Chapter 20 – Freeing Minds
"Hey… didn't Arowana Mall use to be a castle? Arowana Castle right?"
"Yeah… they tore down the ruins years ago though. Why are you asking?"
"Just curious, but if the Squid bags had a castle doesn't that mean they had a royal family?"
"A royal family? Pfft… you've been reading too many fantasy books. They never had a royal family, it's never been mentioned in their history books anyway."
"I guess… just weird they had a giant castle at one point. Like… why would they have that?"
"I dunno, they're squids, aren't they? When have they ever been normal? Freaks the lot of them."
"Hey Janjan, check this out!" A young Inka exclaimed, brush in hand as he squatted next to a wall. He pointed out what seem to be a fading picture on the half crumbling wall to his partner.
Janjan squatted down next to him and blinked. "A mural? Nice job!"
Inka grinned, rather smug that he was first to discover something interesting here in the ruins of Arowana Castle. "Yeah, but look closer and tell me what you see."
Janjan looked at the mural and leaned closer for inspection, her face smeared with dirt and mud. "Two figures facing each other and… are they both holding a star?"
The inkboy grinned. "One's an Inkling and the other an Octoling right? The star represents high class so they're both important people."
"So maybe a meeting? Or gathering?" Janjan pulled out her notebook and began to scribble down notes. "And the star means they're important so… leaders?"
Inka nodded and began to dust away more at the wall, occasionally using a cloth. Janjan gasped as more was revealed. "Knights on both sides and… wait… what the hell is that?"
Her finger pointed to a pitch-black figure in the background of the mural. Whatever it was, it gave her an uneasy feeling.
"Weird… It looks almost human from the pictures at the museum, but they were long gone before we started to evolve." Inka leaned closer as he put on a pair of glasses.
"So why is it there then?" She asked.
The Inkboy shrugged. "No idea… maybe as a sign of danger or omen? Or maybe they unearthed a human skeleton and got scared by it, there could be a number of reasons."
He continued to clean the years of built-up dirt and grime off the wall, finding more murals. Some were too damaged to make out, while others…
"Woah… it's a war. Look!" Inka pointed to a picture of Knights fighting off a horde of what looked like Salmonids, the star holding figures from before were standing side by side with their swords drawn.
An amazing scene… made creepy by the same black figure from before standing on a hill and watching the battle below.
"Bro is so going to flip when we tell him what we found."
Janjan looked away from the black figure and nodded at Inka. "Yeah…"
"You know what's funny?" She said while leaning in closer, her hand reaching up to brush against this dark figure.
"I think I've seen this picture before in other ruins, and it's always only the one."
Inka bent down next to her and took a picture of the mural. "Maybe we can compare notes, it has to have some meaning right?"
Janjan nodded before looking as Cuttlefish walked over. "There you two are. Everyone is already getting together back at camp for lunch. Yeh better get going before the best grub is gone."
Tela ran as fast as she could through the carnage of the city while being chased by the roller twins, past crowds of people who were either running like her or fighting for their lives. Fear and confusion were everywhere as Inkling attacked Inkling with no discrimination.
Up ahead a family of jellyfish were pinned against their home, unable to escape the intense fight in front of them as several Inklings fought like wild animals. Tela felt her heart squeeze painfully as the jellyfish children cried and wept against their parents.
The radio tower… if that mysterious voice was right, then that was the answer to stopping all of this. Whoever it was must be connected to this somehow, so an enemy turned rouge?
Naya and Maya swung their rollers down and sent a wave of ink that Tela managed to dodge with a side roll. With a pained breath she picked up speed again and raced down an alleyway, the octo couldn't keep dodging forever.
The twins were slowly gaining on her bit by bit, their rollers raised high for another attack, then suddenly they stopped as something shot at their feet.
"HeyTela! Keep going, I've got your back!" Callie yelled from the rooftops with a grin, her hand raising up to make the peace sign. "I spotted Sora up ahead if you're looking for him!"
Tela came to a halt and spun around in relief, her hand raising to wave at the Inkgirl. Thank goodness Sora was ok! "Thanks Callie!"
Callie smirked before shooting at the ground before the twins again, making Maya and Naya turn their attention to the agent instead. With blank looks they began to try and make their way to the roofs.
Tela watched for a split second then turned to continue running, her eyes scanning for Sora. With him by her side, getting to the radio tower will be a lot easier.
At the end the alleyway, she finally spotted Sora across the street with his back to her. "Sora!"
Tela felt her heart jump for joy as she ran over and hugged him from behind. "You're ok! I was so worried when you contacted and..!"
Her words were cut short as Sora elbowed her hard in the stomach, causing her gasp for air and let go to stagger backwards. She bent over and clutched her stomach as the Inkboy turned around, his face void of any emotion.
"Sora…?"
Without hesitation, he slammed his Splattershot Pro into her face. Tela squealed in pain and fell backwards, hitting the ground hard and purple ink gushed from her nose.
