already given up half of our supply of zapfish to you and allow the octarians access to our territory. After this incidence with the octo rebels, relations and propositions are still... should I say shaky right now and allowing the human to go into octarian territory may even be uncertain at this time," she explained to the octarians.

"You listen here! Blake is coming back whether he's allowed to or not and you have no right to decide for him!" snapped Maxie. "Sergeant Maxie! Stand down!" Octillia ordered. "No! This is a bunch of crap! You're not gonna swindle me and my people on the peace negotiations!" demanded an angered sergeant. "Maxie! I order you to shut it!" the elite commanded her.

"Appears the octarians have some loose cannons among their ranks. Maybe the rebels weren't the only ones we may have to worry about, which reminds me that the inkling council demands an explanation of disinformation about these rebels and why this wasn't notified before hand," said the secretary. "You can rest assure that we had good reasons why we kept this under wraps. It was a failed contingent and General Scarlet will bring this up to your military leaders as well. Our intentions were not an act of deception but a way to insure that our races can live peacefully as we tried to keep the rebels contained in Octo Canyon and from jeopardizing peace relations, something they objected to and held on to their bitter animosities," explained Octillia. "Let's hope things go well at the accord lieutenant. The chancellor will speak with you're council momentarily," said the inkling secretary. "The empress should be arriving soon. Maybe things will be a bit more civil," said Octillia, glaring at Maxie over her outburst. "They better, let's call recess," suggested the inkling on the screen. "Very well," the elite complied.

The giant monitor went black, ending the session for the time being. Maxie was disgruntled and left out of the room with Octillia shouting at her. Kova was smirking at the sight and decided to discreetly follow and see what would happen next. The octarians were talking among each other with a couple of elite shaking their heads at Maxie's behavior. Outside the hall Maxie leaned against a wall, agitated with the meeting. "Maxie!... I don't appreciate you stepping out of line like that! What if that was their military commander or the chancellor himself. You could've cost us negotiations with the inkling government after that!" said Octillia angrily as Maxie turned to look at her.

"You now damn well that the squids are gonna screw us over at the given chance. They only gave us enough zapfish to sustain the main dome. They talked before about letting us have entry into their territory but reneged at the last minute. Uppity ink... (deep breath) I shouldn't have let my anger get the best of me. The mention of Blake and..." started Maxie as she got interrupted. "Yeah about the human. Seems your feelings for him are running rampant. You seem like a different octopus than before and I can't tolerate it much longer. If Blake is that big of a distraction for you performing your duties then maybe you shouldn't see him," suggested the frustrated lieutenant.

"Octillia I won't step out of line again. I'll control my temperament. I promise," said Maxie as Octillia was having doubts. "So you like that human that much," popped off Kova who had been watching the scene. She approached the two and Maxie gritted her teeth and balled up her fist at the short tentacled elite. "(chuckling) wow, this is unbecoming of you sergeant. As long as I've known you, there's two things that get under your tentacles and that's me and the fear of never seeing this guy again. It'll be interesting bringing him to the valley with the empress's request. I'm sure he's gonna need a guide. I might put in for it," sneered Kova with made Maxie fuming.

"Did I strike a nerve? I'm just offering to volunteer. I assume you haven't got in his pants yet. Maybe our city won't be the only thing I'll guide him to," teased Kova gesturing to her crouch. "You even so much as touch him and their won't even be a puddle left of you octotramp," growled Maxie as Octillia grabbed her.

"Oh I can promise you I'll pop his cherries before this is over. Got to give him a good impression of our race and maybe if things work out. He can be my mate, If I'm nice enough I'll invite you to our wedding ceremony," Kova taunted. "THAT'S IT! YOU'RE DEAD KOVA!" Maxie roared as she octo formed to get out of Octillia's grasp and tackled Kova knocking her over before changing back to her bipedal form. The two of them got into a scuffle with Maxie pulling on Kova's short tentacles as she punched her in the eye. "MAXIE! THAT'S ENOUGH!" yelled Octillia as she pulled the sergeant off the roughed up captain.

Kova got up and covered her left eye and growled at the two of them. "That's it! Wait until the brass hears about this! Attacking an officer! Falling out of line at the diplomacy session with the secretary! You may have lost all your stripes Maxie!" scoffed Kova. Maxie growled back and attempted to lunge at Kova. "Stand down! Maxie! You've given me no other choice but to relieve you from your duty and I'm placing a restraining order from you having contact with the human. Another stunt like this and I'll have no choice to place you under confinement," said Octillia sternly.

"Restraining order! B...B...But Octill... Lieutenant I..." Maxie stammered. "No buts! As your commanding officer I'm putting my foot down! I'm not gonna defend this behavior! You're removed from the security mission and our session. Return to your barracks and await further orders! You're dismissed sergeant," ordered Octillia as she pointed her out. Kova gave a smug grin as Maxie glared at her and tightened her fist. She stormed off and pushed Octillia aside.

"Sad to see her like that," said Kova sarcastically. "Shut your mouth! I've had it up to hear with you. Your treading on thin ink and don't think I won't have my guard up captain. This isn't over between me and you," snapped Octillia. "Hmpf, we'll see about that," scoffed Kova before walking away. "One down, one to go," she muttered before heading back into the large room. Octillia shook her head with an expression of great annoyance before turning toward the direction where Maxie left. "(deep breath) Maxie, what am I to do with you?" she asked herself.

Maxie returned to her barracks where she was throwing things around. She broke a mirror and flipped over her bed in aguish. She sat down and propped herself against the bed frame. She curled up and cried into her legs over the restraining order. A minute passed and Maxie picked her head and looked at the broken mirror laying against the wall in front of her. "(sniffle) Maxie... you're losing yourself," she muttered sadly. "I let my emotions get the best of me. Octillia's had to get blunt with me to the point she won't let me around Blake. That damn Kova!" jeered Maxie as she slammed her fist against the bed behind her. "Seems my hole is getting deeper. Looks like I one of two options. Going AWOL and getting a hold of Blake or stay here and deal with the consequences. Normally I would pick the second choice but I figure matters will just get worst and with the restraining order that inkling airhead is going to wrap her tentacles around Blake if I don't make a move. Maxie c'mon what are you saying!" she told herself.

She punched herself in the forehead to drive some sense into herself. Giving a deep breath she slowly got up and looked at the doorway. "Blake... or my military career?" she asked herself. She closed her eyes and pondered for a moment and decided it would be Blake. She decide to run off and sneak out of the base before any one noticed. Disobeying Octillia's orders would be a idiotic move on Maxie's part but she was not willing to give up on the human she had a crush on to the squid sister Callie. Off the base she made her way outside the city and toward the outer domes that would lead toward Cuttlefish's shack and the outer area of the valley that would gain her entry into Inkopolis. It would be a couple of hours until she reached the tea kettle that would shoot her to Cuttlefish's and the storm drain that led to the inkling capital.

