Arc 3 Chapter 20
After Maxie left to go stop the sergeant-major. Marie stayed back to tend to Serena who was critically injured and needed medical treatment right away. She packed Serena on her back and carried her downstairs of the tower without running into any opposition. They finally reached down to the second floor on one of the balconies that was overlooking the main atrium of the first floor. Then all of a sudden she heard the running of footsteps and a squad of octolings ran through the main entrance of the building. She quickly ducked behind the guard rail of the balcony and watched the octoling rebels. "Fan out and secure the building!" shouted an elite among the group. The regulars nodded and octoformed. They dispersed throughout the main floor leaving the elite by herself guarding the main entry.
"Damn it, I'm not gonna get past that elite unless I shoot her," said Marie. She sat the unconscious Serena against the guard rail and threw up her hero charger toward the elite. "I gotta make this shot count or we'll never make it out of here," said Marie before taking a deep breath. She looked down her charger, placing her crosshairs on the elite's head and pulled the trigger. POW! The shot hit its mark as the elite's eyes rolled back and she fell to the floor before splatting into a green ink puddle.
"Alright, now to get out of here before they come back," said Marie. Serena was mumbling as she laid against the railing. "I gotta get her back to Mt. Nantai as soon as possible. I'll radio Sheldon once we get outside and further away from this place. I just hope Maxie can stop that rebel octoling before she gets away with Blake," said Marie as she picked Serena back up.
Marie walked out of the main entrance with Serena carried on her back. She spotted an alleyway off to the side and followed it to the far end. It was there she decided to lay Serena down again and get a hold of Sheldon on the radio.
"Sheldon come in, this is agent 2," said Marie over her headset.
"Agent 2! I was beginning to worry about you. I haven't heard from you in a while. Did you ever find Blake?" he asked her.
"Yes, but he got caught in a trap set by the rebels. Maxie went to catch up to their leader to get Blake back and now I'm carrying a hurt octoling that's in critical condition and If I don't get her to Mt. Nantai she won't make it. I'm located in the abandoned city in one of the domes. Meet me on the outskirts so you can get us out of here," ordered Marie.
"Wait, Who's Maxie and you said Blake got captured? Why you carrying an octoling with you?" said a confused Sheldon.
"I'll explain once we get back to Mt. Nantai. Just get the truck and meet us down here Sheldon. There's no time to waste. I gotta get this octoling back before she dies," said Marie.
"OK, I'll warm the truck up and meet you once the drone spots your location," said Sheldon.
"Thank you Sheldon, like I said we'll be waiting somewhere out of the city, Agent 2 out," she said as she got off the radio. She turned toward Serena, looking over the octoling. "(sigh) This is gonna be a long walk to the rendezvous point. I just hope I can save her in time if those rebel's don't find us first," said Marie as she picked Serena back up along with her hero charger. She looked down the streets and didn't see any octolings in sight. It was vacant and quiet and she took this opportunity to make her way down, hopefully without getting spotted.
In the near distance on a building facing the street. An octosniper was perched on the rooftop, watching the squid sister carry the octoling on her back. Moving cover to cover. It waited for Marie to get a little closer as to make sure that it could get a bead on the inkling. "Just a little closer, inkstain," it said to itself. It raised the weapon being fed from it's mouth up and toward the squid sister. "This is gonna be too easy," it gloated.
Marie was almost at the end of the street when all of a sudden something didn't feel right. She froze in place for a moment and then spotted a laser beam on her chest. She looked up and saw the octosniper aiming towards her. "Say goodnight squid!" it shouted before shooting. Marie was struck and fell back, dropping Serena and her charger. Marie was immobilized for a few seconds. Thankfully her armor protected her. The octosniper saw her still moving and she sat up. "What! I'll make sure you stay down next time!" it sneered. Marie fought to stand back up and rushed for her charger when another ink shot was fired from the octarian, missing her and hitting the ground in front of her.
The octosniper growled in frustration, seeing it had missed Marie. She ran behind the closest cover, leaving Serena laying in the street. Marie tried to line a shot on the sniper but it shot at her again causing her to take cover. It then turned its focus on the motionless Serena. "If I can't hit you then I'll take your friend!" sneered the octosniper not telling she was an octarian herself. The octosniper lined its laser on Serena's body and Marie knew she had to shoot the octarian.
"Targeting a defenseless girl! I don't think so!" shouted Marie. She drew her weapon out and took a deep breath. The octosniper was about to pull the trigger before it was it was struck. It's eyes rolled back as it shot randomly at the air and fell off before splatting into a puddle. "Phew, another second and Serena would have been dead," said Marie. She rushed back over and grabbed Serena. As she started to walk away the sound of an explosion followed by rumbling grabbed the attention of the squid sister. She turned around and saw Tentacle Towers collapse in a cloud of dust.
Her eyes widened and her face turned to that off fear and uncertainty. "Oh no, Blake! Maxie!" She shouted in distrees. As she watched the building fall she reassured herself. "No, they... probably got out in time, I know they did. Marie stay focused...you gotta reach the outskirts so you can get Serena back to Mt. Nantai. I just hope Sheldon is on his way," said Marie. She turned back and headed off with Serena on her back while she still dwelled on the outcome of Blake and Maxie.
The both of them were nearing the outskirts of the city to what looked like the industrial area. It was decrepit compared to the rest of the abandoned city and littered with all kinds of debris. Signs and flyers were strewn across the ground reading: "We want the power back!" or "This is our home!" signs of what at one time was a protest of octarian workers being laid off and forced to relocate out of the dome before the power shut down.
"Agent 2 this is Sheldon, come in," shouted the crab over the radio.
