Arc 2 Chapter 20
The major slithered down the catwalk from the battle she had with the sergeant with part of her tentacle cut off. She was growling in pain and changed back when she reached the bottom of the stairs running to the pier. She walked over to the submarine clutching her tentacle and gritting her teeth. Two octolings spotted her and rushed over to try and help her but she shrugged them with a glare.
"Major! What happened!" exclaimed one of the octolings.
"Never mind that! Get the sub ready now! We're leaving!" shouted the angered elite still covering her tentacle.
"But ma'am, what about the others?!" asked the other octoling.
"They've all been killed! Now get out of the way or I'll throw into the water!" shouted the elite.
The octoling jumped back and nodded allowing the elite to get by then all of a sudden an ink shot splattered one of the octolings while the other had frozen, unsure what had happened until she turned her head to the catwalk above them.
The elite turned her head and saw that it was the sergeant aiming her octoshot at them. "She doesn't give up does she!" said the elite barring her teeth.
An octoling male popped out of the hatch of the sub and looked at the major. "Ma'am the sub is ready," said the octoling.
"Good! Let's get back to Octo Canyon now!" shouted the elite as she dropped down in the hatch followed by the other octoling that was on the pier. The hatch closed and sub dove down into the water out of sight.
"Oh no you don't, you're not getting away that easily," said the sergeant.
She stood back up from crouching and made her way back to the main deck to meet up with her unit. Once she got there the octoling had already called the octozeppelin to come and pick them up. "Ma'am, the octozeppelin will be here shortly," explained the octoling.
"Call in the octobombers to hunt down that submarine before it reaches Octo Canyon, we can't let them get away!" ordered the sergeant.
"Yes, Ma'am," said the octoling as she got on the radio.
10 minutes later the sub surfaced and the hatch came open revealing the elite looking back at the Saltspray rig, her tentacle had healed and she narrowed her eyes. "This isn't over Maxie, I will get payback and the octo rebels will take over Octo Valley that you and your false leader banished us to. Mark my words old friend, your time is coming," jeered the elite as the driver of the sub was getting her attention.
"Ma'am, we have intercepted that octobombers are heading our way!" said the driver as the elite looked around and saw three flying objects heading toward them. As they got close the elite could make out that it was in fact the octobombers. They were getting closer and spotted the sub and dove down.
"Get us back down again!" yelled the elite to the driver.
"Y...Y...Yes Ma'am!" exclaimed the driver as the elite closed the hatch and the sub slowing dropped back down.
When the octobombers got over where the sub was they dropped depth charges down below them. The sub was evading the blasts and diving down deeper out of range from the octobombers. The explosions were rocking the sub around and they had almost lost control of it. The driver was struggling to keep straight as a depth charge came close to hitting them.
"Get us outta here private!" shouted the elite at the driver.
"I'm trying!" exclaimed the driver.
The octobombers dropped the charges over the sub until they ran out. "Returning to base," said one of the octobombers in a deep gargled voice.
The octobombers left and the octozeppelin was slowly approaching the rig to pick up the octoling task force that assaulted the rig and stopped the octo rebels from apprehending Blake.
"Ma'am the octobombers are heading back to base, we're unsure though if the sub was destroyed," reported the octoling.
"Knowing her, I'm sure they survived, but at least they didn't get the human back to octo canyon," said the sergeant.
"Speaking of human, where is it?" asked the octoling.
"It's name is Blake, and he saved my life after I freed him from the rebels," said the sergeant.
"He...saved your life, that was pretty noble of it, um...him I mean," complimented the octoling.
"yeah...it was, even knowing that ink didn't have much effect on him, I..." said the sergeant as she panned off for a moment.
"Sarge, are you ok?" asked the concerned octoling seeing her sergeant stuck in thought.
"Huh? It's nothing corporal, prepare to board the octozeppelin, I hope Blake returns like he said he would, I just hope the human can be trusted unlike the squids," said the sergeant.
