Arc 3 Chapter 3
Blake and Izzy made it back to the plaza from Cuttlefish's. Blake turned toward Izzy while she looked back at him with curiosity. "I'm not sure where the square is, do you know?" asked Blake.
"Yeah, it's this way, we should get there a lot faster in squid form," said Izzy as she turned into a squid.
"Umm... you do know I can't do that," said Blake.
"Oh right, you're a human, sorry," said Izzy as she blushed and rubbed the back of her head after she changed back. "We could take the bus, there's a bus stop outside the plaza but I'm not sure when it will get there," said Izzy still a little embarrassed.
"well, lead the way," said Blake.
The two of them headed to the bus stop and waited. It was 5 minutes until a bus came along and stopped for them. The driver was a jellyfish and pointed to them to take a seat. The few inklings and oceanics that were on stared at Blake for his height. He was a little tall for an inkling and Blake tried to recompose himself as to not draw attention. He was nervous riding the bus being he was a human even though he was in disguise.
It was a 20 minute trip to the square and the two of them got off and headed inside. The square was packed with Inklings that were participating in the turf war games. Blake gulped and looked around, hoping his cover wouldn't get blown. He was fortunate enough that the inklings were distracted from talking to one another or looking through the windows of the stores or messing with their phones to pay attention to him.
"Sheldon's store is this way Blake," said Izzy as she guided him. She soon saw how nervous he was and asked him, "What's the matter, Blake?"
"It's nothing, let's just get to Sheldon's before people start looking at me," said Blake.
Izzy nodded and they walked toward Ammo Knights. Izzy walked in first and looked around. There were a few inklings browsing at turf war weapons and Sheldon was over in front of his counter talking to an inkling about specials. Izzy walked with Blake behind her as he looked around staringing at the turf war weapons. he was astounded by the different types he'd never seen before and wanted to look around himself but he had stayed focus on the matters at hand.
"Sheldon," said Izzy.
The little horseshoe crab turned toward Izzy. "Izzy, it's been some time, where's your friend Cassie?" he asked.
"She had to... do some errands, I... need to talk to you about something," she said nervously.
The inkling who was talking with Sheldon left. The little horseshoe crab jumped behind his counter and signaled for her to come over. "Yes, Marie has been by here and she's informed me about your recruitment in the squidbeak squad, congratulations! I'm sure you'll make a great agent!" exclaimed Sheldon in excitement.
"Shhhh! Not so loud!" shouted Izzy quietly as the inklings in the store turned toward the two wonder what was going on.
"Oh sorry, um come this way," said Sheldon directing her and Blake to the back.
The three of them were in a large storage room full of crates and weapons. "Alright, now let's talk, so...Marie informed me about you joining the squidbeak and she had done picked up your gear but that's not why you're here, is it. She told me your friend there is also an agent," said Sheldon before he focused on Blake. Blake was studying Sheldon seeing that he looked like Ammoses but shorter wondering if he was a relative of his and wanted to ask.
"I'm unsure why she didn't pick up the hero gear for him and why she said not to get worked up by his presence. He seems ok but tall," said Sheldon who was a little confused and curious.
Izzy gave a deep breath and looked at Sheldon with seriousness. "Sheldon, he's... not an inkling," said Izzy.
"What do you mean? He looks like an inkling to me," he said.
Izzy turned to Blake and gave him a nod. Blake was hesitant but reached to his wig and pulled it off along with his eye mask also revealing his small ears. Sheldon's eyes almost popped out and was utterly frozen in disbelief. "Th...Th...This can't be! You're a...a...," stammered Sheldon. "human," finished Blake.
Sheldon fainted for a moment and the two stood over him worried. Shortly Sheldon's eyes quickly opened and jumped back to his feet at a rapid pace. He looked at Blake with utter astonishment and his hands closed together. "This is extraordinary! A real live human in my store! I can't believe it!" shouted the overexcited crab who was jumping around like a schoolgirl. Blake was feeling a little awkward recanting the time when he first met Ammoses and his expression seeing a live human as well.
"How have you been alive all this time!? Is their more of your species?! What was the world like back then?! I have so many questions!" shouted the giddy horseshoe crab.
