Fluttering tents dance in the sandy wind, indistinct chatter ranging from shady salesmen to honest workers crowd the bustling streets of a local marketplace known as a Bazaar in the land of Squirabia. Myriads of colors clash from the assorted accessories showcased on stands to the sellers trying their best to garner attention from those passing by. Together as a group for a "Field trip" on her recommendation after being pressured by her grandparents to take her friends out for a tour of the town, Sally dragged everyone along to do some shopping. Along the way she teased that they would explore a nearby cave as a conclusion on the day, much to several opposed pleas to avoid such a location. At the bazaar, everyone took the chance to do some exploring and even buy a few souvenirs along the way; luckily for Leor and Hatsunika Mika, the people of Squirabia didn't make a fuss about celebrities in their presence which made it easier for them to walk around freely and just be another tourist enjoying their stay. Mika wanted to surprise Sally with a gift and ran off with Leor-even recruiting the help of Marigold and Canary. Azule went along on his own to find any souvenirs to bring home for his siblings and parents-preferring to savor the moment of picking out items for them on his own since it was the first time he'd be able to get something for everyone. Reice, Jory, Kosami, and Bianca were joined by Sally in having a grand tour of the place after Fuchsia and Violet decided to do some exploring on their own. The group marched around following a proud Sally who finally got to show them some of the fun things that could be found just by visiting the marketplace: the unique personalities selling their products in the most flamboyant methods, the nice people who gave free samples, and the adorable children running through the market playing around while their parents worked hard to make a penny for them. Through Sally's eyes, this was the heart of what she wanted in her life. An environment rich in harmony rather than wealth where the bonds of family and friendship trump the coin instead. During the walk, they make constant stops as Kosami and Jory stop at nearly every stall browsing goods all while Sally gave a description of each area, Bianca did her best to learn more about Reice's upbringing and how his grandparents came to live in Squirabia, to which Sally jumped in and answered. After their retirement thanks to the bank made from the Walleye name in multiple properties from the stock market to construction, the Walleyes dipped their toes in everything and as a result found success in similar fashion. Sally's grandfather decided to settle down and retire in Squirabia since the country had a familiarity to Inkopolis but still offered a different lifestyle from what they knew over in the far east. Intrigued by the origins of the relocation to Squirabia, Bianca shifted her attention from Reice to Sally and instead took to learning from her, much to Reice's dismay as the lost in attention meant he'd once again be ignored.

The smell of pastries from a street vendor who made fresh desserts, the alluring smell of the sweet dough draws in its first catch in Fuchsia, who couldn't resist the temptation of the aroma-interested by the smell, she was quickly reeled in by some of the finished delights on display. Between the little cakes and native delights, she couldn't decide as she felt her sweet tooth jolt in her mouth triggering her drooling expression. Embarrassed at her friend's sudden appearance, Violet quickly dragged her away before she could make a purchase. The pair go on to explore the different shops and browse some of the goods being showcased, mostly admiring the foreign environment. After some lengthy walking and the rotation of conversation topics reaching a loop, they decide to take a break and have a seat at a bench. As the two catch their breath and watch the many people pass by minding their own business, Fuchsia notices the opportunity to pick up where they left off on the plane ride. Fuchsia loosened her shoulder by swinging her arm and giving a loud groan, trying to catch Violet's attention as she stares blankly ahead.

"I'm guessing there is more to this than simply doing shopping." Violet said closing her eyes to hear Fuchsia out, catching her cue from the unusual groan. She knew Fuchsia didn't separate them from the rest for nothing and that this walk was nothing more than her elaborate attempt to have her spill her thoughts. It had to be about that since she had enough awareness isolate them so the others wouldn't pick up what's going on, especially given their strong loyalty and willingness to throw caution to the wind.

Fuchsia's eyes grow cold and distant as she casts her sights to tiled ground below, "I've thought about it every night since we got here. What's going on, Violet? Why won't you tell me?"

Violet's silence wasn't enough to quell her curiosity any longer, "Why are you so persistent on this?"

"We've been through so much as is!" she whispered, trying not to generate any attention to them.

Violet's eyes wander around to make sure no one was listening in on them, "Just take my word, okay?" she said unfolding her arms.

"No." Fuchsia pouted with puffed cheeks crossing her arms, refusing to budge on the situation.

Violet clicked her tongue like an aggravated senior would, "Honestly, why do you choose now of all times to show this side?"

