The aftermath of the events that took place a couple days ago were nothing short of catastrophic as the "Rapture" left Ravia in destruction with plenty of property damages falling on the government. They weren't the only ones either as Inkopolis and Octaria faced the same fate and were currently recovering from the horrific event, rebuilding what was torn down and lost, vowing for their nations to become stronger than ever before. Casualties were high for all three nations during that infamous incident seen and heard around the world on live television, letting the last couple of days serve as a period of mourning for all lives lost in the communities affected. People wanted answers, they wanted their closure-still in disbelief that some punks behind a keyboard orchestrated such a mess that ruined their lives so easily still a nothing more than a wild imagination. This is especially true for Ravia since different national news outlets packed the streets for live coverage of the recovering city, hoping to interview those who had their lives in shambles to gain extra views and offer pity; Many were hounding the site of the opening attack which was the hotel hosting the conference. Even during this tragedy, the conference with all of the world's leaders gathered continued on in a smaller room. The presses wanted to hear from the two young octoling princesses especially, hungry for any quotes or statements they could print and claim ownership of, but those responsible for the setup of the conference decided the best way to protect their guests was to have them stay there instead for the remainder of the conference to avoid being swarmed by the hungry media who had the underlying thoughts to pin the blame on them for being related to their mother, who was confirmed to be part of the problem. A double down on a vow to protect the very girls who helped play a key role in saving so many lives, they locked them off from all contact to the outside world as protection and also banned their other guests from having any contact with the outside world for the rest of this conference. The guests made the most of the situation and continued the conference anyways, mostly discussing what they meant to cover on the first day before the attack. Since the conference room was far smaller than the previous one, the capacity was only enough for the moderator and the world leaders to attend, and all guests and bodyguards were to wait outside until it was over, serving as extra security as well. The halls were crammed with people from all over the world, and some were friendly with one another after fighting together while others still shared bad blood because of the nations they represent, for Azule and company, they too were out in the hallways with only Shiva, Fuchsia, Cobalt, Tangie, Netifla, and Cap'n Cuttlefish being allowed in. A melancholy Violet did her best to cheer up a dejected Azule, only hearing from Fuchsia about what happened just before she picked them up on that day, unable to find the right words to say to him ever since. On one hand, she still resents Spyke for what he tried to do, as did Tangie, but when they saw the dejection in his eyes-that lack of life that he usually carried with pride, they all felt a little empathy; none of them could imagine the loss he experienced, especially if he managed to become friends with a man who once tried to kill him. In hopes to cheer him up, she took him for a walk around the palace and did her best to carry on a conversation, but he was unresponsive for the most part. Maya and Julian were next, but there wasn't much they could do either since he gave them the same response; after that he told them he wanted to be alone for a bit. While he went a lone stroll through the stairways and halls, he overheard news that knocked the low spirits out of his system. In Inkopolis, the developing story grabbing all the attention was the arrest of Liandt on several charges and mainly under complicity for his involvement in the illegal work with the Deepsea metro and for the actions of Saint Henry that were covered up for his election as Prime Minister, which meant that everything kept in the dark was finally coming to light and the whole world would see the dark deeds that the nation kept secret. After hearing that, his shoulders felt light again. He might've killed the man, but that was far from closure-to see his name get dragged through the mud and his legacy fall to shambles? Much better. He also learned that right now in Inkopolis there was a social divide between the inklings and other citizens, though they were all equally disgusted about Saint Henry and cursed his death. Two generations and two ideologies clash with one another about the future of their great nation. Everyone agreed that there needed to be change in the light of everything revealed at the conference by Mack Netifla, believing that now more than ever before was it imperative that a Prime Minister be elected and by the people most importantly, but the problem drew in who to elect. On one hand, many of the younger citizens and progressive minded people alike saw Netifla as the next Prime Minister and believed him to be the champion they needed more than ever, viewing his bold move at the conference a testament to his ability to lead, on the other hand, older folks who fought in the great wars and had strong view on the other nations saw him as nothing more than a flashy figurehead with one trick-under the impression that on the world stage against nations like Squirabia and Mollusca he'd fall short. Problem for them is that they don't have a decisive contender though, with everyone they'd pick for election getting arrested from left to right under Liandt's confession. Especially in the wake of the Corruption of Liandt and Henry, they wanted to avoid another figurehead who had no valid qualities of a true leader.
