Arc 3 Chapter 21
At the Inkopolis Defense Force HQ. Flash and Ben had just recently stepped out of Captain Finn's office after their "altercation". Flash walked away from Ben, not daring to get in another fight with his former friend. The young inkling stepped into the courtyard and plopped down on a bench. "Stupid Ben! Who does that squid think he is telling me what to do and now this is going to go on my record. (sigh) Still, maybe this was a dumb idea but that doesn't give Ben the right to tell me what I should and shouldn't do. We've been friends since school, I never thought he and Jazz felt that way. I guess I have been a jerk and now I'm stuck in the IDF for who knows how long," said Flash as he laid his head on his arms.
"So did she let you off with a warning this time?" asked Kirk who was standing on the other side of the bench.
"Huh...oh, hey Kirk. (sigh) yeah...I don't get it. Ben said I was dumb to enlist in the IDF but he goes and joins himself. To prove to me what a bad decision I made. I mean I joined to prove Izzy that I can be the best squid for her. He seems pretty hypocritical," said Flash.
"I think he's just looking out for you dude. What a friend is supposed to do and all you wanna do is lash out at him. I can't blame him for acting this way," said Kirk as he crossed his arms.
"Maybe so, but I made this choice and he made his. I'm heading back to the barracks. I'll see you later dude," said Flash as he got up and walked away from Kirk.
Kirk shook his head as Flash walked away. "That guys got issues to work on. Best to just leave him alone for a while so he can think (sigh)," said Kirk as he sat down.
Once Flash got to the barracks and laid in his bed and stared at the ceiling. He though about the good ole days of turfing with his friends. He remembered Izzy joining his team and the last match they had together before he got upset about losing the match to his ex-girlfriend Suki. He drifted asleep but on the other side of the base Ben was talking with his father Miles. A strategist in the IDF.
"I know you disapprove of me joining the IDF dad but Flash... is my friend, I couldn't stand seeing him enlist. he's let this Izzy chick stand in the way of our friendship and now he's pulled this and I'm not supposed to be upset about it," said Ben.
"Son, you know as well as I do you can't just dictate to your friends like this. he'll just have to find out for himself. He's is own squid and he has the right to make whatever decisions he wants. Your only making things worse and empowering him to prove you wrong," said Miles.
"That's beside the point. If we go to war with the octarians then he's just gonna get killed. Me and Jazz have always had to watch over him during the hard turf war matches. Just imagine how it will be if he got out their in a real turf war without any spawn pads. I know he thinks he's a big squid but needs to get over himself and Izzy. This is the army and things are different," said Ben.
"You're right Ben but you shouldn't be so hard on him. It just means you care for your friend. You're watching out for him and I think he needs you more than ever. As of right now, I'm going to see if I can get you two out of the IDF but I'm still disappointed in you for lying about your age. You should have known better and we'll talk about your punishment later," said Miles.
"I deserve it dad, anything to get me and Flash out of the IDF so we can go back to our normal lives. I don't wanna go and fight against the octarians. I just want everything to go back to the way things were," said Ben as he started to hug his father. Miles patted his son's head and looked at him.
"I'll do what I can but I can't be certain. This will take time not to mention a lot of paperwork. Ey, Yi, Yi... the things I have to deal with. Go find Flash and remember what I told you," said Miles.
"I got it dad," said Ben as he ran out to find Flash.
Meanwhile, Jazz was sitting at the bus stop waiting for her ride back home. She was distraught about Flash joining the IDF and now Ben has run off to enlist so he could talk some sense into his friend. "Those two idiots, I can't believe they would just do this. With everything that's going on, I'm not sure if I'll ever see them again," said Jazz as she crossed her arms and closed her eyes.
"Idiots is right. What's flash gone and done now?" asked a female voice beside the bus stop. Jazz opened her eye and spotted Suki leaning up against the booth.
"Suki, what are you doing here?" asked Jazz surprised to see the squid girl.
"Oh just walking a guess and then I see you by yourself. Where's those two half-wits you hang around with anyway or do I dare ask?" replied Suki.
"They...gone off to join the IDF. Well Flash did at first but me and Ben tried to talk him out of it. He didn't want to listen so he took off and Ben soon done the same thing so he could talk him out of it," explained Jazz.
"Why one earth would he wanna enlist in the army? He could barely last in a match against experienced turfers. So how the shell is he going to go up against the octarians or the training for that matter. That's Flash for ya," said Suki bluntly.
"You know, you have a lot of nerve to talk. This all started because of that match with you and your team. Flash got so worked up and oversighted that he lost his composure and snapped at Izzy for losing the match to you. That girl left and now he's swooning over her. he felt so bad at getting angry with her and now he's trying to win her over so he can impress her. All because of that stupid match and how he treated her if we can ever find her," said Jazz crossing her arms with a disapproved look at Suki.
"What! Don't put this on me! Flash is the one that ran off that squid chick. She probably couldn't handle the match and left back for Calamari County or something. All and all, still Flash shouldn't have been so hard on the noob, it was her first turf war match. Listen no hard feelings to you or those other two inkheads you hang with but I saw you over here by yourself. You looked upset so I came over to see if you wanted to hang out. You know like a girl's night out or something," said Suki.
"I don't know. I mean you haven't been exactly friendly with us and with you being Flash's ex I..." started Jazz.
"Suit yourself. I just offered and what does that got to do with anything? So we're rivals and all. That doesn't mean we shouldn't hang out. C'mon you could use some company," said Suki.
