Chapter 5: Grudges with a Splatoon
"Making amendments to the squidbeak."
Back down in the depths, Akikta, Nakji, and the salmonids followed the octoling from a reasonable distance.
During the exiles' retreat, she had led the group through a small service tunnel—which Rick had no knowledge of until now.
It was off-putting how the octoling knew more about Atlantis than the salmonids living in it, but Rick did mention he recognized her. Curiosity bubbled within, creating a painful urge. There was probably no better time to ask questions than now. "Rick, how do you know her?" Akikta whispered, not wanting the octoling to know he was talking about her.
"Many moons ago, when the usurper was still just a common warrior, he brought that octoling and three others here. He claimed it was for the betterment of the clan... his decision got several of our war chieftains killed by the tentacles of those cephalopods." Rick explained, which actually confused Akikta more than it answered his questions.
"Wait, wouldn't that make you not trust her?"
"Look at her, human," Rick said. Akikta did as told. "The way she moves is that of a predator. Her strides are slow, careful, calculated... an efficient killer."
"Ok, you're losing me..."
Rick grumbled. "If she truly wanted us dead, we would've been dead. We wouldn't have even heard her coming." Now that Rick mentioned it, Akikta realized how right he was.
During his first encounter with her, Akikta didn't even hear her approach in those narrow tunnels, he only sensed incoming danger. She could've easily ambushed him and Nakji. And again, back at the Manta Maria, she chose to talk rather than fight. Considering how strong these cephalopods were, he had no doubt in his mind that he would've lost the fight were it not for her seeing his face.
She had every reason to kill him, but even now, she didn't choose violence against him. It was... strange.
"We could use her killing talent. Especially against the likes of the usurper..."
Akikta was reminded of his other question. "Oh, right! Speaking of him... what's the deal between those two?"
Rick shook his head. "No idea. After what happened years ago, the usurper has been... touchy on any subject regarding her, to say the least."
Akikta's eyes went back to staring at the octoling. Something happened between those two, and he was aching to know what. Maybe he should just ask? No, that was a stupid idea. After what happened on the Manta Maria, there was no way she'd share now. Then again, it wasn't like he had any other choice.
Akikta decided to bite the bullet, gradually tiptoeing his way closer to the octoling. Then, as if she were psychic, her pace slowed, allowing him to catch up faster than he would've liked. Akikta didn't immediately speak to her, choosing to walk beside her quietly instead.
The damp and ruined tunnel didn't exactly help Akikta come up with any good conversation starters. What should he even say to her? He couldn't just straight up ask her about Sal. Maybe he should apologize, but for what? Beating her twice? Getting her team attacked? Not trusting her? Getting Marie kidnapped? There was a lot...
A moment passed; then Akikta turned to her. "Uh, you never did tell me your name..." He started, unsure how the octoling would respond.
"Eight..." she said plainly.
"Eight? Is that your real name or...?"
"It's the only name that matters to me now." She stated non-aggressively. Akikta expected Eight to show more hostility, but she spoke like they were acquaintances.
He put his hands behind his back as they walked. "Look, Eight, uh... I'm sorry about... everything. Punching you in the face, giving you a hard time back at the metro, and... well, getting Marie in serious trouble." He said with genuine sincerity, fumbling his fingers over one another while looking ahead. "I never meant for things to get this bad..."
Akikta watched from his peripheral vision as Eight looked at him. "It's alright. I forgive you..."
Akikta looked back at her in shock. "Y-you do?" Eight nodded before looking ahead again. She had no reason to lie, but it was hard to believe she forgave him so easily. "Why...?"
"Because... I was once in your position. I know what it's like to do something you didn't mean to do. And to do something you don't want to do."
Akikta crossed his arms. "What happened? Between you and Sal, I mean."
"Please, call him anything but Sal," she said softly, but with a certain sternness in her voice. "And... it's a long story. I met him during a shift at this part-time job. It wasn't lucrative, but it was the only way I could make ends meet."
"Aren't you an agent?"
"Yes, but we don't get paid for saving the world. Not usually, anyway."
Huh, sounds like being an agent is a terrible job. Akikta thought, quickly shutting up to let Eight finish her story.
"Me and him had some common interests and bonded. I got to know him... at least, I thought I did. But he's a pathological liar and only tells people the things they want to hear." Eight grabbed her shoulder. "I really thought we were friends..."