"Well, I get what you mean." Lime said stopping her walk with Simone Tokugawa, just before a large room filled with indistinct chatter and music; "But still, wasn't this a little risky to pull?"
Simone chuckles, "If there was ever a time for me to do something like this, now is the time. Besides, it isn't like Inkopolis is the only one with something to gain from the world being at peace, don't you think?"
Lime flashes a smile in sharing the idea of a peaceful continent, "Alluding to your son, right? He's at the conference right now discussing ways to improve relations between Ikayumu and the rest of Inkland."
"Yes, he might be a little stiff at times but Ao's got the makings of blossoming into a special individual like his father. He carries this distinct presence-one that you only see once or twice in a lifetime, and I know he'll do great things. He's got a calm spirit and strong will, which I believe is a great reflection of our country's values at the moment. His feelings will get across to the rest of the world when they hear what he has to say."
Lime chuckles, "Is it me or are the kids today carrying old souls? Princess Magenta and Ao Tokugawa are two children standing on the world's biggest stage in politics and leading the way for a brighter future. Such maturity...I wish we were like that when we were younger."
"Oh please, you're still in your prime! The best thing to ever happen is let the era filled with war stay in the past. We failed to stop it, but these kids have a chance to rewrite the future."
"You can say that again. Now, about your plans for establishing trade on the mainland like you mentioned earlier…"
Simone laughs, "We'll cross that bridge when the others return. I'd like to hear from the new Prime Minister himself how he plans to move forward." she winks, aware of how anxious Lime must be about moving past all the difficult bridges that'll need to be crossed now that they've actively set the world in motion.
Lime sighs in defeat after figuring it was worth a shot to try and negotiate, "Fair enough, shall we join the others?"
"Why yes! I'm sure your brother must be tired of being hounded by my comrades; the moment they heard he was Maya's son they all wanted to learn more. She's something of a legend in Ikayumu."
"I'm aware she had a close friendship with Arosuke, but I didn't know she was that revered..."
As the two enter, they're met by a room filled with the important people who fought in the defense of the nation, from The Galloways to the Ikayuman forces and the Yoshikara as some to name, everyone was partying and enjoying delicious food as a reward for all their efforts, graced by a live performance from the Squid Sisters and Off The Hook who volunteered to sing a few songs in celebration. While this gathering was for celebration, it also had other intentions regarding the rewards for everyone's involvement and diplomatic relations moving forward. While the worst is behind them, there is a lot of work to be done. Around that same time underground in Octaria, there was a different type of preparation going on as the entire place was in the middle of an overhaul in the city with everyone pitching in to help after the monumental news received the day it all ended. In addition to Candice Octavio surrendering and relinquishing her crown, DJ Octavio announced that he wouldn't become king again and instead let the nation start fresh under a new ruler and under someone they all adored greatly. Without uttering her name, everyone knew who he meant and as if being awakened by a powerful spirit, every citizen capable of lending their support got to work making the country look presentable for when their new queen when she arrives; even though there were some who still had their misgivings with the previous rulers, it was unanimous that the new queen was beloved by all, especially because she was so young and would grow up before their eyes to became a great leader. The pre-coronation festivities could be heard from the prison where Candice, Charles, and the Grand Elites remained, all chained up and forced to listen to the impact already made from their removal in power. In addition to their imprisonment came the people who were in Candice's corner, also having been removed to weed out all the loose ends of the previous era; the next era would be a fresh start.
