Arc 2 Chapter 21
For hours Izzy had been practicing in the tutorial area for the turf war games. She had gotten better and better until she got tired of all the training and decided to head to Crusty Sean's new food truck. A figure was standing behind a few meters and watched her practice for sometime twirling their dualies. Izzy turned back toward the exit when the figure cleared their throat to get her attention.
Izzy turned her head and saw an inkling boy looking at her with a smile as he twirled his dualies. He had green short spikey tentacles, it was a new style that the inkling males were donning. His eyes were green to match his tentacle color and wore a black designer T-shirt with grey shorts. He also wore black thin pants underneath his shorts and on his feet were black and bright yellow tennis shoes.
"oh, hey," said Izzy meekly.
"What's a squid like you doing here?" asked the inkling boy.
"I was just practicing trying to get the hang of shooting my Splattershot jr. I'm new and came to Inkopolis weeks ago wanting to compete in the turf wars," said Izzy.
"Really? I've been in Inkopolis for almost a year, I'm a rank B+. My name's Flash by the way. It's nice to meet you, umm..." said Flash as he trailed off.
"Izzy, Izzy Beaks. It's nice to meet you too, Flash. Wow Rank B+, I like your dualies," said Izzy.
"Izzy huh...That's a nice name, don't worry, as soon as you start playing turf wars you'll get the hang of it and start climbing up the ranks as I did," said Flash confidently.
"You think so, I'm still trying to the hang of shooting my Splattershot Jr. but I'm having a hard time hitting targets," said Izzy.
"The splattershot Jr. is an entry weapon. Their range is limited and the recoil is a little uncontrollable. You gotta have a firm grip on the gun and focus on hitting the target. Here let me show you." said Flash. He walked up to Izzy and showed her how to posture her arms to grip the ink weapon. He got behind her and propped up against her to aim down the range. Izzy blushed a little when Flash had a hold of her arms and was helping her with the starter weapon.
"Like this," said Flash.
"Oh, okay, um..." said Izzy nervously.
"Don't be nervous, I know it's your first time and all, you'll get the hang of eventually," said Flash as he let go of Izzy. "Now, pull the trigger and keep a firm grip," advised Flash.
"Okay, well...here it goes," said Izzy as she pulled the trigger and stared down at the squid shaped target.
The weapon went in a burst of fire and all three shots hit their target. "Wow! Did you see that?!" shouted Izzy who was impressed that she hit her target.
"Told ya, you could do it," said Flash giving Izzy a thumbs up.
"Well, I could've done it without your help," said Izzy.
"It's no problem, just keep practicing and you'll get better," said Flash.
"I wish my friend Cassie was here though," said Izzy as she turned her head. "She had to go do something important," continued Izzy.
"I'm sure she had her reasons, It'll be alright," said Flash trying to console Izzy.
"Well, I was hoping she could train me before I started competing, she's an experienced turf player, I was hoping she'd give me pointers and moral support," said Izzy.
"hey! I can keep training you, I might not be the most experienced turf war player around but I've won plenty of matches to know how to play and beat the opposing team, c'mon let's keep training and soon you'll get better at it," said Flash as he pumped his fist in the air.
"Thanks, Flash!" said a grateful Izzy giving a blush.
"As I said, it's no trouble at all," said Flash as he heard Izzy's stomach growl.
Izzy blushed and held her stomach. "I was gonna go to Crusty Sean's for lunch, do you wanna come Flash?" asked Izzy.
"Sure, I'll go," said Flash as he gave her a smile.
The two of them left and headed back to the square to grab a bite to eat before Flash could train Izzy some more.
Blake and the squid sisters were back at Cuttlefish's going over all the events that had transpired on the Saltspray Rig to Cuttlefish. Cassie had given a yawn standing near Cuttlefish exhausted from the day and it was getting later as the sun was going down. "Well, I'm turning in for the night," said Cassie as she headed for the door.
"Well have a good night Cass," said Marie as Cassie gave a wave and walked out the door.
