Arc 2 Chapter 23

Blake and the squid sisters had finally reached Calamari County. As they got off the tram Blake looked around and saw the familiarity of the village. It was the same village he lived in back before the great turf war. He was awestruck and couldn't believe he was back in the inkling village. The village still had its classical Japanese style architecture and old dirt paths that posed as streets for the village. Some of the inklings were walking around in traditional clothing like back then and some were wearing modern clothes like back in Inkopolis.

"Well, Blake, what do you think?" asked Marie.

"It...brings back memories, I used to live here back when your grandfather found me. I'm...glad I came," said Blake who was trying to hide is tears.

"Blake, are you ok?" asked Callie seeing Blake's expression.

"It's nothing, I'm just taking a trip down memory lane, I guess," replied Blake looking back at the squid sisters.

"Well, let's get going, the folks won't keep waiting and Blake I forgot to let you know that my parents own the local hot springs. I thought you could relax after everything we've been through as well as me and Callie," said Marie.

"Oh, that would be nice I guess, I have been out of it. I was thinking coming here might get my mid off things," said Blake.

"I can't wait to go to the hot springs!" shouted Callie as she fist bumped in the air.

Marie shook her head and the three of them continued on when they were shortly met by two older inklings. One was a female wearing a decorative purple and yellow kimono and sandals. She had light magenta tentacles, they were tied in a bow with two long lobes that dropped off in the back. Similar to the style Callie had her's in and had a squid-shaped comb perched on the left side of her head.

The other one was a male wearing a traditional formal kimono and pants. He was also wearing sandals like the female beside him. His tentacles were a charcoal black and had the ponytail style like most male inklings have with what looked like chopsticks at the base of the tentacles instead of a braid.

The two of them greeted the group with a smile. "Mom? Dad?" replied a surprised Callie.

"Hello, Aori, We've been waiting for ages for you to come home," said her mother. "Yes, my little squid, we've missed you," replied her dad.

"Mom, Dad,

you're embarrassing me!" flustered Callie with a red face as she covered it.

Marie smirked and Blake just turned his head as he rubbed it.

"Well, how's our little Aori been doing? How's your job and singing career been? Have you found a husband yet?" asked Callie's mother.

"I've been fine mom, but me and Marie aren't giving the Inkopolis News anymore or hosting the splatfests. That's why we came down to the county to visit since we have time now. And no I haven't found a husband yet!" explained Callie as she got flustered again by her mother asking if she had a husband.

Callie's parents soon turn toward Marie and Blake who've been quiet by the comical interaction between them and their daughter. Callie had her arms crossed with her bottom lip out having a difficult time keeping her composure.

"Hey, Aunt and Uncle," greeted Marie as she waved.

"Hello, Hotaru we've trusted that you've been watching over our daughter, we had hoped that we would've had grandsquids of our own soon. We enjoy you two coming back to the county to see us," said Callie's mother.

"Well me and Callie have been wanting to come and see our family again, even though she's embarrassed by them but it's good to see you too," said Marie before she looked over at Callie and gave her a light smirk. Callie had a displeasing look on her face as she had her arms back with her hands closed.

"Who's this?" Callie's father asked.

"Oh, That's Blake, He's our friend, umm...we met him in Inkopolis," said Marie hiding her lie.

"Oh, well it's a pleasure to meet you, I hope you enjoy your time in a quaint little village. You're pretty tall for an inkling," said Callie's father as he bowed to Blake.

"It's a pleasure to meet Callie's parents," said Blake as he gave a bow. "Yeah, I told them that I would go, see some new scenery and get away from Inkopolis for some time," said Blake rubbing his head.

"Well, we own the local restaurant here in town, you three should stop by and eat, it's the best food all around the county," said Callie's father.

"ok, mom and dad, we don't mean to cut this visit short but we gotta get to Marie's folks, I'm sure they're waiting for us," said Callie trying to avoid any more embarrassment.

"Alright then, we won't keep you guys waiting, but please stop by and at least visit us," said Callie's mother as her parents waved and walked off.

"What's wrong Cal, didn't like being embarrassed in front of Blake?" said Marie as she gave Callie a wide smirk.

"No! It's just we got places to be! Your folks are still waiting on us at the Inn and I'm sure Blake's ready to take it easy," said Callie blushing.

The three of them headed to the village Inn while Blake steadily looked around at his surroundings. As they walked down the street something caught his eye and he locked on to a familiar building. Blake had a startled expression on his face thinking about the inkling that was in love with him back before the war.

"Blake, what is it?" asked Marie with concern.