"I'm sorry Octillia but... I've made my choice and I can't fight it anymore. This is goodbye, I know you made a promise to my mother to watch out for me and I'm not little anymore and I wanna look out for Blake," she said looking toward Octopolis and the octarian base over a cliff before lifting up on the tea kettle lid and shooting off toward Cuttlefish's shack.

Nearly an hour passed and Octillia knocked on the door to Maxie's room in the barracks. "Maxie, I need to have a word with you," the elite said before opening the door to discover the mess and the sergeant was absent. "Maxie? What the shell happened?" she said studying the strewn bed and paperwork. She spotted a note on a desk and read it.

I'm sorry Octillia but consider this my resignation. I've decided to leave for Inkopolis to find Blake. You've been a dear friend and commander to me and it's time I part ways and start a new life on the surface. I love Blake and I want to start my own family with him to fill in the void in my heart that the army was never able to contend. The war is over and it's time that our races finally come to peace as I need to come to peace with myself. I wish you the best and I hope you do the same for me.

Sincerely, Sgt. Maxie

Octillia dropped the letter and clinched her fist before falling on her knees. Filled with disappointment and anger over Maxie's desertion, she wanted to hunt her down and demand an explanation why she would ruin her military career and risk martial punishment for her act. Instead she calmed herself and hid Maxie's absence from everyone. "I'm tired of covering for you Maxie. Consider this the last time a put my tentacle out for you, when I do find you. We're gonna have that talk I wanted," the elite said to herself. She walked out of the barracks and headed toward command. The session between the empress and inkling chancellor had went smoothly and that the deal with Blake coming to octo valley was still pending and trade talks had been successful. It seemed things were slowly calming and that relations between the two governments were getting better but they were still mindful of the events that just took place, hoping that things would finally cool down at the peace accord tomorrow with Blake being present.

It was getting dark as Maxie popped out of the storm drain at the now vacant Plaza. She remembered combating the rebels here and taking out the hypnowave emitter. Things were quiet and not a soul was around. She headed out of the plaza toward the square when she was stopped by a voice. It was her mother.

"Maxie I implore you to return to the octarian base before you make matters worse on yourself. You will not like what you will see," said the entity that was talking in her head. "I've done made my mind up mother. It's too late. I left a letter for Octillia back at the barracks. I won't let her or anyone else stand in the way between me and Blake. She might have raised me because you were no longer in my life but that doesn't mean she's going to decide what's best for me as if I'm a child," replied Maxie.

"Maxie I'm urging you to return to the valley because I don't wanna see you crushed!" said her mother with concern."Crushed by what? It's that inkling popstar isn't it. She's making a move on Blake isn't she. Well that's not going to happen. It sounds like I need to get to the square as soon as I can before its too late," said Maxie as she ran toward the ecit of the plaza.

"My daughter please don't..." urged her mother. "I've heard enough, I'm making the choice whether you like it not. I'm sorry mother but I'm not the little octopus Octillia raised anymore. I'm ready to start a family... A family... I never had," she said.

Maxie octo formed and swam out of the plaza and through the old training grounds as a shortcut to the square. Outside the training grounds she headed into Blackbelly skatepark where she was being watched my a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows, watching her movement until they sprang into action and jumped right in front Maxie thrusting their knife down on her.

She narrowly avoids the attack and summersaulted back, staring at the figure. She was unarmed, without her octo shot and knife by her side. The figure was cloaked with their eyes exposed and a hood over their head. "So your the sergeant I've been hearing about. I heard you killed Major Octsana," said the figure.

"Who are you and why did you attack me coward!" sneered Maxie. "Oh I just happen to be in the neighborhood and saw you. I knew who you were once I followed you here from Octo Valley but I was anxious to meet the infamous sergeant who constantly stood in our way," the cloaked figure said smugly, still holding the knife and keeping their identity exposed. "That's a heck of way to introduce yourself. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just kill you," growled Maxie.

"One. I wanna offer you a deal sergeant. Killing the major was impressive and I could use someone like you. If you come with me I'll make worth your wild and two... don't think I'm by myself out here and you're also unarmed. You can't take me on with some fancy hand to hand techniques. I'll kill where you stand right now If I could. All I have to do is give the order," the hooded figure said. "You think I'm just gonna go with you after you tried to kill me! INK OFF! Just who do you think you are? Pull the hood off your head and show yourself!" demanded Maxie.

"Very well," they complied exposing their head. It was a male octoling with black tentacles. His eyes were green with blue irises, caused by prolonged residence underground. "You can call me Black Rook," he told Maxie as he smiled. "Black rook? What's with the stupid code names?" she exclaimed in irritation.

"So what will it be sergeant? Are you in?" he asked her. "Kiss my ass! You really think I'd join you! The rebels were finished! Octavio was apprehended! And the major is dead as you pointed out. You're forces are in disarray and your leadership fractured. The Neo-Octarian army will hunt what remnants of you pathetic ink sacs down and..." started the sergeant.

"Just because Octavio and the major were taken down doesn't mean we're weak. If anything it's given us a learning experience. We've seen your strengths and weaknesses and apparently that human is one of them," sneered the octoling male as he gave a sinister grin. "You stay away from you piece of..." jeered Maxie as she bared her fangs and balled up her fists.

"Join me and no harm will come to the fossil!... you have my word. Do honestly think our races will come together after this? Their maybe peace but not for long. Don't think our army's is in shambles. We're amassing a new one, a stronger one and their is nothing you can do to stop it. The inkstains and turncoats might as well surrender before the battle even starts. Spy on the octarian army for me. Don't end like your comrades once we storm and take over Octo Valley. Be smart about this sergeant," advised the claoked octoling. "I am,... HEEE YAHHH!" she yelled as she kicked the male octoling causing him to stumble but recover.

He growled but then gave a smirk. "Hmpf... stubborn if not ignorant," he said before throwing a smokescreen canister in front of Maxie allowing him to flee. "The offer is still on the table! Come to Octo Canyon unarmed if you want it!" he shouted as he disappeared. Maxie coughed and waved her hand to fan the smoke. Seeing that he was gone and posed a new danger for her, the octarians, and peace between the races whether he was bluffing or not.

"Cowardice bastard! (deep sigh) Seems theirs another prick to deal with it but what was he going on about a new army or was he full of crap to get me to join him. Either way he and the rest of those octopi are going down but right I need to get to Blake before that floozy squid does," she said rushing off to the other side of the skatepark.

Black Rook and a few female octolings watched Maxie leave the skate park from a distance on top of a nearby building. "We just gonna let her get away?" asked a disgruntled female holding an reverse engineered scoped E-Liter. "Relax, I'm gonna give her enough rope to hang herself for not taking my deal. She is still of some use," replied Black Rook. I seriously can't believe you would consider her joining the rebels! She killed the major and she needs to pay," scoffed another rebel elite. "At ease lieutenant! She will when her time comes as well as the rest of those valley traitors but I want her be my little fly on wall whether she wants to or not. We'll rendezvous back at the safehouse outside Octopolis. I want reports on the rest of our spies and I want you two to disguise yourselves as inklings and spy on the squidbeak, the human, and the inkling government. You got your orders so move out!" commanded the male.