"This is Agent 2 go ahead," she replied.
"I have some good news and some bad news," said Sheldon.
"Oh great, give me the good news then," said Marie with slight irritation.
"My drone finally spotted you. I thought I'd never find you two. Talk about a needle in a haystack," said Sheldon.
"Ok, so what's the bad news? If things weren't bad enough," asked Marie.
"Well...I, can't the truck to start. I'm trying to fix it right now and I can't tell you how long it'll be before I arrive to pick you up," said Sheldon.
"What! Sheldon, right now Serena needs medical attention soon and the rebels I'm sure our scouring the city for us. I don't wanna be here much longer if I can help it. I hope you get that bucket of bolts running soon. I don't know how much longer Serena can hold out," exclaimed Marie.
"Marie I'm doing the best I can! You'll just have to bare with me, oh and also I forgot to mention you'll have some company once you reach Mt. nantai," said Sheldon.
"Company? What kind of company? Is gramps and agent 3 back from their mission?" asked Marie.
"No...you mentioned about the octoling girl your carrying. Well theirs's two octolings sitting at Mt. Nantai. One accidently got in contact with me. He said he's in the octarian army and the other one you know," said Sheldon.
"Octolings? What are they doing up there? And what do you mean I know the other?" asked Marie.
"You'll find out when you get there. Now I gotta get off the line so I fix this bucket of bolts as you put it. I'll be there in two shakes of a salmonids tail. Don't you worry," said Sheldon.
"That's reassuring. (sigh) Just get here soon. We won't have much longer," said Marie.
Sheldon got off the radio and returned to work on the truck. Marie patiently waited for Sheldon's arrival when she saw figures move across the street. "What the...oh no. Sheldon, it's been two shakes. I hope you get here soon," said Marie seeing the octolings move in on her position. She placed Serena behind a crate before squid jumping on top of the warehouse to get a vantage point on the converging octolings. "I pray we make it before Sheldon gets here. Blake I hope your ok, you have to find Callie and get her back," said Marie before looking down her scope and aiming at her first target outside the gate.
Meantime at the cephalon HQ deep in Octo Canyon. Octavio and the rebel army were making the final preparations for the assault on Inkopolis. Their leader, Octavio was sitting in his Octobot King robot observing the rebels loading up the octozeppelins with the hypnowave emitters that would be dropped around the city to place the inklings under his influence like Callie. The rebels were in formation and making sure all their weapons and gear were ready before the attack on the city. A group of octolings beside Octavio turned to their leader who garnered their attention.
"Is everything in place for tonight?" asked Octavio.
"Yes, my liege. All octarians and the octolings have been assigned to load aboard the airships once you give the word for us deploy and make our way to the city. As you requested the emitters have been loaded as well and octo paratroopers have been directed to be first ones to drop once the emitters are in place. The recon unit you requested has also already left to scout out for any threats and ensure that nothing will halter our progress once we're over Inkopolis," said the elite among the group of octolings.
"Excellent, before nightfall the octozeppelin fleet will take off for the city. Those inkstains will regret ever sentencing us underground to suffer and be denied what rightfully belongs to us. This will be the day that the octarians will rule over those wretched squids and take back the surface. We will finish what has been started long ago and the hipsters will be helpless at the whim of our control. The will witness the idol they so love and adore only to be used for their demise. Once they are under the influence of the hypnotic voice of the old hipster's granddaughter, they won't dare resist. Victory is assured and no one, not event her cousin, Cuttlefish, or the agents will stand in our way," boomed Octavio before laughing.
"Octavio, sir...what about Major Octsana...with her skills and expertise, surely you should give her another chance..." suggested the elite. When just then Octavio gave her a glare and swiped her with his tentacle.
"Did I ask for your lecture squirt?! I asked if my army is ready! As far as the major is concerned she has been removed from this operation for questioning my decision making... like you did. Or do you need to be replaced as well or how about I just turn you into an ink puddle in front of your unit," sneered Octavio as he loomed over the elite.
The regulars trembled as the elite slowly got up. "N...No sir! It won't happen again. I'll finish checking up on the troops before the attack," stammered the elite who was nervous with Octavio and recoiling from the blow.
"See that it doesn't. NOW GO!" shouted Octavio waving his tentacle and scaring the octolings.
"Yes, my king!" shouted the elite as she saluted and they all octoformed out of Octavio's sight.
"Anymore suggestions from anyone and I'll make an example out of them. I'm running this show and will have no one else interrupt me. Disloyalty is inexcusable and subject to punishment!" sneered Octavio before leaving to the assembly area on his robot.
On the other side of the octozeppelin bay, behind one of the airships the group of octolings and the elite that was struck by Octavio were talking to Major Octsana who had been hiding and staying out of the scenes. "So what's the plan?" asked the elite among the group.
"The plan is to go along with the operation to take over Inkopolis. Once the emitters have been placed the signal frequency will be reset allowing for the Red Queen's signal to be broadcasted through the emitters instead of Octavio's disguised in the music he will be playing. After that the inklings being under the queen's influence without Octavio's acknowledgement and we move in on him before he figures it out. It's at that moment we stab him in the back literally and take control of the octobot and hack into the inkling's network and run the Red Queen's message throughout the city," explained the major.
"What's our assignment after we take control of the city? What about the squid sister? She'll still be under Octavio's influence and I'm sure will stay on guard before their performance," asked the elite.
"No need to worry lieutenant, We'll deal with her like we'll deal with Octavio. She is of no use to use once we start going into the final stages of the operation," said the major.
"OK, what about the octarian army and what her human crush?" asked the elite again.
