Chapter 13 ~ Ink Heart

Sora blazed into the enemy base with ease, leaping over platforms, climbing up ledges in his squid form and splattering Octarian after Octarian with his trusty Scattershot Pro. This was too easy; the Inkling had expected a challenge considering how many Octarians and… oh! There were Octolings here too. That's new.

Yet the Octolings themselves proved easy to defeat, it wasn't long before every surface in the base were covered in blue ink. There was no one left but the Inkling himself as he causally walked towards the Zapfish with a huge grin on his face, his weapon resting on his shoulder.

This cocky attitude quickly ended however when something slammed into the back of his head with extreme force, he spun around dizzily as he tried to catch a glimpse of his attacker.

"GET AWAY YOU INKLING SCUM!"

Sora wheezed in pain as an Octoling appeared out of nowhere and slammed her knee hard into his stomach, sending him flying backwards to land heavily on his back.

The Octoling didn't let up as she stamped her foot on Sora's arm that gripped his weapon, and then proceeded to aim her own Octo-Blaster in his face.

Sora was flabbergasted, annoyed beyond belief and impressed at the same time. This was it… he was going to die. By the purple tentacles of an Octoling who managed to get the best of him, just because he was over-confident in his own skills to check that the base really was free from enemies.

"Stupid Inkling!" hissed the Octoling as her grip on her weapon tightened. Sora blinked behind his dark shades at the sound of her voice, it sounded quite… pleasant, considering what she was.

"Time to say goodbye you monster!"

Sora braced himself for the blast, except… the blast never came. He watched her with growing confusion, why hadn't she splattered him yet.

His eyes widened in shock and bewilderment as the Octoling suddenly gave a half-sob and lowered her weapon. She reached up to the googles on her face and violently ripped them off, revelling angry tear-filled amber eyes.

Sora did a sharp intake of breath as he stared into those brilliant amber eyes, he felt his heart give a little jolt. He had never seen eyes that shade of yellow before, and her facial features were nice too, face shape slightly rounded and soft… the black marking around the eyes that don't join up like Inkling markings do. She was… perfect.

Wait what? Did he just think an Octoling was perfect?

"Take it you damn bastard!" the Octoling cried out, then she stepped off his arm and leaped into a nearby purple ink puddle.

Sora watched as she swam away and felt a slight pang of loss.

Bzzt! Come in Agent 3! Is everything ok lad?

"I'm fine, securing the Zapfish now." Replied Sora and stood up as he continued to watch the retreating Octoling with curiosity and confusion. Yet to his amazement, the Inkling hoped he would bump into her again.

How strange…

Tela kept her eyes down as she walked along the street beside Sora who had his arm wrapped around her waist securely, Ryu walked a little further ahead as he led the way to his apartment in the outer reaches of the city. The Octo-Stealth that the green tentacle Inkling had managed to capture was hidden away in Ryu's bag that every now and then gave a slight wriggle.

Apart from the stares they gained due to Sora and Tela being covered in purple ink, no one seemed surprised or bothered by Tela's presence. Yet she couldn't help but still feel nervous and naked with her disguise, it was just something she was going to have to get used to.

"See?" smiled Sora as he leaned his head closer. "I told you no one is going to bother you. Now stop staring at the ground like a child who's been told off. Show those pretty amber eyes of yours off."

Tela looked up in surprise. "You think my eyes are pretty?"

"Pretty? I think they're beautiful… just don't go making people fall in love with you when you stare at them, or else I'm gonna have to start protecting what's mine."

Tela flushed and stumbled slightly as her legs suddenly felt like they were made of jelly. Honestly… how can he just come out and say those kinds of things? Especially after she had admitted she was in love with him.

Oh Octo… she really did say that to him didn't she. Tela couldn't believe she had right out told Sora she loves him, what must had gone through the Inklings head at that time.

"Hey, Ink to Tela… are you home?" Sora said in a playful tone as he poked the Octoling's cheek, Tela gave a start and couldn't stop herself blushing as she snapped her head towards the grinning Inkboy. Was it normal to blush all the time?