Later that same day over in Ravia, the conference comes to a close. The doors open and release the influx of guests, with many of the leaders having satisfied looks on their faces after a great meeting given the circumstances. The Octavio sisters look especially relieved with everything, met by their retainers and the others who all awaited the news. With beaming expressions so vibrant their smiles cover their face, they both hold up their thumbs and call it a success. Plenty of progress was made, and Shiva made sure to go into the details. Due to their embarrassing defeat, this likely spelled the end for Ixia, with an overwhelming number of suspects apprehended in connection with the group. Viewed as a threat to the world, everyone agreed that their would be a cooperative effort to capture them, and it all starts with what information they receive after interrogating them. Cap'n Cuttlefish added that the world powers were likely to create a collaborative force to carry out the operation of capturing them all simultaneously. Immediately he thought the perfect person to capture the leaders and disband the group would be none other than his top operatives Agent 3 and Agent 4. Though she didn't show it after years of experience in this field, Julian made it obvious that he'd rather stick around and spend more time with his kid than return to duty, which Netifla understood well having been Sky and Azule's principal as an alter-ego. Fuchsia elbows the old man in reminder to not be so crass after all that happened, which Netifla stepped in declaring that Maya and Julian were on break until further notice, understanding that they must want a break after so long. Gracious by his order for leave, they both insisted that they'll carry out any mission requested, but vowed to do it as swiftly as possible, looking to their son and seeing that these last few days were bliss after finally reconnecting with him to make up for those years of absence. The last thing said before they all made their leave was something that left the younger ones feeling a tightness in their chest, nervous about the formal event that will officially end the conference. Tonight, a banquet will be held in the Grand Ballroom on the first floor and they were invited to attend. Right away, Fuchsia's innocent eyes shot to Azule but the nervous inkling had his head lowered, which only made her sport a pouting face watching how coy he became when it came to stuff like this. It was only a few hours until then so the remainder of the time they had turned to getting dressed and unwinding a bit from the stress of the last few days. Azule, Cobalt and the other guys were all together getting dressed in their best outfits for the night with some friendly banter, thought it was mostly just the dads picking on the two young boys and giving them pointers on what to do for banquet, passing on some wisdom. On the girl's side, it was the opposite with the younger girls hounding Maya about Julian, no longer viewing her as a superior they should fear but as a great friend. Maya wasn't averse to humoring them, but she felt embarrassed in talking about Julian as if she was still a youth, mostly because anytime she thought about his face she wanted to break it. Out of everyone preparing for this banquet, no one was more excited yet bummed out than Shiva, who wished a certain someone was there that she could share a dance with-just as friends of course; After a few hours pass, it's time!
At the banquet, it was clear to see this was upper echelon of the world and all the men and women dressed with such elegance and refinery that it'd make even the richest people in the world still feel poor. The grand ballroom holding the banquet looked spacious enough to hold the conference, but with its location on the first floor it was understandable why they refrained from such a selection at the time. There are so many people packed in here, and with tables set up everywhere for people to rest and dine, it was almost too enticing for Azule to stay standing up when he could go secure a table and never leave; and that's what he did. His heart thumping so loudly he felt it pumping in his head, he rushed to a table and secured a table enough for team Ravia. Cobalt joins him a few minutes later with a plate full of in his hands and his cheeks so stuffed with food he could barely keep his eyes open; the funny face enough to melt away the shivers.
"Captain, I didn't think you to be the nervous type." the samurai teases, finding it adorable that even Azule could show such emotions.
"O-of course I am! I'm not you and Tangie, you know. The two of you are a match made in heaven, I don't see any reason you'd understand my position."
Cobalt sneers, "Even I can get nervous. You know, my first time was pretty difficult. The entire time I looked at her my face felt flushed and my body felt cold. But the warmth of her-just gazing at her alone numbed me-"
"I know we're best friends but I don't need a play by play buddy." Azule said holding up his hands, already grossed out by the image in his head.
"What? I'm talking about the time I first confessed to her."
Azule blushes furiously, "DON'T BE SO VAGUE!"
"Huh? Oh! Captain, you dirty minded-"
"Anyways, we do need to do some catching up. I'd like to know about the fun stuff that happened in Ikayumu."
Cobalt's face relaxed, "I don't think that's my place to talk."
"Hm? How come?"