"Yes captain!" they shouted "And as for you lieutenant and the rest of the Mimicry Unit, will be tasked with a new assignment once we get back. Now let's get out of inkstain territory!" shouted Black Rook. It appeared that Black Rook was the leader of the rebel cells, spying on the Neo-Octarians as well as an elite unit of rebels known as the Mimicry Unit or Mimics who could disguise themselves as Neo-Octarian personnel and even inklings using their professional mimicry skills to gather intel and outsmart their opponents.

Nearly an hour passed and Maxie was still shaken up about her encounter with the male octoling rebel. She went AWOL and didn't know how she would inform the lieutenant about her introduction to him. This intel would prove vital to the Neo-Octarians but for now she was solely focused on getting to Blake. Outside the square she saw how busy it was and octo formed out of sight into an alley so no one saw her. "Damn, I'm not gonna be able to get in there with all those squids dancing and walking around not mention I'm an octoling in uniform. They might think I'm a threat. I gotta get up high and see if I spot Blake anywhere," she told herself.

Down below Off the Hook and the squids were performing for the crowds of turf war players. Blake stood of the side out of sight of the fans before he was directed to come on the stage. Maxie moved in closer, jumping over the shops toward the stage and Deca tower. She finally spotted Blake appearing on the stage in front of screaming and applauding inklings eager to ask him questions and put him into a turf war match on their teams. "Carp! It's too late! I'm not gonna to reach him now!" she exclaimed with frustration. She continued to watch as Callie approached Blake, telling him how she had strong feelings for him and proposed marriage to the human. Maxie was more anxious to see what Blake would say, hoping that he would refuse.

Her eyes were locked as much as Callie's was locked on Blake. As soon as he accepted her proposal her hearts sank and eyes widened and her moth open with an expression of disbelief. "No..." she muttered as a tear ran down her face.

The crowd cheered for the two but one octoling sergeant perched on top of a roof watching over the celebration had tears run down her face. Both angered and saddened by what she heard. She gritted her teeth and clinched her fist before falling on her knees.

"I..." she muttered as her lip quivered "I don't believe it," she muttered again as her face darkened. "...he picked her after he told me that he loved me," she said picking her head up. "BASTARD! HE LIED!...I WAS WILLING TO GIVE UP EVERYTHING FOR HIM! AND NOW HE'S GIVEN UP ON ME! I'LL MAKE SURE HE..." she screamed in anger before she was interrupted.

"MAXIE!" shouted a voice. She turned and saw her mother looking down at her. She saw the anguish in her daughter's eyes and knew she felt betrayed by the human that said he loved her. "Don't fill your hearts full of hate. Things are not what they seem," explained the entity.

"IT'S CLEARLY EVIDENT THAT HE LOVES HER! AFTER HE TOLD ME HE LOVED ME AND KISSED ME! HE LIED TO ME! I NEVER WANNA SEE HIM AGAIN!" roared Maxie as she burst into tears. "My daughter I warned you not to keep going but things are not as they..." said her mother.

"YES THEY ARE! HE TOOK HER HAND IN MARRIAGE! THAT SHOULD'VE BEEN MY HAND! HE NEVER LOVED ME!" she argued. "STOP THIS MAXIE! BLAKE'S NOT..." scolded the entity.

But before her mother could continue Maxie ran away and octo jumped away from the square full of bitterness and betrayal. She decided to head back to Octo Valley and back to her base, hopefully before anyone knew she was gone. The octoling sergeant ran toward the storm drain back to Cuttlefish's and the valley as two figures watched. It was two of Black Rook's squad members. The mimics. "Interesting, I wonder what got her crying?" asked one of them. "Who cares, let her run back to the valley. Our mission is to spy on the inkstains and that damn squidbeak squad," sneered the other.

They both reverted to their octo forms but they transformed into squid. When the changed forms again the two of them were inkling girls with long droopy black tentacles. Even their eyemarks were that of an inkling. "As much as I hate looking like a squid. It's the best tactic to infiltrate these stupid ink shitters. We'll head to the square and look around and try to blend in lieutenant," said the now inkling looking mimic octoling. The two squid formed and shot out of sight before they could report on anything.

An hour later Maxie knocked on the door to Octillia's office, seeing if she knew she left or not. Not a response, Maxie stepped in and saw she wasn't there. "Octillia?" she called but still got no response. She spotted an empty flask sitting on her desk and knew that Octillia discovered her desertion. Then the shutting of the door caused her to drop the flask and turn around to see a half drunk Octillia glaring at her. "O...O...Octillia, I mean lieutenant. I wanted to come see you..." said Maxie nervously. "DON'T GIVE ME THAT CRAP SERGEANT! I PUT MY TENTACLES OUT FOR YOU AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET! YOU JUST PUT ME ON THE SPOT DURING THE MEETING AND TO PISS ME OFF EVEN MORE YOU GO AWOL! WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF!? I HOPE THAT HUMAN WAS WORTH IT!" shouted the buzzed elite.

"HE WASN'T! and I'm sorry for leaving Octillia. I should've never went to Inkopolis!" she exclaimed as she started to cry. This caused Octillia's anger to falter seeing something had happened. "(deep sigh) What's this about or dare I ask?" she said as she pinched her nose. "Blake doesn't love me. I thought he did and... I wanted to start a family with him. That's why I left if you didn't find my note," said Maxie as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"I did read your note (deep breath) Maxie... I've raised you since you started to walk. Your parents died in a training accident and now your looking to form your own family. I never really got to know my parents either and me and Octsana grew apart during our military service but she was always treated as the gifted one... and I had to work hard to get where I am. It was bullshit," said Octillia as she approached Maxie. "Seems we both struggled. Life is a... well you know. Did you... every have a guy you really liked?" asked Maxie.

"uh? I um... guess you can say never made time. I put my duties above everything else... though that doesn't me one might come around but I could care less," Octillia replied. "Well maybe Blake wasn't the one after all. He still shouldn't have lied to me but why do I still have feelings for him?" Maxie asked as she started tear up.

"You need to calm down and let this go. I say move on and start acting like a soldier again. Just because Blake dumped you doesn't mean its the end of the world. What is good is that we're at peace with the squids and Octavio is apprehended. I hate that Octsana chose her fate and I hold no grudge toward you, killing my sister. You did what had to be done," said Octillia. "I've saved Blake multiple times and he's saved me. I know what I saw but I'm still in denial. I know for some reason he loves me but after he took that... inkling girl's hand in marriage I'm not so sure. I'm going to confront him on this if I can restrain myself from hurting him," Maxie jeered in anger.

"Let it go sergeant. If you really loves you, then he'll come to you," reasoned the elite as she placed her hand on Maxie's shoulder. "But I... (deep sigh) My mother was trying to tell me something before I left... that things weren't what they appeared and I was just so furious that I ignored her and came back here. She knows something I must not know. She never gives me a definite answer. She wants me to figure it out on my own," Maxie said with frustration.

