Arc 3 Chapter 4

Blake finally made it to Mt. Nantai with his new hero gear and weapon. As he crawled out of the storm grate he looked around like Izzy did and admired the scenery. He spotted Marie sitting on a mat in front of this Japanese style shack as her command post for the Octo canyon mission. She looked troubled and Blake slowly walked over to see what was wrong. "Marie?" he asked meekly.

"Blake?" she replied as she looked up and saw him. She got up and she did her best to smile hiding her saddened mood.

"It's Callie isn't it," responded Blake.

"(sigh) yes...I'm sorry...it's just I'm worried about her, I... can't believe Octavio would take her like that... that coward, he..." started Marie with a darkened expression as she shook her fists.

"Marie, it's ok... we'll get her back, both me and Izzy, don't chu worry, mark my words Octavio will be brought to justice," said Blake grabbing Marie's hand to calm her.

"Thanks, Blake, I don't know what me and Cal would do without you, please get her back," said Marie as she picked her head back up with pleading eyes.

"you got it but speaking of which, where's Izzy anyway?" asked Blake, just then a figure walked from under the octopus-shaped archway from the training area. It was Izzy looking at the two of them.

Blake turned and looked at her. "I see you're wearing a hero outfit and carrying a hero shot Sheldon built for you. So how have you been doing?" asked Blake.

"I'm...slowly getting better. This agent stuff isn't easy. I thought this might be fun, but..." said Izzy as she turned her head in regret.

"Izzy it's ok, I got your back. You just gotta have some confidence, I'm a bit rusty myself but we'll get through this as long as we work as a team," said Blake reassuring Izzy.

Izzy turned her head around and gave him a smile. "You think so?" asked Izzy.

"I know so, now let's get to work," exclaimed Blake confidently pumping his fist.

"Well before you do anything, you need to change into your hero outfit yourself, you can change in my shack over there," said Marie pointing her umbrella at the shack.

"Alright, Izzy go ahead and head back to the training area and I'll help you," said Blake as he headed over to Marie's shack.

Izzy nodded and headed back to the training area. Marie watched Izzy leave and turned toward the shack Blake was changing in. She slowly walked over and noticed the sliding door wasn't shut all the way. Inside she saw Blake changing into his new clothes and she noticed his physique and bare torso. She blushed and thoughts were running through her mind as she tried to erase them. "No, Marie...just...focus on the mission," she quietly said to herself. As Blake stepped out she covered her face with the umbrella to hide her expression.

"I'm ready Marie, you ok?" he asked as Marie had the umbrella blocking her head.

"It's nothing, just meet up with Izzy in the training area, I'll be there shortly," said Marie still hiding.

Blake had a confused look and headed over to meet Izzy. After Blake left she tried to recompose herself and headed in her shack. She moved Blake's other clothes off the floor as she was stuck in thought. She shook her head and fixed some tea to calm her nerves. After a moment when the tea was ready, she poured some in a cup and drank it. "Oh Cal, I hope to see you again...but not before I have a talk with Blake, I can't keep this in anymore, forgive me, Callie," she said to herself before taking another drink.

Cassie and Cuttlefish headed to the Shellendorf Institute to talk with Megan, Cleo's sister who was the one that revealed about the company. As the two of them walked in they looked around and didn't see the inkling anywhere. Cassie decided to walk up to a jellyfish staff member and ask where Megan was. The Jellyfish replied that she was in the back but informed the two that it was restricted to staff members only. Cassie ignored them and she and Cuttlefish headed toward the back with jellyfish shouting at them.

Cassie rushed toward the back rooms with Cuttlefish lagging behind. "Woah, lass! I can only move so fast! I'm not the young inkling I used to be!" said Cuttlefish as Cassie looked back at him.

"Sorry, Cuttlefish," said Cassie as she slowed down for the old inkling.

The two finally made to the door at the end of the hallway and heard Megan talking on the other side. "Megan?" asked Cassie as she knocked.

"Who is it?" she responded. "It's Cassie, the one you talked to about the human book you found," explained Cassie.