"Y-yeah… just thinking of… stuff."

"Right. Stuff." Smirked Sora, his hand that rested on the girl's hip gave a squeeze. Tela silently gasped at the action and felt her heart speed up as the familiar yet strange sensation of warmth spread around her midriff, what was this feeling?

The Inkboy only grinned, pleased at the reaction.

It wasn't long before they arrived at an extremely tall and in Tela's option, very fancy looking apartment complex building.

Ryu and Sora got into a conversation about Mya and Nya as they waited in the elevator to take them to the desired floor, the twins were apparently on a family holiday in the next city over. They spoke about new training sessions for when the twins returned as Tela shifted from one foot to the other, trying to kept herself awake as her head nodded every now and then.

Her mind felt like mush after all she had been through in the last couple of days… that feeling of un-wellness growing stronger. Tela felt so dazed that she didn't realise she was leaning more and more on Sora who started to notice, his head turning around to gaze at her in concern.

"Tela?"

The Octoling didn't respond, nearly all her body weight was now leaning on the blue-tentacle Inkboy. Sora quickly scooped her up bridal style before she could collapse, his forest green eyes filled with worry.

Tela took the few last steps to reach the top of the large grassy hill she had been climbing, the trek had left her feeling hot and tired… but the view from up here is worth it, the large stretch of the forest below that seem to encircle a beautiful sparking lake… Mountains lined the skyline in the distance, and the cotton candy white clouds that dotted the crystal blue sky.

The Octoling couldn't help but feel… at peace.

"Tela Sweetie. What are you doing here?"

Tela spun around at the familiar voice, her mouth opened slightly as her eyes grew in surprise at the person standing before her.

"Mom?"

Her mother simply smiled warmly, the white dress she wore fluttered in the breeze. She wore no shoes, her bare feet covered by the tall grass.

"You really shouldn't be here Tela, what if those nasty Inklings find you? Do you want them to kill you too?"

The peace and recent joy of seeing her mother suddenly disappeared to be replaced by a horrible chillness, a certain cold that seems to penetrate you deep down where warmth cannot reach.

Tela blinked as she fully turned around to face her still smiling mother, partly noticing how the once blue sky was now a dull grey.

"What do you mean, kill me too? Mom the Inklings are nice, I've met them! They-!"

"You met them?" said her Mother, that warm smile faded away. "You stay away from them Tela, they'll kill you too. Just like them. Just like them."

Tela took a step away from her mother, fear etched into her face. Just what was her mother on about? A loud rumble of thunder caught her attention as she looked up at the now deep-grey covered sky, fat menacing black clouds began to appear and grow at an alarming rate.

"Who!?" yelled Tela as she looked towards her mother again. "You keep saying 'just like them', who is them?"

Her mother closed her eyes and turned away so only her back could be seen by Tela. The Octoling noticed her mother clenching both her fists tightly.

"Them?" The taller Octoling whispered, her body shaking. "Why don't you turn around and see for yourself?"

Tela went suddenly rigid as she felt a dark presence right behind her, slowly she turned around and instantly screamed in terror at the sight. Several figures staggered towards her, black ink dripping off their bodies as they reached out towards her with clawed and tentacle hands.

The most terrifying thing about them were their eyes, wide with fear and desperation… the pupils a misty white. Tela backed away quickly as the nearest corpse like figure went to swipe at her chest, the being looked like… an Inkling?

Despite the fear, Tela could see that the horribly disfigured and gruesome Inkling was in fact an Inkgirl. Her bright pink tentacles stained with that horrible black ink…

"Kill… you… too…" the Inkgirl gurgled horribly as she tried to swipe at Tela again who quickly dashed backwards, she screamed in terror again as her mother suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around her to stop her from moving.

"They'll kill you too." Her mother whispered in a loving tone as the figures closed in, their hands reaching for Tela who began to cry out.

"Kill… you… too."

"Stop! STOP! LEAVE ME ALONE!" screamed Tela as cold clammy hands began to grab at her, black ink began to drip and splash over her body.

