Arc 2 Chapter 16
On the Saltspray Rig, the inklings and octarians were frantically looking for Blake. He had been snuck away by Camper's girlfriend Loppy. She took him to a room somewhere under the deck in an attempt to get away from the groups. Once in the room, she had Blake go to the other side of the room while she was near the door. After a moment she went over and untied Blake. Blake was relived but suspicious of the inkling girl's actions.
"Alright, why did you get me away from up there?" asked Blake keeping his guard up.
The inkling girl just looked at him and laid her ink brush against the wall. She then turned back to Blake with a serious look while Blake raised an eyebrow.
"I thought about Camper's actions. It isn't right how he treated you or selling you to those octarians. I hate for them to hurt you, being the last of your kind," explained Loppy. "How can you speak my language? It must have been lonely being in that pod thing, I wonder how you survived all this time?" she continued.
Blake gave her a look of suspicion unsure why she risked herself saving him and not believing that was the only reason why she brought him there. "ok, Why the sympathy?" asked Blake with his arms crossed.
Loppy stared at him for a moment then turned her face as she rubbed the back of her head. "I just... like you," said Loppy rubbing her arm.
Blake had a look of surprise on his face hearing what the inkling girl had said. "Huh?" responded Blake.
"Are you... single? I saw the mark on your neck," said Loppy in eagerness.
"What? I um... sorry, but I don't think this is the time, plus you're not my type and PLUS! I pretty sure Camper would break every bone in my body if he knew I hooked up with his girlfriend," said Blake trying to comprehend the conversation.
"But Camper's an asshole, I know he wants me and him to find a place on our own after he receives the money, but I don't care about that after you stood up to him," she explained then her expression changed as she smirked at the human. "you know I've never hooked up with a human," said the inkling girl as she swayed closer to Blake.
Blake was flabbergasted as he blushed not knowing how to react to the inkling girl's offer. "Look, this is so sudden, Camper and those octarians are going to be looking for us!" exclaimed Blake.
"Well that doesn't give us much time, does it," said the inkling with a blushing face.
She swooped in and put her arm around Blake's and twirled her finger on his chest. "Umm...what are you doing," asked Blake nervously.
"Oh come on, let's at least make our situation enjoyable," said Loopy as pulled onto Blake.
"Uh, no, as I said, your not my type," said Blake pulling his arm free from the inkling girl.
Loppy yelped from the sudden move and looked at Blake. As he had his back turned she squid formed and tackled him down. He turned around on the floor and saw the inkling on top of him back in her bipedal form. She gave him a promiscuous stare with a toothy smile. Blake had froze in utter surprise unsure how to make out the dilemma.
"I think you're just playing hard to get," said Loppy.
"What!? No...I..." said Blake as he was cut off by the inkling starting to take her clothes off.
Blake when wide-eyed and jaw-dropped at the inkling. She had managed to slip out of her clothes and was completely nude on top of him.
"WAH!" shouted Blake as he jerked and covered his eyes.
"Okaaaay...your turn," said Loppy promiscuously as she blushed. She started to pull Blake's shirt but all of a sudden the two of them heard footsteps outside the door.
"Hey! I thought I heard something!" shouted a voice outside the door.
"Oh shit!" said Blake.
Loppy turned and got off Blake. She grabbed her clothes and covered her naked body unsure what to do. "Hide!" commanded Blake to the inkling gal. She nodded and jumped behind some crates on the corner of the room. Blake frantically looked around for a place to hide as he heard footsteps approach the door to the room. "I heard the noise come from in here," said the voice. Blake panicked as he turned and saw an open locker to the side. he jumped in it hoping to hide from the voices as the doorknob turned.
Cassie and Izzy finally made it to the square. They got off the bus and walked into the square. It was still a little early as the square was empty and the shops were closed.
Cassie and Izzy made their way to the new Ammo Knights store and knocked on the door. The sign said closed but Cassie was hoping the owner was awake and would open it. After a few minutes, a figure came and opened the shop door. he was a short humanoid creature with a shell on his head. He wore goggles and an apron covering his body. He looked at the two girls and rubbed his eyes. "Hey, you do no the lobby doesn't officially open until 10:00 don't you, I'm surprised you inklings are up this early," said the creature.
