#tentakeel outpost just feels like home

[splatoon3-countdown]

HAPPY MAR13 DAY TO MY HOMEGIRL MARIE!!!!!!!!!!

she’s so much fun i love her

[natikoko]

Tilly, Marlon and Adrian During their first meeting

okay. Sorry for the little hiatus!!! Was working on different stuff and dealing with stuff. anyways here’s the cringefail wifefail husbandloser otp3 ever

- okay, so. Post Octo expansion. Maybe around five months after it happened. These three are complete messes but for entirely different reasons loosely strung together into one.

- Eight is still weary of Tilly because she almost like kinda killed her. She still interacts with her, though. They’re on friendly terms (she guesses) just hesitant.

- Tilly is consumed with guilt. It’s no way she allowed an evil old-timey telephone to brainwash her and almost kill someone. Thats literally something out of a cartoon and she somehow fell victim to it. and she almost SUCCEEDED.

• this is before Tilly transitioned btw. I don’t think it’s right to deadname her

- Adrian feels as if he can’t compare to the elusive Agent 3 and that he was sorta a last resort and doesn’t feel needed afterwards. He’s scared and anxious because he doesn’t really have anywhere else to go, after sleeping at tentakeel outpost every night during the campaign.

- They all meet each other. It’s awkward. Tilly shows up with a scarred, healing eye, Adrian with nervousness practically radiating off of him and Eight presenting herself a new name: Marlon.

- They’re quiet— Tilly never released there even was an Agent 4 until this moment and is reeling, Agent 8 doesn’t necessarily know how to communicate with this new Agent (even after a few months, interacting with new Inklings outside of her immediate circle is intimidating) and Agent 4 is confused as to why there’s an Octoling here when they’re goal is to stop the Octarian Menace (poor guy doesn’t know anything better).

- There sit together in a simple circle, because despite the hesitancy and uncomfortableness, they’re agents first and foremost, and you’re got to talk to each other for their partnership to work unhindered.

- Tilly eventually breaks the ice; a simple, “what’s your name?” directed towards Adrian. He’s quiet, but he murmurs his name and she proceeds to ask about his journey of retrieving the Great zapfish and saving Callie and it snowballs from there. The tension subsides and talking becomes easier. After an hour or so, they’re talking as if their first encounters weren’t marred with a sullen undertone.

• Adrian comes out of his shell, Marlon cracks a smile and Tilly realizes something about herself.

- Tilly and Marlon talk about the events of the Metro, alone. Tilly wholeheartedly apologizes for what happened— she blames herself. Marlon probably spent months trying to escape underground, and Tilly dragged her straight back down into hell. If only she hadn’t been so confrontational on Mount Nantai, then none of this wouldn’t have happened.

• Tilly doesn’t mean to cry that much; it burns her healing eye and all. Marlon’s face never changes, but, perhaps if you look close enough, her clenched jaw trembles slightly.

- While Tilly shoulders the blame, Marlon explains her perspective: without Tilly interruption, she would’ve made it to the surface, unguided and without resources, without a home or food. During her time underground, she met Off the Hook, Cuttlefish, and Squid Sisters; all helpful in her well-being today. Yes, it was horrendous in the Metro, but the aftermath was reawarding.

• Plus, Marlon doesn’t even remember their meeting. If anything, she could’ve been the aggressor and Tilly was just defending herself and Cuttlefish; or maybe Tilly was just in a such a state of self-loathing that she just blamed herself for everything.

- They come to a state of deep understanding and quiet trust. They’re the only ones in the world who’s experienced something like that. They can’t separate themselves now.

- They find Adrian an enjoyable companion. He’s quiet, but with a underline of confidence that’s unparalleled with anyone else. He just needs it to be nurtured.

- Their meetup ends, and everyone departs feeling satisfied. The next day’ll be different.

• Callie and Marie, the organizers of their little meetup, think to themselves, they should do this more often.

[dexholderr]

rotating tyde n vin in my brain (put under a readmore cause i ended up ramblin for longer than i expected lmao):

they are a Mess right after the fight against octavio. times of stress n such can bring people together like nothin else, but after? once its all over and the dust settles?

workin together as agent 4 n 5 was a good way to get them talkin again, but even then really it wasnt great. vin did Not want tyde to be there, didnt want to risk him gettin hurt, but tyde felt the exact same toward them. not to mention that tyde followed vin down the grate without them knowin, and vins own refusal to say a word about bein an agent in the first place. it led to a lot of tension between them, especially when it was time to switch between kettles. things smoothed out a little near the end, but just barely, and the final fight did Not help.