"I'm guessing you're related to Ammoses Shellendorf I presume," said Blake awkwardly by Sheldon's reaction to him.
"Related? I'm his grandson, Sheldon Shellendorf... and how do you know my grandpappy?" asked the curious horseshoe crab.
"I was friends with him back before the great turf war along with Cuttlefish...and Octavio," explained Blake.
"(Gasp) Wait...How could you know my grandpappy? He's been gone for 30 years and did you say the great turf war? How's that possible?" asked the confused and curious Sheldon.
Blake gave a deep sigh and explained to Sheldon about his life story, starting with him being found on the pod by Cuttlefish, fighting the octarians alongside Cuttlefish and being thrown back into the pod that he was found in by Octavio and being frozen in time again as well as the recent events after he came out the pod again back at the Shellendorf Institute. Sheldon was agape with what Blake had told him and couldn't fathom how any of this was possible but he slowly regained his composure and glanced back at Blake with understanding.
"I'm honored to meet the human that fought alongside Cuttlefish and my grandpappy. So you were the first squidbeak agent to ever be enlisted. This is absolutely remarkable, I can't put it into words. Does...anyone else know about your existence besides Cuttlefish and the squidbeak agents?" asked Sheldon.
"Well, the inkling crime syndicate found out about me as well as the Octo rebels," said Blake.
"I wonder why the octo rebels wanted you so badly but I'm sure it couldn't have been good. I'm glad the squidbeak squad rescued you in time before those rebels took you," said Sheldon.
"Yeah...unfortunately they took Callie," said Blake as he downed his head.
"Yes, I'm saddened to hear that, Marie explained everything to me as she started crying half an hour ago but I have faith that you two will get her back!" exclaimed Sheldon.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes," said Blake confidently.
"That's the spirit, now come with me," directed Sheldon.
"What about me?" asked Izzy who remained quiet for a period of time.
"Oh, right, I gave your gear and weapon to Agent 2, She'll be waiting for you near Deca tower," said Sheldon.
"Ok, I guess I'll see you later then Blake," said Izzy as she left out of the room and exited the store.
Sheldon and Blake headed over to a large case lying on the floor. Sheldon opened it and inside was a fluorescent yellow T-shirt with reflective bands running vertically over between the collar and sleeve meeting with a horizontal reflective band that ran horizontally across the bottom of the shirt. It looked like a high visibility shirt that utility workers could wear. There was also a black long-sleeved undershirt and black cargo shorts that matched it. A black belt with a red pouch attached to it was also inside, but what caught Blake's eye was the weapon.
"What is this thing?" asked Blake as he picked it up and studied the weapon in astonishment.
The weapon resembled a Pepperball VKS rifle. It was Black with fluorescent yellow furniture matching the clothes in the case.
"That my friend is a working prototype. It's a bit too big for an inkling to carry but I really couldn't downsize it. It's based on a human weapon from a video game that was dug up at the excavation sites. So I built it just as a hobby and put it away for safekeeping until a could build a small scale one for the agents," explained Sheldon.
Blake aimed down the weapon and studied it some more. "This is so cool, the only weapon I've ever used was a bamboozler Ammoses made me," said Blake.
"Well that's no bamboozler, I can assure you," said Sheldon. "It's fully automatic so be careful, also it takes up quite a bit of ink," explained the horseshoe crab again.
"Speaking of ink, I'm not an inkling, I don't produce ink," said Blake.
"Oh Shell, your right! I have to invent something that could help that dilemma. Tell you what! Try on your hero gear and head to the indoor range I constructed in the basement and try out that weapon I gave you. Take a prefilled tank before you go and ask me for a refill if you run out," said Sheldon.
Blake nodded and grabbed a tank full of ink laying against the wall and headed down to the range to shoot the hero shot weapon he was given while Sheldon worked on a device that could utilize collecting ink for Blake since he was human that couldn't produce ink like the inklings.
Izzy left out of Ammo Knights when a figure caught her attention. It was Flash rushing up to her waving to get her attention. "Izzy!" shouted Flash.
"Flash!" shouted Izzy in surprise.