Akikta frowned. "Yeah, well, I thought we were friends, too." Eight looked at him. "Can you believe this whole time I thought he was human? Like me? Man, I must be an idiot. All the red flags were right in front of me, and I didn't see them."
"No, I wouldn't say that." Eight shook her head before facing forward. "You weren't an idiot. You were desperate." She suggested.
"Honestly, I'm still a little shocked that you're actually a human. But if you assumed he was human too, can I assume that you're the last of them?" Akikta remained silent. "I couldn't imagine living in a world where I'm the last one of my kind left. The thought alone scares me..." Eight shuddered. "If I were in your shoes, I'd be clinging to the hope that another octarian was alive. In fact, I'd probably believe anything anyone told me. Desperation can make people do some unbelievable things." Eight placed a hand on her chin. "Besides, it'd be hypocritical of me to blame you for trusting him so easily."
Eight realized she was rambling too much and shook her head. "What I'm trying to say is, you just weren't thinking straight. I've been there." She patted his shoulder in assurance, but it only made him frown harder.
"Well, you're right and wrong." He said, causing Eight to raise a brow.
"Yeah, I thought Sa–I mean, Eosalmo, was human. But that wasn't the sole reason I trusted him." Eight removed her hand from Akikta's shoulder. "Until a week ago, I wouldn't have even considered abducting someone, let alone a celebrity! I mean, punching girls? Becoming wanted by some secret organization? Hell, I was even snatched up by some pirates at one point! But... I'd go through all of that as many times as needed if it meant my brother would be saved."
"Brother?" Eight said, flabbergasted. It must've been quite a shock to learn a human was alive; now she was learning there were two of them.
"Yeah... I have an older sibling. He's been there for me when I needed him the most. I'd do anything for him."
"What's going on with him?"
"I'm sure you've seen the news. He's what everyone is calling the 'Ink Demon.'"
Eight's brows furrowed in confusion. "He doesn't look very human..."
"Well, he wasn't always like that. I don't know exactly what happened to him, but my people turned him into that monster. Eosalmo said he'd help me change him back. All I had to do was bring him Marie." He clenched his fists, trembling lightly. "I went through all that hell, and I got him Marie! And you know what he says to me? He asks if we really need to change my brother back, and admits he doesn't even think it's possible! If it wasn't possible, THEN WHAT THE HELL WAS ALL THIS FOR?!" He shouted, immediately realizing his anger boiled to the surface. Akikta looked over his shoulder to see Rick, Biggie, and Nakji looking at him worriedly. He sighed, shamefully looking down.
After a moment of silence, Akikta lifted his head back up. "By the way, how did you find us?"
"Oh, well, I asked Marina to hack into the system. We intercepted some transmissions, and when those salmonids discovered you, so did we. The others don't know this place half as well as I do, so I was able to pinpoint your location." She explained.
Akikta nodded. "Oh, that makes sense." He lets all the information sink into his brain, only for his eyes to widen. "Wait, Marina? The others?"
"Yes, that's what I said..." Eight said awkwardly.
"Wait, wait, is the whole platoon here?"
"Well, yes. You didn't think I'd come alone, did you?" In hindsight, that was a stupid question. One he brushed aside with an awkward chuckle.
His whole body nervously shook after realizing Eight was most likely bringing him and the rest of the group to the Splatoon.
Sure, it was a lot easier for Eight to forgive him, but what about the rest? He broke one member's flute, stole another member's cousin, and let's not forget the time he literally sliced another's tentacle clean off. Would they ever forgive him after all of that?
Eight noticed he was quivering. "Look, I um... heard about what you did to Marina. Frye too. We kinda pushed you into a corner, so I can see why you did what you did. But most of us are understanding. I'm sure we can amend things..." Akikta could hear the uncertainty in her voice. Not even Eight was convinced the Splatoon would forgive him, but the fact that she was on his side in this made him feel a lot better.
"Thanks." He murmured and stopped shaking.
Later, the group would arrive at an open area with a few makeshift barriers, towers, and platforms. Some tunnels spiraled in different directions, and the ceiling wasn't completely covered in debris this time. Instead, a few holes allowed some red light to seep in, giving the place a rather ominous atmosphere.
In the center of the place was a large white tent; Akikta could hear muffled speaking and saw the silhouettes of multiple figures. No doubt, it was the Splatoon.
