Splatoon Agent Zero

by drz1990

This is a story about a 16-year-old boy named Blake Carter who witnesses the end of his world. He, his family, and a few hundred humans disembark on a voyage aboard a giant spacecraft to escape the rising sea levels flooding all the landmasses. A turn of events and a devious plan are revealed causing Blake to escape the ship in a Cryopod and land back on earth frozen for 2000 years

72. Arc 3 Chapter 23

Arc 3 Chapter 23

NOTE: Sorry everyone for the wait on this chapter. I've had to completely redo it making it much larger than it was previously planned. Content was added while stuff was removed. I'm losing motivation but I'm not going to quit and I've been having a lot of writing blocks lately, The battle with Octavio will start in the next chapter. For those who've been impatient about the story, this Arc is slowly reaching it's end for all of you who are ready for it to close. I'm aiming at chapter 30 to be the last and final one before Arc 4 starts. Upcoming chapters will be larger than previous chapters due to me congesting the chapters together to hurry up and finish this arc. If you still have complaints I'll revise and try and improve, otherwise quit reading. Hope you enjoy.

Hours before Octavio left Octo Canyon with the fleet Ben was eating in the mess hall of the Inkopolis Defense Force base. As he was finishing his food. He looked over and saw Flash standing against the wall near the exit. He was looking around and acting suspicious. He soon stood up and slowly walked out as Ben watched. "What's Flash up to?... But why should I care?" he said. "(groan) I better make sure he doesn't get in any trouble," he continued as he stood up from the table and put his tray away. He decided to trail Flash but kept a distance as to make sure the inkling didn't know he was being followed.

After a while of walking down the hallways of the base. Flash turned the corner of a hallway and headed toward a pair of doors. He walked inside with Ben around the corner watching him. He slowly crept over toward to the doors and opened them. Inside, Flash was no where insight in the large auditorium where IDF troops were given briefings. Ben walked into the center of the large chamber and scanned the room for any trace of Flash.

"Flash?" he called out queitly. "Where did he go? I know he walked in here," Ben said to himself. Ben continued to move up until a figure walked behind him and grabbed his shoulder. Ben jumped out of his skin and saw Flash right behind him. "Geez! Dude don't do that!" he shouted.

"Well, if you weren't following me! That wouldn't have happened. No one gets the drop on ole' Flash. But seriously why were you following me?!" demanded Flash with his arms crossed.

"Because it looked like you were up to no good. That's why. I know that look on your face when I saw you walk out of the mess hall, Flash," said Ben rasing an eyebrow.

"Guess we've been friends for that long, huh? But yeah...I'm ditching this place and heading over Jazz's crib," said Flash.

Ben shook his head to reconfirm what he heard Flash tell him. "Bro! Not cool! If your caught leaving the base and going AWOL, they'll lock you up and you an kiss those turf wars goodbye!" exclaimed Ben.

"Pfff... I ain't gonna get caught and I would suggest you be smart and join me. Dude, let's face it! We're not cut out for all this training crap let alone going to war. Let's face it we should be back at Jazz's chillin and playing video games. C'mon dude, you know it and I know it," said Flash.

"If my dad ever finds out. Getting caught and thrown in the stockades will be the least of my problems. I'm sorry but I got to go through with it and hey! This was your idea in the first place! You're the one that wanted to join the IDF to be a war hero for that Izzy chick and now you wanna leave! Predictable! When things don't go your way, you throw your hands up but not this time!" said Ben sternly.

"So what! You gonna report me! Your good ole' friend Flash?" said Flash.

"(sigh) No...but hear me out. If you leave they're gonna be looking for you and when the captain finds out. She's gonna stomp your squid butt into submission. The turf leagues will but nothing compared to facing her after she's done with you," said Ben. The two of them heard movement and the rustling of the curtains on the stage. Somwone was eavesdropping on their conversation and Flash knew who it could possibly be.

"(sigh) come out Kirk, we know you're know you're up there," said Flash.

A pink squid slowly swam from behind the curtains onto the stage before changing back. "He-he, Well this is a little awkward. I overheard what you guys were saying and I have to agree with Ben. If you go AWOL and sneek out of the base then you'll be in a world of hurt once Captain Finn finds out. I'd heed his warning," said Kirk.

"I don't care what you guys think. I'm squiddin' outta' here whether you like it or not. This place sucks and I'm not going out on the frontlines to get my tentacles blown off by some octo-broad or ugly tentacle. I don't know about you guys but I wanna keep all my tentacles. They don't call me Flash for nothing! I'll see you guys later! Good luck on..." said Flash as his shoulder was grabbed.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but...(deep sigh) you're right for once in your life. I do miss Jazz and playing in the turf war games but... who wants to be a war hero anyway. Count me in. So what's your plan Flash...or dare I ask," said Ben.

"Huh? You guys that's a terrible idea...but if you insist, count me in too, I miss being at home with my family," said Kirk.

"Awesome dude! I knew you wanted to get out of here!" cheered Flash. "So much for being a boy scout," said Ben.

"OK, so what we do is... (mumbling)" said Flash as they were going over the plan to escape the base without getting caught.

Moments later when everyone headed back to the barracks. Flash, Ben, and Kirk quietly sneaked out and made their way to the main gate. Inkling guards were providing fire watch making sure no one was breaking curfew. The three squid formed and evaded any guards they came across until they were nearing the main gate. They saw that it was heavily guarded with searchlight towers. The wall around the base had electrodes on the top of it so if anyone squid jumped across they would jolted. Escape looked impossible for the three without getting the guards' attention.

"So what now? How are goin' to get outta here?" asked Ben.

"Crap! I don't know... I was hoping the main entrance wasn't guarded and I forgot about the eletrified wall," said Flash as he rubbed the back of his head.

"What!" exclaimed Ben as he face-palmed. "Flash this is an army base you inkhead! Of course they're goin' to guard the entrance. What did you think!? I should've known you'd blunder this up and now we're going to get caught for sure. I can't believe I went along with this," said Ben with annoyance.

"Hey! Don't get mad at me! I was just thinking..." started Flash as he was soon cut off.

"Thinking what! That we could just waltz out of here and you know what! We might as well play Off the Hook's album on the intercom system while we're at to provide a distraction! Then everyone can come out and party to the tune while we leave the base! How about you add that to your full proof plan!" exclaimed an agitated Ben.

After hearing what Ben had said, something popped in Kirk's mind of how to get past the guards. "That gives me an idea, You guys," said Kirk but he was ignored by the two squabbling inklings.

"I don't see you coming up with anything! Your dad's the brainiac of this place. Why don't you ask him if their's a way we can get out of this mess," exclaimed Flash also getting annoyed by Ben.

"You guys," said Kirk but he had no luck getting to the two.

"The mess you started!? And besides, you really think my dad is just help us leave the base. I don't know who I would rather deal with him or the captain if he ever found out I was trying to escape with you. Getting thrown in jail would be the least of my problems!" ranted Ben.

"YOU GUYS!" shouted Kirk as the two of them turned toward the inkling soldier.

"WHAT!" they shouted in unison.

"I got an idea," replied Kirk as he pulled out his squidphone. "Flash made me think about Off the Hook being a distraction, how about I place my squidphone sowmwhere the guards can hear it. Then once they try and find the source of the music we can rush out the gate. It could work," he continued.

"Wait a minute...you have a squidphone and didn't tell us. Aren't those prohibited?" said Ben as he shook his head.

"Umm...I uh...smuggled it," said Kirk. Flash and Ben look at each other then back at Kirk. "What! My family photos are on it! It's my only means of connection to them," replied Kirk.

"(deep breath) Oh, fine. We'll go with your plan then, I just hope you know what you're doing," said Ben. Kirk squid formed and swam toward a safe location out of sight and propped his phone on a bench. He scrolled through it until he found his playlist and cut on the song Ebb and Flow from off the hook. He returned to Flash and Ben once it started playing. The three watched as they saw one of the guards turn their head toward the source of music.

"Uh, where's that noise coming from?" the guard asked.

"It's coming from over there, let's check it out," pointed the other guard as he soon heard it too. The two headed off to investigate the source of the noise.

"It worked! They've taken the bait, now let's get out of here before they come back," said Ben as they ran toward the gate. Ben quickly jumped up and climbed up the gate until he hopped down on the other side.

"Oh squid, what about my phone?" said a worried Kirk.

"Seriously dude! Just leave it! Do you wanna get outta here or not!?" shouted Flash as he climbed the gate.

"What the! Is that Off the Hook? What's this doing here anyway?" exclaimed the guard as he picked up the phone, where the music was originating from.

"I'm not sure? Let's head back to the gate before we're caught off of our post," said the other as they took the phone and rushed back toward the gate.

"Alright Flash! C'mon! Those guards will be back any minute!" said Ben as Flash jumped down on the other side. "Kirk! Let's go!" shouted Flash as we waved at him but as Kirk started to climb the gate the guards spotted them.

"Hey!" one of them shouted.

"Stop right there!" shouted the other.

"Oh no! Kirk!" yelled Flash as the three of them were caught by the guards.

"You guys go on! I'll try and get their attention!" Kirk said as he ran off to lead the inkling guards away. Flash banged on the gate, tempting to chase after them but Ben grabbed him.

"Flash! Leave him! We gotta go before we're caught ourselves!" shouted Ben as the two of them squid formed and swam away from the gate.

"Get back here!" shouted the guard pursuing Kirk. The other ran up toward the gate. "We have two inklings that have just hopped the gate! Requesting back up to apprehend the two!" he shouted watching Flash and Ben escape.

"Oh carp! Let's squid outta here!" shouted Flash as the two of them finally made it out and headed toward the city.