and after? they just. didnt talk about it. vin was physically hurt and needed to heal, and tyde felt like the distance was coming back all over again. its no ones fault, genuinely (though they both blame themselves, at least a little, once they stop to think about it), but neither of them can help feeling like things wouldve been so much Easier if the other just. Said somethin, let the other in and told them what was goin on.

thats what leads tyde to put on the hypnoshades, in the end. hes hurtin, and deep down, feelin abandoned. and he doesnt Understand. why couldnt vin have just Told him about bein an agent, explained that thats why they were always so busy, and so so tired in the rare moments they werent? was it all really That Bad? and in a desperate moment of pain and impulse, he puts on the shades.

and oh boy, does it not go well. in fact, it ends up goin even worse than when it was callie wearin the shades. not only was it someone that vin didnt know yet that time, but she wasnt actually part of the fight. but tyde? thats vins younger brother, and he has a splatling and knows how to use it. to say that vin feels kinda betrayed would be an understatement.

tyde saw what happened to vin last time someone wore those shades, and yet he goes and puts them on anyway? and for What? to show that hes Lonely? that hes Sad? dont misunderstand, vin cares about tydes feelings, and would drop everythin to help him, but when he pulls somethin like This? theyre furious, and nothin is resolved. all that happens is vin gets thrown around by octavio again, this time with a splatling lasering them the whole time

vins anger is quiet at first, cold. they refuse to say a word until tyde does. but tydes first words are an accusation of vin not caring about him, about anyone, and they arent going to take that laying down. eventually, both are shouting, screaming words that neither mean. eventually, hands fly and callie n marie have to step in to hold them back.

eventually, vin leaves tentakeel outpost, pausing for just a second when tyde calls for them, but not looking back before they goin through the grate to go back to the city.

on their way home, though, they stop at crusty seans to get somethin to eat, somethin familiar and comforting. a moment of hesitation, and they order tydes favorite as well, leaving it in front of his door as they pass to get to their own down the hall.

things go quiet between them for a long time, vin avoids goin to the makomart tyde works at, tyde avoids goin to the cafe vin works at. they dont talk, and it hurts for both of them. callie n marie try to help, not wanting what happened to them to happen to the siblings, but it doesnt work.

but then kite and the captain come back with someone new, an octoling thats named himself cirrus. after a few more weeks, cirrus and tyde become roommates, and its good for them, though cirrus can tell that tyde is hurting

he decides to step in, refuses to see his friends hurting if he can do something to help. its just small things, really. asking them both to hang out without the other knowing, messing with the patrol schedule so theyre scheduled for the same days (with the captains permission), etc. just trying to get them to be around each other

and eventually, it starts to work. its slow, so very slow, but they start talking again. asking about each others days, asking how works been, sharing funny stories of stuff thats happened. its slow, but its Good. and eventually they sit down and Talk. really Talk, about everything. the hurt, the pain, the distance, the silence, all of it. and they slowly make amends.

and slowly, they become siblings again. they heal, and they take care to keep up with each other, to not let the distance comeback again. and when, years later, vin asks if tyde would be ok with them goin to splatville? they talk about it, and end up callin every few days after vin goes. and when the train line gets fixed, they see each other every weekend.

things are good

[salmonidparty]

(( Takes place after The Octo Inkling. ))

It had been a few days, and 8′s worry had only grown since 3 left for Octo Canyon. There had been no sign of his return, and no word from him since he left. No text messages, and the radio had been silent. He did say he was just going on patrol, which only took a few hours at best. Surely if he went on a mission he would have informed the rest of the Squidbeaks... Or he would have called for backup if he needed it. Ah, thinking on it again, 8 figured he wouldn’t really need backup... He was a giant now, after all.

In his absence, 8 had taken time out of her day to feed and play with Zinnia, the Zapfish that 3 had adopted. The little yellow fish couldn’t produce nearly as much electricity as she should with chunks of her whiskers missing, but her bright scales still sparked with joy whenever she saw 8. She was used to 3 going absent for more than a few days, but even as she let off frail crackles of electricity, a look of worry could be seen in her watery eyes.

8 jumped when her phone buzzed--she had texted Callie early in the morning, but the idol only just now got back with her. In reply to 8′s question if she had seen 3, Callie replied in the negative, claiming that Marie was much the same. The Octoling sighed, her ears drooping a little. Maybe something happened to him while he was out there... She took no time to think on what could have possibly happened, and decided to take matters into her own hands and go look.

She quickly informed Callie, put Zinnia away, and geared up. Normally her trips into Octo Valley were to help Octolings and Octarians get out of it into safety, but this time around she was more than ready to fight if need-be. 

Emerging from the grate at Tentakeel Outpost, she wondered... How was she to find him? He could be anywhere at this point, or even worse, captured by Octarians! She placed a hand to her mouth, thinking carefully--oh wait, what was that smell? Pulled from her thoughts she lifted her nose into the air and sniffed carefully. The familiar scent of 3 tickled her senses... He was nearby! Well, that was one benefit of being half Salmonid. Her nose was quite strong... And 3 had an easy to identify scent.

