AN: So excited we’ve rebooted our Splatoon RP series. Sounds like we’re going for a darker direction with the story which is really fun to try with such a bright game. Hope you guys enjoy! Tune in for updates 🙂
Taji: The office was darker than usual that afternoon. Perrins ensured the lights stayed dim even as outside the growing snow storm intensified, shrouding the office even further with darkness. Under the worsening conditions of the snowstorm the secret base still bustled with both inkling and octarian workers suited up against the freezing temperatures of their tundra climate. Lights illuminated the pathways and roads as the workers continued on their daily routines of supporting the research being conducted at the base. All this commotion escaped Perrins’ notice. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the current report on his desk.
The Squidbeak Splatoon had learned some new tricks, finally. Perrins grinned as he read over the report again. They had lost the three Zapfish in the end, but a new power was observed from one of the agents. He cursed himself for deciding again sending a trained team to acquire these agents instead of sending the assassin. This new ability had his mind spinning with new plans and ideas. If they could just get their hands on that inkling then they could figure out the trick and tap into that power to further accelerate their own plans.
A beep from the phone on his desk interrupted his thoughts. He reached over absently to answer the phone on speaker.
“Sir, the octarian is here.”
Perrins neatly shuffled the papers into various folders on his desk. He stood and straightened his suit. He had chosen a dark blue ink that morning as well to blend in better with the bleakness of his office. He also donned for his hair a style with no tentacles, so the resulting bowl cut matched with his professional persona.
“Send him in.”
Mae: Zane had been rather silent as he slumped against the wall, his dark eyes fixated on the door that he would soon be forced to enter. His charger had been haphazardly flung from his shoulder, his focus set fully on the one who awaited his arrival.
There was no doubt in his mind that the mission was a complete and utter failure. Not only did he not secure the zapfish but he got splatted so easily by those brats and…well he wasn’t sure what the girl was. She was an Inkling and yet…she held the power of an Octoling as well. How was that even possible?
The security called his attention and motioned to go ahead in, Zane’s hands burrowing in the pockets of his coat as he shuffled into the room. Calmly he stood before his employer, ready to string along the excuses he needed to ensure the lowest form of punishment. He didn’t have time to be failing. Not with what was on the line.
Taji: Perrins watched the assassin evenly. He started to drum his fingers on his desk, pretending to be deep in thought.
“When we first… acquired your services, I was told you were the best in your field,” Perrins began but paused.
He shuffled blindly through the folder he had just closed moments ago and pulled out a photograph of the group of agents. He threw it down roughly at Zane’s feet.
“So what are we to do when the best of the field decides not to live up to his potential?” Perrins pondered aloud. “I would assume consequences are in order to ensure he does his best in the future. Unless, of course, you can offer some real reason as to your failure?”
Mae: Zane eyed each photo, studying their features as he recalled the events in his mind. The fight was fully on his side at the beginning. With ease, the injured inkling was sent packing. He then had cornered the one he deemed would be the most troublesome: the sniper with a charger. What’s more is that both Octobrats who stood in the way were gone quick with his precision shots.
And then…the agent called Atlas had done the unthinkable. She surprised the likes of Zane himself.
A blazing figure of red and purple zipped through the battlefield with ease. Sure, she was clearly in pain yet it didn’t halt her tirade in the least. Before Zane could figure out what was happening, he was gone from the battle…his body making it’s way to the nearest respawn and losing track of his targets completely.
The Octarian leaned forward and hovered over the photos, his dark red tentacles peeking out from underneath his hood as he gestured to the agents presented.
“Sir,” Zane stated evenly. “There were five squids on the field. The Intel here was lacking on more than one account.”
He then swung his charger back into his hands as he held the gun to showcase to his employer.
“The plan was working accordingly. I had easily handled some of their team and had the zapfish close at hand when…” Zane then slammed a hand down on a particular photo, the grinning girl a pain to witness. “This one is no mere inkling. She’s not an Octarian either. She’s something else entirely. She was practically invincible against the ink tossed about on the field that day.”
Taji: Perrins’ eyes lit up. Invincible? Now this foreign power certainly had his full attention. With a skill like that on their side the coming milestones of their plans could be accelerated exponentially.
He cleared his throat. “Well, I suppose we can’t fault you for unknown circumstances. However, I do require compensation for your failure.”
The office desk was immaculately organized even after Perrins had spent hours reading through multitudes of reports and files. Among a lined row of small devices he picked one up with a small screen. A few taps of buttons and an image showcasing one of their cells in the underground rooms of their facility appeared. He tossed the screen to Zane.
“Your next mission is to lead a capture unit and take that inkling into our custody. Do this mission successfully and we’ll exchanging the occupant of that cell with her. You and prisoner 1082 can walk out of here together once and for all.”
Mae: Visibly there was no change in the Octarian as he stared upon the screen in his hand. However, a burning rage was building up inside as he stared upon a familiar bundle of red tentacles.
A boy, very similar in features to Zane, was slumped inside the abysmal containment. His clothes were tattered and dirt was caked upon his skin. There was no more excitement, no more flamboyant displays as he dashed through the underground with hope in his heart.
All that was left was a broken Octarian who likely feared the closest thing to a family had abandoned him. The two were practically twins, stemmed from the same host’s tentacle and left to fend for themselves.
Where Zane was collected, often aloof in nature, his brother was charming and witty.
Where one had grown accustomed to handling weapons on the battlefield, the other took the fight to the streets as a con artist by trade.
For year the brothers were a force to be reckoned with…until they garnered the attention of this man and those allied with him.
“I have your word that Wes will be returned to me once I drag this girl here?” Zane asked, his calm demeanor hiding his rage as he held his gaze on the broken form on screen.
Taji: “Of course,” Perrins said sweetly. “And to help start your lives again I’ll even throw in a bonus. For each additional, and useful, inkling acquisition you acquire us I’ll pay 1,000 gold for.”
Perrins stalked around his desk and sat down again. He rested his chin on a hand and gave a toothy grin. “There, see? We’re not all that bad. You’ll have the specs for mission shortly and my secretary will lead you to your team. We’ll be luring that agent and maybe even her group into position, then your team will take care of the rest, agreed?”
Perrins watched Zane carefully as he waited for the final answer. As though he had a choice, Perrins thought wickedly. In the back of his mind Perrins knew the board would probably object to releasing one of their top agents along with a valuable prisoner. Perrins, however, knew that with their use of that inkling’s ability their organization could finally increase their plans. Therefore, while Zane must think freedom was at hand soon enough Perrins would rule over all inklings and Octarians, including the two brothers again.
(I have decided that this organization’s goal is WORLD DOMINATION)
Mae: (Lol Perrins will be fun I’m sure)
The halls leading to Atlas’ room at the lab were dark, guards lining the walls and marching across the floorboards with vigor. Their numbers had grown exponentially since her forced containment at the lab, the lively Inkling already managing to sneak past them five times so easily. Cale organized as many guards as they could manage and forced the girl into her new home away from home…his promises of returning there after tests could be completed falling on deaf ears it seemed.
Betrayal was the best word she could think up when it came to her best friend’s actions. Not only did he go in detail in the report about what had happened at the plant and underground, he also lead the charge in dragging the girl from her home and forcing her to hold up in some lab like a damned experiment.
Atlas was a trapped squid, a caged Bird being poked and prodded for answers she didn’t even have herself. She was a prisoner unable to stretch her fins or even breathe without someone stepping into her space to keep her sedated. It was hell. And what was worse was that it was all because of Cale…
No…it wasn’t all on Cale…she knew that better than anyone…
Cale didn’t do this to her on purpose…it was an accident…and also her choice to be his guinea pig when it came to testing out the newest weapons he developed.
She knew deep down Cale did not want to hurt Atlas…he wanted to help her…
But in trying to help her, he helped arranged her very freedom being stripped away as if she were simply a tool to the Inklings in charge. This fact…Atlas could not forgive.
The girl sat poised in her bed, eyeing the drain that was the only means left of escape. She knew well why they didn’t bother to remove this route as a possible escape. It was because they thought it impossible at all.
Going through the drain meant a direct collision with the water and drainage system just below the lab. She would fall into the water and be evaporated. And the only respawn that was set to allow her to return was…in her room in the lab.
They had planned to create an impossible cycle in order to make her tire out of her escape attempts. She would lose hope and become docile, a welcome change to those who were testing her.
“Too bad for them,” Atlas whispered as she stood from her bed and made her way to the drain. “I’m a hard-headed squid who doesn’t take no for an answer. Sorry Squiggly, I’m out of here.”
Suddenly a small purplish squid floated in the air in Atlas’ place, the creature then diving head first into the abyss as she became her liquefied form. The pipes were a disgusting pathway towards freedom, so the girl chose to grin and bear it as she surged forward. Soon she would come to the crossroads she needed to escape…she just needed a little trial and error.
The squid soon emerged from the exit of her pipe and was cascading down to the surging depths below. As quick as she could before the inevitable end, she observed her surroundings for a ways to escape.
The were no real platforms to push herself onto before touching down into the water. The only means available was a close by wall near where she would fall and a pipe system sticking out of the wall. The pipes were quite a ways away so it would take quite the bit of force to ensure she safely made it across.
Her time was up and soon Atlas found herself in contact with the disgusting water below. Her body burned at the touch and before she knew it her soul was zipping through the air towards where she knew her room awaited.
Atlas soon formed again next to her bed, her bright eyes gazing up at the cameras as she fumed in place. They were watching her…they had to feel as if her spirit was breaking. That was the only way to not have them marching into her room and forcing her further from the outside world.
With a visible cursing show for those who watched, the girl then took a deep breath and dived once more in the pipes. With each turn and bump, she ironed out the timing in her mind. There were limited chances for this to work before the lab techs assumed the worst. It was now or never.
The grate that opened to the tunnel system was in sights and Atlas closed her mind off to the rest of the world. All she could hear was her inner voice counting down the numbers in her head.
One…
As soon as the liquefied form exited the grate she turned into her humanoid form, her body twisted in the air as she planted her feet into the wall. She built up the force as she prepared her next move.
Two…
As soon as she was able, she kicked herself off the wall, the force now tied to her smaller squid form as it sailed through the air. She felt herself going further than ever before as the pipes were soon in sight.
Three…
Her tentacles wrapped around the pipe as her tiny form hugged onto the metal, her body then transforming into the same happy-go-lucky girl holding dear to her saving grace.
“I-I did it!” She proclaimed, nearly out of breath as she began to pick herself up. There wasn’t much space to move, just enough to step one at a time towards a hopeful exit. “L-Lets get out of here.”
Inch by inch Atlas made her way through the dreary confines of the sewers, her panic practically washed away with each step she took. Freedom was hers. Soon she could dash away to the battlefields she loved so much. Soon she would-.
As soon as Atlas turned a corner, her eyes widened at the platform and a ladder to the outside world. She didn’t waste a moment to drop down to the platform, something she would soon regret.
As soon as her feet touched the brick, a red circle glowed beneath her. Atlas cursed as she tried to dart away, only to find a force was paralyzing her to that spot.
“No!” Atlas cried as she was suddenly forced into her squid form, a clear some slammed down on top of her as she cried.
Her captor, Cale, looked like he hadn’t slept since the last mission. His limp was evident through his jeans and he was much paler than ever before. He managed to kneel beside the dome, his eyes a cold haze as he touched the smooth glass. A whimpering Atlas did not raise her tentacle to him, refusing to acknowledge his gesture as sincerity.
“Sorry about this, you know I would never use my inventions on you without asking but…I didn’t have a choice this time,” Cale muttered as his arms seemed limp in his puffy jacket. Atlas had never seen him in such disrepair. It was breaking her heart and yet…she still couldn’t forgive him for her capture. “I knew you would try and find a way out so we had guards stationed almost everywhere. Sorry kid, I never wanted any of this to happen…ever.”
The tiny squids tears forced a sigh from his throat as he then lifted himself up, taking the dome into his hands as he moved to the ladder to leave. He could feel Atlas throwing herself upon the glass in hopes to break free and escape but it was futile. She was not leaving his hold until he allowed it.
“Just hold tight Atlas, it may just be your lucky day after all,” he mumbled as he emerged from the sewers and made his way towards the awaiting vehicle for him and his companion. “We just got summoned. Sounds like a mission. And they requested you be present.”