"Izzy! I've been looking for you. I would've called you if I had your number but I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry about yesterday. I...want you back on my team. So does Ben and Jazz. I shouldn't have pushed you into that match. You're a rookie and I didn't think I would be fighting Suki and her team. I was just caught in the moment. Do you forgive me?" asked Flash apologetically.
"Flash, I... would love to get back on your team but I've got some important matters to tend to," said Izzy rubbing her arm.
Flash just studied her and was disappointed by Izzy's decision. "Important matters? Look if you joined another team, don't be afraid to tell me," said Flash with a disapproved expression.
"Flash, it's not that at all!" said Izzy waving her hands.
"Then what is it, tell me!" exclaimed Flash.
"I can't!" said Izzy.
"(sigh) I see how it is, I know I was a jerk and all but I was willing to apologize, I was hoping you would get back on my team, I understand," said Flash as he turned away.
"Flash wait!" shouted Izzy as she stuck her arm out but Flash just shrugged her off and kept walking away.
Izzy was saddened and downed her head. She walked away toward the tower with conflicting thoughts running through her mind. As she picked her head up an inkling in a kimono caught her attention. She was holding an umbrella in her arms and looked at Izzy with a saddened expression. "I wonder who she is?" thought Izzy.
As Izzy got closer, the inkling in the kimono squid formed and dropped in the drain she was standing over and vanished. "Where'd she go!?" Izzy exclaimed to herself. She rushed over and looked down the drain. A green ink trail could be seen going down further inside the tunnel. "I wonder?" Izzy thought to herself. Her curiosity got the best of her and she went in after her.
The tunnel was long and dark like the one heading to Cuttlefish's. A light could be seen illuminating at the end of it and she slithered up out of the storm drain and back on the surface. She looked around at her surroundings until she spotted the kimono wearing female. Izzy stared at her for a moment until she pulled the umbrella over her shoulder and gave Izzy an exhausted look.
"So...you decided to follow me," said the girl in the kimono.
"Who are you?" asked Izzy with curiosity.
The kimono girl remained quiet for a moment staring at Izzy. She soon downed her head and gave a long sigh and looked back at her to compose herself.
"My name's Marie... of the squid sisters," she said before giving her signature pose. "But you will refer to me as Agent 2," said Marie as she spun her umbrella.
"Marie? Squid Sisters? Never heard of ya'," responded Izzy giving her a confused look.
"What! Never heard of me! For eel!" Exclaimed a shocked Marie. "What the shell! We were only the most popular duo in all of Inkopolis!" she continued in a stunned expression.
"Of course I have! Just squiddin' ya!" replied Izzy giving her a cheesy grin while rubbing the back of her head.
Marie flustered a little bit from Izzy's comment and shook her head. "(sigh) Well, I'm assuming your Cassie's friend, I recognize you now," said Marie.
"recognize me? We've met before? Wait...agent 2, you're an agent! This is so cool! A squid sister and an agent!" shouted a giddy Izzy as she jumped up in the air.
"Easy, let's get down to business, I'm in charge of Squidbeak for now and you're now an agent...Agent 4," said Marie as she propped the umbrella back on her shoulder.
"Agent 4?" replied Izzy.
"Yes, now come over here, your gear is ready, now suit up so we can get started on your training," said Marie sternly.
Izzy walked over toward the small Japanese styled shack and saw some clothes laying on a table beside a weapon and ink tank. Izzy picked up the fluorescent yellow jacket and studied it. "That's your field outfit as well as your headphones too and shoes, you can change in the shack right there," said Marie.
Izzy went inside and changed into her agent outfit. When she came out she turned around looking at herself and admiring the new clothes. "Wow, this is pretty cool and I like these headphones," said Izzy.
