I hope you're having a wonderful day and thanks for reading!
"Had a good rest?" Spyke asked after waiting in the lobby of the hotel, rolling his wheelchair over to the steps where Azule appeared after leaving the elevator.
The blue inkling rubs his eyes hearing his loud friend greet him, "Yeah, I didn't think the beds would be so comfortable with the fleece blankets and comforters because of the hot weather in the daytime, but surprisingly it gets pretty cold at night." coming down the steps, he caught sight of the excited look on the urchin's face.
Spyke flashes a grin at how little Azule knew about his new home, a grin so wide his eyes nearly shut once he started chuckling, "Ravia is considered to be the jewel of the west."
"I...really can't get used to the proper accent. Any chance you go back to your other one?" Azule laughed, finding it difficult to paint the image of Spyke speaking properly and somewhat formal.
Spyke shakes his head, "Annie prefers me to speak properly for the customers and it's grown on me. So, might as well stick to it."
Thanks to Annie's help, Spyke had the day to show Azule around Ravia on a tour; Azule was able to squeak by any questions from his parents by telling them he would be spending the day getting a tour from a friend who moved here that he knew back home, careful not to tell them he was a former underboss and dealer. As they make their exit and walk the busy streets, Spyke starts pointing to different buildings they come across along with an explanation. Along their trip with no destination in mind, Spyke decided to educate the young inkling on the history of Squirabia, and as to how they achieved such status so quickly. As known throughout the history of Inkland, it all started with the rising sea levels, which brought forth a new generation of species to replace the fallen ancient civilization of humanity, who scientists considered to be distant relatives of their species given that they shared some characteristics with the humans. In that time, two races emerged as the front runners for control of the alpha status: Inklings and Octarians. These two powers would go on to fight a brutal turf war for dominance, which ended in victory for the inklings, and the defeat of the octos. As the years went by with the octarians suffering underground, inkling civilization flourished as expansion began. Some went north and west and others sailed east, but wherever they went, they found a desirable destination. Soon formed new settlements that'd become the birthplaces of the nations known today. One such nation was Squirabia, a nation that was considered to be as old at the famous Sanyrier.
"However, where Sanyrier has seen economic struggles due to the growing social justice occurring there under the rule of Pharaoh Nefertina, Squirabia has had tremendous growth in the last century. Thanks to the booming tourism and popularity of the spice industry once again, Squirabia have turned that interest into profit by bolstering their architecture and attracting even more tourists with their alluring culture. It's difficult to resist visiting an exotic location like here at least once."
"-And Ravia is the center of that?"
"Absolutely. One doesn't get tired of here thanks to all the attractions."
Azule whistled in response, not only impressed by the lesson but also interested in a nearby turf war game that made stop in his tracks to watch; the sight of seeing people playing gave him an urge to jump in the fun, but he knew there was a time and place. Hopefully in the upcoming summer he could get invitations from strong schools and do some exhibition games or even participate in a joint training camp like he'd read in so many comics. Spyke continued on with his history lesson all while rolling his wheelchair comfortably with Azule beside him keeping pace, always giving him a smiling glance with joy at the inkling's curiosity with the environment. He explained that part of the growing success was thanks to the later generations of the sultan and his family, but noted that in recent memory the current sultan-Wahid Ruhtab was the mastermind behind the booming rise of Squirabia. Under his leadership, Squirabia not only grew more progressive and peaceful, but were able to bury the hatchet with their long term rivals while at the same time continue their global prowess. As it stands, they were the second most powerful nation on the continent, only behind Inkopolis, and just above Mollusca as part of the big trio of Inkland.
"Sounds like the Sultan is quite the big deal. He was able to create peace with long time rivals, allow liberties to smaller nations who were considered property and colonies, and in doing so was able to get the economy to where it is today at the same time. He must be quite the charismatic leader to this at such a young age." Azule marveled once he heard the Sultan's young age was far below what he'd expect from someone carrying such a prestigious title.
Spyke looks over to Azule and smirks at the thinking inkling, "He's been hailed a prodigy. A brilliant mind that many believe to be the bringer of peace, he certainly can do no wrong for his people-hope the same applies to the rest of the world..."