Meantime, at Jazz's home. She and her new friend Suki were watching movies. It had been a long but enjoyable day for the two, catching up on their personal lives and talking about turf wars and fashion. That day they decided to head to the Arowana Mall to go shopping but the stores were closed except for a few places in the food court. The two ordered some lunch and were talking about what to do next since everything was nearly shut down due to the power shortage of the missing zapfish. "So what now? We can't go shopping or nothing," said Suki finishing her meal.

"I don't know...if Flash were here he would think of something," replied Jazz.

"That inkhead...what? talk about himself. Please...I don't see how you tolerate him," sneered Suki.

"I guess I've been around him enough that I just put up with him, he's not that bad," replied Jazz as she sipped on her ink soda.

"Sure...whatever you say but he's not here so...how about we go hang out at my place and then we go to yours," suggested Suki.

"I guess so...Hey! Is that new gear!?" said Jazz as she trailed off. She spotted something on a display case behind one of the store windows.

"Huh? What are you...hey," excalimed Suki as Jazz pulled her to go look at the new products.

"It is! That's the new Kensa gear I've been hearing about and their weapons. That's so cool," said Jazz in excitement.

"You have a...unique taste. I personally wouldn't be caught dead in that," said Suki not impressed with the clothing line.

"Well, I would... I like it, maybe once I save up enough money I can buy their clothing. Too bad the stores are closed anyway," said Jazz.

"Yeah it's a shame, now come on! Let's head to my place and find something to do!" said Suki as she dragged Jazz out of the mall.

They spent a couple of hours at Suki's. She introduced Jazz to her room where the inkling girl admired her gear and weapons. She was definetly a serious turf war player as the two trailed off to talking the matches they had played in and their experiences, especially with Jazz talking about Flash and his high jinks and mishaps. Overtime the two became close friends and would eventually leave for Jazz's later that evening before the curfew went into effect. They decided to have a sleepover to get their mind off things but as the night would progress the two would recieve an unexpected visit from two inklings they wouldn't expect to see so soon. Jazz headed into the kitchen as Suki stayed in the living room. A knock at the door would get her attention.

"I wonder who that could be at this time? Especially with the curfew in effect," said Suki. She approached the door and peeked out once she opened it and saw an unexpected sight. It was Flash and Ben standing outside the door. Flash and Suki went wided seeing one another but Flash after shaking his head seeing Suki he wondered why she was there "Huh? Hey! Wait a minute! What are doing here!? This is Jazz's house!" shouted Flash in both shock and irritation.

"She invited me to come over since you two inkheads ran off to join the army! What not cut out for the army life and ran away?" said Suki

"Just get out of the way! I wanna talk to Jazz and how about you just SQUID OFF!" shouted Flash as he pushed Suki out of the way as he walked in the house.

"At least I was here to support her while you two just worked her nerves wondering if she would ever see you idiots again," said Suki as Flash crossed his arms and shot her a glare.

"Flash!? Ben!?" shouted Jazz as she stepped back into the living room. "Flash! It is you! Ben!" she shouted seeing the two of them and rushed over to give them both a hug. "I wasn't sure when I would see you guys again!" she exclaimed after pulling off the two.

"Well, I guess you can say we went AWOL. I'm not sure how I'm going to explain things to dad once he finds out," said Ben.

"I'm just glad to be outta that place. So anything happen while we were gone? Besides her being over here! Care to explain!" demanded Flash wanting an explaination to why she was hanging with Suki.

"(sigh) Flash...look I... You guys left and I needed someone to talk to... She was nice enough to let me hang with her. You guys left me! And you had me worrying if we would get to see one another again!" exclaimed Jazz.

"Flash just chill. You can't blame Jazz and besides it's good that we can be friends for once. By the way Jazz. You gotta soda? I could use a drink," asked Ben.

"Sure, in the fridge," said Jazz as she pointed toward the kitchen.

"Thanks," he said as headed toward the fridge to grab a soda.

Flash and Suki looked at each other then whipped their heads away from one another with their arms crossed. It appeared the two of them wouldn't settle their differences as Jazz sighed in defeat.

"Well, how bout' we continue where we left and go watch another movie to ease the drama," suggested Jazz with a smile.

"I guess," they said in unison with a lack of euthuasium.

"Great! I'll heat up another bag of pop corn," said Jazz walking into the kitchen.

All four of them found a place to sit down as they watched the movie. Jazz sat in the middle of the couch with Flash on one side and Suki on the other, still bitter with one another. Ben leaned against the couch behnd Ben sipping his ink soda. Flash and SuKi fought over the popcorn as Jazz had to break them up. Ben was fighting to stay awake as he almost spilled his soda on Flash. As time went by the sound of rumbling caught their attention. "What's all that noise?" asked Jazz.

"I don't know, it's coming from outside," said Flash. Jazz, Suki, and Flash jumped off the couch with Ben jarring awake. He trailed the three wondering what was going on himself. They all opened the door and looked around. Jazz soon spotted an octozeppelin approaching from the direction of the octarians territory. "What is that!" she cried as she pointed at the massive airship.

"Is that the... octarians!?" shouted Flash.

"Oh carp! They must be here to attack the city! We gotta head back to base and inform eberyone!" shouted Ben.

"What! Take the chance of getting thrown in the stockades! I don't think so!" shouted back Flash.

"You got a better solution!? We gotta warn the IDF before it's too late!" protested Ben.

Soon as the octozeppelin got closer another flying object flew overhead toward the rebel airship. It was Sheldon's flying truck with Marie on top of it with an inkzooka. "Who is that!?" asked Suki seeing the squid sister agent riding the truck with the weapon. Marie fired the inkzooka at the octozeppelin but did little damage to the hull as it kept floating on its path. "She just shot at it! But it didn't make a scratch!" shouted Flash.

"I wonder who that could be!? She's got guts to try and take on the octarians like that!" shouted Ben.

Sheldon flew back around as Marie loaded the inkzooka again. "We gotta stop them Sheldon for the city's sake. Get ready to use that weapon of yours once we get in front of them again," shouted Marie.

"Got it! Just hang on!" Sheldon shouted back. He banked the truck back toward the octozeppelin and pressed the button for the turret to activate on the bottom of the truck. Instead of Tenta-missiles like from before. He equipped a stingray on it. He let the weapon charge up as they got closer to the hulking airship and pulled the trigger. Marie fired her inkzooka at the nose of the octozeppelin as Sheldon fired the stingray at the hull. The octozeppelin took more damage but was still floating and showing no signs of dropping. "Carp! Nothing's working! We're not doing enough damage on that thing!" shouted Marie in frustration.

"Marie! I already told you we can't do this by ourselves!" exclaimed Sheldon.

"Sheldon! I'm not getting anyone else killed! And who would wanna fight the octo rebels right now! The city is under a curfew and I'm shocked the IDF hasn't showed up," replied Marie.

"Well this isn't working like you said. We gotta head back to the shop and think of a plan," said Sheldon. Soon the truck was taking fire from an octocommander perched on top of the airship. Sheldon tried to evade but he took a hit once the octarians hit the rear thrusters of the truck. The truck descended down toward the ground. "Marie! Jump back in! I've lost control!" shouted Sheldon as the truck was diving closer to the ground. Marie was hanging on for dear life but as she was making her back to the cab. She lost her grip and squid jumped before she got knocked off the truck. Sheldon made a hard landing but survived with minimal damage on the vehicle and Marie propeled for a place to land. She made a hard landing herself but recovered and rushed to check on Sheldon. The gang of inklings watched the whole thing and were stunned. They decided to go to where Sheldon landed the truck and wonder who the two were that tried to stop the octozeppelin.

"Sheldon! Sheldon!" shouted Marie as she rushed to where Sheldon landed.

She spotted the truck with Sheldon hopping out as he brushed himself off. "Oh cod, I'm glad you got down in one piece. So what's the damage report?" she asked.

"Well...ole' betsy ain't flying no time soon, Not until I get the thrusters repaired but unfortunelty all my tools are back at the shop," said Sheldon.

"Great... (sigh) Now theirs no way of stopping them. We got a think of something," said Marie placing her hand under chin.

"Woah! Sheldon!?" shouted a voice that got the squid sister's attention. The two of them turned and saw four inklings staring at them. "Wait...that was you up there!?" asked a shocked Jazz.

"Huh...you kids shouldn't be out here! There's a curfew in effect!" iterated Marie who was stunned to see them there.

"You're Marie! Of the squid sisters! What are you doing here!?" asked Flash who was absolutely stunned to see Marie and that she was the one that attacked the octozeppelin. "I...uh...w...well you see?" stammered Marie looking for an explaination.

"Wait a minute, where's Callie and I thought you two had left Inkopolis to go back to the county...and why did you attack the octarians?" asked Ben.

Marie paused and saw no way of worming her way out of this unfortenate dilemma. Sheldon looked at Marie with uncertainty as she rubbed her arm and gave a deep sigh. "Well...I guess we better tell them since they're here," said Marie to Sheldon who rasised his arms in defeat. "Me and Cal...are agents of the squidbeak squad and our mission is to protect Inkopolis from all threats including the octarians," explained Marie to the group of awestruck inklings.

"Squidbeak Squad? I've never heard of them," said Jazz.

"That's so cool!...secret agents and pop stars!...it sounds like something out a movie!" exclaimed Flash with stars in his eyes.

"Yeah...care to explain becuase that does sound a little far fetched. I mean agents, really," replied Ben who at slight disbelief.

"Look... me and Sheldon can't stop them alone so we're are gonna need some help as much as I hate to admit it. I'll explain once we get back to Ammo Knights and then once we get there, you guys can gear up and help us. Are guys up for the task?" asked Marie.

"Shell yeah!" shouted Flash, fist pumping.

