Arc 3 Chapter 2
"W...W...What's going on?...Where am I? Marie!...Gramps!...Blake!" shouted a terrified voice. "Please! I wanna go home!" shouted the voice as she started to cry. The room was dark and a figure could be seen sitting against the wall in a fetal position. She had her face against her legs as she was sobbing. She remembered getting kidnapped by Octavio and the to rebels back at her grandfather's.
After a moment the doorknob started turning and the squid sister picked her head up with tears in her eyes as she sniffled. An octoling with black tentacles with one of them cut off at the tip, wearing goggles walked into the room. She had a scar running across her right eye and slid her goggles on top of her head and stared at the squid sister.
"Who...who are you? Why did you bring me here?" asked the squid sister still sobbing as she looked up at the octoling.
"Your name's Callie, right? One of the famous squid sisters ain't it. You, your cousin, and that agent are the ones who captured our emperor and stole back our great zapfish," said the octoling elite that was looking down at her.
"Y...Y...Yeah...what's this all about? Why did you kidnap me!?" asked Callie frantically.
"What better way to ensure that the other agents don't try and stop our plans to recapture the great zapfish then have you for leverage. Besides your the one that has a strong interest in that human, by what I've seen. You'll be his little damsel in distress, I bank on him to attempt to rescue you. Don't think we've forgotten all about him," sneered the octoling elite.
"What do you want with Blake?!" demanded Callie.
"That's our business and I wouldn't about him as much as you need to worry about yourself and those ink stains and their precious city. The inklings will soon get what they rightfully deserve!" shouted the elite as Callie clenched back.
She soon left out of the room and locked the door behind her. Callie covered her face and fell on her knees dwelling on what would happen to her and inklings. She cried hoping she would be rescued and see her family and friends again.
The rebels and the major left out of the internment facility as the squid sister's crying could be heard echoing down the hall. They made it back to the assembly area to meet with Octavio for further orders. "So...what's your intentions with the inkling girl?" asked the major.
"She, her cousin, and that cursed agent 3 were the one's who imprisoned me in that wretched snowglobe 2 years ago. We lost the great zapfish to those damn inkstains and I think it's time for to know how it feels to lose something. This will be payback for what they did to me and for taking our power away from us. Cuttlefish and those squids will rule the day they tangled with this octopus. I have special plans for her. Just get the troops ready squirt!" sneered Octavio.
"Yes, my liege," saluted the major as she and the other octolings left. Octavio turned away in his octobot and stared at the ceiling of the large chamber. "I have your grandsquid Cuttlefish. It's time for you know how it feels to lose something precious in your life. If you know what's best for you and those inkstains. Don't meddle in our operations or you'll never see your grandsquid again," said Octavio.
The sun had soon rose over Inkopolis signally a new day. At the plaza in the studio, Blake was still asleep after the long night he had dwelled on past events. He and Marie hung out on the roof in the night consoling over Callie. Though Blake was still asleep another figure was awake as she slowly opened the door to check on Blake. It was Marie who peered in the room watching Blake to see if he was awake. She walked over and studied him before she hesitantly reached her hand out to touch his arm. She shook her head and woke Blake up.
"Blake, Blake, wake up," she said.
Blake mumbled and rolled over. Marie sighed and shook her head. "Alrighty then," she said putting her arms out. She pulled out an air horn used for the turf war games and blew it.
Blake jumped out of his skin and fell off the bed crashing on the floor. "WHAT THE CRAP!" he yelled as he cleared his ears. "Marie?! You could've just woken me up like a normal person!" shouted an irritated Blake still startled by the sound of the air horn.
"Sorry, but I did, and plus I couldn't resist," said Marie as she smirked. "C'mon, we gotta get ready, I'll call gramps and Cassie," said Marie as she walked out.
"Geez, talk about a wake-up call, glad she's in a better mood compared to last night," said Blake as he got up and brushed himself off.
After a while, the two got changed and Blake was wearing his disguise since they were heading out of the plaza. Blake had grabbed his backpack and wore his inkling wig and eye mask as to not cause a panic. Marie was wearing her disguise as well as not to attract attention to herself also. The two of them headed to the storm drain to head to Cuttlefish's for their big meeting to go over their plans to rescue Callie and stop Octavio and the rebels.
Once there they headed over to the shack to be greeted by the captain himself. "Nice to see you two, all we gotta do is wait for the agent lass and her friend," said Cuttlefish as he tapped his cane.
After a moment Cuttlefish turned toward Blake. "While we're waiting, Bucko, I want to reinstate you back into the squidbeak squad. go ahead and step forward," said Cuttlefish as Blake got in front of him.