"Ah, right. Inkopolis isn't in the best of places right now."
"The national news has been doing plenty of coverage over there since it seems relations with us are in an awkward place…" Spyke said, continuing to explain that the current climate of the world powers stood as so: Inkopolis were in danger of losing their ironclad economic and political rule over the continent in thanks to having no figurehead to hold stability. That unrest creates a scenario where many of the smaller nations wedged between the powers and others on the outskirts of the continent as well as the isles look for guidance from the other powers instead, especially Squirabia-the friendliest of powerful trio; It was the reason why Sanyrier was so seemingly willing to beginning partnership with a former rival. Squirabia today looked quite similar to what Inkopolis was in its younger years where they carried the badge of honor in opening their arms and welcoming all walks of life except for the octarians, a general consensus that the other nations honored since none could oppose them. But if a progressive nation like Squirabia on the rise, some wondered if they might end up being the nation to allow the unthinkable and accept refugee octarians, not just their high class and yearned octolings who indeed occupy some places in Squirabia and other nations, though having to live in the shadows to avoid detection. Contrary to the belief of inklings from Inkopolis, the rest of the continent had a mixed reaction to the octos.
"It's part of the reason why we hold the Ravia Conference every year. I mean, it's the biggest conference of the year, and even the octarians are invited to the conference. Though the queen of that underground nation just keeps silent and watches the other monarchs and leaders go at it as though she's only biding her time…" Spyke narrowed his eyes, stopping immediately as though he had something he wanted to ask Azule; the blue inkling tried to be as casual as possible, not wanting to give away that he was aware of Octaria's current situation and that even his sister-the one responsible for Spyke's condition-was fighting there as they spoke. "Eh, whatever. I'm not a fan of politics anyways! I only keep up with the news since it's great to talk about with fellow business owners, though Annie hates that stuff. OH! Speaking of octos, you know a few of them are a big deal here, right?"
"Really?"
"Yeah! Those turf wars you do are really popular over here in the west, especially with the Squirabians and the Sanys. If I remember correctly, several teams are ranked high that hail from both nations. In fact, the best player in Squirabia is of octoling descent. He's a cuttlefish with very dominant features of an name is Romaine Sinclair and he's the ace of the strongest team in Squirabia: The Vulerby High School Gunners of Torai. Their red and white home uniforms are a treat to view and whenever they wear their yellow and navy blue, you know they won't lose a game. They always win in those colors."
"Vulerby High…?"
"Yeah. They're the highest ranked team nationally, and on the continental scale, they sit only behind the Toka Emperors, Hugh-Napri Vocational, and Crystal Coast. Otherwise, they're the baddest team around. In fact, they're known to be the most unpredictable team within the Top Ten. They're capable of taking down the Big trio ahead of them but can't get it done against the small fry or other talented teams below them. Like, they only show up their strongest on matchday when it's on of the teams I mentioned earlier. In fact, they have a rivalry with Crystal Coast, the team ranked third this year."
"Really? How come?"
"Well, it wasn't relevant until just last year where the rivalry was reignited, but for many years, those two schools were always ranked within the Top Ten. As such, they often found themselves battling each other towards the end of the major competitions. If I remember right, they've met in about a dozen matches and the score is even."
Mostly occurring in Nationals with a few in the Grand Slams and one meeting in the Grand Tournament, the schools had their first meeting in the Quarter finals at Nationals where Vulerby upset Crystal Coast and went on to make it to the finals where they lost to the eventual champions, Sun Pharaohs; a school in Sanyrier that is currently ranked within the Top 25, though at the time they were one of the strongest teams around despite being a small scale school. After their defeat, Crystal Coast claimed that Vulerby lost on purpose to let the Sun Pharaohs get an easy final and make history, challenging the integrity of the schools. As a result, the rivalry was born and for the next several meetings, they were high stakes battles in Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and even a final for one of the Grand Slams. Spyke cited that rivalries like that weren't uncommon in the west as the competition was just as fierce as the east, with the margin of error much smaller since most schools were on par in talent, where as in the east and in Inkopolis especially were there a great disparity in the talent with only a handful of schools putting up a meaningful fight against the top schools. As the name of Romain Sinclair becomes a target of interest for Azule, another Sinclair popped into his mind. He wondered what she was up to ever since learning that she departed for Squirabia, curious to know how her research was going and whether she might've found a possible cure for his condition. Even though the symptoms were improving, the side effects were still a major concern. Despite this, he kept his faith in her and trusted her resolve. She promised that she would see to getting him healthier, so he couldn't fail her now. No matter how long it takes, he'd hang on until she found her answer. Even if he might only have a few months to live based on the time table given previously, he'd beat his odds. That's how much her words meant to him.