"Count me in!" shouted Ben.

"Sure why not," replied Jazz.

"No thank you," answered Suki with everyone pausing.

"Huh?" said Jazz.

"I'm not a soldier or an agent like she says she is, I say leave this up to the army. Do you serious belive a few squid can take on the octarians. Come on!... but if you wanna play heroes then be my guest. I'm going home before anything happens," said Suki with her arms crossed as she turned away from the group.

"Suki, please... we just started being friends and this is an opportunity for us to be a team and stop those octarians from hurting everyone," pleaded Jazz. Suki steadily ignored Jazz's words.

"Forget it, She's not coming. I say we go up their and kick some octo butt!" said Flash.

"But how if Sheldon's truck is down?" asked Ben.

"We'll head back to Sheldon's shop and think up a plan! Their's no time to waste so let's go! If she doesn't wanna come then let's not force her," said Marie as she lead the rest of the inklings and Sheldon back to the shop to prepare to fight the octo rebels before they started attacking. Jazz stopped and looked back to see if Suki changed her mind but she was still indifferent about the situation and downed her head in slight dissappointmnent that her friend was unwilling to chip in. It would be a little while before they would reach the square but will it be too late by the time they get there?

---

It had been tense situation between the three inklings. Trust was broken between Cassie and Cleo, admitting to keeping things away from the two unsuspecting inklings. Cleo stayed on one side of the subway car while Cassie and Cuttlefish stayed on the other. The three of them were nearing station B unsure what the next test would be. They didn't talk with one another since the altercation 10 minutes ago. Cleo was reading some text messages she received from Xavier. The octoling boyfriend who was secretly onboard the subway, who watched the inklings from the car in front of them.

"What is she doing? Surely she can't get any reception down here? Unless...it's Kamabo," said Cassie to herself. Suspicious of what Cleo was typing.

Cleo looked up and saw Cassie staring at her with her eye's narrowed. "What! You know its rude to stare don't you," said Cleo unpleasantly.

Cassie just rolled her eyes at Cleo's comment. "Sheesh...what's her problem?" said Cleo to herself. After a moment she stood and walked toward the front car.

"Hey! Where exactly are you going?" asked Cassie with discontent.

"Out! If you have to know. I don't appreciate getting stared at like I'm some kind of criminal. Besides I'm tired of sitting in the same car with two squids who think I'm one. You two made your choice to come down so if you'll excuse me," said Cleo before walking out into the next car and closing the door behind her.

"She's up to something, as normal. I wander who she's texting?" asked Cassie. She turned to see Cuttlefish had fallen asleep again. Cassie had a look of exasperation on her face and leaned back in her seat. "Oh, captain, how can you sleep in a time like this?" said Cassie as she gave a sigh.

Cleo continued through the next car until she saw Xavier leaned up against the wall. "Babe," he replied when he spotted Cleo.

"Xavier," she replied back as the two rushed into a hug and kiss. " I got your message, so have you heard anything out of Tartar?" asked Cleo.

"No, nothing yet but I'll be glad when done with this job and go to the promised land," said Xavier as he crossed his arms.

"You keep talking about this promised land but I don't doubt you. I just hope Tartar can hold his end of the bargain," said Cleo.

"He better... for our sakes. I hate being here, underground. Just brings back bad memories. I recognize that inkling anywhere. She's agent 3 of the squidbeak squad. She single handedly took down Octavio and killed many of our brethren. I'm having a had time trying to recompose myself with the situation we're in but it'll be worth it in the end," said Xavier.

"Xavier, just calm down. Focus on the task we were given and have some patience. Tartar will probably get a hold of us soon. Their's no sense in me playing babysitter for that squid if she's beating the test. Surely Tartar will approve and pull us off the job, plus she's getting suspicious and that worries me. We can't afford our cover getting blown and the task getting jeopardized," said Cleo. "That old geezer isn't helping matters," she continued.

"Well...I guess we wait until we hear from Tartar. We'll be arriving at the next station and I guess you better get back before those two get even more suspicious," said Xavier.

"Listen...just stay out of sight. I'll keep playing along with the two squids and you head back to the labs whenever you get the chance... I love you Xavier," said Cleo.

"(groan) fine but I love you too babe," said Xavier as the pulled into a kiss before Cleo headed back to the rear but what Cleo and Xavier didn't realize was Cassie was hugging the wall next to doorway in the other car, listening in on their conversation.

"So her octoling boyfriend is here too. Wonder what role he's playing in all of this? And what's this promised land? I want answers, I'm not waiting around for something to happen. Those two are going down!" said Cassie. She quickly clutched her weapon and opened the door. "So you weren't alone on this subway!" shouted Cassie aiming her weapon at the two of them. The two jumped in surprise not expecting Cassie to barge in. They then stared at Cassie with her hero shot aimed at them.

"Cassie!? W...W...what are you doing here!? Why did you..." stared Cleo but was soon interrupted.

"Don't play stupid! I'm going to be the one asking the questions! Now what's going on!? I won't leave here until you answer me!" demanded Cassie aiming the hero shot at Cleo.

"You best aim that thing somewhere else if you know what's good for you squid!" demanded Xavier.

"Feeling animosity? Yeah I'm agent 3 and don't think I won't let you join the rest of your fallen brethren octopus!" sneered Cassie as she turned the weapon on the octoling.

"Don't you dare make idle threats! There's two of us and only one of you so if I were you I would think about dropping your weapon and staying in the game. We're the only ones that can get you out of the metro alive," said Cleo as pulled her Splattershot pro on Cassie.

"You think I'm falling for that! You've been stringing me and Cuttlefish along since you were in the hospital. You wanted us to come down here...and I wanna know why! So start talking or so help me you better not miss because I won't. This ends Cleo I'm not playing this game of yours anymore. Now start talking! What are Kamabo's intentions? What do they want with me and Cuttlefish and what's this promised land I heard about?" shouted Cassie losing her patience with the two.

"(chuckling) You don't get it do you squid. If you even knew half of the knowledge I dug up in this place. Inkopolis wouldn't be the same and neither would the octarians for that matter. If anything my race should've found out a long time ago but that egotistical Octavio had to keep things in the dark. The octarian archives, the deep sea scrolls...have been nothing but lies! And I've discovered the truth and it's made me see things clearly," replied Xavier.

"What are going on about octopus? You're not making any sense! What do mean everything's been a lie?" asked Cassie.

"Cassie if you saw what we saw then your whole world would change. You just gotta trust us so lower your weapon and we won't harm you," said Cleo.

Cassie couldn't believe Cleo would try to reason with the situation. She couldn't make any sense of what the octoling was going on about but something was a miss and their was no way she would resolve her distrust of Cleo and especially the octoling. "No, I'm falling for any tricks! Why should I trust you or him for that matter. You've lied about everything since we came to this damn place! And now you expect me to forget everything and act as if things have changed becuase of this "truth". No thanks but the two of you are coming with me and these so called tests are coming to an end. So surrender peacefully because I'm not afraid to splat you into a puddle," said Cassie.

"Listen squid! This is bigger than any of us and it all has to do with that human. He's not what you think he is and if anything he could be Inkopolis's greatest threat and for my people as well. So you better here me out! You're a squidbeak agent and I thought you've sworn to protect the inklings at all cost and now you're greatest enemy has been right under our noses this whole time," said Xavier trying to reason with the agent.

"Don't lecture to me what I've sworn to do and leave Blake out of this! If anyone's the threat it's you two and this company! Now I won't ask again, surrender and drop your weapon!" demanded Cassie.

"Damn squid won't listen! ...Very well, have it your way," said Xavier as he held his hands up but in a split second he quickly grabbed something behind his back and tossed a small spherical object at the inkling agent. As soon as it stuck to her it shocked her.

"AAAAHHHH!" screamed Cassie as she was electrocuted by the 8-ball that was thrown at her by Xavier. She stumbled and fell to the floor. She tried to get up but it was no use. She looked up and saw the two hover over her. Xavier kneeled down over her head. "We gave you the easy way out but you chose the hard way squid," sneered Xavier.

"I'm sorry it's come to this, Cassie," said Cleo before Cassie finally blacked out.

"She'll finish these tests one way or another," said Xavier as he stood up.

"So what now?" asked Cleo looking down at Cassie's body.

"Like I said... she's going to finish the test, now let's get her into the station, since we've arrived," said Xavier as the two heard the subway intercom announce the arrival of Station B.

During this time, Cuttlefish was starting to worry about Cassie. She had told him prior that she was going to follow Cleo and see what she was really up to. 10 minutes had passed and the subway was slowing down for the next station. "Where is the lass? Surely she'd be back by now. The subway is starting to stop and she needs to start the next test," said Cuttlefish.

He hopped off the bench and headed toward the doorway to wait for Cassie but as the subway doors slid open. The phone from before stood outside the entry, startling Cuttlefish as he stumbled back. He yelped and flailed his cane before staring back at the phone. "What the... it's...the phone from before? How did it get here? Something's mighty fishy about this," said Cuttlefish as he stepped out and poked the phone with his cane. "Hmm..." he replied stroking his beard. Soon the phone was ringing causing Cuttlefish to jerk.

"Who would be calling at a time like this?" asked Cuttlefish as he was hesitant about answering the call. He picked up the speaker and answered it. "Hello?" he asked. Nobody replied as he placed the talk piece back on the phone. After a moment the phone rang again. Cuttlefish turned and grabbed the talk piece again. "Hello, who is this?" he asked more sternly. Still no one answered back. Cuttlefish was getting annoyed and placed the talk piece back on the phone again. After several seconds the phone rang again but this time Cuttlefish growled and covered his ears deciding to ignore the call. After several seconds the ringing was becoming persistent and Cuttlefish turned to the phone with a glare.