"You do remember the oath don't you, lad?" asked Cuttlefish to Blake.
"Yeah, I think I do," said Blake.
"Alright, then let's get started," said Cuttlefish as he gave Blake a yellow plastic squid badge. Blake examined it and it reminded him of his old brass squid badge Cuttlefish gave him long ago. He placed in his pocket and Cuttlefish gave him a salute while Blake saluted him back. "Give the oath," ordered Cuttlefish.
"I do solemnly swear to protect the inklings from all who threaten them with great courage and valor and will give my life to ensure that there is no task that I can't handle and no enemy that I can't defeat. I uphold this oath to defend my fellow squids from all who would take their freedom, happiness, and livelihood," said Blake reciting the squidbeak oath.
"Good lad, you're now an honorary squidbeak agent again," said Cuttlefish with joy in his eyes.
"Thanks, captain, I won't let you down," said Blake as he gave a quick salute.
Cuttlefish turned back toward Marie. Marie looked back at him with question. "Marie, I want you to go ahead and make your way to Mt. Nantai and get our soon to become agent's gear ready," said Cuttlefish.
"O...K, I thought we would do everything here," replied Marie.
"I did too, but I thought about it and I want to get this operation started as quickly as possible. Not to mention Mt. Nantai overlooks Octo Canyon. You can also get your station ready for the new agent. Remember that you're taking charge of this while I and agent 3 are going to go snoop around and figure out about this company," said Cuttlefish.
"Wait? What company?" asked Blake.
"Bucko, this may come to a shock to you, but agent 3 informed on something that may pique your interest and possibly your past. Do you remember Kamabo?" asked Cuttlefish.
"Kamabo? Kamabo... wait, that's the company that built that pod I was in! and... what do they have to do with this?" asked Blake confused.
"Because they are still around. Agent 3 informed me that the lass that was rescued from those misfits hideout and someone she met at the institute was working with this company. She said something about a C.Q. Cumber that was their contact with them," explained Cuttlefish.
"What? But this doesn't make any sense. That can't be right," said a flabbergasted Blake.
"That's why I and the agent 3 lass are goin' to investigate. I feel the same way you do Bucko. This sounds troubling and I want to investigate. We are going to go see if that lass at the hospital is awake or not and see if she knows anything," said Cuttlefish.
"I...wish I could go with you captain," said Blake.
"I'm sure you do, but I want you out in the field. You're a well-skilled squidbeak agent, you've fought alongside me back during the great turf war. I need you to train the new agent we're recruiting and get her in line and watch her back. Just know your identity and the fact that you're a human, will have to be revealed to her. I just hope she doesn't overreact to you being a human," said Cuttlefish.
"I hope not either but I understand Cuttlefish and I want to rescue Callie," said Blake.
"I know she has a heart on for you Bucko and I'd be honored if you took her hand," said Cuttlefish.
"You've noticed too, (sigh) Captain...I couldn't. She's your niece and I feel she's more like family. I'm just not ready to settle down yet. It wasn't that long ago I woke out of that damn pod again," said Blake.
"Well, Bucko. you know she's persistent. I wouldn't keep her waiting," said Cuttlefish.
"I... I just want time, right now I just wanna focus on bringing her back, then maybe we could start a relationship," said Blake.
"Take all the time you can Bucko, but remember that she loves lad. Family or not," said Cuttlefish.
"I know Captain," replied Blake.
"Alright grandsquid, you better make your way to Mt. Nantai soon," said Cuttlefish. Marie nodded and walked away. She thought about what her grandfather had said to Blake. She had a pained expression and turned her head down. She slowly made her way back to the storm grate and headed to Mt. Nantai.
Cassie and Izzy were headed toward the plaza to go and meet the others. Izzy was very nervous and remembered being told by Cassie about the squidbeak squad and Cuttlefish wanting her to join. Izzy didn't know how to take it at first and was uncertain if she was cut out for it. Cassie ensured her that her friends would make sure she would be all right and train her for the missions.
Izzy stopped as she and Cassie headed toward the plaza. Cassie turned around and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Cass, are you sure about this, I mean...I lost the turf match, how am I supposed to be a squidbeak agent like you if I can't even..." said Izzy.
"Izzy, don't worry. I have faith in you and so does Cuttlefish. We'll train you to be an agent," said Cassie as she approached Izzy, placing her hand on her shoulder,
"I...I don't know," said Izzy as she turned her head away.
"C'mon Izzy, you know you've wanted to be an agent like me since we fought Camper and his goons. You were brave and helped me get Cleo to safety, remember?' said Cassie.