"I want to see her again…" he muttered under his lips, catching Spyke's attention.
"See who again…?"
"Ah! Uh...D-don't worry about it!"
"Oho? Got yourself a lass to go home to?" He leaned in nudging Azule.
"N-no I-wait a second your voice! You just did it!"
"Hehehe, who's the lucky lady?" Spyke waved, ignoring the slip up.
"Maybe another time. We're not anything...yet." Azule blushed, having to endure the continuous jokes from Spyke during the tour.
After a few minutes of some lighthearted banter between what felt like two old friends reuniting after a decade apart, they arrive at their destination. Located in the heart of the city, Spyke surprised Azule by taking him to the casino, using their day to hang out as an excuse to do some light gambling despite Annie warning him to stop the habits. He continuously joked that there is nothing better than testing one's luck. If you fail, try again! Apparently, he'd only lost a few scores to gambling, but thanks to the booming business he shared with Annie, they were able to stay afloat. During their trip, Azule found it wonderful to hear Spyke speak about his dreams for the future, especially with kids on the way. As they make their way through the casino to the scent of smokes and alcohol, Azule plugs his nose and follows his buddy as he leads them to a table; prior to entering, Spyke told Azule to keep his head low and avoid catching the attention of security. Even though it was illegal to gamble, as long as Azule didn't get served any drinks at the bar or participated in any of the activities, he was safe from being kicked out.
"Why did you bring me here…?" Azule asked, taking a glance at the colorful machines as they pass by.
"Good luck charm. I'm sure of it!" Azule looked embarrassed by such a statement; "If it wasn't for your kindness, I wouldn't be here. I never would be given the chance to settle down with Annie and be blessed with the opportunity of becoming a father. Even though I did a number of wrong things and even used you to commit illegal activities, you still saw the good in me and placed your trust. Not many adults-much less kids- would ever do such a thing. You're a rare breed, Azule. I value you more than I do my own life I'd say!" Spyke laughed while rolling his chair to his favorite table for a game of blackjack; Azule was speechless.
How could he say something as meaningful as that with such ease? Does he really think that of me…? A bewildered Azule thought trying to read the mind of the eager sea urchin striking up a conversation with the dealer, initiating a game. After a couple of seconds of resistance from the dealer, who seemed to be Spyke's regular partner at the casino and could tell Azule was too young to be at the table, he accepted Spyke's offer for a game and began, to which Spyke tugged on Azule's arm to take a seat and watch, explaining the rules to Azule quickly so he'd be caught up and able to assist in him his decisions; Spyke wanted Azule to make decisions while he made the calls, hoping to net in a big wad of cash that could go to preparing for his new venture as a venture, though he imagined he'd get an ear-full from Annie regardless. As the pair are just about to play their first game, trouble sets in for the young inkling, as a person in the crowd spotted him which could spell doom for him and Spyke if they revealed Azule's age.
"Azule…?" a familiar voice from afar calls to him; whipping his head around to detect who the voice belonged to, he's met by a surprised doctor who noticed him from his signature hat and couldn't help but call out to him in hopes that she wasn't imagining things.
"Doctor…? Doc…!" Azule chirped with brightened cheeks after narrowing his eyes. What luck!