"Focus agent 4!" barked Marie getting Izzy's attention. "As a squidbeak agent your job is to protect Inkopolis from any and all threats. I'm not sure if Cassie went into the full details of what it is to be an agent but I assure this it will be dangerous. So I need your utmost attention agent. The octo rebels pose a threat to Inkopolis and have freed their leader Octavio who as taken Cal...um, agent 1. Their's no bit of telling what else they maybe planning, like attack Inkopolis or swiping the great zapfish again. Pickup the hero shot and your ink tank right there and prepare to shoot at targets," commanded Marie as walked under the rock archway shaped like an octopus. Izzy followed to another area on the floating rock mass to some platforms with a surrounding canyon that it overlooked. There were antennas and caution tape surrounding the ledges of the platforms and soon floating targets could be seen on the other side of the area.
"Ok, Agent 4, make your way to the far side and shoot the targets," explained Marie.
"Piece of cake," said Izzy as she made her way to the training area.
She squid formed and slithered toward the other end of the platforms and changed back once she reached her destination. She spotted the floating balloon targets and shot at them. More targets popped up on floating platforms that were separated from the main one. Izzy managed to shoot them too. "Hah! Too easy!" gloated Izzy.
"Don't get too cocky Agent. There are still more targets you need to shoot," said Marie as more floating targets appeared but they were moving.
"Uh, no problem," said Izzy as she aimed at the moving targets. Izzy missed the targets as they moved. "Focus, Agent," said Marie sternly.
Izzy gave a deep breath and focused at the moving targets, soon she managed to hit them, bursting into ink. "Got em'!" shouted Izzy gleefully.
There is still more targets agent, so get ready," said Marie as she pointed at more targets. The next targets were fixed on the floating platforms and were shooting ink toward Izzy. Izzy jumped and dodged the shots from the targets. "Hey! This isn't funny! I can get splatted!" shouted Izzy as she panicked.
"Then I suggest you shoot at them!" shouted Marie back at Izzy.
Izzy managed to shoot the first target but didn't pay attention and got hit by another shooting target. Izzy burst into ink but came back on a spawn pad nearby. "(gasp) I thought I was a goner, Thank cod this respawn pad is here!" exclaimed a grateful Izzy.
Marie walked over to the agent and gave her a displeased look. "You need to concentrate Agent! This is not some turf battle! This is serious!" shouted Marie angrily.
Izzy gave her a saddened look and turned her head down. "I'm... so, sorry I...need to go sit down, please keep training," said Marie apologetically as she downed head in remorse. She turned away and headed back to the small shack feeling regret from scolding Izzy.
Izzy sat up and looked at Marie as she walked away. She gave a short sigh and then looked back at the training area wondering what was wrong with Marie and why she was acting like this, it reminded her of her infliction with Flash with the turf battle she had with him.
In Octo canyon, two figures could be seen walking through what looked like a town perched on a large floating landmass. The town was overlooked by a large factory for building Octoweapons. The two figures were Specialist Melvin and Private Selena of the octarian army. The two managed to sneak out of the old commissary that hid at the day prior from the octotroopers that were hunting them.
"Where are we going?" asked Selena to Melvin.
"I'm going to see if we can get inside that factory without having to run into those dumb tentacles," said Melvin.
"But, what about the sergeant and corporal Obi?" asked Selena.
"Maybe they headed inside the factory when the coast was clear," said Melvin. "We might as well keep going until we run into them," said Melvin.
The two of them continued on until they reached a large wall that blocked the end of the street. The wall was tall and the two of them were unsure what was on the other side, so they decided to hunt for a way around and into the factory. Graffiti and signs could be seen on the wall as they looked around and spotted an alleyway. "I wonder if this leads anywhere?" asked Selena as she pointed at the alleyway.
"I don't know, maybe we should keep looking," said Melvin unsure about going down the alleyway.
"C'mon, let's find out," said Selena as she hurried toward the small alley.
"Selena! Uhhh..." shouted Melvin as he moaned.
Melvin ran after Selena down the alleyway but a figure stepped around the corner spotting the two of them entering the alleyway. The figure gave a devilish grin and slowly approached alleyway in the intent to follow them.
The alleyway bent to the right and at the end was a large pipe that seemed to lead up to the floating landmass the factory was on. "See, I told you this could've been a way to the factory," said Selena pointing at the pipe.
"Woah, good job Selena, brains and beauty," commented Melvin.
"Ahhh, you're too kind, Melvin," said Selena as she put her arms behind her back and gave a blush.