Cobalt stares at Tangie, who was currently talking with some people. "She missed you all very much. I know she loves me and would do anything for me, but the time that we spent there, I could tell just how devastated she felt to be away from everyone. You know how much she loves everyone, including you."
"Yeah, Tangie's like a sister to me."
"Everyday your name came up, I could see life return to her. She idolizes you for everything, and even when she was rehabilitating, she compared it to what you had to go through with your amnesia. Honestly, that girl can be deep sometimes." Cobalt looks at his cup of punch and watches the swirling of the ice, listening to dinging sound made as it dances along the glass; "Honestly, I'm really happy to see you again. I feel like all the haze is gone now that I can see your face again-not just on the TV."
"Cobalt..."
A moment of silence passes between them as they soak in the ambiance of the banquet, enjoying the sounds of the congregating people, the smell of delicious food and beverages, and the songs played by the DJ, a sight of eternal bliss after the mayhem of the last few days, they both felt they could get lost in the atmosphere until an announcement gets made; it was time for dancing! They both look up with surprised looks, and immediately Cobalt pats Azule on the back and gives him a wink, getting up and calling Violet's name to go share a dance with her as two friends who needed to catch up. As he watches his friend leave, he knew what he had to do-looking for her right away to grab that special dance. Unfortunately for him, Fuchsia was already dancing with the Sultan, probably out of respect since he was technically the host. Watching them move together with such grace and sync reminded him why Fuchsia was such an amazing person, she could do almost anything that she set her mind to, she was intelligent, athletic, and had a genuine; for her to fall for someone like him, he felt like he was too lucky of a guy. While watching the pair dance, Azule gets a tap on the shoulder and turns around to see a bright eyed inkling in orange greet him with the utmost respect. Looking over at Cobalt who giggles with a nod already dancing and talking with Violet, Azule graciously accepts the dance from Tangie.
"You look great, Tangie." he compliments, laughing a little at how much she's grown up since they were younger.
Tangie giggles, "You clean up quite nice, too."
"How's it been? How are you adjusting?"
"It hasn't been easy, Azule, I'll tell you that. But, I've gotten the hand of it."
"Bad pun."
"Oh stuff it!"
As the two continued to dance, Azule learns that Tangie's love for martial arts has reignited again with her new goal in addition to photography being to further the art that her parents left behind for her and she hoped that he'd be a sparring partner for her, to which he gladly accepted, happy to see that she'd found what she loved. Though she didn't elaborate on the struggles she endured the last few months, Azule knew it in her tone that it must've been rough on her having to be alone without any of her friends for so long, and adjust to living without something that'd always been there. But before he could ask her more about life in Ikayumu, the orange inkling was swift in turning the attention to him, curious to know what he'd been up to and how he and Fuchsia got together, already identifying that something was there. Azule's fumbling his words trying to explain how it all went down, how it felt winning the Rank Wars, playing in the Spring Invitationals, everything that led up to this moment. Finally giving up on trying to explain everything, he leaves her with a blank expression as she peers into his soul; her disappointment is immense and her day is ruined. She puffs out her cheeks and threatens to beat him up if he doesn't spill the beans, but Azule's too happy just to see her to worry about it, though she literally pinches his cheeks and tries to get an answer, hungry for gossip about him and Fuchsia. By the end of the song, Azule's cheek is red from the powerful grip of Tangie Citra; there's a round of applause for Fuchsia and Ruhtab, who captivated the audience with dance skills.
A break in the music, the room is filled with chatter again, Fuchsia auto locks onto Azule like homing missile and makes her way over, her heart thumping like a drum at how to maintain her composure in front of him and get that dance. Too slow on pounce, Violet swoops in at the last second to grab Azule by the wrist and take him onto the dance floor in time for the next song to begin, winking and sticking her tongue out playfully at Fuchsia just before disappearing into the crowd of bodies. As the music begins, Azule blushes heavily as he feels his hand on her back and his hand locked with hers.