"Uh, we know Sheldon, it's just my friend here needs a starter kit for the turf war games. She came into town a couple of weeks ago. I was hoping you would open the shop for us so she can get ready before the square gets packed," said Cassie.
"(sigh) I guess, but just this once!" said Sheldon as he was irritated by how early it was.
"I'm only doing this for you Cass, but don't expect a discount or anything," said Sheldon as he walked back in.
The two of them walked in and followed Sheldon to the counter. He turned around and faced the girls collecting his composure. "So, this is your first time in Inkopolis huh, I assume you came here to do turf battles, well seek no further, welcome to Ammo Knights, the only place in Inkopolis to buy the latest and freshest turf war weapons," said the anxious Horseshoe crab.
Izzy looked around in amazement staring at all the turf weapons on the walls. "Wow, look at all the cool turf weapons," said Izzy with her eyes sparkling.
"Cass, says you need a turf weapon, well since this your first time, unfortunately, I have to sell you a starter kit," explained Sheldon.
"What's a starter kit?" asked Izzy.
"A starter kit is sold and issued out to fresh new turf players, here let me show you," said Sheldon as he opened up the starter kit.
Sheldon opened the starter kit and showed Izzy what it consisted of. Inside the case was a weapon called a Splattershot Jr. and also an ink tank for containing the turf player's ink.
"What's this?" asked Izzy as she picked what looked like a wristwatch but in the center of it was a circular screen with a squid logo on it.
"Oh that's squidwatch, it lets you know when you can activate your special," explained Sheldon.
"Special? What's a special?" asked Izzy examining the watch.
"A special unlocks a power-up when you've filled up the gauge on your squidwatch. In order to unlock your special weapon, you have to start covering as much turf as you can and splat as many players from the opposing team, once the squidwatch glows you can activate the special weapon," explained Sheldon.
"So what kind of special weapons are there?" asked Izzy.
"Well, right now the old special weapons are being phased out, like bomb rush, the inkstrike and the Kraken," said Sheldon.
"What? the Kraken's being phased out, That was my favorite," said Cassie in distress.
"Don't worry, They'll be some new special weapons replacing the old ones," said Sheldon trying to relieve Cassie.
"New ones? Like what?" asked Cassie perking up.
"Well, right now I can think of three, the Baller, the tenta missiles, and Ink armor, I'm still constructing the other ones," said Sheldon.
"Wow, I wouldn't mind trying out some of the new special weapons," said Cassie.
"Cass, I thought you weren't playing turf wars anymore, you know after that tournament you and your team lost," said Sheldon.
"I talked her into playing again Sheldon!" exclaimed Izzy with a smile.
"You did, that's great news! I'm glad to hear you're getting back into turfing Cassie, I hated it when I heard you got out of playing in the turf battles two years ago, well, don't worry, there are new weapons and arenas coming I've just got done putting out the new Splattershots," said Sheldon excitedly.
"New Splattershot?" asked Cassie.
"Yeah, they were put out by Tentatek for the new arenas. He let me show you," said Sheldon grabbing anew Splattershot off the wall.
Cassie took the new Splattershot and examined it. "Seems a little heavier than the old ones. I always did like the splattershot," said Cassie.
"Well, it may be heavier, but they are an improvement over the old ones, more ergonomic and controllable compared to the old ones, We also have some newly designed Rollers and Chargers. You wanna see?" asked Sheldon.
"No thank you, Sheldon, let's just hurry and get Izzy set up before the lobby opens," said Cassie.
"Hey, this thing is cool! When can I get one?" asked Izzy looking at the new Splattershot.
"When you start competing more and winning battles. Your rank class climbs as you and the team your on wins turf wars and earn enough money of course, then you can purchase one," explained Sheldon taking the Splattershot away.
"Ahhhhh," said a gloomy Izzy.
"Hey, Cass? since your playing in turf wars again you wanna buy a new splattershot?" asked Sheldon as he put the weapon back on the wall.