(Go ahead and timeskip, the two can show up wherever. Just a heads up, Cale will be demoted from the team. I have another squid who will be taking over in his place. I figured his fialures will put him on probation anyway)
Taji: Lily firmly decided she did not like this room. Everything was a sterile shade of white, to start with. Even the floor managed to stay a pristine white despite all of the doctors and nurses running around them. This facility of theirs was thankfully located in the city, so a window afforded a sliver of natural light. This made the room somewhat bearable. She tried her best to ignore all of the uncomfortable feelings, however, and focused instead on the one she was there for.
Her childhood friend lay curled on the hospital bed beside her. The inkling had disappeared months ago and had often been on Lily’s mind. Then, suddenly after all this time of no contact, she was found stumbling through the streets of an abandoned Ocatarian cave by their scouts. Neither the scouts nor the doctors who looked after her the days after could get any sense out of her. Only when they called Lily in would she calm enough to even be remotely sensible.
A nurse popped into the room again. This one had a shining yellow sheen to her tentacles which starkly contrasted her subtle nurse scrubs. Lily’s heart crumpled when her friend automatically trembled at the sight and pulled the sheets over her head. The nurse glanced nervously at Lily.
“It’s alright, Lea,” Lily said soothingly. “She’s only here to check on your vitals.”
Lea hesitantly pulled the sheets from over her head. Green eyes peeked out from behind them.
“I-I don’t want her in here!” Lea firmly responded before oozing into her squid form.
Lily sighed as she watched the blankets pillow down on the smaller form. She waved an apology to the nurse.
“Can you please come back later? I’ll get her sorted out,” Lily promised.
The nurse paused in thought, but eventually conceded and exited the hospital room. Lily waited until the door closed to stand. She gently lifted the sheet and smiled at her friend.
“She’s gone, see? It’s alright now.”
The shaking seemed to stop wracking through the small, pink squid. Lily had donned a similar shade of pink when she first entered this room yesterday. Lea inched her way out from under the sheet and looked to the door. She eventually settled onto the pillow again with a sigh.
Lily relaxed back into her chair and gave a toothy smile. “It’ll be alright, I promise! We’re going to take care of everything, Lea, no need to worry anymore. Once Atlas gets here we’re getting down to business.”
Her friend finally eased back into her inkling form with a shudder. Lea hardly looked Lily in the eye since returning. Even now she only nodded at the comment and worked on getting nestled back under the sheets.
“If you say so,” Lea said with a sigh.
“I know so!” Lily chimed in response. “We’re going to destroy that place so you never have to worry about it again, just wait and see.”
Lea smiled faintly. She twiddled with the edges of the top sheet while nodding. Well, Lily thought, a brief smile was better than what she’d gotten the past few days. Lily pushed the chair she’d been sitting in aside and tapped her foot impatiently while they waited for Atlas and Cale to arrive.
Mae: Soon the familiar inventor limped into the room, the glass dome tight in hand despite the squid inside slamming herself against the casing in search for her needed freedom. Each clank of the glass forced a cringe on the boy’s face but he chose to remain silent. He was much too tired to fight with her…nor did he want to.
“Sorry we had a slight detour but we’re here now,” Cale muttered with a short nod to the squid he recognized. “Lily, good to see you.”
At the mention of that familiar name, Atlas paused with wide eyes aimed at her friend. Those same tears burst forth as her tentacles tapped the glass for aid.
Taji: It took a few moments for Lea to take in the new comers, when she did, though, she trembled all over again and disappeared under the sheets. Lily didn’t even attempt to soothe her this time. Her friend rocked back and forth under the sheets in a similar way to when Lily first saw her again.
Lily frowned as she took in the glass dome. “Really, Cale? Is that necessary? Get her out of that thing so we can actually talk.”
Mae: The inventor frowned at the request as he ruminated the thought. He wasn’t supposed to release Atlas without the order from on high. And besides, should he do so now…he knew exactly how she would react.
However, it was clear there would be no arguing with Lily. So he gently placed the glass dome on the ground before pressing a button on the band on his wrist. The dome disappeared in a flash and the squid immediately shot up and transformed into a raging Atlas.
The first action of the girl was to securely send a foot into the cheek of her captor, Cale accepting the pain fully as she then landed beside him and send a wave of punches into his arm. The pain was surely there though he made no effort to dodge or reveal his discomfort. And he refused to glance at his attacker, knowing full well tears were soaking her cheeks.
“I trusted you you jerk! How could you do this to me?!” Atlas cried out before then abandoning her best friend and hiding behind Lily. “I’m not going back there! You can’t make me!”
“I’m not trying to hurt you Atlas. Believe me, we’re trying to help you,” Cale began but fell silent as he realized the girl was no longer listening to a word he said.
Taji: Lily hugged Atlas much the same way she had cradled Lea Yesterday. The thought turned her attention back to Lea as well. During the conversation Lea seemed to retreat further into herself.
“You lied!” Lea suddenly shouted. “This is no different than that place!”
“Lea, no, we don’t kidnap inklings like they did, this is-“ Lily started but Lea gave a shattering cry.
The inkling started chattering jumbled phrases to herself. Lily frowned and tried to place a hand on Lea’s shoulder but the inkling immediately transformed back to a squid and shied away from her. Lily hesitantly turned away, shouldering Atlas behind her.
She looked at Cale and felt a twinge of sympathy before saying, “Cale, I think it’s best for you to leave now. You’re… not included on the team I chose for this mission. Only agents I’ve handpicked are entitled to the details. Please leave.”
Mae: “I’m not an agent anymore. I was demoted,” he stated plainly before gesturing towards the terrified Atlas. “The higher ups weren’t done with their testing but I assured them she would be safely returned following this mission. You need to keep your word on this Lily. My replacement will be here to aid in keeping her in line.”
With a saddened glance towards his friend who no longer looked at him with her joyful smile, Cale then limped out of the room and disappeared from sight.
Taji: Lily released a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding after Cale left. She gave Atlas a small squeeze.
“You don’t need to worry Atlas. I won’t ever resort to those measures.” Lily released her and turned her attention to Lea. After some soft talks Lily was able to get her friend back to her inkling self.
“Atlas, I’d like you to meet my very good friend Lea,” Lily smiled between the two. “Otherwise known as Agent 54, who’s found her way back to us after quite an ordeal.”
Lea kept a close eye on the door during the introduction but finally turned back to the two. She gave a silent nod in acknowledgement of the other.
“Lily tells me your career as an agent has grown even more since… I have been gone.” Lea commented softly.
Lily nodded enthusiastically. “I knew we had to have her on this mission, only the best! Banjo of course is coming too. He just couldn’t get away from that fish head to get here for this meeting. And, I guess Cale’s replacement too.”
“That’s a small team,” Lea said with a frown.
“It’ll be enough with how skilled we are!” Lily said confidently.
Lea rolled her eyes, one of the only small signs of her old self Lily had seen in the past day. “I think you’re underestimating the size of this place, it’s-“
Lea stopped short and her breathing picked up again. Lily waited patiently as Lea collected herself again.
“It’s a terrible, terrible place, Lily. Their agency rivals our own and is more diverse. Their facility is built to keep prisoners in and protect their mass weapons. It’s not a place you can just sneak into easily.”
“Then what do you suggest, Lea?”
Lea fell silent. Her hands gripped tighter on the sheets. “I… want to come with you.”
Lily gasped at the offer. She balked at the idea of Lea even being able to get out of bed let alone go on a mission, and she said as much. Lea took a deep breath.
“I’ll be alright, Lily.”
“Absolutely not! This is my mission- which I remind you that you were the one who wanted me in charge of this mission. I pick the team and I’m not going to make you go back there.”
Then Lea did something Lily had thought she’d never see again. Lea smiled and actually chuckled softly.
“My, you are not the same agent I trained with all those years ago,” Lea said.
Lily felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Lea-“
“Please let me do this, Lily,” Lea continued, interrupting the other. “I don’t want anyone else to suffer if I can help it. Besides, if you don’t pick me I’ll just go on my own anyway.”
“Yeah, I know you would,” Lily said rolling her eyes. “Fine, if that’s the choice you want to make I’ll support you. You’re only going to be back-up, though. I don’t want you straining yourself beyond what’s needed.”
Lea nodded and clapped her hands together in front of her. “I knew I could rely on you!”
Lily smiled back before turning back to Atlas. “Well then, let me reintroduce you two… Atlas, this is our fellow teammate Lea.”
Mae: Atlas eyed the other for a moment before shaking away her fears, the squid racing forward and cupping Lea’s hand in hers. “Hi Miss Lea! I’m the great and powerful Atlas! I am happy to be friends with you!”
The grin on her lips seemed a welcome change from her tears prior as she then threw up her hands into the air. “I’m so happy to be free from that stuffy room! No more tests for me!”
“Now Atlas, you know those tests are for your own good silly girl. They only treat you like a prisoner because you’re so difficult and stubborn to deal with,” a soft voice sounded from the doorway as Atlas turned on her heels to view who dared speak. A feminine figure stood with a wide grin on her painted lips, her shimmering silver tentacles brushed to the side and sparkling with each step she took forward. The was dolled up to impress it seemed, the woman then making her way to where Lily and Atlas stood. “My, what a lovely team I’ve been placed with. Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
There was an odd expression on Atlas’ face as she gawked at the newcomer, a familiar frustration in realization of who this was before her. This woman was no inkling but a cuttlefish. And there was something else too…
“I’m Sedi, though I believe you would know my reputation best as Agent 20, the agent of disguise,” the woman mused with a hand outstretched to Lily. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. And thank you so much for taking care of my little Atlas here. She can be a real handful.”
Atlas huffed at the comment. “You’re not my mom Sedi. Or better yet you’re not my dad…”
The cuttlefish seemed to twitch at the squid’s words before suddenly changing form, the beautiful female now a male with shorter tentacles. He narrowed his gaze on the girl before tossing an arm around her neck and forcing her into a hug.
“You brat, you know my preferences. Why do you always have to be so difficult!” He cursed as Atlas wiggled desperately to be freed. “I raised you better than this!”
“You didn’t raise me Sedi! Let me go!” Atlas whined at her captor, the newcomer refusing to break his hold on her. “Lily Love save me!”
(So let me go ahead and explain this new character a bit. This is Agent 20, and a former partner of Atlas before he/she was moved to a special division. Sedi is a cuttlefish (I’m going off the fan theory that there’s cuttlefish mixed in) who explored the idea that males can disguise themselves as females and took it to a whole new level. Sedi has perfected transformations and can disguise as squids and octos at will (there is always a physical limit to how many times he/she can transform at a time and how long he/she can hold one transformation so there’s a method to it all). I haven’t decided if he/she is just gender fluid or if he/she wants to be considered female but Sedi prefers the female form. He/she also has a complicated relationship with Cale)
Taji: Lily found herself gaping at Atlas’s request, still marveling over their newest arrival. She found herself so overwhelmed with excitement that she had to steady a hand on the bedside to keep herself still. “THE Agent 20?! They’re letting me lead a team with one of the most valuable agents in it?”
In complete juxtaposition to her friend, Lea smiled calmly and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sedi.”
“A-and Agent 20 raised you Atlas?!” Lily stammered. She took a step away from the bed and gave a stumbling bow. “I-it’s my pleasure to be working with you!”
(I vaguely remember us deciding we’d refer to Sedi as they/them, right??
I’ve been mulling over the details of how they get to the facility and all that for like a week now, lol, but I think I’ve got the ideas down now though! My thoughts are they head out to the facility using Lea’s memory of her “escape,” but, plot twist!, the evil guys knew how she escaped so they know the route and that’s where they’ve instructed Zane to ambush them with a small group of agents. It’s up to you if you want them to be actual characters or just nameless ones and whether they’re squid/octo! From that battle we’ll see how they get to the facility because there’s numerous ways for us to do it from there 🙂
And, to be honest, I’m still debating if Lea is going to turn out a betrayer and working with Perrins or not… my original plan was for her to turn out that way, and she’s purposefully leading them into an ambush, but I haven’t decided yet, so it’ll be a surprise to all of us when the time comes, hahaha.)
Mae – (Yep, we’re going to go with them/they for this 🙂 I’m excited to explore more of Sedi’s character. I originally wrote them as a side character in Cale’s life but I liked the idea of them and Atlas being together before Cale came into the picture. I’m very interested to get those two back into a room together, them and Cale, so maybe he can come back in later into the RP hahaha)
Atlas seemed to pout at the response from her friend about the newest arrival, the inkling soon wiggling free from the cuttlefish before darting to hide behind the hospital bed. Sedi followed the girl’s movements for a moment with a raised brow; however, they eventually sighed before lifting a hand to shake Lily’s.