Following her nose, she moved quickly through the Outpost. However, her little snout couldn’t help but scrunch up. The closer she got to her dear friend, the more... Pungent the smell got. Dried ink and blood... And, well, he had been out here for a couple days... It was a scent that was all too familiar, from their days in the lab.

8 rubbed at her nose, her brow furrowing with worry, “3?” she called, “3, where are you?” there was no reply. She strained her ears, “3, please! I’ve been worried sick about you!” that was when the sound of someone shuffling caught her ears. That must have been him!

Searching further she came across what was a tight alcove--just big enough to fit 3′s hulking form, now filled with what seemed to be a fabric cape. She stared at the mass for a moment, worry creasing her brow further. Gently, she placed two hands on it, and the mass recoiled at her touch.

“Go... Go away...” it glowered weakly.

“It’s me,” she cooed gently, “8.” she paused and bit her lower lip, feeling at a loss for words, “What happened, 3...?”

3 tensed, “Please,” he whimpered, “Go away... Just go away...”

The Octoling pulled her arms away. Her mind started to work on what could have possibly left 3 feeling like this... The last time he had gotten this bad, it was when the two of them escaped from the cursed lab that made them twisted creatures. He had completely lost control over himself, and wound up brutally killing, and ultimately eating the scientist that had done this to them. It was so difficult for him to celebrate their escape after that, as the guilt of eating another person was too heavy... Reasonably so. 8′s stomach twisted.

It was probably better to not assume, but she knew 3 well. She knew how much he was mortified of himself after that event. She knew how he got after he lost control of himself. She stared at the ground for a while, still feeling at a loss. 

“Whatever happened,” she quaked, “It’s not your fault, 3.”

He nearly cut her off, “I’m a MONSTER, 8!” he wailed, “I...!” he gasped for air, violently shifting in his hiding place, “I ate two people! T-two of them! And one of them can n-never come back!”

Taken aback, but not entirely surprised, 8 covered her mouth with a hand. She screwed her eyes shut. She did admit, this part of him did frighten her. She would have been a fool if she wasn’t the slightest bit afraid of him when his anger flew into a berserker rage. She rarely saw it herself, but she knew it was there. 

But she also knew that wasn’t who--or what--he was at his core.

“3…”

“Please!” he begged, “Just go away! Before I hurt you, too!”

“You won’t.” she said firmly, “Please listen, 3…” the agent shuffled slightly, but made no objection, “You… Are not defined by what happens when you lose control of yourself.”

There was a long pause. 

“In that moment those actions weren’t yours,” 8 went on to say, “They were terrible, but they weren’t your own.”

“But… I lost control.. I…” he paused, his entire body tensing up, “I could have prevented this…!”

8 stared at the ground, “Perhaps.” she started, “Finding the power to stop this in the future is something that you need to figure out… But you don’t have to do it alone. We can figure it out together, and find ways to help you reel yourself back in.”

“Aren’t… Aren’t you afraid of me…?” 

“... No more afraid than I was before,” 8 heaved a sigh, “This doesn’t change my opinion of you. Not in the slightest.” she ran her hands over one of her tentacles, closing her eyes pensively, “We’ve been through so much together. I’ve seen this happen once before. We’ve gotten through it once, we can get through it again. I promise.”

8 carefully placed her hands on 3 once again, “Please, 3… Come out, will you?” 

While he didn’t balk at her touch, he didn’t reply for a little while. He eventually shifted, and started to pull himself halfway out of the hole. His face hung low, tentacles covering his eyes. When 8 placed a hand on his shoulder, he forced himself to look her in the eye.

3′s face was paler than normal, and his chin was caked with dried ink and blood. He gazed at her with dry, weary eyes that looked ready to weep, but had no more tears to give. He looked exhausted, as if he hadn’t been able to sleep the past few nights... He must have been plagued with nightmares.

With all four hands, she gently took hold of his large face and drew it closer to her own, and pressed her forehead against his. The hulking agent shuddered, his breathing uneven. His brow creased, he shifted uncomfortably, and couldn’t understand why… Why she was treating him so kindly after he had proved that he was a monster once again.

“What...” he croaked, “What if I... What if I hurt you someday?” he pulled away from her, “What if... What if I hurt someone in Inkopolis? And everyone finds out?” he looked desperately to his hands, and balled his massive paw into a fist, “I… I look like a monster, and… And I..”

The Octoling clasped his hand in her own, and placed another hand on the knuckles of his paw, “You won’t,” she said in a gentle, but firm way, “Even if you look like a monster, you don’t have to be one. We’ll find a way to make sure this never happens again.”