Over in Octaria, it's another day for Sky and Hatu to continue their patrols throughout the villages in Hatu's jurisdiction. Their patrol started early in the morning with a tap of the shoulder, Hatu waking Sky up and motioning that they had to begin. Their conversations mostly consisted of Sky speaking aloud and Hatu simply nodding whenever it was a question for him to answer. Ever since learning a little about him through the common interest in his special bow, Sky slowly grew more interest in him and his background. From his feather earrings to his decorated bow and quiver, Sky had a feeling Hatu was an octoling from a different world-one with greater simplicity than the complications seen in modern society; she wondered how he arrived here in the underground, and why he was supposed to be a former royal guardsman. In hopes to get him to open up a little more since he avoided talking any further about himself, she talked about her love for car customizing and restoration, her adventures in playing sports with her team and even shared some of her most memorable moments with them. After a while, she noticed he started to pay more attention to her tales, especially when it came to sports. As the day continued and they repeated the steps, Sky felt the courage to finally speak up.
"I notice you're really friendly to the villagers despite being so few of words. Do you enjoy being part of the resistance?"
Hatu was so surprised by her comment that his usual poker face was lost, "Why do you ask?"
"Well, The more time I spend here I've gotten the chance to learn little things from everyone. Majority of my time is posted here but I always tag along with the scouts you send to the captain that I happen to run into fellow members of the resistance. They speak highly of their leaders and hold Jonah to a high regard. Quite admirable, really." Hatu's expression softens, his dead gaze falling to the floor once Jonah was brought up; Sky noticed the change in his demeanor and decided now to be a good chance to learn some more about the "Best Archer Ever" from the claim of Shiva. "Do you get along well with the other Legs? It feels like you all carry a different air compared to your subordinates who regularly communicate with one another.
Hatu shook his head, "I don't share that type of relationship."
"How come? You're comrades fighting for the same cause."
"We're comrades-yes, but... our reasons for our alignment under Captain Jonah differ greatly." He goes on to explain that though they are all under the guidance of Jonah and share in his vision, their reasons vary. The 1st Leg-Felix was a former member of the same branch of the Octarian crown who performed the questionable experiments that eventually led to the cleansing seen of late, only following Jonah's guidance after finding an inspiration and realization that his actions were harmful-a sense of atonement was his journey as a young member of the resistance. 2nd Leg-Abraham also had a connection to the crown for his involvement with the construction of the many underground facilities of the palace, accidentally uncovering the dark secrets of Candice Octavio; unable to do anything on his own, he ended up siding with Jonah as he led a movement against her. Hatu doesn't know much about The 3rd Leg-Faye since she rarely ever interacted with him or ever brought up her past, but he knew that she had her reasons for joining the resistance and working her way up to being one of the most important members in the faction. 4th Leg-Sigmund was an interesting octoling in his eyes thanks to his personality rather than his accolades within the resistance. Sigmund was once a former soldier for the elite force of the Octarian army, and one with an ambitious goal to reach the heights of powerful legends such as the now known Agent 8, Jonah, and Porter. He worked his way to the top and earned top honors along the way, but as he continued to kill his own people in civil wars and disputes he soon realized that he was nothing more than just a number in the eyes of the tyrannical queen-opposite of what he believed when he thought of the legends who preceded him. Teetering between his ideals and loyalty to the crown, his breaking point and ultimate decision came when he heard of a resistance led by Jonah-one of the best octolings to ever serve. Rather than simply die and become a statistic for a leader who had no care for him, he chose to fight on the side that would make history and leave a legacy of his own.
"Really? I never would've thought that meathead had such resolve."
Hatu gives a slight smile, "He may behave brash and immature, but he is a warrior at heart. I find him admirable at times when he isn't prickly to the others."
Hatu continued to share what he knew about the others, highlighting the 5th Leg-Denise. A top doctor who also doubled down on helping take care of the sickly during the time where pollution plagued the nation, she was drafted into the civil wars that occurred and saw her fair share of the horrific tragedies. Restoring limb after limb and seeing lives lost by the second, she was traumatized by those days where soldiers and civilians alike were placed before her with their lives in her hands. She resented war and violence, and personally preferred to fight the crown on diplomatic terms, but in a case where Candice Octavio abducted innocent civilians and forced them to become mindless zombies and fuel for her creations, she had no choice but to lend her support to a side capable of bringing an end. After a brief moment of silence and reflection, Hatu's eyes started to lose light as the next two Legs entered his mind: the only ones ranked higher than him. Sky tensed up too, sensing the pressure forming around him as he furrowed his brows at the thought of them.