The Inkgirl grabbed the Octolings face and bought it closer to her, black ink began to gush heavily from her mouth onto Tela who shrieked in panic.

"Don't let them kill you too Tela…" she whispered, her words perfectly clear despite the ink pouring out of her mouth.

"You're not a pure-blood… They hate you for that, and they'll kill you too. Just like they killed me."

"KILL YOU TOO!"

"AHHH!"

Tela's eyes flew open as she bolted into a sitting position, her mouth wide open as a panic filled scream laced the air. Instantly the sound of a door slammed open and the next moment, a pair of warm arms wrapped around her tightly.

"Hey, shhh… it's ok…" a voice whispered in her ear gently as the arms pulled her into something warm and soft, the terror from the nightmare started to fade as Tela relaxed. It was then she realised it was Sora who had his arms around her, cradling her against his chest as he cooed soft words of comfort in her ear.

Trust Sora to always be there for her when she needed it, guess that's why she fell in love with him so hard and fast. That dream though… what WAS that all about? Did she had the nightmare because of the ordeal she had been through lately?

Tela leaned away slightly and notice they were sat on a bed, the room they were in must be the spare bedroom in Ryu's flat.

Sora raised a hand and cupped Tela's cheek, gently moving her face to look at him, his eyes filled with concern and questioning.

"Nightmare." Stated Tela simply as she smiled in embarrassment. Understanding filled the Inkboy's face, then he leaned forwards and kissed her on the nose.

"I'm just glad you weren't in trouble. I was helping Ryu to interrogate our… special guest when I heard you scream."

Special guest? He must mean the Octo-stealth solder.

"Why don't you go back to sleep Tela? It's still pretty late."

Tela glanced towards the window which was indeed pitch black before looking at Sora again, then she blushed and turned her head away. She really didn't want to be alone after that nightmare, yet she felt embarrassed to ask.

"C-can you ummm…" stuttered Tela as she started to wring her hands together. Sora who still had his arms wrapped around her looked at her face with a slight smirk, as if he knew what was on the girls mind.

"S-stay with me? Just… just until I fall asleep. If… if that's ok?"

Sora grinned before swooping down and pressing his lips against her own, Tela gave a little squeak of surprise. Then, she relaxed in his grip and closed her eyes as her hands rested against the Inklings chest.

Sora broke the kiss and nuzzled his forehead against hers.

"It's more than ok." He whispered before kissing her again. The Inkling grabbed hold of her hand and pushed her down to lay flat on the bed with him above her, her hand pinned to the bed while her other hand lay trapped between her chest and his.

Tela stared wide-eyed at Sora and blushed when she saw that he was watching her through half-closed eyes filled with desire.. Then they flitted closed as he pressed harder, his lips parted slightly. Tela screwed her own eyes closed and whimpered as she felt his sharp fangs scrape slightly against her lips.

Why does something like this make her feel so good? Was it normal to feel hot inside and desire more of it?

Tela parted her lips with a hiss when Sora bite down particularly hard, then gasped when she felt something wet and large enter her mouth.

Oh my sweet Octo! His tongue is in my mouth… HIS TONGUE IS IN MY MOUTH!

Sora seemed to be enjoying himself as he explored every inch of the inside of her mouth, Tela gave a slight whimper as his tongue began to brush against her own. It felt so good despite the slight tingles his ink was causing.

She felt herself being swept up in this ever-growing passion as she wrapped one of her legs around the Inkling waist, her hips buckled up slightly. Sora growled into her mouth and responded with a buck of his own hips, he wretched his mouth away and watched with passionate eyes at the string of ink that faded from purple to blue connecting their mouths.

"I thought you wanted me to sleep?" breathed Tela huskily, her own desire-filled eyes looking up at the Inkling above her.

"I did, but this seems more fun." Grinned Sora, his fangs glinting brightly. "I think… I'm in the mood for purple tonight."

Tela blushed and moved her head to the side, exposing her neck to the Inkling who eagerly pressed his mouth against the tender flesh. The Octoling gave a sharp gasp and gripped Sora's shoulders as she felt his fangs sink into her neck, yet the pain only seems to fuel the burning heat inside.