"The red queen has plans for them as as far as the human goes. The sergeant-major was assigned to capture him and bring him to the Red Queen for "assimilation"," replied the major. "Once we do reach the final stage of Operation Teal Dawn, I'll be heading to the vault and checking their progress per orders from the Red Queen. We cannot complete the final stage of the operation until we get inside the vault. I assure you though, victory is ours like Octavio said but unfortunately for him he will not be a part of the new world to come that the Red Queen has promised us. Soon the promised land will become a reality and the war will be won my fellow octarians," said the major.
"Do you seriously believe that the Red Queen will bring about this promised land. I mean that's just a fairy tale every octoling hears to sleep better at night. I'm beginning to question this Red Queen. She won't even reveal her true identity. I know Octavio is ruthless but I really question the motive here. We've never had luck in getting inside the vault and we don't know what's in there. Did she even think this plan through?" asked the critical elite as the regulars agreed with her.
"You listen here lieutenant. We've been planning this for months and you wanna back down. We've already scarified enough resources and time into this operation not to mention our soldiers who died in the line of duty. It's too late now, Octavio will figure out our plans if we don't continue with the scheme not to mention the Red Queen will have our heads if we don't fall through. I won't allow you to question the operation as the consequences are too great and commitment is too rewarding. Giving up and backing down, not to mention disloyalty is not in our ink," said the disapproved major.
"Very well major. I just hope you know what you're getting into. As far as I'm concerned its not too late to follow Octavio even those he's a despot. Regime change can be good but also be bad. I hope the Red Queen follow's through and not deliver some empty dreams," said the elite.
"Just continue with the plan and avoid suspicion. Gather some troops that aren't so loyal to Octavio and have them meet me outside the last octozeppelin before our departure. We will go over the plans and our final blow to Inkopolis and the inkstains not to mention the dethronement of our so called king. Operation Teal Dawn will commence as planned and we will continue to follow the Red Queen's orders. Is that clear?" asked the major sternly.
"Yes, major. We will continue as planned. Once the fleet moves out and Octavio is in the lead. We will report back to you," said the elite.
"Good, now make haste before anybody catches us. I'll leave here and report to the Red Queen of the progress," said the major before octofroming and leaving. The other octolings gathered up the troops she wanted and continued through with the preparations of the assault on the inkling capital.
"Black Knight to Red Queen," said the major who was on her octophone.
"Go ahead Black Knight since you interrupted me of some important matters. You better have something good to tell me," said the Red Queen.
"My apologizes but I wish to inform you about Octavio's plans to attack Inkopolis and enslave the inklings. I have gathered a group of octolings I can trust that will help me stow away onboard the last octozeppelin as the fleet pulls out. We'll continue Octavio's operations until the emitters are in place and Octavio will be left vulnerable. We'll reset the signal from Octavio's to yours without his knowledge and it's then we'll betray Octavio as he begins the performance in front of the city square as the inklings are subjected to the hypnowaves," explained the major.
"Can you be sure you trust these octolings? This operation cannot get blundered over the word of some troops that you may think have your unyielding loyalty. Stay mindful and make sure our plan enters fruition as well as making sure Octavio is taken out of the picture for good. he has shown that he cannot be trusted and poses a threat to our plans. Our world cannot become a reality with him still in charge. Make sure he is dealt with and the inklings our under our influence," said the Red Queen.
"I confess that the lieutenant that I had spoken to was doubtful of our motives but she'll see soon enough that everything will pay off in the end once the final stage is complete," said the major.
"You better be sure. I will not tolerate failure if anything should happen and our plans are discovered. I will not come to your rescue if Octavio and his loyal troops find out about your treachery. Which by the way, I wanna now if the human has been captured or not. He plays a vital role in this as well," said the Red Queen.
"Why is the human so important? What role does he play in our coming new world? He should be extinct like the rest of his race. Why is he so valuable, I wanna know," exclaimed the major.
"Everything will be brought into the light. That's all you need to know you incompetent octopus! I grow tired of your questioning and lack of trust. You and everyone else will find out what the true promised land is and the only future we have to ensure that war will never happen again and that our race and the inklings can prosper in harmony without suffering and dependent on power every again," said the Red Queen.
After hearing those words. Major Octsana was beginning to believe that the Red Queen was delirious and unreal but knew how much power she held. It was too late to back out now and she had to follow through with her plans. Like other octolings, the major never believed in the promised land and saw it as nothing but a fable drawn up by octarians that couldn't handle being underground anymore. Something to be wishful for if not look forward to once they passed away. Callous as she became the promised land wasn't real until she started taking orders from the Red Queen that assured her that she could make it a reality but would require the help of her and the rest of the rebels and motivation as well as faith that the promised land would become a reality.
"Yes my queen, Operation Teal Dawn will commence and the promised land will be fulfilled. I'm sorry for doubting you my queen. It's just...for most of my military career I'd never figure an old fairy tale to become as real as the power crisis in the domes. I figured that the only chances for the octarians survival was for us to take the surface and conquer the inklings as Octavio believed," said Major Octsana apologetically.
"You're forgiven major but don't doubt me again because I promise you it will be your last. Octavio is naive to think taking the surface and enslaving the inklings will solve our problems. He has ruled over the octarians for far too long with no progress into improving our lives. His ego had outstretched his tentacles and he his bent on revenge, not considering the life of every single octarian. How I see it he has cost more lives than the inklings have. Now would you follow a leader like that?" asked the Red Queen.
The major pondered on the Red Queen's rhetoric. She was somewhat making sense, remembering when she was under is command when the octarian army was unified. "Octavio...has failed us...it's time for change," said the elite.