"Listen here you wiffle-waffle! I'm getting tired of this! You got me trippin' in my sneaks, yo!" shouted Cuttlefish as stormed toward the phone and grabbed the talk piece. "Whoever's calling is getting on my last tentacle! Now who is this or stop calling!" Shouted Cuttlefish. After a few seconds a static-like voice finally came through. "Translation complete, non-human specimen detected. Error! Reassessment begin, specimen is cephalopod based, correction! cephalopod DNA found along with... BBBZZZTTT! ERROR! ERROR! Invalid! Running diagnostics...Errors not found. Invalid data on cephalopod based specimen. Data also detects human DNA. System error not found. System rebooting," said the static voice that appeared robotic as well.

"What the shrimp? Who's talking all that gibberish?" said Cuttlefish as he dropped the talk piece. The voice disappeared as Cuttlefish stared at the phone but as he did he didn't notice that the phone was leaning towards him as it fell right on top of Cuttlefish as he yelled before getting knocked out and dropping his cane. Things became quiet as the phone was laying on top of an unconscious Cuttlefish on the boarding platform. It appeared both inklings, Cassie and now Cuttlefish were powerless and their fates sit at the rest of the mysterious kamabo company. What will happen now?

---

Blake was laying on top of the octostamp DX tank as the armored rebel convoy made it to the Cephalon HQ. Blake was deep in regret over his outburst with Maxie and losing not just an ally but a friend, a friend that had deep feelings for him that like him lost her family. The convoy was coming up on the main gate of the base that was heavily guarded with towers and armored walls. Blake felt the tank stop behind the convoy and hopped off before any of the octosnipers on the towers spotted him on top of the tank. He huddled down and crept toward the front of the convoy until he spotted an approaching octoling. He quickly crawled under one of the octostamp DXs to avoid her and waited for the rebel to pass before coming out and running behind one of the guard booths before we was spotted. The convoy was permitted to go in after everything was cleared and Blake ran toward the closest building as an octostriker flew over head and almost saw him.

"That was close. I don't know how I'm going to get past all these rebels without getting spotted," said Blake as he continued on. Hugging the wall of the building and peeking around the corner. He spotted the command center but between him and there was a large courtyard filled with octarian rebels. There would be no way to get past them. "Think Blake, what I can I do?" he pondered. He heard footsteps approaching and hugged the wall on the corner of the building. He peeked around and saw two octolings patrolling then decided to stop between him and the next building.

He waited for them to move on and then a third octoling appeared who joined the chatter among the first two. After a minute the first two left and continued patrolling but the third stayed back and pulled a flask out of her pack and took a swig, making sure no one else was around. She gave a hiccup and blushed. "Guess miss tipsy isn't going to leave. I gotta keep moving before another patrol appears," said Blake.

He then had a plan and decided to creep behind the buzzed rebel and then grabbed her. She yelped and Blake covered her mouth to keep her screaming and breathing. She struggled as Blake dragged back around the building until she finally went unconsciense. He laid her down out of sight and grabbed her octo shot. "I might as well grab her weapon sense I lost mine...again, Sheldon's going to be pissed," he said. Leaving the octolings body behind, he checked the corner to make the coast was clear and rushed to the other side of the opening. He hugged another building and saw that he was beginning to run into a dead until he spotted a manhole cover on the ground at the corner of the tall wall.

"Looks like that's my only option to get inside...hopefully. Not looking forward to this," said Blake as she slowly slide the manhole cover before anyone walked by. He climbed down once he got it opened and slowly shut it over his head. An octoling stepped by and heard the manhole close. "Hmm..." she replied as she looked but just shrugged and carried on her business.

The tunnel was pitch black as Blake couldn't see his hand in front of his face. He felt around for the tunnel walls and guided himself down the dark tube. "As much as I've been down dark tunnels I would get in the habit of carrying around a flashlight. At least it doesn't stink down here," said Blake as he felt his way down the tunnel wall. After a minute he spotted a light source at the end and continued on until he jumped down into what appeared to be a maintenance room, illuminated by a red light.

"So far, so good. Now to head upstairs without getting caught," said Blake as he spotted a staircase going up. As he continued, steam shot in front of his face from a near by pipe. He turned and looked to see a valve pop out of it's socket and strike Blake in the face knocking his headset off. "Son a..." jeered Blake as he rubbed his face. "They really need to get a plumber down here!" he said with irritation. He traversed up the stairs and slowly turned the knob of the door at the top. He peeked through and didn't see a soul in sight.

He had finally made it inside the outpost but their weren't any places to hide as the hallways seemed to not provide any refuge. "I'm gonna get caught if I'm not too careful since I can't hide," said Blake. He spotted a vent in the ceiling above his head and decided to jump up and get inside the duct work. He crawled through the ventilation system above the hallway until the sound of talking got his attention. He slowly crept forward and spotted two octolings talking below the vent in the hallway.

"I can't wait to get topside once Inkopolis is under our control. Maybe I can get out of this uniform and wear that fresh clothing the squids wear, heck maybe I'll find an inkling boyfriend while I'm at it," said one octoling.

"In your dreams corporal! So you might as well get the stars out of your eyes! This isn't some vacation for your fantasies. To think you wanna hook up with one of those inkstains!" exclaimed the second octoling with disgust.

"What's wrong with enjoying myself while we take control of the city. With the inklings under Octavio's influence with the help of that squid sister, I would have no problem reeling in a catch for myself. Those inkling boys are kinda cute you gotta admit," said the corporal as she was drifting on cloud nine. She was quickly snapped back in reality with a blow on the side of the head from the other octoling. "OWW! What was that for!?" shouted the corporal as she rubbed the side of her head.

"Quit fantasizing and start acting like a soldier! We've got work to do and we're not done once we've got the city and those squid under our reins. With the hypnowave emitters in place. Octavio and that inkling pop star will start their show and the emitters will transmit a hypnotic wave disguised in the music to woo those inkstains under our influence. Once they're in control we'll use them to attack those traitors at Octo valley. Ironic that once we storm the valley with the inkstains leading the charge, those turncoats will have no choice but to surrender to the inklings they've desperately wanted to establish a truce with or defend themselves, knowing the squids are under our influence. Talk about turning the tables on those traitors, putting them in such a moral dilemma," sneered the second octoling.

"Sorta like holding those inklings hostage but this time instead of them being held at gun point it'll be those valley traitors, how devious our ruler is to cook up such a plan. Victory is assured and we'll rule the surface!" shouted the corporal.

"Not if I have any say in the matter, I gotta find a way to warn Marie and Sheldon before it's too late," Blake said quietly. The two octolings walked away with Blake continuing down the duct until he deemed it safe to come out. "Theirs gotta be a communications hub in this place but I'm sure it's well guarded. I'll think of way but for now I gotta focus on warning everyone before Octavio leaves with the octozeppelin fleet...after I try and find Callie...I just hope she's alright," said Blake as he crawled down the duct work.

Meanwhile, Izzy, Indigo, and Luna were riding the industrial Squee-G to the rebel base down the tunnel. "So this is it! Once we sneak inside we find and secure the great zapfish...if we can get past all the rebels and I'm sure security is going to be tight, so stay sharp and don't let your guard down," said Indigo.

"What should we expect if for some reason we do get caught. What's our odds at surviving?" asked Luna.

"I would guess very slim if any. I haven't been tracking their chatter on the network since we returned to the village. They got smart and started placing firewalls up and I've tried to get past them but it was a no go. I say staying stealthy is out best option right now but I feel they're up to something since the Neo-Octarians took down their fleet. I expect some kind of retaliatory strike or another attempt to attack Inkopolis," explained Indigo.

"You don't think they would try and attack the city again would you?" asked Izzy with concern.

"I hope not but I wouldn't put it past them," replied Indigo

"So what's the game plan, Indigo?" asked Luna.

"The outpost on top is just the upper section of the main base. Celphalon HQ is comprised of different levels that go down further in the dome, it was intented to be our impenetrable and advance base of operations ever constructed before Octavio was captured by the agent 2 years ago. We'll have to make our way down without getting spotted because once we do they'll lockdown our only access to the main facility, the elevators. After that they'll being coming out of the woodworks and we can kiss our plan goodbye. If all else fails then we'll improvise if we can survive that long," said Indigo.

Izzy was nervous and starting to rethink their plan but it was too late as they were nearing the main gate. "Um, one question. How the shell are we supposed to be sneaky with us riding on this pile of junk!?" asked Luna in irritation.

Indigo face palmed as she realized their was no way to stop or control the giant metal fish. "So much for stealth, Screw it! plan B!" shouted Indigo as the two octosnipers on the guard towers had their attention gotten. Luna and Indigo picked off the octarians before they could shoot them on the fish as it approached the gate. The octoling guards on the ground panicked seeing the giant robot and retreated before sounding the alarm. "Well, they know we're here! Sneaking past them is out of the question!" exclaimed Indigo.

"No shit! And here I was thinking it would be a walk in the park!" sneered Luna sarcastically. Indigo shot her a glare. "Sorry, I guess the drill sergeant in me is coming out," she said apologetically before turning toward a crowd of rebels shooting at them and the fish.

"This giant metal guppy can come in handy after all. It can do all the work sucking up those inkheads and provide a distraction while we head up toward the elevators, on my count, jump off and splat your way to the command station...1...2...3...!" shouted Indigo as the three jumped off the industrial squee-g. They watched the robot run over some of the rebels as the rest of them fled out of its path. Indigo and Luna rushed toward the command station with Izzy trailing but were impeded by more octolings and octotroopers. Indigo provided suppressing fire as her and Luna took cover. Izzy squid formed and swam toward Luna's position.

"Crap! What now!" shouted Luna.