Megan opened the door and looked at Cassie. "Cassie? What are doing back here, this is only for..." started Megan.

"Look, I need to ask you something important, Cuttlefish and I need to talk to you," said Cassie as she introduced Cuttlefish to Megan.

"Howdy, so you're Cleo's sister aren't you?" asked Cuttlefish.

"Yes, I am, how do you know? Is she ok?" she asked with concern.

"She's fine, we just left the hospital not too long ago and talked with her about a company you two have been working with," explained Cassie.

"Umm... what's this about?" asked Megan nervously as she backed up.

"Lass, I've been informed that you and your sister are working with a company called Kamabo, what can you tell us about them?" asked Cuttlefish as he stared at Megan.

"I...uh, why do you wanna know, there's not much I can tell you but they offered me and Cleo a job with pay," said Megan.

"That's all Cleo could tell us as well, you don't know anything else?" asked Cassie as she approached Cleo as she was still acting as if she was hiding something.

"I'm sure, that's all I know," said Megan still backing away.

"Lass! this is serious, the company that you mentioned is the same one the Bucko had on that card he showed me. I company that was created by humans long ago, the ones that supposedly made that metal pod contraption the lad was stuffed in! Now if you know something, tell us!" demanded Cuttlefish as Cleo tripped and landed on the floor.

She looked at Cassie and Cuttlefish who had serious expressions on their faces and could tell that she couldn't hide the notion anymore. "(sigh) yes, what I've gathered is their name is Kamabo and that it was created by humans long ago, the proof is on that metal pod. Me and my sister moved out of our parents and bought a place on the edge of the city but as months went by we couldn't afford the bills. Cleo's turf war winnings and my job weren't enough to cover all the cost on rent and utilities so we got a mysterious message on our phones about a job working with this Kamabo corporation. We've never heard of them but we couldn't pass up the offer," explained Megan as she got up.

"What else do you know?" asked Cassie.

"They wanted us to do some tasks. I was supposed to open the pod and deliver the human to a drop point. There I was to meet up with a C.Q. Cumber to retrieve the human but that night the human escaped so I informed C.Q. Cumber what had happened," said Megan.

"Ok, then what?" asked Cassie.

"Since my sister was a turf war player she was tasked to infiltrate the inkopolis crime syndicate, which we found out were the ones involved in the human's abduction that night. Cleo was to subdue the human if he was in their possession and bring it to the new drop point but things didn't go accordingly. I just grateful that my sister wasn't..." said Megan as she started to cry.

"It's ok Megan, look just continue, what did Kamabo want with Blake anyway?" asked Cassie.

"I'm not sure, they never told us, your best bet is to get in contact with C.Q. Cumber. He's the only contact we've ever had with the company," said Megan.

"How do we find this C.Q. Cumber?" asked Cuttlefish.

"His number is blocked on our phones. All I know is something about the deepsea metro, that's where he operates but I'm not sure where that's at," said Megan.

"Deepsea Metro? I've never heard of it," said Cassie.

"Well, lass it looks like the trail has gone cold. Unless we find out where C.Q. Cumber and this Deepsea Metro is, we're at a dead-end," said Cuttlefish.

"There's gotta be a way to get a hold of this C.Q. Cumber," said Cassie placing her hand below her chin.

"Maybe C.Q. Cumber will give me a call, so far it's been a while since Cleo was found out, hopefully, he'll call sometime to get a report," said Megan.

"Well if you do hear from him, let us know and see if you can find out where the deepsea metro is," asked Cassie.

"I'll let you know," said Megan.

"Thank you," said Cassie as she and Cuttlefish left.

As soon as they left, Megan got on her squidphone and texted a message to her sister Cleo. She type: Cleo, this is your sister. Cassie and an old inkling came by the institute to talk to me about Kamabo. The ones that said they swung by the hospital to talk to you. They're eager to find out about this company and I told them I would let them know if C.Q. Cumber calls. I don't know what to do. We gotta do something or they'll eventually locate the deepsea metro. I hope you get this message soon and hope you'll be able to get out of the hospital soon, love you sis"

Outside the institute, Cassie and Cuttlefish contemplated what to do now. "What now captain?" asked Cassie.