Tela moaned as she felt the Inkling begin to suck hard at the bite mark he had made, she moved her head slightly and watched with fascination as Sora's tentacles slowly changed from sky blue to a deep purple.

"I… I want to bite you too!" gasped Tela without thinking, then froze as Sora parted from her neck and leaned back to grin at her excitedly. Then with hardly any effort, he rolled them over so that he was on his back with Tela on top.

Without a word, Sora turned his head to the side and exposed his neck to Tela who blinked. Then with slight hesitation… she leaned down, her mouth suddenly dry as his scent became stronger. Oh how she loved the smell of him, would he taste just as good?

Tela pressed her lips against the Inklings neck and felt him shuddered beneath her, then slowly… she parted her lip and bit slowly into his flesh, her fangs sinking in as purple ink began to swell. Sora gripped her hips tightly and let out a moan of pleasure as the Octoling began to suck hard, swallowing and tasting his ink.

"Hey Sora, is everyth- HOLY SQUID!"

Tela stopped what she was doing with a jump and looked behind her to see Ryu standing at the doorway with a bright red face, his eyes wide in horror.

"Oh, hey Ryu. What's up?" smirked Sora as he gave a little wave. Tela on the other hand was completely mortified at being caught so intimate, her face burning with embarrassment as she looked away to avoid the spectacled Inkling.

Ryu looked like he was about to explode before giving a defeated sigh and holding up both his hands.

"You know what? I really shouldn't be surprise at your actions anymore… I'm going to bed."

With that, Ryu walked out of the room and slammed the door shut. Sore started to laugh as Tela looked at him, a slight smile tugging at her lips, then she suddenly yawned loudly as a wave of tiredness hit her.

"Hey…" Sora sat up and smiled warmly as he wrapped his arms around the Octoling. "I guess we should get to bed too."

Tela nodded her head and tried to ignore the feelings of disappointment that they weren't continuing with where they had left off.

"Good idea, I feel like I could sleep for days." She said with another yawn.

"I love you."

Tela blinked. Did… did she just hear what she thought she heard? Sora leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips. "I love you Tela." He whispered as he pulled back slightly, his warm breath felt pleasant on her skin.

He loves her? Sore loves her! A wonderful feeling of pure joy erupted in her chest as Tela beamed with delight, she grabbed the Inklings face between her palms and pressed her lips hard against his mouth.

When she pulled back, Sora's eyes slowly were slightly glazed over and hooded, his face dusted with a deep blush.

"I love you Sora."

Both stared at each other lovingly before sharing one last kiss, then they snuggled into bed despite wearing their clothes still. Tela snuggled up against Sora's chest as the Inkboy wrapped his arms around her, tucking her head underneath so that his chin rested on top.

"Say it again." muttered Sora sleepily. Tela yawn and closed her eyes.

"I love you Sora."

"I love you too."

Soon they fell asleep, happy contented smiles on their faces.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tela wasn't surprise when she was the first one to wake up the next morning, trapped within Sora's arms as the Inkling continued to snore away, his tentacles back to its beautiful sky blue.

The Octoling didn't try to move and instead, was quite contented to watch Sora's face, giggling slightly at the sliver of ink-drool dribbling from his open mouth.

Tela felt like the luckiest Octoling in the world at that moment in time, laying snug in the arms of the person she loved. To think… she first came to Inkopolis hating the Inklings, and now… she's in love with one.

Sora gave a grunt and turned on his side more towards Tela.

"Te… la…"

The Octoling giggled again when she realised Sora had just uttered her name in his sleep.

"Bite… me again…" muttered the Inkling as Tela took a sharp inhale of breath, a blush growing on her cheeks as her heart gave a skip.

Was he… was Sora having a dirty dream about her!? Perverted Squid!

Then Tela realised she could have fun with this, the Octoling swiftly pushed against Sora so he was on his back and quickly clambered on top of him, straddling him. Sora woke up with a start and looked up at Tela with dazed sleep-filled eyes.