"Your mother was... compassionate, naive at times but optimistic. I guess that's why I liked her," said Octillia. "It's sad... I never even knew her name," said Maxie.

"Her name was Meryl. A sergeant in the army like you but a lot more calmer and rational. She and your father met during their service and had you. Things seemed good until that accident and that's when I took you in. I was down for a while after hearing about her death and my drinking habits got worse after that. I had to move on and get off the bottle so I could raise you," said Octillia. "It's hard to comprehend that your technically my adoptive mother but I'm not calling Octsana my adoptive aunt," said Maxie.

"I wouldn't. Glad your in better spirits now and speaking of spirits. How about we just head over to the bar to get our mind off things but don't think this means your off the hook for going AWOL on me. I'll discuss your punishment later and your next assignment. The empress's security detail and unfortunately you'll be escorting Blake as well back to Octopolis if the inklings will let him that is," said the lieutenant. "WHAT! I mean... I thought I was taken off the security detail. After what he did. I refuse to be around that backstabbing bastard!" protested Maxie as she crossed her arms and turned away.

"Those are your orders Maxie! So I'd be best to take my advice and move on about this Blake situation. I expect a calm and collective conduct once your around the empress and her advisors during the accord. Put your duties first sergeant and don't let your emotions get the best of you, am I clear," said the elite. "Crystal, lieutenant," Maxie replied.

"After the peace accord Captain Kova and her team will be tasked with hunting down Black Rook and the rebel cells. Intel we've gathered stated that they are operating in the valley under our radar. As for you, I'll keep you posted," said the elite. "Wait did you say Black Rook?" Maxie responded as she quickly faced the lieutenant.

"Yes, why?" she questioned. "I've met him after he tried to do me in back at Inkopolis," Maxie answered.

"You encountered Black Rook? What are they doing in Inkopolis?" she asked. "Black Rook is a male octoling, he tried to convince me to join the rebels and spy for him when I returned to the Neo-Octarian base. You know I would refuse such a disgraceful offer and I told him to stick it. He fled the scene and I was unable to pursue him," Maxie explained.

"I'm glad you didn't and I knew you wouldn't but that may play to our advantage. Let's say you do take up his offer and become a double agent for command. We make him believe you've defected and spy for him and his unit. Gather up intel for us on his operations and the location of any safehouses they have in the valley. We crush what remnants of the rebels are left and find out who and where this red queen is and what she plans are doing with the vault," suggested the elite. "You want me to work with them but what if they find out that I'm..." said a stunned Maxie.

"I have faith in you sergeant. This is dangerous and this is something I wouldn't put you in but after the being captured by the rebels in Octo Canyon and the battle at Inkopolis. I think you're more than qualified and I know you can squeeze yourself out of a drastic situation if those rebels knew something was up," said Octillia with confidence. "Seems pretty risky even for me, knowing I'm a neo-octarian soldier. I'm sure their gonna keep a close eye on me and in tentacle length. Are you so sure about this Octillia?" Maxie questioned.

"I am; though I know the risk and you putting your life on the line. That's why you'll be tasked with captain Kova," said the elite. "ARE YOU SHITTIN' ME! KOVA! I think I'd rather take my chances of getting caught by those assholes then dealing with her!" objected the sergeant.

"Then I suggest you control that temperament of yours sergeant. She and the argonauts will be gathering intel and conducting raids on the rebels covertly. This is a very secretive operation because we'll be conducting this mission in our own territory. We can't let anyone know what's going on. Our populace, government officials and even some of our own troops. This is top secret and we don't know who else is collaborating or spying for the rebels. Their could spies among us as we speak so keep a zipped lip about it even with your old teammates. We'll discuss the details further tomorrow, after the accord and remember your conduct and please don't get in a confrontation with that human during the peace accord," pleaded the lieutenant. "I'll do my best lieutenant," said Maxie.

"See that you do. I'm not covering your ass again. You're on your own," Octillia told her. "Roger that," replied the sergeant.

"Now let's head to the bar and get our mind off things," said Octillia. "Between Blake and Kova. I'm going to get hammered, you might have to drag me out of there," advised the sergeant.

"If I ain't drunk that is. I've got problems of my own sergeant," said Octillia. "Oh please, I can say I got more on my plate than you do, Lieutenant," replied Maxie.

The two of them left out of the office as they gripped one another. They shared a sisterly bond, something that Octillia and Octsana grew apart from. Maxie would do her damndest to try and contain her anger and emotions during the peace accord when she saw Blake as well as her mouth when she would start working with Kova, the arrogant captain of the commando unit, the argonauts. The night would go by as the two drank at the bar. Both drunk from Kelp ale and barnacle beer. Plastered and shit faced. They rambled on about their mishaps and problems with Maxie revealing her deep admiration for Blake then cursing him for taking the inkling's proposal.

"That son of a bitch doesn't love me (hiccup) screw him! What does that inkling have that I don't. She couldn't rescue him from a pack of wild sea snails, welding a stick. Screw that inkstain!" she stammered loudly, three sheets in the wind. "I hear ya girl. That freakin' Kova! I love to knock that little smug smile off her face. (hiccup)" the e;ite slurred as she slammed her mug down.

I propose to Blake and that hussy squid that took my man. I wish them a happy freakin' wedding. I hope she chokes on the wedding cake!" she sputtered as she held her beer mug up before falling of the bar stool. Octillia looked down and waved her hand. "You ok Maxie? How many fingers am I holding up?" Octillia slurred. Maxie squinted but her beer goggles tampered her vision. "20!" she shouted before puking. "I think you've had enough to drink, we better go," suggested the drunk elite.

"I've had enough when I say I've had enough! This is all Blake's fault! Blake! Why did you break my heart!?" she shouted as she started crying causing the patrons to look at her. Causing a scene, being able to hold her liquor better than Maxie. The lieutenant hopped off the stool as she stumbled and picked Maxie up before she shunned her away. "Leave me alone! I'm crap ain't I!? That's why Blake chose that inkling chick over me. She's got the looks the talent. He deserves better doesn't he!" ranted the drunk sergeant.

"That's not true!" argued Octillia "Yes it is! Why else would he pick her over me (coughing)?" ranted Maxie as she tried to get up.

"No more liquor! Time to go!" she demanded as she picked up the drunk sergeant. Octillia was trying to keep her wits about her. She wasn't as lightweight as Maxie was and not as drunk. Still coordinative she and the drunken sergeant shambled toward the exit. Carrying her on her arm the two got out but Maxie had to throw up again. Octillia was starting to worry that she had too much to drink and was on the verge of passing out.

Maxie then started chuckling about the situation of her and Blake. "To think I had those dreams of being together with Blake would come true. (laughing) That's what they were... freakin' dreams!" she said as tears were in her eyes. "OK Maxie, let's just get back to base before anyone sees your a mess," said Octillia trying to hold herself up.