Callie was standing real close to Blake as their arms were almost touching.
"Well it sounds like it's been an eventful day, agents, I'm just glad no one was hurt or killed, and Bucko is back among us," said Cuttlefish in joy.
"Yeah, me too gramps, I think especially Callie," smirked Marie who saw Callie starting to blush by her comment.
"Huh? what are talking about?" asked Cuttlefish who was caught in the confusion.
"It's nothing gramps, me and Cal are going to have to head back ourselves, we gotta get ready to make that trip to the county, tomorrow," said Marie.
"Well you two have fun and tell everyone I said howdy," said Cuttlefish.
"Yeah, I'm getting tired myself, I guess I'm going to retire in Cuttlefish's bedroom," said Blake as he yawned and stretched. "See you guys when you get back, goodnight," said Blake as he started to walk away.
"Wait, Blake! um how about you come and stay over at the studio with us," suggested Callie with a grin.
"Um, are you sure about that?" asked Blake.
Yeah, the plaza is empty, you don't have to worry about being spotted by anyone," said Callie.
"I don't know, Captain are you ok with it?" asked Blake.
"I don't see no problem with it, Bucko, go ahead," said Cuttlefish.
"Um, ok then, let's go," said Blake.
"Cal, I should've known you'd put in for Blake to stay over at the studio eventually," said Marie with a smirk.
"I thought he might like to see the studio and learn about us being pop singers, I'm sure he'd like to see some different scenery for a change, Marie," said Callie.
"Cal, I'm sure he's seen plenty of scenery, just not on good terms though, but I also know you wanna let him know how you feel too," said Marie with a smile.
The three of them left Cuttlefish's and headed back to the plaza through the tunnel. When they reached the empty plaza they walked up the ramp to the studio. The three walk in and Marie turns on the lights. Blake looks around the studio though much of the equipment had been taken out. Blake felt like he had been there before but couldn't place it. Marie and Callie turn to Blake who was stuck in thought.
"Blake? What's the matter?" asked Callie.
"What? oh, it's nothing," said Blake after he snapped out of it. "It's just this place seems familiar to me, but I'm not sure why," continued Blake.
"Hmm, this is the first time you've been inside the studio, I don't see why it would be familiar to you," said Marie.
"I don't know either, Marie, maybe It'll come back to me," said Blake.
"Hey! let's tell Blake about us being pop singers back when we were giving the inkopolis news and sponsoring the splatfests," suggested Callie excitedly.
"Cuttlefish was saying something about you guys being singers a couple of weeks ago when he was talking about you guys," said Blake.
"Yeah! We were the Squid Sisters! We were the biggest pop idols in all of Inkopolis until they decided to replace us," said Callie going from excited to depressed.
"Why would they wanna replace you guys?" asked Blake.
"(sigh) they just wanted fresh new talent," said Marie in indifferent tone as she crossed her arms.
"Well, I think you guys are great! I'd love to hear you sing," said Blake.
"Aww, that means a lot, Blake. Marie how about we sing one of our songs real quick before we head to bed," asked Callie anxiously.
"Cal, I'm too tired to sing and it's getting late, how about another time," said Marie as she started to yawn.
"Oh, ok then, but you'll love our singing Blake," said Callie.
"Well let's head to bed y'all, I'm going to get changed and Blake, we have a spare room down the hall you can sleep in. me and Cal will be across the hall if you need anything," said Marie.
"Alright, I appreciate you two letting me stay the night here," said Blake as he started to walk off.
"You're welcome Blake and goodnight," said Callie and Marie just rolled her eyes.
Callie and Marie soon retired and changed into their PJs and climbed into bed in their room across from Blake's. The three of them soon fell asleep drained from the events that transpired. But shortly after Callie couldn't sleep, she rolled over and faced Marie who was asleep. "M...Marie?" asked Callie trying to wake her cousin.
"Mmmm...what is it Cal? I'm trying to sleep," said Marie half asleep.