"Tela? Why did you wake me up? It's too early…" whined the Inkling as tried to blink the sleep from his eyes. Tela placed both her hands on his chest and smirked with mischief.

"Wake you up? Didn't you just ask me to bite you again?"

Forest green eyes suddenly widened as Sora blushed heavily, his mouth slightly hanging open.

"I'm… still dreaming?" he muttered in awe.

Tela leaned down so her mouth was next to his pointy ear. "You tell me."

Then the Octoling nipped his ear with her fangs, causing the Inkling to gasp in surprise and slight pain.

Tela laughed and sat backwards. "You're awake you doofus! I'm only messing around with ya!"

Sora stared in bewilderment, then a sly smirk appeared on his face. Before Tela could enquire what he was planning, the Inkling grabbed hold of her hips and rolled them over so that now he was the one on top.

"Naughty little Octoling, waking me up like that. I think someone needs to be punished." Grinned Sora wickedly as he grabbed Tela's wrists with both hands and pinned them down on the bed so she couldn't escape.

Tela stared nervously at the Inkling above her as her heart began to rapidly speed up, that familiar heat seemed to flicker and come alive inside. How had this situation turned out like this? She only wanted to mess around with him for having perverted dreams about her.

Sora made a show of licking his lips and began to slowly lower his head.

(Rumble)

Tela blushed in embarrassment and looked away at the loud rumbling growl her stomach had made, she may have forgotten about being hungry but her stomach hadn't.

Sora chuckled. "I think my punishment can wait till later, let's get some food in you."

"Tela felt her mouth water at the prospect of food and eagerly nodded her head. The pair climbed off the bed and made their way towards the kitchen, half an hour later and Tela was gobbling down pancake after delicious pancake topped with a generous helping of maple syrup.

"These are so goooood!" moaned the Octoling in delight and proceeded to shove another forkful of the heavenly made pancake in her mouth.

Sora grinned with pride as he packed away the ingredients he had used. "I'm glad you like my cooking."

Sora finished up and then went to sit next to Tela at the table with his own plate of pancakes, he was just about to reach for the bottle of maple syrup when Ryu suddenly appeared through the doorway.

"Ryu! Didn't think you'll be up for a couple of hours." said Sora in surprise.

"Actually… I've already been awake for the last hour." Replied Ryu looking slightly tired but fully alert, he pushed his glasses up with a finger as Sora and Tela looked at each other.

"I've been dealing with our little friend and have managed to gleam some very, VERY useful information off him."

Tela lowered her fork and stared at Ryu. "Well? Did he say anything about my sister?"

"I'm afraid not." Said Ryu regrettably as he shook his head, this caused his glasses to slip down slightly.

Tela gave a sigh and turned her gaze to the remaining pancakes on her plate and found she no longer felt hungry.

Please let Levi be ok… Sora glanced across and moved his hand to intertwine his fingers with the Octolings own, he gave her hand a squeeze and smiled at her.

"We'll get your sister back." He said as Tela flashed him a grateful smile.

Ryu took a seat at the table and placed his elbows on the surface, his hands and fingers pressed together.

"I've managed to learn where DJ Octavio is going to keep the zapfishes he stole, and I'm afraid it spells bad news for us."

"What do you mean Ryu? What did the little Octo-creep tell you?" asked Sora, his face becoming serious and hard, Tela realised it was his Agent 3 face.

Ryu tapped his fingers together, his eyes narrowing and sharp looking.

"The Octarians are planning to use the electricity to fuel their most powerful Octo-weapon, they want to restart the Great Turf War. Sora… this weapon, they call it the Brine-Bringer. It uses salt-water as it's ammo…"

Tela gasped in horror and clutched at her neck as Sora took a deep breath, his eyes burning with anger.

Saltwater… a big enough splash of that could kill a whole crowd of Inklings AND Octolings. It's the most acidic substance known to them…

But why? Why use saltwater? Something felt wrong, but the Octoling couldn't quite put her finger on it.

This didn't seem like DJ Octavio's style at all…