"Ma'am!" directed the corporal as she pointed behind the sergeant. The sergeant turned and saw a group of inklings and saw one figure that waved and said "Hey sergeant, I'm back,"
Time seemed to freeze as a shot could be heard across the rear deck of the rig. A splatter could be seen flying in the air but it was not only red ink but red blood too. Blake fell down on his back in front of Callie. Callie had froze, witnessing what had happened. Her eyes went wide and she covered her mouth to block her scream. Blake was on the deck covering his wound and jeering in pain. He was shot in the upper right side of his chest, the ink had covered the area but Blake can spot blood as well.
"BLAKE!" shouted all three girls as they saw Blake get shot by Camper's charger. Marie jumped down and rushed to Blake and Callie as well as Cassie still keeping guard toward Camper.
Blake was coughing up blood and Callie was resting his head on her arm trying to keep from crying. Marie kneeled down and examined Blake's wound. Cassie watched Blake and was unsure how to react seeing Camper shoot a human and the last known human at that.
Loppy, the cyan tentacled inkling was hiding behind a crate looking at the group and was horrified by Blake getting shot by Camper. She covered her mouth and hunkered back behind the crate and sobbed. "Oh no, Blake, Camper how could you," said Loppy as she covered her eyes.
"Blake! hang in there!" shouted Callie panicking.
"Uuuhh...Callie, is that you?" asked Blake still coughing.
"Blake hold on, I'm going to try and treat you," said Marie as she started to pull out something to stop the bleeding.
Just then Camper hopped down holding his charger down smiling at the group. "Looks like a got the fossil, not sure if he's going to make it though, I don't think he can heal up as fast as we can," sneered Camper.
"Camper you bastard!" shouted Cassie as she pulled the trigger but nothing came out. She then noticed she was out of ink from her last battle with butch and the other inkling.
"What? forgot to refill your tank, an experienced turf player like you seems to be slipping," said Camper in a smug tone.
Marie went to grab her charger but Camper shot her hero charger away. "Don't even try it!" shouted Camper as he aimed at the three. "Seems like I win the turf match, This is too easy, once I splat you three I'll finish off the fossil. One shot to the head outta do it, then he can join the rest of his species," said Camper.
Callie's anger had grown, seeing an inkling shoot and attempt to kill a human and one she had deep feelings for. She clenched her fist and stood up glaring at Camper. Camper had an indifferent look on his face raising an eyebrow wondering what the squid sister was about to do.
"WHAT HAS HE EVER DONE TO YOU FOR YOU WANTING TO KILL HIM! HE'S THE LAST OF HIS KIND! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!" yelled Callie in anger. Marie was utterly shocked by seeing Callie like this as well as Cassie.
"What's it matter! I don't know what the octo rebels planned on doing with him! He's just a fossil! All I know is they paid me to get him and bring him to them! What do I care what happens to him!" shouted Camper.
"you...you...YOU SAY YOUR SORRY!" yelled Callie as Marie and Cassie drew a blank face and facepalmed seeing that Callie was still herself even in the dire situation they were in and were just flabbergasted by the squid sister's reaction.
"hmpf, really? like I would apologize for shooting that fossil, I don't know what the big deal is about that human anyway. It should be like that fossil back at the institute, DEAD!" said Camper.
The group was getting angrier and angrier seeing Camper having no care in the world about Blake. "Well let's end this shall we," said Camper as he held up the charger, aiming it at Cassie and the rest until all of a sudden Camper was knocked back by a little burst of cyan ink. He was on his back with the charger knocked away. He attempted to sit up and see who struck him but could only make out the blurred image of the assailant rasing their inkbrush at him. He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes as his head fell back down and went unconscious.
The assailant was none other than Loppy. She felt she had to do something instead of staying hidden. Seeing Camper's demeanor towards Blake made Loppy angry like the rest of them. So she took action and saw Camper was focused on the group of inklings and Blake. She turned back to Blake and them after swinging at Camper with her ink brush and walked over.
"Who are you?" asked Callie in relief.
"Wait, I recognize you from the pier when Camper and them were about to leave the rig," said Cassie.
"My name's Loppy, I couldn't let Camper splat you guys after seeing him shoot Blake," explained Loppy.
"Well, we are very thankful you intervened like you did," said a grateful Marie.
Blake moaned and everyone focused back on Blake. "Blake? His he going to be ok?" asked a concerned Loppy.