"I've been thinking about what I should say to Blake, what if...he doesn't accept my feelings, I mean he sees us as family after all and..." said Callie.
"Callie, all you can do is let him know how you feel, you can't expect him to accept your feelings or not," said Marie.
"I know, It's just..." continued Callie.
"Cal, don't let it get to you, if he doesn't then you two can still be friends or family, it's not the end of the world if he doesn't accept your feelings," said Marie as she rolled over facing away from Callie.
"You're right Marie, I shouldn't dwell on it, It's just...I love him," said Callie.
"Just go to sleep Cal and worry about it tomorrow," said Marie before she fell back asleep.
"Goodnight, Marie," said Callie as she rolled back over and fell asleep.
At Octo Valley, Sergeant Maxie and her unit had gotten off the octozeppelin. She was not looking forward to the grilling the lieutenant would give her after letting Blake go with the inklings. She approached the octoling command station and prepared for an ass-chewing. She walked through the main doors and entered the busy chamber. She saw the lieutenant with her back turned and gave a deep sigh.
"Lieutenant, Me and my unit have returned from the Saltspray Rig, unfortunately, the Major got away but thankfully without the human in her position," said the sergeant.
"(sigh) I'm well aware sergeant, I was hoping we'd finally catch her. I'm disappointed about her escape and I was hoping you would succeed in stopping them. what do you have to say for yourself," asked an agitated Lieutenant who removed her goggles glaring back at the sergeant.
"Lieutenant, my apologies, I'm sorry I failed the mission, I...couldn't beat the major. I let my better judgment get the best of me and it cost me my dedication and reliance on my duties," said the sergeant apologetically.
"You didn't only let the major get away, but you allowed the human to get away with the inklings, why?!" exclaimed the lieutenant only getting angrier.
"That was my call, he seemed like he developed a strong bond with the inklings. I assumed I could trust them to keep him safe. I even gave the human a communicator if something should happen for extra insurance. I caved in to the inklings request for him to go back with them," said the sergeant who downed her head feeling she had failed her commander.
"give me one reason that I shouldn't try you for disobeying orders," asked the lieutenant who was clenching her fist.
"I don't have one, I...should answer to my mistakes," replied the sergeant.
"(sigh) I'll be generous sergeant. You've proved enough from your current record that you can be relied upon, but this sets you back. I won't court marshall you. Let's just say you've demoted your reputation with the army. As of now, with the human in inkling territory, this complicates matters. The major is still on the loose and I'm sure she'll contemplate a plan to try and capture the human again and retaliate against us at the given chance. Right now let's focus on the octo rebels before they plan anything else. Oh and sergeant, do shower before heading back to your quarters. I can smell you before you got off that octozeppelin, " said the lieutenant as she waved her hand in front of her nose.
The sergeant smelled herself and blushed. "Yes, mam," she said as she headed out the door and to the showers to clean herself.
At the showers, the sergeant had leaned forward propping her hands against the shower wall. Thoughts were running through her head thinking about how she felt about failing her duties and orders. She brooded over it but was slightly relieved that she wasn't demoted or thrown into the stockade. She wanted to gain her commander's trust back and was willing to do whatever it took. After a few minutes, she turned around away from the showerhead with the water running down her bare back. She thought about how Blake saved her from Callie when she tried to crush her with the roller. conflicting emotions were spiraling in her mind especially after seeing the two on the octozeppelin on the way back.
The sergeant slowly shook her head and opened her eyes. She turned back around and cut the shower faucet off and stepped out. Nude, she walked over to a locker to gather her clothes when she heard a noise coming from the other side of the room. "Alright come out, Melvin," said the sergeant in a displeased tone.
A male octoling stepped out with his hands up giving the sergeant an awkward grin. "Heeyy...sergeant, funny seeing you here," he said nervously.
"Melvin, what did I say when I caught you in here spying on me, you little perv?" asked the sergeant crossing her arms.
"Sergeant...I can explain, I..." started the octoling as he got punched in the face and slide back a good distance from the sergeant's powerful blow.