"Not right now, I'm just focused on getting Izzy ready before the tower opens and we still gotta go to the tutorial area so she can get the hang of things," said Cassie.
"Ok, well I look forward to you coming back then," said Sheldon as he walked back over.
"Well let's get going Izzy, we still gotta go train and here Sheldon, for the starter kit," said Cassie paying Sheldon for the Starter pack.
"No problem girls, I wish you the best of luck," waved Sheldon as Izzy and Cassie walked out of the store and headed over to the tutorial area to train Izzy.
On their way there, the girls passed the new studio. The studio was still closed and Izzy looked at Cassie. "Hey, Cass?" asked Izzy.
"Yeah, Izzy?" replied Cassie.
"Thanks for doing this for me, You've been the only true friend since I came to Inkopolis. (sigh) I wasn't sure what to do when I came here, I mean I have friends that live in Flounder Heights but they're always busy, I never get to spend time with them, I was hoping they could help me out but..." said Izzy as she started to put her head down.
"Izzy... It's no problem, I don't mind helping you out, you've been a great friend to me too, you're probably my only friend. After Me and my team lost at the tournament years ago, we kinda grew apart. I quit staying in contact with them and Ross, I mean Camper, didn't help matters. You've helped me out even though you don't know it," said Cassie with her hand on Izzy's shoulder.
"I have? I mean...you're...welcome Cass," said Izzy giving a slight smile.
"Best friend," said Cassie putting her hand out for a shake.
"Best friend," said Izzy shaking Cassie's hand.
The two hugged for a while and continued on to the tutorial area before the square got filled with turf war players.
Back at the Octoling base, An Octoling Elite was standing in front of a large group of octoling soldiers. She had just got done giving a briefing on the location of the submarine and relayed the message they had just heard transmitted from the octo rebels in the large chamber which was the command center. "Alright, we'll deploy two squads to assault the rig where the inklings and octo rebels are making the exchange. By what we've intercepted the human is supposed to be exchanged there from the inklings to the rebels, let's ensure that we stop them before they make it to Octo Canyon, is everyone ready?!" ordered the elite.
"Yes, Ma'am!" shouted the octolings.
"Good! Both squads will make there way to the rig via the octozepplins. The octozepplins are a new octoweapon the engineers had just built for transportation and air assaults. Some of the octozepplins have been installed with platforms and turrets as countermeasures. They're large and will be easily spotted so we'll have to be prepared for a counterattack or the rebels could fall back with the human in possession but its the only way to get aboard the rig for now," explained the elite.
"Lieutenant, what's our plan if the rebels were to flee with the human, before we reach the rig since the octozepplins will be easily spotted," asked an octoling.
"Well since it will still be dark, let's hope we'll still have ample time and range for you troops to octo jump on the rig and stop the groups from retaliating before the rebels make it off with the human, our options are limited, so we have to rely on coordination and luck on this mission, so keep on your toes and watch each other," said the elite.
"Roger," said the octoling.
"Alright is everyone ready?!" shouted the elite.
"Yes, ma'am!" shouted the octolings again.
"Good! Now move out!" commanded the elite.
They all saluted and headed down to the octozeppelin bay but as they left, one octoling held back. It was Sergeant Maxie, the octoling that had reported to the elite beforehand.
"Sergeant! I'm counting on you to lead the two squads, I trust there will be no casualties from our side and that the human will be apprehended form the rebels without incident, let's hope the inklings will leave before we approach, then we can deal with the rebels," said the elite.
"You can count on me Lieutenant, You'll be rest assured that we'll retrieve the human from the rebels and their leader will be stopped, I can promise that," said the Sargeant as she turned away.
"I hope so...and, Sergeant," said the elite as the Sergeant stopped and faced her commander.
"Yes, Lieutenant?" asked the Sergeant.
"remain clear-minded, don't let the Major get in your head, I know your history together and...I don't wanna lose you, she's done enough damage as it is," said the elite.
"You have my word," saluted the Sergeant as she turned and headed out to the octozeppelin bay with the other octolings.