"Callie I need you to press against Blake's wound, I know how squeamish you are about this, but you gotta do it, while I'll try to patch his wound," said Marie.
Callie nodded and meekly placed her hand over Blake, the blood had a warm sensation to it, unlike the cool ink. She was starting to get nauseated and turned her head away.
Marie wrapped up Blake and signaled Callie to let go. Blake opened his eyes again and saw everyone including Loppy. "Loppy? What are you doing here?" asked Blake weakly trying to sit up.
"I managed to get away from Camper and his gang and hid. I saw one of the squidbeak agents run past my hiding spot and followed her and then I saw you. I was worried about you seeing Camper there too," said Loppy.
Blake gave her a smile before he coughed and Loppy smiled back. She looked back at Callie who was looking at her with question. "So, I guess you're his girlfriend?" asked Loppy.
Callie just blushed and bit her lip not sure how to answer her. "Look, let's focus on getting Blake some help," said Marie trying to ease the tension and change the subject.
"Yeah, let's get out of here, but let's also not forget Camper," said Cassie. She walked over and flipped him on his back and cuffed his hands with a large zip tie. She lifted him up still dazed from the hit Loppy gave him and he stumbled as Cassie lead him back to the group.
Callie helped Blake up who was starting to get his energy back. Marie placed her arm around Blake as well as Callie to help him walk. Loppy followed behind them with Cassie leading with Camper being guided beside her. They left the rear deck and made their way back to the main deck to the front.
The sergeant and the corporal stared at the group. The sergeant soon shook her head and walked over to the group of inklings and then looked at Blake. She noticed he was injured and looked at Callie and Marie with an explanation. "What happened?!" exclaimed the octoling.
"We got embroiled in a turf war with Camper, He's the one that brought Blake here to exchange him to the octo rebels, He shot Blake, but we've apprehended him," explained Cassie to the disgruntled octoling.
"Look! Blake needs medical help! Is there any way you can get us back to Inkopolis?" asked Marie still holding onto Blake.
The sergeant downed her head and then looked at Callie with an irritated look. "You were supposed to make sure nothing happened to him, squid!" shouted the sergeant agitated after Callie gave her word that she would make sure nothing happened to Blake.
"I'm sorry! It just happened! I...I...couldn't protect Blake! I..." explained Callie as she started to cry.
"That's enough! I don't appreciate anyone making my cousin cry! She did the best she could! We all did! You don't think we wanted Blake to stay out of harm's way?!" shouted an angered Marie defending her cousin as she let go of Blake facing the octoling.
The octoling was startled and backed up from Marie's outburst, even her goggles jumped up and came back down covering her eyes again. The sergeant decided to ease off as the squid sister glared her down.
"(sigh) My...apologizes...It's just I didn't want anything to happen to the hu, um Blake. I was hoping to get him back our base unscathed but things could've gone worse I suppose. I'm glad you treated him and looked out for him like you said you would. Now, let's get on the octozeppelin and I'll have my medic treat him before we get back into inkling territory," said the sergeant resolving her frustration.
Marie's anger also passed and Callie had stopped crying. "Callie you can let go now, I think I can walk on my own," asked Blake as Callie looked at him and blushed.
"Oh, sorry, It's just I wanted to make sure you could get around after getting hit like that," said Callie as she meekly let go of Blake before rubbing her arm.
"It's ok Callie, I know the sergeant was hard on you but you tried your best and things could've been worse if you guys didn't treat me, I owe you and Marie a lot and you guys have been the greatest friends or should I say family I've had. You guys took me in and rescued me from Camper and the octo rebels. You guys looked out for me like a family would, your grandfather looked out for me back during the great turf war and I know you guys would too," said Blake looking at Callie giving her a comforting smile.
"Thanks, Blake, that means a lot you saying that me and Marie see you like family too and gramps looks up to you," said Callie getting her composure back as she smiled at Blake. Callie then turned her head and thoughts of how she wanted to let Blake know how she felt filled her mind. She was conflicting with herself and Blake could see it. Eventually, they won over and Callie turned back to Blake.