"Oh ok, I guess so. I just hope Ben and Flash can get themselves out of that mess before we decide to go to war with the octarians," said jazz as she got up.
"You worry too much. Flash has been in worse dilemmas. I'm sure he'll slither his way out of this one. I'm not sure how can put up with him and that ego of his. I swear I don't think he'll ever grow up. Guess that's why we broke up," said Suki.
"I remember him taking it pretty hard but he finally got over it, well...kinda," said Jazz.
"Don't get me wrong. Flash could be a great guy if he didn't have his head up his butt. All that ranting over his turf war victories or talking about the freshest gear in town or about his favorite music idols off the hook, especially Marina. I think he has a crush on her... fanboys," said Suki as she just swung her arms.
"I didn't know Flash liked off the hook. That is kinda funny though, I would have never thought and a crush on Marina... not to add insult to injury but I think he's out of her league not mention putting up with pearl and her ego. I'm sure she wouldn't want to deal with the both of them," said Jazz as she chuckled.
"Yeah, I an see it now. Him and Pearl getting into a debate over what's fresh and what's not. Wouldn't that be a show on Inkopolis News. I think Marina would get drained from all the drama if not quit," said Suki as she started chuckling herself. "Hey, I don't understand why we could've hung out before. you seem pretty cool but you seemed to stay quiet all the time, especially around those two. You must have nerves of steel to have to put with them," said Suki.
"They're not so bad when their not squabbling over turf war strategy before the match but I like those two," said Jazz.
"Why?" asked a bewildered Suki.
"They may inkheads as you put it but we're still friends thick and thin and I wouldn't trade them for anyone else. Let's just say they've been by my side since school and I owe them a lot. They kept the bullies away and gave me the confidence to be more outspoken and not so shy. Before I met them I was probably the most timid squid in school. I was afraid to talk or hang around anybody until I met Flash and Ben. Those two have been friends before I ever met them so after school we'd hang out at the plaza and soon decided to start our own team for the turf war games," said Jazz.
"I guess it's hard to ditch friends like that no matter how dumb they can act. You guys seem like your as thick as ink to one another. I wouldn't know because I've never really had any friends. I have my teammates but we really never hang around," said Suki rubbing her arm.
"Why not? I mean me, Flash, and Ben hang around each other all the time when we're not involved in the turf matches," said Jazz.
"Yeah but...they have their own things to deal with. They never offer to hang out at the square or nothing so...(sigh) I'm always to myself, maybe that's why I'm so...mean to you guys, I'm jealous that you're all friends and I don't have any," said Suki.
"Well...you have one now...friend," said jazz as Suki picked her head up and gave Jazz a smile.
"Thanks, soooo,,, what did you wanna do?" asked Suki rubbing the back of her head.
"You're asking me but you're the one that wanted me to hang out with you," said Jazz.
"I already told you, I've never done something like this before. I'm always by myself so I..." stared Suki.
"How about we just hang out at Arowana Mall for a bit. Do some window shopping and get a bite to eat. That would be a good start," said Jazz.
"OK, Arowana mall it is then," said Suki. Then the two of them spotted the bus coming. It stopped as the jellyfish driver opened the door. Jazz waved Suki to go on first as she gave a smile. The two sat down next to each other and talked about their personal lives on the way to the mall. The two of them soon grew to become friends.
Back at the IDF HQ. Commander Armie was sitting at his desk rubbing the sides of his head. "We can't afford to wait for the octarians to attack us. Bureaucracy is what it is! The inkling council better do something and do something now! Especially the chancellor. (groan) I need a drink," said Armie.
A knocking was heard at the door of his office. "Come in," said Armie in frustration. It was Captain Finn who walked in and saw that the commander was at his wits end.
"Commander you feeling alright?" she asked.
"Yeah I'm fine, just have a seat," said Armie waving his hand to the chair.
"You don't sound like it. What's this all about?" asked the captain as she sat down.
"The situation with the octarians. While we sit here and do nothing the octarians are plotting," said Armie in agitation as he pounded his desk, "The inkling council better think about a show of force. You better believe it won't stop at the zapfish but an invasion of our territory. Do they really think a naval blockade is going to intimidate the octarian government. Please... we might as well put white flags and peace signs on those ships. This treaty was a ploy and stab in the back! And the inkling government is afraid to admit it. Anything to keep their seats in the council and for the chancellor from looking like an ass. Politicians!" exclaimed an aggravated Armie.
"Sir, if I may. Just keep pressuring the council for us to send a landing force to the octarian territory if you feel the blockade is not enough. I'm sure the council is doing their best and is still looking to diplomacy before a declaration of war can be enacted. To be honest with you commander, I'm not sure we have the capabilities to take on the octarians. They could have built up their forces if they did plan this from the beginning and using the treaty as a ploy to catch us off guard. Only time will tell what their next move will be and if we are incapable to fight their military forces then we have to think of the alternatives," suggested the captain.
"Alternatives...like what? Just hand the city over to them! I've sworn to protect Inkopolis from any and all threats especially from the octarians. Let's face it, they've been at war with us since the great turf war. Our government is naïve to think they would just let go of their differences. It was us that forced them underground after we won the war. This so called truce was nothing but a façade from the get go. "AND THEY'RE TO PRIDEFUL TO ADMIT IT!" (growl). Shouted Commander Armie before taking a trophy and throwing it against the door window, busting it.
"Commander Armie! Calm down! As your subordinate I would advice you to keep a cooler head. We will defend Inkopolis from the octarians if they do plan an invasion to the last squid. Irritational thinking and getting angry over this will not help our efforts so I suggest that we wait and hope that the council knows what they're doing," said the captain.