"Well let's get going," said Melvin as the two of them went into the pipe in their octo forms.
As the two slithered up the pipe the figure was still closing in behind them.
The pipe went upward and then bent down horizontally. At the end of the pipe was a barred gate that led into a room. They slithered through and changed their forms. "I guess we're inside, but where?" asked Selena holding her octoshot.
"I don't know, but keep your eyes peeled for any of those tentacles," said Melvin as the two of them walked down a corridor leading out of the room. The hallway was long and steam could be seen shooting out of the pipes along each side of the dark corridor. A red light could be seen illuminating toward the end of the hallway. The end seemed clear until they heard a noise as they got closer. The two stopped and soon saw an octotrooper on his platform coming from the right.
"Quick! change form and hug the wall behind the pipes!" shouted Melvin quietly.
The two of them octo formed and latched onto the wall on each side trying to avoid the steam. The octotrooper looked down the corridor for a moment and then turned back to the direction it came from and left.
"Shew...that was a close one," said Selena.
"Stupid tentacle," said Melvin.
The two changed back and cautiously made their way, were the octotrooper was at. Melvin looked around the corner and didn't see the octotrooper anywhere. "So, far so good," said Melvin as he signaled Selena to follow.
The two of them made it to a large room filled with octoweapon parts. There was a staircase leading upward to a walkway. The two went up and headed for a door at the end of the catwalk. Melvin slowly opened the door and peeked inside, vaguely it seemed there was no one around. The two continued through the doorway into another large chamber where parts were put together for the octoweapons. The two walked down the staircase to what appeared to be a conveyer belt. The other side of the room had shelves full of crates and containers.
"This must where they assemble the parts before they go on the main floor," said Melvin.
"How do you know all this?" asked Selena.
"I was an engineer down in the lower levels of the domes when Octavio was in charge," answered Melvin. "I hated it, nothing but noise, no peace of mind whatsoever," said Melvin as he clinched his fist.
"I'm sorry I asked," said Selena.
"It's...ok, it's in the past, now let's keep going before we get spotted," said Melvin. Just then the two them heard footsteps and toward the direction they pointed their octo shots and spotted a figure, fearing they were caught. As the figure got closer they drew down their weapons. It was Obi looking at them.
"Obi!" shouted Selena.
"Dude, where have you been?!" asked Melvin.
"Hiding... like you two, have you seen the sarge?" asked Obi sternly.
"No, we haven't, we were hoping maybe you have," said Melvin before Obi shook his head.
But while the three were talking some other figures were watching the group across the room through a window.
"Where could she be?" asked Selena with deep concern.
"I hope she didn't get caught," said Melvin. "We have to keep looking," he continued.
"Oh, she's been caught alright...LIKE YOU TWO!" shouted Obi. "GET THEM!" he shouted as he pointed at the two. Soon Octotroopers popped out of different areas and behind cover around the chamber and aimed their weapons at the two.
"HA! two birds with one stone, surrender now and we'll go easy on you!" shouted Obi aiming his octo shot at melvin and Selena.
"Obi how could you!" shouted Selena.
"YOU TRAITOR! I oughta turn you into an ink puddle!" shouted Melvin as he glared and barred his fangs at Obi.
"I'd love to see that, oh wait, you can't! We carry the same kind of ink, Now shut up and give up!" barked Obi still aiming his weapon at them.
"Psst...Selena, on my mark dive behind shelves, while I get their attention," ordered Melvin as he whispered to her.
"What! but..." replied Selena.
"Just do it!" shouted Melvin quietly.
"What are you two up to!?" demanded Obi baring his fangs.
"Now!" shouted Melvin as he shot at the octotroopers. Selena darted behind the shelves and Obi took aim at Melvin to incapacitate him. He managed to splat one octotrooper and dove behind a crate. Obi shot toward Melvin and hit the crate he jumped behind. When Melvin had the opportunity he lunged at Obi as he dodged his shots and knocked him to the floor by hitting him with his octo shot. Obi was neutralized for a moment before he sat back up rubbing his head from the strike while the octotroopers closed in on Melvin and Selena.