3 squeaked, his face scrunching up with disgust, “What if this stops the Octarians from following us to safety?” he shuddered again while drawing in a deep breath, “What if they’re too afraid to trust us anymore because of me?” he covered his face with his paw.

“Rage isn’t the only feature you have. You can be gentle and kind, too.” 8 pulled his paw away and gave him a gentle smile. She scraped some of the gunk off of his face, “I’ve seen the gentle side of you more than I have the berserker. But if you need to lay low for a while, you can. You can help in other ways.” she sighed, “You can still work on improving yourself…”

Unsure on how to take this, 3 remained silent. His gaze went right through 8, his eyes dreary and distant. He wanted to believe her words, and yet he couldn't bring himself to. After tonight, how could he be seen as anything other than a monster...? 

He closed his eyes, “You’re too kind to me…” he muttered.

Instead of responding, 8 wrapped her many arms around his neck, pressing her face into his shoulder and giving him a tight, affectionate squeeze. He hesitated, contemplating pulling out of her embrace… But he finally gave in and carefully wrapped his arms around her body. 

Stepping out of the hole he was hiding in, he gently lifted 8 into his arms and held her close. He whispered barely audible thank yous into her ear, pressure building behind his eyes as they threatened to spill over with tears once more… Of course, no tears came.

“We’ll make this right, 3.” 8 reassured him.

The two sat in silence for some time. While 3 couldn’t forgive himself for what he had done, 8 had given him enough reassurance to try and keep going. He felt as though he could never make up for his sins today, but he knew that he needed to keep moving forward… Improve himself as a person, and do what he can to help others. 

Maybe he could find a way to stop going berserker. It felt like a pipe dream, but with some support… It could be possible. As 8 slipped out of his arms he contemplated this further, staring blankly at the ground. 

“I…” he croaked. He cleared his throat, “I don’t think I can ever make up for this… And I feel I should be punished…” 8 looked to him intently, “But… I’ll…” 3 screwed his eyes shut and rubbed at his face, “I’ll try.  L-like you said, we… We can figure this out together.”

With a gentle smile she took a hold of his hand, “Of course,” she replied, “Are… You ready to try and go home?” when he nodded in reply, she lead him back through the Outpost, and home.

[inklingleesquidly]

THE WISDOM OF LEE SQUIDLY

CHAPTER 5

Lee Squidly has been called into  action. Callie has gone missing and according to Marie he’s her only hope in finding her. There is a lot more going on in Octo Canyon than Lee truly knows but Is he up to the task when he is uncertain of even his own feelings?

A new journey of discovery awaits our hero as he comes to realize what the true meaning of the relationship between the Squid Sisters is, and what they mean to others..

Featuring @agentis-zephirum‘s squid and a special mention of a special squid by @splat-tendency

Chapter 4 can be found here

Word Count: 3,372

“Let’s see; green ink, pink shirt, innocent starry eyes, and probably found getting bullied by everyone everywhere. Yup, you definitely fit the bill, Squiddo.”

Out of all the places Lee had been to in Octopus country he never would have imagined finding himself in what he could only describe as a secret safe house bunker. It was quite cramped but seemed to provide basic amenities. There was a cot for sleeping which he and Mooky sat upon. The squid that had brought them here was brewing a pot of tea at a small area for preparing food. He noticed a sequestered room behind a closed door which he presumed was a restroom, and finally there was some sort of big work desk with monitors depicting multiple windows with different video feeds.

He was getting too caught up in observations that the urgency of the situation suddenly returned to him. Lee wearily worried, “With all due respect ma’am, we have to get back, we gotta help my friend, he’s in danger, he’s–.”

“Plant it,” the older woman said sternly, pushing him back down with her hand on his shoulder.  After adjusting her glasses and offering him a cup of steaming tea, she explained, “This new generation of hypno shades the Octarians are using are unlike anything I’ve seen before. The technology is so sophisticated that even if you got them off, the victim keeps hearing the same song in their head. Wherever the signal is broadcasted from, their brain has been fixed to keep hearing the frequency no matter what.”

Glancing over at a pair of those shades laying dismantled on the work table, she bluntly said, “You and that pink squid are better off where he is. You’ll just get yourself splatted, or worse running in and trying to rip off his shades.”

That was a crushing blow for Lee, “Fynn,” he helplessly squeaked under his breath.  Knowing another friend of his was in danger and utterly beyond his help according to this woman… he could only let out a defeated sigh.

The mystery lady’s eyes shifted from side to side and she grimaced at the site of him. This kid looked like he was about to cry and she wasn’t particularly experienced when it came to handling crying children.  “Hey, hey,” she tapped him on the shoulder with her palm, “Come on, I got you out of there didn’t I, and your friend is probably gonna be fine so cheer up, Squiddo.”