"Yeah, but that was then. I thought is pretty cool to see you were this secret agent and all," replied Izzy.
"Ok, then, let's go and make you an honorary squidbeak agent!" exclaimed Cassie as she grabbed a hold of Izzy's hand and headed off to the plaza.
"Wah! Slow down Cass...I'm still not so sure about this," shrieked Izzy as Cassie had a hold of her as they were rushing down the sidewalk.
The two made it to the plaza and headed toward the storm drain. Izzy was uncertain about going down the storm drain but Cassie assured her that it was fine. Izzy gave a deep breath and hopped down in her squid form. The two of them slithered down the tunnel in their squid form and made their way to the other end. Once there they headed toward the shack to be greeted by Cuttlefish.
The two walked up and Izzy noticed Cuttlefish studying her. Nervous at first Izzy rubbed her arm and turned facing Cassie with an uncertain expression.
"Izzy, I would like you to meet Captain Cuttlefish. The founder and commander of the squidbeak squad," said Cassie as she introduced Cuttlefish.
"Well, youngin' it's a pleasure to meet chu, Agent 3 as told me all about you and I insisted that a brave lass like you join the squidbeak," said Cuttlefish as he shook her hand.
"Umm...it's nice to meet you too. I'm nervous about all this. Are you sure you want a squid like me to join?" asked Izzy.
"I'm sure youngin' she told me about you helping her and rescuing that lass back at those misfits hideout. I think you got what it takes, so don't be nervous," said Cuttlefish as he tapped his cane.
"Ok, then...I'll do my best," said Izzy hesitantly and gulped.
"Good, now that I think we're on the same page. I'd like you to meet Agent 0, the first squidbeak agent that I've recruited," said Cuttlefish as Blake walked up in his inkling disguise.
Blake stepped up and Izzy studied him. "Wow, you're pretty tall for an inkling and kinda cute too," said Izzy surprised by Blake's height.
"Bucko, go ahead and show her," said Cuttlefish.
"Captain, are you sure about this?" asked Blake nervously.
"show me what?" asked Izzy.
"Izzy, don't be frightened by what you're about to see," said Cassie placing her hand on her shoulder from behind.
Cuttlefish gave Blake a nod and he sighed as he reached up and removed his inkling wig and eye mask.
"(gasp) Y...Y...YOU"RE THAT CREATURE! WHAT'S GOING ON?! CASSIE! I'M ABOUT TO..." yelled Izzy as she squid formed and fainted in front of them. She inked on herself as she laid on the ground passed out from Blake's appearance.
"Well, that could've gone over smoother, let's see if we can wake the lass up," said Cuttlefish.
Cassie gave Cuttlefish an unpleasant look then turned back to Izzy picking her up in her squid from as she moaned. She took her inside the shack to rest on the couch hoping she would wake up soon. Then she went back outside to meet back with Cuttlefish and Blake.
Cuttlefish looked at Cassie. "So is she going to be okay lass?" asked Cuttlefish.
"She'll be fine, so what do we do now? asked Cassie.
"Well lass, let's see if that gal you two rescued is awake. We need to ask some questions regarding this Kamabo company," said Cuttlefish.
"What about Izzy? Shouldn't we wait until she wakes up?" asked Cassie.
"There's no time agent 3, we need to get going. I'm sure Bucko can handle the situation once your friend wakes up, now c'mon," said Cuttlefish as he headed toward the storm drain.
"(sigh) ok," replied Cassie. She looked back at Blake who was uncertain of what to do. "Blake, just... take it easy, she's never seen a human before and all she could remember is when she saw you back at Urchin Underpass as a big scary creature. Just take it slow and coax her and maybe she'll calm down," said Cassie.
"You got it, I'll take it easy, I wish you and the captain the best of luck," said Blake.
"Thank you, I wish I could go into Octo Canyon with you guys to watch Izzy's back and see you in action. I still can't get over that a human was the first squidbeak agent. Well, I wish you two the best of luck as well and please make sure nothing happens to Izzy. She's been a great friend to me, I hate for anything to go wrong since I was the one who got her into this mess in the first place," said Cassie as she started to leave.
"Cassie, don't you worry. She's in good hands and I'll explain things once she wakes up," said Blake.
"Thanks, Blake. I can count on you to watch Izzy's back for me," said Cassie.
Blake nodded and Cassie gave him a smile and turned away to follow Cuttlefish.
Blake turned back to the shack and gave a sigh, thinking of what to do next.
In Inkopolis Square, back at the studio. Marina had gotten up early and went to her laptop at her station. She wanted to check and see if her contact had sent any messages even though her contact told her that she wanted to go into radio silence for some time. Marina cut on her laptop and scrolled through her messages to see if there was anything new.