"Well, for now, we wait unless something else comes up. Let's just head back to my place for now. I wanna try on those new hip clothes my grandsquids got me over a month ago. My old uniform is rather tattered," said Cuttlefish looking at his old uniform.

Marina managed to make it back to the studio before the morning news broadcast but unfortunately for her Pearl was awake and not happy at all. She opened the door and saw Pearl glaring at her brooding over her disappearance. Her arms were crossed and she was tapping her foot wanting an explanation. "Rina! Where have you been?! I get up and you weren't in your room!" shouted an angry pearl.

"Pearly! I...had to go out! I can't do that!" shouted Marina as she had her hands on her hips with a displeased tone.

"Rina! You know good and well we have to give the news broadcast this morning!" shouted Pearl. "You've been acting strange lately like you're hiding something," said Pearl still glaring at Marina.

"What! Pearl, I would never do that! We're friends!" Marina exclaimed defending herself.

"Out with it! What's really going on!?" demanded Pearl.

Marina was running out of options and her expression was getting more and more obvious. Pearl locked on to her waiting for an explanation.

"(sigh) Ok...I have been hiding stuff from you," said Marina as she downed her head. "I've been talking to an old friend back in the octarian army," she revealed.

"Friend? Octarian Army? Marina, I thought you were done with that, don't tell me your helping the octarians!" shouted Pearl in shock and confusion.

"No Pearl! It isn't like that, she's not in the army anymore! She's...been helping track the situation with what's been going on and all, she's not a threat to Inkopolis if that's what you're concerned about," said Marina. "I would never help any of the octarians if they were plotting to do anything against Inkopolis or any of the inklings," She continued.

Pearl's frustration slowly resolved and she let her arms down and gave a deep sigh and looked back at Marina. "Marina...I'm sorry that I ever accused you of aiding the enemy. I remember you telling me stories of when you were in the octarian army and what you did. I let go of those differences and still wanted to be your friend. Octoling or not, I didn't care," said Pearl as Marina was a little shocked at Pearl's understanding. "Rina! I know we have our differences yo, but I hate it when you keep secrets from me, it just puts a bind on our friendship. I couldn't care less if you talking to an old friend or not," said Pearl.

"Pearly I..." started Marina as she was waved off by Pearl. "Rina, I'm not mad, you're my best friend and I should've never made conclusions, do you forgive me yo?" she asked with a pleading expression.

"Oh, Pearly, of course, I forgive you," said Marina as she gave Pearl a hug.

"Ok, Rina, not so much, I don't want to get all sentimental and junk, let's get ready for the morning news," said Pearl.

"Your right! It starts in half an hour!" exclaimed Marina.

Both of them hurried and got changed and ready before the news broadcast before it started. Marina and Pearl rush to their changing rooms with the two of them putting their differences aside. It would just be a matter of time until Pearl realized what was going on and she and Marina would get dragged into something they might not be ready for.

"You two ready?" asked the jellyfish studio staffer.

They both nodded and headed to their stations fixing their tentacles. "All Right...We're on in 5...4...3...2...1, we're live!" shouted the jellyfish.

"Y'all know what time it is!" shouted Pearl with her usual hand gesture.

"It's Off the Hook coming at you LIVE from Inkopolis Square!" followed by Pearl with a record skip.

"Check it! here are the current battle stages!" shouted Pearl pointing toward the TV screen with turf war stage.

Time went by as the pop duo announced the turf matches for the day and teams that were competing. After their news broadcast was done, Marina and Pearl gave their signature pose and shouted "Don't get cooked! Stay off the hook!" in unison.

The jellyfish signaled that they were off the air. Marina and Pearl split off but Pearl turned to her partner and grabbed her arm before she walked away. "Rina!...I...still wanna say I'm sorry yo! How bout' we go grab a bite at Krusty Sean's. Don't worry Rina, I'll keep those crazed fans away! With my charm and good looks. It's hard to be famous I'll admit," said Pearl as she brushed her tentacles.