Then finally Maxie passed out and Octillia laid her down. "Crap! She's out like a light, figures she couldn't handle it. I'm glad Meryl isn't here to see you like this... then again maybe she is," said Octillia as she pulled a small flask out. The elite took a swig and wiped her mouth. "Hair of the dogfish," she said as she looked at Maxie who was spread out on the ground, snoring. Octillia would eventually find a way to get back to base when she spotted a twintacle stumbling out of the bar toward its platform. "Hey! I need to borrow that!" ordered Octillia.

"Oh great another elite jerk!" slurred the buzzed twintacle. "I'll give you some money for it. I need for my friend over there," pointed Octillia.

"No Way! I've heard that line before. Beat it blackhead! I gotta get back to the barracks!" snapped the twintacle. "Beat it? Have it your way," she replied before punching the twintacle. BAM! and the octarian was out cold like Maxie. She drove the octo pod over toward Maxie and loaded it her on it and put the pod in neutral so she could push it back to base. "The shit I have to deal with," jeered Octillia as she pushed the platform with Maxie curled up on it.

---

It was dark and the only that could heard was heavy breathing. Then grunting from getting struck by an unknown assailant. "Had enough?" a rough mascaline voice asked. The victim with their eyes covered up coughed. "Fuck... you," they answered weakly. Then another punch was delieved to the victim, nearly knocking them out. "Pull it off!" the voice commanded. Dazed and blurry sighted until their vision cleared. The attacker stared down on their victim who had a sack covering their head. The assailant was a bald male human in their 30s. He was dressed in black military gear and stared at his victim with one brown eye and the other black with a green glowing iris. "I'm... not telling you anything Vagrant...So you might as well kill me while you got the chance," the victim said weakly as they coughed up blood.

"And make it easy for you, not a chance Deacon. This is nothing compared to what you deserve for deserting us and siding with the resistance. You were one of us Deacon, an operator and a top tier at that. I wonder how those people would feel if they knew who you really were," said Vagrant with a smug expression. "That's not me anymore, so you can make all the idle threats you want! You, the others, Irons and his pathetic army are going down. It's just a matter of time," said Deacon slowly recovering.

"Keep talking and believing that, you sorry piece of shit. By this time tommorrow the sancautary will be overrun and all your friends will be dead. Make it easy on yourself and give me the codes and I might order some of them spared. What's it going to be Deacon? You really think they're worth saving?" asked Vagrant. "Y...Yes, their people not some damn mindless puppets that Irons can control. Harm any of them and you'll be the first to go along with the other two and Irons," snapped Deacon as he glared at his captor.

Vagrant took a jab at Deacon hard enough to knock him and the chair he was tied to the floor. Yelping in pain, Vagrant stood over with his knife in Deacon's face. "You're stubborn I'll give you that, but don't think I can break your will, get him up!" commanded the one green-eyed human.

Two soldiers in military gear wearing googles propped Deacon up. Another soldier approached Vagrant had slid his goggles over his helmet. His eyes were black and green. It's skin was a sickly greenish color and its voice was static, if not robotic. "Orders," it asked Vagrant. "You and your unit move out. Find any weakpoints along the wall surrounding the sancutary then attack on my order. Search everywhere for those codes and kill everyone, got it!" shouted Vagrant. "Yes, sir," it complied in a robotic voice.

"And as for you, we're not done," said Vagrant turning toward Deacon. "Let's relocate to the camp outside the city and gather up all forces for the assualt on the city tommorrow. It's time the resistance knows what happens when you defy Irons. They'll find out what happens when you bite the hand that feeds and get this asshole loaded on the VTOL. Prepare to head out!" he commanded the zombified soldiers in the room.

A tall ruined building in the middle of what appeared to be the ruins of a large human city, parially covered with foliage, where multiple soldiers were gathering up supplies before a large VTOL aircraft dropped down in the middle of a street. At the main doors of the building was Vagrant walking out with his armed escort and Deacon being guided out behind him by the two sickly looking soldiers. They were being watched from a smaller ruined buidling just a couple of blocks away.

Two females were watching the site. One a blonde with her hair in a ponytail wearing tan cargo pants, a bandolier around her waist, a short white tank with a camo button up shirt opened and pulled over her torso aiming her sniper rifle toward the congregation of soldiers at the near distance. Another girl, shorter with short dark hair and glasses who was also wearing a white tank top but her camo shirt was tied around her waist manning a laptop inside a hardened case, controling a drone in the area. She had her SMG laid to the side as well as her ammo vest.

"There's Deacon, thank god he's alive," said the geared up female carrying a sniper rifle who was looking through her scope. "Is their anyway of saving him before they get him on that aircraft?" asked the other girl beside her.

"No. It's too risky and futile. Their's too many and I would jeopardize our position once they hear the first shot. At least we know Deacon is alive. Did you pick up on any of the conversation they had?" asked the sniper. "Yeah, the quad rotor monitored everything through a hole in the wall. Thankfully no one spotted it thanks to Gideon making it more stealthy," the girl manning the drone controlling laptop said.

"Well bring it back here before you jinx it. Then we'll head back to the sanutuary and let Marcus know about Deacon and the attack tommorrow," ordered the sniper. "You got it," said the female drone user as she directed the drone back to their position, once it landed she strapped it to her back. Seeing their job was done they made it below the building and the two of them, made their way to their dirtbikes. "Alright let's get out of here before they... SHIT!" screamed the sniper girl as gunfire struck toward her and her bike. "VALARIE!" shouted the other girl as ducked behind her bike.

"STOP THEM!" shouted a pale soldier as multiple soldiers rushed toward the girl's positions. It seemed the girls weren't only watching them but being watched themselves. The sniper picked her rifle up and took out two of the soldiers before she hopped on her bike and sped out as the other girl followed her. "BUG! Keep up and don't let them catch us! We gotta get back and warn Marcus and the town!" shouted Valarie as they reved up their bikes to get away from the soldiers. "All units converge on those two females! Don't allow them to escape!" order one soldier robotically.

The two girls were now trying to get out of the area when all of a sudden a large armored vehicle attempted to ram them from a side street, striking a ruined car and quickly turning to pursue the girls. A turret gunner popped out with a minigun and aimed it at them as they chased them down the street. The minigun winded up and shot at the two. "BUG! WE GOTTA SHAKE THEM AND FAST!" shouted the blonde frantically. "HOW!?" replied the girl with the drone.

"As big as that thing is we can outmanuver them down these streets but I'm going to try to give us some space between those assholes!" The sniper girl answered. Valarie then grabbed a frag grenade and dropped it. Unfortunetly the grenade exploded behind the armored truck and destroyed a ruined vehicle. "Shit! dropped it too soon and he's gaining! Go down an alley!" she told Bug.

The two of them quickly turned and shot down a near by alley way but so did the black MRAP truck that was pursuing them. The gunner shot the minigun at the two as they were bottlenecked down the skinny alleyway. Valarie screamed and saw the plan didn't work and as the gunner stopped firing the hostile MRAP sped up and attempted to ram Valarie but she reved up to get away. All three of them shot out of the alley and back on a car littered street. The MRAP just rammed cars out of its way causing it to slow down but the gunner opened fire again after they reloaded the weapon.