"Remember to let your hand go lower when you dance with her, go too low though and I'll kill you." she said casually, taking the lead; seeing her in a dress was just as breathtaking since she was such a reserved person, but how she dressed tonight was definitely something that left him speechless now that he was up close with her; "Nothing to say? Come on, Azule you know I'm just playing."
"I didn't think you to be so playful. Why all of a sudden, though?"
Violet glances over to Fuchsia, who is watching her like a sentry. "Flustered?"
Azule shakes his head, "One time-maybe, but I'm a different man now."
"Calm down, cowboy." Violet sneers.
"Got jokes?" Azule chuckles.
Violet smiles at him warmly, "I'm proud of the two of you. A long way the both of you have come. That day when we were fighting, I saw how great the chemistry was between the two of you and knew it right there that the best thing for me to do is to support you both to end. You're both precious to me."
"Really?"
"Make sure you treat her right, okay? Don't ever forget how special she is, or how easy you can lose her. She's irreplaceable, got it?"
Azule nods with understanding, a little surprised by how she's approaching it but thankful that she cared greatly about them. This dance wasn't meant to simply tease Fuchsia and get Azule flustered, but it was similar to when a groom dances with the mother of the bride. To Violet, Fuchsia was the sister she never had, a friend so irreplaceable that she'd take a bullet for her similar to how a mother would sacrifice her life for his child. It was strange to feel so strongly about someone at such an age, but she didn't mind it, appreciating that there were people she possessed such affection for.
Violet brings him in close, "Don't go wild, heartbreak kid."
Azule's face reddened immediately, "Slow down, what!?"
A light shines in Violet's eyes giving a smug grin, "I'll maul you if you break her heart, Azule."
"Y-you're scary! Why do you sound like Sally all of a sudden? And why are you hinting at that stuff, I'd never go that far! Well, not without her permission."
"How dense are you? For cod's sake Azule why do choose to be innocent at times like these!"
Azule's face twists, "I've always been innocent."
Violet tilts her head with a tease, "Really?"
"That's not what I-really, why are you like this?"
"It's not every day you get to play a hand in saving the world. I'm just thankful to be alive and besides, reading and writing every day can get tiresome too. We can forget this conversation tomorrow." she said with a sweet look, cherishing her life after the close calls she had in the last few days; Azule's quiet for some reason, but out of nowhere...
"Bookworm."
"Harem King."
"D'oh!" Azule shouts, once again beat by her.
Laughing together for the remainder of the dance, Fuchsia's facials expressions were a mix between jealousy and embarrassment, wondering what it was that Violet was telling Azule for him to be laughing so hard. She knew it had to be about her because Azule couldn't wipe the radiant grin off his face, and unlike before, his eyes weren't looking at her the way he looked at her this week; no need for her to feel insecure, she figured, realizing that Azule looked at her differently from before. The others were also observing the princess and found it adorable with the way she looked at her, rooting for her to share one dance with Azule before the night is over. At that same time in a different part of the room, Pharaoh Nefertina notices Shiva was talking with her retainers instead of being on the dance floor, sprouting a deviant smile after seeing that tonight was her chance. After the song concludes, Nefertina sizes up the octoling princess and waits for her moment to slide, rubbing her hands together with a laugh; also thinking with the same approach as the pharaoh is Julian, who also makes his move to slide in on his unsuspecting target.
"May I have this dance?" Julian winks with a laugh; Maya who was lost in her thoughts watching her son dance, finding it cute to see him enjoying himself.
After seeing Julian's face enter her peripheral, she clicks her tongue and narrows her eyes in disgust, finding him revolting while he looks like he was melting in response to her scowl. It was hopeless to try and deny him, knowing he'd be persistent for the night and think that her rejection meant she still had some sort of lingering feelings was just playing hard to get. Irritated by how much he was enjoying this moment, she calls him a degenerate under her breath and holds out her hand looking away with an embarrassed look-still maintaining her cold glare, "You did clean up quite nicely so I'll humor you for a bit as a show of respect, but get any funny ideas and I'll break your face." she mutters, which only pleased him more.