Eight stepped in front of the group, turning to face them. "You all should wait here while I break the news to them." She looked at Akikta. "I'll tell the others everything you told me. Hopefully, their first instinct isn't to attack..." Eight took in a deep breath before turning to head inside.
Akikta and Nakji sat on one of the makeshift barriers while Rick and Biggie stood close by and discussed other things amongst themselves.
It felt like hours had passed by, though it was only a few minutes in reality. He became lost in his thoughts, unsure of what to say to the Splatoon.
His thoughts were interrupted by Nakji leaning on him. "You're nervous. Why?" she asked, breaking the silence.
"I'm not sure if you remember Nak, but we're not exactly on good terms with the people in that tent. I don't know how they'll react to seeing us again..."
Nakji grabbed the handle of her blade. "Don't worry. I won't let them lay a tentacle on you."
"Whoa–" Akikta chuckled nervously before placing a hand over hers, stopping Nakji from unsheathing her katana. "Thanks. That really means a lot to me, but I'm the one that got you into this mess, technically." He folded his hands over his lap. "Whatever comes, I'll handle it."
"Pearl! Wait!" Eight's voice shouted. She sounded panicked.
Akikta looked towards the tent to see the entrance wide open. That's when he noticed a small figure charging at neck-breaking speeds towards him—Pearl. Akikta shot up to his feet, and Nakji hopped in front of him, ready to draw her blade.
Before Pearl had a chance to do anything, Eight tackled her to the ground and did her best to restrain the small squid. "Lemme go, Eight!" Pearl barked, clearly unhappy with being pinned. Luckily for Akikta, despite Pearl's trashing and transforming, she could not escape Eight's fierce hold. While the octoling tried to calm the ferocious animal, the rest of the Splatoon exited the tent.
Most of them were shocked when they laid eyes on Akikta, like they couldn't believe what they saw. Even the captain, who had been as emotionless as a rock throughout all his encounters with her, showed some semblance of surprise.
"I guess Eight didn't hit her head that hard at all..." Frye whispered, though not very quietly.
Akikta observed the whole group's stunned reaction, and while they were ogling him, he did some ogling of his own.
The Splatoon's agents were still in their gear, but they no longer shared the same ink color. Furthermore, Deep Cut and Off the Hook were still in their celebrity attire, though their clothing was partially in tatters.
Aside from Eight, everyone suffered from some kind of injury, evident by the patched bruises and bandages wrapped around them. Coral, the captain, had the least amount of injuries compared to the rest of the group.
While none of their wounds were grievous, the hardest to look at was definitely Marina's, considering he caused it. One of her long-flowing tentacles was now replaced by a stump, tightly wrapped in a white cloth.
Akikta expected Marina to be brimming with anger at him for what he did. Her eyes sparkled, but not with rage. In fact, out of all the shocked faces, Marina looked the most excited.
No, it was Callie's eyes that were filled with anger, which Akikta could see after she took off her visor glasses. It disturbed him, since Callie was known to be a bubbly and friendly inkling. He's seen so himself back at the concert. Though he shouldn't have been surprised. He did get her cousin kidnapped, after all.
There was silence between the group, the only noises being Pearl's constant struggle against Eight. After a minute, the shocked expression of Coral eventually went away, and she crossed her arms. This was his cue to say something to avoid getting beaten again, or worse.
Akikta took a deep breath before gently pushing Nakji to the side. "H-hey. It's me... again..." He said nervously. Sweat trickled down his forehead as the only response he got was glares of suspicion, anger, and curiosity. "So, we kinda got off on the wrong foot–"
"Wrong foot?" A voice interrupted, only for Metta to step up. "You stole lil buddy!" She shouted, with the smallfry happily bobbing up and down in her makeshift backpack.
"You broke my flute," Frye said casually while raising her hand.
"You hurt Marina!" Pearl growled, still thrashing around on the ground.
Akikta raised his hands defensively. "I-I know! And I'm sorry, for all of it. Please, I didn't mean for things to escalate this far."
"Sorry?" Callie stepped up. "You're sorry for everything you did?"
Nakji was about to say something, but Akikta caught the aggression in her eyes and held up a hand, signaling for her to back down. "Yes, I really am!" He exclaimed, about to say more, but Callie wasn't having any of it.