"VALARIE! NOTHING'S WORKING!" screamed Bug as the two were trying to get away from the enemy truck and avoiding gun fire. They swerved and tried to avoid the fire from the gunner and it seemed as if they were about to get away as they were getting farther and farther away from them but then Valarie lost control of her bike and crashed it. She yelped in pain as she rolled on the street as she and her bike were skidding into a ruined car. "VALARIE!" screamed Bug as she stopped her bike. The MRAP was now charging Valarie who was hurt and sat up as she grabbed her sniper rifle shooting at the driver's windshield but it was bulletproof. After 3 shots a rocket out of nowhere struck the side of the truck causing it blow up and skid toward Valarie before it stopped in front of her.

"What the..." panned Valarie. "Valarie! Valarie! Oh thank god you made it!" cheered Bug as she rushed over to check on her friend.

"Yeah but who took that truck out?" asked Valarie as she got up. "We did!" shouted a young male voice,

"Huh... Bill? Dingo?" called Valarie, not expecting to see the two young men, "I guess you two gals outta thank us for saving your asses," said Bill smuggly as he was holding an rpg. "Whatever, we had it under control," said Valarie. "Oh and getting squashed by that thing was part of your plan? Looks like you needed saving if you ask me?" said Bill snidely.

"Shut up! What are two doing out here anyway?" snapped Valarie. "I could ask you the same thing? Which also begs the question when are we going out?" asked Bill as he moved in on Valarie. "Back off Bill! I already have a guy I'm trying to see," she told him. "Who? You talking about Stone? That guy couldn't save his own ass and Marcus is always on his and his brother's case. Don't forget where those two came from Valarie," he reminded her.

"We're all in this together! I don't care if those two came from the outlands or not. Stone's I good guy. He's got a good head on his shoulders unlike you, your always stuck on yourself and an asshole at times. Stone's a much better man than you'll ever be," said Valarie. "I don't know what you see in him Valarie. He's always having to cover for that dumbass brother of his. Why don't you ditch that nobody and see a real man. All the girls are dreaming to be with me so you better take up the offer before any of them do," sneered Bill. "Oh please," scoffed Bug. "You got something to say four eyes," snapped Bill as Bug rolled her eyes.

"Why don't you get your head pulled out of your ass for starters Bill and another thing... I don't date assholes," sneered Valarie. As the group was talking and bickering a soldier stumbled out of the back hatch unknowingly and pulled out their sidearm and stumbled toward the side of the burning truck. Badly wounded he aimed the pistol at Valarie as Bug spotted him. "VAL, LOOK OUT!" Bugs alerted her. Without even turning her head, she pulled out her sidearm and shot the soldier in the head without even looking at him as he fell to the ground. "Holy shit," commented Dingo.

"Like I said... I didn't need your help Bill. Now let's get out of here before even more of those green eyes show up," commanded Valarie as she picked up her bike and checked it. It was battered but ran. She hopped on and threw her sniper rifle on it. "Hey! Admit I saved your ass!" demanded Bill. "And I saved all four of ours, so just call it even," she told him with a smirk as she sped off. "I took out the truck!" he shouted back. Ignoring him, Valarie and Bug drove off and out of sight back to Sancutary with the intel.

"Looks like she gave you the cold shoulder," said Dingo. The Bill turned and gave him a scowl. "Let's just get back to the truck before I decide to leave your ass," said Bill angrily.

"Smooth move Val, so I guess a date is off," she told her friend. "You know me Bug. An asshole doesn't cut it for my list. He has better things to worry about like getting his ass back to the village instead of dicking off out here. He might have been conquiencidence that he was there to save our butts but still I wonder why in the first place," Valarie asked herself.

"What are insincuating Val?" Bug asked her. "It's nothing, maybe Marcus had him do recon or something and the commotion got his attention. I'm thankful but I'm not letting that prick swoon over being my white knight to the rescue," Valarie told her.

It would be half an hour before the two made it back to the sancutary before it started getting dark. They approached the gates as the guards checked them. The giant steel gate opened and they were cleared to go in. They parked up and headed off toward Marcus's tent. On the way they walked through a busy market place with dwellings built by makeshift and nearby materials, somehat like a shantytown. A reminent of humanaity managed to survive behind the tall walls of what would be known as the sanctuary. The market was buselling with life. humans trading and selling supplies. Growing crops, filtering water and raising livestock. At the far end of the sancutary was the militarized zone where the resistance HQ was located. Militiamen that vowed to guard the town from a hostile invading threat known as the green eyes due to their black and green eyes and pale green skin.

Valarie and Bug headed over to the main tent where Marcus usually hung out at and entered it. "Marcus you in here!" called Valarie. After a moment a voice replied, "Yeah, I'm here! What is it you two?"

"Nice to see you too," Valarie said with sarcasm as she looked at an agitated and restless Marcus. "Look, sorry I'm in a shitty mood but right now with Deacon gone and me sending those two idiots out with the convoy to investigate the NV outpost. I have too much on my plate and worrying that an attack may happen any moment with me sparing personnel out. So this better be good," said Marcus irritated.

"Oh it is, Deacon is alive," Valarie answered."What, He is. Where did you see him?" he asked.

"10 clicks north of here but he was being relocated further north into occupied territory. Either the airport or the stadium, pressumably the stadium if were betting," she told him. "I'll see if I track him down with a team of guys tonight," Marcus replied.

"Hold up Marcus. I know he's like a brother to you but we need you here because we also overheard of an attack tommorrow. An operative by the name of Vagrant said so while he was... interrogating Deacon," said Valarie not wanting to trouble him over Deacon's torture. "(deep breath) Vagrant... Deacon mentioned him before, This isn't good. I'll inform everyone about this and have them set up defenses and battle stations before the morning gets here. I want you two to..." he started to commande them.

"Marcus... what was Deacon before he came here. He didn't feel comfortable about his past and Vagrant said something about him being... one of them. What did he mean?" she asked eith concern. "Close the tent and come closer. You two are to keep this to yourself but Deacon was an operative like Vagrant. A commander for the green eyes before but he saw what they were doing and rebeled. He lost his arm and almost his life over it. Left for dead, me and some others discovered him just outside one of their bases. If I hadn't brought him back he would've been dead. He defected and he's garnered my trust ever since," Marcus explained.

"You're just now telling me this? Why keep this a secret from everyone?" she exclaimed. "Because as I said he was an operative and people would think he could be spying for them. Then everyone would either wanna imprison him or put him to death... and I didn't want that to happen," he replied in defense.

"That's understandable but... I'm sure everyone's wondered who he really is. People were already suspecious of him when he came here. He kinda stays to himself and that already sends mixed signals. People are talking..." she said. "Talking about what? Deacon has been more than helpful for us and that's why he got captured to make sure the town stayed safe," Marcus continued to defend.

"And people are already talking about his dissappearence as fishy. Some people think he snuck off and that he's a spy for the green eyes," said Valarie. "That's not true! Deacon wouldn't do that! He told me so!" he angrily excalimed.