"7th Leg-Veronica and 8th Leg-Porter. I'd prefer to not discuss their history. It's...not my place to speak of their past without their permission."
Sky nodded and quickly understood what he meant. It wasn't that he had no respect for the other members, but rather the respect and trust shared between him and the ascending legs were so strong that it wasn't his place to speak of them. After such a talk, Sky couldn't help but feel like she knew a little more than before about Hatu through his connections with others. Reserved and awkward at the same time though he looked intimidating at first glance, Hatu simply was a person who would love nothing more than to make more friends and talk. Through these talks, Sky felt like a friendship between them was already established since he not only allowed her to see his most prized possession, but he was willing to even elaborate on his fellow comrades-something she was almost sure Veronica wouldn't have done. Even if it was too early to tell, she knew she had made great progress at getting the most distant person within the resistance to warm up to her. Following behind him like an eager disciple, she tried her best to humor him, hoping to see what kind of face he'd make when he laughed at one of her jokes. As the pair make progress on guarding the villages from any attacks from the capital, elsewhere are the rest of the resistance at work. At home base in the sanctuary, the 8 Legs are nearly done with their work with only a few tasks left to be accomplished. The serum and cures were proving to be a success in the testing phase, equipment production was also completed with enough weapons and armor for the resistance to put up a fight against the royal army. All that was left was to infiltrate the palace and get the last of the details and essentially explore any ultimate weakness for exposure. So close to tasting victory in their favor with a sneak attack, little do they know that their mission will only get more complicated as a trio of ninja approach their base under the cover of darkness. After learning the crazy plan of Candice Octavio, Han decided this was the best chance to switch sides and tell the resistance everything he knew in the hopes that the cause they were fighting for aligned with his, realizing that the Queen's warped ideals didn't meet the same path as what his now corrupted elders wished. Roujou and Ayumi follow him with several questions on their mind, specifically how they would manage negotiations with the resistance. Though they never informed their allies, Roujou and Ayumi spotted Porter within the area around the palace and confirmed that there is a likelihood that he knew their identities, meaning that if they approached the resistance, it would be as enemies and an attack on sight may occur. Han banked on the hope that this captain he'd heard so much about while gathering information on the city was indeed as his legends told, and that he would gladly accept their assistance. They hop from roof to roof nearing their destination when a sudden projectile grazes the face of Han, only able to dodge it thanks to his heightened instincts. The weapon was some type of rock cast in a strange camouflage that looked to be composed of something foreign, unknown to the ninja of the surface world.
"I know there are three of you! Turn around and leave the premises before I turn you into a meal!" Sigmund shouts spinning a stone with his fingers; the trio froze in the tracks and break into a cold sweat. Of all the high ranking members to run into, something told them they ran into the worst possible choice.
Han raised his hands and knelt, "I do not wish to incur violence! I simply want to disc-"
"Watch out!" Ayumi shouts. Roujou saves his master at the last second as Sigmund sent another rock flying his way, that smashed a window. His unmatched strength showcased on display, the trio realized quickly he had the arms of a cannon. If they were hit by one of those rocks, they were dead on the spot.
Han pushes his apprentice off of him and dives down from the building, landing squarely in front of Sigmund, who welcomed him to the challenge of a battle. He didn't want to hear about any talks, or negotiations. Anything this mysterious intruder hoped to do had to be told through his fists. Han figured as much that this man was one who talked through battle rather than reason. Taking out a pair of chain sickles, Sigmund comments that he rather fought the ninja with his katana, to which Han replied that he'd have no need to use it when he threw so recklessly that it might damage the craft of the blade.
"I like your attitude! Let's see if you're technique is as good as your word."
"If I win, let me talk with your captain."
"Fat chance that'll happen, but deal..."