After the octoling sergeant left the elite had a pensive look on her face. "Do be careful, Sergeant, I know she was your friend and mentor as well as my sister, but we must stop her for the sake of the octarians and peace among the races, make it back," said the elite as she turned away observing the chamber crewmen manning the computers.
It was still a little early in the morning as the squids came out of the Cuttlefish's shack after eating and calming their grandfather down after the incident with Octavio.
"Well, I'm glad gramps calmed down, I hated to see him get worked up, he said he was ready to push Octavio off the cliff as he did to Blake years ago," said Marie.
"He really cares for Blake," said Callie.
"Like you," said Marie with a smirk.
"yeah..." replied Callie looking at her cousin then turning her head with a saddened look.
"You're not gonna get all flustered about?" asked a surprised Callie from her reaction.
"No, I do very much, care about Blake," said Callie depressingly.
Marie turned her head, critically-minded of the situation, hoping that something would turn up about the whereabouts of Blake. She then turned back to Callie. "Cal...I," started Marie as she was cut off by Cuttlefish bursting the door open and shouting at the two of them.
"Grandsquids come here quick! Hurry!" shouted Cuttlefish startling the girls looking at Cuttlefish with shock and confusion.
The two of them looked at each other and ran back in. Inside they headed into the bedroom and saw Cuttlefish hovered over an old HAM radio that he used for field work to keep in contact with agents. "Gramps! What's going on?!" exclaimed a confused Marie with Callie behind her.
"It's a distress call, I heard it when I headed back to my bedroom," explained Cuttlefish.
"What? Gramps, you haven't used that thing in two years, their's no way..." said Marie as she was cut off by static coming from the radio.
"Shush!" signaled Cuttlefish as the static cleared and a transmission came in.
"Mayday! Mayday! This is the Saltspray Rig! Come In! (zzzttt) Please anyone hearing this send help! (zzzttt) This is a recorded message! (zzzttt) Hurry! Blake out!"
"That was Blake! He's in trouble! We have to do something!" shouted Callie frantically.
"Callie calm down! It was a recorded message, but how long ago was it sent out?" asked Marie.
"I'm not sure lass, I can only hope Bucko is safe," said Cuttlefish a slightly distressed tone.
"He said the Saltspray Rig, That's out in the bay!" said Callie.
"How do you two plan to get out there?" asked Cuttlefish.
"I'm not sure, we'll have to see if we can a boat," said Marie.
"A boat, where are we going to get a boat, Marie, not to mention we're vulnerable to water," asked Callie.
"I know Cal, it's risky, but..." said Marie as she soon froze in thought. "Wait,... gramps, do you still have your old fishing boat?" asked Marie.
"I sure do, I just fixed the leak on it not too long ago, it's not fast but..." said Cuttlefish as he was cut off.
"It'll have to do gramps, as long as it can get us there, now let's hurry and get to your wharf," said Marie as she grabbed Cuttlefish's hand and the rushed out the door with Callie behind them.
It had been a while but the three of them made to Cuttlefish's wharf where the boat was docked. The boat was small and built out of wood. It had a couple of metal patches from all the leaks. On the back was a small motor that powered the little boat, hopefully, it still ran. "It's not much, but it's our only option," said Marie as she gave a long sigh.
"Well, girls I wish you the best of luck and please save the lad," said Cuttlefish waving his cane as he headed back to his shack.
"We will gramps! don't worry we'll save Blake!" shouted Callie.
Callie looked back at her cousin who was calling on her phone. "I'm going to get a hold of Cassie and inform her about the radio message, hopefully, she'll answer her phone," said Marie a little starkly.
After a moment, she finally got an answer. "Hello? Marie?" asked Cassie on the other end.
"Cass, I need you at Cuttlefish's wharf right away, Blake's in trouble. Cuttlefish caught his distress signal on the HAM radio, me and Callie are going to get ready to head out. get here quick and I'll explain the details," explained Marie on the phone.
"Ok, Marie, I'm on my way!" said Cassie as she hung up.
"Hopefully she'll be here soon, let's gear up Cal," said Marie as Callie nodded.