"I hope not neither and that Vagrant and the green skins don't kill before he gets rescued. They probably seen him as a vulnarability and are trying to get information out of him," Valarie told him. "Deacon is strong... probably the strongest person out here and he won't break. I know him," Marcus said.

Valarie and Bug paused and weren't sure what else to say. "We'll get with Gideon about the drone and what about these codes that we heard Vagrant demand Deacon hand over?" she asked him. "Codes? I don't know anything about any codes," he replied.

"Seems Deacon is keeping secrets and putting us in danger as much as I hate to admit it," Valarie commented. Marcus gave her a dirty look before he turned away. "Let's just go Val and talk to Gideon. You shouldn't pry at Marcus like this," advised Bug. "Well Marcus better understand the well being of us and the entire town. I hope he's right about Deacon or we're all screwed," Valarie told her. The two gals left the tent as Marcus brooded over Deacon and the intel gathered by Valarie and Bug.

Meanwhile, Flint, Stone, and the convoy were on their way to the NV outpost where the sanctuary lost contact with them days ago. Marcus sent them out to investigate and bring supplies to them as well. They were driving through the desert down patchwork highway. The remnants of an old interstate that cut through the desert east of the valley the ruined city sat in. "Dude, how long until we get there?" asked Flint. "Don't start bro, I'm not in the mood. I don't know why Marcus sent us out with the convoy. Oh wait, probably because he freakin' hates us!" exclaimed Stone in frustration.

"Guess that's my fault," said Flint. "What could've possibly gave you that idea?" Stone snapped back.

"Don't get pissed at me! I didn't send us out here to check on these guys," replied Flint. "You might as well have, If Marcus didn't have to stay on your ass half the time then we wouldn't get sent on jobs nobody wants to do. It's stupid hot, I'm driving this piece of shit that you never fixed like you said you would do," Stone said in irritation.

"It doesn't run that bad," said Flint as the armored muscle are back fired and sputtered. "Do we have worry that thing breaking down on is!?" called a voice on the radio. "It'll make it to the NV outpost... I hope," replied Stone as he gave Flint a scowl of irritation. "Not even half way there and the car's trying to take a dump," said Stone as drove it.

"Man I'm thirsty," muttered Flint. "How about we make a pit stop at the nearest gas station then... oh wait, THERE AREN'T ANY! deal with it Flint!" scolded Stone. "You don't have to be a dick about it. You don't think I know that. We were raised out here before we were taken in back at the city," said Flint. "Yeah something that Marcus is starting to regret," commented Stone.

"That guy can be a real asshole," Flint muttered "Well that guy still took us in even though he was skeptical about it. We need stay on our game or Marcus is eventually gonna kick us out because he feels we're dead weight so try and take this crap seriously," Stone suggested.

"Yeah, alright," said Flint. "Just sit there and shut up for the rest of the way," Stone recommended.

As time passed the convoy spotted what appeared to be an abandoned town up ahead. "Huh, what's that?" asked Flint. Just then a green sign read "Town of Bravado". "Bravado? Never heard of it but this the route we're supposed to take to get to the outpost," said Stone. "We got time to stop and look around? I mean for any supplies or salvageables?" asked Flint. "No way dude. Marcus is expecting us to get there before dark and I'm not stopping to waste my time. Besides it makes for a good ambush point for raiders, so get ready if we see any," commanded Stone.

"Got it," said Flint with disappointment. As the convoy neared the town, all of sudden they were attacked. "SHIT! We're taking fire!" shouted Stone. "Looks like cowboys and indians!" said Flint as he gripped his shotgun. "Truck 3 has been hit! We can't go on!" shouted the driver over the radio. The lead truck has taken damage too! We're barely holding on!" shouted another driver. "Protect the supplies! Me and Flint will draw their attention!" shouted Stone. "DO WHAT!" yelled Flint.

Stone jerked the gear shifter and floored it ahead of the convoy to get the attention of the attackers. "Dude slow down! I ain't seeing shit!" shouted Flint. "You don't want us to be an easy target do you!? Keep scanning!" replied Stone sternly. Just then a glimmer from a scope caught Stone's attention and the shooter almost struck Stone as the bullet went through the plated windshield. "Shit that was close! A good shot too," praised Flint. "Shut up Flint and find the shooter!" excalimed a panicking Stone.

Another shot was heard and the bullet struck one of the rear tires causing the car to flip over. Stone and Flint were battered around the cab but thankfully they were strapped in. Now laying on its roof. The two crawled out bruised and beaten from the wreck and ducked behind the flipped armored muscle car. "Get down!" warned Stone as he grabbed Flint. They watched the convoy get attacked while some of the personnel managed to get away while some were unfortunate and were shot as they couldn't spot their attackers. "Fucking Raider Bastards!" jeered an angry Flint.

"Raiders didn't do this. That was too good of a shot and raiders rush toward their prey like a pack of coyotes," informed Stone. "Then who else could've attacked us!?" Flint asked, "Green eyes," Stone answered.

'Shiiiiit... what do we do? The radio was beaten from the wreck," said Flint. "We gotta haul ass to that town for a place to hide," Stone suggested. "Out in the freakin' open, you want us to get shot?" exclaimed Flint. "You have a better plan? This isn't exactly good cover neither. It's not like the only flipped over car out here," shot back Stone before a bullet shot struck the car and the two dropped to the ground.

"I'll provide sniper cover while you rush toward the town. I'll be right behind you," Stone told his brother. "Dammit, I guess you're serious (gulp)" Flint replied with uncertainty. "Ok... GO NOW!" shouted Stone as he held up his sniper rifle for any movement. At this time Flint was only a thousand feet from the nearest building before he heard another shot with dust kicking up in front of him causing him to jump down. "Son of a..." he jeered. "Bro you still got my back? Where is that asshole!?" Flint shouted.

"I don't see anything, keep going and I'll wait for the muzzle flash," replied Stone still keeping his rifle up as he cautiously ran behind Flint at a given distance. Flint was running out of breath as he was now 500 ft from the nearest building. Another shot was fired and this time closer to his boot. "Dude take that mother out already!" shouted a desperate Flint as he kept running. "Where the hell are you?" Stone said to himself as he stayed behind Flint. Stone's brother was now 200 ft and closing on the nearest building when he was soon struck in the leg. He yelped in pain and fell down. "Damn... I'm hit!" he jeered holding his leg. "FLINT! HOLD ON!" Stone shouted. He rushed up to Flint and dragged him to a nearby Joshua tree. '"Bastard hit me," he jeered again. "Let me look at it," Stone told him. "It went through, take your bandana and wrap the wound until we get to better cover," advised Stone. Wrapping his wound and Stone lining a shot toward the shooter's direction. He finally spotted a figure in a concealment cloak, blending in with the desert environment. "There you are," said Stone before pulling the trigger.