"And change will happen once Octavio falls. Be sure that Operation Teal Dawn succeeds and our dream...is fulfilled, soldier, it is your duty" said the Red Queen.
"Yes, my queen. As you request," replied the major.
"Good, now I have important matters to attend to, like interrupting those valley turncoats efforts. Do not fail me again major," said the Red Queen before hanging up.
The major was conflicted with turning against her leader Octavio and whether she should still take orders from the Red Queen even though she felt that Octavio had failed the octarians over the years he ruled a unified octarian empire. She left and placed her phone back in her pocket. She had no choice but to follow through and entrust in the mysterious Red Queen that had been pulling the strings and placed her in command and responsibility of Operation Teal Dawn that would bring about a new regime and new world as the Red Queen put it. Would this operation really bring about a great change among the octarians and would the promised land become a reality?
After beating the first test the two inklings headed back to the metro station. After a short celebratory victory and Cleo's admiration for Cassie's skills, they made their way to the subway train where outside the car. C. Q. Cumber congratulated the girls, especially Cassie. "Well done you two, I'm impressed that you completed the test so quickly and flawlessly. As I'm sure you know you can take your subway token to the back of the passenger car and retrieve a mem cake from the machine," said the sea pig conductor.
"What are these mem cakes for anyway?" asked Cassie.
"I can't say, all I know is you're rewarded with them every time you complete a test, company policy," answered C. Q. Cumber.
Cassie looked at Cleo who in turned, just shrugged her shoulders. They all hopped on board and Cassie spotted Cuttlefish fast asleep. She shook her head and Cleo sat down across from Cuttlefish. The inkling agent made her way to the back and inserted the token into the crane machine. The machine came on with music playing. The crane aligned itself and grabbed a mem cake shaped like a green squid. It dropped the cake and Cassie grabbed it. Examining it and sniffing it. It was odd as Cassie thought to herself.
Cuttlefish was snoring and soon woke up. "Wha...what! What did I miss?! Lass?" said Cuttlefish frantically as Cassie sat beside him with the mem cake in her hand. "That's cute...looks like your squid form," commented Cleo.
"yeah...huh...," she commented as she placed it into her pocket. "Something doesn't seem right," she thought herself as she looked at Cleo. "She's been too helpful. She's hiding something and I want answers," she thought again. Cassie then turned to Cuttlefish. "So how was your nap captain'?" asked Cassie with a smirk.
"Oh...uh, good I guess...but while you two left I saw something or I think I did... there was phone over there. I went to pull off my glasses and clean them to make sure my eyes weren't playing with me. When I went to put my specs back on the phone had just...vanished!" explained Cuttlefish as he pointed over to the other side of the station.
"A phone?" replied a bewildered Cassie.
"Pfff...old squid is just seeing things, he was taking a nap after all," scoffed Cleo.
"I know what I saw young lady! There was a phone over there! I grow tired of your disrespect you...you..." started an angered Cuttlefish as stood up and waved his cane before slamming it down.
"Both of you that's enough!" shouted Cassie as she got between them. She looked at Cuttlefish. "Captain, I'm not sure what you saw but we'll get the bottom of it, just sit back down," said Cassie. "And you..." she said as she turned to Cleo. "You need to stop! You might have had bad upbringings but that doesn't give the right to insult Cuttlefish. As far as I'm concerned, you didn't seem anxious to bring me and the captain down at first and know you're helping us for a company you've worked with that you have no knowldge about. I don't think you're being truthful with me and the captain. What are hiding?... What are you not telling us?" demanded Cassie.
"Look...I don't know what you're getting at but you two were the ones that chose to come down here and yes I was skeptical about you finding this place because I just didn't want you two getting involved with my affairs but no, you two just had to come here and jeopardize my mission and now I had no choice but to..." said Cleo just then biting her lip before saying any more.
"But to what?" asked Cassie.
"It's... nothing, let's just focus on the next station," said Cleo changing the subject and crossing her arms.
"What mission? If this is some sort of scheme you planned. don't think I won't turn you in to the authorities as I did with Camper. If you have something to hide then you better let us know and now," Cassie demanded.
"I... can't tell you. My employer demanded that I keep it confidential and besides what good what it do to explain things. We're stuck down here until the tests are completed," said Cleo.
"Why not explain things in the first place?! Did you know about these tests at the beginning? If so why not warn us!? Asked Cassie who was losing her cool with the inkling girl.
"Listen here you deceitful girl, I don't care what's confidential! You better start talking! What's going on!?" demanded Cuttlefish as he waved his cane.
"The captain's right, you better start talking! I'm starting to regret saving you from Camper, don't think I won't splat you if you put us in any kind of danger which is practically what you've already done!" exclaimed Cassie as she aimed her Hero shot at Cleo.
Cleo was now sweating and feeling cornered. Her guilt soon got the best of her and she had no choice but to spill the beans about the company and their current motives. "Okay! I did know about about the tests! I played dumb so I wouldn't arouse any suspicion. Seeing you handle Camper's gang and rescuing me made be think you would be a great candidate for the deepsea metro, I'm sorry!" exclaimed Cleo who felt deep remorse for what she had done.
"Why!?" demanded Cassie with her weapon still on Cleo.
"To tell you the truth...you weren't the original target...it was the human. That's why I infiltrated Camper's gang. Me and Megan were originally supposed to deliver the human to the deepsea metro but Camper's goons botched everything up and the human escaped," explained Cleo.
"What does Kamabo want with Blake?" asked Cassie.
"They wouldn't specify. Kamabo learned of his existence at the time he was transported to the Shellendorf Institute. I was just assigned to bring the human here and receive my payment," said Cleo.