"(deep breath) I guess we got no choice. My tentacles are tied and all we can do is dig our barrels in the sand," said Amie as he turned toward the window. "So what was the real reason you came to my office before all my ranting?" asked Armie.
"Oh yes... something needs to be brought to your attention. Our intelligence department has been tracking any kind of abnormalities on the squidweb network for the past few weeks, though right now the network is down. Something flew under their radar until they done some digging and found messages being sent from one source out of Octo Valley to here in the city. The sources aren't fixed and we can't figure out who or what are sending these messages only that we've deciphered these messages," informed the captain.
"What messages! What was deciphered?" asked Armie anxiously.
"Our men could only pull key words and phrases out of the messages before they were blocked. They're using some kind of security firewall that we can't bypass. The users knew what they were doing to keep their network secure, no doubt they're probably octolings. possibly spies. Octo-rebels was popped up many times and Octo Canyon. Nothing too alarming but one word stuck out over everything they could decipher. Human subject," iterated the captain.
"Human subject? What's that supposed to mean?" asked a baffled Armie.
"Humans were a race of beings that inhabited our world long ago. They've been extinct and all that's left of them are fossils dug up at excavation sites like the one at the Shellendorf Institute. It's where we got our technology from and the octarians have been known to be obsessed with human technology and culture. I don't know why human subject would turn up unless... no, that would be impossible. They're long extinct," said the captain who was still in thought.
"You can't be seriously thinking a human could still be around and if so I suggest you get that thinking out of your head. We have bigger fish to fry than to debate whether one is still alive somewhere and why would the octarians even bring this up. Let's stay focused on figuring out what the octarian government is planning and off this imaginary human floating around. What else has popped up?" asked Armie.
"Well only that the users go by DJ_Hyperfresh and the other one Indigo_Agent, who ever they are. Other than that, nothing else," said the captain.
"That doesn't tell me anything captain Finn. So we're back to square one in other words," said a frustrated Armie as he plopped down on his desk and rubbed his head. "if their are spies among us then they need to be rooted out and prosecuted," commented Armie.
"Yes sir, I'll report back to Miles and see what our intelligence department can do. Maybe they can find some more clues and hopefully find out who these two users are but at least one of them is somewhere in Inkopolis but their direct location has been blocked. We'll find out who they are and once we do and they will be interned and interrogated. If they are spies for the octarian government then this will be brought to the council and hopefully something can be done," reassured the captain.
"Hopefully before it's not too late and the city of Inkopolis will be under the banner of the octarians. Do what you must captain. You're dismissed," said the commander.
The captain nodded and gave the commander a concerned look as he laid his head down on his desk before shutting the door. She gave a deep sigh and made her way back to Miles to find out if they dug up anymore information.
A group of figures were pushing their way through a lush muggy jungle eager to reach the source of the smoke that they spotted on the crashed Shuttle from the distance. Amy tripped on an exposed tree root and hurt her knee as she yelped. "Amy! You ok?" asked her boyfriend Brandon. He helped her up as she jeered from the pain in her knee. "Yeah, I'm...fine...thanks Brandon," said Amy.
"Be careful you guys and watch your step. We don't know exactly where the smoke is coming from and who started it. Irons and his men could still have sent someone to look for us and might have established a camp somewhere in this jungle. We don't need to get caught, especially in the shape we're in," said James.
"Dad (cough) what's going to happen to us?" asked Amy as Brandon was helping her on his shoulder.
"I don't know. The serum is...unpredictable. Anything could happen but I'm not losing hope that we still have a chance to get help. It's been some time since we were first frozen in the cryopods onboard that shuttle. Somebody's gotta still be alive out here," said James.
"We don't know where here is Mr. C? I just hope you're right," said Brandon.
"I hope so too Brandon, let's be cautious I'm starting to see it open up ahead. We're about to find out," said James.
The group of humans pushed aside the brush as they looked down and saw what looked like a settlement consisting of huts made of leaves, bamboo stalks and whatever else was that could be utilized in the jungle. They spotted a small bonfire in the center of the village but where were the locals they thought to themselves. "What is this place, looks like something off of national geographic but I don't see anyone down there," said Brandon still holding Amy.
"There's gotta be somebody down there. That fire wouldn't have started itself," said James.
"I smell food and I'm starving," said Brandon. "What do we do?" he asked.
"Now's not the time to think about your stomach Brandon. This is very peculiar," said James. The family kept looking down at the primitive little village until Brandon spotted someone walking out of one of the huts. "Look! There's someone!" shouted Brandon. They looked and spotted the figure who looked human but was wearing a skirt made out of leaves. It appeared to be a young boy but he was also wearing some kind of wig. It was blue and tied into a ponytail. The family were a little baffled seeing what looked like a child by itself. Where was his parents? surely they were around they thought.
"Is that a boy?" asked Amy.
"It looks like it but why are they dressed like that?" asked James's wife.
"What survivors were around possibly reverted back to their primal instincts being civilization was wiped out," said James. James pondered on what to do next, whether or not to head down there and get help. The locals could be hostile and didn't know what they were capable of. They were unprepared to deal with any hostilities they may pose and their condition was worsening. James was at an impasse and had to make a decision. "(deep breath) I guess I have no choice. I'll investigate but if anything were to happen. You guys make a run for it," said James.
"What! No! We won't leave you dad!" shouted Amy.
"James I won't leave you behind to get killed!" protested his wife.