She spotted something recent on her messages and clicked on it. A window popped up with a video on it. She played the video and it appeared to be a video chat with an octoling appearing on the screen. She had violet tentacles instead of red ones and her eyes were a hazel color with purple eye rings like typical octolings. She was just wearing a black tank top and shorts without the armor on her.
"DJ_Hyperfresh, I hope you get this video soon. I didn't have type to send you a typed message and I wanna make this quick as possible before I relocate to my safehouse in Octo Valley. I'm hearing reports that the octo rebels have freed and relocated DJ Octavio from some contacts in Octo Canyon. I'm not sure if the new Octarian Government has caught wind of this or not. What I understand is they were supposed to send a retrieval team to bring Octavio to the Octarian court to stand trial but have had their hands full dealing with the octo rebels. I hope my contacts are wrong about this but just in case prepare for the worst, I'm sure if he's free and leading the octo rebels they'll attempt to steal the great zapfish or may even attack Inkopolis but I doubt being they don't have that many numbers in their army. Get a hold of the squidbeak squad you were talking about and inform them on it soon. Hopefully this doesn't go public for both races sake and also I need information on the human subject, I've heard that he was never retrieved by the octarians and was let go, I wonder why? Anyway just warn the squidbeak and keep your eyes peeled for anything and keep me updated. Indigo_Agent out!" the purple tentacled octoling said in the video before the screen went black.
After watching the video Marina was shocked by hearing that Octavio was freed, she had much concern and dread, fearing Octavio would soon do something if he was leading the rebels. She thought to herself that she had to do something soon and then heard footsteps coming from the back.
Pearl appeared around the corner and stretched and gave a big yawn as she scratched herself. "Marina...what are you doing up so early?" Pearl asked as she was still half groggy.
"Oh, Pearly, I just um... felt like getting up, I couldn't sleep so I got on my laptop to play some games to pass the time," said Marina with a smile hiding her lie.
Pearl raised an eyebrow as she stared at Marina. "O...K...just remember that in a couple of hours we gotta get ready for the news report for this morning," said Pearl as she went back to bed.
Marina gave a deep sigh as Pearl left the room and turned back to her laptop. She decided to send a message to her friend from the video.
Indigo_Agent
I watched your video and I'm troubled at what you've heard. I hope Octavio isn't free either or leading the rebels. This could break bad for both of our races. We have made progress trying to shake hands and put our past aside for peace. I just hope Octavio and the rebels will get stopped before anything happens. As for the squidbeak agents, I don't know how to get in touch with them. I was in contact with them at the hideout of the Inkopolis crime syndicate and haven't got in contact with them since. I'll see what I can do for now. Our options are limited and we can only pray for a miracle. I'll keep you posted if anything should come up. As for the subject whose name is Blake. I haven't heard anything out of him. I hope he's ok. I wish I could meet him. By what I've seen, he's a courageous and selfless guy that's willing to put his life on the line to save his friends as I've seen back at the hideout from rescuing that inkling. I wish you safety Indigo_Agent.
DJ_Hyperfrsh out.
After Marina sent the message she closed her laptop and looked around. She had much running through her mind on the troubling news her friend informed her of. She decided to leave the studio and head over the hospital to check and see if Cleo, the inkling that was put in ICU from Camper's hideout had recovered and was awake. Marina was hoping that maybe she knew of any information regarding the rebels or maybe she knew how to get in contact with the squidbeak agents.
She got on a coat and sunglasses and left out of the studio toward the hospital. She looked back at the studio with remorse, feeling bad that she had to leave Pearl behind and hoped she'd get back in time without a grilling from her partner.
In Cuttlefish's shack, the inkling woke up from fainting in front of the group seeing Blake standing in front of her. She grabbed her head as she sat up. "What happened?" she said. the inkling girl looked around the inside of the shack. "Where am I?" she asked herself. Then she heard voices coming from outside so she walked over and looked out the window.
She saw the elderly inkling from before propping himself up with his cane. She then saw her friend Cassie talking with him. Then Blake caught her attention and she started to feel the fear again from before. She started listening to their conversation. She saw that Cassie wasn't afraid of the tall creature and left out with the elderly inkling she met from before. Blake then turned and looked toward the shack and she moved out of sight.
"What do I do now!" Izzy exclaimed. "Cassie left with that old inkling and now I'm stuck here with that creature!" she said as she panicked. She soon heard footsteps approach the door and a knock followed.
