Chapter 18: Together at Last

Octo Mine

Samantha's cries could still be heard throughout one particular section of the lab to all of the guards that stood around.

Gideon was walking down the hall with Cole. "I wanted to thank you for all of your help, Mr. Benson." He told him. "G2PL19 partnering with the Splatoon, admittedly… wasn't something I anticipated. I thought I had the situation under control before." He couldn't help but chuckle. "But everything's aligned once again, thanks to you."

"Yeah, well, they signed their own death warrant when they decided coming after my ass was a good idea." Cole replied. "And you can quit it with the weird code-names, I don't like listening to them."

He stopped and looked at him, slightly annoyed. "…I don't remember you among the Underdogs that we recruited."

He looked right back. "But you know why I'm here, right?"

"No. Why's that?"

He gave a brief look around. "The crystals… they say you got them down here."

"Ahhh…" He nodded. "You want Axcia's energy, do you?"

"Whatever that means."

"Exercise some patience." He reached forward and patted his arm. "We currently have our own plan in motion, and it all takes time. But don't worry… eeeverything will align. As they have so far."

He stared back at him, really not caring about whatever he was talking about. "…Fine… but whenever you're done… I hope you remember I want my share for my help."

"And you'll get it." He then looked over as he saw Hunter 12 approach him. "Ah. Hunter 12." He smiled. "Did you need something on this great day?"

Hunter 12 glanced between him and Cole; In spite of the mask he wore, he appeared to be quite anxious. "…Lydia is gone."

Gideon's smile melted into a frown.

"Last notable thing I saw her doing was investigating into Project Legion. Haven't seen her since the alarms activated. It's… possible she may have gone looking for Agent 4, but… I don't know."

It took a solid moment for Gideon to respond, his good mood dissipating. He looked downward a bit, nodding. "…I see…"

"We don't think she could've left the mine. But she could be anywhere down here."

"...Then scramble a team and find her. By whatever means necessary."

He nodded and turned around.

"And, 12? Go ahead and send someone to check on Agent 3 in her cell, won't you?"

He nodded again, finally walking away.

Cole looked back at Gideon as he stared at the ground, fist clenched. He awkwardly looked around. "…I'm just gonna wait around, then." He walked away as well. "Do tell me when you have some good news."

The Tunnels

Jessica and Dylan had already made their way quite a distance away from the cell, this time much better equipped with proper lights, weapons, and Dylan's improved knowledge of the Mine's general layout. During their walk, Dylan had taken the time to catch Jessica up on where he had been and what he had learned about Project Legion.

Jessica listened intently to every word, but shook her head in disbelief. "…I can't even believe that Bridgett would possibly consider siding with these people. They have to have shades on her"

"I dunno, she said something about her father being here."

"I don't give a shit if her father is here, I have a psychopath brother, I know what having shitty family members is like. Besides, I was under the impression that the Splatoon was like her family, but she was willing to switch up on us like we're…" She trailed off and sighed.

He sighed as well. "…Well… for now, the best we can do is just… keep moving. Maybe rendezvous with the rest of the Splatoon. Maybe if we're lucky, Marie and the others are back from their trip and we'll be able to gang up on these assholes."

She glanced at him for a moment before she kept walking. "…On our way out of here, I'm gonna talk to her again. She needs to have some sense knocked into her."

"...We… we don't have time for that, Jess…"

She suddenly turned to look at him fully. "Would you rather leave her here?"

He awkwardly shrugged. "R-Right now, I'm… not sure."

"She's your girlfriend."

"So what? Look, I don't like it at all, but if she is brainwashed or something, then… I don't know what to…" He trailed off.

At that moment, a dark figure stepped toward them. "Not gonna finish that sentence?" They heard Bridgett's voice.

They both immediately pointed their lights at her, illuminating the fact that she was holding them both at gunpoint.

Dylan's hearts sank. "Bridge…"

Bridgett looked absolutely pissed, although it was hard to determine at what exactly. "How dare you two just automatically assume I'm on shades whenever I make a decision you don't like?"

"Bridgett…" Jessica spoke up, holding her hand out. "Things don't have to go like thi-"

"And how do you want this to go? Huh? You two really just gonna go off back to the Splatoon and start another war?"

"Nobody wants a war, Bridgett."