"Yeah Mr. C! If you go down we go down together!" exclaimed Brandon.
"I appreciate your valor but...I don't anything to happen to you. Do you understand me? If anything happens get back to the shuttle as quickly as possible so you don't get spotted!" demanded James. He turned his sight back on the village not seeing the boy anymore. "Well, here I go, remember what I told you," said James as he made his way down.
"Good luck Mr. C!" shouted Brandon.
"Daddy please be ok," said Amy.
"Be careful hon," said his wife.
James nodded at them before he made it down toward the village. he hid in some bushes and peered out, seeing no one around. He decided to slowly step out and crept around one of the huts. He could make out talking but it was inaudible and coming from inside the hut. He spotted a window and hugged the war slowly peeking inside without getting any attention by the occupants. He was shocked at what he saw, three human-like figures but something wasn't right. like the boy they first saw, they were wearing some kind of colorful hats or wigs over their heads. Their heads were abnormally large as well as their eyes with what looked like it had a mask around them. Their ears were large and pointed and wore leaves for clothes. "What...are they," James thought to himself.
He turned around from the window shocked by what he saw. "They...can't be human, can they? " he said quietly. They moved around the hut and James ducked under the window to the other end but not paying attention as he reached the corner of the hut. A small child was staring at him but it wasn't the little boy from before. This appeared to be a little girl by the style of the "wig" and the fact that her chest was covered.
James turned and froze at the sight of the child. She stared at him with her large eyes. her facial expression was that of fear and curiosity. James kneeled down so we wouldn't look so intimidating and waved his hands to signal the child not to draw attention. he put his finger in front of his lips let her know to be quiet. Her "hair" was orange with two drooping locks that went down to her waist. She was about the height of James's shoulders and James noticed her teeth but they weren't teeth. It was like a beak with three pointed fangs. Two on top and one on the bottom center.
"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you," said James but the child didn't understand, instead she gave a loud gargled shriek and ran around the hut.
"Oh no, that's not what I wanted to happen. I gotta get out of here!" exclaimed James. He rushed out from behind the hut only to be spotted by more of those creatures that were speaking some kind of gargled language that James couldn't understand. They seemed angry at the fact that James was in their village and pointed at him.
"Oh no, dad! We gotta do something!" shouted Amy fearing what the locals were about to do to her father. Amy got off Brandon's shoulder to rush down and save her dad but she stumbled from her wound and rolled down the hill getting bruised up from the rocks and foliage. "Amy!" shouted her mother and Brandon.
Amy finally landed on the ground but she couldn't sit up. She was battered from the fall and badly injured. A group of the "villagers" spotted her and rushed over to subdue her but Brandon saw them and rushed down toward Amy. "Amy! Don't worry! I'm coming!" Shouted Brandon. He jumped in front of the creatures before they could grab her. "Back off!" he shouted as they faltered by Brandon's height and aggressive stance.
James was distracted by this and a group of the creatures pounced on him and pinned him to the ground. They were a lot stronger than they appeared as James couldn't lay up. "Mr. C!" shouted Brandon seeing him getting pinned. More creatures appeared and surrounded Brandon and Amy. One of them rushed Brandon and grabbed one of his arms. It was knocked away and another grabbed the other arm, then another grabbed the first arm. They pulled Brandon down as one creature jumped on his back and clubbed him in the back of the head knocking him out momentarily.
"Brandon! No!" cried Amy seeing Brandon subdued. Two other creatures grabbed Amy and dragged her away as her mother watched in horror. She covered her mouth and felt helpless to what was happening. She heard rustling behind from out of the jungle and saw a creature holding a spear at her. She was guided down the hill to join the rest of the humans and soon subdued like her husband, daughter, and Brandon.
The imagery turns blurry and fades to black with the echoing of "Help us!" shouted by Amy. Heavy breathing follows with Blake jolting awake from the dream he had. "NOOOO!" shouted Blake as he pounded his fist against the ground beside him. Deep in anguish seeing the inhabitants take his family away.
"Huh...Blake! What is it?!" shouted Maxie as Blake's shouting woke her up. She quickly got up and raced by his side. "Is everything ok?" she asked him with deep concern as she kneeled down and grabbed his shoulder.
"No! It isn't! It's...my family! I seen them..." started Blake angrily as he covered his face to hide his tears.
"You saw them! Where?!" asked Maxie.
"It doesn't matter...I...couldn't be there to help them. I should just face it...they're gone and to think I believed I could find them. I was stupid to believe they were still around!" said Blake in both distress and anger. He couldn't face knowing that he would never see his family again.
"Blake you're not making any sense! What do you mean you couldn't be there to help them? What happened?" asked Maxie.
"They...were captured," said Blake as tears started to form in his eyes.
"Captured? By who? What are you not telling me?" asked Blake.
"I (sniffle) had a dream. I saw them walking through a jungle. They woke up out of these cryopods like I did and they spotted a village to see if they could get help but..." said Blake trying to hold back his tears.
"But...what?" asked Maxie seeing how much in distress Blake was in.
"It was...inklings...inklings took my family. They were caught by them. My family was trying to look for help and... (sobbing)" said Blake before bursting into tears.
"Blake, I... don't know what to say but... you have to get over this, you can't be sure if they're gone or not. It was just a dream! That doesn't mean anything, now you need focus on stopping Octavio and another great turf war between my people and the inklings. That's your duty right now. I'll help you find your family after the rebels are dealt with, I promise," said Maxie.