The octoling sat up and covered his bloody nose. "aaahhh... geez!" jeered the octoling.
"That's for being in the female showers you little shit! Now get out of here for a stomp you into a puddle!" shouted the nude sergeant standing over him.
"Y...Y...Yes, Sarge! It won't happen again!" fretted the octoling as he octo formed and flew out of the shower room.
The sergeant gave a deep sigh and shook her head. She walked back over to her locker and got dressed. She looked into the mirror in the locker and felt the scar on her cheek. she thought about the major and the fight they had back on the Saltspray Rig. She closed the locker and walked out of the showers and headed over to her quarters to catch up on some well-deserved rest.
Blake was having flashbacks in his dream of when he fought alongside Cuttlefish. He remembered when they had to flee out of the inkling village and lead the inklings out of the valley and into the human ruins. He remembered fighting and almost getting squished by the giant octostomp that was sent to hunt them. He remembered the old plaza and studio where he and Mimi slept and she left the bite mark on his neck. Blake jerked awake from his slumber panting and covering his face as he still laid on the spare bed. He looked up at the ceiling and thoughts were racing through his head about his past experiences. He started to sit up but he soon noticed he wasn't alone in the bed.
"Hmm?" pondered Blake as he saw an arm on his chest and felt another arm run under his neck. There was also a long black tentacle that ran across his body and the end where the suction cup was, stopping where his crotch was. Blake was shirtless as he got hot in the middle of the night and still had a bandage wrapped around him from the wound he sustained back on the rig.
He looked over and saw Callie still asleep right next to him. "Callie?" said a stunned Blake. Callie mumbled and got a tighter grip on Blake as her arm was over his wound and he jeered from his wound. Callie started to wake up after she heard Blake and moved her arms. Her golden eyes started to slowly open as she saw Blake. A smile grew across her face and Blake felt a little awkward about the situation.
"Callie, what are you doing here?" asked Blake unsure how to react to her presence.
"I...couldnt sleep...it's just I've had a lot on my mind and we've been through some much for the past week," said Callie as she sat up staring at Blake.
"That's...understandable, but why are you in my bed and not with Marie?" asked Blake curiously.
Callie blushed and turned her head. She bit her lip and didn't want to wait to tell Blake how she felt towards him. Her anxiety grew and it got the best of her as she turned back to Blake. "Blake...I have to tell you something," said Callie hesitantly.
"What is it Callie?" asked Blake.
"It's just...ever since I met you, I've had feelings for you. You've been a true friend to me and Marie and have been like family to us too. It's just I told Marie that I wanted to be more than family for you and well during the past weeks, you've shown me how great of a person you really are and I think I'm...(gulping)... in love with you," said Callie as her face turned beet red as she stared at Blake with pleading eyes.
Callie stared at Blake and waited for how he would respond. Eagerly she was hoping Blake would accept her feelings and the two of them could be a couple.
Blake remained quiet as he was in shock hearing what she had said and hinted that Callie liked him by the behavior she had been showing. He saw her pleading eyes and knew what she wanted to hear but he had inner conflicts about it and his mind told him that it wouldn't feel right going out with Cuttlefish's granddaughter and saw her as family.
Blake gave a sigh and turned his head. After a moment he turned back to Callie who was still anxious to hear his response. "Callie...I...how do I say this..." started Blake as he looked at Callie as she got closer.
"Callie what I'm trying to say is..." said Blake as Callie was right in his face anxious to hear Blake out.
"I...I..." started Blake as Callie all of a sudden pressed her lips to his and she wrapped her arms around him. Blake was laid down by the inkling as she continued to kiss him. Blake was stunned by Callie's action and didn't resist until he came to his senses and lightly shoved Callie away. "I...I...Don't know what came over me! I was caught in the moment and..." started Callie as Blake looked up at her.
"Callie, I'm sorry but I can't accept your feelings," said Blake hastily.
"Huh? But Blake I..." said Callie.