"I'll pass Pearl, I'm not feeling hungry," said Marina before walking away.

"But Rina..." said Pearl sticking her hand out.

"Maybe another time Pearl...I'm just not in the mood," said Marina as she went toward the back and closed the door.

"I said I was sorry OK!...Hmpf!" shouted a displeased Pearl as she brooded and crossed her arms. "Fine then!" shouted Pearl as she stormed off.

Marina gave a deep sigh as she leaned against the door to her room after hearing Pearl's shouting. "Pearly...you wouldn't understand. Sometimes you can leave the past but the past sometimes doesn't leave you. Inkopolis is my home and I don't want to see it taken away from me or you. I hope you can truly forgive someday Pearl but this is something I gotta do," said Marina with sympathy. She headed toward her bed and plopped down dwelling on her past and the future of Inkopolis.

Blake and Izzy had got done with their training and were eager to cross into Octo Canyon. Moments ago when Blake entered the training grounds, Izzy was still unsure she was up for the task. Blake though managed to build her confidence up and the inkling girl told him about her follies in the turf war match she had with Flash and his team.

"Izzy it's just a game, by what Callie and Marie explained to me what a turf war match was but that doesn't mean you should give up. I'm sure this Flash guy will come around. Don't dwell on it and you'll get better over time," said Blake trying to cheer Izzy up.

"Yeah but you're so good, I mean you hit those targets no problem and you didn't crack under pressure. I remember you telling me the story of when you fought the octarians during the great turd war and all. I could never do any of that stuff let alone shot at targets. Maybe I'm...not cut out to be an agent," said Izzy sadly as she downed her head. She plopped down on the ground and placed her hero shot beside her.

"Blake felt sympathy for Izzy and kneeled down to talk to her. "Listen Izzy, I was like you believe it or not when Cuttlefish recruited me on the squidbeak platoon. I didn't think I was up for the task but once I saw what the octarians were doing and hurting the inklings, I brushed that aside and did my best to help Cuttlefish and rescue the inklings. You don't wether you're up for the task until you try and do your best. I have confidence in you Izzy and I think you got what it takes. You just haven't had a chance to show it yet," said Blake as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

Izzy looked up at him with pleading eyes and Blake shot her a smile before helping her back up. "You...really think I could be a great agent you?" asked Izzy.

"I know you can, don't let some silly turf war match get you down. Do your best and keep your head up. I think your friend Cassie would feel the same way if she were here," said Blake.

"Oh Blake, thank you for believing in me!" shouted Izzy gleefully as she embraced Blake.

Blake didn't expect the inkling gal to hug him but he accepted her gesture and hugged her back. They pulled away and turned toward the exit to get back with Marie.

"Hey Blake?" asked Izzy as she walked beside him.

"Yeah, what is it?" he responded.

"I'm glad I met you...I was scared of you at first knowing you were the creature that Cassie chased back at Urchin Underpass. I hate what you've been through especially with Camper, I hope you don't hold that against all inklings and that...we can be friends," said Izzy

"Of course. I'm not letting what that punk did to me, make me think all inklings are jerks or something. Cuttlefish and the inklings were kept me from losing hope in this new world I awoke into. I'm glad I wasn't lonely and that I could make friends. I hated that the great turf war couldn't be avoided and that I got kidnapped by those inkling hoodlums that tried to sell me to the octo rebels. Theirs good and bad in everybody, especially humans. So no I don't hate any of you guys for what happened," said Blake as they were almost out of the training grounds.

"I'm so glad Blake," said Izzy beaming a smile toward the human. "But one thing you told me that still baffles me though. You said that you were in a relationship with an inkling back then if I remember right?" asked Izzy.

Blake remained quiet for a moment. He then turned to Izzy with a serious expression and Izzy was thinking that maybe she should've brought it up. "(sigh) yeah, her name was Mimi. She lives in Calamari County like you did. We...were thinking about starting our own family back but with war and Octavio..." said Blake as he trailed off.