Squiddo, Lee repeated, she keeps calling me that, just like–.

He gasped at a thought he had, “Say umm—umm uh—Miss–,” he bit his tongue, suddenly realizing he had forgotten her name.

“Miss Pearlessence, Master Lee,” Mooky reminded, “She is one of our contacts.”

“Right,” Lee breathed, “Miss Pearlessence do you know a man named Mister Zephirum?”

Pearlessence let out a noise through her pursed lips; they quivered as she tried to force herself not to smile so wide. She then giggled, “Hoo hoo hoo, do I know him? I practically babysat that doofus for 20 years.” She adjusted her glasses again and sized up Lee, “Hard to believe the Miracle Kid he’s so fond of is the one I’m supposed to meet.”

“Miracle Kid?” Lee repeated questioningly. Putting aside his optimism; he never would’ve imagined “fond” would be a word used to describe him by the grumpy ex-agent who lived on his apartment floor.

She said, “You bet Squiddo, Marie Calimari seems to think the same thing to, she wanted me to meet you especially and help you out. No offense though but I can’t see what they’re seeing, you’re definitely not Agent material.”

There was nothing Lee could do to argue with that, nor would he want to, he had a much bigger concern in mind. “With all due respect Miss Pearlessence, do you have anything about Callie for me?”

His last bastion for information aiding in his quest quickly dashed his hopes, “Nope, afraid not, sorry Squiddo.” She spun around in her chair and examined the glowing monitors.  Her fingers skimmed across the screens, enlarging and minimizing some windows, studying them. “I’ve been keeping tabs on just about every squid Marie got to roam around this canyon and not one of them knows anymore than you or me.”

Lee and Mooky peeked over her shoulder and the little butler held his clamp hand to his cheek. “Oh my stars, there are over 100 simultaneous audio and visual feeds running at once on these all-in-one compuers.”

Pearlessence groaned, “It’s more of a strain on me than it is the computers.” She lifted her glases to rub her eyes, “If I didn’t owe Cuttlefish and his family a favor I wouldn’t be doing this.”

“Huh,” Lee wondered.

Her next remark seemed utterly cruel, “Let’s just say out of Cuttlefish’s granddaughters, Callie is the one I’m least fond of.” Lee gasped, speechless at what he heard. He was so flabbergasted that he looked to Mooky for guidance on how to react but only saw the same uncertain look as his own in the pint sized servant. Pearlessence wasn’t finished there, “Don’t get me wrong, she’s a sweet girl, and has such a kind heart, a little too kind I would say. She’s so sympathetic to others that I’d say it’s possible she’s willingly working with the Octarians.”

Lee said nothing but he silently agreed with everything the woman said. He knew Callie had particular reasons making her especially sympathetic to the plight of Octopods so that wasn’t an impossibility. He didn’t take too kindly to Pearlessence‘s continuing criticisms, “But if not and she went and got herself captured, that just proves what I thought that she’s sloppy and has bad instincts unfit for an  Agent.”

Her tone completely changed, much to Lee’s dismay on another subject, “Now Marie on the other hand, she’s top agent material!” He grumbled but she started to smile with an almost passionate excitement, “She’s focused, organized, stays true to her mission, gets exceptional scores on the Agency physical and psychological evaluations, and is an insanely talented sniper. It’s no wonder Agents far and wide these days look up to her,” she revealed how countless Agents idolized and strived with all they had to emulate her. “She’s one of the best of the best, no doubt about it; field agents know it and especially the top brass of the Agency know it. That’s why she’s in the top consideration to succeed Cuttlefish for the rank of Captain once that old fart finally decides to retire.”

“Huh,” Lee wondered, bewildered as he took in all of this information.

Blowing a puff of air and readjusting her glasses, Pearlessence then said, “Believe me when I tell you, Squiddo, that girl is staking a lot on this operation, A LOT. If the Agency finds out about everything she’s done here–,” there was a pause in her words as she strived to really elucidate her thoughts. “Let’s just say it’s crazy what she’s going through to get her cousin back,” hoping that would encapsulate the sheer scope of this mess they found themselves woven into.

 All Lee could do was dwell on those thoughts. He was only able to keep listening as Pearlessence really drove the point home. “Seems like no matter what she’s always being eyed by everyone all the time; that singing that they do, when she plays Turf Wars, and her work as an agent. When I was her age I had to put up with that much scrutiny to, it nearly drove me up a wall.” Lee looked down into his cup, taking in the final words she said, “But if anyone can handle it, it’s definitely Marie Calimari!”