"That pod did have the Kamabo logo on it but surely Blake has nothing to do with this," said Cassie.
"I'm not so sure. Kamabo was created by humans long ago to my knowledge, who knows what they want with him," said Cleo.
"And you were just goin' to hand the lad over! Not knowing what their intentions were with him! You're just as bad as those miscreants!" shouted Cuttlefish angrily.
"I agree, you're no better than Camper, besides him being a selfish jerk but none the less, Blake is my friend as well as the captain's. He's been through enough as it is and I won't let Kamabo take him. Who is this employer anyway?" asked Cassie sternly.
"All I know is he goes by Tartar," said Cleo.
"Tartar? What kind of name is Tartar?" asked Cuttlefish.
"I don't know, that's what he goes by. he just messages me on my squidphone. I've never met the guy," said Cleo in irritation.
"So this Tartar is interested in the bucko. Well who or whatever they may be are going to answer for whatever reason they want him and why we're down here. This company may pose a threat to Inkopolis and everyone else. I guess we got no choice but to keep going agent. Let's just hope we'll get more answers, unless somebody impedes our progress," said Cuttlefish as he glared at Cleo.
"Maybe so captain, I don't know what else may be ahead but we'll get through this," said Cassie. She then faced Cleo whose nervousness was starting resolve. "As for you, don't think you're off the hook. I'll be keeping an eye out and no more secrets so I suggest we cooperate if we're going to continue these tests but I warn you. if this is some kind of ploy, then I can promise you I won't hesitate to take you down. I might have felt bad for you at first but after all of the deception, you can't be trusted so you better help us or you'll end up sharing a cell with Camper when this is over," said Cassie.
Cleo gave a slow nod and sat back down. Cassie and Cuttlefish plopped down as they kept an eye on the inkling girl. The rest of the trip to Station B was quiet as the inklings sat across from each other, pondering what would lie ahead and why Kamabo wanted Blake.
Unknown to the group a figure was watching them from inside the next train car through the door window. They left after seeing the two inklings resolve their matters. The figure walked to one of the front cars and sat down on a bench. They pulled out a phone and began typing a message. "So...what brings you here octoling?" asked a voice from across the aisle of the car. The figure picked there head revealing a male octoling. His tentacles were short and purple with green eyes with your typical eye marks. He gave an indifferent look to the voice. "What's it to your concern? and the names Xavier so I have you know," replied the octoling.
"Oh no real reason. So how's the inklings doing. I'm impressed they beat the first station without any incident," said the voice.
"Yeah. I knew my girlfriend would lure them down here. She mentioned that the green headed one was a squidbeak agent and a skilled turf war player. I guess I shouldn't be surprised she completed the first test. I just hope she doesn't let her ego get to her. Theirs still plenty of more test and they only get harder," said the octoling.
"They seem like good people. I hate to see anything happen to them," said the voice with sympathy for the inklings.
"I'm sure they'll make it, what was it?" asked Xavier forgetting the voice's real name.
"It's Iso, Iso Padre to you and I'm frankly deplored by how your handling this. I never wanted to meet with that inkling girl but I had no choice in the matter. It was that or termination but you and that other one agreed to bring them down here and for what may I ask?" asked the giant Isopod in the suit.
'The promised land," replied Xavier.
"Promised land? What is this promised land?" asked Iso Padre.
"The promised land is an old fable drudged up by the octarians that got tired of living underground, a fairy tale or so I thought until..." started the octoling.
"Until what?" asked Iso Padre.
"Until my employer brought it up. How on earth does he know about the promised land. I've never mentioned it one time. I've been too busy down in those freakin' labs," said Xavier.
"Have you ever seen this promised land? Do you believe it really exist?" asked Iso Padre.
"It...has to. Why else would my employer say it is real. I left the octo outcasts to find a way up to the surface. I managed to get in Inkopolis, the inkling capital. I was afraid the inklings would be skeptical of me, being an octoling even though the peace treaty was in affect. That's when I met Cleo and we soon became a couple. She had a message from Kamabo for a job but agreed only if me and her sister got a cut too. Now I'm stuck down here, underground again (sigh). said Xavier as he leaned back in his seat.
"Seems you're not happy, young octoling," said Iso.
"I'm not. As soon as those two octolings finish the tests. Me and Cleo are ditching this place and going to the promised land. Screw the underground domes and screw Inkopolis. Me and Cleo will finally be in paradise from a world that'll never judge us again," said Xavier.
Iso Padre remained quiet seeing how naive the octoling was. The octoling was clearly leaving in a fantasy that the promised land was real and that him and Cleo would go there after Cassie and Cuttlefish completed the tests in the deepsea metro. Seems the Red Queen wants to create a promised land of her own while Kamabo already says it exists, Is there some kind of connection?
Maxie and Blake barely escaped with Tentacle Towers reduced to a pile of rubble and the sergeant-major killed in a fiery crash. The two of them headed out of the city and toward the outskirts until they found themselves in a wooded area floating above the dome. The two of them decided to camp out and spend the night, needing the rest from everything the two have them had been through.
Blake started a fire as Maxie sat to herself watching Blake as she thought about telling him how she felt towards him, especially after letting the octoling rebel take him, in order for her to spare the sergeant. The two fought beside one another and defeated the sergeant-major together before they escaped the collapsing tower and rebel reinforcements. Maxie felt a strong bond with the human for some time now and she felt this was the opportunity to let him know even though he was a human. She cleared her throat and directed her attention to Blake.
"Umm...Blake," said Maxie.
"Yeah," he replied.
"I uh...wanted to...see if you needed any help?" she asked, losing confidence in expressing her feelings towards him.