Tears streamed from her eyes as Sora approached, his weapon now aimed right at her. Not Sora too… this was it… She was going to die at the hands of her boyfriend.
"Get up lass!"
Tela blinked before glancing up at the flying truck from earlier as it suddenly appeared, piloted by Sheldon. Capt. Cuttlefish and Octavio both stood side by side at the opening side door.
"Super jump lass, and be quick about it." Cuttlefish yelled as he took aim with his weapon and fired, hitting Sora's own weapon and causing it to fly from his hands.
Tela wasted no time and quickly turned squid, gathering the last of her energy before jumping, ink streaming from behind her. Sora glanced up and watched them leave with that horrible blank look on his face.
"I've got yer lass, easy now." Capt. Cuttlefish bent down and rubbed Tela's back as she doubled over panting.
"R-Radio… tower…" She panted, desperate to get Cuttlefish to understand. "Need to… get to the… radio tower! S-Sora… why… why him…"
Octavio raised an eyebrow as Cuttlefish nodded at Sheldon who changed direction.
"Why… is he here?" Tela pointed out as she glanced at Octavio. The last she saw of the Octoling, he was imprisoned in a glass globe. Cuttlefish chuckled.
"Simple, I let him out and asked for help."
The two glanced at each other, almost as if silently communicating. Tela had a feeling more had transpired between the two, but kept quiet.
"So why the radio tower?" Octavio eventually asked, sounding curious. "Whole city is at war and that is your target?"
Tela sat back and wiped her forehead. "I got some strange call from someone yelling at me to get to the radio tower, something like… it was our only hope. I don't know why, but I feel like I can trust them even though it makes no sense."
Octavio gave her a funny look. "I hope so Tela, because if not then this city is done for."
"Why Olly, I never knew ya cared." Cuttlefish chuckled. The old Octoling flushed red slightly and turned away with a grunt.
As they approached the radio tower, something else came into view that made Tela's ink run cold. There on the ground sat the Brine-Bringer, guarded by a mixture of White Coats and Octarians.
"So that's where they went. I hope we aren't too late." Octavio said as he narrowed his eyes.
"Damn him… he promised to leave my octarians alone."
"Why do you care?" Tela snapped as she glared at the elderly Octoling. "You made the damn thing to kill the Inklings. Hell… you tried to kill me! And who's him!?"
She was furious, confused and stressed. Why was her ex-boss suddenly acting like he was on their side, and why was Cuttlefish letting him?
Octavio gave her a strange look, a look full of a range of raw emotions. "When we stop this madness and save the city, I'll tell you and Craig everything."
Tela and Cuttlefish shared a look.
So many questions that needed answering… would Octavio really have the answers for them?
"We're here." Sheldon called as the truck began to lower down to the ground.
Cuttlefish placed his hand on Tela's shoulder, gaining her attention. "You go do what yeh need to do lass. Me and Olly will join up with me granddaughters. We need to stop that there Brine-Bringer from being used."
Tela nodded and stood up.
"Good luck." She smiled before shrinking into her Octopus form and superjumping from the vehicle towards the entrance of the tower. Even here the area was filled with Inklings fighting, ink of all colours splattered everywhere along with discarded weapons from… those who didn't make it.
"Don't worry Sora… I'll get you back to normal." She muttered to herself as she ran towards the tower. It has to work… it just has to.
A sudden loud crackle from her communication device almost made her fall over from the shock. "I have visual. You need to get to the broadcasting room. Got that?"
"Broadcasting room? Why?" Tela asked as she pushed through the doors and headed inside. A group of Jellians and fish yelled in alarm and fear at her appearance, clutching at each other for dear life. A group of young Inklings were here too, sobbing as what seem to be their teacher were trying to calm them down.
"I'll tell you more when you get there, and hurry will you? They're ready to start up that dreadful Brine-Bringer."
Tela gulped and sped up, halting in front of the elevator and punching the button. After what seemed like ages, the doors rumbled open. As she entered in a rush, the whole building shook slightly as something outside exploded off in the distance.
It sounded as if the city itself was falling apart, didn't help when screaming could be hard in the distance. Tela steady her breathing as the doors closed and the elevator began to move up, rumbling slightly.
"Oh Levi… I hope you and Janjan are ok." She sniffed and reached up to wipe away the tears and grime from her face. "Sora… I wish you were here with me."
"Everything will be back to normal once you get to the broadcasting room. I promise." The voice crackled from her headset.
Tela opened her mouth to respond but stopped came the elevator came to a halt and its doors slowly opened. No one seemed to be here as she headed down the corridor and towards the broadcasting room.
"Good. See the dials on that large device in the middle? Follow my instructions very carefully and don't mess this up!"
"R-Right… ok." The Octoling nervously said as she sat down. One by one, she twisted the dials to the frequency that the voice told her.