Julian looks like he's about to pass out from the overload of ecstasy, "Marry me." he begs, taking her had, already getting carried away.
"Shut up!" Maya responds with exasperation, flicking him on the forehead and then grabbing his hand and stomping on the dance floor; Cap'n Cuttlefish and Mack Netifla found it cute that even after all these years, the two hadn't changed.
As the pair make their way to the floor, Pharaoh Nefertina finally has the courage to make the first move. Pharaoh Nefertina holds out her hand before the star of the evening, "I'd be grateful to have a dance with you, my princess." she said with charm, interrupting the conversation she was having with Ciri and Reluna, who giggle at the attempt by the pharaoh.
Shiva laughs with a hint of annoyance, "A little too persistent aren't you? Give up on me."
"Come on, just a dance between friends is all I ask. Handan hates to dance anyways, always saying she wants to dance with that inkling instead."
Shiva looks a little nervous staring at Nefertina, knowing her as the only one who ever meant the things she said aside from a certain someone, "If it'll keep you from bugging her…" she comments, aware that she couldn't refuse a dance.
Taking her hand, they head to the dance floor as well with a groovy song playing over. Just at that moment, Violet ends the dance with Azule and elbows him to head over to Fuchsia. It's rude to keep a princess waiting, and as such Azule makes the walk over to Fuchsia in walk feels like an endless walk with he feet feeling like led and dragging despite nearly being there. His nervousness returns as he stops in front of her, seeing the vengeful look on her face as she awaits his request; he could almost read her lips whisper "squirm" before saying anything. Asking her politely, she keeps her composure, though on the inside she was blushing and screaming at the top of her lungs with excitement. Their first ever dance together and to a funky song with a quick tempo that required good rhythm, Azule leads the way and takes both her hands, leading with his shoulders and generating movement with his feet in such a fluid motion that Fuchsia couldn't help but giggle at how well he moves. The entire time he makes an arrogant face-teasing her to match him, but she's not on par with him-though she doesn't let that intimidate her. She's not backing down from his challenge and instead meets him head on. Their bodies coming closer together as the music continues, they're getting into the groove with their bodies moving on their own, and before they know it, their hands are together and they're in a tandem. Lost in the music, the tempo slows down greatly, and a slow moving dance dominates the floor. For Julian, it was his chance to remember why he fell in love with Maya, and for Nerfertina, it was her moment to impress Shiva, and for the young budding couple, it was a chance for them to take a big step in their relationship. Their hands clasped together and their fingers intertwined in the other, it was moments like this that Azule understood what love felt like; he didn't want the serene experience to ever end.
"You look nervous." Fuchsia smirks, lowering her chin at him sweetly with rosy cheeks.
"And you look stunning." he said with eyes lost in hers, his face relaxing the more he stared at her irises and blocking out the noise.
Fuchsia whistles with an unimpressed look, "Smooth." she shakes her head with sarcasm written over her face. "Lucky thing I like you for your personality, because you suck at spitting game. oh-" her shoulder and back twitch, wearing a blushed look.
Lost in her eyes and too deep into the moment, Azule didn't realize his hand went lower than it was supposed to, getting brought back to the moment. "I-I'm sorry!" his hand jumps back to her back, blushing heavy realizing his error.
Fuchsia laughs in response, "I'm learning more about you already."
"I didn't meant to do that..."
"I once read that inklings and octolings genetically can't resist one another, as if we're drawn to each other. You wouldn't happen to be..."
"Please change the subject, this awkward."
"Nah, I like this. Seeing you flustered is cute."
"Are we still taking it slow?" he asks raising his eyebrow, still nervous.
She stares at his chest and giggles, "Your heartbeat tells me you'd like to pick up the pace."
Azule smiles, "I like this new confidence, but you're scaring me."
She gives a smug look, "You'd feel confident too if you were in my shoes, lover boy."