"It's...Mimi's clothes shop...I recognize it...I..." said Blake as he trailed off into thought.

"Blake...I understand, I know what you wanna do, go ahead and me and Callie will meet you at my parent's Inn, I just wish you the best," said Marie as she and Callie turned toward the direction of the Inn. Callie looked back and froze staring at Blake. She had thoughts racing through her head about Blake and Mimi. She bit her lip and turned away following Marie.

Blake slowly approached the clothes shop and stared at it one more time before he gulped and walked in. He was as anxious and nervous as he has ever been and wanted the moment of truth and how we would explain himself to Mimi if she was still around. Blake's heart was pounding from 90 to nothing and his hands were shaking. he grabbed the handle to the door and walked as he gave a deep breath and continued in.

At Inkopolis Square, Cassie and Izzy were browsing through the stores stalling for time. As they were walking out, Cassie spotted a figure that she hadn't seen in a while. It was Annie a sea anenome who owned a shop know as Cooler Heads back at Inkopolis Plaza. "Annie?" asked Cassie as she ran over to greet her.

"Oh, hey Cassie," responded Annie who was sitting on a bench.

"Hey, where've you been?" Cassie asked. "I haven't seen you for some time since you closed the store," She commented.

"Well, I decided to have my store on SplatNet since I think people got tired of Moe and plus I let Flow, go ahead and open her shop in the square," said Annie.

As she was talking a clownfish appeared out of her head and stared at Cassie. "Oh, it's you, get out of here and leave us be, ya squid! She has enough problems as it is," said the clownfish.

"Nice to meet you too Moe," said Cassie sarcastically.

"Who's that asked Izzy spotting the clownfish. "Oh that's just Moe, he's a jerk," commented Cassie.

"Great another squid, Why don't you two get lost!" said Moe rudely.

"Moe quit being mean! You have to excuse him, It's just been tough since we left the plaza," said Annie as Moe hid back in her hair.

"What's wrong Annie?" asked Cassie.

"Well, it's just...I miss the plaza, I thought I could run my store online and get more business but things have been pretty slow, I thought things would get better," said Annie sadly.

"Annie don't worry, it's just the square just opened and the turfers are just now drudging up business for the new shops, They will eventually catch on to the online stores. You just gotta be patient," said Cassie reassuring Annie.

"You think so, I just miss meeting people who came into my store," said Annie.

"I don't!" commented Moe hiding in Annie's hair.

Cassie rolled her eyes and focused back on Annie. "Annie I miss your shop too, but things come and go, like the squid sisters. I hate that they won't give the new reports anymore or spectate the turf matches," said Cassie.

"I guess," replied Annie sadly. "Well, I better get going then," said Annie as she got up and headed out of the square.

"See you later Annie, hope things get better for you," said Cassie.

"Put a sock in it squid!" shouted Moe as Annie walked off.

"Moe! What did I tell you!" scolded Annie as Moe retreated back into her hair.

"Who was she?" asked Izzy.

"A friend and she used to own Cooler Heads back when the plaza was open," she told Izzy. "I hate it that she doesn't have a store here in the square," said Cassie.

"That sucks, I hate to hear that, must be lonely to hear she opened a store on SplatNet," said Izzy.

"Yeah but what can you do, she chose to let someone else open another shop here instead," replied Cassie.

The two continued on through the square until they heard footsteps run behind them. They turned and saw that it was Flash running towards them. "Hey! Izzy!" waved Flash.

"Flash!" exclaimed Izzy.

"Hey! I got your message, sorry I was a bit tied up," said Flash rubbing the back of his head.

"It's ok, Hey! I'd like you to meet my best friend Cassie," said Izzy greeting Cassie.

"Nice to meetcha', the name's Flash," said Flash.

"Name's Cassie, It's nice meeting you too," said Cassie shaking his hand.

"I've been giving Izzy pointers on how to turf battle. She's not bad for a rookie. In fact, I think she might ready for a match," said Flash proudly.

"Wait a minute, Flash you really think I'm ready. You only trained me for one day, I'm not so sure that..." protested Izzy as she was cut off.

"Nonsense, I know you're ready, C'mon you can be on my team and I need another team member," said Flash as he smacked her on the back.

'Flash, are you sure she wants to do this?" asked Cassie.

"She won't get better just shooting at squid targets all day. She's gotta play the game to get the feel of it," replied Flash.

"If you think so, then I guess I'll play then," said Izzy rubbing her arm.

"That's the spirit!" exclaimed Flash as he gave her a thumbs up.

"Izzy, you don't have to do this if you don't want to," said Cassie.

"No, he's right, I gotta start somewhere, why not a turf match, It can't be that hard," said Izzy.