"No, I got it...thanks though," he said.
Maxie was getting frustrated with herself and the anxiety was killing her to see if Blake would accept her feelings or not. "C'mon Maxie, just let him know but I've...never felt like this toward anybody," she said to herself quietly. Blake stood up over the campfire and turned to Maxie. "Hey, I'm going to go hunt for some more firewood, if theirs any to find. I'll be back," he said.
"Wait, Blake...I'll...come with you," she said as stood up and accompanied Blake to go hunt for wood. The two walked through the woods looking around for anything to place on the campfire. Maxie was holding her arm and contemplating how to tell Blake. Blake was steadily looking but only managed to find a couple of limbs and was ready to head back, having no luck finding any wood. "I guess we can head back, you've been quiet this whole time. Is something on your mind?" asked Blake. Maxie jerked and stared at Blake, unable to hide her expression.
"I uh...just have a lot on my brain, that's all. With everything thing that's been happening, with you saving me and trying rescue that inkling girl back from Octavio. Why would you think I had an affection for you!? It's not as if I had a crush on you or something!" exclaimed Maxie before covering her mouth, realizing she had just told off on herself.
"I didn't! Wait a minute, crush? Maxie what are talking about?" he asked her as he was stunned by the octoling's outburst.
"I...I...I...gotta go!" exclaimed Maxie who too embarrassed to face Blake and ran into the woods out of sight.
"Maxie come back! What's this all about!" he shouted but she kept running until she reached the other side of the landmass. The dome monitors simulated a night sky with a full moon as Maxie stared up, thinking about what she had shouted at Blake and her inner conflict with the feelings she had for the human. Her mind was like a scale that was pivoting back in forth, deciding either to accept her feelings for him or put them aside and focus on stopping the rebels and remembering she was a soldier and an octoling. Who in the octarian society would accept a relationship between an octoling and a human. She gave a deep breath and sat against tree, staring at the projected night sky.
"(groan) Smooth move Maxie. Why did you have to go on and blurt that out! Am I losing my touch...I shouldn't even be feeling this way but he's saved me twice now, not counting him catching me on the roof. Get it together! You're a proud octoling soldier and now...(growl) I'm so stupid!" she shouted as she curled up with her head against her legs.
After a moment a voice got her attention. No, you're not Maxie," they said in a soft voice. Maxie recognized the voice and turned around to see the octoling entity she had been visited by. Still wearing a veiled white dress that she wore before. She wiped a tear from her eye and stared at the entity before standing up. Maxie turned away with her arms crossed not wanting the entity to express her concern for her. "Maxie... you just haven't come to accept your deep feelings for the human. Why do you constantly battle with your emotions?" the entity asked her.
"Why? Maybe because...Blake deserves better. I've...already failed my mission. I got Serena almost killed plus Blake almost got captured because he was trying to rescue me. Some soldier I turned out to be, so why are you here anyway? To tell how wrong I am or to lecture me some more about my feelings. You don't know anything about me! So why do you persist on bothering me if you're just gonna give me advice on things I have no control over!" shouted Maxie angrily as she started to tear up.
"Because Maxie...I'm your mother," said the entity feeling compassion for her daughter.
"Maxie's expression turned to sheer shock and her eyes widened with disbelief. She backed up from the entity not believing what the entity had said. "No, I...don't believe you! My mother is..." started Maxie who was still in shock.
"dead, yes...I died when you were eight years old. You probably barely remember me but it's true Maxie. You are my daughter and I've been coming to you trying to get you to understand because I love you," said the entity as she walked up to Maxie. She hugged Maxie in which the octoling froze.
"M...Mom...is it...really you?" asked Maxie as she started to cry.
"Who else would I be my dear daughter whose all grown up," said the entity still hugging Maxie as a tear ran down her face.
"Mom! It...really is you!" said Maxie as she balled up with tears streaming down her face. The two of them embraced for a good time before letting go. Maxie whimpered and wiped the tears from her eyes. "W...Why didn't you tell me before?" asked Maxie.
"I was hoping you would figure it out eventually but it has been so long and you were still young at the time," said her mother.
"Mom, what happened? All I heard was that you died in a training accident and what about dad?" she asked her mother.
"Let's not worry about that my daughter. I'm worried about you, you're here and I'm not. You have been fighting this inner conflict for a while now before you even met Blake. You need to let go and stop dwelling on your past mistakes. I come to you out of deep concern that you will overcome the challenges that lie ahead of you. You must accept that everything that's been happening is not your fault and if you truly love Blake then you should let him no before your opportunity slips away," said the entity.
"I... don't know mother. This is harder than it looks, I'm not sure if I'm ready to tell Blake that I (gulp) love him...what if he doesn't feel the same?" asked Maxie nervously.
"He already admires you as a friend, if not then you still have a friend and trusted ally," said the entity.
"But I don't wanna just be friends, maybe once this war is over maybe me and Blake could...go to the surface and start a family," said Maxie who came out of her military demeanor.
"And make me a grandmother...I would want nothing more but let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Right now you need to focus on your task at hand but you need to clear your mind of all these troubles or they will pull you down. You won't accomplish anything if you continue pushing yourself, thinking you can just drag these obstacles behind you. Heed my words Maxie. I want you to continue your dream and make me proud. Everything will come to pass eventually and what you seek to find will come to you. Please have faith," said the entity as she gave Maxie another hug.
Maxie started to tear up again as she grabbed her mother. "Thank you, mother. I just wish...you were here, beside me," said Maxie as she wiped her tears.
"I'll always be with you my daughter...forever and always," said the entity. Her mother looked up to the sky and backed away from her daughter. "I...have to go, Maxie, remember what I told you," said the entity.
