Chapter 18: I01/G01: Toastmaster Station

The tides go out and take the light.

How will I greet you when we meet?

It keeps me up on inkstained nights.

Owen entered the 2nd boss arena.

"The 2nd boss! Go get 'em, Owen Eight," Pearl transmits.

"I wonder what kind of boss weapon are we are dealing with," Marina transmits.

Then the Sanitized Octo Oven XXL emerges from the Sanitized Ink.

"Woah! A boss weapon made out of food. Didn't see that coming," said Owen.

"We've got this same oven at home," Pearl transmits as Owen shoots the Sanitized Octarians on top of the boss.

"I bet that bread is super stale," Marina transmits.

"I got it! To reach the tentacle on the top, I need to climb the loaves with my ink," said Owen when the bread comes out.

"How did you get so smart," Cap'n Cuttlefish transmits as Owen climbs up.

When Owen blasts the tentacle, it explodes, and she super jumps to safety as Pearl transmits, "smooth like butta!"

When Owen lands, the Octo Oven XXL goes into its second phase.

At an Octarian village, the Octolings were minding their own business. Until Elliot shows up and destroys a statue of DJ Octavio that in the center of the town with one punch. Elliot is wearing his fighting outfit. Everyone noticed him destroying the statue, and he is standing on to of its remains.

"My Octoling brothers and sisters! Is that what you wanted," Elliot continues with full courage. "This mad Octarian of who we call as our king has gone too far! Since the battle from 2 years ago, we have changed. The song of the Squid Sisters inspired us to have independence, righteousness, faith, hope, peace, and spirit. You all know we have lost on that day. But when our so-called King DJ Octavio has left, we finally got a chance to enjoy our lives, being free and not to be judged. Until he returned and made everything back the way it was: no care-free, no fun, no rest, and no free will. Prince Octavius left because his so-called father won't let males join the army. I'm sick and tired of these silly rules that our "king" has made. I heard…. He made it to the surface called Inkopolis. He was welcomed and cared for by the Inklings. They have changed, and so should we. Let me hear from you! Do you want to live free on the surface with no more war and struggle but peace and happiness; forever? Or do you wish to stay and be begging on your knees for the war to end? Tell me! What do you want?!"

"I…. agree," said an Octoling boy.

Everyone stared at him as he continues.

"I agree with this guy! I'm tired of punching in numbers and not getting a chance to do something fun."

"Me too! I want my twin brother to join the army so we can fight; together. But nay, this silly rule that our "king" made won't let him," said an Octoling girl.

Then the whole Octoling population murmurs and saying, "yeah! I'm tired of this war! I want some rest! No more silly rules! I want to enjoy the happiness! No more fighting! I want to have some fun!"

"Are you with me, my people," said Elliot.

"Yeah," said the whole Octoling population.

"Then pack up your things and prepare yourselves! Follow me as your true and new leader! We're going to Inkopolis!"

Then the population cheering and Elliot smiled with gladness.

Back with Owen, she's fighting the final phase of the Octo Oven XXL.

"Ok, Owen! You got this, girl," Marina transmits.

"Now's your chance, Agent 8! Climb," Cap'n Cuttlefish said.

When Owen finished climbing, she blasts and destroys the tentacle.

As she super jumps to safety, Pearl transmits, "IT'S THE LISH!"

Then the Octo Oven XXL explodes with Owen's ink spreading all over the place. Then Owen jumps back to the exit and receives a Marie mem cake.

As she walks back into the subway car, Cap'n Cuttlefish said, "I'm proud of you, Agent 8. Soon we'll be home to freedom."

"Freedom…. the power or right to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. An absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government. The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved. The power of self-determination is attributed to the will, the quality of being independent of fate or necessity. A familiarity or openness in speech or behavior," said Owen.

"Something wrong, Owen Eight? You just went from happiness to serious," said Pearl from the walkie-talkie.

"I think she's talking about how hers and my people don't have a will of freedom. Our people are mind-controlled by Octavio's music," said Marina from the walkie-talkie.

"She's right," Owen continues. "Once I get out of here… I'm going home to give freedom to my people. I bet that's what Prince Octavius and Elliot would've wanted."

"Is it strange that those two have the same ideas," said Pearl.

"Why would you ask that?"

"I don't know. It's just a feeling, I guess."