"Then it's settled, meet me over in front of the lobby in 10 minutes, I'll see you then," said Flash as he ran off to gather the rest of his team.

Cassie and Izzy looked at each other. Cassie could tell that Izzy was unsure and nervous about joining a game. "Izzy, I know you're having second thoughts, just tell Flash you don't feel like doing this, I'm sure he'll back off," advised Cassie.

"But I, It's just he's helped me while you've been away and he has confidence in me, I don't wanna disappoint him," said Izzy rubbing her arm.

"Is this what this is all about... because I wasn't here. Izzy, I'm sorry about leaving on my mission but I had no choice. I was gonna train you as soon as I got back. I think Flash is being a little pushy and overzealous. I don't want you to get hurt or crushed because you weren't ready and got pressured into a turf game," explained Cassie in a concerned tone.

"Well, I'm sorry too. I know you had to go do a mission, but I came to Inkopolis to play turf wars and that's what I'm gonna do. I'm tired of waiting, so I'm joining Flash's team whether you like it or not," said Izzy as she stormed off.

"(Sigh) Izzy...I know you've been wanting to play turf wars but I don't you to lose and have your spirit crushed like mine did during the splat tournament," said Cassie as she watches Izzy walk away.

Sergeant Maxie and her team were riding on the octoseeker to Octo Valley. It was cramped and she didn't look forward to the trip especially with specialist Melvin on her team. She made sure Melvin wasn't anywhere near her as she rode in the front and he rode toward the back. It was an uncomfortable ride to the canyon as the vehicle was noisy and rocked on the way there. They finally arrived outside the canyon and the octoseeker hovered downward. The back hatch opened and all the octolings got out with the sergeant being the last one.

"Someone needs to teach that twintacle how to drive," said the sergeant irritated rubbing the back of her neck. She soon turned to her team. "Alright! Is everyone ready? The octoseeker is about to touchdown," said Maxie before hatch opened and they ran out of the octoseeker.

The octoseeker flew off as soon as the octolings got off and headed back to base. They all looked around and studied their surroundings. They were on top of a canyon overlooking the chasm that was in front of them. "So, this is Octo Canyon, I don't know why the octo rebels would choose this place to operate from. There's nothing here but a bunch of rocks and stuff," popped off Melvin.

"Ink for brains, most of the structures are underground like back in Octo Valley. Don't let the surroundings fool you. Now let's head out! and keep up Melvin!" she jeered as she smacked Melvin in the back of the head.

The recon team left the drop zone and walked around the large chasm to see if there was any activity or any place that lead them down into the underground domes that were under the canyon. It had been an hour and the octolings stopped to rest from the walking. The sergeant whipped out her binoculars and scanned the canyon not seeing anything. The octolings were drinking out of their canteens while Melvin sat down on a rock rubbing his feet.

"Man I'm out of shape, being down in those domes can pamper ya but I glad to see the sun. It's been a while since I've been outside like this. I forgot what the sky looked like," said Melvin as he rubbed his feet and admired his surroundings.

"We have the sky simulated on those screens inside the domes, but it's nice to get outside those domes for a change," said a female octoling. Her tentacles were different from a normal octoling's tentacles. They were smaller and her eye marks were black instead of purple when she took her new-style goggles off.

"Well, how about you and me go do something together after we head back," suggested Melvin as he was flirting with the octoling female.

The shadow of a figure appeared over him from behind and he felt a hard whack to the head. "YOWCH!" the octoling jeered as he rubbed his head.

"Shut and stop flirting, you perv! Your out here on a mission! Not trying to pick up a date! Numbnuts!" shouted the sergeant glaring at Melvin as he turned around.

"Jeez! What's she got...oh yeah," said Melvin remembering the showroom ordeal.

After a while, the sergeant signaled her unit to keep moving with Melvin moaning to get up and start walking again.

It was another long walk and half an hour later the sergeant signaled her team to stop as she spotted something. She pulled her binoculars out and spotted Mount Nantai which was closer to inkling territory. As she looked she spotted a tea kettle and structures on the mountain.

"What is it, Sarge?" asked the octoling that Melvin was hitting on.

"I see a tea kettle, maybe a way down into the underground domes, I'm not so sure, let's go see but be cautious," said the sergeant as she waved her team to move.

They make it around to Mount Nantai and spot another structure. It appeared to be a decorated shack with some Japanese-style to it. A large gramophone speaker was on top of it and a green and decorated curtain was lowered down covering part of the structure. There was also a rock-like arch with an octopus looking formation on the top of it. The team walked through the rock formation with Melvin staying back observing the shack and the octopus-like formation. "Melvin, get your ass over here!" shouted the sergeant as Melvin was distracted and falling behind.