"Now press the green button to your lower right to broadcast your signal."
With shaking hands, she reached over… hesitated… then pressed.
Nothing happened at first, then suddenly the sounds of screaming and fighting from outside stopped. It just… stopped? Tela felt her heart hammering away as she frantically got up and rushed to the large window to view outside.
The city was in a mess, but the fighting had stopped. "What happened?" She asked, but no response came from her headset.
"Hello? Hey! Are you still there? Answer me!"
Tela got an answer this time, but not from the mysterious woman. "Lass? Whatever yeh did, it worked."
"Capt. Cuttlefish! What's happening down there?"
"Everyone acting weird suddenly came too, they're confused and suffering from a headache but otherwise fine lass. Yeh might want to head over though… I'll explain when yeh get here."
"Alright, heading over now." Tela nodded before turning and rushing out. Sweet relief coursed through her… if everyone is ok then that means, Sora… She only hoped the Inkboy doesn't remember attacking her. She knew it wasn't his fault.
Once outside she could see Inklings standing around and holding their heads, looking shocked and confused. It was just mass confusion everywhere… and sadness too. No doubt the city had suffered a massive loss today.
Tela paid no mind to the mess around her as she ran down the street, the great hulking mass of the Brine-Bringer and Octavio's stolen ship coming into view.
Cuttlefish and Octavio seem to be talking to the group of White Coats and Octarians. The White Coats themselves had removed their helmets, showing that they all really were Inklings.
"Ah! Tela me lass! Over here!" Cuttlefish waved as he noticed the approaching Octoling.
"Agent 1 and 2 are currently trying to locate Agent 3 at the moment. Who knows where that lad has gotten himself to." He smiled.
Octavio scoffed as he turned away from his Octarians. "That boy reminds me too much of you Craig."
Tela stopped in front of them, panting hard. "So glad… it actually worked."
The White Suits pointed at Tela and began to mutter among themselves in excitement, until one finally came forward. A green tentacled Inkgirl who grabbed a startled Tela by her hand.
"The elder ones have explained that you saved us! Thank you!"
The other White Suits dropped their helmets and swarmed around the Octoling, their faces full of wonder and happiness as they reached out to touch her.
"Wha…? H-Hey!" Tela gasped and blushed at having her personal space invaded. Weren't the White Suits their enemy? Yet here they were thanking her and acting almost like children.
Cuttlefish chuckled as Octavio and his Octarions stared in disbelief and confusion.
"Alright you lot, give our saviour some room." A White Suit said as she stepped forward, looking much older than the others who reluctantly backed away from an overwhelmed Tela.
A crowd was starting to gather around them now as sirens were heard off in the distance. Tela looked around before glancing at the Brine-Bringer, it's huge mass glinting in the sunlight.
She shivered, feeling uneasy all of a sudden. This felt too easy… could it really be over? Her thoughts were distracted however when someone shouted her name from the crowd.
She spun around and almost cried as Sora raced towards her, Callie and Marie following behind with wide grins. "Sora!"
Without a second thought, she dashed towards him and threw herself into his arms. Her face pushing against his chest as she sobbed.
"It's ok Tela, I'm here." Sora soothed as he held her tightly, rocking slightly with his body. His voice cracked with raw emotion and guilt. "I'm so sorry… I didn't mean to hurt you I…"
Tela hushed him by grabbing his face and pulling him in close for a kiss, her eyes closing. Callie sniggered before being roughly nudged by her cousin who shook her head.
Cuttlefish smiled as he watched the group, before glancing at Octavio who glanced back and nodded. First, they deal with this mess and then get some rest. After that… it was time to get some answers.
Morida sat in his favourite chair and watched the monitors that lined his office wall, a glass of wine in one hand.
His underground lab was in chaos… every screen showed his once obedient slaves racing around like frantic ants. He should have known better, after all… Usagi showed over and over again what her intelligence was like.
She and that other troublesome elderly Inkling was rallying the confused Inkings and guiding them out of the facility, even the breeding rooms were being emptied of eggs and the young.
His beautiful plan… ruined. He should kill them all and start again, just one push of a button and… no… This was fine.
This outcome only showed the potential these creatures have, especially the mongrels. The data cannot lie.
His failure to wipe out the city for the Ark was… regrettable but… no.
Thanks to this new data and research, he had a much better plan now.
Morida turned around in his chair and glanced at the young human female sleeping away in her pod, frozen in time.
He always thought his daughter was perfect… but now he saw only imperfections. If humans were to make a comeback, they needed to be better than the creatures here.
They ALL needed to be better.
Morida threw his glass against the wall where it shattered, the red wine staining the whiteness and looking horribly like blood. Manic laughter filled the room as the monitors shut down one by one.
He'll turn his experiments on the humans in his Ark to help create his new vision, even if it costs them their lives.
It was the price he was willing to pay for perfection.