"But that's exactly what we're heading toward. You could've just stayed in your cell… both of you. You could've come quietly, did what we asked. Gideon's going to kill you, you know. I've been trying to mend everything, so that I could try and give this all some kind of happy ending. Don't you get that?"

She sighed and briefly closed her eyes, thinking of her next words. "…Bridge…" She looked at her. "…I get why you're upset… and who knows, maybe when this is all done, you'll get what you want… but right now… Gideon clearly has something bad planned. And if you don't let us go… we're likely gonna be getting a repeat of the Underdogs incident. Is that what you want?"

Bridgett, at first, didn't respond. They stared at each other, silently, waiting for Bridgett's choice. However, rather than doing something either of them expected, she simply… started crying. They stared at her as she lowered the gun and sat by the wall.

"...Bridgett…?" Jessica inched forward.

Bridgett didn't respond, curling up slightly.

She sighed and leaned down to hug her, which she didn't fight. She slowly leaned toward her ear. "…I'm sorry about what I said before…"

"...We have other things to worry about, anyway…" She replied before they broke off.

Dylan stepped forward. "What changed your mind?"

"...Project Legion…" She shook her head. "No matter what I try, I have no idea what it even is… Gideon won't let me access it." She scoffed to herself as she wiped a tear. "I was just trying prevent more conflict, but if Project Legion is what I think it is, that's exactly what we're getting anyway…"

Jessica and Dylan looked at each other before he also knelt down before her. "…It's ok, Bridge… we still have time to stop this." Dylan told her.

Bridgett didn't respond. No matter which way things were going now, it didn't seem like she was going to like the results. She looked down.

"...I'm sorry that we assumed you were brainwashed." Jessica apologized.

"...Yeah… we're sorry…" Dylan awkwardly played with his own hands. "…Really, it's just good that we're… back together again."

Bridgett still said nothing. Tears were still falling down her cheeks, but she reached up to wipe more of them, sniffling. They sat in silence for a moment before she spoke again. "…Gideon… did get me to trust him… He… He has Marina's Subgrid. He put me in it, so I could recover my memories. He… He showed me my entire life…" She looked down, unable to stop more tears from falling. "…My life was so broken… even then… So am I just… am I destined to be miserable?" She shook her head. "Am I not supposed to belong anywhere?"

Jessica and Dylan looked at each other, unsure of how to respond.

Hearing their silence, Bridgett scoffed again. "Never mind, I guess I'm just crazy…"

"Look." Jessica cut her off. "You wanna talk about miserable lives? I've never even had a moment of true happiness in mine."

Bridgett looked at her.

"But…" She hesitated. "…Mine got better when I met you. It got better when I met Cuttlefish. Even if it didn't seem like it at first. Above anyone else, you two are the reason I'm even here, why I'm still fighting. Because shit went sideways with my family too, you know it did. I lost everything else that I had because of Daniel. Including, for a while, my own god damn sanity. I'm not gonna pretend to know what's waiting for us on the other side of all this, but what I do know is that I still have the two of you in my life. Because I'm a part of this team just like you. And that's enough for me." She leaned forward. "You have Marina, you have Pearl, you have Dylan. And Dylan and I are right here for you, no matter how bad this is gonna get."

She stared at her, slowly starting to calm down. It was true that Pearl and Marina weren't exactly around, and she still hadn't told either of them certain things that happened in the Subgrid. But… for the moment… her words brought her comfort. Jessica and Dylan were there for her, and for right now, at least, that was enough for her to keep moving. They fell into silence for another moment, before she summoned her bravery and wiped more of her tears. Jessica held her hand forward, and Bridgett took it, allowing herself to get pulled to her feet. She brushed herself off. "…What now?"

Dylan kept walking. "We get the hell out of this place."

The Octarian Station

A fair amount of time had passed in the Splatoon's new glass prison cells; Although none of them could hear each other, each was doing their best to stay sane in their own cells. Pearl was singing random but dramatic made-up lyrics to herself, Callie was curled up, alternating between lying down and sitting against the wall, and Marie alternated between all sorts of little activities, ranging from pacing, coming up with melodies in her head and practicing them with some humming, speaking reassuring things to herself, or just leaning against the wall, staring sadly into Callie's cell.