"You know that's all I've been hearing! Ever since cuttlefish found me I've had to put aside trying to locate my folks and sister. I had to fight alongside the inklings during the great turf war. I was frozen again. Captured by Camper to be turned over to the rebels and now I'm having stop Octavio yet again to avert another war! I'm sick of it! I'm tired of getting pulled every which way but loose! I WISH I WAS NEVER FOUND IN THAT FUCKING POD! I WISH I WAS DEAD LIKE THE REST OF MY RACE AND THEN I WOULDN"T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FINDING MY FAMILY!" raved Blake as his patience ran out. Maxie backed up seeing how enraged Blake was. He bared his teeth as tears ran down his face. He shot a glare at Maxie who interned had a look of sadness on her face.
"WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANNA ASK ME! You mentioned about starting a family of our own, what do want me to do? Hunt for a place for us to stay after Octavio is apprehended? Something else I have to do besides finding my family which I'll never see again! Sure why not!" ranted Blake.
Maxie downed her head and started shaking. She wiped a tear from her eye as Blake's anger was starting to resolve. "Maxie...I'm sorry, I'm just...I didn't mean that..." said Blake apologetically.
"No...you meant every word of it. I didn't realize you had that much bottled up in your mind. I'm sorry I ever asked you to do anything and I'm sorry I've put you through so much," said Maxie as she was hiding her tears.
"Maxie that's not true! I've just been overwhelmed and stressed out, I enjoy your company and it's just..." said Blake only to be interrupted.
"We have a lot in common Blake and you don't see that! I get it! You...don't love me, you don't like being here. You know...your not the only whose lost their family. I never knew what happened to mine either, at least you can remember yours," said Maxie angrily as she wiped her eyes.
"Maxie...I..." started Blake in deep remorse as he downed his head not looking at the octoling that was angry with him.
"You don't have to say anything else...I think we should go our separate ways. I'll leave you to finish the mission. I'll call for a pickup and head back to Octo Valley. Good luck Blake and I hope you stop octavio and the rebels," said Maxie as she ran off crying, covering her face with her arms.
"(deep breath) way to go Blake, now you've lost Maxie. I can't blame her for how she feels. She...really liked me and she was willing to not only help you find your family but to start a new one. I'm...such an asshole! Best thing to do is continue the mission...after that...I'm just going to leave. I won't tell the others where I'm going," said Blake as he sat up. "Well...time to do this...time to finish this once and for all," said Blake as he headed down toward the tunnel that would take him to the Cephalon HQ, the rebel's stronghold and the lair of Octavio.
Blake made it to the main highway from the city to the rebel's base. He saw a checkpoint as a small group of octolings guarded the entrance to the tunnel. Blake was unarmed and didn't know how he would get past them. He heard the rumbling of vehicles and saw a convoy of Octostamp DX tanks heading for the tunnel. This was his chance to hop on the last tank without getting spotted, hoping it would give him a chance to get to the base without getting captured. He snuck down toward the highway, behind a billboard. As soon as the last octostamp DX was about to pass the big sign he grabbed a hold of it and climbed on the roof. Fortunately he wasn't seen.
The convoy stopped at the checkpoint. The hatch of the first tank opened as one guard walked behind it. "This is the mechanized assault force that was reassigned to hold the city. We're falling back to base for new orders," explained the convoy commander.
"Where's the sergeant-major?" asked the checkpoint guard.
"She's assumed KIA. The last contact we had with her was when the octoseeker was supposed to pick her up. Tentacle Towers has been destroyed and the mission was unsuccessful. That valley traitor and the fossil are missing. Search efforts have been halted so we can reinforce security for the base if the new Octarian government tries to stop the assault on Inkopolis. Once the octozeppelin fleet invades Inkopolis and the city is under our control we'll be prepared to invade the valley," said the convoy commander to the guard.
"Ha, those stupid squids are in a rude awakening. Shame to hear the sergeant-major is dead. That fossil's going to pay for everything he's done like the rest of those inkstains," said the guard.
"We almost had that traitor and fossil before the tower collapsed. The sergeant-major's death will not go in vain. Once we find that human, he's going to wish he was extinct," said the convoy commander before the hatch closed and the convoy pressed on toward Cephalon HQ. Blake was still laying on top of the last tank as he felt the octostamp DX move and continue down the highway toward the base.
Marie was taking out one octo rebel after another. She had managed to splat two as they ran through the gate of the loading bay as she was perched on top of the warehouse while Serena was hidden behind a crate in front of the warehouse Marie was sniping from. "Somebody take that inkling down!" shouted an elite hiding behind a truck outside the gate. three more octolings converged on the gate and huddled up against the wall as they attempted to shoot at Marie. One ink shot flew by her head as she ducked down. The squid agent aimed her charger at an octoling and shot her right in the head as she jumped from cover in an attempt to kill the inkling.
"Sheldon I hope you're on your way! I don't know how much longer I'll be able to hold out and Serena doesn't have much time either," exclaimed Marie as she stressed over her circumstances.
"Cover fire and move in! That inkstain's gotta run out of ink sometime!" shouted an octoling regular. Two octolings jumped from cover and suppressed Marie with ink fire as a small team of octolings rushed in the loading bay and took cover behind crates and other debris.
"They're getting too close to Serena but if I get out of cover I'll get hit. I gotta think of something," said Marie.
The octolings were scurrying closer and closer to Serena's position and Marie would be at a great disadvantage with her charger. "Sheldon! Where are you!" shouted Marie over her headset, trying to get in contact with the horseshoe crab.
"Surrender squid and we'll promise not to kill you!" shouted an octoling down below.
