Team Squidcom are gathered together for their departure to Squirabia like planned with everyone having their bags packed for the week ahead, though the choice of flight was vastly different from what they planned. In addition to gaining new party members in Marigold and Canary who bugged their brother to tag along, they were joined by Bianca per Sally's request. Also joining were musical superstars Hatsunika Mika and Leor, who offered to fly them aboard their private jet instead. That early morning of departure, Mika called Sally hoping for a thrilling response and instead to her dismay got a sleepy yawn followed by the call dropping immediately; several unsuccessful follow up calls were made that ended in the pop star crying salty tears in the corner of the cabin before take-off. Aboard the silver and teal jet, they were greeted by personal flight attendants and treated to sit wherever they like, offered an array of options for breakfast and television with comfortable seating. Once the plane took off, everyone got situated and prepared for the long flight. When Mika picked her seat, she was met by Marigold and Canary who were still starstruck at becoming her friend, and quickly the trio began having a conversation about a variety of topics. Across from them sat Reice, who was in a rare state of tranquility with his seat reclined and his feet kicked up with headphones covering his ears, humming the melodies of the songs blasted. Behind him were Bianca and Kosami who quickly found a conversation about the latest news in Inkopolis. Behind Hatsunika Mika and the Galloway sisters sat Azule and Jory, who were discussing what to eat once they landed in Squirabia in hopes to try some of the native cuisines. Violet sat behind the duo and couldn't help but chuckle with Fuchsia at how childlike the pair seemed as they rambled on about food. At the back of the jet sat Leor at a bar relaxing and overlooking the others. Even though she simply tagged along to visit Squirabia along with her buddy Mika, she couldn't help but smile at the pure happiness in the jet, much like the flight attendants who enjoyed seeing them enjoy the surreal experience. A flight that would take them to the far west of the continent, they would soon find themselves flying over dozens of smaller countries and see for themselves that they were only just a small drop in a very large ocean, though they were only seeing patches of green and plenty of yellow at this point. After some few hours passed, the buzzing life on the plane went quiet as Marigold and Canary fell asleep in Mika's lap-she too asleep. Violet was reading her book but couldn't help but give an occasional glance to the sleeping Fuchsia next to her who had her head facing the window after having her attention glued there the entire flight. Reice and Kosami were also asleep, but there were a trio sitting at the bar talking with the bartender that the sleep bug hadn't bitten yet.
"Wow, I can't imagine the stress you endure while performing in front of so many people!" Jory marveled proceeding to take a gulp of his soda that was a mix of two different sodas along with a fruit juice and fruits in the drink as well.
Leor chuckled at Jory's innocence, "It wasn't that bad. You get used to it. Besides, I think what you and your team have to do is even scarier. You don't just play to entertain people, but you carry their hopes and wishes in your performance. You're an extension of that support and I find that way more impressive."
Jory blushed heavily and denied her comment with his reason being it to be quite unfair for a famous musician to give him a compliment, which made Leor laugh at his sincerity. Sitting next to them was Azule, who looked deep in thought about what the next week meant for him as the date for rapture approached. Much like Fuchsia and Violet, Azule had a lot on his mind after learning what to expect. With two of his teammates directly involved in this operation, he couldn't help but feel some concern for their safety as a captain and a friend. Regardless, he made it obvious that something was on his mind because the chat between Leor and Jory ceased once they turned to him to have him join in, only to be met by his silence.
Jory's tapping his shoulder, "Heeeeey, earth to Azule. You there? Leor was asking you something!"
"Huh? Oh-sorry. What did you ask?"
Leor gave a worried look, "Forget that. You look like your mind is somewhere else, care to talk about it?"
Azule shook his head in a flustered motion realizing that he was too obvious, "I appreciate it but I'm fine."
Jory elbows him, "You're a terrible liar! Obviously something is up." he whispered; "Even if you weren't paying attention to our conversation, know that Leor is super cool and understanding. If anything is up, you can talk to her!"
Leor smiles with a chuckle able to hear everything Jory is whispering, "No need to share if you don't want to."