A major confrontation is due to unfold between the ninja of the Hayama clan and the 4th Leg of the Octarian Resistance, but elsewhere is another meeting with confrontational elements about to occur. In a room decorated with different accolades from the medals achieved in the recent wars and undercover missions, to the other memorabilia from their illustrious career in the army, three individuals are in a conference meeting; the participants are Lime and Verde Royale, who are hosting General Luke Garston. A meeting meant by Lime to be an interrogation quickly altered to something else thanks to the new developments and wonderful scouting from her subordinates, deciding to use this meeting for a different reason. The room is tense even with the piercing silence and cold sweat from every party, who wore permanent glares questioning the sanity of the other. Garston was in disbelief of what he'd just been told, but once Lime scowled and placed her hand at her hips and signaled for her brother to drop the evidence on the table, the general couldn't deny what he saw. Countless photos. From hidden snapshots taken at low angles to those up high, Lime's scouts were diligent in their duty to follow Lime's orders. The entire time, she was aware of something suspicious occurring within the unit, but she was unsure whether Luke Garston had any involvement and as such suspected him as the primary suspect, but based on the horrified expression on his face his pained expression of disappointment to his dropped brows and mouth, Lime figured him to be innocent after all.
"Why…?" he muttered, furrowing his brows and gritting his teeth; clenching the papers in a frustrated state; "Why...would they do this…!"
Verde answered that there was a likelihood they were in complicity with Liandt of Parliament, since his frequent visits and association with the unit increased around the time the photos were taken. Lime also added that in addition to the pictures-which were scattered on the table and in his hands, there were papers that documented suspicious transactions from cards meant to be used by the highest of society, which only certain politicians would obtain. "We believe Liandt is using your squad to further his own agenda for right-wing extremists."
"This is absurd-" Garston's denial filled interjection is met by Lime's hand; she explains her theory on why Liandt had an agenda for doing this from his opposition to Netifla, the connection to the New Squidbeak Splatoon that ultimately led to using the pawns of the Tower Bridge Unit, and the ultimate sweep under the rug operation. A risky move to reveal the dark secrets of the Royale family, Lime only did so based on the trust Verde had in Luke Garston, believing him to join their cause if he learned the injustices. After the explanation, Garston looked hollow, his complexion as pale as a ghost from the revelation. The entire time he'd been defending his prestigious unit and his entire force, they were working behind his back for such a filthy reason as petty revenge and rivalry. The thought that a child's life would be in danger because of a unit under his command left a nasty feeling in his gut.
In that period of silence, Verde extended a hand over the table. "Work with us to save them from ruin at the hands of Liandt. He plans to sacrifice them once the deed is done and sweep everything under the rug."
"Why do you want my help? What good can I do?"
"We don't want anything to happen to them-they're your precious unit after all."
Garston's eyes softened at the kind words from Lime, his thoughts repeating the same question. Why are you showing such compassion to a person who despises you? I hate your mother. I hate you. I hate your entire lineage. Everything about you irritates me and yet-Lime flashes a warm smile; "What do I need to do…"
Verde explains the current situation: as it stood, some of the members were in Squirabia likely tracking down Azule through the security breach they detected earlier which was shown in the papers. In all likelihood, they would try to kill him to satisfy Liandt's pleasure in hiding the secrets about Saint Henry while at the same time give him room to strengthen his presence in the underground to send another hit on long time rival Netifla. After all, if he could kill the assassin of the prime minister, what would stop him from taking down an opponent for political gain? At first he found disgust in learning the truth behind the saint's murder, later excusing it on the reason that Azule's actions were justified. If Liandt wanted such a man in power and was willing to withhold those dark secrets so knowingly, then what else was he hiding?
"I understand the severity of the situation." he said after Verde concluded; "I'll get to work promptly. What should I do about the rest of my team? I can't let this slide…"
"No worries, we will give a punishment at a later time. The most important task is in front of us."
"Right…"
A successful meeting that saw a new ally join their cause, Lime and Verde no longer needed to worry over their little brother's safety. Though they already had quite the insurance in having their parents watch over him, to have a powerful ally like Garston on their side helped a ton. With him on board, Verde contacted his parents updated them on the situation-letting them know the same things they told Garston but in far greater detail. On the other line of the call, the trembling hands of Julian wear a glove of protruding veins as he listens to every monotone word from his son, who could sense the boiling rage masked in the silence from his father. "Understood…" he said plainly, hanging up the phone and exhaling heavily while closing his eyes. The next time he opens them, they're bloodshot with a glint through his irises much like the dagger about to pierce those who dare to harm his child.