The two of them put on their splat armor and agent outfits. They pulled out their weapons and ink tanks and placed them in the boat. "Alright, Cal all we gotta do is wait on Cassie, now," said Marie.
"I hope Blake's ok," said Callie looking out at the bay.
'Me too Cal, me too," said Marie also looking out at the bay.
Cassie and Izzy were in the tutorial area near Inkopolis Square. Cassie was teaching Izzy how to shoot at targets and refill her ink tank. Izzy was slowly getting the hang of it as she went through different courses in the tutorial area. When they made it to the range Izzy was learning how to shoot at the squid shaped targets. Cassie was going over different tactics she should use when going up against her opponents in turf wars. She warned Izzy about Chargers and Rollers and told her to focus on covering the turf with her and her team's ink to win in matches. After about nearly an hour Izzy was starting to get tired and thought she might be ready to get into a turf match.
"Well first Izzy, you need to join a team before you can compete," advised Cassie.
"A team? But I'm not sure who I could join, I mean my friends are already on teams," said a distressed Izzy.
"Hmm, I'm not sure then, maybe you could mingle with some turf players and ask around. I'm sure all those turfers coming to the square are going to need to gather and ask around as the lobby opens, then maybe you can find a team to be on," said Cassie.
"Wh...what about your team, Cass?" asked Izzy.
"My team? Izzy, I already told you, I don't really keep in contact with them and besides, they're experienced turfers and you just started, I'm not sure they would let you on," said Cassie.
"Oh, well I guess I could ask around when we get back to the square," said Izzy.
"Well, it's still early and you've got plenty of time to go back through the course if you want," said Cassie.
"Nah, I'm starting to get hungry, maybe Crusty Sean has his food truck open," said Izzy placing her hand on her stomach.
"ok, we'll grab I bite to eat and maybe we can swing over to see Off the Hook if they've opened their studio," said Cassie.
'Ok, let's go!" shouted Izzy as they left the tutorial area and ventured back to the square.
The two of them headed to crusty sean's food truck but unfortunately, it was closed and wouldn't open until the lobby opened for the turfers.
"Aww squid, I'm hungry," said a disappointed Izzy.
"Don't worry Izzy, let's just head over to the studio," said Cassie putting her hand on Izzy's back.
The two walked over to the studio and saw that the window wasn't blocked anymore and they could see Marina inside placing a laptop away at her station. Izzy tapped on the glass and waved getting Marina's attention. Marina looked and saw the two of them at the window and smiled and waved before she opened the door to greet them.
"Hey, you guys, whatchu up to?" said marina
"Oh, Cass is teaching me how to play in turf wars, we just came back from training but we got here real early so could get a weapon before the lobby opened," explained Izzy excited to see Marina.
"That's awesome, I wish you the best of luck and don't stress about playing, you'll get the hang of it," said Marina.
"Alright Marina, I won't but Cassie said I should join a team first, I hope I'll get a chance to play when the lobby finally opens," said Izzy.
"I'm sure you'll get on a team when all the turfers get here, they'll have to ask around for some players to join their teams," said Marina placing her hand on Izzy's shoulder.
"I mean will anyone let me join on their team? I mean I'm new and all and..." asked Izzy nervously.
"Izzy it's okay, I mean if you don't get on a team, you could always watch the battle on the screens and learn how they play turf wars or go back to the tutorial area and train before you get into a real battle," said Cassie trying to reassure Izzy.
"Cassie's right Izzy, it's not the end of the world if you don't get to play, you'll get an opportunity, just be confident and patient, their's no need to worry about it," said Marina giving Izzy a toothy smile.
"Alright, you guys and thank you for cheering me up, I'll do the best I can," said Izzy pumping her fist with confidence.
"That's the spirit," said Marina.
After their pep talk, Cassie's phone rang and she pulled it out to see who was calling her so early, assuming it was one of the squid sisters with something urgent. She saw that it was Marie calling and answered it. "Hello? Marie? she answered.
Cassie turned away to hear Marie giving her information about Blake and a distress call from Cuttlefish's radio. Marina and Izzy looked at her with worry unsure of what was going on. Marie informed her that they were at Cuttlefish's wharf and for her to meet with them there right away, "Ok, Marie! I'm on my way!" said Cassie as she hung up the phone.