She and Callie would actually occasionally notice each other staring at one another, and each time they did, they moved to get closer together. Marie sighed as she stared at her. Indeed, Callie had been acting fairly odd ever since they first confronted the Octarians' station, and although she had a couple theories as to why, she was mainly just left confused and concerned, barred from even asking her about it. She should've just stood up and asked her earlier… she really should have…

Things continued just like this until, finally, some Octoling soldiers walked in. One-by-one, they opened the cell doors, releasing both the agents and the Axcians. As soon as they were released, Marie stepped out and looked toward Callie. "Callie?"

Callie was about to rush over and hug her, but multiple Octolings held them both at gunpoint. Marie turned to glare at some of them, before she looked back at her cousin. "Are you ok?"

"I-I think so."

"Come with us." An Octoling commanded. One-by-one, each of the agents and the Axcians were grabbed by individual soldiers, as they were led back out of the room.

Marie looked around at some of the Octarians that occupied the halls as they were dragged along. "…Where the hell is Marina?"

"Does it matter?" The same Octoling responded.

"Uh, yeah, a little bit."

"She has her assignment, and you three have yours. Now shut up and keep moving."

She sighed deeply, but they all did as they were told, letting the Octolings drag them wherever. They were led down a few hallways until they were split up from the Axcians, who were led down another hall. She watched this happen as they were then dragged out of sight from each other, and they were led down more hallways until they were dragged into what appeared to be the control center. Multiple Octarians were already working in here, but the real sight, it turned out, was out the windows; The beautiful sight of Axcia was closing in on them, getting larger and larger through the window.

Marie stopped as she saw the planet. "…Oh, no…" She muttered.

Upon seeing the planet, Callie looked down as the intense, anxious, dizzy feeling fell over her. She unconsciously let out a sigh as she fought the feeling that she was about to faint, but the feeling ultimately passed, allowing her to again look out the window.

"Your jobs will be simple." An Octoling told them. "We're travelling down to complete our extractions of the planet's energy. You're gonna help us."

The agents glanced at each other. "The fuck do you want us to do?" Pearl asked. "Help you inhale the energy with our mouths? Pleeeease… just shoot me in the head, already, I ain't even touching that planet again."

She suddenly got in her face, irritated. "The only reason you three are still here is because Marina Ida insisted we keep you alive. If you're going to be kept here on our station, we're going to put you to good use."

Marie sighed. "So I guess the plan is that when we've served our purpose, we die?"

"We'll see what Shadow determines at that stage. For now, we'll let you know when you are needed." She then walked away entirely.

The three of them stared back out the window at the planet across from them, as it drew ever-closer.

Marina, at the moment, had been locked in her own room with nothing but one of the powered green crystals to keep her company. It was a pretty comfy room in comparison to the actual prison cells, complete with chairs and a table to work on, but regardless, she spent a fair amount of time simply holding the crystal, staring into its other-worldly glow, all the way up until she heard the door slide open. She turned to watch as Shadow and the Axcian prisoners walked in.

"We're closing in on Axcia." Shadow walked up to her, slamming a large folder down on the table in front of her. "It's as good a time as any to get you put to work. These Axcians will assist you when possible, given that no one is more familiar with these energies than they are."

Marina stared at the sad-looking aliens, before she opened the folder, looking through. It was a complete collection of all the Octarians' research and notes on Axcia's energy and space-time, which included the work of Gideon Tecca and even herself. She looked through until she looked back up at the masked Octoling.

"It's time to give your life some real meaning, Ms. Ida." She continued with her usual deadpan. "You get to finish the most important research of your life. Isn't that exciting?"

Marina stared back down at the notes, her hearts racing. She gulped before she, again, turned to her. "Are my friends ok?"

"As ok as they can be." She started pacing slightly, her body posture showing the same amusement that she did before. "I don't understand you… you drag them halfway across the galaxy to complete the most dangerous mission of any of your lives… and you still worry for their safety?"

She didn't respond.

"As I mused before, you are just filled with contradictions. Like my father."

"...A heartless vessel like you has a father?" She remarked.

"Had." She corrected. "And yes… we're all born to someone… aren't we? Oh, but then again, you probably have unpleasant memories with your own parents, don't you?"

She hesitated. "…Yes…"

"Yes… I read your file. Real psychopaths, they were." She nodded. "I can relate. But… your case is interesting, because… I daresay, you've created a lot of your own demons yourself. Let me remember… The Great Octoweapons… Project T.A.R.T.A.R.… and now… this, I suppose. None of us would be here today if it weren't for you, Ms. Ida."