"I'm sorry I...should've said anything it's just...I wasn't sure how that work being we're so different and all," said Izzy.

"I think I was just optimistic back then. I should've known that things would've worked out even if I wasn't thrown back in that damn pod by Octavio. (sigh) We both met one another again when I went with the squid sisters to Calamari County a couple of days ago. We were glad to see one another again and that night we spent time together at the garden and caught up on the good ole' days and..." said Blake as his face darkened.

"And...what?" asked Izzy who was curious think that maybe Blake and Mimi did the unthinkable.

"It's nothing I...don't want to discuss it. Let's focus on stopping the octo rebels, I'm sure Marie is winding what's taking so long," said Blake.

"Oh...ok," said Izzy as they continued on toward the shack but not knowing that Marie was watching their conversation from the other side of the octopus archway. She was a little pained to her what was said and shrugged off her emotions and focused on Blake and Izzy getting Callie back.

They reported back to Marie and she permitted the mission to begin. "Well, are you two ready?" she asked. "Ready!" they both shouted in unison.

"Very well then, Sheldon will be intercepting our communications and he's created some kind of contraption to fly around over Octo Canyon to monitor your movements and relay to me about what's happening. Just please be careful you two," said Marie.

"Hello, Hello, is this thing on?" shouted Sheldon on the radio.

"Sheldon?" asked Izzy.

"Yes, I'm here to help you two get through Octo Canyon, like I'm sure Marie explained. Don't fret, I'll get you two through this, though as a reminder my flying eye in the sky won't be able to navigate everywhere especially down deeper in the domes. So be very cautious and watch each other's backs," said Sheldon.

"Another thing. You two won't be together throughout the whole mission. Once you two get deeper in the domes. I want you two to split up and cover more ground," said Marie.

Huh?" they both said together.

"I know it might be a dangerous decision, but that's what I've decided on," said Marie.

"Don't worry I've managed to hijack some spawn pads in the canyon if you should get splatted by the enemy or fall off any of the floating debris," said Sheldon.

"But what about Blake? He's not an inkling. He can't respawn," informed Izzy with worry.

"You're right, I didn't think about that. Blake isn't as vulnerable to enemy ink as you are, but he could still get killed especially if he should fall," said Sheldon in distress.

"Blake could die!" shouted Izzy. Marie had an expression of fear and she turned her head and bit her lip wondering if Blake should stay back.

"I'll be fine! I can take care of myself!" shouted Blake.

"Very well then, just do be careful and also I plan on dropping supplies and weapons when the need arises, I'll be watching your progress, Sheldon out," said Sheldon as he got off the radio.

"Well...I guess this is it, best of luck agents," said Marie.

The two saluted and headed over to the giant tea kettle in the corner that would take them deeper into the canyon. But as Blake began to leave he felt a hand grab his shoulder. It was Marie with a deeply concerned look, staring at Blake with her gold eyes. "Blake...before you leave, I wanted to tell you..." started Marie.

"What is it Marie?" he asked.

Marie bit her lip and turned her head away from him. Blake was wondering what was going on with Marie. She had never acted like this especially around him. "It's..nothing," she replied.

"Marie if you're concerned with my well-being, I can assure you that I'll be alright. I survived inside that pod and that Instrike Camper hit me with. I know this seems different going into Octo Canyon, but I'm willing to put my life on the line to save Callie," said Blake.

"How brave and selfless..." trailed Marie quietly to herself.

"Now I gotta squid sister to rescue! Don't chu worry Marie!" shouted Blake as he rushed toward the giant kettle where Izzy was waiting for him.

"Blake! I..." shouted Marie but Blake didn't hear her and started to climb inside the kettle after Izzy done shot through.

The tea kettle boiled and steamed and shot Blake further into the canyon. "Be careful..." was all Marie could say before she headed back to the shack.

Deep in Octo Canyon, Callie was lying on a bed after crying herself to sleep from being interned by Octavio and the rebels. She calmed down and was in deep sleep dreaming of seeing her cousin and friends again but soon another dream played in her mind.