After being so respectful of the duo, Azule had to admit to Jory that he felt a little guilty about dodging her. With a twinkle in his gaze, both Azule and Jory awaited her response once they asked her about her experiences in Squirabia; Leor giggled at them and went along with it. As a seasoned traveler, it was difficult to not share her experiences of visiting foreign locations and immersing in their cultures. Without a moment to spare, Leor delved into the life of Squirabia, marking down the places she visited, the food she ate, and the overall atmosphere of being in such an environment. She talked about the sparkling sand that resemble grains of gold, sizzling heat that made your lungs feel comfy after a cooling breeze followed, the smell of the food in local markets so appetizing for the eye that a single bite would put anyone out of commission with its delicate taste. A place desired by many, the true beauty of the country lay in its futuristic architecture coexisting with its traditional environment. From frequenting Local bazaars to visiting old ruins out in the desert, there was plenty to do in the great nation of Squirabia, and even more wonderful people to meet. It brought joy to her face watching the two of them starry eyed from listening to her adventures as she talked about the wild parties she had with some of the princes and princesses from royal families, even joking that one time a prince asked for her hand in marriage after one of her performances to traversing the desert at night with only the stars as her guide. The conversation goes on for a while as Leor tries her best to recall 1001 tales from her nights visiting Squirabia, seeking to entertain them with her most memorable adventures.
Violet lounges comfortably in her seat with her arm supporting her head for rest while the other is occupied holding up a book for her to read without adjusting her view too much. Fluffy cushions and soft fabric made it difficult for her to keep her focus on the book, finding it easy to doze off and fall asleep in the arms of the clouds she rode at thousands above altitude. The only way to keep awake was through thinking-the book only serving as a distraction as her mind focused on the upcoming event. With rapture and rebirth confirmed for action, she felt some anxiety about the situation now that assignments had been given: she'll be part of the unit participating in Ravia alongside several other members including Azule, his parents, and her even her father and uncle. Worried about the outcome, she also worried about how Squidcom might feel once they depart. Would they hate her and Azule? Would they want to come along? She didn't want them to be harm's way after what happened in Osamu with Cobalt. The worried sniper soon changed her view from the book to her slumbering partner in crime, impressed at how deep asleep her octoling pal fell. From her tan complexion that carried a gloss like a sparkling caramel that drove home her royalty as an octarian, to her adorable position of sleeping with her hands as her pillow with her feet on the seat almost in a fetal position, Violet saw that Fuchsia was more than enough of a reason for her to fight against these enemies if it meant she could protect her; She narrows her eyes watching her friend peacefully sleep beside her. You're an invaluable friend. She thought in allusion to past events, willing to lend a hand to help her in any forms, even extending her kindness to become part of her family. She smiles softly like an older sister would towards their kid sibling, only imagining how happy life would be if they were probably born under different circumstances, although she knew life probably wouldn't be the same and instead found gratification in destiny allowing them to become friends. Fuzzy feelings all around about the octoling princess are cut short-Violet's warmth soon is locked up once again-Fuchsia's starting to squirm.
"...Hrm~?" she hums with a cat face, slowly opening her eyes with a tiny yawn.
"Ah, you're up." Violet said a low whisper as Fuchsia awoke from her lengthy nap.
Fuchsia rubs her eyes, "Was I out?"
"Like a log." she said plainly, though her face muscles showed a hint of a little smirk.
"I can't help it, I get sleepy whenever I board a plane. I feel like I'm a cloud floating through the air."
Violet's soft smile matches her tone, "You looked so peaceful that I must admit I could see where your royalty shows. You look elegant in your sleep."
Fuchsia's cheeks redden, "D-don't watch me sleep!"
"Why not, you're easy on the eyes. Besides, watching you sleep is a little therapeutic." she said repositioning herself in the seat, preferring to abandon the lazy posture-snickering a little as her friend blushes.
"Really?"
Violet nods, "Yeah, to let go of all the weight burdened on your shoulders and take a rest, to feel as light as a cloud when you close your eyelids and drown out the surrounding distractions. It must feel nice."
Fuchsia looks down at her friend's lap and observed she had her hands folded, which she only did whenever she was nervous or had something on her mind that left her feeling unsettled. Violet must have felt an extreme sort of anxiety and probably didn't know how to calm herself-of course seeing her would put her mind at ease. "Tell me what's up." Fuchsia said with insistence, grabbing her forearm with a gleam in her eyes.
"Huh? Nothing is up." Violet said, slowly wrestling her hand off her forearm with a disturbed look.
"I can tell you're keeping something from me." she narrowed her eyes, hoping to intimidate her into submission.
"What makes you think that." Violet responded doubling down her defense.
"Royal intuition."
"But-"
"I know you well enough to tell that you're not the best at lying."
"-And what makes you think I'm lying?"
"You want to share it but for some reason you won't tell. It must be something major if it makes your heart weigh heavy with guilt like an anvil." Violet didn't know how to respond to that, but Fuchsia wasn't looking for one; "Come on! You can trust me-we're practically sisters!"