Marina took the opportunity to glance back at her own older notes within the folder. "…I'd prefer to not be guilt-tripped."

"Fine… I gave you what you need to start. The rest of your equipment will be supplied as needed. While the rest of us are extracting Axcia's energy, it will be up to you to work on the calculations, and you will synthesize a new… proper crystal." She picked up the one on the table. "More powerful than anything we've seen yet. From there… you'll be home free."

She didn't respond this time, just looking through more of the notes. Shadow left the room, leaving her and the Axcians alone as she lowered the folder and turned back to the crystal. She stared at it. It gave her a weird tingly feeling just by looking at it… like the energy inside was… calling to her.

Axcia's stormy atmosphere was extra chaotic today as the sky bellowed with powerful green lightning. The large Octarian station ominously plowed its way through the dark clouds, itself getting struck with plenty of smaller green lightning bolts, as it made its way through the storm and toward Axcia's surface. It came to slowly settle over a particular ditch-like area on Axcia's surface, and lowered itself down, slowly landing itself on the crystalline ground, with the more spiky ground barely not penetrating its hull.

Inside one of the station's exit ports, several Octolings were getting dressed in specialized full-body Octarian outfits, that resembled astronaut suits. Marie, Callie, and Pearl were all amid these Octolings as they were dragged inside, forced to get changed themselves. Marie huffed and exchanged reassuring glances with the other agents as she got her helmet on. Each of them were then given specialized pick-axe-like tools that matched those the Octolings were holding.

The Octolings stood in a straight horizontal line as an alarm flashed, and the ramp opened, revealing the stormy outside air. Thunder filled their ears as simultaneously, the Octarians all walked out and onto Axcia's ground. The Splatoon agents followed from just behind.

"GET TO WORK! All of you!" The same Octoling commander shouted at everyone. "Start digging and extracting these crystals! Make the hole nice and clean! I see any of you out of line, especially you Inklings over there, you die!"

The Octolings all got to work just like the slaves that they were. The Splatoon agents hesitated first, as they looked down at the white crystals at their feet, before they slowly copied the Octoling's movements. Marie glanced up at the sky as it suddenly began to light up and thunder more violently.

Earth

Octo Mine

Bridgett, Dylan, and Jessica made their way down more of the tunnels, looking around frequently for any Octarians that might be coming their way. Soon enough, they did start to hear Octarian voices that were coming down their direction, accompanied by the searching lights that cut through the darkness.

The agents briefly stopped as they prepared for a fight, but Bridgett had another idea. She looked down another direction. "This way."

Although confused as to where she was going, her friends regardlessly followed her, and she led them down a few other paths before they came across the entrance to the dining room that was linked to the arena. She opened the sliding door. "In here."

The three of them ducked down inside and shut the door again. Bridgett and Dylan pressed themselves against the door, listening carefully as, soon enough, they heard more Octarians pass by. They sighed in relief as things fell quiet once again.

"...Ok…" Dylan sighed in relief as he relaxed for a breather. "Good call, Bridge."

Bridgett shook her head. "Was just luck…"

Jessica, meanwhile, was looking around the room, peeking out the window to the arena room underneath it; She recalled her fight in the very same room as she did. "…Well, isn't this place fancy." She remarked as she turned away.

Bridgett looked around as well. "…Well… it's the best that they have."

"I'd argue that for an underground-dwelling society, this ain't half bad." Dylan replied.

Hearing that, Bridgett again began thinking about the life in the Subgrid she had seen. She looked down.

He noticed. "…Bridge?"

"...It's… nothing…"

Noticing as well, Jessica decided to join in on the break, walking over to sit nearby and keep her company. They sat in silence for a moment as she thought of something to say. "…I guess you had to have seen some things in the Subgrid to change your mind like you did… huh?"

Bridgett looked at her, but said nothing. Her eyes said everything for her, anyway.

"…Any stories?"

She shook her head. "…Maybe another time."

Jessica and Dylan exchanged glances, silently confirming to each other that… Bridgett wasn't telling them something. They weren't sure of what magnitude, or if it was serious, but they could both feel something that was off about her.

Dylan got a bit closer to her. "…I, uh… for what it's worth… I'm glad you got to find out more about yourself. I know you wanted to know more for a long time."

Bridgett, although still staring at the ground, nodded a bit. "…Yeah…" She cleared her throat. "Yeah, I mean… that's one thing I can cross off the bucket list."