"Like I believe that," said Marie to herself. She was still huddled up behind cover as she was unable to take shots at the rebels. Just then she spotted Sheldon's truck in the near distance. "Agent 2, I'm coming, just hang on!" he shouted over the radio.
"It's about time you got here I thought I'd never...POW!" exclaimed Marie as she was struck by ink from the elite on top of a building across from the loading area. Marie fell back and was struck in the shoulder. "MARIE!" shouted Sheldon seeing the squid sister get hit. He flipped a lid and pressed a red button on the truck's console. "Glad I thought about installing this thing for such an occasion," said Sheldon. As the truck got closer and overhead of the loading area. A hatch opened up on the bottom of the truck revealing an tenta missile launcher on a turret. A TV screen came in the center of the dashboard revealing crosshairs and the octolings down below,
"What is that!" shouted an octoling as she pointed at Sheldon's truck. 'Huh?" replied the elite as she watched the truck circle overhead.
"Eat ink octopi!" shouted Sheldon pulling a trigger on the controls. The tenta missile launcher shot down at the octolings that were cornering Marie and Serena's body. "Inkcoming!" shouted one of the octolings. Some were splattered while some octoformed and fled out of the gate. ink missiles rained down on the bay covering it with ink. "Retreat! The inkling has air support!" one of them shouted as they rushed through the gate.
"Damn it! I won't let that inkling get away!" jeered the elite.
After seeing the rebels get splatted and flee. Sheldon slowly descended into the bay with Marie sitting up with relief to see Sheldon had come to the rescue. "Sheldon...I could kiss you right now if I wasn't in pain. Another hit and I'd be in squid heaven right now," said Marie. She fought to get up and grabbed her charger. She staggered toward the edge and squid jumped down. She quickly grabbed Serena as she opened her eyes to see Marie pack her in bridal style. Marie was struggling after she got hit by the elite.
"Who...are you?" she asked weakly to the squid sister as her eyes were partially open.
"Don't worry...I'm a friend. I'm here to get you back for medical attention," jeered Marie fighting the pain.
"Where's...Maxie?" asked the octoling, struggling to stay awake.
"Look we'll talk about it once we get you treated, right now I'm worried about getting you outta here," said Marie as she finally reached the truck.
"Marie! Thank cod you're ok, what about her?" asked Sheldon as he hopped out and saw Serena trying to stay conscience.
"Hopefully she'll make it. Let's get out of here before the rebels regroup," said Marie as Sheldon grabbed Serena and placer her into the cab. Sheldon hopped back inside as Marie walked over to the passenger side and opened the door. She placed her charger in first beside the half-conscience octoling girl before getting in. A shot could be heard as an ink shot hit the door of the truck causing Marie to lose her grip and fall off. Marie landed on the concrete already felling sore from the ink shot by the elite. She turned to the source of the shot and saw the same elite aiming her octoshot at her from on top of the building across from them.
"Oh no you don't inkling! You're not getting away that easy!" she shouted before snickering.
Marie was helpless as her charger was in the truck until she saw the elite burst into ink. "Huh? But..." she replied in shock. She looked up and saw the barrel of her charger sticking out of the truck. It was Serena holding her weapon toward the elite's position. Marie slowly got up and looked through the door for Serena to smile at her. "You saved my butt," said Marie with gratitude.
"Think...nothing of it...thank you for saving me," said Serena as she rested Marie's charger against the seat before going back to sleep.
"(sigh) Sheldon...let's get out of here and get Serena back to Mt. nantai," said Marie as she hopped in and closed the door.
"You got it. Hang on!" shouted Sheldon as the truck lifted off and the three of them left for Mt. nantai.
An hour later Marie, Serena, and Sheldon finally arrived back at Mt. Nantai. They saw Marina and the octoling Melvin looking up with amazement at Sheldon's flying truck. The truck hovered down and Marie got out grabbing Serena who was now unconscious. "Serena!" shouted Melvin as he rushed over looking at his teammate. Marie placed her down with the octoling male shaking her. "Serena, Serena answer me! What happened to her!?" demanded Melvin who looked at Marie.
It...was my fault, I'm sorry, I didn't know she wasn't with the octo rebels," said Marie with compassion before placing her head down.
"What! You think she was one of them! She was my friend and teammate, If I had my octoshot I would..." shouted an angered and irrational Melvin ready to take a swipe at the squid sister.
Marina grabbed him to calm the octoling. "Melvin stop! You heard what she said. She's sorry... I hate what happened to your friend but this is no time to get angry, Marie was willing to bring her back and help her. You should show some gratitude," said Marina.
Melvin wanted to cry seeing Serena lying on the ground. "She'll be fine, your friend's not dead thankfully but She'll need medical attention right away. I'll be right back," said Marie as she headed over to the shack.
"Melvin don't worry, Marie is my friend and she'll help Serena get back on her feet," said Marina. Melvin just downed his head turned to his friend's motionless body.
"This is all my fault. If I had done a better job at not getting caught then she wouldn't have gotten hurt. This was her first mission and look what happened. Some teammate I am. I never wanted to see her get hurt and now..." said Melvin depressingly.
"Melvin, don't place the blame on yourself. I'm sure you did your best it was the rebels that did this. Melvin don't go beating yourself up. I remember you telling about the time you and her were sent to Octo Canyon and got captured by the octo rebels. You looked out for one another and that's all that counts. These things happen unfortunately in war. I should know. I'm...not proud of what I did under Octavio but I was soldier back then and a soldier follows orders no matter how wrong they may be," said Marina.