"You weren't mind-controlled. You chose to do everything you did!" Callie approached him angrily. "I don't care if you're human. That doesn't excuse the things you did! Sorry won't unhurt Marina. Sorry won't fix Frye's flute. And sorry won't bring back my cousin!" Callie vented, getting right up in Akikta's face. He could see the tears about to burst from her eyes with how close she was. "You're a monster!" Her shout echoed throughout the area, causing everyone to go silent. Even Pearl stopped fighting Eight's hold to pay attention to the scene.
Akikta lowered his arms. There was nothing he could say to Callie... because... "You're right..." His response confused Callie, but she kept her angered look. "I'm no better than the guy I handed your cousin off to. And I know no amount of apologies will fix what I've done... I just..."
"You just what?!" Akikta looked down, unable to hold back his own tears any longer.
"I miss my family..."
Callie's face suddenly eased up. Akikta fell to his knees, causing her to back up.
"Why me... why'd it have to be me?" He croaked, falling to his hands. "I didn't ask for this! I didn't want to hurt people! I just wanted to see the surface with my family—with my brother!" Tears dropped on the steel floor as Akikta's hands clenched into fists.
"I didn't ask to be frozen for thousands of years!" Akikta slammed the ground, bruising his fists. "Who wants to be the last of their species? To hurt people without rhyme or reason? I don't! I just... I didn't want to be alone..." He relented, un-balling his fists, still crying.
"Look... I made mistakes. I know that. But what more do you want from me? I'm human. That's what we do! I didn't expect this to be my life! But it is, and I can't change that. So I thought... if things can't go back to the way they were, then I can at least bring my brother back!"
Akikta took a few more seconds to sob before taking in shaky, shallow breaths. "But, you're right. It's no excuse. My brother may be important to me, but that doesn't make putting all of your lives in danger right."
A small laugh escaped Akikta amidst his tears. "You know what's funny? A week ago, I didn't even see you creatures as people. I could've cared less about what happened to your kind... but then I met Nakji." Akikta couldn't see it, but a small smile spread across Nakji's lips. "She showed me that you guys aren't so different from me. And even then, I still chose to make bad, selfish decisions. Those decisions got you all hurt... and it even got others killed. I... told myself what I was doing was for my brother, and that nothing else mattered." He sighed. "But I was wrong."
His eyes closed; then he sat up. "You're right. I'm a monster. What I've done is inexcusable. You don't have to forgive me, but please, let me help!" Akikta opened his eyes. "Somewhere here, there is a psychopath who wants my DNA to build a clone army of humans. If he gets that, he'll wipe Inklings, Octarians, and who knows what else off the face of the Earth."
He groaned and gripped his stomach, feeling a sharp pain course through him. "I... I don't have much time left anyway, and I realized nothing I do will bring my old life back. But please, if I can't save myself, or my brother, at least let me save the new world!" He frowned, avoiding eye contact with the group while waiting to hear what the others had to say.
At first, there was nothing. Then he heard shuffling noises coming towards him.
Akikta looked up to see Frye standing over him. She had a somewhat stern look on her face. Her hand raised as if she was about to hit him. Instead, she extended an open palm towards him. The gesture confused Akikta. "I have younger siblings of my own. I'd do anything for them, too..." She smiled, showing her sympathy towards Akikta. Luckily, there was someone here who could somewhat relate to him.
"Ay, if he did all that for family, surely he can't be that bad?" Big Man suggested, attempting to cull the rest of the group's anger.
"Are you serious? He attacked Marina!" Pearl rebutted.
"I'm sorry..." Akikta said, taking Frye's hand, who'd then help him up. "I didn't mean to harm her. I was only trying to destroy her computer." He wiped away a few of his tears. "I always did have bad aim... So, in hindsight, maybe I shouldn't have been the one to throw that blade."
Pearl opened her mouth but was interrupted by Shiver before she could speak. "Oh, calm down, Pearl. I feel for dear Marina too, but you act like her tentacle won't grow back." She gave a toothy grin before hiding it behind her opened fan.
When her overreaction to the situation was revealed, Pearl's face changed slightly red. Honestly, even Akikta had forgotten that they were cephalopods at the end of the day. Losing limbs was probably a norm for them.
"Don't worry, Pearlie, I swear I'm ok. I really do appreciate your concern, though!" Marina's forever worried expression showed the tiniest hint of happiness.
Despite the victim being alright with what happened, Akikta didn't like how what he did was being downplayed. "No, Pearl is right to be mad. If it weren't for her, I could've..." He bit the bottom of his lip hard, barely drawing blood. There wasn't enough strength in him to finish his sentence, partially because if he did, he'd think of how things could've gone. "You should be mad!" Akikta declared, referring to Marina.