There was nothing but a shower of bright white light emanating around her in the dream. A voice could be heard calling her name. "Callie...Callie...Callie..." said the voice as it got louder and echoed through the surroundings.

Soon her vision was becoming clear and the light died down to a room she was in. Her vision was blurry for a moment and she could make out a figure waving their hand in her face. "Callie," the figure said.

She turned toward the figure as her vision cleared and it was Marie but she was in a white and green dress. "Callie, you ok?" Marie asked with a concerned look. Callie noticed she wasn't laying on the bed in her cell. It was an ornate room like something you would see inside a Japanese style home.

"Yeah, I'm fine Marie, what happened?" Callie asked.

"You seemed to doze off for a little bit, I was getting worried, It's your big day after all," said Marie.

"Big day? What are you talking about and why are you wearing that dress?" Callie asked puzzled.

"Callie, you sure you're ok?" Marie asked again. "You're about to get married, remember, I'm your bridesmaid silly," said Marie.

"Married! But I... don't remember..." started a shocked Callie. "Who am I marrying, If I may ask," said Callie.

"Um, Blake...you're beginning to worry me, Cal," said Marie.

"Blake!?... But...he just wanted to be family, remember," said Callie still stunned.

"Well he finally popped the question a month ago and you pushed for the marriage today, you were more than eager," said Marie giving her a smirk.

Callie then looked at herself in the mirror across where the two were sitting at and saw she was in an elegant white and magenta wedding dress. She got up and turned to examine herself. She turned back to Marie who was still a little dumbfounded by Callie's behavior. "So...Blake finally accepted my love for him," said Callie. Marie smiled at her and nodded before giving her cousin a hug.

"But what about gramps and my folks? How do they feel about this?" asked Callie.

"They were more than happy to see you finally get married, It didn't matter if Blake was a human or not. As long as they saw you were happy," said Marie.

"Callie smiled as tears ran down her face. She started to whimper as she said, "This is the happiest day of my life. Now we can be a real family." she embraced her cousin Marie as she cried on her shoulder.

Just then they heard a knock on the door. The knob turned and it was Cuttlefish wondering if his grandsquids were ready for the ceremony. "We're coming gramps, just give us a minute," said Marie as he closed the door. "Well, Bucko is starting to worry," he said before shutting the door.

"Well let's go, you got a wedding to get to and groom that's wondering where his bride is," said Marie before they left. As Marie and Callie walked through the door she was surrounded by a bright white light again.

Callie jarred awake and looked around seeing she was still in her cell. "What a dream," she said to herself. "But why did it have to end? Does this mean me and Blake will get married in the future?" she asked herself.

She sat on the edge of the bed and begin to drift in deep thought. "(sigh) oh, Blake, I hope you come and rescue me like a knight rescues his damsel. I hope that dream I had does become a reality once Octavio and those jerks are stopped and you make me a happy squid," she said. After a moment she laid back down in her bed and wanted to drift back to sleep again and finish her dream but the door to her cell was pounded on.

"You awake squid!?" the unpleasant voice shouted.

The door was unlocked and a octoling walked in with a scar across her eye. "Have a nice nap?" she said snidely.

"As a matter of fact, I did!" shouted Callie glaring at the elite.

"Well it's probably the only good thing you'll get out of this, you're coming with us!" shouted the elite as two more octolings came in and subdued Callie.

"Hey! Where are you taking me!" shouted Callie as she was struggling with the octolings as she was being taken out of her cell.

"Don't you worry about that, you soon won't remember anything after we get done with you," sneered the elite.

"You won't get away with this! Marie and Blake will find and rescue me and you'll see!" shouted Callie as she was being led away.

"We'll deal with those two eventually, well for the human, I'm not done with him yet. We still have plans with him as he comes and saves his inkstain crush," said the elite.

"(gasp) Blake will never fall for your trap and you can forget about me helping you octo-jerks!" shouted Callie again.

"You'll have no choice in the matter," said the elite. "Now, take her outta here!" she commanded.

A steel door closed behind Callie and the two octolings that were restraining her.