He got closer still. "…If you have something you want to say… you can… tell me… You know that… right?"

Again, she didn't respond. In fact, thinking back to the Subgrid, she actually subtly inched away from him. It was enough for him to notice, and he stared at her, both confused and a little bit hurt.

"...Bridge?" He asked.

Now, she was fighting back tears, awkwardly curling up as she subtly inched away some more. Sensing that things were about to heat up between the two of them, Jessica awkwardly stepped away to give them some space, sitting at the dining table instead. Despite the move, she could still see and hear them, and couldn't stop herself from eavesdropping.

Dylan grew steadily concerned. "…Bridge, what aren't you telling me?"

"I…" Bridgett was starting to shiver. "…Look, there is a lot I have to say, I doubt I have time to say it all either way. There was a lot that happened, ok?"

"Then why are you inching away from me?"

She didn't respond.

"Bridge?"

Still silent.

"...P-Please talk to me. You're making me nervous."

Bridgett finally started tearing up, looking down.

He leaned over toward her. "Bridge, ple-"

Fine. She had to come out with it. "I kissed Jessica." She blurted out.

He paused where he sat, extremely confused. "…H-…Huh?"

She started crying. "I-In the Subgrid, I mean…"

Jessica was still eavesdropping, but did her damndest to act like she wasn't. Regardless, her eyes widened slightly.

Dylan leaned away from her, his hearts starting to race. "…When did-"

"Look, I was in the Subgrid, I was going through my memories of my life with the Splatoon, and it just… happened." Bridgett cut him off.

He was growing more and more hurt as he listened. "…It was… it was a memory?"

"N-No, no, o-of course not." She shakily wiped her tears. "I-It wasn't real, I don't… I don't know how it happened…"

Finally, he fell silent, just staring at her. Silently, so much was explained to him, and it called back to some of his deepest fears about his relationship with her: She had, after all, seemed to spend much more time with Jessica than she ever did with him. He looked down as he realized this.

She looked at him. "…P-Please… don't be mad… It wasn't real, I-I promise it wasn't real… I didn't mean for it to do… anything to replace our own relationship..."

It took a moment for him to respond, but he avoided eye contact. "…Sure… it… wasn't real…"

Jessica, at this point, was watching them intently, but they were all interrupted as they heard more Octarians walk by outside. Dylan and Bridgett again pressed themselves against the door to listen.

Bridgett recognized the voice and the low hum of the powered gauntlets. "…It's 12…" She muttered.

"Huh?" Dylan whispered.

"Hunter 12. We fought him at the Square."

Jessica leaned over as well as the Octarians walked by the door, able to hear as he talked to some other Octolings about some… other prisoners that they had. "…Other prisoners?" She asked.

They looked at each other, wondering who they could be talking about. They waited until the voices were gone, and they were again left in silence. They all stood up.

"Think it could be more hostages?" Dylan asked. "Or… worse?"

Bridgett thought about this, looking around. Preparing to open the door again, she suddenly pointed at the table at the side of the room. "Jess, in there, Gideon hid some kind of crystal-powered disintegrator weapon. Might help us. And you have the best aim."

Jessica nodded as she went over, found how to open it up, reached inside, and pulled it out. Bridgett opened the door, and they all rushed back out in the direction of the lab.

In the actual lab, Oliver, Samantha, and Daniel were all still being held in one of the more isolated rooms, held at gunpoint by the masked soldiers around them, although their individual moods varied: Samantha was, of course, terrified, although at this point she had halted her crying and resorted to waiting and hoping for the best. Daniel had given up on everything, waiting for his death, and Oliver… was just pissed. He was more pissed than he had ever felt in his life, and he was ready to take action.

They sat against the wall in silence, with their hands cuffed together; Each of them was waiting for something, anything to happen, until finally, Gideon walked in. They all looked up at him as he carried G2PL19's mask in.

"So…" Gideon played with it in his hands. "You three ready to have a nice chat?"

"...Where's Bridgett?" Oliver asked.

"Where's Dylan?" Samantha asked.

"Where's Jessica?" Daniel practically copied them.

Gideon sucked in a breath as he rubbed the mask. "…I really don't know what you guys expected… but let me guess… Captain Cuttlefish sent you guys down here? That man did always have a tendency in making… odd recruitment choices. Oh, but regardless, I'm not really sure how relevant he is. He can't do anything." He chuckled. "None of you can do anything. My plan is just too set in stone…" He looked at Oliver. "…Don't you remember, 19? Don't you remember how many times I assured you of my plan?"