Without uttering a word, Lee stood up, set down his untouched cup of tea, and started to leave. Though confused, Mooky followed him, and they got the attention of Pearlessence who didn’t notice until she heard the sound of door sliding open. “Huh, you’re leaving?? Well all right then, don’t do anything crazy, Squiddo, and I’ll be sure to keep you posted if I find anything.” He had nothing to offer in response, just an unceremonious shutting of the door concealing the safehouse once again.

It was still the early afternoon of his second day meandering through Octo Canyon and he hadn’t anything to show for his efforts; no clues, no hints, no information at all.  Still trying to keep spirits high, Mooky asked energetically, “Well Master Lee, what shall we do now? Perhaps we should reconnect with one of our informants to see if they discovered anything new?”

“No,” Lee mumbled, “C’mon Mooky, we’re heading back to Tentakeel Outpost.”

“Whatever for, Master Lee?”

The weary Inkling ran his hand through his hair, weighing his options as his tentacles bounced back in to place. “There’s someone I need to talk to,” he divulged.

A hop, skip, and a jump later; Lee and Mooky returned to the hub in which their adventure began. There, Lee instructed Mooky to wait nearby while he made his way to the lone wooden structure in sight. “Marie, hello, Marie are you here,” he shouted urgently as he circled the shack, seeking out the idol in question.

The door slid open and out came the weary woman. Rubbing her eye with the back of her hand, she groggily mumbled, “I’m up, I’m up, I’m here, who’s call–,” seeing him out of the blue caused her drowsiness to swiftly fade away. “–Oh Lee, it’s you,” she grumbled under her breath. Making a lazy attempt to fix her robe and adjust her collar, she cleared her throat, “All right, let’s hear it; what did  I do now that you came all the way back here to yell at me for?”

That tone of contempt and exhausted exasperation she had toward him wasn’t going to deter Lee from saying what he needed to say. “Marie,” he began, “I’m sorry.”

Her breath got caught in her throat, causing her to sputter in disbelief, “Peh- pih- whu—you’re sorry? W-Why?” Marie stomped her foot and grinded her teeth, “Someone upsets you and you apologize to them? Do you say sorry to people who bump into you or splat you a dozen times?”  

She was ranting and raving with disbelief but Lee quietly, calmly restated his apology. “Marie, please, I really am sorry. I’m sorry for everything I said to you before.” He bit his lower lip, and his fingers fidgeted until they were practically tied in knots, struggling to approach this subject as best he could to truly show his sincerity. “All this time I was thinking about how mad I was at you but I never thought of why, because of how much Callie meant to you.”

Her posture grew more relaxed and she said nothing as she and Lee slowly made their way to sit down on the stoop of her wooden command center. There, Marie listened to him report everything he had done and learned from his informants over the past two days. He was supposed to learn about Callie but he ended up learning far more about Marie instead. From Blueshift, Jonn, and even Miss Pearlessence, he shared everything.

After what felt like forever; feeling like he was endlessly repeating himself and struggling to get his point across, Lee concluded, “And that’s why I just—I—I was really unfair to you. I do know what it’s like to not think straight when you’ve lost someone really important to you, an-and I was so—I was really kind of thinking of myself. With things between me and Callie being what they are I didn’t think at all about—just, what she meant to you and everybody else. Again I’m just, I’m, I’m so sorry.”

He didn’t expect her to accept his apology, but he couldn’t tell what Marie was thinking. Did she even listen to him? He probably shouldn’t have expected her to do that either what with how wishy washy, angry, and dismissive he had been. The tense silence between them could be cut with a knife.

“You know it’s funny,” Marie finally said, “When you’re always in the limelight, people just lay and wait for you to screw up. They expect it, they want to use it against you however they want. For me, everyone wants to me to meet their expectations; They tell me all the time that I’m perfect, that I’m a model Agent, that I’m such a big influence, that so many others look up to me and want to be me, that I’m the ideal squid for… whatever.”

He could just barely hear her next words, the ire in her voice made her mumble, “I hate it,” she said. “They all say they love me but I bet if they really really got to know me and had to deal with me, they’d change their tune.” The look on her face changed from one of aggravation to sorrowful remorse. “Callie is the only one who truly understands me; she’s the only one I don’t have to worry about being myself around.”

That confused Lee, surely she knew her fans and friends did know they really did like her for who she was? The realization would hit him when she admitted, “She’s the only one who truly accepts that I can be selfish, and bigheaded, and mean even though I don’t try to be. She takes all of that from me,” she mumbled, covering her eyes with her palm, “And all I ever do is take her for granted.”