"I'll provide covering fire to get their attention, then take your charger and pick them off!" commanded Indigo. "Izzy! You make your way inside and me and Luna will try and hold them off! It'll be up to once you reach the elevators! Good luck!" shouted the octoling.

"What! I won't leave you guys behind! I can't do this on my own!" said Izzy fretting over Indigo's decision.

"This isn't up for debate squid! You will continue the mission!" shouted Indigo sternly before turning the corner and shooting the rebels. Luna was given a window to splat two of the octoling rebels as the rest dove for cover. "2 down 2 to go! We best hurry before anymore show up! I don't how much battery life is left on that hunk of junk!" shouted Luna.

"Listen to me! I'm not leaving you! We do this as a team like our turf wars back in Inkopolis! Flash might have not been there for me but I'm here for you guys! You saved me back in that dome and welcomed me in your village with open arms! You're my friends and friends stick together thick and thin!" protested Izzy.

Both Indigo and Luna saw through the inkling and saw how sincere she was even though they were octolings. They understood her reasoning and wouldn't force her to press on ahead knowing the uncertainties if the two of them would survive long enough for Izzy to reach the lower levels of the rebel base. They both nodded and shot Izzy shot a smile. "Well friend, what do you got in mind?" asked Indigo before turning the corner and shooting toward the 2 remaining octoling rebels. When they returned fire, Luna splatted the both of them allowing the way clear but a group of octolings appeared behind them the three of them as they rushed for new cover.

"They're relentless I'll give em' that. They won't let us go without a fight!" shouted Indigo.

"So what's your strategy teammate?" asked Luna turning toward Izzy.

"Like I said, we do this as a team!" shouted Izzy as she rolled out of cover and shot at some of the octolings into yellow puddles. Izzy squid formed and dove into the ink to refill as Luna and Indigo charged behind her in their octopus forms. The three of them shot at what rebels stepped in front of them. Izzy and Indigo took turns taking down any rebels that opposed them while covering fire for Luna and her charger. Luna took pop shots at octosnipers perched on towers and rooftops while Izzy took down enemies on the ground and Indigo shot down air targets such as octocopters that approached them. The rebels were on the ropes as the Industrial Squee-G was sucking up octarians that ran in front of it.

"Keep it up! They're faltering!" shouted Indigo.

A shadow appeared under Indigo as she looked up and saw an octobomber over her. Izzy shot it down before it dropped a bomb on the octoling.

"Nice shot!" shouted Indigo as Izzy grinned.

Luna splatted the last octosniper on top of the rooftop of the outpost. "All right move up!" shouted Indigo as she waved them to push forward. As they ran toward the outpost entrance a large hatch opened up on the ground in front of them. "Woah! What's happening!?" asked a frantic Izzy.

A large bowling alley station appeared out the hatch. Flashing lights came on followed by a loud ringing. Then soon saw a giant purple bowling ball roll out of the station. On top of it was a little glass dome housing a twintacle. "What is that!?" shouted Izzy.

"I don't know! Some kind of new octo vehicle!?" answered Indigo.

The twintacle stared angrily at the group and the ball started rolling toward them. "Oh carp! Get out of it's way!" shouted Luna as the three of them changed forms. The Kingpin Octo Baller chased after Izzy, being she was an inkling. The octarian proved how fast it was as it was gaining on Izzy even in her squid form. She swam in front of the industrial squee-G hoping that the big metal fish might slow it down but the octo baller just rammed it causing the metal fish to flip over and tumble on the ground followed by an explosion of ink.

"Oh no! The industrial squee-G didn't stop it! I'm going to get squished!" shouted Izzy.

"Izzy! Hang on! We're coming!" shouted Indigo as she and Luna rushed over to figure a way of slowing down the octo baller. The two of them shot at the octo baller as Izzy swam by them. All shots were futile and the octolings octo formed our of the octarian's path. "Nothing's stopping that thing!" shouted Indigo. "We gotta think of something or Izzy is going to get flattened!" exclaimed Luna. Then the two heard a noise come from up on the roof of the command center and saw two octocommanders pop out and aim their splatlings at the two octolings.

"Octocommanders! Get to cover!" shouted Indigo.

Luna and Indigo rushed to the closest cover as the octocommanders launched a barrage of ink at their positions. They we're now gunned down and unable to help Izzy. The inkling agent then turned out of the octo baller's path and down a collection of buildings to try and lose the twintacle driving the giant ball. Izzy hugged against a building as the octo baller rolled past her. "I can't outrun that thing. I gotta think of a different strategy," said Izzy as she panted. Her squidwatch came on with a ball shaped emblem on it. "My special activated! About time but what's a baller?" asked Izzy. "Well I hope it helps me out!" she shouted smacking the watch. Izzy found herself inside a giant hamster ball with bands around it.

"What is this!?" exclaimed Izzy as she looked around. She moved forward as the ball did leaving an ink path behind her. She rolled out into the open and spotted the octo baller as it spotted her. It charged at her as she yelped. She rolled away as the octo baller chased after her. She looked back and then noticed that the giant bowling ball was slowing down in Izzy's yellow ink. "Hey my ink is slowing it down!" exclaimed Izzy. Izzy didn't pay attention and was heading straight for a building. Instead of crashing into it the ball she was in rolled up the wall and onto the roof. Izzy covered her eyes fearing the impact but to her dismay she saw a different outcome but the octo baller crashed into the building, causing Izzy to bounce off and fall back on the ground below.

The octarian's head was swaying, dazed from the impact. It shook it's head and set it's sight back on Izzy. Meanwhile Luna and Indigo were trying to splat the two octocommanders but had no luck. Indigo knew that rebel reinforcements were on the way and she had to make an ultimatum. She clutched her octoshot and turned to Luna.

"Luna!" shouted Indigo as her partner turned to her.

"I just wanna say...that you've been my best friend and the best partner I could ever ask for, if you make it out of here and head back to the village. Let everyone know it's been an honor serving and saving all the octarians that wanted to find a new and better life in this miserable place. Tell... Marina that I'm sorry we won't get to meet each other again," said Indigo.

"Indigo...what are you saying. We're both goin' to make it out of here," said a worrying Luna.

"We were both soldiers Luna but soldiers make sacrifices...and I'm willing to put my life on the line to ensure Octavio and the rebels are stopped at all cost and that peace can finally be established among the inklings and octarians...this is...goodbye Luna, I'll miss all of you," said Indigo.

"Indigo wait! Don't..." she shouted but it was too late. Indigo jumped out in the open and sprayed one of the octocommanders with her octo shot. "For the octo-outcasts!" she shouted before being splattered by the barrage of ink from the second octocommander. Time slowed down as Luna witnessed her friend get slain by the octarian. Her eyes widened as she saw Indigo's octo shot slowly land on the ground beside the purple puddle she was reduced to. Tears ran down her face and she screamed: "INDIGOOOO!" She rose out of cover and shot the remaining octocommader off his perch and splatter.

Izzy was outrunning the octo baller as the ink from her special was slowing it down. "Wait...I remember Sheldon going over all the different specials back in his shop. I remember him saying the baller can explode like a splat bomb, maybe I can do the same to the giant bowling ball," said Izzy. Soon the octo baller rolled to a walking pace until it got stuck in her ink. "Alright now it's time to see if this works," said Izzy. She rolled back toward the octo baller as the thing beeped more and more rapidly until she collided with the octarian causing a big burst of yellow ink to cover much of the giant bowling ball along with the glass hatch the octarian was in. The baller disappeared and Izzy watched that the octarian weapon was still intact. The twintacle couldn't see due to ink covering it's hatch. It popped it off so it see but left itself vulnarable. "Wretched inkstain" it popped off before realizing it was unprotected. Izzy gave a grin and the octarian gulped. "Uh-oh...can we talk about this?" it asked. Izzy jumped in the air and splatted the twintacle.

It was finally over until she spotted Luna on her knees crying over Indigo's puddle as she held the octo shot. Izzy rushed over to see what was going on. "Luna!... Wait, where's Indigo?" she asked her.

"Indigo's...gone," said Luna before she started crying.

"Gone? What do you mean..." started Izzy as she stared at the purple puddle, it then clicked in that Indigo was dead. "No...Indigo!" shouted Izzy. "My cod, Luna...I'm so sorry," said Izzy as she started to sob over the octoling that she considered a friend.

"Indigo why did you have to go get yourself killed!" shouted Luna in tears. Izzy hugged Luna for comfort and after the two pulled off, Luna wiped her eyes. "Izzy...promise me...that you'll stop Octavio. Don't let Indigo's sacrifice go in vain. Make sure Octavio is brought to justice and that peace can be reestablished among our races," said Luna. Izzy helped her up as she looked at the octo shot. "She was not only a friend...but a sister too. She watched over us in the gypsy village and now that she's gone. Everyone will be heartbroken...please Izzy, make this right," pleaded Luna.

"I...will Luna. I'll make sure that Octavio is stopped and that no else will get killed. She...was my friend too and I'm going to miss her. She felt what she did was right and I'll be sure that her sacrifice wasn't wasted," said Izzy as she placed her hand on Luna's shoulder. Luna rushed in for a hug on the inkling girl. "Promise me you'll stay alive and not die like Indigo did. Promise you'll come and visit us back in the village," demanded Luna.

"I will and then maybe you'll come and see me in Inkopolis," said Izzy.

"(sniffle) yeah...I would like that," said Luna. They pulled off and Luna carried Indigo's octo shot as she walked away. "Be careful Izzy and good luck!" shouted Luna. Izzy nodded and headed inside the outpost to gain access to the lower levels and stop the rebels before the reinforcements showed up.