"Mother! Wait! Were are you going!?" shouted Maxie as she reached her arm out to the entity.
"Goodbye my daughter, take my words at heart," said the entity as she got consumed in bright light and vanished before the octoling that was her daughter. Maxie dropped to her knees and cried over seeing her mother disappear. She was curled up in tears for nearly a minute before getting up. She had her mother's words running through her mind and came to peace knowing her mother wasn't truly gone but living inside her. She wiped the tears from her eyes and regained her composure before heading back to the camp. It was there where Blake was stuck in though over Maxie's words and behavior until the octoling appeared from out of the woods. Blake spotted her and a smile of relief appeared on his face.
"Maxie! There you are! Are...you ok?" he asked seeing she had been crying.
"I'm ok...I just wanted some time to myself is all," said Maxie.
"(sigh) Did you wanna talk about it?" asked Blake. Maxie looked at him and gave a slight smile. "I do," she replied. The two of them got to talking. Maxie had expressed her feelings to Blake after what the two of them had been through. Blake was unsure what to make of the revelations and thought about Callie and Marie. How they had strong feelings for him as well. Blake's head downed and his face darkened. He didn't know what to do. He liked Callie and Marie and now Maxie had revealed her admiration for him as well. He saw how troubled she was and how she reacted before running off into the woods. Blake didn't want to disappoint the octoling that expressed her feelings for him. "I know you lost your family Blake but...I was thinking we could have our own, after Octavio and the rebels are defeated," said Maxie. She was beginning to sound like Callie and Blake was having his own inner conflict with this. He turned and looked at Maxie who was deeply anxious to see how Blake felt about her feelings for him.
"Maxie...I (deep breath) We've only been close companions for maybe a day's worth of time. Why all of a sudden? I mean the squid sisters, well... let's just say you're not the only one and I haven't been around them much either. What do you guys see in me?" asked Blake.
Maxie paused for a moment to think of a way to answer Blake but she was at a slight loss of words. "I... don't know, I guess it's just... your personality. Oceanics don't have the, how do I put this... it's your selflessness, you're caring for others. You carry something we lack and I guess that's what draws me to you. Inkling society has its own paradigm and so does the octarians. It's as if we're driven on instinct of what our societies want us to be, it's hard to explain. I don't know how human society was like but it must've been better than ours," said Maxie.
Blake paused for a moment. He could only recall anything that had to do with human society, was vaguely remembering the resource wars and his family escape aboard the Ark Polaris before he was frozen in the cryopod. "No it wasn't," mumbled Blake.
"What was that?" asked Maxie not hearing him.
"I...don't wanna talk about it. any of this. It's too much to take in," said Blake.
"But Blake I...I didn't mean to put this on your shoulder," said Maxie who was starting to fret.
"Maxie it's alright, I'm just not ready to...settle down. At least not before I find out what happened to my family. I feel I'm still out of place in this world at times. I told Callie the same thing and I... don't wanna discuss it anymore. How about we wait until the morning. It's getting late," said Blake.
"Oh...ok then, you'll think on it won't you?" asked Maxie. Blake didn't respond and laid down beside the campfire turning away from the octoling. She dwelled on his behavior and sat down against a log. "(deep breath) Maybe I should've said anything... who am I kiddin'. That inkling loves him and I'm out of his league. He's been through a lot and I shouldn't have pushed the issue. Maybe things will change in the morning after a good night's sleep and the start of a new day," said Maxie. She laid down beside the log until she fell asleep while Blake was deep in a dream and having another vision like he always did when he fell asleep.
The fire eventually burned out and the two were fast asleep after the rough day that they had prior. Would Blake really accept Maxie's affection toward him or would he object to her feelings and focus on the mission. He knew Callie loved him and now so did Maxie. Blake's mind felt like a rope in tug-o-war but feared, would it break from all the stress put on it. Blake felt his mind fracturing with evertthing that had been happening. Losing his family yo fighting the octo rebels. How much longer until Blake would snap and lose himself in a world he didn't belong in?
Izzy woke up from her rest and sat up, giving a stretch. She hopped out of bed with her soreness just about gone and feeling better than she did when she first woke up in the shack. "I feel a whole better now, I guess all that rest is all I needed. Indigo and Luna said something about coming out to meet everyone," she said but then she spotted some food on the table and some water. She walked over and chowed down on the food that was brought to her, as starving as she was. "I shouldn't have been so hard on those two but I never wouldn't have thought about being rescued by octolings. They seem nice unlike the rebels I've been having to fight," she said as she finished her meal. She guzzled down her water and grabbed her hero shot before heading out the door.
Izzy walked out and saw primitive and crudely built dwellings and shacks scattered about forming into what looked like a hobo camp. A pair of octoling hatchlings could be seen chasing one another and one group of hatchlings bouncing on the belly of an octobomber without its gear, laying on the ground fast asleep. She saw an octoling put out clothes on a line to dry and one tilling a garden near their house.
"Woah, I never would have believed a place like this existed. Everyone seems so...normal and peaceful," said Izzy.
"So your finally up squid!" shouted a voice in front her. She looked down the hill and saw Indigo looking at her beside Luna.
"Indigo? So this is the gypsy village you were talking about. All the octarians here seem so calm and well not wanting to splat me," said Izzy as she walked down.
"Yeah well, you're the first inkling to ever come here. C'mon lets head over to the village square so everyone an meet you at the same time," said Indigo as she waved Izzy to follow her. Once they reached the opening, the octarians and octolings gathered around staring at Izzy and whispering to one another. "Everyone! I would like you to meet Izzy, the first inkling to step foot in the village. I know she's a squidbeak agent but me and Luna rescued her after discovering she had took on a fleet of rebel octozeppelns and stopped the war between the two races," shouted Indigo.