Lee opened his mouth to reply but nothing came out. He had even less to say when he heard quiet sobs escape from her mouth, and saw her shoulders start to jerk with each sob. “She’s always been there for me, through everything in my life, and that’s why I keep trying to be as perfect as everyone else wants me to be. It’s for her, it’s always been for her. Callie’s the one who always believe I can do anything and with her around, hiff, I really feel like I can.” The influence Callie had on Marie really resonated with Lee. He touched one of his hands to his ear, the silver metal of Callie’s earring he kept so near and dear made his hand tremble. Marie quaked anxiously as she said, “But without her around I just—I—gyuh—I don’t feel like I can do anything.”

Marie uncovered her face to reveal an unimaginable sight; her eyes were puffy and welling up with liquid as she stared up at the canyon’s false sky. She huskily breathed, “Lee, do you remember when I told you how much I want to go into space?” He did remember, so he answered with a nod. “I want to go—and never look back, just find somewhere I can call my own, away from all the pressure, the glamour, the fame, and all that garbage and just be with the people I love—especially Callie.” That was enough to finally break her, with a loud gasp she covered her face with her hand and began to weep, no longer caring about restraining herself in front of the boy before her.

Bawling loud and unrestrained, Marie squeaked, “I miss her so much, I want my cousin, my sister, my best friend back so bad.” Her cries grew louder, raspier, desperate as she pleaded, “I can’t do this without her—I just can’t! I want so bad, so so so bad to go back to the way things were. I want to sing and dance with her again, I want to go on missions with her, I want us to go to home together, I want to go back to the way things were, just like the old days.”

Lee needed to say something, anything to the distraught woman whom he now knew more than ever desperately needed the squid they were seeking– more than he did. He could’ve and should’ve said something to ease her woes but what she had said cycled repeatedly in his mind.

Just like the old days, he kept hearing.

“The old days,” Lee repeated under his breath. Suddenly, not unlike a light bulb in an animated cartoon turning on, a miraculous idea popped into his head. “That’s it!” He declared out of nowhere.

“Huh,” Marie choked out through her tears.

Springing up to his feet, Lee had an energy about him that was completely different from when he arrived in Octo Canyon. His eyes twinkled bright, his smile stretched wide, and he shook his balled fists in inspiration, “I think I know where Callie might be!”

“What,” Marie breathlessly asked again, trying to inhale through her stuffed nose and rub tears away with her fist.

In response he offered her a packet of tissue paper he stored in one of his cargo pockets. Then, he exclaimed, “Maybe we haven’t found Callie in Octo Canyon because she’s not even in Octo Canyon!”

Using the tissues to purge her sinuses and wipe away her tears and running make-up she wondered, “What are you talking about?”

“It’s a long shot but I think it might be worth to check one more spot.” His clenched fists vibrated to match his excitement; he was convinced his hunch was correct. “Just hang on for a little bit longer, okay, if I’m right, we’ll have Callie back before dinner time!” With that, he turned around and with his certainty driving him; he was ready to race away.

“WAIT,” Marie shouted, stopping him just before he could move. His sudden complete shift in attitude and tenor was bewildering but Marie found herself awed and dumbstruck by his hopefulness. When he turned to face her, she gingerly held her parasol in her hands and said, “You know, there’s a lot of crazy weirdos that are obsessed with my cousin. Out of all of them,” she peered up to flash him an earnest, optimistic smile, “I’m really glad she met you, Lee Squidly.”

At any other time Lee would be bothered by a backhanded compliment like that but not now, “Thanks Marie,” he said, not losing his confidence. With that he sped off, collecting Mooky and running with all of his might.

Mooky yelped as he looked over his shoulder at Lee, “Acck, what is going on Master Lee, where are we going?”

Lee looked back at him, excitably proclaiming, “Hold tight Mooky, we’re going to Octo Valley!” It finally came together for him; he couldn’t do this for himself anymore. He couldn’t do it for a fleeting chance to see Callie again—and maybe, possibly reconcile their differences after their talk about his life. He couldn’t do it for the slim chance of being her knight in shining armor. He had to find Callie for the sake of others, others who wanted Callie back and to see the Squid Sisters reunited.

Not stopping to rest for even a moment, Lee ran and ran and ran, running until he reached a sewer he could dive into. He was on autopilot; making his way to the other major area of Octopus country. He found the kettle he was searching for; an uninhabited unclaimed background piece in the heart of the Octarian Homeland. He smacked away an overgrowth of plants caught in his way, remembering this place as if he had been here yesterday.

It was the same kettle Callie had brought him to for his training in Special Energy control.  He was thoroughly convinced she was here, or at least had been here, he wouldn’t waver in that belief. Suddenly, SQUISH, his foot touched something that definitely wasn’t grass. Lee looked down to find something that made his heart skip a beat, pink ink! The ground was absolutely covered in it, and low and behold, as improbable as it was, someone stood a short distance away with their back turned to him.