The octarian looked away. Then she smiled. "I guess I should be. But you've already been through a lot, haven't you?" Akikta frowned. She was right. "Besides, I've also done things I didn't mean to do! Mistakes happen, so the important thing is we learn from them." She said happily, causing everyone in the room to look around at each other.
"The worst he's done is squidnap the boss, and he seems genuinely sorry about that. Maybe we should cut him some slack, ay?" Big Man inquired, wanting to resolve things peacefully.
Frye nodded in agreement to Big Man's statement, and Eight gave a thumbs up to advocate for their suggestion. Shiver seemed indifferent about the situation, whereas Metta, the other inkling agent, and the Captain were unsure how to move forward.
The only ones who seemed completely against the idea were Callie and Pearl, both of whom had the expression 'NO' written all over their faces.
Marina stepped forward to voice her own thoughts. "Guys, I know a lot is going on right now, but think of the situation we're currently in. The human–sorry, Akikta, has expressed his wish to help us! We could really use it." She looked off to the side. "Plus... we're in a human-made vessel. If anyone knows this place and its mechanics, it's him!"
"And let's not forget those skills he used against me back on that ship! His fighting spirit would totally help us!" Frye added, pure excitement prevalent in her tone.
Akikta was surprised Marina and Frye went out of their way to defend him, especially after what he did to them.
"Well, it isn't every day you get to work alongside a human. Perhaps we'll see what they're capable of," Shiver commented.
"I guess I'll settle for a temporary truce. As long as he keeps his hands to himself this time!" Metta said, furrowing her brows. The captain and the other inkling agent agreed with a simple nod.
Pearl's lips curled downward. "Fine. I'll work alongside him. But on one condition: I get some payback for Marina!"
"Pearlie, that's really not–"
Akikta raised a hand to interrupt Marina. "No, no. If it's payback she wants, it's payback she'll get. It's the least I can do after everything I've done." He gestured for Pearl to step forward. "Come on, let me have it."
A slight smirk appeared on the squid's face as she approached Akikta. The look in her eyes alone told him this would probably hurt like hell.
She stopped right in front of him and waved her hands, signaling she wanted him to lower down to her level. Akikta took in a deep breath in preparation before bending down.
Pearl reared her hand back, and Akikta braced himself by closing his eyes. Suddenly, a loud slap and a searing pain on his cheek overtook him. He stumbled before opening his eyes, holding his face with one hand.
That was definitely the hardest slap any woman has given him. But the pain wasn't exactly unbearable. "Huh, that wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be." He said, rubbing his cheek.
Pearl raised an eyebrow in confusion. After a second, her face changed to realization, and she laughed. "Oh, that was for squidnapping Marie. This is for hurting Marina." Without giving Akikta a chance to react, Pearl delivered a quick but devastating jab, nailing him right in the crotch.
The pain quickly crippled the teen, and he folded onto the ground like a lawn chair instantly.
"Pearlie! What did you do?!" Marina rushed over to them.
"I kicked 'em where it hurts! At least, that's what a book on humans I read said. Looks like it was right." Pearl said with a smug smile.
Akikta whimpered and twitched in response, unable to do anything but gasp and writhe around the floor in pain. Nakji kneeled to him, hoping he wasn't dying.
The pain almost made Akikta cry, but the sight of a saddened Callie kept him from wailing. "C-Callie?" Akikta choked out, causing everyone to turn to her.
Callie turned away from the rest of the group. "I won't forgive you... but I won't stop you if you're willing to help us." She sounded like she wanted to cry, but she walked back to the tent before anyone could say anything.
There was silence for a long while. Everyone was shocked to see their bubbly friend so devastated. But Akikta could see why Callie's mood was so down. Everyone basically gave the guy who possibly killed her cousin a pat on the back and a slap on the wrist. Akikta was sure he'd serve a harsher punishment when this was all over, but still, he was practically being let off the hook.
I'll save Marie, even if it gets me killed. I promise... Akikta closed his eyes. If he could get up, he'd tell Callie that himself. But maybe it was a good thing he couldn't right now. She could use the space.
"Whoa!" Frye gasped, snapping Akikta away from his inner thoughts. "Are those salmonids?!" She sounded amazed.
Amidst his pain, Akikta couldn't help but weakly chuckle. It was about time someone noticed Rick and Biggie.