BOW! "Shit I missed!" shouted Stone angrily. "He ducked down as I took the shot, At least I know where they're at," Stone continued as he sat against the tree. "So you didn't get him!" said Flint disappointed. "Alright let's keep moving toward the town. I know your injured dude but we can't stay here. On my mark we run like hell toward that gas station!" Stone told him. "No freakin' way. You go!" Flint protested. "I'm not leaving your ass, now let's go!" Stone snapped. "Dammit!" Flint sputtered before groaning.

Flint hobbled as fast as he could as Stone caught up with him and at the same time watching for the enemy sniper. He grabbed Flint to assist him toward the gas station as another shot was heard. "Almost there! Keep going!" shouted Stone. Now just 100 ft the two rushed toward the station before they were hit. Another shot rang out and then another followed. Now 50 ft and as they closed in on the station they just hopped. through the window as a third shot struck the building, narrowly missing the two. Panting and recollecting themselves. They were thankful to reach the town. "Dude (panting) That was too damn close (panting)," said Flint catching his breath. "We wouldn't have made if we stayed out there. It was risky but we're alive. Now to stay in hiding and try to find any survivors," said Stone as he stood up.

Scanning the rooms and keeping their guards up. The gas station was clear and Flint was overjoyed to find some food but heartbroken once he saw it was well expired. Over 2000 years past its expiration date. "Alright now to see if the coast is clear," said Stone. He peeked out the door and saw that the town looked clear so far but looks could be deceiving. The two cautiously left the station and scanned their surroundings as they kept their weapons up for threats. Not a soul was seen and the two humans made their way toward a general store hoping to find supplies and a first aid for Flint's leg.

They grabbed what supplies were useful and Flint treated his leg. It appeared that someone had stayed their before. Some of the stuff inside wasn't all that old. Water cans, MRES, toiletries, and other things were setup. The door to the second floor was locked and Stone busted the window out to turn the deadbolt. The two of them headed up and reached the door at the end of the stairs. Stone slowly turned the knob with his sidearm pointed in front. He scanned the room and it appeared safe. They spotted a ham radio and more supplies including ammo and few more guns. It was definitely being occupied at one time but where was the resident they wondered.

"Well the radio is broken, that's a big help," said Stone before examining it. 'What are green eyes doing out here? We're too far east for them to be in," said Stone. "Not sure unless their spreading out and if that's the case that maybe the reason why we lost contact with Las Vegas," replied Stone. "I hope not. If their spreading out then we can kiss our fallback plan goodbye and the people of sanctuary will have no escape. They can't go south either," said a concerned Flint.

"I think they were just scouts. Maybe they haven't occupied this territory yet but we can't let them head back either and give them a reason to move east toward the outlands," said Stone. "What do you expect the two of us do? I'm wounded and we'reoutgunned. I prefer not to turn Bravado into OK coral," said Flint.

"I'm not saying we should but if they know we made it inside then their gonna go searching for us. We gotta formulate a plan or outsmart them somehow. Turn the whole town into a big mouse trap for those green-eyed assholes," said Stone. "Good luck with that, let me know how it turns out," replied a spineless Flint.

"You're a big help Flint," said Stone with disproval. "I'm a realist and a survivalist. Sorry bro but I wanna stay alive as long as I can," he told his brother. "We ain't gonna survive if we just hide. We're gonna get found eventually dude," Stone said.

The two hunkered down as night fell over the town. Figures in military gear wearing goggles entered the town as they scanned their surroundings. The commander pulled his goggles off revealing his glowing green eyes and haunting expression. "Search the buildings! I know those two survived as well as some of the convoy personnel," they said with a static voice. Like the soldiers that attacked Valarie and Bug back at the city ruins. The soldiers were dressed in combat gear with pale skin and black and green glowing eyes. Their voices were static and inhuman. They searched the town for any of the survivors from their ambush as their commander ordered.

Inside the general store, Flint and Stone were fast asleep but some noises downstairs woke the serious brother up. Stone listened and knew someone had come into the store. He could hear broken glass being stepped on and knew whoever it was were making their way up to the room they were resting in. Stone shrugged his brother Flint to wake up. "Huh what's going..." muttered Flint as his mouth was covered. "Shsssh... we got unwelcomed company. We need to get out of sight and get the jump on them," Stone warned him.

Footsteps could be heard coming up. Flint laid under the old bed and Stone stood inside the closet with the door cracked. The knob turned and in walked one of the pale soldiers with their assault rifle scanning the room. They studied the ham radio and then looked around. Flint was under the bed clutching his knife as well as Flint holding on to his sidearm. Walking around the bed the soldier was growling, knowing that it was being occupied. They approached the closet as Stone's heart was racing as he clicked the safety on his pistol. Holding it's rifle up and about to discover his brother. Flint thrusted his knife into the soldiers leg as it let out a static growl then Stone threw the door open and swung his sniper rifle against the wounded creature.

It fell back toward the wall, when it recovered it picked up it's rifle. Stone grabbed the gun and the two struggled as it snarled at the human. Stone punched it in the jaw and it dropped the gun. Holding it's face and glaring back at Stone with it's green glowing souless eyes. Flint came up from behind and grabbed the soldier by the neck as it snarled and Stone punched the soldier in the face again. "Go down you bastard!" shouted Flint still holding the soldier before it bashed Flint against the wall. Now turning it's attention to Stone, pouncing on him and strangling him as it smiled at the human.

Flint was dazed and rubbed his head, trying to recuperate from being pushed against the wall. As Stone was being choked he pulled out his hunting knife and drove it against the soldier's neck, finishing him for good as greenish blood poured out. It's eyes rolled back and it's grip loosened from Stone's neck and fell over him. "Stone! You ok bro!" exclaimed Flint as he came over and pulled the slain soldier off him. Stone coughed and rubbed his neck before Flint helped him up.

"Dude I though you were a goner for sure, sorry bastard," said Flint angrily seeing the creature almost kill his brother. "Yeah (cough) still here. I think we should take turns going to sleep until morning," suggested Stone. Flint nodded and then looked at the dead man. "What exactly are thses things?" asked Flint.

"Human or used to be, not so sure anymore though," replied Stone as he examined the body. "I hate those creepy green eyes of theirs, what the hell happened to them?" Flint wondered. Upon examination a patch on the creature's uniform, located on it's shoulder had a logo on it with the word Kamabo. "Kamabo?" replied Flint.

"Don't know? All I can recall is Deacon having a pacth like that when he was found. He chunked it before he was brought back to the town," said Stone. "I'm not liking this dude, not at all," said Flint.

"Let's not worry about it, just help me move and cover the body up. One of us should stay downstairs and keep watch while the other get some rest up here. We'll take turns. I'll do first shift. Now help me get the body downstairs," said Flint as he picked the soldier up. "I hope this dude is really dead, the horror stories I've heard about the green eyes... I just hope their stories," said Flint. The two of them packed the dead soldier downstairs and hid him. Afterward Stone sat vigilant on the first floor with the creature's assault rifle while Flint went to sleep upstairs. The two would take shifts and stay on guard until the sun rose the next morning in the abandoned town.