Chapter 16: Sunlit Backdrop part 1
Ayyy, welcome back to BoTF. Two things: This is another flashback chapter. And, I have a new story I'm working on by request, called "Remnants of Old". It focuses on inklings and octarians alike more than this story does, so if you like my writing style but want to see more Splatoon-ish elements, go check it out. Pls forgive me for short chapter today, I worked on like four stories at once, and a role play, and homework. You'll get Sunlit Backdrop part 2 and another chapter tomorrow.
The view was absolutely breathtaking. The cliff that crested the hills of the beach rose high up into the sky, giving a clear view of the expansive ocean below. The sparkling waves were highlighted by the rays of the rising sun, the pinks and purples of the sky melding together to create a scene that artists could only dream of seeing.
None of that mattered, however, to the group currently residing at the top of the hill for a vantage point, and nothing more. Several of them bore injuries, ranging from minor to life-threatening. Normally the injuries would have been scoffed at; all of them bore the gift of ASL. The fact they were currently in rebellion against a foe with near limitless resources to send against them didn't really help. They all knew ASL fed on natural blood, and overuse caused fatal complications.
Instead, the solemn camp was tended to by the members who had formal training in field medicine, while the uninjured grimly plotted out their next move. Izzy worked his way over to the only tent the rebels boasted. Ignoring the scratches and cuts across his entire body. Inside, he was met with the grim faces of Cyrus, Lightning, and Richter. Arc and Kiev, the other original squad leaders, had secured the escape for the rebels at a high cost.
This was the first time Izzy actually had the opportunity to see Cyrus in all his glory, and frankly, he wasn't disappointed. He stood around 6 feet, 4 inches tall. He was wearing a kevlar body piece, and underneath was a black sweater vest, curving out at the top. He had only his right hand gloved, and even then it was fingerless. His boots and pants were standard issue among commanders; black and prim.
The makeshift room had obviously been in a heated exchange before Izzy walked in.
"I don't like it either. But they say either WE go, or they do." Cyrus grumbled, staring Richter straight in the eyes.
"I'm aware of that, but who is to say that plan has any chance at all of working? The technology is far beyond our grasp, and if it fails we lose not only squad members, but our friends. They need that bond, Cyrus. It's the only thing keeping us together." Richter retorted, giving Cyrus an equally vicious glare.
"Izzy." Lightning greeted him, discomfort clear as she attempted not to involve herself with the dispute.
Cyrus turned to him, reverting to his normal stoic personality. "Izzy. Welcome. If I may, Richter, I say we let him be the deciding vote. After all, it was by the recommendation of you and Lightning that he help lead us."
Richter and Lightning exchanged a worried look, before Richter turned to him, his face unreadable. "The rest of the squad wants us to use our hijacked cryogenic pods to wait out The Authority for a week, since the pods are waterproof and mask heat signatures. Problem is, we'd be leaving the rest of the squad behind, and we can't ensure the pod won't malfunction at launch.
Izzy took his time before replying. "I think we should do it."