He looked him in the eye. "…My name is Oliver, now."

He stared back, shaking his head. "…Then, I think you should now, Bridgett's name is Lydia. And she's one of us again. I hope… I can get the same results out of you." He tossed him the mask. "Put it on. Make this easy for us, and nobody has to get hurt. We can continue making a better world for everybody… together. Then we'll wipe away this entire, silly conflict for good. Doesn't that sound… intriguing?"

He stared down at the mask, but only for a moment before he kicked it back toward him. "You're the one who makes the conflict, Gideon. I was there when you sent soldiers to attack the Square and then take out any loose ends. Samantha is lucky that I stopped them from that last part."

He stared at him, disappointed. He side-eyed Daniel and Samantha. "…What about you two? Interesting in ending the conflict?"

Neither of them responded, although Daniel's trigger finger was twitching fiercely.

He looked at Samantha, leaning down. "What about you? You only have two options, you know… life, or death."

Samantha watched on as the soldiers pointed their weapons at her in a threatening matter.

"I can tell you wanna live… so c'mon." Gideon held his hand out.

It took a solid moment for Samantha to respond as she stared on in fear. After a moment, however, she audibly gulped and then said something that surprised both him and Oliver. "…G-…" She flinched, expecting to immediately get shot. "Go to hell."

He stared at her. She stared right back, her breathing heavy and her body petrified as she waited for, at any second, her own time to come.

However, to her luck, it didn't. Gideon held up a hand to ease the soldiers, then stood up straight. "…How disappointing…" He turned away.

Samantha sighed heavily in relief.

"Isn't it sad that no matter how hard I try, you Splatoon people will never stop coming? Are we destined to always keep fighting?" Gideon turned back to them, holding out his arms. "Is this our fate!? C'mon! All of you! So stubborn! God! I thought that we could maybe make progress. And you, G2PL19, I'm especially disappointed in. You saw the power that we hold deep down here. You must've had some idea of the world we're going to create. Right? Instead, you pulled some of the oddest, clumsiest, most desperate choices in Splatoon agents that I've ever seen-"

"My name… is… Oliver!" He suddenly snapped at him. "And the three of us are braver than you will ever be, Gideon! Brave enough, at least, to stand up to you. And that is all we truly needed. And you'll need to kill us here to stop us from coming after you… because I know that Shadow saw the future and that what she saw terrified her. We're not going to let it happen. I know who you truly are, Gideon. I won't allow you to get anything more that you want."

He stared at him, sighing. "…Shame… but… if you really knew who I was… you'd know that I'm just a loving father." He shrugged slightly. "A smart, loving father who was the only one on the planet willing to confront to powers of the cosmos. And like it or not- 'Oliver'- that power of the cosmos will create a new world. A new world for all of us. If you can't accept that… it's truly not my problem." He turned to walk out. "Kill them." He told the soldiers as he did.

They all pointed their weapons at the agents as he stepped out of view. Once again, Samantha gasped and started crying as she braced herself for the end, but unbeknownst to either of her or Oliver, Daniel was in the process of stealthily standing up and lifting up his arm.

As Gideon walked out, he briefly stopped in the hallways as he heard the gunfire start. He put his arms behind his back, somberly, as he listened to the seeming death of one of his own former soldiers; He even closed his eyes, letting out a sad sigh as he listened. He, by no means wanted things to come to this, but… but…

He paused. He definitely heard gunfire, and he even heard Samantha let out a scream or two, but… it actually sounded like Samantha was very much still alive, and it was actually his own soldiers that were crying out in pain. Confused and concerned, he immediately turned back and rushed over to take a peek.

Daniel had somehow broken free of his restraints, grabbed one of the soldiers high-pressure guns, and taken out the soldiers in the room with ease. The most terrifying thing, though, was that he had something of a grin on his face, the adrenaline clearly getting to him. Seeing Gideon peeking inside, he turned his gun on him. "Talk to me like you did again. I DARE YOU-!" He fired at him.

He narrowly dodged and began fleeing down the hall for cover. "No, no, NO!"

Having cleared out the room, Daniel turned back to Oliver and Samantha. He paused, taking deep breaths, before went to search around for the keys, shakily pulling them out from a dead soldier as he went to take off their cuffs.