---

"Ruby..." called a voice that echoed through a dark void. "Ruby..." it called yet again and after a moment it yelled "RUBY!" as a figure jolted awake giving a deep breath. She was bleeding from her mouth with bruises on her face. She turned to a figure beside her after they shook her awake. "Ruby! Oh thank god you're still breathing. I feared we were too late. Don't worry we'll get you outta here. Opal's going to pay for this, her and those rebels," sneered Lieutenant Octillia.

"(cough) Octillia...I'm fine (cough) really, right now you have to catch up with opal and the rebels before they reach the vault," said Ruby trying to get her words

"I will but my priority right now is to get back to the base for medical attention. Did you out anything at Otto's apartment? You mentioned before about a case," asked the lieutenant.

"Yes...Otto had a strange case hidden in his apartment with a logo on it. The same logo found on those ID cards with the human fossils...and the one on the vault doors. Octillia...you have to stop them...I think...Otto is innocent, I think he's being forced to assist the rebels. I'm not sure why he would've hidden that case unless..." said Ruby fighting to keep her strength.

"Unless what Ruby?" asked the lieutenant.

"He didn't want Opal discovering it if he brought to the lab. He was trying to hide from the rebels and I'm the one who found it for...oh I'm such an idiot," said Ruby as she smacked her self.

"No your not! You couldn't have known, none of us did. Right now we'll deal with them soon and you need to get back to the base. The medics will transport you back and I'll get a team together to pursue those octopi before they find a way to get in that place," said Octillia.

Ruby was carried away on a stretcher and placed inside an octostamp DX to be taken back to medical facility. Lieutenant Octillia turned and looked at the crash, she clenched her fist knowing that Ruby could've been killed. She was getting tired of the rebels attacks and now Opal had changed sides with vauable assets in her possession that could help their cause and further their efforts to bring about war among the two races. "Octsana...you're not the sister I grew up with since we were hatchlings. You keep resisting and move farther and farther apart from me. Why not set aside this strife and see Octavio for what he is...a tyrant. It's as if you're a stranger now and a have a job to do. Family or not...you will be brought to justice," said Octillia after giving a deep sigh.

"Lieutenant...we're ready to head out," said an octoling male that approached her. Octillia turned toward the soldier and gave a nod. "Alright, everyone mount up and prepare to return to base," said the lieutenant. The octoling ran back to octostamp DX with the remaining octolings providing security around the wreck site following suit and loading back up on the rest of the octostamp DXs. Octillia stepped aboard her octoseeker and the convoy left for the Neo-Octarian base. Onbaord the octoseeker that was hovering over the convoy; the lieutenant was troubled by Ruby's mishap. She felt she could've done more stop the rebels and being her sister the major was their field commander, her emotions were at a conflict between blood and duty. She was still worrying about Maxie and feared that maybe her and the recon were in fact KIA. Yet another casulty at the hands of the rebels and her sister.

"Lieutenant?" said a voice across from her. One octoling was looking at her with concern, seeing that something was bothering her. "You seem troubled, you know what happened to Ruby is not your fault if anything she's fortunate to have called you. I'll be glad when the rebels are dealt with once and for all," said the octoling. "I don't see why general scarlet can't just plan a bombing campaign on the whole damn canyon, then maybe those rebels will get the message," she continued.

"Because sergeant-major, we're talking about wiping out our own people, would that make us no better than them. The strategy is to send in recon teams throughout the canyon when called to and hender any of their operations. I wanna stop the rebels too but we have to also be subtle about this, that's what the general wants as well as the empress. To change the hearts and minds of any octolings that side up with their cause and alliance to Octavio. One rebel defecting is another step to victory and I would prefer as well as our government to not escalate the conflict into a full blown civil war. A civil war will discourage peace among the inklings if they think any of the octarians still show hostility," said the lieutenant.

"I think its a sign of weakness if you ask me lieuteanant. The rebel's tactics will only worsen, they were bold enough to raid the lab and now they've attacked one our researchers and made off with possibly important material. Material that could set us back on the war effort against these terrorists," argued the sergeant-major.

"I won't argue but right now my concern is getting Ruby back and gathering up a team to track Opal and that case. If they are en route to the vault then we have to come up with a plan to stop them," said the lieutenant.

"What, send a recon team to see what their going to plan next?" replied the sergeant-major sarcastically.

"No...I'm going to send in the argonauts, our commando unit to deal with them. I'm not taking any chance of them getting inside the vault. How I see it, the vault is on our side of the border and if they are occupying the area then I consider it an act of aggression on our territory," said the lieutenant.

"About time you sent some serious firepower to deal with those rebels. No offense to Maxie and her team since we haven't heard from them," commented the sergeant-major.

The lieutenant downed her head over Maxie's disappearance. "Yeah...Maxie," she mumbled.

"I'm sure she's ok, that sergeant can hold her own but I heard that perv was assigned her team too. Hope he didn't screw things up for the mission," sneered the octoling.

"Let's get off this topic and focus on the vault. Like I said, I'll be deploying the argonauts and I'm sure captain Kova will be thrilled to hear it," said the lieutenant.

"She's so stuck on herself. Maxie can't stand her since they're boot camp rivals, she was her squad leader and made sure the sergeant was ridiculed at ever chance she got but Maxie put her in place a couple of times," said the sergeant-major.

"It's something to overlook, none the less she and the argonauts are more than qualified for the mission. Let's hope the captain doesn't let her ego get the best of her. Like Maxie I get sick and tired of it myself," said the lieutenant as they were approaching the base. The convoy stopped and Ruby was unloaded and carried to the medical facility. The octoseeker landed on the roof with lieutenant Octillia and the rest of the octolings dismounted and heading inside their headquarters.

10 minutes later Octillia was inside the command center going over the vault mission with her staff. Soon the door opened and in walked Captain Kova of the argonauts. She donned the solid black uniform and armor of the commando unit. While they also wore a black helmet with NV googles attached to them, she chose not to wear it. "If it ain't miss head up her ass," mumbled an octoling.

"I heard that! How about a boot up your ass!" sneered the captain.

"Enough! Let's get down to business, as I'm sure you've been notified about the situation captain. You and your team are being deployed to the vault. We haven't heard anything about the area but we assume that's its being possibly occupied by the rebels," iterated the lieutenant.

Kova leaned against the doorway and flipped her knife back in forth. "Pfff...yes...I'm well aware about the situation. I have ears all over this base and I'm also aware of the missing sergeant...well, possibly KIA. That's a shame. I'll be more than willing to go on a search mission to find her, if she's still alive that is," said captain Kova with insincerity.

"Stow it captain! Right now I'm concerned about the vault. Maxie is a different subject and she's a more disciplined soldier than you'll ever be!" shouted the lieutenant. The captain stood up and holstered her knife.

"I know you're both friends but let's get real...she's a short fuse. She can't always handle herself but hey! She could still be alive... taken captive by the rebels probably. I'll get my squad ready for the mission," said the captain as she walked out.

"She's a piece of work," said one octoling.

"That's putting it mildly. Gotta tolerate her though," said Octillia.

"Not to bring up Maxie but did you wanna send a team to find her?" asked another octoling.

"I have a feeling that Maxie is still alive, call it a intution but I'll make a decision soon about whether I should send a search party or not. I'm leaving to go check on Ruby. I think she'll enjoy the company," said the lieutenant.

Octillia made her way to the medical facility to see an agrivated nurse walk out of the ER. "Their you are Lieutenant, maybe you talk some sense into her," said the male nurse.

"Huh? What's the problem?" asked Octillia.

"She refused to stay and rest. She's more stubborn than you were. You can deal with her since she kept hounding about talking to you about a case and some vial," said the nurse as he left.

The elite walked in and saw Ruby sitting on the edge of the bed with an IV stuck in her arm. "By what the nurse was saying you're already feeling better," she said.

"Oh, Octillia there you are...but yes I'm fine. I was wanting to talk to you," said Ruby.

"So I heard as you were giving the nurse a hard time," said Octillia as she crossed her arms and leaned on the door frame.

"I told them that I was ok and that I just want to return to the lab, by the way. You got a drink...I know you carry around that flask, especially how things have been going lately," said Ruby.

"(sigh) You know me too well, yeah...here ya go," said Octillia as she walked up and handed Ruby the flask. Ruby chugged on the flask with Octillia raising an eyebrow.

"So what did you need to talk to me about?" she asked.

"Oh right, the case that Opal took we found in Otto's apartment. It was unlocked and inside were some documents in human language, also inside it was a vial containing some kind of greenish liquid," said Ruby as she laid the flask down.

"Greenish liquid?" replied the elite.

"I'm not sure either. We were supposed to bring it back to the lab for examination. I'm not sure what the rebels want with it but Otto can read human language...well kind off or at least some words and phrases anyway. I assume that's why they needed him," iterated Ruby.

"What's the case got to do with the vault? I mean besides the case apparently belonging to a human and the vault being constructed by humans long ago. What are we missing?" asked the lieutenant.

"I'm not sure, Otto may know. There was a picture of human inside the case. he was wearing a lab coat. I assume he must've been a scientist or something," answered Ruby.

"We won't know until those rebels are stopped and Otto is returned. I've sent the argonauts to the vault. Let's hope that inkhead survives when the ink starts flying," said Octillia as she crossed her arms.

"Wait you sent Kova and her squad to the vault. Octillia we need Otto alive! Those squirters are just shoot at anything that moves and they'll think Otto sided up with the rebels," said Ruby as she fretted over what she had just heard.

"I can assure you that no harm will come to your researcher. I'll inform Kova and her squad before they get there, don't worry," reasoned Octillia.

"Can you guarantee that?" asked Ruby raising an eyebrow with a critical expression. She picked up the flask again and took another drink.

"You have my word Ruby and give me back my flask before you drink it all," said Octillia as she put her hand out.