Violet appreciates the sentiment but still, "...I really can't tell you."
"Why not?" Fuchsia slumped, hoping the kind words would drop her guard.
"It might put you in danger!" Violet hinted, affected to some degree by Fuchsia's attempts.
"Danger, huh? You do know I can fight, right?"
"Yeah, but-"
"No need to feel so protective of me. I already have an older sister who does an excellent job of that…" she said in an aside; "But if you-of all people-are worrying about my safety, then of course I'm going to be suspicious." Violet couldn't utter a response, so Fuchsia took the chance to bait her yet again; "Ah, I think I finally understand what my sister was insinuating when she mentioned that plan the other day."
"Your sister? What did she tell you?" Violet's reaction was just what she expected-indeed she was hiding something, and it seemed to involve shiva too.
"I'll only talk if you tell me what's on your mind."
"You're persistent." she sighed.
"It comes with the territory when you're royalty. Now, why the reaction at my sister-"
"I was just surprised she called you, that's all."
"Why? You've never-"
"Are you excited for Squirabia?" Violet said hoping to change the subject, knowing that the longer this continues the more likely an argument would occur-last thing needed on a plane ride; Fuchsia backs down noticing the obvious move by Violet and instead plays along. She also felt like her head was swelling with agitation and figured it would be better to put that discussion on the back burner for now. The life in the cabinet returns shortly after as the trio in back interact with others sitting in the front. Flying high in the afternoon sky, everyone on board takes a peek out their window to catch of glimpse of the vast atmosphere above and the altering terrain below. For some, it was a peaceful observation that calmed their nerves of the worries of rapture and rebirth, while for others it was an eye-opening sensation that widened their scope of the world with the realization that there was a world to explore, and that the country they lived in was only a small piece in it.
The echoes of heels marching down the corridor gives off the same chill as the air conditioning creating goosebumps on the skins of the guards that accompanied her highness. On her way to an important meeting that involves the other leaders of the alliance, Queen Candice Octavio walks with a strut in her step-next to her walking with some nervousness was her loyal assistant Charles, who was concerned about several issues that arrived at the top of the morning; some involved the guests they were on their way to meet. Her shiny golden hoop earrings sway as her glittering black dress struggles to contain her majestic aura of a ruler. To her loyal subjects, she was less royalty and closer to divinity. From her dark tan complexion to her sly grin, her beady eyes looked as ravenous as a predator about to devour their prey; if things went her way, her dream would be realized, and even more thanks to the strength of her already powerful alliance receiving an expansion in allies. Charles leans in with a whisper as the only person allowed to be near her while the other guards were to keep a considerable distance in protecting her.
"I received word from Weiden and Anzi that the other royal guards are gathered on the premises. None of the resistance members will pose a threat for the meetings scheduled this week."
"I heard that the resistance has Hatu, is that true? Has he finally resurfaced?"
Charles didn't look ecstatic to confirm that the former royal guardsman now boasted a rank among the enemies looking to thwart her majesty's plans, "Yes. One of the royal guardsmen confirmed the ongoing rumors that ex-member Hatu is indeed among them. There are rumors floating that he resides outside the metropolitan area-though just rumors since no one in the city dares to leave the city."
Candice's smug expression swiftly altered to a spiteful glare as she stared at him from the side with vicious glint, "He'll be coming after me, no doubt. He-along with those pesky rebels should be dealt with!"
"He wouldn't be so foolish to attack you, my queen. We know everything about him to a fault."
The queen smirks, "You have a point. Very well, I'll handle that matter later. What else is there?"
Charles expresses his concerns about the meeting the pair are on their way to attend. Ever since the numbers of allies grew who were on board with the Octoling's plans to start another war against Inkopolis-one that'd have the octos have a commanding force unlike the previous time where their only strength was found in their superior technology, Charles couldn't help but get the frightening sensation that something would go awry. For starters, Octaria aligned themselves with Squirabia and Mollusca-two powerful adversaries of Inkopolis, as well as teaming up with a shinobi clan who were known for picking the highest bidder for service, and then there was the cyber terrorist organization that wasn't very well experienced in these affairs. Now, some of the other nations in alliance with their allies were interested in teaming up.
"According to who will be attending today, I'm really concerned about one guest."
"And who would that be?"
"The Sanys."