“The pleasure is mine of course. I had heard there was a worthy agent in the ranks and succeeding at missions left and right. Now if you can manage to tame my little Atlas over there to not be so outlandish all the time, you’re truly a miracle worker,” Sedi chimed with a smile before instantly shifting back into the female form. “She’s a handful I know but Atlas has always come through for our cause in a pinch. I’m thankful she has found good friends.”
The inkling behind the bed groaned at the announcement, blushing furiously. “Can’t we just get this over with already? And you, shush! Don’t say embarrassing things like that.”
These two were a comedy duo in the making…though it was impressive to see just how different their interactions were from Cale and Atlas.
“Well, little Altas has a point there, we should probably begin our movements soon,” Sedi added.
Taji – Lily confidently nodded. She looked back to Lea. “Let’s get this over and done with.”
***
Gunther was most upset about his silent cell phone. Never in his entire life had he put his phone on silent. He’d let the loud, bass-filled ringtone ring freely wherever he was. He liked loud things, after-all, and anything opposite of loud was unsettling to him. For now, though, he couldn’t afford to be seen or heard… which was more difficult for him than he thought.
The ruin of a building he was hiding behind gave enough cover for his movements, or at least he hoped. He didn’t know much about this secretive organization of agents Benji was mixed up with, but seeing even just Lily and Atlas there again he knew their skills from just the Splatfests would be enough to spot him. Luckily the kettle had landed them on the surface instead of an Octo cave, and even more lucky they had arrived in some kind of desolate ruins of a city built by the ancient race. He glanced one more time around a crumbling wall to check on their progress.
Lily was still directing their small pack with a pair of inklings at her side that Gunther didn’t recognize. Benji was towards the rear of the group, furtively darting his gaze all around them. On top of all their matching light-blue tentacles, topped with some kind of headgear, all of them wore matching thick coats, pants, and shoes. Gunther quickly found out why. As soon as he followed them through an innocuous kettle in the Octo Valley they arrived at a wasteland that was positively freezing. He had never experienced snow before and was surprised to see swirling flakes of flurries when they first arrived.
It had been such a good day, too. He had managed to coax Benji into playing with the old team again. They spent most of the day dominating in the matches. At some point Benji’s phone rang and the infernal Lily was on the other end. Even though Benji had tried to hide it he could read right through him. So, Gunther managed to sneak behind Benji and followed the group here. Unfortunately he had not counted on the temperatures and found himself hugging his charger sometimes while shivering a bit.
The clouds of snow had dissipated and now the sun shone clearly. The small bit of slush on the ground was odd to feel under his shoes. Tentatively he tossed some orange ink down on the ground. The slush melted away from it, luckily, but he could tell the ink was less potent. He wasn’t even sure if he’d be able to swim in it without being hurt by the melted snow diluting it. He didn’t need to swim in it, though, he just needed to catch a certain inkling’s attention without arousing the others.
Gunther turned from the group and aimed his charge up the steadiest looking wall. He jumped up in his squid form, careful to avoid any slush, and swam up into the ink until he was on top of the structure. From here he positioned himself in perfect view of the group. He spotted the inkling he wanted; Atlas.
He pulled the trigger and charged his weapon. He had to wait until for the perfect moment. His limbs were starting to become sore from staying still for so long, but it was worth it. Finally Atlas turned in a direction the rest of the group wasn’t looking toward. He released his charger down the side of a wall adjacent to his perch and within view of Atlas. When he got her attention he waved vigorously for her to join him and made a motion of silence he hoped she could see across the distance. He didn’t want Lily and Benji knowing he was there just yet. He then turned his back against some rubble and waited.
Mae – For the entirety of their journey into Octo Valley, Sedi had urged the team’s silence in their travels. It seemed everyone else was well-equipped to handle such a request…leaving Atlas the lone wolf desperate for conversation.
The inkling slumped towards the rear of the group, a pout playing on her lips as her fingers teased the gun in its harness (I literally have forgotten every weapon in the game xD). Her eyes had scanned each member in longing, hoping for some sort of interaction to keep her sanity intact. After all, she had spent a good chunk of time completely isolated, save for Cale and the doctors that had been studying her…condition. She desperately needed the attention, needed the sense that she was not simply some freak under a telescope, needed to feel less…alone…
Sedi would not humor the girl at all even if she dared to ask or linger at their side. Once the mission began, it was almost like a switch had gone off. Their casual banter had vacated and the cuttlefish helped lead the charge into the practically unknown.
Atlas didn’t know Lea well enough, nor did she think it was wise to seek any sort of comfort from someone that had gone through an ordeal like she had. And because of Lea’s condition, Lily had focused much of her time in ensuring the agent was traversing with care.
And then there was Benji. Atlas had been able to drag out a smile from the silent shooter with her gestures towards him; however, he too was engrossed in the mission ahead to really speak with her. Besides the initial pleasantries once they were reunited, it was quiet.
Atlas hated the quiet…
She really…really…hated the quiet…and feeling more alone than ever even though she was surrounded by those that supposedly cared…
The inkling began to linger back even further from Benji’s position, Atlas choosing to try and take her mind off the terrible pit in her stomach. So her gaze traced the landscape with her eyes, guessing their immense history as she took in the state of the ruined landmarks. And it was in these moments in a lonely game of I Spy that she finally noticed him.
Gunther’s presence was a shock to the system, the girl biting her lip to keep from screaming out to him as she watched his dance for attention. His gesture to remain quiet really wasn’t needed at this point in the venture. She knew he absolutely was not supposed to be there and from previous interactions with him and Lily, Atlas guessed that the leader of the mission would go into a frenzy before sending him back by way of splatting.
Carefully Atlas began to inch away from the group as they continued forward, each step calculated for silence as well as safely traversing the slush that had been piled up. Only when she found it was safe to act, Atlas dove from the path and nearly tackled the newcomer to the ground. Gunther stumbled at her actions as Atlas beamed up at him.
“Squiggles! You’re here! I missed you!” She chimed, oddly careful not to shout loud enough for the others to hear. But still, it was clearly hard to contain her excitement. “Lily’s gonna kill you when she finds out you followed us again. Silly Squiggles!”
Taji – Gunther stumbled a bit with the affection Atlas was showing him. Normally his presence was meet with irritation or just simple comradery from his teammates. Benji, admittedly his only actual friend, was the only other inkling who ever received him with genuine friendliness. The pure excitement she showed was enough to make him blush a similar shade of red to his hair. Gunther gave her a hasty grin and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“She won’t kill me if she doesn’t find out I’m here,” Gunther replied with a wink. “Wherever here is…”
Mae – Atlas seemed delighted by his words as she raised a finger to her lips. “Ah a super secret mission with Squiggles! So much fun! I’ve missed fun!”
The inkling then hopped away from her friend, twirling on her toes as she hummed. “I’m sure Lily hasn’t noticed you yet. She’s so wrapped up in this dangerous mission. Guess what we’re doing! I bet you can’t even guess.”
Before Gunther could even open his mouth to answer, Atlas had already begun her tale. “Lily recruited us for a super secret mission to infiltrate a base. They’ve been capturing Inklings. One of the Inklings that was captured managed to escape and return to us. Now we are going in and taking the place down. Pew pew pew!”
She made gun signs with her fingers as she spoke; however, a puzzled expression suddenly washed over her face as she slipped back on her heels. “Or maybe it was a rescue mission. Hm I didn’t really listen to the details. But yeah it’s seriously dangerous. Hm, maybe I shouldn’t let you be following us? Maybe I shouldn’t have told you about any of this?”
Atlas blinked at her own words before she poked at Gunther’s cheek. “You’re not allowed to get hurt or tell anyone about the secret mission Squiggles. Or else I’d have to beat you up. I won’t tell Lily about this and you make sure to stay out of trouble. And no stealing Ben-Ben away ok? He’s our snipe snipe.”
She holds up a pinky to her friend. “Deal?”
(How Atlas could even keep a secret with the way she is I don’t even know xD)
Taji – (LOL it’ll be practice for her!)
Gunther stared at the offered pinky for a few moments. He glanced back at their small group, who were gaining some distance from them now. When he turned back to Atlas and her earnest expression he faltered somewhat. He tentatively held up his own pinky but instead of ‘shaking’ right away he hummed and wriggled it a bit.
“What if I just decide to steal both Benji and you away, huh?” Gunther leaned in a bit more and grinned. “You’d have a lot more fun dominating turf wars with my team than you’d have on this silly mission with soppy ole Lily.”
Mae – “You can’t steal me though silly,” Atlas answered, a hint of a blush on her cheeks as a trace of sadness showed in her gaze. “Besides, the moment those lab jerks get wind of me being back on the turf, they’ll probably nab me and lock me up again.”
Her pinky remained outstretched as that sadness faded. “And also if you try to interfere with the mission by ‘stealing’ your favorite squids away, you won’t have to worry about Lily killing ya. Cuz Sedi would kill ya first Squiggles. And as cool as I know you are, I guarantee in a fight with Sedi you won’t win.”
Atlas beamed up at her friend, her scar upon the left of her face never seeming to take away from her genuine happiness. “I promise Squiggles that Ben-Ben will get home safe and sound and you two can go battling like ole times. But I need you to work with me or else I can’t allow you to follow us anymore. And as fun as it sounds to beat you up and prove to you that I’m the great and powerful Atlas…Id rather not hurt ya silly.”
Taji – Gunther sighed and finally hooked his pinky alongside hers. “Fine, fine, wouldn’t want to make you break a sweat over lil ole me. I’ll help from the sidelines so you and Benji get this insanity done and over with finally.”
He eyed her a bit more critically. He remembered all too clearly the end of the last mission he trailed along with. Truthfully he had been scared out of his wits by Atlas back then, but for fear of her health than anything. His hatred of this organization seemed to grow with every detail he found out about.
He leaned back and took hold of his charger again. He gave her a small wink again.
“If those lab goons are the reason you haven’t been seen for awhile well, then they might have a fight on their hands if they come to scoop you up again after this mission,” he paused and gave a nod to the others. “Go ahead, I’ll just support and not interfere unless you need it.”
Mae – A blush burned on her cheeks at such a statement; however, Atlas grinned as she threw her arms around Gunther in one last hug. Then she quickly jumped back onto the path, lining back up with the others.
“Atlas, don’t linger back and get separated. We need to stay together,” Sedi huffed from the front lines. There was a hint of suspicion in their voice but they did not pursue it further. “If you fall out of line again, I’ll have to drag you back myself.”
“I’m bored, let’s go faster already. You guys move slower than snails!” Atlas feigned frustration as she slipped next to Benji, poking at his cheek. “Look, even Ben-Ben is bored. He’s wasting away from boredom.”
Sedi glanced over their shoulder towards the two trailing behind. “There will be no rushing in on this mission. This is a delicate situation. Just follow orders and we will be done before you know it.”
Atlas pouted but fell in line with Sedi’s words. It seemed they were in the clear…at least for now.
Taji – Lily watched wordlessly while Sedi and Atlas bantered back and forth for a bit. Benji’s jittery twitch to Atlas’ poke didn’t escape Lily’s notice. Lea, on the other hand, was more relaxed out here than she had been for the past few days. While Benji’s hand anxiously gripped tight around his charger Lea’s Dual Pistols stayed neglected at her side. Instead Lea spent the time honed in on the path head, effortlessly leading them the way she had just escaped days before with an odd sort of confidence.
Lily slowed her pace a bit until she was even with the two, allowing Sedi and Lea to take the lead. She cocked her head to the side and smiled up at Benji, who was infuriatingly taller than her somehow.
“I know this little trick of yours,” she said.
Benji frowned. “What trick?”
“Sticking to the rear guard, looking like you don’t want to see any of the action, then when the ink starts flying you suddenly disappear from everyone’s notice for awhile until you find that perfect spot to start splatting everybody. I know it well because that’s how you took me out all those years ago,” Lily hummed.
Benji hesitantly smiled. He wore a loose cap on top of his headgear for this mission. The dark color contrasted with the light blue tentacles of his bangs peeking out from underneath. Even while talking with her, though, his attention was on their surroundings. Just as though they were in a car driving he looked all around to be sure he didn’t miss a single detail.
“I just want to make sure everything goes… better, this time,” Benji said quietly.
Lily nodded in response. She beamed up at him and patted him on his shoulder. “I know I don’t have anything to worry about with you watching my back. Don’t get overly attentive, though, otherwise you might lock up.”