She squid formed and hid under the couch. Blake knocked again with no answer as Izzy stayed under the couch. The knob turned and Blake peered inside to see that Izzy wasn't on the couch. "Hello!... I'm not gonna hurt you!" shouted Blake as he walked in.
Izzy whimpered as she saw Blake walk inside. "Look! I know you're afraid of me but don't be, I'm good friends with Cassie, so please come out!" Blake shouted again.
Izzy gave a deep breath and slowly crawled out from under the couch as Blake had his back turned inside the kitchen area. She changed back to her humanoid form and looked at Blake nervously intimidated by his size and appearance never seeing a human before.
Izzy cleared her throat getting Blake's attention as he turned around and saw Izzy staring at him with fear. "Hey, there you are... um, I know you're afraid of me but I'm not gonna hurt you...my name's Blake and it's a pleasure to meet you," said Blake as he cautiously approached her. She clenched and stepped back away from Blake. He saw her fearful reaction and decided to kneel down making himself shorter than her and placed his hand out.
She stared at him with fear slowly turning to curiosity. She looked at his hand and wasn't sure what to do. Blake beamed her a smile and her fear was slowly resolving. She very slowly approached Blake and took his hand as she kept on eye on him. When she touched his hand she noticed it was warm and a little rough compared to her skin. She was confused about her contact with him and slowly wrapped her hand around his and hesitantly shook it.
"See, it's ok," said Blake.
A smile slowly appeared on her face as she turned and looked at him. He slowly stood up after she let go and introduce himself. "My name's Blake, Cassie has told us about you and we're honored to have on the squidbeak squad, I just hope we can be friends. I'm sorry I scared you from before. I'm guessing this is the first time you've seen a human?" said Blake.
"Wait...you're a human! Like the fossil back at the Shellendorf Institute, but I thought you guys were extinct!" exclaimed Izzy who was in utter shock.
"It's... a long story, I'll tell you all about in a moment but for now, we gotta go over to Mt. Nantai to get you ready for your training and field work," said Blake.
"Mt. Nantai?" asked Izzy.
"Cuttlefish gave me the directions to get there. All I know is for me to bring you there," explained Blake. "You ready?" asked Blake.
"I...guess so, t's just...seeing a human alive for the first time. How can Cassie and that old inkling just act, I don't know...normal about it?" asked Izzy.
"I'll explain things on our way to Mt. Nantai, we'll take our time getting so Agent 2 can get your stuff ready," said Blake.
Over the next hour as Blake and Izzy were on their way to Mt. Nantai, Blake explained to Izzy on how he, a human was still around. He told her about Cuttlefish finding him in a pod on the beach, the great turf war, him being the first squidbeak agent and all the recent events that had taken place from the weeks prior. Izzy couldn't comprehend what Blake had just told her and was speechless about his existence and him being a squidbeak agent. After she composed herself and cleared her thoughts to understand all that Blake had told her. She told him her name and her relations with Cassie and all the recent events she'd been through, deciding to share each others life stories to ease the mood of the situation.
"well it sounds like you've had an exciting adventure yourself, Izzy, I think you'll make a fine agent in time," said Blake.
Izzy blushed and looked back at Blake with a smile. "I'm glad you're not afraid of me anymore," commented Blake as he smiled back at the inkling girl.
"Well, Cassie said something about you training me for fieldwork," said Izzy.
"Yeah, but you gotta get your gear first, I think Mar...I'm mean Agent 2 has your equipment. She's at Mt. Nantai, I think Cuttlefish mentioned something about getting there through the square. I think Agent 2 said I had to get there to go by a shop owned by, I think his name was Sheldon to get my gear," said Blake.
"Oh yeah, he runs ammo knights. He sells turf weapons and gear in Inkopolis square. I've been there with Cassie. He's kinda odd though, but he's ok," said Izzy.
"Well, I'm glad we're both going then, you can point me to the right place," said Blake.
"Wait, you're going to the square! But the inklings will panic if they see you!" exclaimed Izzy.
"Not with my disguise on... hopefully," said Blake as he placed his wig and eye mask back on his head. "See! I oughta blend in," said Blake showing Izzy.
"I guess so, you did fool me at first, even though you were tall and your head and eyes are a lot smaller than ours," said Izzy.
"So far it's worked, especially back at Calamari county. I didn't ask for that inkling chick to make a move on me," said Blake
"Huh?" responded Izzy after hearing that.
"It's nothing...I see the grate up ahead," said Blake changing the subject. Blake climbed with Izzy squid forming and jumping on Blake's back. He pushed over the grate and looked around the plaza and saw that it was still empty. "Alright, time to head to the square. Lead the way Izzy," said Blake as the two of them hopped out.