"uuuhhh...FINISH THOSE TWO!" growled Obi. He got up and staggered to some double doors on the other side of the room while the octotroopers shot at Melvin and Selena.
"Melvin! Your hit!" shouted Seena when she saw ink on Melvin's arm and shoulder.
"It's...fine...let's just survive...we gotta catch that turncoat and find the sergeant," jeered Melvin in pain from the hit.
The two of them got their octoshots ready to fight off the octotroopers that had them pinned down.
At the Inkopolis Hospital, Cassie and Cuttlefish made their way to the infirmary were Cleo was recovering from her wounds. The two of them were directed by the receptionist who told them where Cleo was and that she was awake. They make it to Cleo's room seeing that she seemed groggy from the painkillers she had been given. She was watching Tv and didn't notice Cassie and Cuttlefish walking in.
"Cleo," responded Cassie as she looked at Cleo.
She slowly turned her head toward the two of them. "Who...are you?" she asked.
"My name's Cassie and this is Cuttlefish. I rescued you from Camper's hideout, remember?" asked Cassie.
Cleo examined her for a moment then it dawned on her who she was. "Cassie, I remember now, thank you for rescuing me," said Cleo giving a smile.
"You're welcome Cleo, it's what squidbeak agents do, but why I'm here is that I heard something interesting... from your sister, Megan," said Cassie.
Cleo gave her a questioning look. "What about her? Is she in trouble?" asked Cleo.
"No, not at all. I met her at the Shellendorf Institute and we talked. I overheard her talking to some staff members and she said something about you and her working for this Kamabo Company," said Cassie.
"Yes, I was wondering myself. This company was the same one that built that pod thing that Blake was found in. A company that's been around since before the humans went extinct. How is it possible that a human-made company is still around and what you and your sister are doing employed with them," asked Cuttlefish pointing his cane at Cleo with suspicion.
"I... (sigh) Me and my sister got a message from them. We weren't sure who they are. They're still a mystery to us and the only contact with them is through a representative named C.Q. Cumber. He's the only one we've ever talked to," explained Cleo.
"So why are you guys working with them if you don't know anything about them and what are their intentions?" asked Cassie.
"Me and my sister were living some hard times and needed money. Megan's job at the institute wasn't enough to pay the bills. So we got a message from them about a job and pay. As for their intentions, I'm not so sure. The company also had connections with the octarians and wanted us to work with them, plus my boyfriend is a...octoling," said Cleo rubbing her arm.
"An octoling? That seems odd, why would an inkling date an octoling?" asked a stunned Cassie.
"Please, don't judge. Not all octarians are bad like you may think they are," said Cleo indifferently as she crossed her arms.
"That still doesn't answer our questions, you don't know anything else?" asked Cuttlefish.
Cleo shook her head to the two of them. "You could ask my sister, but I don't think she would know any more than I do," suggested Cleo.
"Well, we appreciate your cooperation, still I wish we knew more, I hope you get better soon," said Cassie.
"Not a problem, I'm sorry, but thanks, I hope they'll release me soon, good luck with my sister," said Cleo.
As the three of them were finishing their conversation a figure outside in the hallway was eavesdropping on the group. It was Marina wearing her jacket, pants, and sunglasses to hide her identity. "Namabo? A human-made company that created the pod Blake was found in. This is getting strange. I gotta inform Indigo Agent about this if they have contacts within the Octarian society," said Marina to herself. She heard Cassie and Cuttlefish start to walk out of the room and she rushed away out of sight and back to the studio before Pearl found out she left before their morning broadcast.
As Cuttlefish and Cassie left out of the room, Cassie turned to Cuttlefish. "So, what now?" asked Cassie.
"We head to the Shellendorf Institiute where the lass's sister is. Hopefully, she might tell us something," said Cuttlefish.
"Well, let's get going then," said Cassie as the both of them left the hospital.
Blake was down in Sheldon's range shooting the new ink weapon he had been given. It took some time for Blake to get used to it since the only weapon he had ever used was that old bamboozler Cuttlefish gave him back during the war. Within an hour he managed to perfect his shooting skills and decided to head up and check on Sheldon with the new gear the little crab said he would build.