Benji shrugged, but he seemed more relaxed now. Lily picked up her pace again and looked to Atlas as she made one last remark. “Of course you have the Great and Mighty Atlas here to keep you out of trouble, too, so there’s really no reason to worry!”
Mae – Atlas beamed at Lily’s comment as a resounding groan echoed from the lead of the group.
“Oh please don’t stroke that girl’s ego. She’s already much too cocky for her own good,” Sedi called out, though their gaze was far from those accompanying her through the wasteland. In fact, their eyes were locked to a point high along the ruined buildings lining their chosen path.
It was faint but the cuttlefish was sure they saw it…a moving shadow up above. Without a word of warning to the team, Sedi had their splat brella in hand and aimed up towards that specific spot. And for good measure it seemed…as a stream of red ink suddenly surged from above, aimed right for them.
“Stay behind me!” Sedi called out as they pulled the trigger, a wide stream of blue ink surging forth from the weapon. As their finger held down on the trigger, the shielded umbrella deployed and blocked the surge of ink from delivering a blow to the team. “Get eyes on that sniper now!”
“Aye!” Atlas called out as she began to run forward, a hand swift to drag her back behind the brella shield as Sedi growled. “Sedi, stop it!”
“Not until you repeat the rules,” Sedi snapped as they shot another cone of ink. “You are not to go in close combat with anyone on this mission. I pulled your inkbrush from your arsenal for this reason. You are to keep a distance and fall back here if you become overrun.”
“Fine, fine! I forgot how much worse you are at being a worrywart than Squig-Cale,” the inkling paused with her words before showing off her Splattershot pro. “I’ll stay at far range.”
“You’d better,” Sedi cursed before releasing Atlas, the inkling staring at her former partner for a moment before darting through the slush towards the ruins. She had forgotten just how protective Sedi was.
As soon as she was at the damaged walls, Atlas began soaking what she could in blue ink as she ran fully around the ruined landscape. She had to provide as many angles as possible for her team to climb and less paths for her enemy.
Another full stream of red ink surged down upon Sedi’s position as the brella took the brunt of the attack. They then dove quick into some of the remaining blue at their feet to recharge before jumping back into the fray. Sure enough another stream…and then another…each one from the same exact spot.
“Why isn’t the enemy moving elsewhere?” Sedi questioned under their breath, a puzzled glance towards the position high above from their sights. “Eyes on the enemy now!”
Atlas heard the call to attention and bit hard on her lip before diving into the ink along the walls. She could already see Sedi disagreeing with this advance but it didn’t matter. They needed to have eyes on the target. Her squid form surged through the blue tower of ink, zipping past all the dangerous terrain she could before leaping out onto the platform where the shots were coming from.
A loud gasp echoed from her lips as she held her gun towards the metallic machine shooting off huge globs of ink towards Sedi. It was a distraction!
“Not the enemy! I repeat, not the-!”
A sudden quake erupted beneath their feet as machines busted from their hiding spots throughout the ruins, splatbombs and red ink sailing from all directions towards the team.
Taji – Lily cursed, drawing her Splattershot up to her side and trying her best to make a pathway to safety from the barrage of red ink. Nowhere seemed safe, however. Every drop of blue ink she laid down was quickly covered again with another layer of red. Finally she was able to at least get enough covering of blue ink to stand her ground. She couldn’t see their enemies perfectly yet, she couldn’t even see her teammates, so she settled for just shooting in all directions with the hopes of landing a hit on at least one of the enemies.
“Lily!” Lea shouted somewhere from Lily’s right.
“I’m over her!” Lily shouted back. She took a step towards Lea’s voice but was quickly repelled by enemy fire. “We need to form up, get over here!”
“Understood!”
Lea turned her Dual Pistols opposite of each other, spraying ink in front of her and behind as she backed up to Lily’s position. Once they were back to back they were able to more securely hold their ground.
“Benji-” Lily started to say, but stopped when a nearby machine exploded in a cloud of blue ink.
“I’m here,” Benji’s hoarse voice came over the coms. “Southside wall, the tallest I could manage.”
Lily and Lea wasted no time covering the area Benji had just cleared for them. Lily risked a second to look to Benji. Her eyes followed the trail of blue ink that lead to his position. The trail was not a perfect blue and, in fact, it was now just a few blotches of blue. Sure enough he was perched atop an unstable looking wall some yards away. Lily wondered how he even managed to get to that spot under such heavy fire… and she might have been imagining the blots of ink that were slightly oranger than the red of the enemy, or at least she hoped she was imagining them. She watched out of the corner of her eye as he took aim and splatted another machine near them.
The area around them started to turn more stable in her eyes. If they could just push back even a little then they could stop focusing on defense and work on the offense.
“Everyone, I need a status report!”
Mae – “Sedi, far West corner,” the cuttlefish called from their perch blocked by the ruins towards the left of the path. Despite regularly charging the splat brella in the blue ink beneath their feet, it’s shield looked worse for wear. This didn’t stop the agent from their duties however as Sedi’s gaze caught each enemy fire, a cone of blue ink launched to match the bombs and streams against them. “Atlas?”
“Rushing the east walls!” The inkling called out, her Splattershot pro beating down ink upon cannon after cannon as she ran and swam through the blue ink she created. “There are at least thirty cannons on this side alone. We must have triggered a trap coming through here. Looks like there’s ink stored up underneath that these machines are pulling from. I’m gonna take out this side and then meet up with you Sedi.”
“Wait to make sure I have eyes on you before you even think to cross that field,” Sedi ordered as they launched another shot, a small toothed grin on their lips at the satisfying sound of a machine falling apart. “And keep an eye out for living enemies. I’m not sold on this being a simple trap we triggered.”
Atlas rolled her eyes at the orders but knew they were wise to follow, the inkling unleashing a barrage one after another to each machine she passed. As soon as one turned towards the newcomer and launched a bomb, Atlas had already made a new stream of blue and dodged with a swim. And once she popped up onto the surface again, she would once more begin the cycle of clearing out the machines.
“Fifteen down! I’ll finish these off quickly,” Atlas called into the mic as she rushed forward to take on the latest machines; oblivious to the red ink that had formed in cover behind her.
The sudden turn of all the machines onto her spooked the Inkling for a moment as she began to fall back onto her path, tossing bomb after bomb in hopes to cover ground against them before they could provide their own onslaught. Red ink poured down onto the path as she swam backwards, only emerging in huge leaps with her weapon blasting what machines she could reach.
Atlas was so caught up in this turn of events, she didn’t see this Octarian figure rise up behind her, a charger point back towards her figure ready to fire. Zane didn’t make a sound as he then pulled the trigger, his merciless attack completely swallowing up the girl as she fell upon the ground in a sea of red.
Her headset was tossed from her, destroyed like the ruins that surrounded them. But what’s more, Atlas was not splatted from existence, just like their last encounter. Zane nodded to himself as he stepped forward, observing the girl riving in pain as her tentacles and scar burned the familiar red. Tears welled up in her eyes as Atlas tried to gain her composure, her stare upon her attacker as he knelt down beside her.
“You shouldn’t have come back here,” he remarked, his expression void as he reached a hand towards the girl. “Now You’re his.”
“F-Fuck that,” Atlas hissed through gritted teeth as she tossed a punch at her attacker, Zane taking a slug to the cheek. Despite the powerful blow, he reacted in kind with a punch of his own into the girl’s gut, Atlas keeling over with a howling gasp for air.
“Don’t make this difficult,” Zane requested as he then slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out a ring-shaped device, forcing it onto the girl’s wrist as she struggled to get free. A sudden surge of electricity ripped through her already pained body, Atlas soon just an unconscious squid left in a pool of red ink. “One down.”
Zane scooped up the squid and forced her into his bag before glancing back towards the battlefield around him. With another motion, he grabbed hold of a device similar to a remote. As swift as he could, he pressed a large button and the path below seemed to roar to life. Grates along the ground began to bubble as red ink poured from them, beginning to engulf the entire walkway.
“Shit, get up high now!” Sedi called as they shot a path up the wall. “They are trying to flood us out!”
Taji – Gunther watched the events from afar and with every new twist he found himself more and more pissed off. In hindsight he wished he had adjusted his ink color to Atlas’ color earlier when they’d talked, but he had never been one to think things through. For once he was careful with his shots, lest he cause more damage than help. All he could do was clear a path for Benji when the battle first started, and even then his friend still endured the painful burn of red ink on the way. From then on he took careful aim of machines not close enough to accidentally spray his own opposing ink the team.
Benji seemed to have a firm spot where he was. The range of the machines was limited and couldn’t reach that high. He carefully watched Benji from his position. There was no way Benji had missed the earlier assistance Gunther had provided. Right now, though, his friend seemed preoccupied keeping his friends from being splatted themselves. Gunther looked through his scope at Benji with a frown. Benji was rather scorched from his get-away earlier. Red ink still clung to some of his limbs. Despite the shaking Benji’s shots were still top-grade and none of them missed a target.
Gunther wanted to shoot Benji right then and just get the fool out of here, but he was far out of range and Gunther had no chance of closing the distance with the chaos of the field. Instead he glanced around looking for the only other one he cared about and thought he could splat her to safety instead before focusing on Benji. He knew Atlas would be probably be mad that he was technically breaking the promise he made earlier to not interfere. However, that was before all hell broke loose and their lives could be in jeopardy.
It was only after he started searching around he realized she was nowhere in his sights. He darted around the outside of the battle until finally he spotted her. When he saw Atlas shoot out of sight without any back-up he knew he needed to move his tail to follow.
The machines hadn’t caught onto his presence yet and he easily scuttled along broken walls and flooring without notice. He arrived just in time to see the prick from their last mission stuffing Atlas into a bag. He shouted before he could stop himself and launched an ill-aimed shot at the Octoling. Of course he missed, but his focus was more on intimidation than anything.
“Listen here, asshole,” Gunther shouted from a good distance away. “My friend there was just enjoying a smooth mission and you seem to be mucking it up pretty badly… and I just can’t stand for that.”
Gunther took some shots at the surrounding machines. It took him a few tries, his anger was clouding his aim more than he cared to admit, but he managed to take a few of the machines out. He advanced slightly further on the Octoling.
“I’ll give you to the count of three to let her go before I splat your sorry ass,” Gunther growled.
Meanwhile Benji was doing all he could to get his teammates to safety. His earlier dash for this spot put him in a puddle of red ink when he made a bad jump. He was sure he was about to be splatted until the machine suddenly poofed into an inky orange-red spray. He didn’t have time to dwell on the fact that Gunther had yet again followed him and that could jeopardize his whole agent status. He also forced himself to ignore the question of how this trap was even set up perfectly for them in the first place. Instead he focused his attention on turning this mission around by following the positions of machines to destroy which Lily fed to him over the headcoms.
He knew he should spend a few minutes in the blue ink at his feet to wash away the red burning on his skin. Those few minutes, though, could make all the difference for this battle. Instead he only dipped into the blue when he needed to refill his charger.
Then the floodgates literally opened and the hellish red ink filled the area below. He watched as Sedi managed to get themself up to high ground. He focused through his charger to try and find some kind of control for the grates. He couldn’t find anything, though, and turned his attention back to Lilly and Lea.
“We’re heading towards Benji’s position!” Lily screamed over the coms.
The two agents ran and swam their way closer to him. Lily took the front and Lea covered their backs. The surging ink, however, wasn’t giving them many options. Finally they came close enough to his position. He inked the side of the wall again just to be on the safe side. Lily urged Lea to go first, but as they switched positions the machines roared to life suddenly.
A spray of red ink hit right into Lea and her path. She cried out, stumbling onto the ground and losing her grip on her dual pistols. Her weapons were quickly swallowed up in red ink before she could retrieve them. Lily was at her side in an instant and helped her friend up.
“Get up to Benji, now!” Lily shouted.
Lea moved slower than before and, without her weapons, resorted to swimming the rest of the way in squid form. Benji covered her path well until she was finally able to climb up behind him. She stayed in squid form and huddled behind him in a trembling mess. The fight had jarred her nerves and Benji knew without her weapons she wouldn’t be able to provide any support now.
“Lily, you’re running out of time,” Benji stated through their coms.
Despite his continual rush of ink around Lily the area was becoming too flooded for their ink to stick. Lily stopped running towards them and instead turned her attention to a machine close to her. Benji felt his heart pick up.
“What’re you doing?” He asked in almost a whisper.
“I’m going to take out as many of these as I can before I get splatted,” Lily said, pausing to swim around a growing puddle of red ink. “I want Sedi to lead the team until I can make it back to you all. Find a position and hole up there until then. Understood?”