"uh...y...yes, ma'am," he stammered as he rushed to catch up with the team.

The team walked into another area that was full of floating platforms and rock formations. They soon saw the tea kettle in front of them they assumed headed into the underground domes and areas.

The team approached the tea kettle with Melvin dragging his feet. The sergeant lifted up the lid and examined the kettle. "It seems to be working," said the sergeant. "All right everyone, this is going to rough ride and Melvin, try and not throw up!" she directed to her team and glared at Melvin.

The sergeant hopped in first with tea kettle starting to boil, it soon steamed and shot the sergeant down a tube. The other octolings followed suit one by one with Melvin last having second thoughts. He clutched his body and gulped not looking forward to the trip. He hopped and like the other octolings, it boiled and steamed and shot him done the tube as well.

Blake had walked into the store, the last time he remembered it was when it collapsed from the octarian's surprise attack on the village when the war started. He looked around still in his inkling disguise recanting the memories of when he first walked in the store where he first met Mimi. He approached the counter eager to see if his old inkling lover was till managing the store. His heart was throbbing in his throat as he stared at the bell laying on the counter. He very slowly placed his hand on it and rang it. He gave a deep breath as he heard footsteps come from a room behind the counter.

A female inkling walked up but she was young. She had long orange tentacles and her eyes were green. She wore black-rimmed glasses and had an s-Shaped hairpin on her head. She couldn't have been Mimi as she was too young and Blake stared at her with uneasy feelings.

"Yes, Can I help you?" asked the inkling girl.

"I...um, I thought..." is all Blake could get out as the inkling raised her eyebrow unsure how to make Blake's expression.

"(sigh) I'm sorry, I was hoping that...I would see an old friend, she...used to run this shop," said Blake depressingly as his heart sunk to see the inkling wasn't Mimi.

"Friend? I'm not sure who you're referring too, my mom and grandmother were the only ones who've run our family business," said the confused inkling girl.

"Wait...grandmother? She wouldn't happen to be...Mimi would she?" asked Blake hopefully.

"Yes, that's my grandmother's name, but how would you know her?" asked the curious but suspicious inkling girl.

"Umm...my um, grandparents were friends with her, yeah I came from Inkopolis and wanted to come and visit the county with my friends," said Blake hesitantly rubbing his arm.

The inkling girl was kind of confused and unsure how to make out Blake. She decided to head to the door and call someone. "Gran, their's someone here to see you, he says that his grandparents were friends of yours and that he came here to see you," shouted the inkling girl.

footsteps could be heard coming out of the room. The inkling girl moved out of the door and a familiar figure came out. She was wearing a pink kimono with a koi fish design on it. Her tentacles were long and a pale orange color. Her eyes were pink as she stared at Blake in his disguise.

"Who are you?" she asked Blake.

Blake froze and wanted to cry seeing the sight of Mimi in front of him. he remembered the inkling from long ago and the good times they had before and during the war. He was holding back his tears trying to keep his composure. He gave a deep breath and looked at the elderly female inkling. "I... wanna talk to...you alone...if you don't mind," asked Blake struggling to keep his composure.

Mimi was unsure how to react. As she had no idea who the disguised inkling was and her granddaughter was leery and wasn't sure what Blake was up to. "Umm...I guess so, We can go outside if you want," said Mimi. "Tori, go ahead and watch the store," she asked the inkling girl.

"But, gran, we don't know who this inkling is, he seems different," said the inkling girl giving Blake a suspicious look.

"Now, Tori, I'll see what this is all about, just do what you're told," said Mimi sternly.

"Yes, Gran," she said as she got behind the counter staring at Blake uneasily.

The two of them walked out and went around the corner of the building. Blake downed his head and looked back at Mimi with a distressed look. Mimi was curious about who the disguised inkling was and was cautious herself. "(sigh) Mimi I...how do I say this? It's been so long I don't know how to tell you this..." stammered Blake unsure how to explain himself.

"What's this all about youngin'. How do you know me?" asked Mimi cautiously.

"Mimi I know how to break this to you, but...I'm Blake...I've been alive all this time," said Blake with distress in his voice.

"Blake? No that...can't be? Your not Blake! Blake is..." said Mimi as she got emotional starting to tear up.

"No, it is me! Here...let me show you..." exclaimed Blake as Mimi turned to him leery of what he was up to.

Blake slowly removed his tentacle wig and inkling eye mask. He stared at Mimi who was frozen and speechless at Blake's reveal. Tears started to form and run down her face.