Izzy awkwardly waved and gave a fake grin to the crowd. Some waved and smiled back but some were a bit leery to one another. "She's here to put an end to Octavio's rule and the rebels plans to start another turf war," explained Luna.
Some of the villagers cheered, while others just looked, still unsure about seeing an inkling in the village. Some of the octarians rushed in to greet Izzy as they shook her hand and asked her numerous questions about her heroics and life on the surface. Izzy was having a hard time keeping up with the pleasantries and questions as a big octobomber without its gear tromped behind the inkling girl and gave her a hug as she got absorbed in its flabby belly. She pushed herself out and gasped for breath before turning around to face the fat octarian that suffocated her.
The fat octarian gargled and smiled at Izzy. "Wow...you're a big fella ain't ya. I...like you too," she said awkwardly.
The villagers were eager to learn more about Izzy until Indigo stepped in and pushed the octarians away. "OK, everyone give the squid some space. I'm sure she's gotta get back on her mission to stop Octavio and the rebels.
The villagers walked away in disappointment as a couple of hatchlings waved goodbye to Izzy. "Wow, so I guess you'll be the talk of the town. You're practically famous here now," said Luna.
"That must be what Pearl and Marina have to deal with everyday from their fans. I just hope their holding out from the city not having any power," said Izzy.
"Wait, you know Marina?" asked Indigo.
"Yeah, she's my friend. She cheers me up whenever I'm feeling down and tells me to never give up. She and Cassie are the ones that gave the encouragement to join the turf war matches and become a squidbeak agent," explained Izzy.
"Well, small world. It's been some time since I've even got a hold of her. I hope she's doing ok too but I believe you got a great zapfish to rescue. Best of luck squid, I mean...Izzy," said Indigo.
"I wish you two would come with me and stop those rebels. I maybe a squidbeak agent but I'm all by myself. Blake is somewhere down here trying to rescue Callie after she got kidnapped by Octavio. He's a squidbeak agent like me and he gave me the confidence to fight those jerks after we split up," said Izzy.
"Huh? Blake...isn't he the human. He's down here!" exclaimed Indigo as she shook her head and her eyes widened.
"A human a squidbeak agent? I would've never imagined," said Luna.
"Yeah he's down here, somewhere. I haven't had a chance to get in touch with him. What's the matter?" asked Izzy concerned with indigo's reaction.
"You don't understand Izzy, Blake shouldn't be down here. You've just brought him closer to the rebels and their plans. They needed him for some operation that we're still not sure about but I know it can't be good for anyone especially the inklings," said Indigo.
"What do you mean operation, what do they need Blake for?" she asked her.
"I've been tracking the conversations and movements of the rebels whenever I leave the village. It's how me and Luna found you. Anyway I'm not to sure only that this Red Queen required the human for the operation to complete it as well as getting inside the vault. Maybe he's got something to do with that place," said Indigo.
"Vault? What's that?" sked Izzy.
"It's some place built by humans long ago before they went extinct. It's a pair of giant metal doors that are locked from the inside and for years the octarians have tried getting inside but all attempts were failures. We don't know what's in it but if Octavio wanted to get inside before and now the Red Queen wants in it, it must be vital to their operation and could spell doom for the surface and everyone down here. It could be weapons or who knows but the Red Queen is more than eager to break inside it, that's why we named it the vault" said Indigo.
"So the vault was built by humans. You think that's why they need Blake?" asked Izzy.
"I'm not sure if I can answer that question. Let's just hope that the rebels haven't taken that human yet which is why I've decided to go ahead and come with you," said Indigo.
"You are! This is awesome, we can stop Octavio and those jerks together!" cheered Izzy as she hugged Indigo.
"Ok squid, just easy on all the hugging. I'm not as callous as those rebels but I like my personal space," said Indigo as she pulled Izzy off her.
"Oh sorry," said Izzy.
"Not without me you're not!" protested Luna.
"Luna I would prefer you to stay here! Somebody's gotta watch the village plus I would hate for something to happen to you," said Indigo.
"You're gonna need a sniper to make sure our way is clear. Besides the village will be fine. We've gone out together before, why stay back now, especially if it means stopping the rebels in which, we're not supposed to be doing anyway. Everyone else is not gonna want to want to hear you've gone off to fight the rebels knowing that we're supposed to be neutral and could jeopardize our hidden existence," said Luna as she crossed her arms.
"Ok! You win Luna. Let's just get going before the rebels start planning for another attack on Inkopolis," said Indigo. "Once we leave here we'll head toward the old city. It's being occupied by the rebels so we'll go around it," continued Indigo.
"Is this the way to the rebel's base?" asked Izzy.
"Yeah, it's the only way. On the other side of the city dome is a tunnel that leads to the Cephalon HQ. Their stronghold. We'll be stealthy once we reach the outsdie of their base and sneak in," said Indigo.
"How do you expect us to sneak in. That place I'm sure is well guarded and fortified to not mention those fatsos are flying around watching for any intruders," pointed out Luna.
"I think of something once we get there, for now let's go before Octavio gets too far ahead," said Indigo.
"I hope we stop those jerks and get the great zapfish back," said Izzy.
"Follow my lead Izzy and we'll get through this... I hope," said Indigo with uncertianty.
The three of them left for the city in hopes to stop Octavio and his plans before they made another attempt to attack the inkling capital. Can Izzy trust her new octoling allies and get the great zapfish back before the rebels launch their final attack on the city? Or will this be the start of the second great turf war between the two races?