"Callie it's not you, it's me...I don't feel right doing this with you being Cuttlefish's granddaughter. Cuttlefish is like a brother to me and you and Marie have been like family to me. I'm not sure if I can get past that, I'm...sorry Callie, but I love you too but not in that way, I hope you understand," said Blake after the two of them sat up.
Callie's face darkened and she turned away looking down. "Callie?" asked Blake as he started to put his hand on her shoulder.
"I just thought...that we could..." said Callie sadly.
"Callie, please, you...have to understand, it's hard to explain," said Blake.
"I understand Blake, It's just...your the only guy I've had feelings for and it's just...I thought we could be a couple," said Callie as tears started to fall off her face.
"Callie, I didn't mean to make you cry this doesn't mean I may have a change of heart, right now I couldn't come to terms with it, especially with everything that's happened since I came back out of that pod," said Blake.
Callie started to perk and go back to her cheerful self hopeful that maybe she and Blake could be a couple sometime in the future. "Blake, I'm...glad I met you, me and Marie. I'm...disappointed that me and you couldn't be...a couple, but I'll accept you being a dear friend and family and I hope that we'll be more than that later. I'd always wanted to start a family after me and Marie quit being singers and newscasters. I'll still love you Blake," said Callie as she reached over and hugged Blake.
Blake had accepted her condolence and hugged her back, but something chimed in as he embraced the squid sister. The memory of him and Mimi sleeping in that old studio years ago and the talk they had about starting a family had Blake remembering about his old inkling lover Mimi and the human ruins from long and it hit him like a ton of bricks.
"Wait..." said Blake as he pulled off Callie.
"W...What is it Blake?" asked Callie with concern.
"This place... this studio, the plaza...I remember it, Me and Mimi were here, this is where me and her lead the inklings to escape Octavio and his army, this is where I almost got killed by that giant octoweapon, It's coming back to me!" exclaimed Blake as he turned and looked at Callie.
"What! That's good Blake! Wait...you mean to tell me, you were here before it became Inkopolis? The story you told me and Marie about when you were fighting with gramps, that's amazing!" exclaimed Callie.
"Mimi...Cuttlefish said that he hadn't heard from her in years, I...got to know if she's still...around. Cuttlefish said she was still running her clothes shop in Calamari County. I gotta know," said Blake.
"She's the gal you were talking about that you had a relationship back then, wasn't she and the one that gave you that bite mark," asked Callie.
"yeah...she's the one that, like you, wanted to have a family too, but..." said Blake rubbing the scab of the bite mark and then downing his head.
"Hey! Me and Marie were heading to Calamari County to visit family, you could come!" exclaimed Callie.
"You...mean it?" asked Blake with his spirits lifting.
"Yeah, I'll talk to Marie about in the morning, you'll love it, Blake. It's where me and Marie got our start as pop singers. I'd love for you to meet our folks, Blake." said Callie who was getting excited.
Blake gave Callie a hug who blushed and hugged him back. "Thank you, Callie. I appreciate all you and Marie have done for me. I'd just better if I went, to get some closure, I just hope she's still around so I can let her know I'm back, I'm sure she didn't take it well hearing about what happened to me. She's...probably moved on," said Blake.
"Oh, Blake, I'm...sure she's still around, I mean gramps is, you won't know until you see yourself," said Callie.
"You're right, Callie. Let's head to bed and thank you, Callie, for being family. You and Marie," said Blake giving Callie a smile.
"Your welcome Blake, and thank you for watching out for gramps and being family to me and Marie too, I just hope that we could start our own family," said Callie as she smiled back.
"Goodnight Callie," said Blake as he rolled over.
"Goodnight...Blake," said Callie hesitantly as she had a lot on her mind and left Blake's room. She headed back to her bed with Marie. She laid back down trying to not disturb her cousin with thoughts racing through her. She had come to peace with Blake's decision and was persistent that Blake would have a change of heart but accepted that he accepted her and Marie as a family like their grandfather. She slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep ready for the trip to go to Calamari County the next day.