I emailed FishyFisher about this duology last night, and I have no idea how he will respond to it.

Chapter Five

Shurtugal and Choco

(Jessica's apartment)

Skul watched in amusement as her mother slapped her father for staying away for so long, then cried into his shoulder, saying, "I missed you..." over and over again. Sagaci sat beside her, and the two watched as Shurtugal and Jessica hugged it out. Shurtugal began to cry, and sat down. Jessica gently cupped his cheek, and asked, "What's wrong?" He faced her. "I spent years believing you and Susan were gone. I held myself responsible, and hid in that dome so that I could die alone..."

Skul and Sagaci faced each other, both concerned, but knowing to let Jessica handle this. "Hey, it's okay. We're together again, and Susan has grown into a beautiful young woman." Skul blushed in embarrassment, and Sagaci patted her shoulder in consolation. Shurtugal faced his daughters, and said to Skul, "You have. I still want to ask him questions, but I can understand that he's made a positive impact on your life." Skul refrained from defending Choco, knowing that she couldn't talk her father out of it.

Facing Sagaci, Shurtugal continued. "I'm sorry you had to be raised by 'Octavia', if I remember her name correctly." Skul nodded. "That's right." Sagaci simply hugged him, and said, "I have a new mother now..." Shurtugal smiled, and hugged his younger daughter, then turned back to Skul. "I'd like to see your apartment, if I may." Skul nodded. "No problem." They walked to the apartment, and Skul opened the door, Shurtugal taking it all in, and also taking note of the trophy on the bookshelf.

"Oh, you won a Tournament?" Skul nodded. "The Vanilla Tournament, from two years ago. It was in honor of Kyle's sister, who died in battle against Octavio." Shurtugal was confused. "Who is Octavio, anyway?" Skul replied, "The Octarian King, and Octavia's father." Shurtugal looked at her, and waited. "He tried to attack Inkopolis two years ago, and was arrested, but not before he shot Kayla in the face. Her Turf War ID name was Vanilla, because Kyle's is Choco, or chocolate."

He nodded. He took note of the name on the trophy. "'Team B-Rush'?" She replied, "Yeah, I got the squid doll and card a month after I got to Inkopolis." Shurtugal took note of two books on the shelf, and pulled one out. He recognized it. "My journal..." Skul faced him. "I didn't write in it. It was in the box that had the squid doll and card in it." Her father nodded, and set it down, looking at the other book. "This is our family's history book, isn't it?" Skul nodded. "We went to the village ruins to see what we could salvage."

Jessica spoke up. "Oh, you did? Did you find an old sewing machine?" Skul nodded. "Kyle found it in the basement. I... didn't want it, so we... left it there..." Jessica chuckled. "That's all right. But you're going to go back and get it for me. young lady." Skul nodded. "I will." Sagaci put her hand up. Skul chuckled. "Yes, you can come, Sagaci. I might need your help with the sewing machine anyway." Sagaci pumped her fist in celebration. Her father chuckled, then took note of Skul's Octo Shot. "So you were raised as an Octarian soldier."

Skul nodded. "By Commander Khan. He let me go two years ago, and I found out who I really was a short time later. I didn't even remember my real name for a long time." Shurtugal sat down next to Skul, and said, "The experiences we go through can either build us or break us. Your experiences have built you, made you stronger." He removed the Kulina family history book, entitled, "The History of the Kulina Bloodline," and opened the book, looking at the table of contents.

He turned to a specific page, and showed it to Skul. "Over the centuries, our family has been known for having abilities that some considered to be... unnatural." He began to read. "Seven abilities have been discovered among the Kulina family. Each ability is useful in different circumstances. One ability is the power to heal any injured individual just by touching the wound." Skul stared at her father in amazement. He continued. "Perhaps the mightiest ability has to do with the family Inkbrush.

A Kulina, trained by the parent who is of the Kulina bloodline, is able to throw the Inkbrush at their opponents, and have the brush return to their hand. It is useful in self-defense, and was used by John Kulina in the Great Turf War. This power is very dangerous, however, and attempting to learn this ability on one's own is heavily discouraged, as it is nearly impossible to learn on one's own." He closed the book, and faced her. "I will teach you all seven of the abilities, but you must not use any of them in Ink Battles."

Skul nodded. "They do seem overkill." He nodded. "Many would view it as cheating." Skul's phone went off just then. She sighed. "He can't be calling me in now..." She looked at her phone, and sighed in relief. "Oh, it's Kyle." She answered it. "Hey." She listened for a minute. "Uh huh." She continued to listen. "Sure. He actually wanted to talk to you." She was silent, and then answered, "Okay, bye." Facing her confused father, she said, "Kyle's coming over. He wanted to talk to you."

Shurtugal nodded. "That's convenient." Soon, Kyle arrived, and Shurtugal gestured him over to the kitchen area, leaving a worried Skul with Jessica and Sagaci. In the kitchen, Shurtugal faced Kyle. "I admire your courage. Most young men would run from the father." Kyle nodded. "I'm not like most guys." Shurtugal nodded. "The fact that you wanted to see me proves that. Now, I have some questions, and I do expect answers." Kyle nodded. "I'm ready for the interrogation."

Shurtugal nodded. "First, what was it that first attracted you to Susan? And be truthful." Kyle replied, "Her eyes." Shurtugal nodded. "They are beautiful, I will grant you that." He continued. "Second, have you been in a relationship before?" Upon Kyle's confused expression, he stated, "I want to know how many girls Susan may have to defend you from." Kyle replied, "Oh, okay. Susan's actually the first, and I intend for her to be the only." Shurtugal nodded. "That answers my third question. Now, if you could, would you marry her?"

Kyle's answer was immediate. "In a heartbeat." Shurtugal grinned. "Splendid answer. Straight and to the point." He then said, "The last question. Have you two slept with each other?" Kyle shook his head. "Susan and I agreed that she would decide when that happens." Shurtugal grinned. "Letting her decide, eh? Good choice." Kyle nodded. Shurtugal nodded. "Your father, Caramel, is an old friend of mine. Is he in Inkopolis?" Kyle shook his head. "He's back in Calamari County with Mom.

After Kayla died, they made it clear that they wanted to come see me, but we haven't been able to find a good time for it yet." Shurtugal nodded. "Just checking." He put his hand on Kyle's shoulder. "You're exactly the kind of young man Susan should be with. You have my blessing." He handed Kyle a small box. Kyle opened it, and looked at Shurtugal in shock. He simply said, "For when the time comes." With that, they went back to have dinner with the rest in the apartment.

A/N

Wow. Two stories updated in one day. That never happens for me.