"How did you do that?" Oliver asked him as he did.

He held up his hand, showing that he had snapped his thumb out of place. "Old thumb trick…"

"...Woah…" Samantha blinked, a bit disgusted by that.

Oliver just smirked a bit and nodded at him. He was right about him, after all. "…Nice work." He stood up as he was let free. He looked at Samantha. "You ok?"

"...I'm good." She nodded.

He nodded as the two of them grabbed their own weapons, and Daniel led the charge as they exited the room, pointing his gun down different directions in the hall, searching around for not only any incoming soldiers, but especially Gideon or Cole, ready to get his revenge. Every time soldiers did approach them, he easily and remorselessly took them out before they had a chance to shoot at him. Sweat started to build on his forehead, but nothing could stop him from massacring his way down the halls now, leaving Oliver and Samantha to simply follow.

The alarms were reactivated, but gunfight noises could already be heard throughout much of the lab, especially as Bridgett approached the scene with Jessica and Dylan in tow. The three of them immediately grew cautious, and Bridgett rose her fist to motion them to stop as she peeked around the corner. From here, none of them could tell what was happening, so she opted to point her own weapon down. "…Come on."

The two of them followed her as she inched along, pointing her weapon down every hallway that they passed, until at one point, a green blast of energy suddenly struck the wall next to them. They immediately ducked out of sight, with Bridgett taking another peek out to see who fired it.

Hunter 12 was standing down the hall, preparing his gauntlet to fire another blast. "…I could see you, Agent 8. Come out."

Jessica took a breath before she leaned out and attempted to fire her new weapon at her, but he was quicker, firing another blast at them, destroying parts of the wall.

He prepared to fire another one. "…Wasn't particularly fond of your presence here, Agent 8. We both know that Gideon wasn't telling you everything. But, still. Doesn't change the fact that we were all supposed to be in this together. I've no idea what led you to choose so wrongly. I guess that you have yet to see the future that he'll bring."

Jessica huffed. "The more time I spend down here, the more this place feels like a cult!"

"You just don't understand. Any of you. And because you're pissing me off, Agent 3, you're not gonna get the chance to. You're gonna be the first I turn into ash."

She again turned to fire at her, but again, he was faster, tearing off some of the corner, which she just narrowly dodged. At that moment, they all also heard louder gunfire approaching; In response, Dylan was the first to begin running down another hall, and the other two followed as Hunter 12 gave chase.

Dylan looked behind them, running along with his slight limp. "Here he comes!" He announced just as Hunter 12 fired two more blasts down the hall at them. They dodged, running into another room, where they slammed the doors shut.

"Might wanna barricade that door!" Jessica hissed.

Bridgett and Dylan both rushed through the room, looking to see what they could barricade the doors with, but they were a bit too late. One of the doors was already being banged on, and it sounded like there was multiple people outside, leaving them with no good way out of the room. Looking at each other, they all silently accepted the upcoming, possibly brutal fight. They all backed up together, and Jessica held her weapon forward, taking deep breaths as she prepared herself. Bridgett and Dylan gripped their own weapons, preparing for the gunfight.

The door was continuously banged on as someone tried to get in, slowly getting it unlocked. The three glanced at each other, a bit confused, but they regardless held their ground until-

The keypad turned green, and the door slid open. Oliver charged inside, followed by Daniel and Samantha; Samantha gasped as she saw the agents, and everyone lowered their weapons slightly.

"Daniel!?" Jessica blurted out.

"...SAMANTHA!?" Dylan's eyes went wide. "What the HELL are you-!?"

"Oh my god, Dylan!" Samantha rushed forward to hug him. "Y-You're ok!?"

"A-Am I ok!? What about you, what the fuck are you doing here!?" He asked as he tightly hugged her back.

"Uhhh… l-long story." She replied shakily.

As they reunited, the others remained more silent, completely unable to believe who they were seeing. Jessica stared down Daniel, feeling a mixture of surprise, confusion, and even some terror. Daniel did nothing in return, staring at her before he brought his gaze down.

Oliver walked toward Bridgett. "…You're here. You're alive."

She just stared at him, blinking, with no idea of what to say. All she knew in the moment was that she definitely recognized him. "…Y-… You're…"

Their reunion didn't have much room to breathe, however. They all looked out the hallway as they heard more soldiers approaching.