"Oooooh!" the queen's voice teased; "Sanyrier women are as elegant as they are exotic, their honey-like complexion is as alluring as the gold they possess in turn with the rich silk and gems. Their history and unique culture is one of the biggest reasons they've come such a long way in their foreign policy. I wonder what it is you could have against them?"
"Your highness…"
"What's wrong? You're aware that the Pharaohs of Sanyrier are believed to be divinity, you're not worried about incurring their wrath-are you?"
Charles shakes his head, "My apologies…"
Candice didn't feel satisfied with his answer, but time wasn't on their side as they approach their destination. The reason the conversation ever reached this point stemmed from suspicion Charles had of their newest allies, who seemingly joined quite recently compared to their staple allies who stood with them from the beginning. He found it strange that up until recently, Sanyrier and Squirabia had been at odds on several issues, but now an alliance formed as Squirabia staked their hold in supporting Octaria, as if someone had given away the secrets of the undercover partnership. Queen Candice didn't have a reason to suspect them since she only saw this as another reliable ally to help their cause. As they arrive at two large doors as imposing as the queen, she looks over to Charles with a side-eye glance that narrowed like her emotions. "We have the most advanced technology on the continent, and soon we'll have the world in our hands. Trust me, a mole won't bring down this empire." she said as the pillar-like doors creak open with the aforementioned guards Weiden and Anzi welcoming them with some of the continent's most powerful leaders gathered in the room sitting at the table with hands folded and arms crossed, waiting patiently to begin a week long discussion on their plans for attacking Inkopolis. The suffocating tension in the room hits the queen like a gust of wind, but regardless she welcomes her guests with a wholehearted smile, ecstatic to see some new faces at the table such as Pharaoh Nefertina and her trusted partner Handan who served as an ambassador for diplomatic relations between Sanyrier and Inkopolis, as well as returning faces like Tzar Tez Nikolai of Mollusca, Sultan Ruhtab of Squirabia, and Han Hayama of the Hayama clan from Ikayumu; also present at the table were four monitors to display the hidden identities of Ixia, who would join them via satellite connection rather than in person. The elegant queen takes a seat at the head of the table with Charles and her guards standing behind her, seemingly looking down at the rest of the table, which made the prideful Tzar at Mollusca tense up-only to be calmed down by his men accompanying him. Nefertina found humor in how tense the atmosphere was and joked if negotiations and meetings were always like this, to which the queen entertained her question. After formalities were exchanged, the meeting started with the introduction of Sanyrier as well as their reason for taking a seat alongside a former rival turned ally in Squirabia. For years there were disputes over land: As Squirabia continued expansion they were creeping into the turf of Sanyrier, turf considered to be sacred for its neutrality and meaning for both of the nation's cultures. Where Sanyrier wanted to settle for complacency and avoid conflict, their neighbors sought for an empire to rival the massive Mollusca of the north and the powerhouse Inkopolis to the east. After years of quarrels and brief conflicts, the nations reached an uncanny alliance under the leadership of their two young leaders: Sultan Ruhtab who took the throne at the age of 29, and Pharaoh Nefertina who took command at the age of 24.
"After her excellency had a long discussion with the Sultan, an agreement was reached that any foreign conflicts to involve would have our support." Handan's serious tone having a presence in the room as everyone kept silent and showed their respect; Nefertina had a smug grin the entire time knowing she could trust her to do the speaking with such an audience. "In addition, when we learned of the target being Inkopolis, we felt it right to join. With my connection to them, I can obtain information with ease. I have built a strong friendship with plenty of the higher ups. To leak any information should prove helpful, no?"
Candice smirked, "What if we already have what we need? What else do you have to offer?"