Benji shivered at the thought of Lily not being here with them. “No! You can still make it over here-”
“You are not going to disobey me now, Agent *can’trememberhis#*. Do as I say, everything is going to be fine. Now help me take a few more of these out before I run out of time,” Lily replied.
Benji took a few deep breaths to steady his breathing. He nodded, then realized she couldn’t see that, and replied in the affirmative. He helped her take out three more machines before she finally succumbed to the red ink. He watched as her form evaporated and traveled back towards the last respawn point they had seen.
Mae – Zane didn’t even bother to turn to meet Gunther’s gaze before he twisted the charger in his hold, shooting off a trail behind him towards where he heard the familiar voice. Of course the non-agent would be amongst them. Luckily he had planned for the extra help…which is why this location fit perfectly for his needs to capture the agents.
As soon as the spray of red left the barrel, the Octoling tossed the bag and dove beneath the ink. All around him bombs blasted a sea for him to travel in, Zane soon emerging in close quarters with the newcomer. His gun was trained and ready, his wild eyes burning with purpose.
“Your request is denied. She’s the most important piece to this puzzle,” Zane remarked, sending stream after stream to surround Gunther. “You can gladly join her though.”
*****
Sedi felt a panicking beat in their chest as they blasted cone after cone against the machines. A widened gaze watched the ink rise up further and further but there was really no time to worry about that. For when they heard Lily’s orders and saw her poof across the way, the words sunk in their throat. This mission was already more dangerous than they originally anticipated.
“Benji, keep tight on Lea. I will leap over to your position. Just make a clear landing zone for me,” Sedi called into the mic. “Atlas please respond. Where are you?!”
There was nothing, only the occasional static over the speaker. The panic grew more and more with each passing second. What happened to Atlas…
“D-Damn it Benji I’m coming now!” Sedi called out before sinking into the ink, Their body soon launching clear into the air towards where Benji waited.
Taji – Benji watched as Sedi made their way towards his position. He stood poised and ready to fend off any new surprises. Unfortunately for him the biggest surprise was one he would have never anticipated. He felt a tug from his ink tank, nagging sharply at his shoulders until the straps suddenly snapped away. He turned in astonishment to find the ink tank now falling uselessly into the red ink below.
Behind him Lea was back in his humanoid form with a narrowed expression. She twirled a small blade effortlessly in her hand while Benji’s mind raced to catch up with what had just happened.
“Sorry, Benji, but your job is finished here,” Lea said solemnly.
Benji took a step back from Lea. His foot threatened to slip off their narrow spot entirely if he put any more space between them. He clung to his Charger even though the weapon was pretty much useless without his ink tank.
“What’re you doing?” Benji gasped.
Lea twirled the knife once more between her fingers before pocketing it. In its place she pulled out a wristband.
“My job,” Lea replied simply with a shrug.
Benji turned with every intention to jump into the red ink and splat himself away from this nightmare. Lea must have anticipated this, however, and before he could turn heel she closed the distance between them in a flash. She grabbed his wrist with one hand and twisted her body around, kicking behind Benji’s knees and sending him to the ground.
The blow solidly knocked the wind out of him. He coughed, dazed, and didn’t even notice Lea had already slipped the wristband onto him. He didn’t have time to register its purpose as a wave of electricity sent him writhing in pain. He found himself slipping into squid form before falling away from consciousness.
Lea knew she didn’t have much time before Sedi rejoined them and discovered the scene. She was confident she could take out Benji on her own. He was just a rookie agent, after-all, but Sedi was a different matter altogether. From inside her coat she produced a bag and secured Benji inside it. She picked up his Charger and started work connecting it to her own ink tank. Once finished she pulled out an old fashioned radio, grimacing at the crude technology. Perrins insisted they use the Octoling’s technology, though, even the more crude versions.
“Zane, do you copy?” Lea waited until she heard a response to continue. “Lily was splatted, so Perrins is going to have to deal with having one less test subject. I’ve got their sniper secured but the cuttlefish is going to be a problem. Can you get over here for backup?”
***
Gunther was always quick on his feet when in turf wars, something he was somewhat known for in fact. It took all of his skill to keep away from the Octoling’s relentless attacks. He spent so much time spraying his surroundings with ink just so that he could dodge the attacks that he couldn’t quite get the upper hand. Finally he resorted to retreating behind a wall.
He was surprised to find the Octoling didn’t immediately pursue him. He took the opportunity to catch his breath. There was some kind of crackling static before the assassin seemed to grow quiet. Gunther felt like he recognized that noise somewhere before. Then a voice sounded through the area and he realized it was a radio. The voice grew louder as though the Octoling purposefully turned up the volume.
He froze when he heard something about the team’s sniper being secured. It had to mean Benji. He felt his blood boil and the anger returned fiercer than before. He dipped himself in ink to make sure his tank was full then spun around the cover he had been using.
“You assholes-” Gunther yelled, tossing a bomb directly in the assassin’s direction.
He jerked when he saw that his bomb exploded on only the radio which sat abandoned where the Octoling had been. Gunther realized too late the assassin had made sure he’d heard that detail and come rushing out. He cursed for being so brash, but he didn’t have time to dwell on it as a series of bombs cascaded at him. Again he managed to slip away from them, but only just barely. He held up an arm to prevent a splash of ink getting at his face. The burning sensation sent him stumbling back until he tripped over something on the ground. He tried to turn squid before he completely collided with the ground, but he wasn’t quick enough. As he fell his head collided with some fallen stonework and his world went dark before his whole body hit the ground.
Mae – The moment Sedi landed, they had watched the scene unfold with Lea and Benji as a curse rose up in their throat. Already the splat brella had twirled in their hold, it’s shield falling back into place against the barrel.
The cuttlefish was quick on their feet, much faster than even Atlas as they twisted around and swung the weapon as a blade. Lea managed to rise the charger up to block; however, the force behind each attack felt like a train surging through her being.
“Your sob story won’t get you out of this I’m afraid,” Sedi stated aloud, a venom hanging off each syllable as they matched Lea’s footwork. The fury in their eyes was absolute. They were out for blood.
*****
It was always an interesting sight for Zane, to stand above his prey after they had fallen from grace. One might say Gunther’s unconscious form was at peace…others might say it was brimming with pain. To Zane, the inkling still looked so furious, even trapped in the darkness.
“At least you all will be together where You’re going,” Zane remarked as he knelt down beside the fallen form, linking his wrist with the ring before Gunther transformed into a lowly squid. Gently he carried the creature back to his fallen bag, tucking him away next to his most important charge. “Three captured, One splatted, one…right the cuttlefish. I’m coming.”
A steady stream of red launched towards where the battle awaited, the Octarian careful to avoid any remnant of blue from their fallen enemies. Once the duel was in his sights, Zane leapt out of the ink, his chargers shot ripping between the two fighters like a barrier.
Sedi slid back on their heels, wild eyes glaring towards the newcomer as he took full control of the battle. His charger shot row after row of red ink, the cuttlefish barely managing to sidestep the shots as they cursed.
“Lea, one of the Inklings that were here had red ink. I suggest you change color if you want to be even slightly useful right now,” the sniper snapped, the Inkling not offering any sort of retort as she sunk into the ink and swam the way he had originally come. All the while he kept his eye roughly on Sedi. “Stand down. We already have your team in custody.”
“Then I will need to take them back quickly and give you a proper slaughtering then,” Sedi hissed as they swung their splat brella in their hold, a cone of blue launching forward towards the enemy.
Zane rolled his eyes at the attack before diving out of the way, zipping through the lines of red he had formed prior towards Sedi’s position. The cuttlefish noted the action and began to shoot around their feet, trying to cut him off from the closeup attack.
Blue ink ripped through his path and Zane launched up into the air, his charger twisting in his hold as he began to fall towards the cuttlefish. Sedi’s eyes widened at the aerial attack before raising the brella towards him, firing off one shot directly towards his chest.
Zane had little time to act as he shot towards the ground, rising his body just above the cuttlefish’s attack. Of course there was nothing he could do as the brella’s barrel suddenly collided with his gut, swinging him completely over the edge towards the pool of red ink below. It wouldn’t splat him of course, but Sedi grinned at the satisfying splat as his body sunk into the ink.
“Now for-,” Sedi turned just in time for a pool of inkling red to slam into their body, the cuttlefish barely able to catch their breath before stumbling back over the edge. Their body crashed into the ink pool before their fallen figure zipped into the air towards the nearest spawn point. All that was left on the platform was Lea gripping tight to the bags holding the captives.
“Another one lost,” Zane remarked as he swam up the side to where the other waited. “Less money for the job.”
Taji – A trio of footfalls were the only sounds in the hallway. Perrins took the lead of the two researchers, one inkling and one octoling, behind him. This was, after-all, his research facility and he was head researcher. Everything in the hallway was a metallic sheen of white with blue lights built into the crevices between the ceiling and wall. They were designed to make sure no ink could stick. The whole facility was built that way except for one, large room in particular.
One of the researchers behind him coughed, the sound echoing in the empty corridor. Perrins didn’t look up from the pack of files in his hands. His work schedule was a busy one and he had perfected the art of reading on the go. He skimmed back over the hastily written report Lea had made when they’d finally returned with the prizes, then flipped to one of the files they’d been previously made that the report was clipped to.
One of the researcher’s phones rang, causing all of them except Perrins to jump. The inling researcher fumbled to get it out of his pocket and answer. There was some muffled talking which Perrins didn’t care to decipher. He heard some yelling and crashing on the other end of the line.
Perrins sighed, exasperated. “Tell them I’m almost there… and I expect them to do their jobs and get everything under control, otherwise there’ll be consequences.”
The researcher gulped but relayed the information immediately. Within minutes they passed by a series of doorways until Perrins stopped purposefully in front of one. He tucked the files under his arm and swiped his ID card across the mechanism next to the door. It swished open in seconds, replacing the silence of the hallway with the same yelling and crashing he had heard over the phone earlier.
Once inside Perrins paused for a moment in surprise. This room was one of many used to sort out the newest acquisitions and provide medical attention to the current ones. Perrins himself always conducted the follow-up medical reviews while his doctors carried out the initial physicals. Two of their three newest acquisitions still slept soundly on two of the many medical tables in the room. One blue squid, still trembling with red ink even in her sleep, and one red squid with a nasty bruise swelling on his forehead.
When they had informed him that one of the three had awakened earlier than expected and was causing havoc he expected it to be the rowdy non-agent. He was momentarily surprised to see the timid sniper agent take a swing at one of the bruly, well-armed inkling guards without any sense of hesitation. The two inkling guards wore heavy body armor that Perrins himself had designed through Tentatek’s research labs. Despite this they seemed to struggle as Benji used any kind of equipment around him to bash back at them any time they tried to snatch at him. Perrins wrinkled his nose in disgust over the mess of overturned instruments and equipment the fight was causing in their wake.
“Enough,” Perrins said firmly. “Get him under control.”
His voice startled all three of the combatants, but Benji most of all. He stared at the newcomer in awe. The moment of uncertainty was enough for the two guards to finally grab hold of him firmly. One held tight onto a shoulder and arm while the other guard twisted his other arm back and latched a firm hand at the back of his neck. Benji gave a few more tugs and tried turning back to a squid. The guards were able to keep hold of him even as he turned back humanoid. Finally the room was quiet again save for the beeping of computers and machinery.
“That’s more like it,” Perrins said off-handedly. He pulled out one of the files and scribbled some notes onto one of them.
“Now the rest of you get back to work.” Perrins turned to the huddle of inkling doctors and staff in the corner.
They all jumped at the command. They glanced between Perrins and the guards, trembling together still. Perrins could see one of the doctors was clutching an arm; probably the unfortunate doctor Benji had first turned his attention to. Perrins continued staring at them until they slowly stepped towards the two slumbering squids.
“If you go near either of them I’ll make sure you regret it!” Benji shouted.
The doctors all jumped in unison and even his most seasoned researchers behind him paused. He wasn’t surprised at their weakness. Usually they dealt with sedated, half-dead, or actually dead patients. Having an unruly live-wire such as this was beyond them. Well, Perrins thought, all experience is good experience. Perrins decided he was just going to have to give them some impromptu professional development.
Perrins strode past the pack of researchers. When he walked beside the tables with the sleeping squids Benji growled something about ripping off the tentacles of any who dared touch them. Perrins calmly continued walking until he was only a few feet away from Benji and the two guards. Perrins slowly pulled out the files under his arm and skimmed over them again.