Cassie turned and looked back at Izzy and Marina with concerned and confused looks on their faces. "Sorry guys, I gotta run! Izzy stay here and train some more before the lobby opens up and don't worry, just hang around and talk to people and maybe you'll get pulled to be on their team," said Cassie as she darted for the square exit.
"Cassie, wait!" shouted Izzy as she held her arm out.
Marina was worried and looked back at Izzy hoping nobody was in danger. "Marina, what's going on, why did she have to leave?" asked Izzy who was distressed and confused.
"Izzy, I'm sure it was something important, She'll be back when it gets taken care of, I'm sure," said Marina trying to reassure Izzy.
Izzy gave a sigh and downed her head. "But I wanted her to stay, I'm nervous, She's my only true friend Marina," said Izzy sadly.
"It'll be alright, Izzy, like I said she'll be back," said Marina.
Izzy looked back at the direction Cassie ran to with a depressed look. She wanted Cassie to stay and cheer her on and provide her emotional support since it was her first time competing in the turf war matches. She then decided to chase after her and see what was going on even though she was risking losing the opportunity to play when the lobby finally opened.
"Izzy where are you going?" asked Marina in slight distress.
"Cassie and them are in trouble and I'm going to go help my friend!" shouted Izzy as she squid formed and headed out of the square.
"Well, do be careful!" shouted a worried Marina as Izzy vanished down the street.
The octarians were moving in on the Saltspray Rig led by Sergeant Maxie to stop the Octo rebels from taking the human back to Octo Canyon. The two squads had just got done prepping their strategy for the assault on the rig that the Sergeant had gone over. The octolings got to their stations and made sure that their ink tanks were full. Sergeant Maxie pulled out her knife and recanted her fight with the major back at Camper's hideout. She glared at the knife ready for the battle ahead of her.
"One minute until we get into range!" shouted the octozeppelin pilot. the sergeant broke out of her thought and shook her head to recompose her emotions. She stuck the knife back into it's sheath and walked over to where the octolings were about to deploy.
"Alright troops! We're closing in on the rig so get ready to octo jump when we get into range and watch each other's backs! I want everyone alive when this is done, we make this quick and clean and don't fire upon any of the inklings unless they fire back, our main threat is the rebels and the target is the human, do I make myself clear!" said the sergeant sternly.
"Yes Ma'am!" all the octolings shouted.
"Good! Get Ready!" shouted the sergeant.
"30 seconds" shouted the pilot.
The sergeant got to her station and checked her weapon and ink tank. She gave a deep breath hoping the mission went successfully without a hitch. Thoughts were racing through her mind remembering what her lieutenant told her before she left the base.
"10 Seconds" shouted the pilot.
After that the octozeppelin was shaking, they could hear ink hitting the outside as the octozeppelin as it was starting to rock. "We're taking fire! Hold on!" shouted the pilot.
"Looks like they've spotted us! Open the bay door and prepare to jump on the rig in 5...4...3...2...1! Jump for it!" shouted the sergeant as the octolings shifted form and jumped out of the bay and onto the rig while evading ink shots from the rebels. The sergeant was the last one to jump as she octo formed and jumped out as the octozeppelin started to bank out of the enemy fire.
"good luck sergeant!" the pilot yelled as she went out the bay door.
"I don't need it!" shouted the sergeant as she saw an opening and landed on a clear spot on the platform. She shifted forms back in the air as she cut a flip and landed on her feet. She took cover before the skirmish began getting her weapon ready as her unit moved in. The octo rebels got behind cover and fired at the octolings that boarded the rig to stop their plans. The octolings returned fired and battle had commenced.
The sergeant sat up and fired on some of the rebel octotroopers who were advancing on their position. She splatted two of them while her unit splatted the rest. She sat back down behind cover and pulled out the picture of her and the major that was taken over 2 years ago. "I'm coming for you Major,...and I'll be ready," said the sergeant sternly as the battle between the rebels and her unit ensued.