Melvin listened to Marina's lecture but he still felt he could've done more to prevent Serena from almost getting killed. He walked away and sat against the rock wall and thought about all the events that had happened to him as Marina felt deeply concerned over the octoling boy. She heard Marie step out of the shack with a first aid kit and some medicine.
"She's pretty critical but I think she has a chance, She'll need medical attention right away, I'll give her some supplements to ease the pain," said Marie as she treated Serena. She shot something in the octoling's arm as she jeered in pain from the needle. The squid sister then turned to Sheldon who was watching out of the truck. "Sheldon, go ahead and go get some rest. See if you can locate Blake tomorrow. I'm sure he and that sergeant survived," said Marie.
"Can do, I hope the octoling will be ok," said Sheldon as he got in his truck and left.
Marina walked over to Marie. "I'll see if I can treat her, I was a medic in the octarian army besides being an engineer. Hopefully, she isn't hurt too bad," said Marina.
"Thank you Marina, by the way, Sheldon never told me why you were here, where's my cousin Pearl?" asked Marie.
"I left Inkopolis after hearing about the inklings wanting to wage war on the octarians. I didn't want to get taken in or get Pearl dragged down with me for housing an octoling," said Marina sadly.
"Marina, you didn't let Pearl know, you guys have been friends for over a year now. Does she even know you left her?" asked Marie.
"I couldn't Marie, It would've been too painful. I couldn't bear seeing her crushed by my decision, I knew she would talk me out of it," said Marina as she wanted to cry.
"Marina, how do you think she would've felt if you leaving unannounced like that. That's not fair to her. You guys are friends and I wouldn't let something like war change that. I think when you get done treating Serena, you should head back and face Pearl. You might want to apologize to her for starters," said Marie sternly.
"You're right Marie, it was wrong to leave like that. She might not wanna even talk to me anymore," said Marina.
"Knowing my cousin, she's rough around the edges but you're her dearest friend, probably her only friend. She'll cool off after a while once she understands why you left," said Marie.
"Thanks, Marie, hopefully things will get better. I'll see what I can do for Serena but by what I can tell she's going to need intensive care. I may need to take her back to my lab where she can get proper treatment," said Marina.
"If you're leaving with Serena, I'm coming too!" exclaimed Melvin who stood up after dwelling on Serena.
"Are you sure Melvin? I mean with the ways things are going and you being an octoling in uniform..." said Marina.
"I'm sure, I don't care what any inkling thinks, she's my friend and I wanna make sure she recovers," said Melvin.
Marina gave a smile as she looked at the anxious octoling. "Very well then, C'mon, I'll let you carry Serena back to the lab," said Marina.
Melvin nodded and carried Serena bridal style and the three of them looked back at Marie before hopping down the storm drain back to Inkopolis. Marie was concerned over them as well as Blake. She gave a sigh and shook her head. "What a day, I'd hoped I get out of the squidbeak a lot sooner but I also didn't bank on meeting a human, making friends with octolings or having to stop that creep, Octavio. Once he's stopped and I get Callie back maybe things can go back to normal," said Marie.
She placed her hero charger down and changed back into her kimono. She fixed some tea to soothe her nerves and eventually fell asleep in her shack but before she did. Thoughts of how the octoling sergeant reacted toward Blake puzzled her. She felt that the octoling may have feelings for him and if so this could prove troubling. She had hoped she was wrong and slowly drifted to sleep.
Unknown to the group a while ago before the octolings left. They were being watched from the other side of the canyon by a group of rebel commandos that were sent to find a way to get to the storm drain that would lead them to Inkopolis. Once there they would provide recoonissance intel and get rid of any threats before the sneak attack on Inkopolis that would be commenced by Octavio and the rebels the following night.
"Wait, that octoling with the black tentacles looks familiar, it can't be. She went missing after Octavio was captured," said one of the elites that were with the commando unit.
She was looking through some binoculars watching the group. "Let me see!" shouted another elite. After spotting Marina she knew who she was. "That's her alright, Marina Ida. She was above her rank when she was with the engineers during Octavio's command. She's also an expert on computers and hacking, surely she would be of some use for busting in the vault since that idiot octopus in the lab coat is having trouble," said another elite.
"Marina Ida, she's a deserter but a genius by what I've heard. She would be of some use. Let's capture her and bring her back to the vault. The major will be most pleased," said another elite.
"We'll capture her and then continue the mission before Octavio and the fleet attack the city," said the last elite.
The four of them watch the octolings disappear in the storm drain and octo formed ready to kidnap Marina and bring her back to the vault.
Izzy, Indigo, and Luna finally made it to the dome where the abandoned city was located. Luna pulled out her octo charger and looked down the scope to see if their were any rebels patrolling. The three were perched on a near by floating landmass just on the outskirts. "See anything Luna?' asked Indigo.
"Nothing...that's strange?" said Luna. "You would think they would maintain a prescience here but I don't see a soul. They must've pulled out," she continued.
"So that's a good thing right," replied Izzy.
"Not necessarily, it could mean they're planning something and gathering up their forces. I have a hunch they plan on attacking the inklings or possibly the valley. Either way it's not good. C'mon let's move out but be keep your head on swivel," said Indigo as she octo jumped down followed by Luna then Izzy.
After scanning the streets they concluded that the city was vacant and the rebels had left but why? "What do we do now?" asked Izzy.
"Well the only thing we can do is to push on to the rebel base but if their forces have gathered there then it's going to be much harder trying to sneak in, I'm sure they got checkpoints established and if we deal with them, they're just sound the alarm and put the base on high alert. Then their goes our element of surprise," said Indigo.