“It seems your friend…” Perrins paused until he found the right name in the file, “Gunther, I believe is his name… it seems Gunther’s personality did indeed rub off on you somewhat, though this is a side you rarely need to show. Right, Benji?”
Benji jerked against the guards but again their hold was firm. He remained silent, though, and didn’t respond. Perrins clicked the pen in his hand as he observed Benji’s reaction.
“Unfortunately the only information we have on Gunther are his stats from the Turf Wars and Splatfests, along with public rumors of his reputation and sparkling personality, of course. We don’t have nearly as much information on him as we do for you and Atlas,” Perrins again paused. When Benji made no effort to respond he continued. “Now Miss Atlas here is rather special; we have much intel on her exploits within the agency, as well as her… delicate condition, which we have great interest in. And as for you, even though you’re rather new to the agency you’ve already earned top scores and praises for your marksmanship.”
Benji’s breathing seemed to pick up and his face grew a new shade of red. Perrins knew the inkling wanted very much to explode into another raging fit. He was probably only waiting for the right moment to jump at it again.
“Don’t you want to ask me how I know this information about you all?” Perrins asked flatly.
“I don’t need to ask; it’s because of that traitor.” Benji retorted.
Perrins smiled. “Ah, Lea? Well, yes, she provided some intel… the more appropriate answer, though, would be the traitors. We have more than one double agent working for us now. Your agency’s loyalty isn’t as rock solid as you might think.”
The realization seemed to deflate some of Benji’s anger. He started to sag somewhat in the guards’ hold, just as Perrins wanted. All it took was a damaging blow of some kind to start the process of weeding out the anger, then exhaustion from being angry in the first place usually took over. Benji was still tense, though, and Perrins was going to make sure he left this room quite defeated. Perrins wasn’t done yet.
“You and your friends are injured. All we’re doing right now is getting each of you checked out and then providing the best convalescence to recover.” Perrins continued soothingly.
Benji’s expression was gradually cooling. Instead of glaring straight at Perrins he shifted his glare to the floor.
“I don’t believe you,” Benji grumbled.
“I have no reason to lie,” Perrins quickly retorted. “Gunther here took a hard blow to the head. He’s probably concussed and we need to figure out just how badly he was damaged, which will require X-Rays and a physical. Concussions can create more problems if left untreated.”
Benji looked up at that remark. His brows furrowed together in thought. Perrins gave him a few minutes to mull this over before continuing.
“As for Atlas, we need to assess her before we can help her manage whatever that crackpot engineer has done to her.”
“Cale is not a crackpot engineer, and he’s been working for weeks to help her. Unlike you he actually cares about her, too. How can you do any better? And why would you even want to except for your own gain?” Benji seemed more sure of himself suddenly.
Perrins shrugged. “I assure you, our resources here are much more advanced than your own. I will admit, we’ll benefit from such research as well, but isn’t that worth it to help out your friend? You know she’s in pain over this, shouldn’t you allow her the best chance to get rid of the pain, even if we get something out of it in return?”
Benji was quiet for a long while. Eventually Perrins nodded at the guards and, reluctantly, they let go of the inkling. Benji swayed a bit afterwards with the sudden release of the tight hold. Even though the crowd of doctors and researchers behind them squeaked Benji made no moves of further aggression. Perrins smiled again.
“Let us work together and all will be well,” Perrins said lightly.
Benji rolled his eyes. “As if we have a choice.”
That’s right exactly, Perrins thought to himself but didn’t say aloud. All their acquisitions started out this way, even Lea had. Perrins had become an expert at converting defiant acquisitions to their cause. He was sure Benji would be no different, given Benji’s personality and need for authority. Once Benji was securely dedicated to their cause Perrins was sure Gunther would follow suit. Although he didn’t have much intel on the inkling he figured the two boys were close enough that if he manipulated one the other was sure to follow. Atlas, on the other hand, he was completely unsure of. However, once they’d gleaned any and all information about her condition that they could she would be expendable.
“You’ll go with one of these doctors for your own physical first. Once your friends have woken up and get checked out we’ll have them join you in your cell block.” Perrins said.
“Cell block-”
Perrins held up a hand to stop the further outburst. “It’s just what we call the rooms, nothing more. I assure you that you’ll find them quite accommodating.”
Perrins motioned for a doctor to join them. At first none moved forward, but Perrins snapped a look at them and one was shoved forward by the others. The doctor hesitantly walked towards a side door and waited for Benji to join him.
“I still don’t trust you,” Benji muttered as he reluctantly made his way over.
“Luckily trust has no place whatsoever in a working relationship,” Perrins replied coolly.
Perrins waited until well after the door was firmly shut before he started ordering the others. He directed which doctors to take the two remaining acquisitions. He required the guards to call for more backup in case they provided more trouble than expected. Then he exited and left them to their work.
By the time he had finished his other duties and returned to his office Lea was already waiting for their afternoon meeting. She sat on his secretary’s desk, chatting idly away until she saw him. He waved her in with a nod.
“I heard you smoothed out one of those rapscallions earlier. I told you Gunther would be a handful,” Lea hummed after the door closed behind her.
Perrins plopped into his desk chair with a sigh. It had already been a long day and it wasn’t over yet. On his computer he pulled up the camera footage of the cell block he had designated for their newbies. Benji was still the only occupant in the sterile room full of beds. He was curled up on one of the beds with his back to the camera. Perrins suspected he wouldn’t sleep any time soon, though.
“Actually, it was the other male,” Perrins replied and motioned her over.
She trotted over and draped an arm over his shoulder. She leaned in close to him in order to look at the screen. He had to stop himself from pulling her into an embrace. He had too much work to do. Later, he told himself, he’d let Lea sidetrack all his attention.
“Benji?! He seemed like such a mellow guy, who would’ve thought?”
Perrins shrugged. “When put in a dangerous position you’d be surprised what people are capable of.”
“Are you putting him in isolation first thing because he was unmanageable? That’s harsh,” Lea whistled.
“No, not isolation. He wasn’t unmanageable, the staff just fumbled his handling was all. I told him the other two would be joining them as soon as they finished. He’s probably wondering at this point if I was lying just to get him in there,” Perrins trailed off in thought as he wondered if the other two had awoken yet.
“And did you?” Lea asked.
“Now don’t be impertinent. I never tell lies, I just change my decisions to suit whatever needs arise,” Perrins responded sharply.
Despite his stern tone he looked up to Lea with a grin. He grabbed onto Lea’s waist and playfully pulled her onto his desk. During the motion he managed to quickly pull out a box from his desk drawer and present it to Lea with a large smile.
“You’re reward, my lady.”
Lea opened the box. As he suspected her eyes immediately lit up. She gingerly pulled out a necklace studded with multiple precious gems. She squealed in delight as she placed it around her neck. Then she promptly leaped at Perrins for a hug.
“You know just how to spoil me,” Lea giggled.
“I’m not spoiling you, just giving an appropriate reward for a job well done,” Perrins pulled her away to arm’s length and looked her in the eyes. “I know it was difficult for you to return to your old life, if even for a few days. Your loyalty to us has not gone unnoticed.”
Lea looked away from him then, all mirth draining from her face. Perrins lifted her chin until she looked back to him with a serious expression.
“You did well, Lea; you’ve made us, and especially me, proud,” He cooed.
Lea nodded and the smile slowly returned. He gave her one last embrace before she trotted out of his office. Once she left he pressed a button on his desk to speak to his secretary.
“The Octarion will be here for his meeting in the next hour. I want extra guards posted around the hallway; they’re to remain hidden.” He ordered.
This meeting was another unknown, as he wasn’t sure how the Octarian assassin would react. Just as he told Lea earlier, he never lied… just merely adjusted his plans and decisions as the need arose. Unfortunately for the brothers the need now had changed from allowing Wes and Zane free.
Mae – The examination room was consumed in a burning white light, everything illuminated under its powerful spell. At the center laid the female inkling specimen, surrounded with beeping machines and sterile tools. Two guards began to tie the girl down as a single doctor stood idle from the bed, his wide eyes shielded by his glasses.
Dr. Milo Varian was always small compared to his allies. Short in stature and lacking in any sort of brawn, the Octoling knew he needed to be one of the smartest to make something of himself. It was only through his genius that he was considered so highly within this research lab. Perhaps that was why Perrins granted him the honor of being the lead in handling this Atlas girl’s case.
Upon observing the still lifeform sprawled upon the bed, Milo first took note of her shivering. The inkling must have been in extreme pain, especially with red ink still caked on her clothes and skin. What’s more, her tentacles were no longer the blue like her friend Benji. They were mostly red now with blue hints trickled in. But what most interested Milo above all was the girl’s left side of her face which was scarred from the explosion. It was practically glowing red.
“A specimen with the power to use both inkling ink and Octarian ink,” Milo voiced as he watched the two guards secure the girl’s wrists to the bed. Protective measures were needed due to Benji’s…display from earlier. “Never in all my years of study has anything like her shown up. Simply amazing!”
The guards finished securing her wrists and began to move to her ankles…when bright eyes flickered open in a wide stare. Atlas didn’t even bother to glance around the room before she yanked at her wrists. Not missing a beat, once she had found them contained, she instead took control of her legs. The guards reeled backwards as the girl’s heels drove into their faces, sending them across the room as she growled.
“My, You’re even more feisty than I would have guessed,” Milo remarked as he glanced towards the guards, watching them as they desperately tried to pick themselves off the ground. Then he returned his gaze forward, a shiver rolling down his spine at the notice that Atlas’ gaze was now fully on him. And by god those eyes were those of someone ready to kill. “Miss, please don’t be alarmed. I’m merely here to ensure you are properly cared for.”
“You don’t even believe the words you’re saying,” Atlas remarked under her breath as she narrowed her gaze. “Let me go!”
Milo raised his hands in hopes to soothe her troubled thoughts, “but miss, I’m not lying. I do want to help you. I can see it in your eyes and in your motions. You are in so much pain I don’t know how You’re even conscious right now. So let me help you be relieved of that pain.”
“Screw that liarface!” Atlas hissed as she began kicking wildly in her bed, refusing to let anyone near her. She desperately yanked at the holds on her wrist, hoping to free herself so she could fully attack those within the room. “Let me go! Let me go! Let me go!”
“Miss please,” Milo began again but the guards had already filed in, one of them forcing a ring onto her ankle before Atlas shrieked in unbearable pain. As she then transformed into a squid, the doctor filed in with a sincere glance upon her shivering form. “I don’t want to hurt you. I simply want to know what makes you who you are. And I want to know how the pain can go away.”
*****
It had been awhile since Wes had stepped out of the lonely cell he was forced into, his legs wobbling beneath him as one of the guards ushered him down the hall. His tentacles threatened to fall into his sights save for his headband; however, the Octoling honestly wished he could remove this place for his sights for good.
This place was hell…there was no doubt in his mind about that. He should have had the sense of dragging himself and Zane far from this business when he had the chance. However, money was a huge factor in their dealings…and the boys did have a thirst for greed.
Money bought them happiness, bought them food, clothes, new weapons. They weren’t street urchins with money. They had purpose, they had the attention of others.
Wes hated being alone. So he used money to ensure there were always others around him. Zane didn’t care much for company but he did seem to prefer his brother being happy. So the two continued their hunts for money…which eventually got them caught in the sight of Perrins.
They should have ran…they should have ran far away and never looked back. But in truth there weren’t many places for Octolings to run to anymore. Not anywhere where they could have some sort of freedom.
The sudden crack of a door broke Wes from his thoughts as he was ushered into a room full of beds, the Octoling watching as the door was closed behind him. His eyes widened as he then noticed he wasn’t alone here…his first real company he’s had in days…or has it been longer…
“They couldn’t even make my roommate a pretty girl,” Wes muttered under his breath before stepping towards one of the beds and plopping down with a smile towards his companion. “I’m kidding. You’re a sight for sore eyes kid. Good to meet you, though I wish it was under better circumstances. What with us being prisoners and all.”
Taji – Benji was exhausted. After a brutal mission failure, then the fight when he first woke, and finally the physical he underwent he knew under any other circumstance he’d be asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. While the physical wasn’t too demanding it still made him feel queasy the amount of information they’d wanted. Afterwards they’d provided him with a set of clothes that looked similar to the uniforms he’d seen in the hospital. He had cringed when his ink stained clothes were carted away, like another layer of himself sent off to be examined.