"Blake, I need to tell you something. (sigh) Ever since I met you I've had feelings for you and I wanted you to know that I..." said Callie as she was cut off by Marie placing her hand on her shoulder. Marie looked at her with a reassuring look and gave a nod.
"Callie, maybe you need to have this talk with Blake at a better time. We need to get back to Inkopolis and Blake needs to be treated," said Marie giving her cousin a half-smile.
Callie nodded and gave another sigh. "You're...right Marie, Let's get back. Gramps is probably worried sick about us," said Callie.
"I'm sure he's worried about his fishing boat too, speaking of which we gotta get it back to the wharf," said Marie.
"Don't worry Marie, I'll take the boat back with Camper," said Cassie.
"You sure, can you handle him on the trip?" asked Marie.
"Sure, If he gives me any guff, I'll just knock the crap out of him, I'll have more trouble struggling to fight the urge to throw him out of the boat," said Cassie.
Marie chuckled as she looked back at Cassie. "I would suggest you not tempt it, he's got a lot to answer to," said Marie.
Cassie grabbed Camper who was still dazed and they headed to the small pier where the fishing boat was. Marie, Callie, and Blake were preparing to enter the octozepplin. A ladder was dropped down since Blake could not form and jump onboard. The sergeant watched the conversation between Callie and Blake a moment again and conflicting thoughts were running through her head. She decided to take the ladder and follow up behind Callie who was behind Blake who was behind Marie going up. Loppy then was finally the last one up right behind the corporal and sergeant being the other octolings from the unit had done jumped onboard the flying craft.
Everyone got ready for the voyage as the octozeppelin took off from the Saltspray Rig and headed toward Inkopolis. The inklings stayed to themselves with Blake and the octolings grouped together with many of them staring at them especially Blake. Seeing a living human was absolutely amazing to them and they were anxious what to learn once they got the human back to Octo Valley. A medic soon treated Blake to the best of her abilities and was fascinated by the human's anatomy. Before the medic patched him up she took a blood sample and placed it into her pack and walked away.
The voyage remained quiet for a while and there was some tension in the air being the inklings and octolings were enemies for nearly a century even though there was a peace treaty in effect. Blake started recuperating and held his wound as he looked around and back toward the octolings. He felt uneasy since he fought the octolings during the great turf war and resolved his feelings being they did help him and his friends out.
Cassie and Camper left the pier at the Saltspray Rig and were headed back to Inkopolis. Cassie knew the ride back to the wharf was going to be rough especially with Camper onboard. Camper was moaning getting out of his stupor. He shook his head and realized where he was, He looked around and then spotted Cassie steering the boat. He glared at her and she glared back. Camper growled at the predicament he was in and moved his hands around realizing he was bound.
"Don't even try anything!" shouted Cassie aiming her hero shot at him while still steering the boat.
"Hmpf, I guess I was finally beaten, (sigh) congratulations twerp," said Camper with a smug tone
Cassie ignored him and went back to focus on driving the boat. A smirk grew on Camper's face and he slowly stood up. "You remember the good ole' days when we were dating, and all the times I said how pretty you are," said Camper sucking up.
"Sweet talk will get you nowhere, now sit your butt down before I knock you outta the boat," demanded Cassie.
"Oh come on, I know you, Cassie, you wouldn't do that to your ex-boyfriend. Remember all the good times we...WAAHHH!" said Camper as a wave hit the boat knocking him back over the front of the boat. Camper was dangling over the side of the bow and was coming close to falling out. Camper was panicking as the water was hitting his face.
"PULL ME UP! PULL ME UP!" screamed Camper. Cassie rolled her eyes and grabbed Camper and flung him back on the boat as he laid on the bottom of the boat glaring at Cassie.
"Y...You did that on purpose!" shouted an angry Camper.
"I warned you to sit your butt down, next time I won't be so hospitable," said Cassie glaring back at him.
"Well don't expect a thank you," sneered Camper as he turned away.
A slight grin appeared on Cassie's face and they were only 10 minutes out from the wharf. The rest of the trip Camper remained quiet and Cassie spotted Cuttlefish on the dock waving at her. As they approached the wharf, Cassie docked the boat and pulled Camper up. "Alright let''s go!" she ordered as she shoved Camper out of the boat. Cuttlefish walked over and greeted Cassie.