Those unmistakable black and pink tentacles, it was too good to be true, but Lee wanted to leap for joy. Callie, he thought, even short of breath in his mind, Don’t worry Marie, Callie is coming home, I promise you!

[agent-7-at-your-service]

Odysseus Arc - Plot: Ink-License Renewed - Prologue

(( Agent 7 and Mitsuhide-582 belong to me

Agent 0 (mentioned) belongs to @son-of-joy

Agent Blueshift (mentioned) belongs to @myzzy ))

[The first two notes of the 007 theme play as Agent 7 jumps out of a sewage grater and turns into his normal form.]

Agent 7 was back in Tentakeel Outpost to say farewell to Marie before he heads back to Calamari County. He was wearing his normal beige sleeves, grey vest. flatcap hat, and slacks, and dark gray slip-on shoes, and a green bowtie. He can’t really call himself Agent 7 anymore --  just Jason.

When he arrived, it was silent but not deserted. Marie has her back turned with her umbrella open; she still wore that usual kimono.

“Came to visit me before you go home?” Marie asked before turning to face Jason.

“Yes, Miss. Hotaru Cuttlefish.” Jason took off his grey flatcap hat.

The two inklings were once married, but that has changed in just two years. They’re now divorced due to Agent 7′s jealousy. They consider each just friends again and nothing more. They sit on the cabin steps side-by-side;  Marie closes her umbrella.

Marie knows about the divorce. “I’m sorry thing’s didn’t turn out great together... other than our campaign in.”

“And I’m sorry for things you had to put up with from me,” Jason replied.

“.....But we’re still friends, right? It’s not like I’ll be dating another. Secretly, I’m still your gal.” Marie giggled a bit. “Callie said that we were a funny couple, but she was disappointed the marriage didn’t last.”

“And now I’m living again -- for good this time maybe.” Jason looked up at the starry night sky. “I’m gonna miss you guys... and this place.” He gets up.

“All because of you’re no longer an agent?” Marie questioned as she gets up as well.

“What else could I do?” Agent 7 saw the agent role has his identity and the only thing keeping him in Inkopolis. “Without my Agent 7 identity, I feel..... like a squid -- a squid without a purpose. Our marriage would changed that, but... you know...”

Marie sighed. “Blueshift told me about you laking the agent identity, and I must agree with him.” She embraces Jason. “Agent 7 or not, there will never be another agent 7 like you, Jason.” She lets go of him suddenly, noticing someone behind him.

Agent 7 turned and noticed the unknown figure. 

It’s an inkling in a samurai armor of white, gold, and lead. A bit of hair sticked out of the helmet, showing a cosmic turquoise. His mask obstructed his. His name is Mistuhide.

“You again?” Agent 7 glared.

“Positive, Agent.” Mistuhide stepped closer towards them. He made a few hand gestures with both his hands. “And I’m here for her.”

Agent 7 is moved away from Marie, and Marie is pulled close to Mitsuhide with a hand on her wrist. 

Marie tried to struggle, but she is held down by some unknown force. Though, she is able to move her head. She then experienced flashes of past events, reminding her of all the unforgivable things Agent 7 has done from the Witchhunt on Callie to his jealousy blowing up in Camp Triggerfish. 

Agent 7 took out his N-zap ‘89 and pointed it at Mitsuhide. He should’ve listened to Agent 0′s warning. Whatever Mistuhide planned on doing with Marie, he will not allow it.

“Let go of her!” Agent 7 demanded.

“I will not,” Mistuhide simply replied.

“Let go of her, or I will shoot!” Agent 7 threatened.

Mistuhide took out a bladeless handle, and with the tip of his index, a blade of lazer and ink formed. It was a quasar blade, but it wasn’t the same design as the one Agent Blueshift possesses.

Agent 7 wasn’t intimidated.

“Go ahead shoot, but it will not be I that will be hit.” Mistuhide encouraged.

Agent 7 didn’t hesitate and pulled the triggers, shooting the first drops of ink. But when they were close, Mistuhide let go of Marie and uses his free hand to stop the ink drops in mid-air. He closes his hand into a fist and pushed forward, fusing the inkdrops into an inkcicle flying towards Agent 7.

This inkcicle flew flew in so fast Agent 7 won’t be able to dodge. It stuck his chest. Agent 7, now in shock, stepped back and losing consciouness to the point of falling off the cliff and into the depths of Octo-Canyon.

“Marie...” Agent 7 muttered quietly as her fell.

Marie, now free from the unknown force that immobilized her, runs over to the edge. She had a hand out towards Agent 7 when he fell.

“Jason!” Marie shouted.

But it was too late, Agent 7 is gone.

Agent 7 can only see fading image of Marie trying to reach out to him... and then darkness.

[[Insert Theme Music]]