Then he was through a series of corridors and rooms, each with a set of heavy-duty security doors. One room was some kind of dining room where small groups of inklings and even some Octadions sat at tables under heavy guard. He was ushered quickly through that room before he could really get a good look at his fellow prisoners. The guards didn’t say a word to him after they ushered him inside the room and shut the door firmly behind.
Benji first spent time exploring, but it didn’t take too long to canvas every inch as the room wasn’t that large. Finally he plopped onto a bed. He wrapped himself in a blanket and shivered even though the temperature of the room was quite comfortable.
He didn’t even try to close his eyes and sleep. With all the anxious thoughts of his friends swirling around in his head he knew sleep would evade him. He didn’t know how long he had been curled up like that when the door suddenly opened and guards ushered another prisoner in.
Benji perked up for a moment when he saw a flash of red, hoping to see Gunther finally. He sat up in his bed, keeping the blanket wrapped tightly around him as though it’d provide any kind of real protection. When he realized the newcomer was not even an inkling, though, he frowned.
“Who are you?” Benji asked softly. He wasn’t entirely ready to trust someone he’d just met.
Mae – “Wes,” the Octarian chimed as he kept his eyes firm on this new person in his life. Just having one person at his side was enough to give him the slightest bit of hope in escaping hell. “You got a name or should I call you Lil Blue? They already rough you up a little bit or they playing nice with you?”
*****
Zane stared upon the motionless squid strapped to her bed, a brow raised at such extreme measures. Though from experience, he supposed that wasn’t too surprising. She was a hell of an opponent for even him. Part of him realized quick that catching her off-guard was sheer luck on his part.
“You really clocked her good with your ink shot,” Milo voiced as he examined the results of some of the shots he took from the girl. “Plus some bruising on her face and torso. From earlier I saw firsthand how feisty she is.”
“She’s just an inkling trying to survive,” Zane remarked with a huff as he took in the sight of her shivering form. “I wanted to see if you had anything about what she is before I booked it out of here.”
Milo blinked at the question, leaning back in his chair to eye the newcomer. “You know if I had anything at all I couldn’t tell you. Only under the directors orders can I provide that sort of information. Besides, if I’m trying to get this girl to trust me, I don’t need her finding out I passed on personal information about her to a guy who beats her up regularly now.”
“Fine,” Zane remarked with a sigh before stepping out of the room. “I’m not coming back here ever again. So I guess this is bye doc.”
Milo watched him depart with a sad expression painting his lips. He knew Perrins all too well…there was no way Zane was leaving this place.
*****
Each step down the halls put Zane on edge, the feeling of eyes shooting daggers into his back a clear sign that his every move was being watched. His charger was fully loaded and bombs were waiting on his person, a precaution he found would be needed when dealing with Perrins and his men.
There was no way he was taking no for an answer. Him and Wes were out of there.
Zane came to the door and signaled to enter, awaiting the team to allow him entry.
Taji – Benji shifted uncomfortably under the blanket and turned his gaze away. He was still in disbelief over how Gunther-like he acted earlier.
“I guess I was the one who roughed them up a bit,” he said with a slight blush. “Name’s Benji.”
***
Perrins watched Zane closely as the Octarion entered the office. He sat on his own desk and beamed a bright smile.
“Ah, the triumphant prodigy returns. Yours reward, as promised,” Perrins waved over a suitcase on the small table kept beside the couch in the room. “Plenty there for you to celebrate your latest success.”
Mae – A whistle escaped Wes’ lips as he looked towards his new companion in awe. “ Lil Blue’s a fighter huh. Man, I drew lucky to be thrown in with you. How’d they nab ya huh? You go wandering too far into Octovalley? Or you one of them agents?”
Before the other could respond, the door opened again and Wes fell quiet as two guards stepped in. They held tight to the arms of a sedated Atlas, her feet hovering above the ground as they stepped towards one of the empty beds. Behind them Dr. Milo frowned as they practically tossed her down, ensuring the rings stayed attached to her wrists.
“Please, have care with our guests! Especially the girl. She’s very important,” Milo growled, the guards choosing to ignore him as they all departed, the door slamming shut behind them.
Wes counted to three in his head before he launched himself to the unconscious girl, tugging at her tentacles in awe at the strange color for an inkling. “Oy, this ones a little banged up. Must have had a lot of fight in her to get cuffed for the long run.”
(I figure he’s well aware since him and his bro do work that involves knowing about the agents)
*****
Zane glanced towards the suitcase for a moment, listening intently to the words that were chosen by his host. “The money is secondary. Where’s Wes?”
Taji – “Atlas…” Benji breathed at the sight of her when they brought her in.
He also waited until the guards were gone to inspect her weary form. He slipped off the bed,leaving the comforting blanket behind. He wasn’t entirely sure that Perrins was actually going to keep his word. Her wounds looked well tended to, though.
“Don’t tug at her,” Benji said, feeling the protective rush overcome him again if only slightly. “She’s been through a lot.”
Benji gently pushed at Atlas’ shoulders for a few minutes, trying to rouse her awake. When it didn’t work he sighed and figured she’d be better off sleeping anyway. He carefully unfolded the blanket on this bed and tossed it over her. He headed back to his own bed and wrapped himself up again. Now, though, his focus was spent entirely on the closed door as he fidgeted nervously with the end of the blanket. Where was Gunther?
***
Perrins leaned back over his desk and produced the same tablet he had before in their meeting which started this meeting. Again he pulled up the image of Wes on the tablet’s screen. He didn’t have time to observe and analyze the Octarian’s interaction with his new cell mates, but there’d be plenty of time for that later.
“His accommodations have been upgraded from solitary confinement. Your latest contributions are keeping him company now,” Perrins handed over the tablet. “However, I’m afraid the terms of our agreement are being amended. We’re not ready to allow Wes’s departure, after-all.”
Perrins watched intently for Zane’s reaction. His finger hovered over a switch on his desk. Should Zane become militant Perrins would answer with a squad of their elite guards. He may be splatted in the process, but the repsawn point within the lab was close enough for it not to be too much a nuisance. Still, he had no desire to travel the cold hallways again today.
Mae – Wes pouted at the boy’s words, watching him intently as he tossed a blanket over the girl. Even with the hint of a protective warning, the Octoling had no interest in letting up his pestering.
“Atlas huh? She’s a strange one. Cute though,” Wes hummed as he continued to poke and prod at her. “She’s definitely an agent. So I’m guessing you are too.”
*****
Zane held tight to the screen as he narrowed his eyes upon the sight of his brother now mingling with the unconscious Atlas and the sniper. He was right to be suspicious of Perrins.
“Our agreement was I would bring you Atlas and you would release my brother,” Zane spoke rather loudly compared to his previous encounters with the director. “Give me my brother.”
Taji – Despite his best efforts Benji couldn’t stop his foot tapping incessantly. He kept his attention divided between the door and Wes, muttering quiet demands for him to stop poking at Atlas. Right when he decided get up again and return to her side just to stop Wes’s poking the Octarion’s question made him pause. He didn’t suppose there was any harm in confirming it.
He sighed and settled back onto his bed. “I’m not a very good one.”
***
Perrins couldn’t help the grin spreading across his face. He pressed the button and crossed his arms.
“My, Zane, losing your cool isn’t going to help get your brother. I tell you what, though, since your such an asset to our organization I’ll think of new terms for his release soon enough. Until then I suggest you think carefully over your future options and I’ll contact you once you’ve become rational again.”
Within seconds the armed guards entered and didn’t hesitate to spray down ink over Zane until he pooped away. Perrins turned back to his desk and started on yet more paperwork. That was one chore down, at least. He pressed his secretary’s button hurriedly and absently ordered for someone to come clean up the inky mess before it stained the carpets.
Mae – (I’ll keep it focused on the captives now. I’ll hop back to Zane when we want to find Sedi and Lily back there)
“Hm, why do you say that?” Wes remarked as he leaned back on his haunches, fidgeting in place as he stared up at his companion. There was a way he talked, looked him straight in the eyes. Like he was staring right into the soul. ‘“Because you got yourself and your friends caught? Even hurt? I wouldn’t say that’s being a bad agent…more like you just weren’t ready for the opponent.”
The Octoling grinned as he tugged at the girl’s hand, “it’s nice to find someone else who cares a lot for their friends. Or family.”
Taji – Benji found himself shrinking away from the near-compliments, blushing a bit over them. He couldn’t think of anything worthwhile to respond with so instead he settled for fussing over Wes’s constant prodding.
This went on for a bit longer and Benji was finally starting to relax somewhat when the door beeped open again. He was on his feet in a flash when he saw Gunther held between the two guards. His friend was awake, thank goodness, but definitely not himself. Gunther slumped against one of the guards while holding what looked to be a pack of ice to his forehead. What startled Benji the most was how Gunther silently allowed them to manhandle him into the room, even when they shoved him.
“You two assholes let go of him before I pummel you to the ground,” Benji shouted.
The guard not holding Gunther up sneered behind his visor. “So you’re the one who gave Jerrel a bearing earlier, eh? You better watch yourself, punks like you don’t survive long here.”
He took a menacing step towards Benji but Benji didn’t back away. He’d been in plenty of street fights with thugs before when Gunther had crossed lines. He wasn’t afraid of being hit, he just wanted these guards to stop hurting his friends.
Benji clenched his fists, ready to pounce. Before he could, though, the second guard carelessly tossed Gunther towards him. His friend stumbled and Benji had just enough time to catch him before he fell to his knees. The guards made a few more taunting remarks before leaving again. Benji didn’t care, though, as Gunther was his priority now.
“What happened? Are you alright?” Benji peppered question after question as he led Gunther to a bed.
Gunther slid onto the bed and immediately settled onto his back. Despite grimacing he managed a toothy grin up at Benji.
“Damn, Benji, when did you get so badass?” Gunther chuckled.
Benji blushed yet again, not used to all this attention.
“Did they treat you alright? Is it a concussion?” Benji pressed.
Gunther closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He looked just as weary as Benji felt. He shifted his weight on the bed so the ice pack could balance by itself on his forehead. From the shift Benji could see the angry swelling underneath.
“Who told you about the concussion? Yeah, they did X-Rays I guess, though I didn’t pay much attention because of this damn headache.” Gunther sighed. “They said bed rest and lowlighting was the only way to get over it.”
Benji heaved a sigh of relief. At least it wasn’t anything permanent like Perrins had warned. The thought reminded Benji of the intimidating man from earlier. In the end he did keep his word after-all.
“Oh shit- Atlas-“ Gunther suddenly sprang to his elbow, then cursed as the movement jostled his throbbing head.
Benji urges him back into the bed. “She’s here, though she’s not awake yet.”
Gunther looked over at the other bed, relief evident on his face… until he saw Wes. He stiffened and Benji could tell where this was going. Gunther still wasn’t used to the idea of Octolings and Inklings working together. He saw them as all greedy and evil.
“He’s fine, just a prisoner here like us. His name’s Wes and he seems good intentioned… enough.”
Mae – Wes seemed to grin at the introduction and offered a wave, keeping his distance from the tender moment between friends. Besides, He was having too much fun with his latest target. And now with Benji preoccupied with the newcomer Wes could return to-.
Suddenly a wavering hand snatched his from the air, the Octoling surprised to look down and see bright eyes glaring upon him. It seemed he had finally stirred Atlas awake…that or the loud roars from the guards.
“Ah sleeping beauty is awake at last,” Wes got out just before a very weak punch sailed onto his cheek, the Octoling stumbling somewhat before glancing back at the girl upon the bed. Seemed she was still sedated quite a bit for he knew that punch was meant to knock his block off. “Oy, Lil Blue. Miss Feisty is awake. And quite the firefly I might add.”
“Shut up,” the girl breathed as she groaned and tried to turn in the bed. “And stop touching me.”
“Your wish is my command Miss Feisty,” Wes hummed and looked towards each of his new friends, interested in observing more of their reunion.
Taji – At the sound of the commotion Gunther immediately tried to sit up, but Benji gently pushed him back down. Gunther grumbled and Benji had to talk him into staying before he got up himself.
“Atlas?” He tentatively asked, placing a hand on the side of the bed. “We’re here- Gunther and me, that is. How’re you feeling?”
Mae – Her movements were slow and tired, a clear sign she was not in any condition to move around. However, as her eyes stared up at Benji, a flood of tears erupted and cascaded onto the bed.
“O-oh no Ben-Ben,” she whimpered, realizing his presence meant he was also captured. She reached for his hand, her own dancing across the sheets until she was able to grasp it as she cried. “I-Its my fault. I screwed up again. I-.”