"So what all happened Lass, did you find the Bucko?" asked Cuttlefish.
"Yeah Blake's ok, he's with Callie and Marie, they hopped a ride with the octolings," explained Cassie.
"Octolings?" asked a confused Cuttlefish.
"It's a long story, I'm sure your granddaughters will give you the details," said Cassie.
Cuttlefish peered over toward Camper who had a displeased look on his face. "Who's this?" asked Cuttlefish.
"His name's Camper, he's the one that abducted Blake, he and his gang were working with the octo rebels, we stopped them before Blake was taken to Octo canyon," explained Cassie.
"What!? Why I should throw off this pier right now and..." shouted Cuttlefih waving his cane but was cut off by Cassie.
"Captain, he's not worth it, We'll let the authorities deal with him after they hear that he was the one that kidnapped and tortured Cleo," said Cassie.
"Well, good job lass and to all of you for stopping Camper and these octo rebels. Let's head back to my place and wait for my grandsquids," said Cuttlefish.
"Alright Captain let me call the police and let them handle Camper, I can see the zeppelin entering the coastline," said Cassie as she pointed to the octozeppelin.
"Woah, That's a big balloon them octarians have, seems like they're always coming up with new gadgets, Well I can't wait to see the lad again and my grandsquids, I'm going to head back, I'll see you lass," said Cuttlefish as he started to walk off.
"Ok, Captain, I'll head that direction once the police get here to take the troublemaker," said Cassie as Camper just rolled his eyes.
Onboard the octozeppelin they were 15 minutes out from the coastline of Inkopolis. Between now and after they left the Saltspray Rig many of the crew and the inklings remained quiet. Blake was sitting next to Callie with Marie beside her. He looked at Callie who then turned to look at him. She had placed her hand on his as she smiled. He hinted around what Callie wanted to talk to him about and wasn't ready to respond to what feelings she had for him. He was conflicted with himself, he didn't want to put Callie in an uncomfortable situation or hurt her feelings in any way after what they've been through. He had his head down and turned back to Callie with a fake smile trying to reassure the squid sister.
The sergeant on most of the trip just stared at Blake and Callie. Thoughts were racing through her as she slouched over and removed her goggles to rub her eyes. She was exhausted and frustrated that the major got away and that Blake had been mortally wounded. After a minute the corporal walked over to her, seeing she was not herself.
"Sarge, you ok?" she asked.
"I'm fine, what did you want?" responded the sergeant.
"Ma'am we need to talk to the human before we reach Inkopolis," said the corporal.
"His name's Blake and I'll walk over and pull him aside," said the sergeant as she got and made her way over to Blake.
Blake spotted the octoling approaching him and Callie turned and looked to. "Hey, Blake...I need a word with you," said the sergeant.
Callie had a look of concern as well as Marie seeing the octoling. Blake gave them a reassuring look and got up to follow the octoling.
The two of them headed to the far side of the bay to discuss plans before they reached Inkopolis. "Ok, what did you wanna discuss?" asked Blake.
"I want you to come back to Octo Valley with me, I've been ordered to ensure your safety and as long as we know the octo rebels and their leader are still at large then you'll remain a target. Don't worry you'll be placed in comfortable surroundings but have limited freedom. I may talk to my lieutenant about seeing if your friends can visit you, but no promises," explained the Sergeant.
Blake was almost speechless and didn't want to hear what the sergeant had just said. "What? You mean to tell me that if I go with you then I'll be coraled like an animal and that I may never get to see my friends," said a stunned Blake.
"Don't think of it like that, We would never treat you like an animal, It's just you are the last of your kind and we can't risk something happening to you," explained the sergeant.
"So, more like a reserve then, yeah that makes it sound more appealing," said Blake starting to get frustrated.
"Look! I'm to follow orders! Now I'm telling you! You are to come back with me to the octoling base for questioning and examination," ordered the sergeant who was getting stern.
Just then Callie and Marie walked over to the two after seeing the octoling's tone was getting angered. "M...Ma'am, I don't mean to interrupt but if I heard correctly you say Blake had to go with you back to Octo Valley?" asked Callie who was deeply concerned.