Inside he headed to the counter and knocked on the door to the backroom of the shop. There was no answer so he decided to walk in and saw Sheldon finishing up his projects.
"Sheldon?" asked Blake as he stepped in.
"Blake! Just in time. I just got finished with some of the new gear you will be getting to help get through Octo Canyon. "said Sheldon excitedly. "How did you do at my range?" asked Sheldon.
"This weapon took some time getting used to but I managed. I did pretty good," said Blake.
"That's great! I'm glad to hear that! Come over here so I can show you the new gear I built for you," said Sheldon waving over Blake.
Blake walked over and spotted some headphones, some odd but cool looking shoes, and an ink tank but it looked different than the ink tank he had ever used.
"These headphones will allow me or Marie to communicate with you while you navigate through the canyon. They are a little bulking and different than the ones we issue out to the agents," said Sheldon. The headphones looked typical enough. They looked like yellow soundproof headphones that could be seen used by range shooters with a glowing blue halo in the center of them.
"These shoes will allow you to jump at great distances across floating obstacles and allow you to wall run if need be," explained Sheldon. The shoes were black with bright yellow trim and designs. They resembled Nike shox shoes with internal air shocks on the bottom of the heels and a bright yellow handle stuck out from the backside of the shoe to boost the user's jump.
"And last but not least this ink tank had a built-in Ink recycler that will allow you to collect your used ink on surfaces and whatnot, but be warned it'll only collect 3/4 of the ink you used back to the tank, so be careful," said Sheldon. The ink tank was different as well. It resembled a clear walled thermos with a d-shaped ring on top along with what looked like a light on the cap of the tank, maybe to warn the user of low ink.
"The recycler is under the lid of the tank and it absorbs used ink to allow for refills and reuse, but like I said It'll only recycle 3/4 of your used ink," said Sheldon again.
"Sheldon, this is remarkable, I don't know how you do it but I really appreciate it, how can I ever repay you?" asked Blake who didn't know how to respond to all this.
"Well, I'll take that old bamboozler you had," said Sheldon.
"My bamboozler, but why?" asked Blake confused.
"It was constructed by my grandpappy and I thought about some modifications I would like to do to it," replied Sheldon.
"Ok? I'm glad I packed it, I thought I was going to use it for my fieldwork," said Blake pulling the weapon out of his backpack and gave it to Sheldon.
"Your gonna need something a lot better than this thing if you're going to face those rebels," said Sheldon as he placed the bamboozler on the table. "Now that you have everything you need you better meet back up with Marie and Izzy at Mt. Nantai. You know where it's at?" Sheldon asked.
Blake shook his head. "All I know is Marie would meet Izzy somewhere in the square and lead her there," replied Blake.
"When you walk toward the tall tower, then look to the left and there will be a drain on the ground. Crawl in it when no one is looking and it will take you to Mt. Nantai, good luck!" said Sheldon as he waved at Blake.
"Thanks for the info Sheldon, I appreciate everything you've done," said Blake. "I'm sorry that your grandpappy isn't around anymore, we were good friends and he helped me and the inklings during the great turf war," continued Blake.
"Thank you for your condolence for my grandfather. I'm doing him proud right now, continuing digging up human artifacts and running the old family shop, building weapons, and other inventions. I'm glad to hear that I'm helping an old friend of his...I'm glad I met you, Blake. I hope my gear proves helpful out in the field," said Sheldon.
"I think it will, thanks for everything Sheldon. I'm glad I got to meet Ammoses's grandson," said Blake as he placed his disguise back on and grabbed the gear that Sheldon made for him.
"Think nothing of it! I appreciate you coming to my shop, It's a dream come true to see a live human! I wish you could stay but I know you got work to do," said Sheldon as Blake turned toward the doorway.
Blake walked out of Ammo Knights and spotted Deca Tower. He headed over without attracting attention. He spotted the drain and waited for the opportunity to jump in when no one was looking and vanished out of sight as he headed down the tunnel to Mt. Nantai to meet up with Izzy and Marie. Let's hope Blake and Izzy is ready for the task ahead of them.