"It's thanks to your secrecy. I thought we learned our lesson back in Ikayumu that keeping secrets can have consequences…" she said in reference to what went down in the Tokugawa selection that saw the nationally televised event get interrupted by some high school students and grown ups alike storming the stadium and interfering in the fights-where several dangerous battles occurred and for Squidcom, their beloved Tangie paid the big sacrifice of losing her arm; all because Cobalt wasn't willing to tell anyone about his participation in the terrible event. A traumatic experience for battle and non-battle members alike within Squidcom, the last thing any of them wanted to do was relive another day like that, especially if it involved the entire crew like then, where they all naively joined Tangie and Azule in trying to rescue Cobalt. Even if she didn't know what Violet was hiding, Fuchsia's instincts told her that it was enough for her to try and keep hidden from even her best friend, then it must be something so grim that the most composed member of the group couldn't allow its contents to be heard. Recalling the trials she's experienced along the way as a child up to this point, she gives a sigh and sharpens her sense-her gave as sharp as the air around her matches her patient yet intense aura, "You remember Beacon Hills, don't you?" she said in a somewhat commanding tone almost hiding her face with her downward gaze.

"How could I forget...you gave us your support through that chaos. I'm forever grateful for you being there."

"...Then you can trust me. I've been with you every step of the way and will continue to do so."

Unable to keep up the defense, she folds. If there is anyone she can trust to protect themselves at all costs, it'd be Fuchsia. Violet gives an irritated sigh once she meets the octoling's serious gaze, "Your sister contacted you, correct? It was all probably about what I'll be a part of."

"She more or less tipped me off that I'll be involved. I've got to be prepared to fight is what she implied. I'm curious what she's withholding from me."

"Looks like it isn't my place to fill you in, then."

Fuchsia's pouty face returned, "I consider you my sister, so it is your place."

Violet's eyes went dull and hollow in disbelief at how persistent the octoling could get-internally screaming, "I hate the idea of letting you fight, but I can't deny that in melee combat you're probably the only one other than Tangie that's on par with Azule...Fine, I'll tell you everything. But please be careful!"

"Don't worry I won't become a berserker or something!"

With that, Violet explained everything she knew in relation to Ravia and the plans known as project Rapture and Rebirth, giving details about the other sites involved and why Shiva is linked to the operation. The horror written on her friend's face when she learned everything was enough to send chills through Violet's body, witnessing the definition of despair as Fuchsia shivered slightly at the thought of the potential carnage about to unfold in not one, but three different locations scattered across the continent and even underground. Violet also included Azule and what he'd be doing, informing Fuchsia that Azule and his family were part of the operation and were scattered in different locations; Azule's expected post is to sneak in as a security guard and imitate them, citing that his raw strength and skills in general allow him to get the slip in. In addition, she also revealed that she'll be posted on sniper duty and keep watch from the outside whereas Azule would roam the halls. If Fuchsia was to join their operation, most likely she'd be on watch from the inside to cover three layers.

"You suspect an attack at the conference by an unknown enemy, so you're worried about me getting caught in the crossfire…"

"Fuchsia, you're too important of a friend for me to risk losing."

"What about Azule? His life will be on the line, too-so will yours!"

Violet gently grabs her hand, "We're different, Fuchsia. It won't matter if some son of a war hero or a mob boss' daughter kicks the bucket. If the princess of a nation falls, think of the masses of those who believe in you. They'll be devastated."

"I'll be devastated to live in a world without either of you!" the perturbed Fuchsia scoffs, nearly clenching her fists at the thought that her friend would think so shallow of her self worth.

Violet's hollow gaze receives light in the form of Fuchsia's concern, able to see once again as her emotional expression showed a combination of anger and worry. Shrugging off her worries, Violet simply warned her to follow her sister's direction and be on her game if she'll be attending the conference as planned. Chances were that they might never get the chance to meet each other. As they discussed that fated day, the third member of this secret force stood in place holding a trinket in his hand examining it as a potential gift for his family, recalling some of the lost memories from his youth. Now that his family were uniting once more and repairing what was once broken, he felt a lightness in his chest that was difficult to label. Though he felt uneasy at the thought of going into a battle where he might die or even lose a loved one, he couldn't help but look past the conference and keep faith that everything will be fine, that if everything works out, he can make up for those lost years and spend them happily with his family. The image of his Cackling father joking around with his blushing mother, snuggled in the warm embrace of his eldest sister and getting a pinch on the cheek from his elder sister and being able to bond with his big brother. Soon, he would be capable of having the biggest smile on his face-so wide that no fears of his deteriorating health could even concern him. After a few hours of exploration, Sally dragged everyone to explore a nearby cave where she showed them a rare sight of an underground spring. Afterwards, they headed back to enjoy the night together playing board games and video games-then watching a movie to close out the night. Before they all head to bed, Fuchsia pulls Azule to the side to talk outside in the backyard after the others have left heading up the stairs.