"Yeah, that's what I heard also and that we may not get to see Blake," said Marie concerned like her cousin.
"Look you two, this is none of your concern, he will come back to Octo Valley even if I have to bind him to do so," said the octoling.
"Please don't take Blake! He's like family to us! We would heartbroken if he never got to see him again, our gramps would be very upset to hear the octarians took Blake away! Please don't make him go!" pleaded Callie with a saddened expression.
"Please let Blake come back to Inkopolis is there any way we can reach a compromise?" asked Marie.
After a moment the sergeant looked at the three and then shook her head. "(deep sigh) I can't believe I'm considering this, but...fine, Blake doesn't have to go back to Octo Valley BUT! This doesn't mean he'll be out of my reach," said the sergeant. She started to dig through her pack as the three looked at her with curiosity. She pulled out an octopus-shaped device with a button on it. She placed it into Blake's hand as he raised an eyebrow.
"It's a communicator, so we can stay in touch and track your every movement, sorry but I can't just let you go without knowing something, be grateful," said the octoling.
"I really appreciate you letting me go sergeant, but is this necessary?" asked Blake.
"I don't think it's necessary for me to let you go, but I'm willing to, only because it seems the squids have gotten really attached to you and you didn't die back at the rig, consider the communicator a gift," said the sergeant slipping her goggles back on.
"YAAAYYY! Blake's coming back with us!" shouted an excited Callie as she gave Blake a tight hug.
"C...Callie my wound! You're...hurting me!" jeered Blake in pain.
"I'm sorry Blake!" exclaimed Callie pulling off. Marie chuckled and the sergeant just downed her head and shook it. "Squids" is all she said.
The octozeppelin was over the coastline and had stopped as the octolings didn't want to go any further because of the treaty rules. The bay opened and the ladder was let down. Loppy who had remained quiet during the trip only watching the events between Blake, Callie and the sergeant on the craft as she decided to squid jump out of the bay and on the ground. Blake and the squid sisters climbed down the ladder. The sergeant looked down at the group. "Remember! If their's any trouble! Use the communicator!" shouted the sergeant as the octozeppelin took off back to Octo Valley.
Blake nodded as the inklings watch the octozeppelin leave for the valley.
The group looked at each other and then back to Loppy who had her hands behind her back kicking at the dirt. She looked at the group and then focused on Blake.
"Blake, I...wanna apologize," said Loppy.
"For What?" asked a confused Blake.
"I'd wished that I'd done something a lot sooner, I didn't realize how big of a jerk Camper was," said Loppy rubbing her arm.
"Loppy it's ok, you got me away from him back at the Saltspray Rig and even knew you'd put yourself in danger doing it, I appreciate it," said Blake giving her a smile.
"Really? But does this mean I'm going to jail for helping Camper?" asked Loppy with sad eyes turning toward Marie.
Blake gave Marie a look of remorse and she looked back at the inkling. "(Sigh) No...it doesn't. As far as I know your off the hook, you put yourself in danger for our friend, and I think that earns you a pass," said Marie giving her a half-smile.
"Wow, thank you, and Blake... I enjoyed our little time together alone back on the rig," said Loppy giving Blake a mischievous look before she squid formed and slithered away.
Blake looked back at Callie nervously. Callie had a displeased look on her red face. "Time together alone!...what's that supposed to mean!?" exclaimed a flustered Callie with her hands on her hips.
"Callie it's not what you think! Nothing happened I swear!" exclaimed Blake waving his hands nervously.
Marie laughed as she held her stomach crouching down as not to fall. Callie continued grilling Blake as he defended himself from the angry squid girl. After a while, Marie wiped the tears from her eyes and Callie and Blake soon resolved after Callie believed what Blake had said. "Alright you two, let's get back to Inkopolis and report back to gramps about everything that's happened, I just hope Cassie made it back with the boat or we'll never hear the end of it," said Marie.
Callie grabbed Blake's hand and looked at him. "I wanna continue our talk when we get the chance Blake, but let's just get back to gramps and enjoy the rest of our peaceful evening," said Callie.
"I'm down with that, I just hope Cuttlefish wasn't too worried about me," said Blake as the three of them walked to the city.