"Sorry, I think you're rubbing off on me," said Ruby who handed back the flask.

"Well I hate to say this but you need to at least get some rest... but I won't force the issue," said Octillia as Ruby shot her a glare and crossed her arms.

"You're such a hypocrite...but very well, a little nap then I'm going back to the lab," said Ruby as she laid down with hands under her head.

"Guess I'll let you get some rest, I'm going to head back to the command center. I'll inform Kova about the situation with Otto and hopefully she'll bring him back in one piece," said the lieutenant as she walked out.

When Octillia made it back to the command center she plopped down on a chair and just wanted to relax but after a few minutes a transmission had come in from Octopolis. An octoling wearing a red captain's cap with a gold octopus pinned on it appeared on the screen. "Lieutenant Octillia," she said as the elite turned to see the familiar face. She quickly got up and gave a salute. "General Scarlet," she replied.

"At ease lieutenant, I wanna report. I've rumors floating around about some of our men defecting to the rebels and something about a stolen case. I want some answers," demanded the general.

"(sigh) They're not rumors. We have one researcher that took data from the labs and also freed one of the rebels we had captive for interrogation. We think he's at the vault right now aiding the rebels in their efforts to get inside the vault but he's not alone as recently another researcher had been reported to defect and stole a metal case that could prove vital for the rebel's operations. I've dispatched the commandos to deal with them and retrieve the researcher that took the data from the lab. Captain Kova will ensure that the rebels are stopped and don't make it inside the vault," said Octillia.

"Lieutenant! You've ensured me on too many things, such as letting the human go with the inklings, a recon team is missing in the canyon somewhere, and now two researchers have changed sides by what you've told me. These..."mishaps" will not be tolerated anymore. Is that clear lieutenant or should I demote you and have someone take your place...such as captain Kova," said an agitated General Scarlet.

"N...No General, I can en... (pause) There will be no more mishaps," said Octillia at attention.

"See that their isn't. Your on thin ink and what about the Red Queen? Have you got any intel on her identity and her whereabouts?" asked the general.

"Not yet ma'am but my team is working on it. We've been too busy with impeding the..." said Octillia as she was cut off by the general ending the transmission. "rebels...(sigh) how did she find out about... Kova! I should've known that blabbermouth talked to the general. She's such an ass-kisser, I guess she's gunning for my position...figures," said an irritated lieutenant. She pulled out her flask and finished the liquor off and held it upside down. "Out...again, hope I can stay sober enough until this is all over and smack the ink out of that captain (deep breath)" said Octillia as she put the flask away.

Back in Octopolis at the capital palace, the general was leaving her office after cutting her call to the lieutenant. She headed for the royal hall to meet with the empress and her advisors. She approached a large ornate wooden door that was held open by the octarian royal guards. "General," they replied opening the door for her as she entered the royal hall. The hall like the doors was heavily decorated in japanese design and very large. Tapestry hung from the walls and ceiling. Ornated lanterns lit the room and kept an omniscient atmosphere inside it with a large red and trimmed carpet that lead to where the empress and her advisors would sit for government matters. The general slowly walked toward the other side of the large hall and gave a bow before addressing the empress.

"My empress," said the general as she took a knee to show her respect.

"You may stand general," said the empress.

The empress was a female older octoling with long white tentacles. Her eyes were hazel with purple eye marks around them. She wore a gold ornated octopus comb on her right large tentacle. Her clothing consisted of a white and gold decorated kimono with an octopus engraved in the front with other designs reminiscent of japanese culture. She was sitting on a pillow with two advisors on each side of her. two males and two females each wearing kimonos as well. A line of guards stood at attention in front of them wearing samarai armor and carrying katanas by their side. These were the royal guards that were solely loyal to the empress and would protect her at all cost.

"What brings me your prescience?" she asked the general.

"My empress, I bear news from the Neo-Octarian base about the vault. It appears two resaerchers under Lieutenant Octillia's wing have crossed sides and are aiding the rebels. I've been informed one is at the vault along with rebels and the other one is on their way now with assets that may allow a way inside the vault. The lieutenant has deployed the argonauts to stop them and ensure they never make it inside the vault. Rest assured my empress the rebels will be brought to justice and the peace treaty can continue. We've tried to get a hold of the inkling council but our signal is being jammed or blocked. We're not sure if it's the rebels or the inklings blocking the channel or not. We know that they have placed a naval blockade around our territory and our army is on standby to defend the valley if should the inklings decide to strike. let's hope it never comes to that my empress. We are so close to establish peace over all these years and its time to make amends so our race can thrive and live in harmony," said the general.

"I agree, I don't want war, like you said. It's vital for the octarians to establish peace with the inklings. I can trust you general that the rebels will be stopped and Octavio will brought to justice. By the way, what of the human? Did my ears deceive me or is their really a human alive?" asked the empress.

"Yes my empress but the lieutenant allowed him to go with the inklings... unfortunately," said the general.

"That's a real shame, I would've loved to meet a real human. Why was he let go to the inklings? Who ordered this?" asked the empress.

"It was sergeant Maxie's call. She was the one that rescued the human from the rebels back in inkling territory. Apparently he is a vital asset for the rebels as well, let's hope that the human doesn't fall in their hands," said the general.

"Why would the rebels want the human? And can we be sure he's in safe hands if he is with the inklings?" asked the empress who was not thrilled about the human being let go.

"How I see it with the human with the inklings, I don't believe the squidbeak squad would allow the human to fall back in rebel possession. My report tells me they had a hand in his rescue along with Maxie's team during their mission. We know how vigilant the squidbeak are and we can trust they'll keep him out of harms way. Being the last of his kind I was critical at the idea of the inklings taking him but that will put him further away from the rebels and their controlled territory," said the general.

"Maybe so general but I was never asked if I wanted to permit the human to go with the inklings. Why was this never brought to my attention? Maybe I wanted the human to come back to Octo Valley and welcome him to our society. I society that's evolved around ancient human technology and we have much to be thankful for and show gratitude to the human for all that we have learned from his race," said the empress still not happy.

"Empress, if I may interject," asked one her male advisors.

"Proceed but don't interrupt me again," said the empress unhappily.

"My apologizes empress but once the rebels are dealt with and this war ended we can reestablish the peace treaty with the human baring as a liaison and witness to the two races finally joining in harmony. It's our and the inklings technology that derived from his race. The human can act as a living and breathing bridge among our races and why not sign the treaty as well. This could finally put aside our century long feud among our races and to think what else this human knows knowledge of. Think of what we could learn," said the advisor.

"That...is a great idea, this would call for celebration once we make peace with the inklings once again. I congratulate you my advisor for you've brought hope to the kingdom. A world where inklings and octarians can come together with the help of a human. A race that was thought to be extinct has now returned as a sign of a forever peace," said the empress.

The other advisors clapped and congratulated the male advisor as well. "I whole heartedly agree my empress. The human is the keystone to a world without war. A world our races can finally come together," said the general.

"Make haste general, I want this conflict to end as soon as possible and I want the human accounted for the peace accord once the octo rebels are defeated and Octavio is thrown behind bars. You have my permission to leave," said the empress.

"Right away my empress, I can promise you victory and peace to come" said the general as she gave a bow and left the royal hall.

"My empress do you truly believe the human can bring together the races?" asked a female advisor.

"I'm sure of it my advisor. I have full faith that General Scarlet will lead us to victory and once peace has been established... An empress will need an emperor to rule by her side," said the empress with smile on her face.

---

Maxie was rushing outside of the abandoned city to get to the cephalon HQ before Blake was captured or worse... killed. She was overlooking the main highway leading into the tunnel. The checkpoint was clear with no guards. "Odd...where's the guards?" asked Maxie. She decided to investigate and slide down the rocky ridge and walked up toward the checkpoint with her octo shot raised. She spotted multiple ink puddles and octo shots strewn around at the mouth of the tunnel. "What the shell happened here?" asked Maxie as she bent over to study the scene. Radio chatter got her attention in the guard booth. She walked in and grabbed a radio, the source of the noise. "Radio...for reinforcements! (static) Base under attack (static) Defend...at all cost! (static)" The voice on the radio said. It was clear that it was an octo rebel crying for help but who was attacking the base? Was it Blake? Maxie was thinking.

"There's no time to lose! I gotta reach the rebel base before something happens to Blake," said Maxie as placed the radio on her side. She rushed down the tunnel eager to reach the Cephalon HQ. It wouldn't be until 15 minutes later she would reach the end of the dark long tunnel. She saw light at the end but also spotted a silhouette in the shape of an octoling. She crouched down still hidden in the darkness of the tunnel and aimed her weapon at the figure. As they drew closer into the mouth of the tunnel. Maxie lept from cover with her weapon drawn. "Freeze octoling!" she shouted. "Drop your weapon or I'll splat you!" she demanded.

"No! Don't shoot!" shouted the figure waving their hand.

"Lower your weapon now!" shouted Maxie, seeing the octo shot in the figures right hand. The figure threw the octo shot down and put their hands up.

"Now your charger octoling! And don't try anything!" ordered Maxie with her weapon still on the figure. The octoling slowly reached for their charger and laid it down before getting on her knees.

"Look I don't mean you any harm! Now let me go!" pleaded the octoling. Maxie stepped closer cautiously as she kicked the charger aside. She looked over the octoling but something wasn't making sense.

"Wait a minute...you're not a rebel, who are you? talk!" demanded Maxie. The octoling had purple tentacles instead of red and she was wearing old octoling armor with no red octopus sigil on it as a mark of the rebels.

"You don't have to talk to me like that! And no I'm not a rebel! (sigh) My name's Luna. I'm an octo outcast if your wondering," said Luna.