Unable to resist it any longer, Azule leans in closing his eyes. Fuchsia's smirk disappears realizing he's calling her bluff, resolving herself to stay strong she meets him halfway. Fireworks fly between them, lasting for a few second before they both open their eyes to meet the other's gaze. She realizes that she just had her first kiss and immediately goes quiet, resting her head on his shoulder hugging him, too embarrassed to look him in the eye after that. Azule also felt embarrassed since he could see the silent cheers and thumbs up from his friends and other guests who were rooting them on watching the entire time like it was the climax to soap opera. A night filled with music, food, and spirits, the Ravia Conference officially comes to an end.
The next day, many of the world leaders began returning home now that the conference was over, which includes the likes of the Nefertina and Nikola, who would be quite busy when they return home. In addition to them returning home, so too would Cap'n Cuttlefish and Netifla be on their return to Inkopolis, as well as Maya, Julian, Santiago, and Mario who also have plenty of business to discuss. With a crazy week finally behind them, it was time for the kids to return to their normal life and let the adults hand the rest. Even so, Azule and Violet their attachment to their family grow after everything that happened, and for Shiva and Fuchsia, it'd been an unbelievable memory. It was an eye opening experience for Azule, who understood just how precious life is after having to bury Spyke and Annie and see them off. On the day his parents make their leave to return to Inkopolis, he gives them a long hug, cherishing every second of it and letting them know that he loves them and was grateful to call them his parents; a hug worth a million words, Maya and Julian didn't want to let him go, finally feeling peace in their lives again as their youngest boy embraces them. With turbulence expected for the future, Cap'n Cuttlefish assured them that Rebirth would be successful and that there would be many surprises in store, careful to keep the return of the Citra couple a secret after they requested that Tangie not know about their whereabouts on relay from Simone, who informed them that their daughter would be marrying her son when they come of age. Maya felt a little sour that she couldn't share the news with Tangie, knowing that if she saw them she'd probably spring to life in a way never seen before, but if they were anything like her, they'd find a way to reconnect with her. A promise to uphold his end of the promise, Cobalt asks Maya to send greetings to his mother and confirmation that he'll hold his end of the deal; a deal that Azule and the others were interested in learning about with Fuchsia and Violet continually poking him for an answer. As the adults make their leave, so do the kids who look to return to Sally and the others, though they would be coming back with far more people than when they left for the villa.
Over in Octaria, it was a homecoming for Shiva and her retainers who returned to their homeland to see a massive celebration on display for them. All throughout the streets, everyone expressed their thanks and praised her, but she wasn't aware of what was going on. From what she'd heard, Octaria was supposed to be in the process of rebuilding, but here they were doing far more than that. Arriving at the palace, Shiva reunites with everyone-the first person she rushed to being Sky who had a couple band aids on her face. They share a hug, whispering to the other that they accomplished their goal. There was so much they had to say, but for now they were just thankful to be together again. Their moment is interrupted by a shower of praise from everyone in the resistance who welcomed her with overwhelming support, excited to give her the exciting news. As her father appears with Jonah and the remaining members of the resistance, they need her to sit down as the announcement he had to make would surely bring her to her knees.
"I-I'm what!?" Shiva trembles in disbelief.
"You will become the new Queen of Octaria."
Shiva turns pale as those memories come rushing back painfully, remembering all the trials she overcame to get to this point. All those years of being used, of being told she'd never take the throne for her genetic failures, of battling the racism of the surface, of seeking peace, finally, she was accepted not just by her father, but by the entire country as the successor. Overcome with emotion, she brings her hands up to her face and began to cry, letting everything out while being held by Sky and her retainers; everyone close to her understood how much this moment meant to her after having fought so hard for the future she believes in. However, that moment of happiness wouldn't last for long as DJ Octavio wear crestfallen looks when she asked about where the others were, only noticing a few of the 8 Legs. When she saw the light leave Sky's eyes, her heart sunk. Several tombstones are laid out that read the names of her fallen comrades: Hatu, Abraham...Faye, Sigmund, Veronica, and Porter. Her heart breaks, remembering all their faces in such detail that she felt a headache coming along just imagining how painful their final moments were. Luckily from the accounts of everyone, they assured her that they all fought valiantly to their last breaths and became legends. Her body shivering from the news, she felt chills run down her spine viewing the items held by Sky and Pastelle, recognizing the owner they belonged to; a treasured item for them, they both vowed to always remember these events. A moment of silence given with the new queen deciding that the best thing to do is celebrate their life and make her coronation more than just about her, but also mark it as a memorial for all the lives lost-attributing that if it wasn't for their sacrifices, she wouldn't be in this position. As for the remaining Legs of the resistance, Shiva decided to put them on as officials for her new council along with her retainers and Captain Jonah, citing that though she may become queen there is no way she can do it alone. When she asked for Han and his two ninja apprentices who played a crucial role in their successes, she was surprised to learn that they returned to Ikayumu with a plan in mind. He plans to rebuild his clan's values and establish relations with Octaria and the Tokugawa alliance after a change of heart fighting to save another nation and their people. Han wanted a fresh start, one that'd hopefully never involve violence.