Finally alone where they can have a serious talk, she takes the initiative and brings up the Ravia conference. She mentions that she's been invited to the conference and learned that there would be a banquet at the end of the conference; at first, Azule ignored everything after she revealed she would attend the conference-a sinking feeling attacking his chest as his anxiety went up a notch. Not only did he have to worry about Violet's safety on top of everything about to happen during the rapture, but now she had to worry about Fuchsia's safety. Since she was royalty, there was no chance he could talk her out of attending the conference. Fuchsia notices the visible concern on his face and takes the chance to reveal that she'll participate in the operation-that she knew what he and Violet were up to and had no intention of letting them fight alone. Azule knew there was no reason protest her decision to join since she had enough courage to fight any battle, his only concern was that this was the wrong battle to enter. Taking his lack of disapproval, she knew they were on the same wavelength and moved onto the next topic: the banquet. It was tradition that after the conference, there would be a banquet where all royals and high ranking officials in the world gathered together to have a dance and dine on the finest of catering. Ever since that night where saw Violet dancing in his arms during the festival, Fuchsia dreamed of a night where she could do the same with Azule. Proposing the idea of him being her escort to the banquet after the conference was over, a mulling Azule proceeds to place his hand on his chin with his foot tapping repeatedly over the offer from blushing octoling princess, almost sucking out the tension in the atmosphere with how casually he approached her formal invitation. "Well, it does sound like a tempting offer but…" Fuchsia's heart sinks as fear of rejection and an eternity of an awkward friendship loom on her shoulders; "Wouldn't it be nicer if we became something more than me being a simple escort?"

Her face flushed after for sure thinking he was rejecting her, only to realize what he was implying. "C-come again…?" she asked.

Azule's face reddened a little as he averts his, a tiny grin forming as his cheeks matched the rosy hue, "It's really embarrassing saying it upfront like this, but I know the others would kick me if I didn't show any guts so-I'm sorry for being selfish but-"

Fuchsia's scanning gaze could read his expressions, she felt his nervousness from his rough breath to his reddening face-any moment he was going to confess; months of fantasy about to become a reality, Fuchsia couldn't contain her excitement and without another thought, "Yes…" she nodded happily before he could even finish; "A thousand times-Yes!"

"But you don't know what I'm going to say!"

"It's so obvious! Can't I just be happy!?"

"Why would you be so happy? I could just be misleading you with something else like a random question that veers away from the important moment."

"Oh! You mean like last time?" she pulls on his cheeks trying her hardest not to pinch them off; "You really know how to keep a girl waiting you know!" she said while grabbing at them, about rearrange his face with her vise grip. "Honestly…" she lets go, covering her face, "I love you so much that it makes feel I'm some weirdo. It's unhealthy to think this way about someone!"

"You're sort of right."

"Don't agree with that!"

"Sorry! Sorry! I just wanted to lighten the mood!" He blushes heavily; "I'm glad you think of me that way, and so often. It feels strange to know that there is someone out there that cares about me so much and isn't related to me."

"I've had these feelings for quite some time, but when I saw how you and Violet were, I felt it was wrong to intrude. Even when it went south, I still found it wrong to make my intentions clear since she's my best friend...but if I'm about to head into this battle with you, I want to at least let my feelings be known!"

Azule laughs, "What kind of death flag is that!?" Fuchsia joins him; "Well, you're right not to have any regrets. I just wonder..."

"Wonder what?"

"I've been holding off on being honest with myself. I thought it was wrong to pursue another relationship within the group-especially with Violet's best friend. The more we interacted and got along aside from the group setting, the more I was convinced that I was falling for you-yet I didn't act. I was somewhat aware that you shared some interest-you made it pretty difficult to not catch the cues, and yet I never took action. I guess I'm trying to say I'm sorry for taking so long to be honest. Truth is, I really do like you a lot-more than just a friend, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to move into another relationship so soon-especially with what we're about to get ourselves into."