"Well...any bright ideas?" asked Luna.
"Unfortunately...no," she answered.
Izzy was clueless as the two octolings were discussing about how to get inside the base but a loud humming noise caught her attention. "What's that?" she said but the two octolings were still debating. "Hey who two! I hear something coming!" she shouted at them getting their attention. They listened and soon heard the noise. "Everyone hide!" shouted Indigo as the two octolings octo formed and slithered behind over while Izzy squid formed and hid behind a dumpster.
The noise was getting louder and soon a giant metallic fish appeared around the corner of a building. It ran over a trash can and was acting like it was malfunctioning. It swerved around then turned toward the group. "Oh carp, Industrial Squee-G! Don't let it catch you!" shouted Luna. They changed into their other forms and swam away until the giant metal fish chased them to a T-intersection. Luna and Indigi went one direction while Izzy went the other. The giant robot slammed right into the wall straight ahead of it and sparked. It soon shut down and the robot quit working.
The three stopped once the saw the big robot fish wreck into the building and looked at it. "What the heck is this thing and why did it chase us?" asked Izzy.
"It's an industrial Squee-G. That act as street cleaners but often times they get confused when someone steps in front of them and then they wanna suck you up. They can be quite dangerous so I'm glad this thing hit the wall. Any closer and we would've been sucked up," said Indigo.
"Yeah, over-sized tin can. Not sure why it's operational. Being we produce ink they have the tendency to chase down octarians because I guess and cant tell the difference between trash and an inky bystander.
"You said industrial squee-g? I've used a squee-g to clean the octarian ink off of me. They're very helpful but they were a whole lot smaller," commented Izzy.
"A normal squee-g is fine, octarians use them too but this thing takes to the extreme and doesn't only clean you of foreign ink but you entirely," replied Indigo.
"Enough with all the chit-chat let's find that tunnel so we can get to the rebel's base," said Luna.
"Wait a minute, you mentioned before that there maybe a checkpoint leading to the rebel base that would be guarded by octarians. What If we try and ride this thing. It's pretty big and it sucks up octarians then maybe the guards will run away or get sucked in themselves. It's just a thought," said izzy.
"That has got to be the dumbest idea I've ever heard squid! Not to mention how big and loud that thing is. We're trying to sneak inside the base not attract attention, besides it crashed. Probably broken now," said Indigo.
"That does sound dumb but...I hate to say this but that actually might work unless you think of another way to get through," said Luna.
"What! You can't be serious Luna. has all the ink rushed to your head I mean the pile of junk is out of commission. Even if it did work, it would be like riding a parade float onto the base. Do you want us to smile and wave at the rebels before they splat at us too!?" exclaimed an irritated Indigo as Luna flustered from her comment.
Soon the group got statled as the metal fish hummed and backed out of the wall it crashed in. It turned back around and the light on it flashed as it stopped and parked itself. "Hey! I don't think its broken. It had to realign itself, c'mon let's jump on before it powers back up again," said izzy as she squid jumped on top of it. Luna nodded and smiled as she octo jumped onbaord but Indigo shook her head before giving a sigh of annoyance and defeat. "Guess we got no choice," she said as she jumped on the giant fish. It hummed again and took off down the street toward the main highway.
"You're either crazy or stupid, Izzy. How do you know this will work?" asked Indigo riding the robot.
"I'm not sure you'll just have to trust me on this," said the inkling agent.
"That makes me feel better," said Indigo sarcastically.
"Oh c'mon give the squid a chance. It could work and I say let's ditch the ride before we get there," said Luna. Indigo groaned and just shook her head. They soon spotted the tunnel and the checkpoint being maned by octolings. "What the shell!" shouted one of the guards. The rebel guards looked and saw the industrial squee-g head for the gate but then they spotted Izzy and the two octolings on top of it. "Halt!" shouted the octoling as she stepped out with her hand up.
"Not smart missy," popped of Indigo. The octoling soon turned to fear as she froze for a moment and then turned to run away but it was too late. She was sucked up and reduced to ink. "Shoot them you inkheads!" shouted the guard leader as the other octolings shot at the three riding the giant metal fish. They hunkered down and Luna took pop shots at them with her octo charger. She splattered two leaving the guard leader to herself as she hid behind the kiosk. She shut the gate as the arm went down thinking that would stop the giant robot as it plowed through the checkpoint.
The guard leader covered hr head and closed her eyes. She opened them again and saw the three and the robot continue on down the tunnel. In complete shock at the sight she failed to see the splat bomb tossed at her feet as they passed through. "here's a tip for the toll," sneered Indigo.
"Huh," said the guard a she looked down and saw the swollen bomb. 'Oh fu..." she started but was splatted by the bomb burst. The three continued on down the tunnel feeling unstoppable on the giant squee-g.
"Yeah! Way to go Izzy! This was a great idea," said Luna.
"I guess I got to admit it worked but I still say your either stupid or crazy," said Indigo before smiling and rubbing Izzy's head.
"Well, next stop. The rebel base. I just hope we get their in time before they attack Inkopolis. Flash...I hope we see each other again," said Izzy.
The ride to Cephalon HQ was somewhat relaxing but the three knew the odds wouldn't be in their favor not knowing how much of the rebel forces had gathered at the base and what they would face. Their plans of sneaking inside was at this point, uncertain. Let's hope they can get inside and stop their plans and get the great zapfish back before the inklings wage war on the octarians.