"Octo outcast?" replied Maxie raising an eye brow.

"Long story short...deserters, we left the army after Octavio was captured. Look the rebels have reinforcements coming and they'll be any moment now, unless you wanna fight them on your own!" exclaimed Luna who was starting to get agitated by the third degree.

"I heard the radio chatter and I'm well aware. What are doing here anyway outcast, deserter or whatever you are?" sneered Maxie.

"It's Luna! To think I used to act like you, a brainwashed grunt promised honor and dignity in the ranks...I don't miss it one bit, so if you wanna be a one octoling army dealing with those rebels then I suggest you let me go and get out of here while you can," suggested Luna as she stood up and brushed herself off.

"I'm not leaving until I find Blake...have you seen him come this way or not? Was he the one that attacked the base?" asked Maxie sternly.

"What? Blake? No! It was me, Izzy and..." started Luna as she paused and looked at Indigo's octoshot on the ground.

"What happened? What are not telling me!?" demanded Maxie.

"It's nothing of your concern..." said Luna with indifference.

"Then just step out of way hippie," said Maxie as she shoved Luna aside. Luna shot her a glare and walked toward the tunnel. She then turned back to the sergeant who was continuing toward the Cephalon HQ.

"Hey!...good luck..." said Luna with little enthusiasm. Maxie just stopped for a moment but wanted to say something. She decided to hold her tongue and pushed to focus on finding Blake.

Luna saw that Maxie wouldn't respond so she turned and walked down the tunnel. She wasn't eager to get back to the village as she knew no one would take the loss of their dear friend and caretaker Indigo. Ever since she and Luna left after the fall of Octavio and his regime. She and Luna had a dream of going to the surface and once they did, they were driven off by the inklings. Seeing them as still the enemy. Luna and Indigo headed back underground but established a camp in Octo Canyon instead of going back to the toppled army that Octavio once ruled over. The army reorganized under the new government body and the outcast camp soon grew to a village that housed octarian exiles and deserters escaping the valley for a new life. Indigo was sort of the village leader or caretaker but now that she had gave her life for what she believed in. Luna would more than likely take the role as the village caretaker. It would prove to be a sad and gloomy time for the gypsy village once she returned without Indigo by her side.

Maxie passed up the next checkpoint and entered the base grounds. Signs of a skirmish proved that the rebel base was under siege but surely this wasn't Blake's doings. Purple puddles were scattered about and she soon spotted the flipped over and heavily damaged Industrial Squee-G. Yellow ink trails were circled about as well as covering what was left of the octo baller and a missing twintacle operator. "Blake sure did a number on the rebels. If it was Blake, who I gotta find. he can't be far. He's probably infiltrated the base. Once I catch up to him we can put a stop to the rebels and Octavio," said Maxie. She soon heard the sound of rotors approaching. Maxie looked up and saw approaching octoseekers, presumably the rebel reinforcements. She hid behind the crashed Industrial Squee-G and watched the rebels dismount. An elite hopped out and scanned the area. "Alright troops! Secure the perimeter and the rest of you! Let's get inside the base and make sure that inkstain agent is taken care of. She will not stop our plans of taking over Inkopolis. She is to be shot on sight!" shouted the elite.

"Moving out!" shouted an octoling rebel as teams split up to scan the area while another team was slowly making their way to the main entrance of the outpost. "Inkstain agent? Agent 3 is here too?" exclaimed the sergeant. "She must be after the zapfish and Octavio, I gotta move before those piss ants beat me inside," said Maxie as she octo formed and swam inside the outpost before the rebels reached the entrance.

It had been 20 minutes before Izzy and the two octolings stormed the base with the fish robot. Blake was crawling through the vents to avoid detection. He reached a three way intersection and decided to go right. Once he came across another vent grate he saw below an empty room. Seeing the room was unoccupied he opened the grate and dropped down. He looked around and saw he was in the control room. One side of the room was the entry and the other were multiple tv screens and computer systems. He watched the screens until something caught his eye in one of them. A look of shock appeared on Blake's face as he saw Octavio and a familiar figure standing in front of the big octopus. Her long black and magenta tentacles gave away the inkling's identity. It was no one else than Callie but Blake could not believe his eyes. "Callie?" he replied still stunned.

He moved closer to the screen to make sure he was seeing what he didn't want to see. He watched Callie give a bow to Octavio before she hopped on his octobot and the two moved out of sight of the camera. "Callie...it can't be, no... Callie wouldn't just leave off with Octavio like that. Octavio must've done something to her...I won't let him get away with this. I promised Marie and the captain I would get Callie back and that's what I intend to do," said Blake. He turned toward the door way but the knob was turning before he grabbed it. "Oh carp, I gotta find a place to hide and fast," said Blake frantically. He dove behind a desk and saw two octolings walk in and head toward the TV screens.

With the door left open, Blake snuck past the two octolings and headed toward the doorway. He was nearly out until the alarms of the base came on. The octolings heard radio chatter of the base under attack and switched the camera feed to the outside. They watched two octolings and an inkling assault the main grounds with the industrial Squee-G they rode on. One of the octolings got on the microphone to alert all personnel to get to their battle stations and stop their attackers from getting inside the outpost.

"Lock down the elevators! Make sure they don't reach the lower levels of the base. We cannot allow them to stop the octozeppelin fleet from taking off. Let's move!" shouted the octoling as the other nodded. When they turned they saw Blake sneak out the door. "Oh hey...um, don't mind me I was just leaving," said Blake nervously.

"Get that fossil!" shouted the octoling before she shook her head not expecting Blake to be in the room with them. Blake raised his octo shot and blasted ink in on the octolings face and then shot the other in the stomach. They were both just momentarily incapitated as the octarian ink had little effect from Blake's weapon. Blake took this chance to dash out of the room before they got up.

"Go after him!" commanded the octoling shot in the face to the other. The other one shook off the hit she took and chased after Blake. The rebel then wiped her face and headed back to the microphone. "Now hear this! The fossil has infiltrated the base! He is to be apprehended! Use any force deemed necessary!" she shouted over the intercom. Blake was now being pursued by the octoling. "Halt!" she shouted at Blake as she shot at him. She quickly octo formed to catch up to him. Blake swerved around the corner of an intersection and spotted two approaching octolings. "There's that fossil! Get him!" they shouted aiming their weapons at him.

"Woah! Time for a U-turn!" he shouted. He rushed the other way with the octolings chasing after him. He spotted the little octopus that was pursuing him before. As she got closer Blake cut a flip over her as she changed back in an attempt to grab him. He landed back down as the other two octolings ran into her, knocking her down. "Ooof...idiots! Go after him! Don't let him escape!" she shouted as she and the other two continued their pursuit after Blake.

Ahead was a large steel door to his left as the hallway opened up into a bay area. "I gotta try and give them the slip. I can't run forever," he turned toward the steel door and rushed inside. Blake closed the door behind and locked it. "I saw that human go in here!" shouted an octoling outside the door as they finally caught up.

"He's in the armory, no need to fret that human can't produce ink!" shouted another. Blake was backed against the door and spotted an array of different ink weapons laid across the room and walls. "Human! Now's your chance to surrender! Come out quietly! You're trapped!" shouted the octoling.

Blake backed away from the door and then looked around for a way to get himself out of his dilemma. He searched around for any ink but all of it was octarian, ineffective against the rebels. "You have the count of three to come out and place your hands behind your head! 1..." demanded the octoling on the other side of the door.

"Blake you gotta act fast, what can you use?" exclaimed Blake as he desperately went through the weapons and supplies. "2..." counted the rebel. Blake still frantically looking for means of defense against the rebels, has no luck as he throws around equipment for anything. "3!" she finished.

The octolings pounded and kicked on the door. The steel proved too heavy and weren't making head way. More octolings showed up and looked at them. "What's going on!" shouted one of them. "The human's locked himself in the armory! We need an ink charge to get inside!" explained the octoling pounding on the door.

"Well, you're in luck, As a matter fact I have one on me," sneered the other octoling that showed up as she pulled out an ink charge.

"Give it here!" she demanded as she snatched it and placed the charge on the door. "Alright, timer is set! Get back! And storm the room once it's blown off it's hinges! That fossil's going down!" she shouted as the group got to a safe distance.

"Oh carp! They're gonna get in!" shouted Blake after hearing what they were doing. "It's no use I'm done for!" he exclaimed kicking an ink tank. Blake then stared at the ink tank. "This is crazy but what else can I do," he said. He kneeled down and grabbed the tank. He placed his hands against the tank and took a firm grip of it. "Ok Blake...concentrate," he said as he closed his eyes and focused on the ink tank. The timer on the charge was ticking as the octolings got ready to storm the room.

Blake was deep in concentration, blocking out the noise around him and his thoughts of getting captured. His eyes quickly jarred open and in front of him was a tank full of ink. "What the...how? That's...impossible," Blake was at a loss of words. How did ink appear in the tank. He picked it and examined it but something else didn't feel right. Blake felt strange, he felt empowered as if a mysterious force was charging him up like as if when he's using the specials that Sheldon had programmed in his watch. He looked and saw that his squid watch was glowing and on it was an emblem of a human shape inside a squid shape. It had already been activated but he didn't activate the special. What was happening? His whole body had a yellow aura around as he placed the ink tank on his back. "What is this?" Blake asked himself. He turned and spotted a splatling resting on crate so he walked up and grabbed it. A beep got his attention at the door followed by an explosion as the door flew back.

"Alright! Head inside and apprehend the fossil!" ordered one of the octolings as they gave a nod. They stormed the room but before they did, Blake dove behind the crate and clutched the splattling as they entered the room. Now was his chance to get the drop on them as he winded the splattling for a surprise attack on the unsuspecting rebels.