Fuchsia's visual disappointment couldn't be hidden but nonetheless she showed relief in his seeing his honesty; she got the answer she'd yearned for so long. Now that the biggest obstacles was out of her way, nothing would stop her. "It's fine. It doesn't have to be right away."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Well, there's the whole situation we're about to get involved with and then there's respecting Sally's wishes to not date within the group-though she'd probably understand and was just looking out for everyone's sake. If you're not ready, that's fine-I'll wait for you."

"But you shouldn't have to wait for me. If I'm the one being indecisive, it's on me. You don't deserve that punishment when you've-"

"I sat and watched my best friend date the guy I was in love with and endured, then when they broke up I wanted to honor my friendship with her and cast my feelings aside. Yet i never could. Azule, I'm not lying when I say you're the first person I've ever felt this way about. I don't care if it'd take a day, month, week, year, or even a decade. The fact that you acknowledge your feelings for me is enough to keep me going until you know what your heart wants."

Azule clears his throat to deepen his tone and sound cool, "When should we go on a date? Just because we're not putting a label on it yet doesn't mean I don't want to spend time with you."

"Being my date to the banquet is a nice start, isn't it?" Fuchsia winks, which made Azule ponder again and realize that the conversation did a loop to the invitation, just then-Fuchsia leans in and kisses him on the cheek and whispers; "Hopefully that bribe will be enough to persuade you…" she said getting up quickly and disappearing back into the villa, giggling at the boldness of her actions and leaving a stunned Azule to press his hand on the cheek where she landed her critical blow.

The two were about to let their friendship blossom into something greater just before the storm that has them in their sights, would the two have strong enough feelings to power through? Or would their luck run out at rapture and prevent their rebirth; Standing from her window watching the entire thing was Sally with a smirk on her face knowing that she witnessed something she shouldn't have. While the trio of Azule, Fuchsia, and Violet begun their preparations for their departure to Ravia, in Octaria stood the queen at the helm of operations-ready to move the next piece on the chess board. Queen Candice Octavio sits comfortably on her throne with one leg crossed over the over and her chin raised high under the weight of the shining crown. Her gaze as cold as her presence, her void-like irises peer through the hearts of her audience: the royal guards. From Mad Max to the leaders Weiden and Anzi, every knight gathered in their armor with their head bowed and on one knee-none daring to lift their head and gaze upon her glory. She gathered them on short notice to notify them of an idea she has thought up and wanted to know their thoughts, advising them to be honest with her or she'd have them suffer a price for deception. All before another meeting is due with her allies, Candice Octavio wanted to further along her progress now that the plan for the day of the conference finally reached a settled turf: Ixia would launch a cyber attack on the capital city and further pile onto the mass hysteria by releasing hundreds of followers in the role of foot soldiers to wreak havoc-then announce their presence by hacking every global network and interrupt the televised conference to allow Candice Octavio to declare war and announce the alignment of Squirabia, Mollusca, and Sanyrier on her side assisting for her cause. Though the allies wouldn't attack directly, they would aid the octarians in their attack through supplies and resources and help them bring down the capital city. After the capital falls and the nation plunges into chaos, the united front can then divide the land into equal parts and establish their own doctrines and facilitate the migration of octarians to the surface world on the ashes of the fallen inkopolis; around the same time, Han is preparing to make his departure for the palace-only after having made a trip to see the area where the resistance hid for himself. If he felt the same way he did now after the meeting with the queen, he would return there and negotiate with the resistance, especially after learning from Roujou and Ayumi of the prolific Captain Jonah and his accolades.

Back along the surface, all parties involved in the fated day to come are hard at work. In Inkopolis, the Tower Bridge Unite gathered together after a lead on Azule was found. Thanks to some wonderful breaching on Victoria's part, she had lead on his location. Breaching the security of his cell network, she was able to bypass all measures and track down his phone, noting that he was somewhere in Squirabia. The group did some brainstorming and wondered what reason he would have for being in another country as a high school student. After Landon pieced everything together, he concluded that Azule was probably there for an unrelated reason but with the Ravia conference occurring nearby, it was likely he might be in that area. Splitting up their unit to leave a force behind in Inkopolis in case he returned, the team set to depart for Squirabia would Landon, Lance, Abby, and Duke; Eliza, John, and Victoria would stay behind. Their intentions were one or the other: Kill the target or capture him alive and let Liandt decide personally-it all depends on the situation when it arrives. Also making preparations is Akane and the other bosses of the underworld as they discuss how to manage resources and their infantry in anticipation of Octaria's invasion.