Handan paused for a moment-caught off guard by the queen's statement, but luckily the Pharaoh knew what Candice was up to and quickly assumed control from her friend by redirecting the question at Candice by bringing up her cause for the attack. From what Nefertina knew and assessed, this operation was nothing more than revenge for previous failures under the guise that it's for the sake of freedom for the octarians to allow them to live on the surface world as equals. She was aware of the low fertility rate thanks to the vicious arrangements by the Inkopolis government's attempts to kill off their population, and the sticky history surrounding how such a ludicrous deal could ever occur. She made a guess that the actions from that time must be haunting Candice now as she's desperately trying to take down the source and bury whatever history was there to never be found again by using the common interest of other powers wanting to take down Inkopolis as a ploy to their means. After getting Candice and her comrades to sweat a bit with her remarks, she dismisses it by claiming she loves to read novels and lately she's begun to enjoy making wild deductions. Little did Candice ever know that Nefertina was one of the brightest rulers to ever live, and surely her deductions weren't without any basis. The Pharaoh knew something. Even if she was just a little bit off, she lurked very close to the dark secrets that Candice had tried to her damnedest to keep from reaching the surface; the reason behind why Octaria was underground wasn't what anyone thought. In fact, only a few knew the true reason behind Octaria staying underground, Inkopolis taking so much from them without any repercussions, and the seemingly nonexistence of any coverage from the rest of the world, who seemed to sweep it under the rug. Indeed, the other leaders at the table were shocked by Nefertina's statement including Ruhtab, who wasn't even born yet and only vaguely knew of the historic rivalry between the two oldest nations on the continent. As the meeting continues, Handan notices there are a few gnats flying around in the room, to which Candice apologizes for the inconvenience and that the temperature in the room combined the concerning pollution she was working to eliminate would indeed cause a few little bugs to somehow infiltrate the building, though Handan found it strange that none showed up until now and after taking a hard look as one that stood still on the table before flying for her face, and clapping it between her hands and feeling a jolt.
Meanwhile in a village on the outskirts of Octaria's main city, Pastelle is following behind Hatu as he patrols the nearby area on the foot of Octaria where bandits and other enemies could be found trying to terrorize passerby's. Patrols are awkward since Hatu never muttered a single syllable and simply communicated exclusively off of facial expressions and his subordinates doing the talking. Around that same time Sky was also on watch with Veronica, which was also a difficult situation since she-too preferred to say less with her reasoning being more harsh than Hatu who simply didn't like talking. The pair were following their duties after joining the resistance to help them bring down Queen Candice, and around this time, all of the 8 legs were at work: Faye and Sigmund were keeping watch at the hideout like assigned, Denise and Felix were working on perfecting armor and tech as well as remedies for the upcoming battle, and Porter was keeping watch nearby the palace in wait for Agent 8's infiltration, also keeping observation on the meeting occurring. Right now, Agent 8's being briefed on her instruction by Captain Jonah and DJ Octavio, who wanted her to hold off the infiltration until after the meetings are done. Even if it felt like an opportune time to pounce with most of the security's attention focused on the special guests attending a meeting in the palace with the queen, Jonah and DJ Octavio were careful about how to execute the plan since they would only have one chance to infiltrate. They knew the queen had to be aware of them by this point, but they couldn't allow their cards to be read. They were sure that if she went now, she'd likely run into a royal guard-the least desirable situation. After all, the plan of the infiltration was to gather as much information on the weapons planned to be used as well as the quantity so that they could make defensive preparations.
"Am I still doing this alone?" she said after being informed that Porter on watch detected an innumerable count of guards securing the palace along with what looked like foreign officials.
"After careful consideration, we do think it's a better idea to have a backup member support you. Captain Jonah believes the second leg, Abraham could prove helpful."
"He's our most skilled member with an arsenal. His knowledge should prove useful in navigating around the palace since he's been there a few times."
"Former guard?"
"Don't worry about it. The point is that he'll accompany you and help place the wiretaps and detonations. At the end of the day we're still relying on you to get the most important details of information, but at least you don't have to carry the workload alone."
"I'd rather do it alone if it assures I'll be the only one responsible for anything going wrong."
"Rest assured, Abraham is a capable choice for this mission. All of the 8 Legs are."
Agent 8 frowns while folding her arms, unappreciative of the extra help. Around that time, the meeting in the Octarian palace was kicking off. Porter sat from a building near the palace with his gaze piercing on the palace, his binoculars scanning in both directions for a measure of the security; He felt that as soon as the expected guests made their exit, they should attack with everything they had and get the jump on the queen before she mobilized instead of going through with an infiltration plan. Unfortunately, he had to follow the captain's orders, though he felt it was a folly of a decision. At that moment, Queen Candice was making moves of her own dictating the plan and explaining the overview of what each meeting of the week meant. BY the end of the week, all plans should be carried out thoroughly and by the second day of the Ravia conference, Inkopolis should have fallen. Talks were fluid thanks to her friendly tone as she sold the idea of what everyone had to gain from the alliance and what little there was to lose thanks to the might of what Octaria had in storage. Whenever approached about seeing what power Octaria, Candice simply promised that on the day of reckoning, all will see and acknowledge Octaria as the world power they should be. She also made a shocking announcement to conclude the first day of meetings: She won't be attending the Ravia conference this year-instead her two daughters will as an insurance that she will be on board with this plan completely. She will oversee command of the attack on that fateful opening day of the Ravia Conference.