"Damn. We've gotta get out of here." Oliver turned back out and pointed his gun.

Samantha broke the hug, while Jessica and Bridgett just kept staring at them, quite dumbstruck. Jessica blinked and shook her head before they all made their way back out into the hall.

Gideon and Hunter 12 were leading a large pack of soldiers, standing down the hallway. Gideon looked furious, more furious than Bridgett had yet seen him. "…Lydia!" He shouted.

The six agents all stood together, facing down this new group. Bridgett just stared at him, still not sure of what to say.

"I thought I had regained your trust!" Gideon continued. "Why would you do this!?"

Bridgett gulped, fighting back tears. "…I didn't want things to happen this way, Dad! But… I-I couldn't just sit by and-"

"I told you everything you needed to know! Everything! I thought I had demonstrated my love for you… that I would do anything for you! Is it not enough to ask that you just love me back!? Is this what family truly means to you!? Actually, nevermind that… I don't think you know what family or love even is!"

She couldn't stop herself from welling up now. "…I wanted to be a family with you! But look around you, none of this is love! You kidnapped my friends and locked them up! You won't even tell me what Project Legion is when I know you're planning something!" Thinking briefly, she lowered her weapon. "…We… we can still undo this! Just tell everyone to stand down!"

He sighed, calming down only somewhat. "…I can't do that, Lydia."

"And why not!?"

"Because I saw the future, and I have to make it right. There is no other way. Haven't you figured it out!? No other way! My plan is deep, and rooted, and I will not let you choose the wrong side and put everything off course! Today has proven it more than ever, the Splatoon will never stop coming for us! No matter what we do! You don't understand any of it like I do! Please, Lydia…" He tried lowering his voice. "…Try… to understand. Try… to think, before this goes completely off the rails."

She sighed, tears falling down her cheeks. A moment passed before she spoke again. "…I'm sorry… but I don't…"

"...Dammit…" He took in a breath. "…Kill everyone except for Lydia!" He suddenly commanded.

"Not if I-!" Daniel stepped forward, gun aimed at Gideon's head.

"Daniel!" Jessica tried to stop him.

Hunter 12 fired another blast forward, striking the ground before them and knocking them all back.

As Hunter 12 walked forward, Jessica was the first back on her feet, and she finally managed to fire her own powerful green laser at him. He blocked the strike with his gauntlet, but unlike their previous fight at Inkopolis Square, it did nothing to damage his suit; Instead, the gauntlet only made a powerful sound as it absorbed the energy and became stronger.

Hunter 12 chuckled. "Oh, you didn't know. Gideon made modifications after our first fight." He clenched his fists, causing the gauntlets to grow brighter. "You're never gonna-"

Jessica kept firing at him. He blocked each of the shots with his gloves, stepping back, even up until Jessica managed to fire past them and strike his chest. That, too, did minimal damage, as it also partly absorbed the energy. 12 groaned in pain as he felt this.

Realizing her shots weren't going to do much, and realizing that her weapon was starting to run out of energy, she glanced forward.

"Stop now, all of you!" Gideon commanded from a distance as 12 prepared to retaliate. "You don't understand any of my work that I have done down here! You don't understand how my future is supposed to-"

Seeing no other options, Jessica suddenly aimed up and fired at the ceiling above 12. Everyone looked up as not only the ceiling, but practically the entire hallway started to give out from the force, as the dirt and rock that surrounded it was allowed to collapse. 12's eyes widened under his mask, barely able to let out a brief scream before he was immediately crushed under the rubble.

The agents all backed up as they watched the hallway cave in, bisecting the entire section of the lab and cutting off their access to each other. In fact, thanks to Jessica's brash actions, she had completely cut off any chances of the Splatoon to make progress toward the elevator, but at least she had also cut off Gideon and his immediate forces from reaching them.

Oliver stood up as he stared at the mountain of rubble before them. He was the first of the group to become aware of how they had just trapped themselves, but they had little time to think about it. He helped the others up. "Come on!"

They all got up and rushed down the hallway, Bridgett giving one last sad look at the rubble as she followed.

Gideon and his forces were still getting up as they faced the rubble themselves. Gideon didn't say anything, or even do much; He sadly stared forward, his mind racing. It slowly sunk in that, for the first time, as long as the Splatoon remained loose in his own labs, as long as he lacked control in his own turf, his plan and his future were threatened. As he realized this, pure anger began to build in his chest.