As she turned her gaze, she finally caught a glimpse of Gunther on the bed and all color seemed to drain from her face at the sight of him nursing his injuries. The girl suddenly began to roll from her bed, clawing at the sheets as she was desperate to go to him. At that moment Wes stood from his place and made it to her side, forcing her down with a rather strong hold.
“I wouldn’t advise moving at all Miss. You haven’t stopped shaking since they brought you in here,” the Octoling commanded, his presence strong compared to the playful banter he mused before. “You are in no condition to be moving around. As soon as your feet would touch the floor, the rest of you would tumble down as well. You need to rest.”
Atlas didn’t seem to want to hear this stranger’s words as she reached towards Gunther, the tears continuing to fall. “S-Squiggles! Y-You got hurt! Because of me! I-I need to go to him!”
Taji – Benji narrowed his eyes at Wes when he placed a firm hold on her but didn’t give any objections.
“He’s right, Atlas; you do need to stay still if you’re ever going to recover,” Benji said sadly.
“Don’t worry about lil ole me over here-” Gunther started to shout, but he recoiled from the headache and lowered his voice insead. “I’m hurt more because of a stubborn piece of concrete getting in my way than anything. I’ll be alright soon enough; you and Benji have nothing to worry about while I’m here!”
Benji sighed at the outburst. He couldn’t help but feel somewhat relieved to hear it, though. All their lives Benji relied on Gunther to take the lead for them both. Benji knew it’d be awhile before Gunther would be healed enough to fully protect them, truthfully, but he appreciated the idea all the same.
Mae – Atlas sunk deep into the bed as she eyed her friends, a mix of sadness and frustration filling those bright orbs of hers as a pout formed on her lips. Wes offered a grin as he watched her then settle on her back, her eyes narrowed up at him.
“Don’t touch me,” she remarked, her tone drained of the venom she held from earlier. Now she just seemed tired and unsure. Nevertheless, Wes did as instructed and lifted his hold from her, easing back on his haunches as he watched the girl close her eyes off to the world. “I’m not going to let them get away with this…”
“Of course, Miss Feisty, until then get some rest,” Wes hummed and waited until he saw the even breaths of the girl as she forced herself to sleep. He then lifted up to his feet and stepped around the bed, leaning close to Benji as he whispered. “This little firecracker is going to get herself killed if she’s not careful Lil Blue. Hopefully you know how to keep her in line. She may seem special but in this sort of business they run…they don’t keep around those they deem a problem. Those cuffs around her wrists will send waves of electricity through her system should she act against their wishes. It’s also how they force us to transform.”
He then nodded towards Gunther, “with your friends like this, you’re going to have to work hard to protect them. Think you can do that Lil Blue?”
Wes was very interested in what Benji’s answer would be. This group was fun to observe and interact with…and quite possibly his ticket to freedom. He had to make sure they played their cards right though. And that meant keeping everyone in check until the right moment.
Taji – Benji sighed as Atlas returned to slumber. She even looked a little more comfortable than earlier. At Wes’s remark Benji bit his lip, his fingers playing along the edge of his shirt while he mulled the idea over in his mind.
“Um, well, I…” Benji stammered.
“Ey!” Gunther interrupted. He grabbed a handful of Benji’s shirt and yanked the other back until Benji was firmly sitting on the bed beside him. He lifted the ice pack on his forehead just enough to glare up at Wes.
“I told Benji never to talk to strangers, they’re only trouble,” Gunther said.
He kept his hold firm on Benji’s shirt while his friend finally relaxed against the metal bed frame beside. The bed wasn’t that big but Gunther shifted until Benji could have at least enough room to get comfortable. Benji’s movements were even slower than his usual lackadaisical gait, and Gunther suspected Benji had sat tensed for hours in their absence. Only when Benji finally relaxed somewhat beside him did he let go, and even then he still kept narrowed eyes glued on their fourth roommate.
Mae – Wes only grinned at the remark, raising his hands in defeat before marching towards his own bed. “I understand, everyone seems to have had a rough day. It’s time to rest for everyone.”
As he slipped onto the mattress, he offered a final word before rolling over to sleep himself. “Understand though that we are no longer strangers. A team bonded by fate. Ha that’s a nice ring to it. We were destined to meet. Rest well my friends.”
And with that, the Octoling was fast asleep.
Taji – Benji knew time had flown by since they arrived. Without any windows to the outside, though, it was hard to tell how much time had actually passed. Only the dimming of artificial lights gave him and his fellow prisoners any sense of the days. Regardless of being exact Benji could feel they’d been there awhile.
Gunther’s head injury had looked better in a matter of days. Just yesterday the doctors cleared him from bed rest, and not a moment too soon in Benji’s opinion. Gunther was a bundle of energy on normal days. Here, without anything to preoccupy his time, he was even worse. Benji was running out of ways to entertain him.
As for Atlas, Benji had a hard time gauging her. Some days she seemed better while others she was as pained as when she first arrived. The doctors had given her the all-clear from bed rest recently as well. Today was going to be both Atlas’s and Gunther’s first day of testing.
This morning Benji spent trying to explain and acclimate Gunther and Atlas to the routine of the day. When the lights first turn on in the morning guards always arrive at the doors to escort all prisoners to the dining area. After eating the prisoners are left to mingle in a concourse intended to be the most normal area for the inmates. Various sports equipment and board games could be found throughout the room. From Benji’s experience, though, the captured agents had very little want to socialize with each other in this environment, and Benji told Gunther and Atlas this.
Eventually a majority of the prisoners find their way to the giant, glass windows to one side of the room. Benji had found out quickly why everyone did this when he was first brought out here. He didn’t need to usher Gunther to the windows in any case. The growing crowd was enough to attract his curiosity.
Gunther leaned onto the railing attached just below the windows. He squinted down into the expansive testing room below. Benji followed suit and they both grew quiet as they observed below.
While the researchers called this the testing room it was in fact one large room, almost even bigger than an indoor stadium Benji has seen a sports game in years ago. Within the testing room were actually a series of what Benji called “bite-size” testing chambers. Each chamber was separated by thick, concrete walls and capped with glass ceilings. From this height the captured agents could peer down into each of the different testing chambers with ease.
The chambers’ contents varied with differing climates. Some had urban surroundings while others could have been pictures straight out of a jungle. In these early morning hours workers were making adjustments to some of the testing chambers, even completely changing one of two of them. The gathered inmates watched intently, sometimes whispering something to a close comrade and pointing.
“So what’re they like?” Gunther asked suddenly, breaking Benji from his own observations of the changes.
“What?”
“The tests,” Gunther sighed. “What’re the tests like? You’ve been in them just about everyday since we’ve gotten here, tell me something good.”
Benji shrugged. “They’ve mostly just given me a Charger and made me shoot at targets with it. Nothing wild yet, anyway.”
A spark caught their attention two chambers away from the windows. Inside the workers seemed to be setting up a bizarre metallic structure. Gunther wiped a hand down his face at the sight of it.
“It’s nothing to be worried about… I don’t think, anyway,” Benji said quickly.
Gunther snorted. “That’s not making me feel better.”
“Well,” Benji paused to think. “I’ll watch from here on the days I’m not testing. I haven’t seen anything too crazy. In fact I’d call it normal from my Octo Valley runs. Sometimes the researchers make obstacle courses of sorts just to test out a new weapon of theirs. They often make small groups or pair up agents for those kinds of tests. If they just want stats from you, though, they just set up targets and tell you to shoot.”
“They put you with other inklings you don’t know? How’d that work out for them?” Gunther teased.
Benji playfully pushed at his friend. “Nope; I’ve been solo. Putting the four of us together today will be my first group test.”
“What’s up with that big thing over there?” Gunther asked.
Benji didn’t have to look to know what Gunther referred to. Off to one side of the testing room was a chamber taller, and larger than all the others combined. Unlike the other chambers this one was sealed from view as well.
“I don’t know,” Benji answered honestly. “I just know it’s not good to be assigned a test in there. The ones who get sent in there always come out battered and I don’t see them for a few days.”
Gunther sighed again. “Great, just great.”
Benji patted Gunther’s shoulder in reassurance. “It’s going to be fine. After-all, we’re all together on this one!”
Mae – “That’s the spirit,” a familiar voice chimed as Wes snuck up behind Benji, tossing an arm over the other’s shoulder as he grinned towards Gunther. “Finally working together as one. A well-oiled machine just waiting for action! Can you believe it?”
The Octoling then nodded off towards the inner workings of the recreation area they were housed until further notice. “Of course it seems one of our teammates is not as enthusiastic as us.”
Atlas seemed out of sorts as she paced the floors, her eyes scanning each crevice of the room. She flinched away from any whom entered her path, others seeming to avoid her as well.
Her tentacles were still a bright crimson red, with just a hint of blue at the edges. Her scar and tentacles had lost the intense glow from before; however, there were often moments where pain flashed in those bright orbs of hers.
She seemed so different from normal, completely avoiding the other test subjects. Once so loud and vibrant, now Atlas was a bundle of nerves. Some moments she would converse with her team with a smile…and the next she would be lost in her own little world.
It was almost like she was losing a bit of herself the longer they remained…
“Our little Miss Feisty isn’t being so feisty today. I wonder how well she will hold up in the training,” Wes mused as he pulled Benji closer with a chuckle. “You think she’ll finally teach these guys a lesson?”
Taji – Benji slackened in Wes’s hold. After being around the other for hours on end he had, finally, gotten used to the Octoling somewhat. Gunther, however, was still not amused by his antics. He glared at Wes but made no move to stop him.
“She just needs to recover some more, then she’ll be back to her old self where no walls will be able to stop her,” Benji said.
Gunther continued to frown at the way Wes latched onto Benji. Then suddenly a glint of mischief crossed his eyes. He hollered in Atlas’s direction and waved emphatically.
“Hey! Atlas! This guy here says you’re a wuss and you’re not going to make it three seconds today!”
Mae – Atlas at first seemed rather surprised to hear the familiar squid beckoning her name, a hint of glee at see him wave her over. Of course once those words rolled off his tongue, it was as if a switch had been flipped.
There was an overwhelming presence radiating from the girl as she suddenly raced over, Wes’ delight hidden behind a farce of terror. He watched her move with such unrivaled speed as her fist slammed into his cheek, the Octoling stumbling onto the ground with a hand gingerly tracing the forming bruise of his face.
Atlas hovered above in a powerful stance, a pout forming on her lips as she voiced, “The great and powerful Atlas is no wuss! I am the very best you big ole jerk.”
Admittedly the sting of the attack was more painful than Wes had originally anticipated, memories of her first night in the cell a poor prerequisite for what power the girl held within her. He had to guess that even such a hit was a mere tickle compared to what she could truly accomplish in battle. Despite the pain, Wes grinned up at the girl and nodded along with his words.
“Of course Miss Feisty. I wouldn’t dream of questioning you. Our dear friend Gunther on the other hand couldn’t wait to blab about how he could outbattle you any day.”
“Squiggles wishes,” Atlas announced, playfully sticking her tongue out at her friend across the way.
“And Benji agreed with Gunther of course.”
“Aw Ben-Ben is adorable!” She hummed as she gently patted Benji’s head, offering him the warmest smile she held since their arrival. “He’d never doubt me.”
Taji – Benji completely flushed at the complement. His gaze darted to the ground, unable to look up at her. He tried to babble something in return but couldn’t find the right words, so it was really nothing more than mumbling gibberish.
Gunther didn’t tease his friend, even though he found Benji’s common reaction to compliments rather amusing. Instead he grinned at Atlas, glad to see her in some semblance of herself.
“You know, Atlas, we haven’t had a chance to duke it out in a turf match yet. Who knows, maybe I would beat you easypeasy?” Gunther said.
Mae – The pain behind her gaze had practically vanished as she glared upon her friend, flames practically dancing around her feet as she wickedly grinned at the remark. “Oh Squiggles challenging the great and powerful Atlas huh? I’m gonna send you crying all the way home!”
She then jumped forward and practically tackled Gunther to the ground, her arms wrapped around his shoulders in what seemed to be a very tight hug. All the while Wes stayed sprawled upon the floor, watching them close with an observant gaze. On his lips a familiar grin stayed present.
“Your friends are mighty fun Lil Blue,” he hummed before glancing towards the sniper. “I can see why you care about them so much.”
He then laughed with a gesture towards the brawling duo, “think we should separate them though?”
Taji –
*~Mae's Corner~* 