In the land of samurai that sat east of Inkland, a critical moment is occurring as some key roles within the Tokugawa alliance presented themselves before Simone Tokugawa on a day meant to be preparation for her departure to Ravia as the representative of Ikayumu. The reason why the trio of Lori Kotari, Moriko Yamasho, and Yasuo Dojinomi approached her was because each leader had received an ominous letter from an anonymous sender that spoke cryptically of a disaster occurring. When they met together to discuss it in person, none of them could come up with any ideas as to what the letter pertained other than the event was supposed to impact the entire continent and all known areas nearby-which meant Ikayumu would be affected. In the letter, it is vaguely stated only the lines that a battle will occur with a revelation that will change the world, a warning included that Ikayumu will feel the impact sent them running to her for guidance. To their surprise, Simone also had a letter from that sender, and unlike them, she knew who the sender was based on their calligraphy.

"The sender who addressed that we heed their message on this letter, is none other than Hanazami…" Simone said in a serious tone, as folds her arms in her kimono overlooking the flowers in the garden; trio response looked as though a jolt of electricity shot through their body.

Lori's concern face softens at the nostalgia surrounding that name, "Hiroshi-dono's…"

"Daughter!?" Moriko shouted.

Simone nods, "Yes, Hanazami Naoto. Hiroshi's daughter."

"But why…" Yasuo wondered as he recalled her story.

"Unlike her proud father who saw battle as a way of life and held it to a regard that death on the battlefield was the life of a warrior, she didn't believe in such. She was regarded among the highest of skill in this nation, rivaling even my late husband and the late Zukuri as one of the best in Ikayumu. However, unlike them, she hated battle. She hated the bloodshed that came with war. Her irises dulled as she recalled those hellish days, "She always asked Arosuke and Maya when the war was over she would leave the country and find happiness elsewhere. Unknown to us at the time, but she was in love with someone and simply refused to die on the battlefield. Her tenacity is what kept her going as she went against what her father loved so much and survived the war."

"I think I remember her. Her father was also part of that war despite his age, he was always ranting about it's our duty as close allies of Inkopolis to help them regardless of the circumstances."

"Yes, we were once part of them after all."

"Anyways, why send us the letter?"

"Ikayumu has always been a hermit nation that only aligns itself with Inkopolis. Whenever they are in trouble, we lend our support. I believe such is the case this time as well. For whatever reason, an old war veteran with no connection to that country's political system has reached out to her old comrades for support. Not to mention, at the bottom of her signature is this insignia of old. The writing here has two of them..." The three of them quickly recognize that the pair of insignia can only mean one thing and without another word spoken, the color in their faces vanish; "Looks like I have no reason to explain that now, do I?"

"Shall we prepare several carriers…?" Yasuo asked hastily, eager to make a departure.

"If they will be there, we must fight!" Lori added, also ready to join.

"We can reach there within a few days if we make haste. I will contact the others and explain the situation. In the meanwhile, there will be a change of plans: I'm not attending the conference anymore."

"Huh? Why not?" the trio's surprise present in their synchronized voice of concern.

"Great Hanazami took the effort to craft these urgent letters so that we may lend a hand in the situation. No doubt she expects me to be there. If it is indeed going to be as bloody as she predicts, then I must play my role as an effective healer on a support staff."

"But Tokugawa-dono, you're the representative…"

"It's fine! That'll work itself out. After all, we are the land of samurai, right?"

Concluding on the subject, her allies make their departure to make haste with preparations. As she watches them go, her smile meant to calm their unease dissolves and instead reveals a frown and pair of furrowing eyebrows that wrinkle as she takes the letter out once more to give it another read."This is quite a letter…" Simone said as she folds the paper, dissatisfied that the first time she hears from her since being rehabilitated by her is through such a letter. Soon, Simone would make her return to Inkopolis in what could be her last time given the severity of the issue. As she looks to the distance in the direction with the mainland sits, she can only imagine what her comrade is doing that moment, knowing that she had to leave behind her loving wife to fight one final battle.

Dressed in her garments of old, Hanazami stands on a hill overlooking battle with a battle ready glance, "Soon…" she muttered.

"There'll be chaos…" Maya said with a piercing glare making her approach to the rendezvous point with the others await; Already there sharing the same intensity as her with the same glint in their irises are Cap'n Cuttlefish and Julian Royale, who were waiting on her to discuss their plan one last time before everyone arrives in Ravia.

And thus, a new arc begins...