Around that same time arriving at the Walleye residence after the drive from the airport, the 5 friends who risked their lives to defend a country finally marked the end of their perilous fight by stepping foot onto the driveway, officially making it back to Sally and the others safely, and with more people than when they left. As they near the front door hearing the sounds of excited voices shouting and yelling to gather up, they all felt nervous about how they would react to seeing that Cobalt and Tangie returned. Before they could hide them for the surprise, the door flung open and two figures in pink and yellow raced out the doors and brushed past the trio, jumping into the arms of the Cobalt and Tangie. In an instant, they're bawling their eyes out expressing how much they missed the pair; everyone else followed them out the door, greeting everyone.
Sally lets go of Cobalt and Tangie and looks over to the trio, bringing them in for a hug before whispering, "I'm going to punish you for getting involved in something so dangerous." which sent shivers down their spines hearing her demonic tone.
The rest of the day is spent to the fullest as every played some games out on the beach, ate barbecue, and even had a jam session. That evening, Cobalt and Tangie told some stories from their few months in Ikayumu, from daily shenanigans Tangie did within the estate to the fun exploring they did throughout the country, it seemed as though there was never a dull moment for the pair with the way they phrased the story, though Azule could see they were doing their best to appear happy, noticing that throughout their story telling there was a hint of loneliness in their tones, as though the adventures they were retelling were meaningless compared to being with them. Story time turned into an exchange as Mika and Leor chimed in with stories of their own to keep the mood going. After a couple hours and full bellies, Cobalt and Tangie look at one another with devious looks.
"Ahem…" he clears his throat, grabbing everyone's attention; "I've been told that I have a few years before I become leader of the Tokugawa family. Until then, I should do everything within my power to learn all the tools necessary for making a great leader..." Everyone is still on the edge of their seats wondering what all this meant, though Fuchsia and the others already knew on the way there. Cobalt looks over to Tangie, with a nod for her to finish the sentence.
"We're here to stay!" she shouts jovially, hugging Cobalt right afterwards with a giggle.
Reice's mouth drops, "For real!?"
"Yes." Cobalt nods; "My mother believes that the healthiest thing for me to do before my ascension is to continue my life how I had before. She understood my resolve and the sacrifices that I was willing to make, and I guess she believed that it was better that Tangie and I spend the next couple of years we have left with the friends we love so dearly. So yes, we're here to stay until our graduation."
"Then we return to Ikayumu since Cobalt will be old enough to officially become the leader of the family." Tangie adds, reassuring them that they can come visit them anytime and that for his that special occasion they'll be free to stay for a few weeks, inviting them all.
No words can express the joy on their faces at such wonderful news, realizing that for the first time after months of separation were the team whole again with the return of Cobalt and Tangie. Back at full strength, they were excited to get back to Inkopolis and resume their school life: they could go back to hanging out at Inkopolis Square for battle, chill at someone's house for group studying, or even prepare for summer and find fun things to do. With so much time ahead, all of them are anxious to share it with the people they care for the most. Realizing it's getting late, they all wrap it up and get ready for bed. Tomorrow's flight is early, and it is back to the usual grind the moment they return to Inkopolis.