"What trickery is this?!, you can't be real! I..." said Mimi as she backed away from scared of the sight she was seeing.

"Mimi it is me! Look!" exclaimed Blake as he showed her the old bite she left on him from years ago. She reached her hand out and touched it. She covered her mouth as more tears poured down her face. "Blake, It is you!" she shouted as she jumped toward him and gave him a hug.

"Mimi it's ok, I've missed you too," said Blake hugging Mimi with tears going down his face.

The two stayed in that position for a while catching up to the memories they both had together. They eventually pulled away looking at each seeing tears of joys on each other's faces. "Blake! What happened! Cuttlefish said you died on the floating Valley!" exclaimed Mimi with tears still in eyes not believing Blake was standing in front of her.

"Mimi...I'm sorry, Octavio he... took me away from you..." said Blake as he started to cry again.

"Blake, it's ok... I'm glad you're here, but how?" asked Mimi still in shock.

"Octavio...stuck me back in the cryopod I was found in, he threw me off the floating valley thinking I would've gotten crushed when I hit the bottom of the ground. There was nothing I could've done. The cryopod froze me again and I woke up a month ago in this museum back in Inkopolis. I've been through so much since then, it's a long story," explained Blake wiping the tears from his eyes.

"I'm so sorry what Octavio did to you Blake, I knew I would never see you again when I saw Cuttlefish carry your bamboozler. The whole village wept and I lived in grief for a long time. I quit talking to Cuttlefish and I moved on and started a family without you. It seemed like the memory of you faded away as time went on and the village rebuilt their lives after the octarians were banished," said Mimi.

"I understand, I thought I would never see you or Cuttlefish again, I'm glad... you moved on. I should've known that things would've never worked out," said Blake sadly.

"Blake...I still love you, it's just I wish things could've worked out, I wish the war never happened, I wish we could've been a couple, I..." said Mimi as she trailed off.

"Mimi...I love you too, It wasn't meant to be but I still glad I got to see you again," said Blake as he leaned over and kissed Mimi on the forehead.

"Blaaaake... I'm... so sorry..." said Mimi as she wept into Blake's shoulder.

"Mimi it's ok, how about we just... go to the garden and catch up on the good ole' times," suggested Mimi as he pulls her off and looks at her. She nods with a smile and Blake smiles back before giving her a quick hug.

They both head to the village garden with Blake putting his disguise back on. They walk through the main gate and sit on a bench in front of a reflecting pool. Blake tells Mimi about his adventures around Inkopolis and getting kidnapped by Camper and the octo-rebels. He tells her about him reuniting with Cuttlefish and becoming strong friends with Callie and Marie and the events that had transpired over the time between now and when he came out of the pod.

Mimi was both amazed and deeply concerned with everything that Blake had told her. She had told Blake that she had married an inkling sometime after the great turf war when she had the shop rebuilt. She fell in love with him after he helped her fix the shop and bared a child by him. Blake was somewhat happy for Mimi, but at the same time saddened that she and he couldn't start their own family. They talked and caught up on everything that had happened over time and hugged one another before they left out of the garden.

Before Blake and Mimi were outside the main gate, Mimi looked at Blake. "Blake, I know the right girl will come along and you two will start a family together. I haven't totally taken you out of my life. You will still have a special place in my heart and a dear friend that was always there for me. Just have faith Blake and I know she'll be the one," said Mimi giving Blake a smile.

"I had just about given up on even getting with anyone, as a matter of fact, I guess you say there is a gal that was wanting to be a couple, but I didn't feel right about it," explained Blake.

"Blake, you'll know when she's the one, If you didn't feel it in your heart that she was the one, then maybe you're not ready," said Mimi.

"Maybe so, As of now, with everything that's happened, I'm not ready to start a relationship with anyone," said Blake as he downed his head.

"You don't need to rush, Be patient and the time will come," said Mimi placing her hand on Blake's shoulder.

Blake picked his head and gave Mimi a smile. They continued out of the garden gate and Blake headed toward's the Inn. Mimi headed back to her shop as they both waved at each other. She turned and saw a figure crossing her arms giving her an irritated look. It was her granddaughter Tori concerned at the whereabouts of her grandmother.

"Gran, I've been worried about you all this time. What have you been doing?" she asked Mimi in a stressed tone. She turned and saw Blake walk down the street with his back turned. "Who was that?" she asked.

"A friend. We were just catching up on old times," Mimi replied looking at Blake with a smile. Tori had a puzzled look on her face and her irritation resolved, soon the two of them headed back to the clothes shop.